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What's Left Between Us: A Pearl Girls Novel
Bay is standing on a stage in Nashville, on the verge of achieving her dream of a record deal, when she learns she may have lost what matters most to her. Scott, her childhood sweetheart, has gone missing in Afghanistan. The news of his capture by the Taliban strips Bay of her voice at the biggest moment of her life, sending her into a tailspin that lands her on her parents’ doorstep for Christmas, for the first time in years.Old wounds between Bay and her mother, Violet, break open as soon as Bay walks in the door. The gulf that’s divided them since Bay’s twin sister, Lillie, drowned at twelve years old, has grown wider as Bay put distance between herself and the family. As Bay tries to reconnect with them, she stumbles over clues that could unravel her mama’s long-held secrets—and tear her the LaFleurs apart. Armed with the truth, Bay finds herself in a fight to bring the people she loves most back home to each other.-----“In the world of the Pearl Girls, family values and true love combine with long-buried secrets to create a place that is distinctly southern. Heron deftly weaves a story of heartbreak, betrayal, sacrifice and ultimately, redemption, into an unforgettable debut that will earn her a spot in readers’ hearts.” - Kristy Woodson Harvey, National Bestselling author of SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE
"In WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US, Gina Heron weaves a story that’s as Southern as sweet tea. Fans of romantic southern fiction will adore this vivid and beautifully told tale about how shadows from our past can have a long reach into the present." - Kimberly Belle, USA Today and WSJ bestselling author of THE MARRIAGE LIE“From the first, I loved these broken characters in the first novel of the Pearl Girl Series, with their grit and soul. Set amongst the ruins of a family that has suffered the loss of many dreams – one daughter drowned, the other struggling to stay afloat in her survivor’s guilt - and the heartbreak over a missing soldier. The journey home touches a lot of raw nerves as the characters in WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US struggle to find faith in one another – and in themselves. I laughed at the bittersweet and brave exchanges between the main character and her mother, cried at the soft visions of a ghostly sister who reveals the truths that hold this family together, and celebrated the hard-won redemption of a soldier who believes he’s lost his soul to trauma. Love wins in this novel. It’s a pearl, for sure.” - Kimberly Brock, author of THE RIVER WITCH"I'm a sucker for beautiful words that come together as an engrossing story and make it impossible for me to put down a book. Many times those beautiful words create a novel more literary than commercial. Heron's debut novel, WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US, manages to be both of these things, magically creating a literary reading experience inside of a page-turning plot. WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US is the story of a homecoming, but more than that, it's the story of how we find a sense of home inside ourselves...a brilliant novel that will deeply move your soul. Heron is an author to watch." - Suzanne Palmieri, international bestselling author of THE WITCH HOUSE OF PERSIMMON POINTWHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US is a heart-warming story about when to stay and when to go, the true meaning of family and home, and how childhood friends Bay and Scott begin to blossom. From the beginning, I found myself cheering for them and anxiously turning the pages, which crackle with tension and genuine emotion as Bay and Scott find their way. - Heather Bell Adams, award-winning author of MARANATHA ROAD“With resonant themes of war and homecoming, safety and threat, and tradition and choice, this heartwarming story will appeal to anyone who has struggled with whether the battles thrust upon us should be the ones w
"In WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US, Gina Heron weaves a story that’s as Southern as sweet tea. Fans of romantic southern fiction will adore this vivid and beautifully told tale about how shadows from our past can have a long reach into the present." - Kimberly Belle, USA Today and WSJ bestselling author of THE MARRIAGE LIE“From the first, I loved these broken characters in the first novel of the Pearl Girl Series, with their grit and soul. Set amongst the ruins of a family that has suffered the loss of many dreams – one daughter drowned, the other struggling to stay afloat in her survivor’s guilt - and the heartbreak over a missing soldier. The journey home touches a lot of raw nerves as the characters in WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US struggle to find faith in one another – and in themselves. I laughed at the bittersweet and brave exchanges between the main character and her mother, cried at the soft visions of a ghostly sister who reveals the truths that hold this family together, and celebrated the hard-won redemption of a soldier who believes he’s lost his soul to trauma. Love wins in this novel. It’s a pearl, for sure.” - Kimberly Brock, author of THE RIVER WITCH"I'm a sucker for beautiful words that come together as an engrossing story and make it impossible for me to put down a book. Many times those beautiful words create a novel more literary than commercial. Heron's debut novel, WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US, manages to be both of these things, magically creating a literary reading experience inside of a page-turning plot. WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US is the story of a homecoming, but more than that, it's the story of how we find a sense of home inside ourselves...a brilliant novel that will deeply move your soul. Heron is an author to watch." - Suzanne Palmieri, international bestselling author of THE WITCH HOUSE OF PERSIMMON POINTWHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US is a heart-warming story about when to stay and when to go, the true meaning of family and home, and how childhood friends Bay and Scott begin to blossom. From the beginning, I found myself cheering for them and anxiously turning the pages, which crackle with tension and genuine emotion as Bay and Scott find their way. - Heather Bell Adams, award-winning author of MARANATHA ROAD“With resonant themes of war and homecoming, safety and threat, and tradition and choice, this heartwarming story will appeal to anyone who has struggled with whether the battles thrust upon us should be the ones w
- GenresFiction
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2018
21 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 9, 2019
Fun and filled with independence and forgiveness
I have to say, it took me a while to warmup to Bay as she was growing into herself, but I was seriously rooting for her and the entire family by the end. A novel filled with the joy that comes from sadness, this was a beautiful read.
I have to say, it took me a while to warmup to Bay as she was growing into herself, but I was seriously rooting for her and the entire family by the end. A novel filled with the joy that comes from sadness, this was a beautiful read.
December 22, 2018
People say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case, you surely can. The story on the inside is as gorgeous as the original artwork on the cover. What’s Left Between Us tells the story of family—the trials and tribulations, the heartbreak and betrayal, all mended and held together with love—and the incredible power of love to redeem us, healing wounds from those closest to us and the ones we inflict on ourselves. It’s also the story of finding our own way in the world, learning to trust ourselves to do the right thing regardless of how others may see us.
The characters are well-developed and real—lovable, infuriating, flawed. I felt like they were people I knew, and their struggles kept me turning pages to find out how they ended up. Would Bay and her mother, Violet, find their way back to each other after years of misunderstanding and conflict following the death of Bay’s twin sister, Lillie, or would guilt and blame divide them forever? Would Sergeant First Class Scott Murphy be able to best the demons that shadowed him home? How could Scott and Bay fight their way back to each other? Would the family secret that Violet had been hiding for decades blow up all their lives? The finding out of these things had me laughing out loud and reaching for tissues to dry my eyes. The multiple complex themes in this book make it an excellent choice for book clubs to explore.
This story will ring true not only to readers with Southern roots that run deep and fans of Southern romantic fiction, but also to those who love a good story, well told, that gives them hope. I can’t wait to read more stories about The Pearl Girls.
The characters are well-developed and real—lovable, infuriating, flawed. I felt like they were people I knew, and their struggles kept me turning pages to find out how they ended up. Would Bay and her mother, Violet, find their way back to each other after years of misunderstanding and conflict following the death of Bay’s twin sister, Lillie, or would guilt and blame divide them forever? Would Sergeant First Class Scott Murphy be able to best the demons that shadowed him home? How could Scott and Bay fight their way back to each other? Would the family secret that Violet had been hiding for decades blow up all their lives? The finding out of these things had me laughing out loud and reaching for tissues to dry my eyes. The multiple complex themes in this book make it an excellent choice for book clubs to explore.
This story will ring true not only to readers with Southern roots that run deep and fans of Southern romantic fiction, but also to those who love a good story, well told, that gives them hope. I can’t wait to read more stories about The Pearl Girls.
January 3, 2019
I am thrilled this was my first book of 2019. It was Fantastic.
Starting this book during the holidays was tough because I did not want to put it down!
I found myself thinking about it and looking forward to the times I could continue reading.
This book has "all the feels" with love, loss, intricate family drama, unexpected experiences, music
And more. The authors descriptive writing and knowledge of the places and experiences draw you in and
Don't let you go until the end. A beautifully emotional read where you will find yourself laughing, crying and
Wanting to tell all your friends to READ THIS BOOK. Gina Heron is a new author to me, but is an instant favorite and you will savor this story. 5 stars!
Starting this book during the holidays was tough because I did not want to put it down!
I found myself thinking about it and looking forward to the times I could continue reading.
This book has "all the feels" with love, loss, intricate family drama, unexpected experiences, music
And more. The authors descriptive writing and knowledge of the places and experiences draw you in and
Don't let you go until the end. A beautifully emotional read where you will find yourself laughing, crying and
Wanting to tell all your friends to READ THIS BOOK. Gina Heron is a new author to me, but is an instant favorite and you will savor this story. 5 stars!
January 7, 2019
Full disclosure - I'm the editor of this book, so I might be a little biased. That said, after reading countless drafts of the book prior to publication, when I finally got a chance to sit down and read it with my Reader hat on (instead of my Editor hat), it still pulled me in and the real world fell away as I read. This is a great story full of mystery, romance, family drama, loss, shattered dreams, and above all, love and hope. Bay Laurel LaFleur is instantly relatable, and you will find yourself grunting in frustration at Bay's stubbornness, laughing out loud at her chutzpah, and crying along with her when her heart is breaking. As an editor, I look forward to editing more books in the Pearl Girls series, and as a reader, I look forward to reading them.
January 4, 2019
January 2, 2019
Format: Paperback
I preordered two copies from the author. Growing up in the South I truly appreciated this beautiful love story of hope. Scott and Bay go through avoiding reminders in their home town. Both keep running away from each other and their families. Both full of anger, flashbacks, detachment, never at ease, loss of interest in their careers and family. Congratulations to the author Gina Heron and artist/cover designer Michael Krajewski. I am so proud of you both. Thank you Gina for helping our veterans and shedding light on PTSD.
The answer is Always love.
Les Hanna Harper
January 2, 2019
Once in a blue moon, you read a novel that touches parts of your soul that you didn't know existed and it becomes part of your own fabric. For me, WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US is one of those novels. With her own blend of Southern charm, author Gina Heron wove a women's fiction tale caught in that sweet spot between hope and heartbreak set in coastal South Carolina.
Grab your book club besties and read it together. You'll have lots to discuss over wine and tissues. Trust me.
Grab your book club besties and read it together. You'll have lots to discuss over wine and tissues. Trust me.
December 30, 2018
Amazingly beautiful story
I couldn't put it down!!! It was an amazing story that brought tears to my eyes at times. I loved the characters and the Southern setting. I loved this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I couldn't put it down!!! It was an amazing story that brought tears to my eyes at times. I loved the characters and the Southern setting. I loved this book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 16, 2019
This beautiful book is a must read! The story is very relevant to our day and time. From the first page, to the very last page, I couldn’t read it fast enough. The characters are well defined and well described. The story has an unexpected mystery that I loved. I CANNOT wait for the next book.
December 30, 2018
What a story!!
I couldn’t put the book down. It was such a great story! You felt the emotions with Bay and Scott. It’s been a longtime since I have read a book this fast!
I couldn’t put the book down. It was such a great story! You felt the emotions with Bay and Scott. It’s been a longtime since I have read a book this fast!
December 30, 2018
Love love loved this book! Gina’s writing transports you right into the story and heart of the characters. Once I started, I couldn’t stop!
January 5, 2019
What a great debut for Gina Heron! I loved this story, and I can’t wait to read more from the Pearl Girls!
January 11, 2019
This book is an important read. I honestly found myself carrying it along with me and reading it while idling at stop lights or as I sat in the pickup line at school. The characters feel so real and authentic. Gina weaves the story beautifully and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
December 19, 2018
Wonderful debut novel that takes you on a journey back home to see how or if the pieces still fit together from past relationships.
January 10, 2020
I enjoyed every minute of this book. The story was captivating from the very first chapter. I loved the characters and how they feel like real people I could know. It is set in a small town in the South and I am from a small town in the South so there were so many familiar aspects that made me feel like I was back home.
This story takes you through a complicated relationship between Bay and Scott. Life happens, things were said and maybe they can reconcile the hurt to focus on what really matters, Love.
This story takes you through a complicated relationship between Bay and Scott. Life happens, things were said and maybe they can reconcile the hurt to focus on what really matters, Love.
December 31, 2019
Read read read
This book .... that’s all I can say. Hands down, a must read. Will be reading this one again 😊
This book .... that’s all I can say. Hands down, a must read. Will be reading this one again 😊
December 19, 2018
Great Read!
This book was hard to put down. Gina made me feel like I was there crying with Bay. Tissues was a must have for me. Great job Gina! Waiting on the next book.
This book was hard to put down. Gina made me feel like I was there crying with Bay. Tissues was a must have for me. Great job Gina! Waiting on the next book.
December 28, 2018
I have really enjoyed reading What's left between us! It usually takes me awhile to get through books because I start reading and put it down and get busy doing other things...this one I COULD NOT PUT DOWN. Trust me friends go get you a copy today. This is a beautiful story of family and love with just the right amount of heartbreak and sacrifice! Each page is more captivating than the next and the mystery and not knowing what will happen next keeps you wanting more.
February 4, 2020
I could see Bay on the cover of the book. Her hair, like her life - is tangled with dreams for a musical future and facing life at home with her Mother - after discovering that Scott, her childhood sweetheart, has gone missing in Afghanistan. Secrets are revealed! Suspense and expectations kept me reading until the end.
January 7, 2019
Loved the parallels between violet and Scott/bay. Interesting way the author touched on Scott’s trauma and reentry (I’m sure it was way too surface). We all need to figure out what we want before we can be of any good to anyone.
March 13, 2019
Gina Heron's book is more than a southern romance & it deals with sensitive subjects in such an easy & truthful way. She stays true to her characters & adds depth to each of them. I look forward to reading her next book.
December 25, 2019
Wonderful story about a family struggling to understand each other. Love story about two lifelong friends. How it all intertwined.
Great book and can’t wait to read her second book of the series!
Gina, keep on writing so we can learn more about the Pearl Girls!
Great book and can’t wait to read her second book of the series!
Gina, keep on writing so we can learn more about the Pearl Girls!
January 11, 2021
I just finished this book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next one. The author took me through so many emotions through this story. I just finished and I am still sitting here crying tears of sadness and happiness at the same time.
March 3, 2019
This is a terrific southern romance. I cannot wait for the next one in the series!
March 12, 2019
What a great book!!! I was hooked on the first page. Ms. Heron's debut was very enjoyable. I can't wait for the next one.
February 13, 2020
Awesome book from an amazing Author. Can’t wait to read more from Gina!
January 30, 2019
(Disclaimer – I won a paperback copy of Gina Heron’s debut novel WHAT’S LEFT BETWEEN US through a Facebook group I belong to. This in no way influenced the following review. My thanks to the author and BLOOM)
Secrets and lies can only lead to heartbreak. This is a universal truth that we too often forget, somehow thinking that we are immune to such vagaries of human behavior. But we're not. None of us are. We are all broken - another universal truth - but we are not irredeemable.
The reality of all this comes home hard to Bay LaFleur when her childhood sweetheart Scott is captured by the Taliban during his tour in Afghanistan and Bay sets off on a journey - a journey to reconnect with her family... a journey to find herself. A journey through heartbreak, loss, and betrayal to find and bring back together the one thing that is really important in life - family.
As debut novels go, Gina Heron hits all the marks in WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US. Poignant at times, heartbreaking at others, the author takes a cast of colorful and multi-faceted characters and weaves them into an unforgettable story of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Romantic Southern fiction doesn't get any better than this. Moodily atmospheric at times, bright and uplifting at others, Bay's journey will capture your heart and make you believe again in the power of love.
On a personal note, I had an almost instant connection with Bay. Not just because she is a fighter and the very definition of #warriorwoman; that is a 'given'. Bay lost her sister in a tragic accident years before in their childhood, but... Lillie, it seems, is never really far away and the two of them have frequent conversations. My mother passed away several years ago - she is up in Heaven now, just as Lillie is - but I still talk to Mama. Every day. Every single day. We have mother-daughter conversations; Bay and Lillie have sister-to-sister conversations.
Both are reminders that when you truly and deeply love someone... they never really leave your heart.
I recommend WHAT LIES BETWEEN US without hesitation. A beautifully written debut novel and a story that stirs the soul, Gina Heron should be on everyone's TBR list.
Thank you,
Veronica Marie Lewis-Shaw
(Writing under a mushroom somewhere in the Pacific Northwest)
29 January 2019
Secrets and lies can only lead to heartbreak. This is a universal truth that we too often forget, somehow thinking that we are immune to such vagaries of human behavior. But we're not. None of us are. We are all broken - another universal truth - but we are not irredeemable.
The reality of all this comes home hard to Bay LaFleur when her childhood sweetheart Scott is captured by the Taliban during his tour in Afghanistan and Bay sets off on a journey - a journey to reconnect with her family... a journey to find herself. A journey through heartbreak, loss, and betrayal to find and bring back together the one thing that is really important in life - family.
As debut novels go, Gina Heron hits all the marks in WHAT'S LEFT BETWEEN US. Poignant at times, heartbreaking at others, the author takes a cast of colorful and multi-faceted characters and weaves them into an unforgettable story of love, loss, betrayal, redemption, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit.
Romantic Southern fiction doesn't get any better than this. Moodily atmospheric at times, bright and uplifting at others, Bay's journey will capture your heart and make you believe again in the power of love.
On a personal note, I had an almost instant connection with Bay. Not just because she is a fighter and the very definition of #warriorwoman; that is a 'given'. Bay lost her sister in a tragic accident years before in their childhood, but... Lillie, it seems, is never really far away and the two of them have frequent conversations. My mother passed away several years ago - she is up in Heaven now, just as Lillie is - but I still talk to Mama. Every day. Every single day. We have mother-daughter conversations; Bay and Lillie have sister-to-sister conversations.
Both are reminders that when you truly and deeply love someone... they never really leave your heart.
I recommend WHAT LIES BETWEEN US without hesitation. A beautifully written debut novel and a story that stirs the soul, Gina Heron should be on everyone's TBR list.
Thank you,
Veronica Marie Lewis-Shaw
(Writing under a mushroom somewhere in the Pacific Northwest)
29 January 2019
January 8, 2019
I just this minute finished reading What’s Left Between Us, and I’m still wrapping my mind around this story and it’s characters. Once again I’m blown away by a debut author who took my emotions and my heart on an incredible journey of love, loss, forgiveness, and home. Bay is such a great character...she’s complicated and messy but with a heart bursting with love! Her journey is not an easy one, fraught with grief, stumbling on her way to know her true self, so that she can find her place in the world. This book is engaging and compelling, a book that will fill your heart with love and hope.
May 16, 2021
From the very first page, this book sucked me in. It reminded me a lot of The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, with an important emphasis on family bonds and learning who we truly are. Also covers important topics like PTSD and supporting one another during trying times. The descriptions of each scene make you feel like you're really there, with little things like the smell of Murphy Oil Soap. I laughed, I cried (multiple times), and I cheered for the characters. Great read!
January 31, 2019
Good Southern Heartfelt Novel
The characters will capture your interest and heart. I particularly like the point of view of the solider. You can tell the author did her homework there. If you like contemporary romance with a good, well written story behind it then this novel is for you.
The characters will capture your interest and heart. I particularly like the point of view of the solider. You can tell the author did her homework there. If you like contemporary romance with a good, well written story behind it then this novel is for you.
February 8, 2019
One of my favorites
Bay and Scott are forever in my heart. I was cheering for them from the beginning, and had goosebumps reading the final pages. Thank you Gina, for bringing them to life and I hope to get more of a glimpse into their journey in the future. I can’t wait to read more of the Pearl Girls series in the future.
Bay and Scott are forever in my heart. I was cheering for them from the beginning, and had goosebumps reading the final pages. Thank you Gina, for bringing them to life and I hope to get more of a glimpse into their journey in the future. I can’t wait to read more of the Pearl Girls series in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews