In Between Forever

Martha's Way #5

by Mika Jolie

A Small Town Romance

What happens when happily ever after isn’t?

For Keely and Blake Alexander, the vows were easy, the love unconditional, and the promise eternal. But when life comes crashing forth, bringing a hard, cold slap of reality in their fairytale, Keely and Blake question everything they ever wanted.
As their carefree, happy marriage begins to crumble, they're faced with a truth they never saw coming. Suddenly, battling from opposing sides, they find themselves struggling with until death do us part.
With a promise of forever, can they find a way to make it work all the times in between?

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 4, 2021

About the author

Mika Jolie is the bestselling author of the Martha’s Way series. She lives in New Jersey with her Happy Chaos—her husband and their energizer bunnies. A sports fanatic and a wine aficionado, she’s determined to balance it all and still write about life experiences and matters of the heart. Let’s face it, people are complicated and love can be messy. When she’s not weaving life and romance into evocative tales, you can find her on a hiking adventure, apple picking, or whatever her three men can conjure up.
She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Mika on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Amazon.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikajolie.au...

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikaJolie1

Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/mikajolie

Email: mikajolie2@gmail.com

Reviews

[Nadene (Totally Addicted to Reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I had a wonderful time with In Between Forever by Mika Jolie. It took me on a journey filled with angst, heartache and insecurities. Although this is the fifth book in the Martha’s Way series it can stand on its own. The characters, from the primary to the secondary ones, appear in the previous books, whetting the reader’s appetite for their stories.

The reader’s initial encounter with Keely and Blake, the couple featured in this installment, was in The Scale, the first book in the series. In that story, the reader witnessed the planning and the moments leading to them becoming man and wife. Five years later, the reader got a first-hand look into how their relationship has developed since that happy moment. To their friends they appeared to have the perfect marriage, but no one knew of their problems with infertility. A problem which threatened to destroy their marriage.

In Between Forever gave the reader an inside look into the struggles Blake and Keely faced as they tried to come to terms with the possibility of not being able to have children. Their pain, anger, grief and despair permeated the story, leaving the reader sympathetic to their plight. All this had a negative impact on their marriage. However, it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Amidst the pain, anger and despair they went through a process of forgiveness and healing, giving them hope for better things to come. The process not only aided in the repair of their marriage, it also extended to their relationship with their relatives. Blake and his parents had the chance to repair their broken relationship, while Keely and her sister, Minka came to terms with an incidence of jealousy which occurred five years ago.

This story showed that communication, understanding, patience and forgiveness are the key ingredients needed to make a marriage work. Keely and Blake went through all these phases, resulting in an outcome that left the reader feeling quite satisfied.

This was a well-written story, and one the reader would recommend to readers who enjoy romance stories that focus on the events which occur after the I do moments.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another stellar book by the amazing Mika Jolie. I love stories about married couples that are having problems, but work their way through it. In this case, the problem was Keely’s infertility issues and the strain it was putting on her and Blake’s marriage. The intimacy was becoming more forced because it was all about ovulation and her wanting sex when she was most fertile etc..way to kill the mood by just going through the motions, and killing the passion. Throw in some outside forces to the mix, and you have drama that doesn’t quite help the situation. No spoilers from me, but this book does not involve cheating at all, which I was relieved by.

I loved watching them get back to that healthy place in their marriage. The things that happened in the book really tested the depth of their love and they came forth golden.

One thing is certain, I need to read the books prior to this one in the series. I felt as though I would’ve appreciated the characters a little more.

[Debbie Ohrem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful continuation of the Martha’s Way series. We primarily catch up with Keely and Blake but all of our favorites are present! This story follows their journey through infertility and how Keely is doing with this. This book was so emotional, raw and real. Mika did an amazing job talking about the feelings that surface when facing infertility. A definite must read... just remember to grab the Kleenex first.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy heck! Talk about your heartbreaking high angst!

Blake and Keely were an amazing couple. I loved who they were, the path they were on, and the obvious love they had for each other. These characters were so well developed and the storyline so consuming, I felt as though I were experiencing their story right along with them.





This author really knows how to lay on the angst when the mood strikes her. In Between Forever is probably the most angsty book I’ve ever read. While I’ve read plenty, I’ve never read one where the hero and heroine are facing the conflict Keely and Blake are. It felt as if my heart literally split in half for this couple, but especially for Keely. I don’t know when I’ve read another book that had me crying as much as this one.





Obviously, this is not a light hearted, feel good read. This is going to wreck you and putting you back together may cause you a certain amount of pain as well. It’s an exceptional read and one of the most emotional books I’ve read in...well, probably forever. But it’s one of the most real books I’ve ever read as well.

If you love high angst, this is definitely it.

Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama; no cheating
Triggers infertility issues; no miscarriage; no loss of life

[Lindsey Domokur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to sit on this one for a few days and really figure out how to write this review. I went into this book thinking it was a marriage in crisis book, and it is to an extent, but it really is a lot more than that. Keely and Blake have been married for 5 years, coming up on 6, and things aren't all sunshine and rainbows right now. They are struggling, and things are thrown in their path that are out of their control, but it is their job to navigate around them. They are not in a good place, and now they know that, but they also have each other, right? With one thing after another being thrown at them, will they come out the other side together?
I don't want to give anything away, but there are triggers here for infertility. I enjoyed this book and it was highly emotional, but there were some things that I wished were explained further or delved into a little deeper. It was a short read and I usually love those, but this one could have used a few more pages to dig a little deeper into some of the issues this couple had. It was a 3.5 star read for me but I rounded up because I really loved Blake so much. He was such a great guy and I adored him.

[Kayleigh Confair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED THIS STORY! <3

Keely and Blake have longed for a child since they first got married. But the passion and the romance of making love to each other has died- Keely treats it more like a scientific experiment to try and get pregnant; Blake just wants the spark of making love and being with his wife back instead of being on a schedule. But when the couple receives devastating news, it's more than Keely can bear. Add to it that their dream home is nowhere near finished, Blake's parents unexpectedly show up and spend a few days with them, and their friends are celebrating milestones in their marriages and pregnancies? Keely's ready to call it quits. But Blake won't let her give up and be alone. When they took their vows, they meant "until death do they part, forever."

Can Blake help Keely see that their marriage is worth fighting for even without a child? Or will they go their separate ways and be in between forever- as forever apart?

It was a perfect combination of heartbreak and the power of love.

[Sharing My Book Boyfriends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So many emotions! Blake and Keely seemed like the perfect couple, but none of their friends or family knew the struggles they were dealing with behind closed doors, because Keely didn't want people pitying her. Blake loved his wife and hated to see her sad and depressed, but it was putting a strain on their marriage. He didn't know what to do to help her. Eventually she finds the strength to open up to her sister and friends, and they offer their support, and wrap her in their love. Will their love and support be enough to help Keely find the strength and confidence to move on? I really loved this series, and am sad to see it end.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 29% - Seriously heavy on the infertility effects and dynamic

[Jill Gauger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep love, heartbreaking and finding out what really matters.
Keely and Blake have been married for 5 years. Happily and still so much in love but missing the one thing that Keely wants most, a baby. Time and time again they try and fail.
I won’t say anymore but you will love this book as much as I do. Some really defining moments.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Keely and Blake married they had a vision for their future and five years later the one thing they want the most is the one thing that has eluded them and that they may never have. The turmoil that Keely is feeling is taking its toll on their marriage and if she doesn’t find a way to make peace with the situation her marriage could become collateral damage.

Blake shares the same dreams as Keely but their quest to see it come true has taken the fun and romance out of their marriage. The love between them hasn’t diminished and he is willing to fight for his marriage and his wife.

Keely and Blake take us on an emotional journey as the life they planned is challenged however with the guidance of those who love them they will realize what really matters in life.

[Ann-marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb storyline. What happens when happily every after happens. Blake and Keely seem to have the perfect marriage to their friends, but behind their marriage is a form of sadness. Keely has been trying forever to get pregnant to no avail where as all her friends including her twin sister has been able to.This is about a story of how a couple deals with infertility. This was some true realistic take on how a couple overcomes such heartache and been able to move on. Truly enjoyed catching up with the other couples especially Claire and Forrest(whose story i read before this one). Seen through just the first book to now how beautiful the author series has grown to familiarity and heartwarming.

[Bree202 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional. Intense. Riveting. I was hooked from the very beginning! There are a list of things you should know before reading this book:
1. It's going to give you all the feels.
2. You will need a box of Kleenex.
3. The story has a HEA.
Even though this is not the laugh-out-loud type of story that we've recently come to expect from Mika Jolie, it is just as compelling. Like all the the other books in this series, In Between Forever is serious. It contains a painful subject and the topic will grab your attention.

In Between Forever features Keely and Blake, who have been married for five years. Their marriage has had its ups and downs. They were at a crossroads, dealing with an issue that could either break them, or make them stronger. Keely craved something that was simply out of reach and it placed a strain on her relationship with her husband. She had an obsession that she couldn't let go of. The people around her were having a hard time trying to convince her that with time, she and Blake was going to be okay with the situation. I was definitely rooting for them to find their way to making things right.

This was a gritty and raw standalone romance novel that dealt with difficult issues. The characters were very well written and that helped to make the story moved smoothly. It was quite the page-turner; but as quickly as I was turning the pages, I also had to pause to take a breath of fresh air a few times. The story was so vivid, my emotions were all over the place. Loved this book! LOVED this series!

Keely and Blake were side-characters in The Scale. They played an important role in the storyline. I loved that Keely and Minka connected in this books. Their relationship was rocky. I’m glad they found a way to repair their fractured relationship and find closure. If you would like to read more about this couple, check out The Scale. Their backstory is intertwined in Minka’s story.

[DaLynn B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah! The emotions

So this book hit SO CLOSE to home for me and my honeydew. Weve been there, and it’s sooooo hard to get out of it! So it took a bit more to get through this book than I would have preferred but it ended wonderfully!

The love between Keely and Blake? perfection. Even the married life struggles and that’s coming from me as a wife lol not as a reader. All and all, I now have to read the rest of the series.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Between Forever is the 5th book in the Martha's Way Series. It can be read as a standalone, but why?
The other characters from past books in the series pop in and out so we are able to catch up on what everyone has been up to.

This is a heartbreaking, beautifully angsty, heart mending story of love. Plain and simple. The characters are so well written that I feel like I know them. I feel like I went through this with them.
I recommend this book but I strongly suggest you read the others first.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mika Jolie story has alot to offer. In Between Forever is more than a romance. It's a journey of life, love and hope. Blake and Keely are at a crossroads. Happily ever after turns out to be a work in progress. Getting to the rainbow requires hard work and heartache. Yet it's the struggle to get there, that makes the journey worthwhile. Hold on to your hearts because love turns out to be a beautifully, bumpy ride.

[Marcia Esders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keely and Blake seemed to have the perfect marriage, but when Keely was trying to conceive and kept getting negative results, the marriage took the brunt of the stress. Add in some wayward parents, and the stress seems insurmountable.
I know this was supposed to be a standalone, but I felt as though I was missing some information with the relationships of the friends and family members. I didn’t realize until after I completed this book that it was number 5 in the series so some things would have flowed a little more smoothly had the first four been read.

[KDRBCK · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Between Forever by Mika Jolie is book five of the Martha's Way Series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
This is Blake and Keely's story. After all their friends and family found their hea, it's Blake and Keely's time. Both are married for years now and she wants nothing more than to complete their family with a baby. And that is about to become a problem for their relationship when one of them is set on success at all costs.
But this character is in for a reality check pretty quick. So how to not get bitter ?
In Between Forever is an emotional read, sweet, well written. 4 stars.

[Darcy Speed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mika Jolie has taken infertility, something experienced by many couples, and humanized it. Throughout this romance, the struggle, the emotional highs and lows, and the strain it can create between two people very much in love, is portrayed honestly. This is a heart-warming love story with an atypical and emotional HEA.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keely and Blake had been married for 5 years. Blake is a successful lawyer and Keely a designer but the one thing they haven't been successful in is having a baby.
This is an emotional story about wanting something so bad that it affects their marriage/lives together. Can they come back from this? Is their love enough?

I liked the story just thought it was very repetitive.
4 stars
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion

[Selina Durio · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beyond a page turner! Blake and Keely have always been my favorite couple. This book not only gave us a glimpse of how all couples are faring, but tackled an issue that plagues many couples. Couples battling with infertility is more prevalent than many know, but to women it is often perceived as failure. The mature, insightful way this book handled this, and other family issues was fantastic. Wonderful read!

[Linda Rea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short but memorable story about Keely and Blake whose marriage could be destroyed if Keely doesn’t get pregnant soon. With each negative pregnancy test her mood gets worse and worse and now to make everything worse Blake’s conniving parents showed up and decides to hang around. The author puts you right there with all the feelings Blake and Keely are having which makes it a hard book to put down

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book covers Keely and Blake as they approach their 6th wedding anniversary. It is written in third person from a dual POV.

Unlike most romance novels, this book never leaves any doubt that they love each other, only if their marriage can survive. They have hit some obstacles in their marriage. The future they planned together looks like a dream that may never be a reality. They must decide when to give each other space and when to lean on each other. They must find support and love in family and friends, and they need to learn when to ask for help. Ultimately, they need to make their marriage a priority and pull together to survive.

I love how realistic their struggles are. The feelings they each have are well-described and pulled at my heart. I understood their grief, their anger, their numbness, and their pain. I understood when they each tried to deal with those feelings in different ways. I also understood the toll that all of this took on their marriage. I love how supportive their friends were for them. I loved that through this painful time, Minka and Keely finally heal and become closer after a life of jealousy and doubt. I love that Blake’s parents show up and are finally able to mend that relationship. Blake is sensitive and caring to Keely, even when he is frustrated by her actions. Keely is really struggling, and I appreciated that most of the time she was still able to see how amazing Blake was.

I appreciated that this book makes it clear that marriage alone does not always equal a happily ever after. There are times in a marriage that require work, communication, compromise, and forgiveness to stay together and move forward. Having been married nearly 30 years myself, this was the message that I loved most in this book. I think it was the perfect final book in the Martha’s Way series.

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance review copy of the book.

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author has taken a very painful issue and made it very relatable. She didn’t shy away from the heartbreak and tension in this matter. However, she never lost sight of the love that Keely and Blake have for one another. At times marriage can be a test of strength and determination. At the best you can wether through it. At the worst your worlds can fall apart never to get it back. Meanwhile everyone around you looks peachy. It’s a story of truth and lies. A story of smoke and mirrors. The lies we tell tell ourselves and our loved ones. It’s also what we let the world see. It brought to mind questions such as if you truly love someone must you tell the whole truth even if it hurts them, is it all right to keep secrets or are you doing more harm to yourself, is it alright to be envious of others? When do you decide enough is enough and when do you face the music and seek the truth? Is it alright to be the eternal optimist or are you really not an optimist and just creating false hope when you know the truth?

This is the 5th book in the Martha’s Way series. As always Mika Jolie knows how to write the angst, the love, and all the feels that go into writing a really good book. When you read this book you feel apart of it.

I don’t do spoilers because I don’t feel it’s fair to the author or the reader yet to enjoy the story. This review is difficult for two reasons; one, I can identify with part of the story and two it’s basically the whole book. Yes, there are side stories where we get to meet up with characters from others in the series. Really though Keely and Blake are the story. While I was reading the song by The Bee Gees came into my mind, How Deep Is Your Love. This truly is a story that begs that question.

Mika you brought me to my knees but then you raised me up. Bravo!

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keely and Blake Alexander are going through the fire, and that's it. That's all of the description that I'm coming off of because I just don't want to give too much away. Instead, I'm going to talk about the emotional terrorism that I've just experienced by the brilliant Mika Jolie because OH MY HELL! See, I love this author so she's an automatic read without reading the description, and frankly, while I'm sure that I still would have been ready to curl up in the fetal position sucking my thumb from all the feels if I had read the blurb, going in blind is even more intense since I saw NOTHING coming. Ms. Jolie opened the gate for my emotions to run amok everywhere, and it actually took me a couple of days to get them corralled again. The floodgates were blown open when my eyes went rogue & it took FOREVER to another dam built because In Between Forever was such a realistic story about things that have the power to bring marriages to their knees (no cheating was done). So yeah, that's enough out of me, now it's time for y'all to get that kleenex (and probably alcohol) out & hit those one click buttons! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL! 

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in the series but can totally be read as a standalone. I have not read the other books in the series.

This book really reminds us that marriage is work, it takes respect and understanding, compromise and caring. Communication is certainly a key and keeping things from one another just doesn't work. When Keely is struggling with the lack of the next step, she becomes so focused on that and the good parts of their lives together suddenly seem to forced. The connection they once had so easily isn't the same. When Blake tries to get some of that old connection back by suggesting they relax a little, the cracks seem to get a little bigger. When the doctor confirms what is happening and Keely starts to withdrawal, Blake is understanding as he too tries to understand life's latest curve ball.

Will Keely sort through the loss she is feeling? Can Blake be patient and let her grieve and wait for her to come back to him? Is their love strong enough to hold them together as they navigate this next hurdle?

Emotions are strong and deserved throughout this story and the other does a great job of touching on a difficult life situation that many couples have to navigate.

[Špela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book left me wanting for something more. Keely goes on and on about her not getting pregnant. Blake is supportive and kind. But she is still acting up on him and doesn't want to talk to him.
Thankfully I can't relate to her, but I really don't understand why wouldn't she talk to her husband. They have a great relationship, they adore each other..
I was really struggling with reading this book.
This quote sums up the whole book:

"I was so caught up in what I couldn't have, that I lost sight of what I do have."
- Keely -

It is true. When she is faced with a possibility of losing Blake she finally realizes what her priorities should be.

I love Blake. He is handsome, loyal and supportive. What more can you ask of a man? So what if he doesn't grieve the same way you do? Not two persons are dealing with grief the same way.

This book has a pretty tough theme and I think that you should be ready before you dive in. I was diving in blank - because I always do like that with books.

I received an earc from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Tracy - loves to read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contentment in between

This was an excellent book that captured the heartache people go through in between the I do and forever. Life actually happens. Things you didn’t place a thought on suddenly become important, things that didn’t matter suddenly do, things that you wrote off or repressed suddenly tears it’s head. Now there’s all these things, people and issues that you have to consider and or address. Some of them are devastating, some of the are fear inducing, and all of them become apart of your reality.
What do you do? Cut people off, ice people out, block out the thoughts and emotions, or flat out refuse to deal. Life hits hard and vows and relationships get tested.
Mika Jolie wrote in such a way that you feel as if you are apart of their experiences. You feel their hurt, pain, anger, confusion and grief.
Keely and Blake had to decide what to do when life happens in between bliss and forever. Sometimes it takes a potential tragedy to give you a full perspective on what’s is truly worth fighting for and what matters.

[Vondetta Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching story that happens between Blake and Keely. Keely is desperate for a life altering event that has been eluding her for nearly six years. She is desperate to add to her family. Blake is feeling like his walls are closing in around him.
Blakes' parents have made a trip back to the Vineyard, when all he wanted to do was forget them. A secret is revealed regarding his father that has him in his feelings. A secret he has been keeping from Keely is revealed.
All of their friends try to help but in the end their love surrounds the couple without measure.
Keely is so caught up in her own feelings that she nearly loses the very person who is her world.
Blake and Keely find out how important the other is to each of them.
A must read for any woman who thinks they are not whole without a child. A great topic for women and men to communicate their feelings always.
Great Read I pray that will have a sequel in the future.

[Dawn Strickland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is Now and Always

In Between Forever is a beautiful story about marriage, expectations, unexpected hurdles, and love. We finally get a glimpse into Keely and Blake's story. Although their intense love for one another is evident, they are struggling to start a family. That struggle is taking its toll on both of them. The dissapointment uncertainty, and sadness feel insurmountable. Add in Blake's estranged parents and the emotional turmoil sky rockets.

Ms. Jolie does a wonderful job of delving into the emotional dynamic of family. Especially the relationship between Keely and Minka. These twin sisters are very different, but they learn to be vulnerable with one another. To love and to lean into their bond. She also forges inroads between Blake and his parents. Through acknowledgement and remorse and an effort to make amends, their family works towards healing.

This love story reminds us that through every hurt and mistake and misstep, love's light continues to shine. If we learn to forgive ourselves and those we love, then hope will guide our hearts home.

[Ola Adamska · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keely and Blake are characters that we can remember from previous books in Martha's Was series, their marriage was a catalyst that brought Minka and Jason into each other sight. They were also seen in other books in the series - this made me feel like we should also get a glimpse about them, and Ms. Jolie delivered!
Those two are in love, this is undeniable, and with the intensity that could burn you. Yet, something is going on, that is to be seen at first sight! What is going on, that they will start growing apart?
I liked how our main characters even when differences started growing still decided to deal with it, maybe not at first, but later so. BUT... what I LOVED was a relationship between Keely and Minka, how they grew closer but still, there was something between them that was not helping. Yet when it was the most important they could trust in each other!
Another great installment.