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Running With Our Eyes Closed
Dallas socialite Samantha spends a week in Italy, prepared to leave the last twenty-five years of her life behind. Both Samantha and her husband Michael have struggled as empty nesters. Deeply conflicted, with three children now living on their own, Samantha is unsure about what her future will look like.
Michael, she soon discovers, has secrets and an agenda of his own that could change their lives forever. Life has had its way with them and nothing is quite what they’d imagined it to be. Over seven days in one of the most romantic countries in the world they attempt to define their new roles as a couple and as individuals. What becomes of a family when the children leave and the only thing holding them together are memories?
It is the first installment of a trilogy exploring what becomes of marriage and life for empty nesters.
Michael, she soon discovers, has secrets and an agenda of his own that could change their lives forever. Life has had its way with them and nothing is quite what they’d imagined it to be. Over seven days in one of the most romantic countries in the world they attempt to define their new roles as a couple and as individuals. What becomes of a family when the children leave and the only thing holding them together are memories?
It is the first installment of a trilogy exploring what becomes of marriage and life for empty nesters.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2018
22 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Mel Greenberg
4 books7 followersMel Greenberg is the married mother of two sons in their early twenties. She worked as a copywriter and producer in radio and television before having children and making the decision to stay at home with them full-time.
Once she became an empty nester, Mel struggled to find her voice and direction. Ultimately, it was her passion for writing and the discovery that she was not alone that led her to write “Running With Our Eyes Closed.” It is the first installment of a series exploring her characters’ struggle to redefine the next years of their lives.
When she's not visiting her boys, and traveling the world, Mel enjoys life in the Southwest with her husband Dean, her beloved English Bulldog Stella, and German Shepherd Grazia.
Once she became an empty nester, Mel struggled to find her voice and direction. Ultimately, it was her passion for writing and the discovery that she was not alone that led her to write “Running With Our Eyes Closed.” It is the first installment of a series exploring her characters’ struggle to redefine the next years of their lives.
When she's not visiting her boys, and traveling the world, Mel enjoys life in the Southwest with her husband Dean, her beloved English Bulldog Stella, and German Shepherd Grazia.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 24, 2018
As soon as I read the first page it was clear Greenberg had a wonderful way with words and I looked forward to being transported to foreign climes. It was a surprise to find the story didn't start on some idyllic sundrenched Italian piazza but in a bathroom stall where Samantha (in her own words) embraced her carefree gypsy spirit. Nevertheless, it was a richly descriptive morsel and I was hooked.
When Greenberg backtracks to show us exactly what turn of events brought Sam there (the lackluster marriage, the tantalizing overheard conversation, Sam's need to detail every thought in her journal, and the heartbreak of betrayal) she stitches all the elements of the story seamlessly together.
A lovely pivotal moment for Sam is beautifully defined, '...the line in the sand. Dance on either side of it, hover above it, writhe beneath it. Or, try and rub it out all together.'
Although I felt at times that I, 'knew where the story was going,' it's so nicely written that I didn't care, I was happy to tag along and enjoy the ride.
When Greenberg backtracks to show us exactly what turn of events brought Sam there (the lackluster marriage, the tantalizing overheard conversation, Sam's need to detail every thought in her journal, and the heartbreak of betrayal) she stitches all the elements of the story seamlessly together.
A lovely pivotal moment for Sam is beautifully defined, '...the line in the sand. Dance on either side of it, hover above it, writhe beneath it. Or, try and rub it out all together.'
Although I felt at times that I, 'knew where the story was going,' it's so nicely written that I didn't care, I was happy to tag along and enjoy the ride.
October 7, 2019
I confess... this book has been in my queue for over a year and half. There was a period when I was able to read a book and write a professional review in a short time. As a professional writer I refuse to write a review on a book unless I have read the book completely. That being said, it was worth the wait!
Folks, if you enjoy a good bit of drama, adult humor, what most of us call "chick-flicks," and just spectacular writing, this book should be in your queues to read! It is formatted much like a diary or journal might be, but does not read as such. Be sure to read the introduction at the beginning before you start the main story. It sets the mood and is a brilliant preamble to what is to come.
Mel Greenberg is BRILLIANT! Her story of the interactions between characters are not unlike reality. The dialogue is not for young eyes. Yes, there is adult language, but I believe that makes this book more entertaining an real for me. The developing story between Samantha and Michael is sure to entertain as well as draw out emotions as you read this book. The ending is a "cliff-hanger," leading me to believe that a second book is in the works.
A definite MUST READ and 5-Stars for me! This is another book that would make for an excellent screenplay adaptation.
Read this and all other books by Mel Greenberg, available on Amazon.com. Free to read on Kindle with Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Folks, if you enjoy a good bit of drama, adult humor, what most of us call "chick-flicks," and just spectacular writing, this book should be in your queues to read! It is formatted much like a diary or journal might be, but does not read as such. Be sure to read the introduction at the beginning before you start the main story. It sets the mood and is a brilliant preamble to what is to come.
Mel Greenberg is BRILLIANT! Her story of the interactions between characters are not unlike reality. The dialogue is not for young eyes. Yes, there is adult language, but I believe that makes this book more entertaining an real for me. The developing story between Samantha and Michael is sure to entertain as well as draw out emotions as you read this book. The ending is a "cliff-hanger," leading me to believe that a second book is in the works.
A definite MUST READ and 5-Stars for me! This is another book that would make for an excellent screenplay adaptation.
Read this and all other books by Mel Greenberg, available on Amazon.com. Free to read on Kindle with Kindle Unlimited subscription.
July 25, 2018
A stunning tale of rediscovery
“Tell me, Michael, how did we become guests in each other’s lives?”
Before Samantha even utters this thematic question late in the story, we know the answer through having followed the inner dialogue of both her and her husband Michael mixed with their difficult conversations, passionate moments, and honest reconnection.
And overlaying the entire story is wonderfully intricate detail in describing every sight, sound, smell, and so much more. There’s so much rich detail, in fact, it’s difficult to take it all in. My personal favorite was how they would each name a song to key in on their feelings, to aid in understanding one another.
This is a beautifully written, introspective look at the struggles common to marriage, life, and rediscovering who we are individually and as partners. It highlights the struggle of staying close to your partner through not only life’s challenges of raising children, illness, etc., but also through the more subtle enemy of familiarity and habit. A deep and many-layered read, this book is sure to resonate with almost any reader.
“Tell me, Michael, how did we become guests in each other’s lives?”
Before Samantha even utters this thematic question late in the story, we know the answer through having followed the inner dialogue of both her and her husband Michael mixed with their difficult conversations, passionate moments, and honest reconnection.
And overlaying the entire story is wonderfully intricate detail in describing every sight, sound, smell, and so much more. There’s so much rich detail, in fact, it’s difficult to take it all in. My personal favorite was how they would each name a song to key in on their feelings, to aid in understanding one another.
This is a beautifully written, introspective look at the struggles common to marriage, life, and rediscovering who we are individually and as partners. It highlights the struggle of staying close to your partner through not only life’s challenges of raising children, illness, etc., but also through the more subtle enemy of familiarity and habit. A deep and many-layered read, this book is sure to resonate with almost any reader.
September 9, 2018
The book is well written and kept me wanting to know what will happen next with Samantha (main character) and what choices she was going to make as the truth unravels. At times I felt like I was literally in Italy as I kept reading. As you read the book, you might even identify yourself with Samantha and you ask yourself, would I make the same choices?
Couples with time drift apart and take each other for granted. Relationships get stale and with time get into a rut. How do we keep them fun and exciting? In her book, Mel describes a couple and their choices once the children have left to college and they are left with just the two of them.
Couples with time drift apart and take each other for granted. Relationships get stale and with time get into a rut. How do we keep them fun and exciting? In her book, Mel describes a couple and their choices once the children have left to college and they are left with just the two of them.
May 20, 2019
This book was a quick and easy read. I read the book in 8 hours on a travel day. It also made me want to venture to Florence and Venice just to explore like the protagonist Samantha! This is a charming and enticing story about a husband and wife trying to reconnect in their marriage after their children have left home and they are forced to re-examine their relationship with one another and their priorities.
In the wake of infidelity and the desire to end the relationship after years of feeling undervalued the protagonist Samantha and her husband Michael have to either fight to find their way back to one another or separate. One of the best parts about this novel is the realness of the characters. They are deliciously and delightfully flawed people. Samantha is neurotic and anxious and has lost her identity as a woman and a wife after 25 years of marriage and raising three children. She was someone who was guarded to begin with because she experienced loss, trauma and abandonment. You hear her inner monologue throughout the book, which feels genuine. Her husband Michael feels as though he has been taken for granted and that his wife does not respect him as a man and a provider. They fight and scream and yell and re-ignite a passion that seemed to be snuffed out with the passage of time and as they both just stopped trying to connect and understand each other.
Samantha recovers her voice and starts reclaiming her identity as a woman throughout the novel.
The book takes place over seven days and so much happens within those seven days. The characters are in a very different place from the start of the book to the end of the book. Samantha arrived to Italy with the intent of ending her marriage, but it appears that what she really wants is to learn how to actually communicate with her husband and use her voice, to feel some semblance of control and direction and purpose after her children are raised and she and her husband have drifted apart.
Running With Our Eyes Closed definitely emphasizes the importance of communication and physical and emotional connection in a marriage and how life never really does slow down and about learning just to be and enjoy in the present as opposed to always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don’t believe I am the intended audience for this novel, having been married only for three years, but I still found this book to be enjoyable and applicable. Although I would not compare the sex scenes to Fifty Shades of Gray they are still plenty steamy ;). I do agree with the Under the Tuscan Sun comparison.
In the wake of infidelity and the desire to end the relationship after years of feeling undervalued the protagonist Samantha and her husband Michael have to either fight to find their way back to one another or separate. One of the best parts about this novel is the realness of the characters. They are deliciously and delightfully flawed people. Samantha is neurotic and anxious and has lost her identity as a woman and a wife after 25 years of marriage and raising three children. She was someone who was guarded to begin with because she experienced loss, trauma and abandonment. You hear her inner monologue throughout the book, which feels genuine. Her husband Michael feels as though he has been taken for granted and that his wife does not respect him as a man and a provider. They fight and scream and yell and re-ignite a passion that seemed to be snuffed out with the passage of time and as they both just stopped trying to connect and understand each other.
Samantha recovers her voice and starts reclaiming her identity as a woman throughout the novel.
The book takes place over seven days and so much happens within those seven days. The characters are in a very different place from the start of the book to the end of the book. Samantha arrived to Italy with the intent of ending her marriage, but it appears that what she really wants is to learn how to actually communicate with her husband and use her voice, to feel some semblance of control and direction and purpose after her children are raised and she and her husband have drifted apart.
Running With Our Eyes Closed definitely emphasizes the importance of communication and physical and emotional connection in a marriage and how life never really does slow down and about learning just to be and enjoy in the present as opposed to always waiting for the other shoe to drop. I don’t believe I am the intended audience for this novel, having been married only for three years, but I still found this book to be enjoyable and applicable. Although I would not compare the sex scenes to Fifty Shades of Gray they are still plenty steamy ;). I do agree with the Under the Tuscan Sun comparison.
August 10, 2019
A story that details the decline of a marriage through different stages of the couple lives.
Sam and Michael have grown apart after years of marriage. Sam feels irrelevant and like she has nothing to focus on in her life with the kids fleeing the nest.
Michael has made a massive mistake.
Together they are going to have to learn how to trust again, and how to reconnect.
A wonderfully descriptive novel by a new to me author.
Sam and Michael have grown apart after years of marriage. Sam feels irrelevant and like she has nothing to focus on in her life with the kids fleeing the nest.
Michael has made a massive mistake.
Together they are going to have to learn how to trust again, and how to reconnect.
A wonderfully descriptive novel by a new to me author.
September 23, 2019
I had the privilege of meeting Mel Greenberg at the Bedside Reading event. I received a copy of her book Running with our Eyes Closed and when she went to sign it I noticed the pages had a sticker keeping the book closed. She said “You don’t want a copy with this sticker on it do you?” I didn’t actually and she said “Well it has grown up content and the sticker prevents children from picking up the book and looking inside” Sold! Ran home to read this little naughty book! I never even stopped to read the back I just dived right in. The book did deliver on a few steamy scenes, but what I didn’t expect was an amazing story about love and marriage. Nothing is better than the beginning of a relationship, those butterflies you get and the pure excitement of everything that happens. The longer we are in those relationships the more set we get, things become routine and not so exciting anymore.
“We stopped being a couple, instead we’d become two people sharing real estate, connected on paper, in name.”
We start to take our partner for granted, or maybe they are the guilty ones. Children, stressful careers, bills; so many things can get in the way of us putting each other first. Sometimes people decide to go outside their marriage to get that spark they are missing. They crave those butterflies and someone to compliment them and make them feel good. A line that really stuck with me and tied the story together well was “The Grass is always greener where you water it”. Wow. The time and energy you put into someone new is the same time and energy you can put into your existing relationship. Water the grass where you are, help it to grow and flourish. Although this book is a story of fiction I think it really hits home to most married couples. Did you know 50% of marriages end in divorce? The top 3 reasons are infidelity, money, and lack of communication. Lack of intimacy and constant arguing are high on this list as well. At what point does a couple decide enough is enough, after all we only get one life and shouldn’t live it miserable. Do you look the other way, bite your tongue, and turn the other cheek? Counseling? Or do you just decide you two are better off going separate ways.
Samantha and Michael have been married 25 years. Children, Michaels job, life has gotten in the way of their marriage. They have an amazing trip planned for their anniversary, but Samantha will need to break the news that she wants a divorce. Michael travels for work and has made his job a priority and the children have all moved out and started their own lives leaving Samantha behind. She craves a new start and finally doing things that will leave her feeling fulfilled at the end of the day. What she doesn’t expect is Michael revealing a secret of his own and leaving her questioning her plans for their future. Taking a trip to one of the most romantic cities will have a huge impact on both of their decisions but can the feelings they have last once the trip is over? How does one reignite a spark that has blown out or can they?
“We stopped being a couple, instead we’d become two people sharing real estate, connected on paper, in name.”
We start to take our partner for granted, or maybe they are the guilty ones. Children, stressful careers, bills; so many things can get in the way of us putting each other first. Sometimes people decide to go outside their marriage to get that spark they are missing. They crave those butterflies and someone to compliment them and make them feel good. A line that really stuck with me and tied the story together well was “The Grass is always greener where you water it”. Wow. The time and energy you put into someone new is the same time and energy you can put into your existing relationship. Water the grass where you are, help it to grow and flourish. Although this book is a story of fiction I think it really hits home to most married couples. Did you know 50% of marriages end in divorce? The top 3 reasons are infidelity, money, and lack of communication. Lack of intimacy and constant arguing are high on this list as well. At what point does a couple decide enough is enough, after all we only get one life and shouldn’t live it miserable. Do you look the other way, bite your tongue, and turn the other cheek? Counseling? Or do you just decide you two are better off going separate ways.
Samantha and Michael have been married 25 years. Children, Michaels job, life has gotten in the way of their marriage. They have an amazing trip planned for their anniversary, but Samantha will need to break the news that she wants a divorce. Michael travels for work and has made his job a priority and the children have all moved out and started their own lives leaving Samantha behind. She craves a new start and finally doing things that will leave her feeling fulfilled at the end of the day. What she doesn’t expect is Michael revealing a secret of his own and leaving her questioning her plans for their future. Taking a trip to one of the most romantic cities will have a huge impact on both of their decisions but can the feelings they have last once the trip is over? How does one reignite a spark that has blown out or can they?
October 10, 2020
This is a well written story of a couple who are empty nesters . It has many elements such as love, betrayal surprise and much more for this couple. It is a good read for all. Everyone should take time to wad this outstanding book! I highly recommend this book. You will enjoy as much as I have.
September 28, 2019
A book as thoughtful and interestingly descriptive as the cover.
Mel refreshes your love for Italy through her writing style which is embedded with all the rich details that stimulates all senses of the reader.
The plot is easy to understand and you slowly enter the characters life. Mel's perfectly flawed and real to life characters are strongly impactful and relatable.
Mel's book is a very light read and profound at the same time.
In short, a deep, beautiful book. The songs idea in the story and the playlist just brings the book to another level. .
I would give this book 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and highly recommend who wants to read about reconnecting in a relationship.
Mel refreshes your love for Italy through her writing style which is embedded with all the rich details that stimulates all senses of the reader.
The plot is easy to understand and you slowly enter the characters life. Mel's perfectly flawed and real to life characters are strongly impactful and relatable.
Mel's book is a very light read and profound at the same time.
In short, a deep, beautiful book. The songs idea in the story and the playlist just brings the book to another level. .
I would give this book 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and highly recommend who wants to read about reconnecting in a relationship.
May 12, 2019
Samantha and Michael have been married for twenty-five years. On the surface it looks like they have it all: well adjusted children, good health and wealth. Things are not as they seem and Samantha has decided to end their marriage, but before she is able to tell Michael she receives shocking news. Is it time to reconsider her decision?
The author has masterfully crafted an in depth look into the vividly described characters minds and their marriage. Several important themes, including honesty, empty nest syndrome, and inter personal communication, are interwoven in the narrative. The story is packed with emotion and passion. The novel takes place in Italy and the setting is so well depicted that readers are immersed into the setting.
This book is well worth reading! Highly recommended.
The author has masterfully crafted an in depth look into the vividly described characters minds and their marriage. Several important themes, including honesty, empty nest syndrome, and inter personal communication, are interwoven in the narrative. The story is packed with emotion and passion. The novel takes place in Italy and the setting is so well depicted that readers are immersed into the setting.
This book is well worth reading! Highly recommended.
August 21, 2018
Boring
I will generally find some pleasure in any fiction I read, regardless of the genre. Not so here. There was virtually no plot, no climax, no denouement not even much of a surprise ending. But the primary reason in almost rated this book as a "1" is because of the never-ending repetition! Eventually, I had to skim through or skip Samantha's mental rehashing of why she should stay and try to save marriage -- or not. The theme had some merit and the main characters offered some interesting dialog about marriage and fidelity. It just needed to be about half as long as it was.
I will generally find some pleasure in any fiction I read, regardless of the genre. Not so here. There was virtually no plot, no climax, no denouement not even much of a surprise ending. But the primary reason in almost rated this book as a "1" is because of the never-ending repetition! Eventually, I had to skim through or skip Samantha's mental rehashing of why she should stay and try to save marriage -- or not. The theme had some merit and the main characters offered some interesting dialog about marriage and fidelity. It just needed to be about half as long as it was.
June 25, 2019
I absolutely loved this book. Took it on holiday and couldn’t put it down. Wonderfully descriptive and insightful. So much will resonate with anyone who has been married for a long time, had children and suddenly finds themselves on a different path. I was rooting for Samantha and Michael from the first page to the last.
September 18, 2018
A M A Z I N G ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Love the intimate scenes, fell in love with the characters. This is more than just a book for empty nesters!!
Love the intimate scenes, fell in love with the characters. This is more than just a book for empty nesters!!
November 14, 2019
This story takes place in Florence Italy where the married couple met more than 25 years ago. Reminiscing the city she looks up and the moon is full, shadows are painted broad, and the sky looks like black pearls highlighted with creamy white sparkles. She thinks about college, and when they both met. Memory lane makes her think even more about how the couple is living together in unison now. Does she even know herself anymore? She wants more! She wants to live! So Samantha decides to start a blog and tells Michael. But, Michael is happy with her staying home. No,
Samantha refuses to listen and carries her voice, and feelings about how she feels deep within her soul. Realizing life is unpredictable, and unforgiving. This time she speaks up, and follows her voice! Samantha wants to feel more alive, and get that sparkle back in not only her married life but in her day-to-day living. Samantha & Michael still have a sizzling sex life! When you read the lovers' scenes you’ll feel like they’re right in the same room, and hot on the grill! Can you walk away from a burning torch? Samantha! Always thinking about everybody else unconditionally with all her heart.
Samantha refuses to listen and carries her voice, and feelings about how she feels deep within her soul. Realizing life is unpredictable, and unforgiving. This time she speaks up, and follows her voice! Samantha wants to feel more alive, and get that sparkle back in not only her married life but in her day-to-day living. Samantha & Michael still have a sizzling sex life! When you read the lovers' scenes you’ll feel like they’re right in the same room, and hot on the grill! Can you walk away from a burning torch? Samantha! Always thinking about everybody else unconditionally with all her heart.
January 3, 2023
See E's review.
Samantha is prepared to leave Michael after 20-so-odd-years of marriage. They have so little in common. (Except for his money, to my way of thinking). Then she finds out HE's had a one-night stand (well, two months, er-four months, er-a year) with someone else during that time. POW! That's IT! She's HAD IT! She flees to Venice, so does Michael, for a week, and they run around with their eyes closed, in circles, to see if there is anything left for them. Meanwhile she keeps 'pleasuring' him, and only once did he reciprocate. "I love you." "I love you." But is that enough? He should have read her diary long before. He should have kept a diary and let her read it. Meh.
She does describe the prettiest parts of Venice, and it never rains; kudos to Ms. Greenberg for that.
Samantha is prepared to leave Michael after 20-so-odd-years of marriage. They have so little in common. (Except for his money, to my way of thinking). Then she finds out HE's had a one-night stand (well, two months, er-four months, er-a year) with someone else during that time. POW! That's IT! She's HAD IT! She flees to Venice, so does Michael, for a week, and they run around with their eyes closed, in circles, to see if there is anything left for them. Meanwhile she keeps 'pleasuring' him, and only once did he reciprocate. "I love you." "I love you." But is that enough? He should have read her diary long before. He should have kept a diary and let her read it. Meh.
She does describe the prettiest parts of Venice, and it never rains; kudos to Ms. Greenberg for that.
August 28, 2022
Running With Our Eyes Closed by Mel Greenberg is a romance book that reveals the story of Samantha, a woman who needed to rediscover herself after many years of being only the wife and mother keeping the family nest. While visiting beautiful Italy, journeying in wonderful and romantic cities, Samantha goes through the hardships of her marriage. The plot is very... real. Samantha's story happens often in real life and it is easy for readers to connect with the character. The book, I felt, is meant to show the way of the "empty" women out there and to encourage them to start living again. I recommend it to mature readers!
May 6, 2025
A heartfelt and introspective look at the complexities of marriage after the children have grown. Set against the stunning backdrop of Italy, Samantha's emotional journey is raw, relatable, and deeply human. Mel Greenberg beautifully captures the quiet unraveling and rediscovery that can happen when life doesn't go as planned. A touching start to a trilogy that promises to explore love, identity, and reinvention with grace and honesty.
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October 31, 2025Powerful thoughts in this book mirrored emotions I encountered going through my own transition from family with kids to a family whose kids have grown. Marriage is hard, messy work that is not one-size fits all. Thank you to Mel Greenberg for modeling that lesson through her characters and setting.
October 1, 2025
I loved that it kept you guessing. The ending was nerve racking. There better be a follow up. Just saying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews