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The Happiness In Between
Sandra Hurst did all the right things growing up, but after she left home, no matter how hard she tried, stuff always went wrong, and now she has nowhere to go except to the old family homeplace in rural Cub Creek, Virginia to house sit and dog sit while her aunt goes on a trip.
When her aunt returns...then what? For now, at least, it’s a good place to hide from her almost ex-husband, Trent, for a few weeks. She has left him again for the second and final time, and needs some time to earn money for her support and for the divorce.
And knowing Trent, it won’t be that easy. He'll be looking for her.
When Sandra finally arrives in Cub Creek, she discovers the old house is shabby, the garden is woefully overgrown, and her aunt’s beloved dog, Honey, is missing.
As Sandra settles into the old house that she hasn’t visited since she was a child—and never planned to return to—powerful secrets and hurtful memories are unearthed. But this may be her final chance to regain her self-respect, make peace with her family, and discover what she’s truly made of—if she will stand and fight for what she wants this time...instead of running again.
When her aunt returns...then what? For now, at least, it’s a good place to hide from her almost ex-husband, Trent, for a few weeks. She has left him again for the second and final time, and needs some time to earn money for her support and for the divorce.
And knowing Trent, it won’t be that easy. He'll be looking for her.
When Sandra finally arrives in Cub Creek, she discovers the old house is shabby, the garden is woefully overgrown, and her aunt’s beloved dog, Honey, is missing.
As Sandra settles into the old house that she hasn’t visited since she was a child—and never planned to return to—powerful secrets and hurtful memories are unearthed. But this may be her final chance to regain her self-respect, make peace with her family, and discover what she’s truly made of—if she will stand and fight for what she wants this time...instead of running again.
438 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2017
861 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Grace Greene
77 books953 followersGrace Greene writes fiction with romance, suspense and inspiration ~ The Emerald Isle, NC Stories Series includes Beach Rental, Beach Winds, Beach Wedding, along with the Christmas novellas, Beach Christmas and Beach Walk. Her Virginia books are Women's Fiction with romance, suspense and mystery. Most are set in rural Cub Creek and include her bestselling The Memory of Butterflies and The Happiness In Between which were released in 2017. Three new Cub Creek books were released in 2019 - The Wildflower House Series: Wildflower Heart, Wildflower Hope and Wildflower Christmas, and Wildflower Wedding, A Light Last Seen was released in Feb. 2020. A Barefoot Tide and A Dancing Tide brought a new character from Cub Creek to the beach at Emerald Isle with beloved crossover characters from both settings. Beach Heart and Emerald Heart are single titles set in Emerald Isle, NC. Grace's newest, A HEART BEYOND, will be released on September 3rd, 2024.
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
Grace is also an artist and photographer and these interests show up on the pages of the stories. She lives in central Virginia. You'll find Grace here:
Website: http://www.gracegreene.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceGreeneB...
Author Central: http://amazon.com/author/gracegreene
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
September 23, 2025
Sandra Hurst leaves her husband, Trent, divorces him, then goes back and remarries him when he promises to change. Of course he doesn’t. So eventually she makes her plans, leaves in the middle of the night. She ends up at her Aunt Barbara’s house in Cub Creek while her aunt is away with Sandra’s parents in Florida. But it is safe. Trent doesn’t know where she is. All she has to do is look after the house and the dog, Honey. Sounds simple. Until it isn’t. For several reasons. She does get some help but also danger appears.
This book probably suffered a bit because the last book I read before this featured abuse. And this one focuses on the same theme, so not the light book I was hoping for. As a result it took me a while to get into it. Then even when I did I struggled with it. I found it repetitive and found Sandra whiny. True, maybe she had reason to be but it didn’t make for easy reading. As for her mother I really had no idea what to make of her. I found her unrealistic and unbelievable..
One things I did agree with Sandra on. I’d have taken the wind chimes down too. I know some people find them musical. Like Sandy, I am not one of those people.
After I finished this book and wrote my review I read some other very positive reviews. I felt like I had read a different book to what others had. Although there were some nice moments with Colton and his son, for me there was not enough happiness in between the rest. Overall, I thought it was a depressing read, and I was relieved when I finished it. Maybe not fair to blame the book when it didn’t meet my expectations, and others have loved it. So maybe read the book and see what you think.
This book probably suffered a bit because the last book I read before this featured abuse. And this one focuses on the same theme, so not the light book I was hoping for. As a result it took me a while to get into it. Then even when I did I struggled with it. I found it repetitive and found Sandra whiny. True, maybe she had reason to be but it didn’t make for easy reading. As for her mother I really had no idea what to make of her. I found her unrealistic and unbelievable..
One things I did agree with Sandra on. I’d have taken the wind chimes down too. I know some people find them musical. Like Sandy, I am not one of those people.
After I finished this book and wrote my review I read some other very positive reviews. I felt like I had read a different book to what others had. Although there were some nice moments with Colton and his son, for me there was not enough happiness in between the rest. Overall, I thought it was a depressing read, and I was relieved when I finished it. Maybe not fair to blame the book when it didn’t meet my expectations, and others have loved it. So maybe read the book and see what you think.
March 26, 2017
3.5 stars, but I'm giving it a 4 because it was better than a 3
I generously received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review
This is a story about learning how to be you and finding your happiness and your strength in yourself. Our heroine, Cassandra-Sandra has left her marriage for the second time. She divorced her husband, married him again thinking things could be fixed, but now she has found the relationship irretrievably broken due to her husband's controlling, manipulative, mentally abusive ways. Her parents always have bailed her out from her bad choices...but this time, not so much. This is the story of how she comes into her own, learns to believe in herself, and gets her strength back. There is a bit of a love story here, but it is very minor (yet charming) part.
I generously received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review
This is a story about learning how to be you and finding your happiness and your strength in yourself. Our heroine, Cassandra-Sandra has left her marriage for the second time. She divorced her husband, married him again thinking things could be fixed, but now she has found the relationship irretrievably broken due to her husband's controlling, manipulative, mentally abusive ways. Her parents always have bailed her out from her bad choices...but this time, not so much. This is the story of how she comes into her own, learns to believe in herself, and gets her strength back. There is a bit of a love story here, but it is very minor (yet charming) part.
February 10, 2017
I received this book from NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I admit to never having read a book by Grace Greene. I think I have missed some good books judging from "The Happiness In Between." This book made me cry, in many ways due to my own past that parallels Sandra's. But, it also made me laugh and that is a good book. It made me feel emotions that I had to dust off after many years and then it came back to make me happy! This may not make sense to some readers, but others will relate.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Greene's works in the future.
I admit to never having read a book by Grace Greene. I think I have missed some good books judging from "The Happiness In Between." This book made me cry, in many ways due to my own past that parallels Sandra's. But, it also made me laugh and that is a good book. It made me feel emotions that I had to dust off after many years and then it came back to make me happy! This may not make sense to some readers, but others will relate.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Greene's works in the future.
November 15, 2017
A journey of courage and hope, from broken to healed
The trick is to know who you are, so you can be you…
This is the line which embodies the gist of the entire book. Cassandra or Sandra, as she is known now, runs away from her abusive husband in the middle of the night and expects her parents to support her emotionally and financially. But she gets a shock when they are unable to.
Falling down to the lowest level of desperation and down to her last few dollars, she agrees to house-sit for her aunt and look after the dog. That starts a journey to her new life where she finds her confidence to plan her future, her courage to face her abusive husband who plays mind games with her till the last chapter, and hopefully find a new love.
I love Grace Greene’s books, as she writes with emotions, about emotions. Every word is dipped in the depth of her heart and written with a passion that is honest and true. Her words resonate with every woman in each sentence. There are a lot of places where I could see myself in Cassandra.
In this book, she has painted her main character, Cassandra, as a real woman, who has issues both about her own self and her life, but yet she finds the courage to look beyond her flaws, into her own strengths. The author Grace Greene generally concentrates on relationships, and in this book too, there is a mother–daughter relationship which is wondrous to see as they grow from being strangers to being bonded with love.
There are moments in this book where I wondered why Cassandra does not react at her soon-to-be ex-husband’s words and I got almost angry at her weakness. Then I realised that people who have had such mind games being played by their spouses are unable to voice themselves. There is a lot of self–doubt in them. That gave me a real jolt and made me think.
There are a few niggles; I wanted Cassandra to be stronger, she doesn’t take active steps to fight her husband’s manipulations, there are times I wanted to push her to approach the police, but this doesn’t happen till the last few chapters. Also, I didn’t see Cassandra working, to earn money to think about a career, in the days she spends in her aunt’s home. I would have liked her to be a much stronger, independent woman. But those are just minor points, they do not detract attention from Grace Greene’s writing.
As always, there is a depth in the prose, there are emotions in the heart, and there is always self-confidence and hope in all of Grace’s books.
The trick is to know who you are, so you can be you…
This is the line which embodies the gist of the entire book. Cassandra or Sandra, as she is known now, runs away from her abusive husband in the middle of the night and expects her parents to support her emotionally and financially. But she gets a shock when they are unable to.
Falling down to the lowest level of desperation and down to her last few dollars, she agrees to house-sit for her aunt and look after the dog. That starts a journey to her new life where she finds her confidence to plan her future, her courage to face her abusive husband who plays mind games with her till the last chapter, and hopefully find a new love.
I love Grace Greene’s books, as she writes with emotions, about emotions. Every word is dipped in the depth of her heart and written with a passion that is honest and true. Her words resonate with every woman in each sentence. There are a lot of places where I could see myself in Cassandra.
In this book, she has painted her main character, Cassandra, as a real woman, who has issues both about her own self and her life, but yet she finds the courage to look beyond her flaws, into her own strengths. The author Grace Greene generally concentrates on relationships, and in this book too, there is a mother–daughter relationship which is wondrous to see as they grow from being strangers to being bonded with love.
There are moments in this book where I wondered why Cassandra does not react at her soon-to-be ex-husband’s words and I got almost angry at her weakness. Then I realised that people who have had such mind games being played by their spouses are unable to voice themselves. There is a lot of self–doubt in them. That gave me a real jolt and made me think.
There are a few niggles; I wanted Cassandra to be stronger, she doesn’t take active steps to fight her husband’s manipulations, there are times I wanted to push her to approach the police, but this doesn’t happen till the last few chapters. Also, I didn’t see Cassandra working, to earn money to think about a career, in the days she spends in her aunt’s home. I would have liked her to be a much stronger, independent woman. But those are just minor points, they do not detract attention from Grace Greene’s writing.
As always, there is a depth in the prose, there are emotions in the heart, and there is always self-confidence and hope in all of Grace’s books.
March 15, 2017
All the while I was listening to this audio-book, I was rather irritated with Sandra (Cassandra)’s lack of decision-making, lack of willpower. She came across as a rather meek young woman. I had to take this in, and turn it around in my head a few times; admitting that there are weak-willed, affable women in this world. It’s in their character and they can’t help it. It’s a hard world for those who aren’t strong enough. In the end, women like Cassandra need to grow a back–bone in order to stand up to this often cruel world.
Cassandra leaves her manipulative husband for a second time and although her mother doesn’t seem sympathetic by not helping Cassandra, her Mom is actually steering Cassandra to make her own choices to pull herself up. Cassandra gets the chance of a life-time home-sitting for her Aunt and by being in the old Virginia homestead, she actually grabs the chance to make some changes in her life.
This wasn’t a particularly captivating story, in my opinion, but at least it tackled some subjects that were worth mulling over; a charming, bullying husband that needs a wife (a victim really) for his control issues – There are more people like that out there than we like to think.
It didn’t help that the narrator of the audio version, Shannon McManus, had a slightly irritating voice. **2**
Cassandra leaves her manipulative husband for a second time and although her mother doesn’t seem sympathetic by not helping Cassandra, her Mom is actually steering Cassandra to make her own choices to pull herself up. Cassandra gets the chance of a life-time home-sitting for her Aunt and by being in the old Virginia homestead, she actually grabs the chance to make some changes in her life.
This wasn’t a particularly captivating story, in my opinion, but at least it tackled some subjects that were worth mulling over; a charming, bullying husband that needs a wife (a victim really) for his control issues – There are more people like that out there than we like to think.
It didn’t help that the narrator of the audio version, Shannon McManus, had a slightly irritating voice. **2**
December 16, 2016
The Happiness In Between overflows with the warmth, healing, and hope Greene fans know to expect in her uplifting stories. Readers will quickly connect with Sandra Hurst as she returns to the old family home in Cub Creek to begin rebuilding her life after a devastating marriage. This is a stand-alone novel set in modern day.
My heartfelt thanks to Grace Greene for allowing me to read The Happiness in Between pre-release.
My heartfelt thanks to Grace Greene for allowing me to read The Happiness in Between pre-release.
February 13, 2018
I’m the beginning, I didn’t think I was going to like Sandra. Don’t get me wrong, she was going through a lot and had good reason to whine and complain, but I felt she was feeling a little too sorry for herself and needed to end the pity party. But I ended up really enjoying the story. She improved and I like how things worked out. I thought it was a pretty good book.
January 7, 2017
The Happiness in Between by Grace Greene
Sandra who is thirty years old leaves her abusive husband in the middle of the night and shows up at her parents house. She is greeted by her mother who tells Sandra that she has put the house on the market and is moving to Florida. Her father has Alzheimer's disease with some dementia. Sandra's mother has the house packed and doesn't want to get involved. Her mother and father have paid for Sandra's college education and paid for Sandra's first divorce from Trent. Sandra remarried Trent and she tells her mother that she is finally finished with Trent. Trent had totally controlled all of the finances leaving Sandra with no money. From Sandra's point of view she thought her parents would give her sanctuary by moving back in with her parents. Possibly she may have been thinking that they were going to pay for a second divorce. Sandra has only a couple of garbage bags of her clothes and some toiletries.
Sandra's mother does help her by giving Sandra her father's car. Her mother also gives Sandra the name of who to contact to sell Sandra's car. Sandra feels hurt that her mother is bringing Aunt Barbara to Florida for a couple of months. Sandra does not want Trent to know where she is. Sandra suggested to her mother that she would be happy to drive with her to Florida and help her parents get settled in. Her mother tells Sandra that she can stay at Aunt Barbara's and do some housesitting and dogsitting for two months in exchange for free room and board. Sandra doesn't call her Aunt Barbara until the last minute.
When Sandra finally gets to Aunt Barbara's house, Honey the dog is missing. Sandra meets a nice man named Colton, and a young boy named Aaron. Colton and Aaron offer to make flyers to post regarding finding Honey. They also drive Sandra to the area animal shelters and vetanarians to look for Honey who is an older dog. I just loved Honey. It takes Sandra a few days to locate Honey who is suffering from dehydration and has aspirated some dirt possibly. Sandra brings Honey to the vet. Honey recovers and Colton offers to fix Aunt Barbara's fence.
Trent shows up at Aunt Barbara's house and Sandra tells him to leave and that he is trespassing. Trent tells Colton that Sandra is his wife. Trent is used to having the upper hand and to say he is manipulative is an understatement.
What I loved about the book is Sandra's transformation in taking back her power. She wants nothing to do with Trent and she tells him so. I also loved when Sandra's mother shows up unannounced and the words of wisdom she tells Sandra. Sandra tells her mother about Trent.
"He won't leave me alone. He refuses to accept that I won't come back to him. He even threatened Honey. I don't need money for the protective order but I do for the divorce. Remember my things that was stolen from the car? Most of it was clothing, but some of those things were precious to me. I put them in plastic bags. I saw those bags in Trent's truck bed. I saw them Mom."
I haven't scratched the surface of the abuse that Trent does to Sandra.
I loved when Sandra's mother tells her "Time, Life, hope, happiness--they won't wait. Don't be left behind Sandra. Find your life in each moment." "A Dream Within A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe is a beautiful poem that the author integrates the themes of that poem in this novel. The author represents the themes of that poem by saying "Time doesn't wait. Life, happiness, and love--it all passes swiftly. We cannot hold it here. We must find our hope and our happiness daily, in between what we think we want or need and what we actually get. A truth we've all heard: life, happiness and love aren't waiting at some elusive destination but are with us on each step of the journey, if we will open our eyes and see them."
Thank you to Net Galley, Grace Greene and the publisher for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.
Sandra who is thirty years old leaves her abusive husband in the middle of the night and shows up at her parents house. She is greeted by her mother who tells Sandra that she has put the house on the market and is moving to Florida. Her father has Alzheimer's disease with some dementia. Sandra's mother has the house packed and doesn't want to get involved. Her mother and father have paid for Sandra's college education and paid for Sandra's first divorce from Trent. Sandra remarried Trent and she tells her mother that she is finally finished with Trent. Trent had totally controlled all of the finances leaving Sandra with no money. From Sandra's point of view she thought her parents would give her sanctuary by moving back in with her parents. Possibly she may have been thinking that they were going to pay for a second divorce. Sandra has only a couple of garbage bags of her clothes and some toiletries.
Sandra's mother does help her by giving Sandra her father's car. Her mother also gives Sandra the name of who to contact to sell Sandra's car. Sandra feels hurt that her mother is bringing Aunt Barbara to Florida for a couple of months. Sandra does not want Trent to know where she is. Sandra suggested to her mother that she would be happy to drive with her to Florida and help her parents get settled in. Her mother tells Sandra that she can stay at Aunt Barbara's and do some housesitting and dogsitting for two months in exchange for free room and board. Sandra doesn't call her Aunt Barbara until the last minute.
When Sandra finally gets to Aunt Barbara's house, Honey the dog is missing. Sandra meets a nice man named Colton, and a young boy named Aaron. Colton and Aaron offer to make flyers to post regarding finding Honey. They also drive Sandra to the area animal shelters and vetanarians to look for Honey who is an older dog. I just loved Honey. It takes Sandra a few days to locate Honey who is suffering from dehydration and has aspirated some dirt possibly. Sandra brings Honey to the vet. Honey recovers and Colton offers to fix Aunt Barbara's fence.
Trent shows up at Aunt Barbara's house and Sandra tells him to leave and that he is trespassing. Trent tells Colton that Sandra is his wife. Trent is used to having the upper hand and to say he is manipulative is an understatement.
What I loved about the book is Sandra's transformation in taking back her power. She wants nothing to do with Trent and she tells him so. I also loved when Sandra's mother shows up unannounced and the words of wisdom she tells Sandra. Sandra tells her mother about Trent.
"He won't leave me alone. He refuses to accept that I won't come back to him. He even threatened Honey. I don't need money for the protective order but I do for the divorce. Remember my things that was stolen from the car? Most of it was clothing, but some of those things were precious to me. I put them in plastic bags. I saw those bags in Trent's truck bed. I saw them Mom."
I haven't scratched the surface of the abuse that Trent does to Sandra.
I loved when Sandra's mother tells her "Time, Life, hope, happiness--they won't wait. Don't be left behind Sandra. Find your life in each moment." "A Dream Within A Dream" by Edgar Allan Poe is a beautiful poem that the author integrates the themes of that poem in this novel. The author represents the themes of that poem by saying "Time doesn't wait. Life, happiness, and love--it all passes swiftly. We cannot hold it here. We must find our hope and our happiness daily, in between what we think we want or need and what we actually get. A truth we've all heard: life, happiness and love aren't waiting at some elusive destination but are with us on each step of the journey, if we will open our eyes and see them."
Thank you to Net Galley, Grace Greene and the publisher for providing me with my digital copy for a fair and honest review.
July 4, 2021
Cub Creek Mishaps
Oh, my sweet tea this was another awesome book 📖 by Grace Greene.
I gave this novel **** ✨. I would like to thank @goodreads, @netgalley for the ARC.
Sandra and her husband Trent are in this mentally abusive relationship. Sandra had decided to make a better life for herself and leave the situation she was in and go visit her parents. Her Dad is suffering from dementia and her mom could use a break. Her parents and Auntie Barbara plans a trip to Florida. Sandra is asked to 🏠 and 🐕 sit with Honey for two months while they are away. While staying in Cub Creek so much is going on from the day she drove into the Shoemaker driveway. It's a mysterious person walking around the perimeter at night and where's Honey? This book 📖 I recommend.
Thank you Again @netgalley @gracegreene
Oh, my sweet tea this was another awesome book 📖 by Grace Greene.
I gave this novel **** ✨. I would like to thank @goodreads, @netgalley for the ARC.
Sandra and her husband Trent are in this mentally abusive relationship. Sandra had decided to make a better life for herself and leave the situation she was in and go visit her parents. Her Dad is suffering from dementia and her mom could use a break. Her parents and Auntie Barbara plans a trip to Florida. Sandra is asked to 🏠 and 🐕 sit with Honey for two months while they are away. While staying in Cub Creek so much is going on from the day she drove into the Shoemaker driveway. It's a mysterious person walking around the perimeter at night and where's Honey? This book 📖 I recommend.
Thank you Again @netgalley @gracegreene
July 26, 2017
DNF @ 51%
At 37% I was wondering what this book was and why anyone would write it. Sandra is so crybaby-ish. She was stupid enough to remarry her ex-husband and when it doesn’t work out again she wants to blame everyone but herself. So, she leaves Trent and goes home to her parents and her father has dementia and her mother is a biotch. Her parents are retiring to Florida and the mom doesn’t seem to care about Sandra. She just wants her out of the house by the time the new owners take over. What? Of course Sandra loses all the cash she got from the sale of her car so she has to sleep in her dad’s car that the mom gave her. This chick had a perfectly good place to go but she thought she was too good to house sit for her aunt, until she had no choice. This book just went on and on with poor-me attitudes and bad decisions.
Yeah, I can’t finish this book. It’s all about the emotional crap her husband put her through the first time and she divorced him then married him again because she thought she could help him. Really? It’s too silly, Sandra is too silly. There’s a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads but this book is definitely NOT for me.
So, no romance, no nothing up until 51% when I quit.
As to the narration: It surprises me that in 2017 a female narrator still doesn’t lower her voice when a man is speaking. Shannon McManus is a narrator I will probably not listen to again. I can’t stand when a man sounds like a girl. That’s not my kind of listen.
At 37% I was wondering what this book was and why anyone would write it. Sandra is so crybaby-ish. She was stupid enough to remarry her ex-husband and when it doesn’t work out again she wants to blame everyone but herself. So, she leaves Trent and goes home to her parents and her father has dementia and her mother is a biotch. Her parents are retiring to Florida and the mom doesn’t seem to care about Sandra. She just wants her out of the house by the time the new owners take over. What? Of course Sandra loses all the cash she got from the sale of her car so she has to sleep in her dad’s car that the mom gave her. This chick had a perfectly good place to go but she thought she was too good to house sit for her aunt, until she had no choice. This book just went on and on with poor-me attitudes and bad decisions.
Yeah, I can’t finish this book. It’s all about the emotional crap her husband put her through the first time and she divorced him then married him again because she thought she could help him. Really? It’s too silly, Sandra is too silly. There’s a lot of 4 and 5 star reviews on Goodreads but this book is definitely NOT for me.
So, no romance, no nothing up until 51% when I quit.
As to the narration: It surprises me that in 2017 a female narrator still doesn’t lower her voice when a man is speaking. Shannon McManus is a narrator I will probably not listen to again. I can’t stand when a man sounds like a girl. That’s not my kind of listen.
February 5, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC of "The Happiness in Between" by Grace Greene. The genre of this novel is women's fiction. I like that the author addresses issues such as adult dementia (alzheimers), spousal verbal abuse, animal abuse, animal shelters, bullying, and special needs in education. One of the main characters, Sandra(Cassandra) is running away from an abusive marriage(married twice to the same man, Trent), and relocates in her aunt's home in rural VIrginia. In exchange for room and board, Sandra takes care of the house and Honey,her aunt's elder dog. Her parents have moved to Florida, where it will be easier to take care of her father who has dementia. Her aunt goes to help her parents settle in.
Sandra does meet her neighbors, Colton and his son Aaron, and through their kindness and help, manages to fix her aunt's messy property. Unfortunately, Trent has been looking for Sandra.
Sandra is insecure and has problems asserting herself and being independent. I found that the author shows us strengths and weaknesses in her characters, friendship, love, choices, self worth and hope. I enjoyed and would recommend this novel.
Sandra does meet her neighbors, Colton and his son Aaron, and through their kindness and help, manages to fix her aunt's messy property. Unfortunately, Trent has been looking for Sandra.
Sandra is insecure and has problems asserting herself and being independent. I found that the author shows us strengths and weaknesses in her characters, friendship, love, choices, self worth and hope. I enjoyed and would recommend this novel.
February 7, 2017
Sandra has left her emotionally abusive husband again and returned home to her parents. But sadly her parents are moving to Florida. Her mom suggests for Sandra to go and house sit for her aunt and take care of her aunt's dog Honey. Sandra goes to her aunt's and begins to heal from her marriage. She makes friends with her neighbor Colton and his son Aaron. Trent follows her to her aunt's and starts harassing Sandra. Sandra needs to learn she is stronger than she thinks she is and can take care of herself. As Sandra realizes this her life becomes better. This was very good book and is a story of family love, redemption and second chances. Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
February 11, 2017
Sandra Hurst is starting over again after marriage and re-marriage to the perfect husband; perfectly manipulative that is. But when your mother is cold, your father is lost in dementia, your childhood home just went up for sale, you are broke and your entire life amounts to two garbage bags of things, starting over seem insurmountable. When her only option is to house and dog sit for an aunt in rural Virginia, Sandra realizes that she won't quit; she won't give in. This is a wonderful story of starting over, testing boundaries, facing fears and fighting for your life. Sandra finds that sometimes running away is the only way to find home and that happiness is found between what you want and what you get.
February 10, 2017
I loved this book!
Grace has a way of pulling you in with her books and you not wanting to leave.
This book shows us to be compassionate to all because we never know what someone is going through.
It is also a huge encouragement to those who have experienced or are experiencing abuse and to rest rest of us to strong for them.
Thank you Grace for the opportunity to read this book and I truly look forward to the next book!
Grace has a way of pulling you in with her books and you not wanting to leave.
This book shows us to be compassionate to all because we never know what someone is going through.
It is also a huge encouragement to those who have experienced or are experiencing abuse and to rest rest of us to strong for them.
Thank you Grace for the opportunity to read this book and I truly look forward to the next book!
February 7, 2017
My Thoughts...
This is the first book I've read by this author, Grace Greene, but it won't be the last. I found it most entertaining. It moved along swiftly, and kept my attention right to the end. It was an enjoyable story with an emotional journey, but also I found this book a charming and delightful story.
I enjoyed it enough to award it 5*****Happiness Stars. I own this book and it is a part of my personal library.
This is the first book I've read by this author, Grace Greene, but it won't be the last. I found it most entertaining. It moved along swiftly, and kept my attention right to the end. It was an enjoyable story with an emotional journey, but also I found this book a charming and delightful story.
I enjoyed it enough to award it 5*****Happiness Stars. I own this book and it is a part of my personal library.
February 11, 2017
I really enjoyed reading Happiness In Between. This is a genre that I like to settle in and escape in the book. Cassandra is one of those girls that does what she's told and doesn't ruffle any feathers. She marries young and soon realizes that she's in a destructive relationship. I LOVE that it is very clear that a relationship doesn't have to be physically abusive to be considered abusive. We follow Cassandra as she rises up and finds her independence. I will be reading more from Grace Greene.
July 26, 2017
This is a great book about relationships between friends, ex-husband's and dogs. The best relationship is, of course, the dogs! They never let you down and are always there to protect you. Sometimes they need a little protection along the way too.
It's a nail biter and a page turner!
It's a different way to heal from broken promises and broken love.
I enjoyed it very much. The heroine is as sweet as the cover suggests without being overly sweet.
A perfect read!
It's a nail biter and a page turner!
It's a different way to heal from broken promises and broken love.
I enjoyed it very much. The heroine is as sweet as the cover suggests without being overly sweet.
A perfect read!
February 10, 2017
What an AMAZING book! It is very well written and filled with so much emotion. The book will make you laugh and cry. It is a very hard book to put down and I could not wait to see how it would all end! A MUST read!
December 27, 2016
This book had my heart racing all the way from the first to the last word!
This is a journey of a young women (Cassandra), who has grown up with emotional abuse as a child and now as a married woman with her estranged husband (Trent). Trent has continually manipulated Cassandra and emotionally has taken away her self- esteem.
Cassandra decides that she has had enough, and wants to reclaim her life.
She accepts an offer to house sit and dog sit her Aunt's old family home and care for Honey, hoping that Trent will not find her as she leaves in the middle of the night to free herself.
Cassandra begins to heal herself emotionally and gain confidence as well as trust her instincts and love again.
However, Trent has found Cassandra, and is not going to let His Wife humiliate her and fights back!!
Fantastic writing!
This is a journey of a young women (Cassandra), who has grown up with emotional abuse as a child and now as a married woman with her estranged husband (Trent). Trent has continually manipulated Cassandra and emotionally has taken away her self- esteem.
Cassandra decides that she has had enough, and wants to reclaim her life.
She accepts an offer to house sit and dog sit her Aunt's old family home and care for Honey, hoping that Trent will not find her as she leaves in the middle of the night to free herself.
Cassandra begins to heal herself emotionally and gain confidence as well as trust her instincts and love again.
However, Trent has found Cassandra, and is not going to let His Wife humiliate her and fights back!!
Fantastic writing!
December 21, 2016
Sandra leaves her husband (for the second time) and shows up at her parents' house in the middle of the night expecting open arms and a place to stay. Unfortunately, she does not get the warm welcoming from her mom that she expected. Her parents are selling their house and moving to Florida and Sandra is not invited to live with them. Her father is suffering from dementia. Sandra does not understand why she can't move to Florida with her parents. Did I mention Sandra is thirty? The problem I had with this book was not the story line, but the main character Sandra. I really hated her. She blamed all her problems on everyone else and never took any responsibility for her choices. Sandra even told her mom it was her fault. Her mom had to be the reason Sandra dropped out of college, married Trent twice and couldn't hold a job. Her parents paid for college, her wedding and her first divorce. Sandra went back to Trent because she needed to feel wanted and wasn't getting that while living at her parents' house. When Sandra had the option to live at her aunt's house and save the little money she had she naturally turned it down. Instead she used up the little money she had at hotels and of course loses her money envelope. So she sleeps in her car and doesn't go to her aunt's until the day she is actually need to watch her dog. I just couldn't feel bad for Sandra, I know Trent was a horrible husband, but Sandra drove me crazy. At the end, even though Sandra (who now goes by Cassandra) doesn't have a job, her mom will sign over the family house once the divorce comes through, which her parents are paying for again.
I didn't hate the book, but it just wasn't for me. I liked the writing style and the story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author, Grace Greene, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
I didn't hate the book, but it just wasn't for me. I liked the writing style and the story.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the author, Grace Greene, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
January 3, 2017
Sandra's parents think she's a ne'er-do-well, not realizing that her ex (whom she's married twice) is emotionally abusive. They finally agree to let her hide out in the family homestead, where she's supposed to care for her aunt's dog and keep an eye on the home. But her ex is on her trail and Sandra can't tell the nice guy next door that she's still married; she also can't tell her aunt that the dog is missing. Good suspense! Netgalley review.
February 6, 2017
A beautiful story, beautifully written
Cassandra is a lovely woman beaten down emotionally by an overbearing, controlling husband...one she has made the mistake of marrying twice. Can she find a new life without him? She has no job, no home and not a lot of self-confidence. There is no mention of God, but he may be the one leading her and giving her strength. The story is fascinating, exciting and satisfying. I read it all in one day and recommend it highly!
Cassandra is a lovely woman beaten down emotionally by an overbearing, controlling husband...one she has made the mistake of marrying twice. Can she find a new life without him? She has no job, no home and not a lot of self-confidence. There is no mention of God, but he may be the one leading her and giving her strength. The story is fascinating, exciting and satisfying. I read it all in one day and recommend it highly!
January 2, 2017
I really like this book. I'm glad because this is my first author that I had to read it.
August 26, 2017
Cassandra (Sandra) Hurst has made some unwise decisions in her life, not the least of which is marrying, divorcing, and re-marrying Trent. When things go south in her marriage for the second time, Sandra knows it is time to bail. But when she goes to her parents for help this time, unlike her previous attempts at reconciliation, they refuse to help her, forcing Sandra to face things on her own. She travels to Cub Creek, where her family and ancestors have lived for generations, only to find the house that she is house sitting has degenerated and in need of a lot of care and repair. With the help of Colton and his son, Aaron (neighbors and friends of Sandra's Aunt Barbara), she begins to make the house and gardens more livable, and begins a light romance with Colton. When Trent refuses to leave Sandra alone and follows her to Cub Creek, tensions flair and Sandra is forced to stand up for herself and decide what direction she has to go to stay strong and make decisions to move forward.
I was not a fan of Sandra for the majority of the book. She acted spoiled and entitled when dealing with her family - including refusing to meet her estranged aunt, for whom she was given an offer to housesit - yet submissive when dealing with Trent, who has his own major flaws. I get that the author was developing Sandra's character, but it seemed to me Sandra's
reactions were reversed, and only straightened out after her mother's visit from Florida. Again, moving the plot along, this worked, but seemed a bit contrived, with as adamant and unyielding Sandra had been with her mother. I also feel that the author gave Trent more redeeming qualities than I would have, because he was manipulating and cruel, and for him to have that much of an emotional hold over Sandra, he did not need his rough edges smoothed out, in my humble opinion.
I wish there were fractions, because I would have rated this 3.75: three was just too low, but I have read a number of very good "fours" with which this didn't compete.
I DO recommend this as a light read, and the ending sets up for a sequel. Thank you, Grace Greene: I will read more of your books!
I was not a fan of Sandra for the majority of the book. She acted spoiled and entitled when dealing with her family - including refusing to meet her estranged aunt, for whom she was given an offer to housesit - yet submissive when dealing with Trent, who has his own major flaws. I get that the author was developing Sandra's character, but it seemed to me Sandra's
reactions were reversed, and only straightened out after her mother's visit from Florida. Again, moving the plot along, this worked, but seemed a bit contrived, with as adamant and unyielding Sandra had been with her mother. I also feel that the author gave Trent more redeeming qualities than I would have, because he was manipulating and cruel, and for him to have that much of an emotional hold over Sandra, he did not need his rough edges smoothed out, in my humble opinion.
I wish there were fractions, because I would have rated this 3.75: three was just too low, but I have read a number of very good "fours" with which this didn't compete.
I DO recommend this as a light read, and the ending sets up for a sequel. Thank you, Grace Greene: I will read more of your books!
August 20, 2017
This was a book I listened to in audio, and I thought the narrator did a fantastic job. Easy to listen to, and she did several voices very well. The story was very intriguing, with Sandra’s estranged husband and their seemingly volatile relationship, the dynamic between Sandra and her mother, and the storyline that begins to unfold once she arrives in Cub Creek. I was slightly hesitant to download this book because I was worried it could get too dark with Trent’s behavior and actions, but I didn’t think it got too heavy to the point where I couldn’t read it. There was definitely some incredibly sad scenes or moments that made me hold my breath, but nothing went too far in my opinion. I loved learning about Cub Creek and Sandra’s family home, and I would be quite curious to get a follow up book for this story!
August 21, 2017
I started reading this book and sat until I had finished it. It was so good and I became so involved in the characters story I had to finish to see where her life went. The heroine's journey was very emotional and she doesn't always make the right choices but you can't help but feel she is a friend. This is my first book by Grace Greene but it won't be my last. Thank you for giving me an enjoyable afternoon
July 28, 2017
Sometimes it takes years to find your true happiness. Many things can hinder finding that true happiness.
Cassandra Hurst lived her life trying to please her parents and then dealing with a husband whom abused her mentally.
This story kept my interest and had me wondering about life and finding that happiness within.
Thank you Grace Greene for the opportunity to read and review your book.
Cassandra Hurst lived her life trying to please her parents and then dealing with a husband whom abused her mentally.
This story kept my interest and had me wondering about life and finding that happiness within.
Thank you Grace Greene for the opportunity to read and review your book.
February 1, 2017
The Happiness in Between is a great book. The story of a woman who suffers abuse at the hands of her husband. Not physical but mental. I found myself cheering Sandra's along as she struggles once she leaves the situation. The book is very well written with a great plot. The characters are very well developed and believable. I obtained a copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions stAted are my own.
April 21, 2017
Happiness in Between was a nice break from all the mystery/thrillers I've been reading lately. It's a sweet story about a woman named Sandra looking to find her way. She has forever been trying to be what everyone else wants her to be and to make everyone else happy. It isn't until she leaves her manipulative, mentally abusive husband for the second time that she can begin to think about what she wants. However, her husband Trent isn't ready to let her go so easily.
Sandra is given the opportunity to house/dog sit for her mother's sister, Aunt Barbara, in Cub Creek. The home has been in the family for generations and holds a lot of memories, good and bad. When she gets there she find a seriously neglected backyard, and her Aunt's dog Honey is missing. She befriends her aunt's neighbor Colton, and his son Aaron, and together they set out to find Honey and fix up the backyard to make it a safer place for her.
While taking on the backyard project and reorganizing her aunt's home, she has an opportunity to see her life in a different light. It's through this process that that she reflects on who she is, what she wants to do, and why she continues to let herself be a victim.
My favorite Sandra quote: "Be smart. Be yourself. Don't change who you are to suit anyone".
Thank you NetGalley (read now) for the opportunity to read and write an honest review for this book.
For more book reviews please see my blog: https://readingbetweenthepagesblog.wo...
Sandra is given the opportunity to house/dog sit for her mother's sister, Aunt Barbara, in Cub Creek. The home has been in the family for generations and holds a lot of memories, good and bad. When she gets there she find a seriously neglected backyard, and her Aunt's dog Honey is missing. She befriends her aunt's neighbor Colton, and his son Aaron, and together they set out to find Honey and fix up the backyard to make it a safer place for her.
While taking on the backyard project and reorganizing her aunt's home, she has an opportunity to see her life in a different light. It's through this process that that she reflects on who she is, what she wants to do, and why she continues to let herself be a victim.
My favorite Sandra quote: "Be smart. Be yourself. Don't change who you are to suit anyone".
Thank you NetGalley (read now) for the opportunity to read and write an honest review for this book.
For more book reviews please see my blog: https://readingbetweenthepagesblog.wo...
February 11, 2017
The Happiness In Between is a poignant, heartfelt novel about finding our own happiness. Sandra Hurst returns to her parents' home in Virginia, escaping her emotionally abusive husband, Trent. But Sandra doesn't receive a lot of sympathy from her mother, who is moving to Florida. Sandra finds herself on her own, destitute, homeless, and aimless, and finally takes up an offer to house sit and dog sit for her aunt at her family's homestead. But when she arrives, not only is the house a bedraggled mess, her aunt's dog is missing. With the help of her aunt's neighbors, Sandra starts to make changes to the house as well as to herself...until her new life is threatened by the reappearance of her estranged husband. There are so many nuances to this book, emotions and actions that contribute to the pace of the book, which I read in one day! At the heart of this book, it is a story about being a misfit, trying to fit in, and finding that true happiness can only be found in being yourself. As Sandra's mother tells her, "Time, life, hope, happiness-they won't wait. Don't be left out or left behind. Find your life in each moment."
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