The Cracks Between Us

by Caitlin Moss

It was intoxicating. Thrilling. It was so unlike her. Aila was always a good wife. Never reckless. Always faithful. Until she wasn’t.

Aila Sorenson doesn’t know what happened to her marriage. She actively participated in building the life she and her husband, Ben, created but she no longer recognizes herself when she remembers the role she dreamt up fifteen years ago.

While Ben has been building a successful career as an attorney in Seattle, Aila has remained in the shadows taking care of their home and tending to their children while struggling to find a balance between the monotony and the chaos. They appear to be shining pillars of marital perfection—attending church on Sundays, volunteering, and surpassing every expectation society has of them—but deep down, Aila knows their marriage is crumbling. She often wonders if Ben even realizes it.

When Aila unexpectedly runs into someone from her past, the illusion she and Ben created begins to shatter. While many merely wonder about the road not taken, Aila runs down it full-speed. After months of authentic and insatiable passion, Aila rivals her devotion against her desires and must decide which one is worth fighting for.

Genres: Romance, Book Club

339 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2021

About the author

Caitlin Moss is the author of swoony romance books that give you all the feels.

She is a writer turned stay-at-home-mom turned author and currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three children, and two golden doodles.

Instagram: @caitlinmossauthor
Tiktok: @caitlinmosswrites
Threads: @caitlinmossauthor

https://linktr.ee/caitlinmoss

Reviews

[emilybookedup · Rating 4 out of 5]

a quick, emo romance that gets you thinking about marriage and what you would do when faced with a tough situation… and if you could get through it. it’s definitely emo and i appreciated the ending!

looking forward to her upcoming release that gives more of Jackson’s POV 👀 to make this come full circle!

[Corianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok. I hated this book. But let me explain.

I literally have Aila’s life — from the 3 boys to the husband that works long, unrelenting hours, to the busy church life, to the “living in the Pacific Northwest”. Girl, I get it. It’s a lot. And I’ve had bad, bad days and seasons.

I related to her a lot, but the whole time complained about her loneliness, her emptiness, her “shut up and be a good wife”, I rolled my eyes hard. I just cannot fathom the decisions she made to fall into bed with an old friend. Over and over and over. No. Get a hobby and make some friends you don’t hate — or here’s an idea! TALK TO YOUR HUSBAND. He made a lot of mistakes and deserved a butt whopping, but nothing that wouldn’t have been resolved by a good few conversations or some counseling. Maybe because of my past, I don’t have any tolerance for cheating and I felt like I was being led to feel sorry for Aila, and I just don’t. Own your circumstances and do the right thing. Don’t have sex with someone because you’re lonely, you’re 35 years old.

I don’t know. I appreciate the honesty of HOW this can happen, and the rebuilding, but I couldn’t relate at all. I also loathe Jackson for coming onto a married woman so intensely. No matter how much of a workaholic Ben was, I felt terrible for him.

That said, obviously the knew what she was doing and wanted to ruffle feathers — I respect her for that, and will gladly pick up another book of hers. 😂 This one just got me all sorts of ragey.

I wish Aila was my friend so I could smack her. Or Jackson, so I could slap him.

[Whitney Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible. I read it in 2 days as a full time working Mom to a toddler and wife . I couldn’t put it down and definitely stayed up way too late reading it. The story line is so real life, in the most devastating circumstances as well as the most incredible ones. All of the characters supporting Ben and Aila are who we should all strive to be; loving, nonjudgmental, supportive and forgiving.

I had no clue how the book was going to end which kept me reading until the last page.

I’m a sucker for a great chick flick or romance novel and this one was absolutely perfect.

Congrats on your novel, Caitlin. I’m ready for another!

[Brielle | bookswithbrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh CAITLIN MOSS... why did it take me this long to pick up one of your books. It's not often you have a book where you feel some sort of way towards the woman the way you do in this one. In The Cracks Between Us You are aggravated by the MCs choices but you're also completely understanding of them. Honestly, you feel that way about all the characters at the end. I really, truly felt for al of them.

It's a story of a woman who suddenly becomes lost inside marriage and being a stay at home. She slowly starts to feel less and less seen. She runs into her first love & it's a rollercoaster from there. This is my first Caitlin Moss book and my biggest praise is how relatable it is. I devoured this book in less than 48 hours and immediately ordered the next two books because I need to know what happens to one of the characters.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Life is messy. Marriage is messy. Parenthood is messy. The Cracks Between Us is an emotional journey where there are no real heroes. Caitlin Moss grabs you from the beginning of this story and guides you through Aila's life and what happens when cracks start to form in her marriage. Looking for something relatable to life, with all the ups and downs, this one is for you. You're going to want to order the next in the series to see where the rest of the story goes...

[Molly Machado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique and unexpected storyline. Incredibly relatable to any married mama out there. It’s the romantic fantasy escape we need. 🔥 Will take you on an exciting journey.

[Amy Sanchez. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woven with the details that draw you in & have you believing you are part of the story.

This book reads, not as the author’s first novel, but that of a seasoned writer.

Caitlin Moss’ debut novel takes you by the hand and gently leads you into Aila’s world. The Cracks Between Us will draw you in, have you rooting for love, and longing for relationship.

What wife hasn’t found herself in the middle of the daily grind; feeling exhausted but proud of the days’ accomplishments, just to have someone walk in and only see the disaster that has become the state of the house? This story invites you into a beautiful and messy life. Aila’s life. Real life. One that could so easily have become your own. Or maybe... it has.

[Heidi Lengenfelder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this debut novel from Caitlin Moss! I devoured it over a weekend and couldn't put it down. The writing was spectacular. I loved all the characters and the story had great flow. I can't wait to read what she comes out with next!

[Lexy Neff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. Getting lost in the story and characters felt so easy and I love how relatable the characters are. I cannot wait to read other novels from this incredible author.

[Meghan Stroyek · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had me at the beginning and lost me VERY quickly. I felt like the first 3/4 of this book the author made Ben so unlikable so when they end up “saving” their marriage, it just isn’t believable. The author spends all this time making Jackson so lovable and then for them to not end up together just doesn’t make sense. I also hated the underlying faith narrative and that might just be because I am not religious, but it was overpowering, especially considering the entire plot of the book. There are just so many relationship red flags between Aila and Ben and it seemed like the author used religion to just skirt past all of them and that if you pray hard enough all those red flags will go away.

[Audrey Heeren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story spoke to me.. it spoke to me as a mom of two small kids, and as a wife of a cop with an unpredictable and often changing schedule. I connected with Aila, as someone who has been lost in the day to day of being a SAHM, and looking for that escape and connection; while defining and repairing the cracks along the way. But some cracks are bigger and more damaging than others. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who has started life expecting it to be one way but has taken a turn somewhere along the way.

[Katie Hilen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cracks Between Us took me on emotional journey I was not prepared for. The challenges the characters face are so true and honest that it’s impossible to not find yourself wrapped up in their stories. In a marriage, there are no heroes. In the best of times, there are partners doing their best to reach a common goal. But in the absence of heroes, Caitlin Moss created three villains that feel so relatable that you pray each will find redemption. Read. This. Book.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cancel your plans, you’ll likely have trouble putting this down. Contemporary romance and modern fiction aren’t usually what I reach for but I’ve been following this author on Instagram and wanted to give this novel a try! I was easily swept up in the story and needed to know how it ended as soon as it started!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tears are flowing!
Caitlin truly captures marriage and all of its ups and downs in this incredible piece. Her characters are rich and real, and I feel as though I really know them.
Any wife or mother will instantly identify with some (if not multiple) aspects of this story that is full of tragedy, hope, real love, and grace.
Well done! I can’t wait to see what story she creates next!

[Jenn McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Moss is an amazing romance author. She knows how to truly make your heart shatter into a thousand pieces and put it all back together within one book. I LOVED this book so much and I cried throughout the entire thing.

I physically had to force myself to put it down especially when I had to go to bed 🤪.

I binged this one in TWO days because it was that good.

I cannot wait to read the other books in this series.

Do yourself a favor and go read this book, ASAP! 🖤

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caitlin Moss is an up and coming writer. I couldn’t put this book down. Aila becomes the friend you’re crying with, questioning, and rooting for. It’s the perfect mix of scandal, drama and real life.

I purchased the paperback version of this book on Amazon. It’s available for Kindle as well. I’m really glad I picked this book up. I truly enjoyed this read and I’m hoping there’s more coming soon from Caitlin Moss.

[amy♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

great writing, too real for me🥺

written in third person, this book was written by my lovely friend caitlin. it switches between then (15 years ago) and now (15 years later). this book showcased a very realistic deception of a marriage falling apart in a respectable way, and how things aren’t always black and white.. very blurred lines and grey areas. did i read it while passing judgement on the characters? absolutely🥲 i personally do not enjoy reading about cheating, it breaks my heart so this topic did make me feel quite uneasy. a bit of a slow start but then from halfway through it’s like full steam ahead. i just felt pity😔 i personally found it sad to read, it made me feel sad — as a mid 20 year old i found it hard to relate to the characters as i haven’t been in their situation or been that committed to a person.. cheating is very black and white to me, and i have strong opinions on it for myself but everyone’s situation is different. i’m still a little undecided on the ending, but this is no reflection on caitlin’s incredible writing — complex characters that were well written and her writing flowed beautifully, i kept reading as i was too invested to what was going to happen, but me personally i do not like reading about cheating in a book😔 i’m an idealist, i love the unrealistic-ness of romance novels; which i would argue this isn’t.. it’s real, so realistic it hurt to read. if you like realistic reads, you will love this! so many controversial arguments going on in my head, if you want a heated discussion, read this book with your friends and then all voice your opinion😂 — if you do this, film it and send it to me i love a bit of drama when it’s not my own😉 looking back on everything my honest opinion is.. loved caitlin’s writing, dislike all the characters for different reason, apart from chantelle, she can stay🥹

[Jessica Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

In The Cracks Between Us, Aila and Ben’s marriage is struggling. She feels unseen by Ben, a successful attorney. Lonely and unhappy, she allows herself to devour the attention from her estranged childhood best friend, Jackson. The cracks in her marriage start to unravel as she falls in love with Jackson. Is she willing to break up her family for a second chance at love?

I can’t gush enough about this book. It was consuming, nerve-wracking, emotional and raw. It felt like reading a true story, the writing was so REAL. The characters are so relatable that I found myself wrapped up in their lives. Told in past and present timelines, we get a realistic glimpse into the hardships of marriage and the messy parts of relationships. All the raw edges. And ultimately, the crushing aftermath of infidelity. The writer captured so many emotions for me and I could NOT wait for the next book to read the other side of the story…

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)

*Trigger warning: scene of miscarriage, infidelity.

[Patrick Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a debut novel! I thoroughly enjoyed The Cracks Between Us and will definitely look forward to reading more books by Caitlin Moss. She did such a marvelous job in storytelling here. Her characters are all complex, believable beings that you truly feel like you "know" as you read this book. Her prose is effortless and her command of dialogue, world-building, and narrative structure is superb. I highly recommend!

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5/5

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s fiction

Pages: 339

Synopsis: Aila Sorenson is what you would call the “perfect wife.” She is a wonderful mother of three boys, she cooks and cleans, she volunteers at school events, attends social events with her hubby, and always has a smile on her face. Her husband, Ben, is a successful attorney who works hard and is constantly climbing up the ladder at his firm. Together, the five of them, make up the picture perfect family… or so you would think just by looking at them. But what you don’t see behind closed doors is all the late nights that Ben stays working, not spending time with his wife or kids, and the constant sacrifices that Aila makes, getting little to no help from Ben along the way. Aila doesn’t know what happened to her marriage and why its crumbling, but nothing seems to be changing. That is until someone from her past makes a reappearance, and makes her question what she truly deserves from a man. She begins to remember what it feels like to be appreciated and to feel passion again. Is she allowed to be selfish for once in her life and feel happy, or will she have to continue making sacrifices until it eventually pushes her to the edge? Who is the one worth fighting for?

Review: I loved this book. YOU need to read this book. It was so real and honest, and makes you feel so many emotions all at the same time. It also has a little bit of spice, and keeps you interested with every page that you read. You will love the characters and want them to be your friends!! You cheer them on during their journeys, but also want to laugh or cry when anything good or bad happens. It all flowed really well, and I enjoyed the story line. I also loveeeed how the novel went back and forth between the “then” and “now” and gives you a better perspective as to how the characters all met and formed their individual relationships. This novel truly makes you think, and really focuses on the importance of family, making hard choices, and speaking up for yourself.

[Lindsey Carver · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good one. There is a love story underneath the push & pull of every marriage. Aila is a “good little wife” as she often sarcastically refers to herself, to Ben. Together, they’ve created a beautiful life in a beautiful house with three beautiful boys. Ben knows he has it all. Aila has no idea she does. ⠀
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@caitlinmosswrites creates characters that are so real, you almost feel like you can pick up the phone and call them. Aila feels isolated in her busy life... until she runs into Jackson, an obnoxiously handsome (because of course), best friend from high school. ...best friend with some unresolved feelings. I admit, I did NOT fall for Jackson much like other reviewers I’ve seen. I found a lot of fault in Jackson, which of course made him all that more real and thus relatable. ⠀
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The author did such a magnificent job of making us relate to characters we may not even like. Without giving away ANY spoilers - I’m ending my review with this: #teamben ⠀
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This one gets a 3.5 stars from me. A must read if you love getting caught up in a contemporary, beautiful but far from perfect love story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.⭐️

Thank you for sharing Aila & Ben with us, Caitlin!

[Lindsey Pfeiffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those dreams you have of your spouse cheating and how they’re just the most terrifying dreams imaginable?! Because they’re just so REAL and vivid? That’s exactly how this book is. So unbelievably real. I’m not going to lie, it gave me those cheating nightmares (I read before bed). Further along, it raised my interest in premarital conversation. We go into marriage thinking those vows will always be so easy to follow. But as the book says, it has to be a choice every single day. I loved this book more than anything because it was relatable. Then to see the discussion questions at the end, makes me want to keep talking about it! My only regret now was not reading this with someone else!

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing better than reading an author’s debut novel, to see the culmination of their dreams poured out into every word on the pages. Particularly the effort that goes into a self-published debut, which to be honest, lowered my expectations a bit on the quality of the writing. But wow, I was blown away by the way Moss pulled me into her story.

It was so relatable, with just the right amount of profound little nuggets for thought dispersed throughout. This story made me reflect on my own marriage, and helped me realize I am focusing too hard on the cracks and overlooking its beauty. A good book should do that - leave you with a different perspective than before, stirring up thoughts and feelings...all which Moss achieved.

I am glad I found this book and I look forward to reading her future novels!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aila is married to Ben for 15 years they have 3 boys. Ben is focus on his job and h is a stay home mom. Aila feels that mostly alone, so when she encounters a old friend from her childhood little by little she starts to think about betraying her husband.

The books has several of flashback on h and H life and also on h and other men’s life.


Very good read that explores the reason of the cheating on a more deeper level and also how can the process of heeling can be achieved. Normally on cheating books were there the couple decides to try again, I feel that mostly there is no conversations to the level of this book. They decide to make it work and go to marriage counseling and some of this sessions are described.

[Holly Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cracks Between Us is a fantastic debut novel from Author Caitlin Moss. The characters were well developed, the storyline kept you on your toes and there was a heart wrenching moment at the end that I didn’t see coming. Caitlin’s ability to capture real life moments in her writing is incredible, and as a mom of young kids I felt VERY seen. Bravo on your first book Caitlin, I can’t wait to read more from you!

[Sarah Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

this author is a friend of my mother-in-law’s and wow I found a new author to binge read. 🤯 I am happily married and this book made me want to not get married, lmao. neglectful husband who is actually okay but like, is he?, miserable wife who just needs a hug with 3 wild kids… enter the one who got away from high school who is down to give her all the attention and love she hasn’t been getting for YEARS. so messy, so emotional, so realistic. I read the whole thing within 24 hours. not my usual speed but wow I’m gonna think about this book 4ever and ever

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!

I loved everything about this book. It was so honest and raw and the characters just pulled at my heartstrings. This story made me laugh and cry. This novel was an honest look into the trials of marriage and how you can choose for love to endure anything and to fight for it. Caitlin's writing is just beautiful and flows so well. I could not put it down. Thank you for this novel Caitlin!

[Ashley Duda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! One of the most relatable books I’ve ever read. Also being a SAHM I find the every day tasks and constantly being needed is tiring. My only complaint, the audio version of this book is very choppy, giant chapter pauses and I legit would jump because the narration randomly would sound different and for a few words it would be really loud.

[Palmer Ritchie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story of overcoming

Excellent read about real life, real struggles and the human power to overcome through hope, prayer and unconditional love. We all have cracks but love can mend.

[Jessica Slusser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a powerful read about marriage, love, lies, redemption and the work that relationships require. I loved how the author organized and wrote this story. I know it’s her first but hopefully not her last!

Also I’m team Ben all the way!!

[Janelle McNabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t stop reading it, I really wanted to know what happened next. It was an emotional read, but I really enjoyed this one. Great job!!