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Everything in Between
Because life doesn’t always go to plan
A heartfelt collection of short stories about family, loss and love, and those special moments in between . . .
Love
Sometimes the path to love requires learning to trust yourself. Other times, giving your heart to another demands that you risk everything. Then there’s an everlasting love that can only be truly appreciated by the memories left behind.
Family
A mother is missing and the secrets she’s been hiding have the power to change her family forever. A woman desperate to carry her own child finds solace in a visit with her grandmother, whose memory is fading.
Loss
A sad family occasion presents an opportunity for a reunion. And a woman must make a difficult choice after her father’s death to honour him—and herself.
From joy to loss and the discovery of hope that can be found in resilience, this exciting debut from women’s fiction author Valerie G Miller will touch your heart.
A heartfelt collection of short stories about family, loss and love, and those special moments in between . . .
Love
Sometimes the path to love requires learning to trust yourself. Other times, giving your heart to another demands that you risk everything. Then there’s an everlasting love that can only be truly appreciated by the memories left behind.
Family
A mother is missing and the secrets she’s been hiding have the power to change her family forever. A woman desperate to carry her own child finds solace in a visit with her grandmother, whose memory is fading.
Loss
A sad family occasion presents an opportunity for a reunion. And a woman must make a difficult choice after her father’s death to honour him—and herself.
From joy to loss and the discovery of hope that can be found in resilience, this exciting debut from women’s fiction author Valerie G Miller will touch your heart.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2022
12 people want to read
About the author
Valerie G. Miller
4 books25 followersValerie lives in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and daughter, after moving from Sydney. She writes contemporary women’s fiction and romance fiction, as well as magical realism novellas and short stories. You will always find a novel and notebook filled with ideas and observations, tucked away in her handbag.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 26, 2022
A collection of eleven short stories about “families, loss, and love”.
This anthology should have been right up my alley. I love short stories, I love drama-based content much more than thrillers, and I loved the theme of this collection. Unfortunately, my experience was underwhelming.
On the positive side, all the stories cater to the theme well. The characters and the situations feel very realistic. The author is an Italian-Australian, so there are many Italian and Australian words in the stories. (There is a glossary at the end for these words.) All the stories are written from the point of view of female characters, and each of these is an Italian. (After a point, this becomes boring.)
However, the story development didn’t work for me much. Some of them go all over the place, with there being no connection between the start and the end. While I liked the concept of most of the stories, I was really disappointed with the endings. Except for one story, every other tale ended abruptly, leaving me feeling deprived. I don’t mind open endings any time, but they need to be at the point where the reader is left enamoured and not like someone slapped them unexpectedly.
As always, I rated the stories individually, and most of them ended up between 3 and 4 stars simply because the ending gave me indigestion. The only story that was PERFECT for me in every sense was “The Promise”, an epistolary story that is developed beautifully and incorporates amazing twists and a wonderful ending. “Bookmarked Letters” came a very close second.
If you are more open-minded about endings in short-stories, and want to read a collection with a variety of female characters (while still paying an ode to the Italian residents of Australia), you could give this a try.
3.1 stars based on the average of my rating for all the stories.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the DRC of “Everything in Between”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
This anthology should have been right up my alley. I love short stories, I love drama-based content much more than thrillers, and I loved the theme of this collection. Unfortunately, my experience was underwhelming.
On the positive side, all the stories cater to the theme well. The characters and the situations feel very realistic. The author is an Italian-Australian, so there are many Italian and Australian words in the stories. (There is a glossary at the end for these words.) All the stories are written from the point of view of female characters, and each of these is an Italian. (After a point, this becomes boring.)
However, the story development didn’t work for me much. Some of them go all over the place, with there being no connection between the start and the end. While I liked the concept of most of the stories, I was really disappointed with the endings. Except for one story, every other tale ended abruptly, leaving me feeling deprived. I don’t mind open endings any time, but they need to be at the point where the reader is left enamoured and not like someone slapped them unexpectedly.
As always, I rated the stories individually, and most of them ended up between 3 and 4 stars simply because the ending gave me indigestion. The only story that was PERFECT for me in every sense was “The Promise”, an epistolary story that is developed beautifully and incorporates amazing twists and a wonderful ending. “Bookmarked Letters” came a very close second.
If you are more open-minded about endings in short-stories, and want to read a collection with a variety of female characters (while still paying an ode to the Italian residents of Australia), you could give this a try.
3.1 stars based on the average of my rating for all the stories.
My thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for the DRC of “Everything in Between”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
May 15, 2022
I enjoyed curling up with these heart-warming stories of love, heartbreak, and everything in between. The Italian aesthetic of family, passion and finding joy in everyday life underlies the stories in this versatile collection and was a pleasure to read. Some of the stories were cosy and reassuring, some were tragic and others mysterious and intriguing. From rebellious daughters to devoted nonnas, the characters were lively and engaging, as they traversed the sometimes-difficult challenges life threw at them. Through it all, there is a pervading sense of hope, and the feeling that even when things are bad, life is a gift to be savoured.
February 24, 2024
I became emersed in Valerie Miller’s stories imbued with her Italian heritage, that I can relate to as I have an Italian background. I feel the authenticity of the stories; but Ms Miller’s work is also demonstrative of her knowledge of the classics, modern literature and her obvious love and command of language. For non-Italians I love that Valerie has included a glossary of Italian terms at the end of the book.
I feel the characters’ anxieties, their loves and hopes and everything in between (love the title) as they deal with family and life. I’m drawn into every page alongside Valerie’s people. I smell, hear and taste their environment. I love that reading them I felt so much that I wanted to watch movies reminiscent of Italy. I was compelled to watch Stromboli, the 1950 movie directed by Roberto Rosselini and starring Ingrid Bergman; and Under the Tuscan sun (2003) starring Diane Lane, because Valerie’s stories put me in the mood to. That might sound strange but it is what happened. Yes, the stories touched me. For me, stories are about plot and each story had that but the characters, their voice and feelings shone through. They were/are totally real and relatable.
I have revisited the stories again and again (and I do have favourites) but I’ve also reread them to marvel over the writing of someone who seriously understands her craft! I am looking forward to reading more of Valerie’s work.
I feel the characters’ anxieties, their loves and hopes and everything in between (love the title) as they deal with family and life. I’m drawn into every page alongside Valerie’s people. I smell, hear and taste their environment. I love that reading them I felt so much that I wanted to watch movies reminiscent of Italy. I was compelled to watch Stromboli, the 1950 movie directed by Roberto Rosselini and starring Ingrid Bergman; and Under the Tuscan sun (2003) starring Diane Lane, because Valerie’s stories put me in the mood to. That might sound strange but it is what happened. Yes, the stories touched me. For me, stories are about plot and each story had that but the characters, their voice and feelings shone through. They were/are totally real and relatable.
I have revisited the stories again and again (and I do have favourites) but I’ve also reread them to marvel over the writing of someone who seriously understands her craft! I am looking forward to reading more of Valerie’s work.
May 22, 2022
A heartfelt collection of short stories about family, loss and love, and those special moments in between…
This book is a collection of short stories told in a distinctive style with every story beautifully crafted. The writing is captivating, the characters are believable and the plot has so many twists and turns. Stories of ordinary people, the kinds we are sure to encounter in our daily lives, make the characters relatable. The one thing these stories offer is hope. It is hope that helps us to move forward through the stories of our own lives.
This book encloses all unheard joys, the deepest screams, scattered dreams, particular goals, desperate love, hidden talents, and so on. Some stories are emotional and have touched my heart indeed. These 11 stories depict the ongoing development of long-term connections. Each explores the profound themes in a poignant meditation on families in love and loss.
THE PROMISE, PURPLE HONEY, and BOOKMARKED LETTERS are my personal favourites. The book also includes a glossary of Italian terms and the author’s interview.
A series of excellent small experiences woven together philosophically.
This book is a collection of short stories told in a distinctive style with every story beautifully crafted. The writing is captivating, the characters are believable and the plot has so many twists and turns. Stories of ordinary people, the kinds we are sure to encounter in our daily lives, make the characters relatable. The one thing these stories offer is hope. It is hope that helps us to move forward through the stories of our own lives.
This book encloses all unheard joys, the deepest screams, scattered dreams, particular goals, desperate love, hidden talents, and so on. Some stories are emotional and have touched my heart indeed. These 11 stories depict the ongoing development of long-term connections. Each explores the profound themes in a poignant meditation on families in love and loss.
THE PROMISE, PURPLE HONEY, and BOOKMARKED LETTERS are my personal favourites. The book also includes a glossary of Italian terms and the author’s interview.
A series of excellent small experiences woven together philosophically.
May 1, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive a free copy from the author in exchange for my thoughts.
This collection takes the reader into the complex world of family though a series of short stories about loss, grief, hope and – most importantly – love. Each tale is a beautiful glimpse into how the characters navigate their place within both their families and contemporary Australia. Valerie draws you into their worlds though her wonderful storytelling which leaves you wanting more of these vivid characters.
Her Italian heritage shines through with many stories centered around the Italian-Australian experience, with characters like Corinna in “The Blessing” reflecting the feeling of being caught between two worlds, or the indomitable Nonna of “The Photo” which captures the indestructibility of family ties. And as the granddaughter of Italian migrants, I saw a lot of my own family in many of these stories too.
Looking forward to Valerie’s next release!
This collection takes the reader into the complex world of family though a series of short stories about loss, grief, hope and – most importantly – love. Each tale is a beautiful glimpse into how the characters navigate their place within both their families and contemporary Australia. Valerie draws you into their worlds though her wonderful storytelling which leaves you wanting more of these vivid characters.
Her Italian heritage shines through with many stories centered around the Italian-Australian experience, with characters like Corinna in “The Blessing” reflecting the feeling of being caught between two worlds, or the indomitable Nonna of “The Photo” which captures the indestructibility of family ties. And as the granddaughter of Italian migrants, I saw a lot of my own family in many of these stories too.
Looking forward to Valerie’s next release!
April 7, 2022
Valerie G Miller is a wonderful storyteller. The title and description seems apt. The stories are of family, loss and love, and capture subtleties and emotions of the in between moments of our lives.
The genre of Everything in Between is not one I’d normally go for and I had also never read an anthology of short stories before. I'll admit that I felt there was a bit of 'sameness' to the characters (all women, with mostly Italian heritage and complicated family), but I could appreciate Valerie has drawn from her own experience of being an Australian woman raised by Italian parents.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed each of the stories. There were a few in particular that intrigued me, had me feeling what the characters were feeling and left me wanting to know more!
If this is a taste of Valerie’s style, then any novels she writes are bound to be even better.
The genre of Everything in Between is not one I’d normally go for and I had also never read an anthology of short stories before. I'll admit that I felt there was a bit of 'sameness' to the characters (all women, with mostly Italian heritage and complicated family), but I could appreciate Valerie has drawn from her own experience of being an Australian woman raised by Italian parents.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed each of the stories. There were a few in particular that intrigued me, had me feeling what the characters were feeling and left me wanting to know more!
If this is a taste of Valerie’s style, then any novels she writes are bound to be even better.
April 29, 2022
This is such a beautiful collection of short stories grounded in family ties. The author explains at the start of the book that she's inserted her Italian heritage into the stories, and she really has! It gives the stories a nostalgic realness that's relatable even if you don't know what it's like to have a nonna. Favorites for me were Bookmarked Letter, about a librarian who finds a letter scavenger hunt from 50 years ago and sets out to solve it. Betrayal, about a woman grieving the loss of her sister, and The Promise where a famous actress writes to the love of her life, and the twist of what has happened to him will break your heart. There are upbeat stories too, about family connections and first loves, and they're all beautifully told by an author who knows how to bring characters to life and leave you wanting more in only a few pages.
April 12, 2022
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The stories within all flow easily and are quick to read. Ms Miller's writing style is beautiful, descriptive and emotive. Her characters grab you and pull you in almost effortlessly. I personally related to the majority of them in some way, generally because I grew up in Australia as a second-generation Aussie to a European family - something that plays a part in many of the stories.
My absolute favourite story in this book is Helena and Leo's, because I'm a sucker for a romance plot, but they are all gripping. I cried, I smiled a lot, and I thoroughly enjoyed Everything in Between from cover to cover. Well done, Ms Miller! I can't wait to read more from you.
The stories within all flow easily and are quick to read. Ms Miller's writing style is beautiful, descriptive and emotive. Her characters grab you and pull you in almost effortlessly. I personally related to the majority of them in some way, generally because I grew up in Australia as a second-generation Aussie to a European family - something that plays a part in many of the stories.
My absolute favourite story in this book is Helena and Leo's, because I'm a sucker for a romance plot, but they are all gripping. I cried, I smiled a lot, and I thoroughly enjoyed Everything in Between from cover to cover. Well done, Ms Miller! I can't wait to read more from you.
April 26, 2022
I loved dipping in and out of Everything in Between!
The stories were heartwarming and at times gut wrenching. Valerie captures the emotion equally well of large, life changing events as well as the subtle details that make up the human experience of everyday life. The characters had me wondering about them long after I closed the book.
The stories took me to far away places overseas as well as deep within myself with the relatable heartache of growing up, growing apart and finding a way to come back together with those we love.
I will certainly be looking out for more short story anthologies after this collection from Valerie.
The stories were heartwarming and at times gut wrenching. Valerie captures the emotion equally well of large, life changing events as well as the subtle details that make up the human experience of everyday life. The characters had me wondering about them long after I closed the book.
The stories took me to far away places overseas as well as deep within myself with the relatable heartache of growing up, growing apart and finding a way to come back together with those we love.
I will certainly be looking out for more short story anthologies after this collection from Valerie.
March 25, 2024
Valerie Miller has created a lovely collection of short stories, that are beautifully written and clearly come from a deep well of love. I found the characters to be very relatable and the Italian connection resonated deeply for me. (Some of the stories could have been from my own childhood.) I enjoyed the sprinkling of Italian words throughout and how thoughtful of the author to provide a glossary. The best thing, was being able to finish a single story in the time it took to drink my morning coffee. I look forward to reading more from this new and talented author.
May 26, 2022
This was a light read since it was filled with short stories and exactly what I needed to read after being too tired to read anything.
I wished the short stories was a bit longer especially the first one. I felt like it had an abrupt ending but that is sometimes the problem with reading short stories.
The writing is easy and it feels likes the author has experienced some of the stories herself because you could feel how the characters feels.
I wished the short stories was a bit longer especially the first one. I felt like it had an abrupt ending but that is sometimes the problem with reading short stories.
The writing is easy and it feels likes the author has experienced some of the stories herself because you could feel how the characters feels.
June 28, 2022
Valerie G Miller's 'Everything in Between' is a wonderful collection of short stories that will tug at the heartstrings.
This collection includes love, loss and some romance; here's a tip - keep a box of tissues handy.
They are easy to read and well written. If you're feeling the need for some enheartening stories this collection is for you. And don't be surprised, if after reading this collection, you also feel the need to ring your mum or your nonna.
This collection includes love, loss and some romance; here's a tip - keep a box of tissues handy.
They are easy to read and well written. If you're feeling the need for some enheartening stories this collection is for you. And don't be surprised, if after reading this collection, you also feel the need to ring your mum or your nonna.
June 28, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this lovely book. Valerie combines rich evocative prose and draws you in to the lives of the characters. I found myself being transported to another time and place similar to where I grew up
It was one of those books that I found myself reliving the precious moments day’s even weeks later
Can’t wait to read more from this Author
It was one of those books that I found myself reliving the precious moments day’s even weeks later
Can’t wait to read more from this Author
July 5, 2022
Valerie G Miller’s collection of short stories was a lovely holiday read. Her characters reminded me of those in the great Aussie classic “Looking for Alibrandi”- lots of Italian flavours with rebellious teenagers, nonnas, food and fashion. She has a great mix of humour and Pathos in her stories.
Read
September 25, 2022Everything in Between is a collection of stories of girls and young women tentatively finding their emotional way into their lives over the bumps and detours put in their paths. The stories carry themes of rebellion and renewal, family devotion, nostalgia and memory, learning about love, rejection and sadness, and with an overall tone of youthful naivety and hope. The cultural flavour throughout the collection is the Italian family in Australia, through the eyes of new generation daughters and their various perspectives. Through numerous scenes depicting meals, the author not only communicates her own love of food, but also the nurturing and uniting value meals have in the Italian culture.
The prose is fresh with crisp clean sentences. And while this collection is suitable for all readers, I would particularly recommend it as a gift for a YA reader. Ideal holiday reading.
The prose is fresh with crisp clean sentences. And while this collection is suitable for all readers, I would particularly recommend it as a gift for a YA reader. Ideal holiday reading.
November 17, 2022
‘We are shaped by our families’
This anthology deals a lot with cultural heritage versus assimilation. But is it really more of finding a balance rather than fighting it?
This anthology deals a lot with cultural heritage versus assimilation. But is it really more of finding a balance rather than fighting it?
March 21, 2023
I had never read a book of short stories, so I felt ambivalent.
I loved the cover. I was drawn to the pink sneakers and the relaxed feel.
What I liked was, at the end of a busy day and tired, I was able to read a whole story (sometimes I fell asleep before)! With some stories, it felt like it was over too soon.
The stories are of: courage, surprise, grandmotherly love, hope, sadness, three generations of women supporting each other (I had five at one time), shock ending, suspense, beautiful ending of acceptance, and finishes with some wisdom about life.
Two stories stand out:
* Before and After - This story is written from the viewpoint of each of the main two characters, Helena and Leo. The last section had my heart racing. The ending was unexpected until the last sentence!
* Purple Honey - Why this name? This story brought back memories of my deceased Italian father and the divorce of my parents (although the characters are different). The description of the Italian village made me long to visit my father's birthplace one day. The renovations of the home reminded me of the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun; maybe this story can be produced into a play or movie!?! In the end, the anticipated name of this story is revealed. Loved the suspense!
Overall, I enjoyed each imaginative story. I'm looking forward to the next books. Congratulations, Valerie!
Disclaimer: I'm Valerie's stepsister. I bought this book, and I have voluntarily and honestly written this book review; a first for me!
I loved the cover. I was drawn to the pink sneakers and the relaxed feel.
What I liked was, at the end of a busy day and tired, I was able to read a whole story (sometimes I fell asleep before)! With some stories, it felt like it was over too soon.
The stories are of: courage, surprise, grandmotherly love, hope, sadness, three generations of women supporting each other (I had five at one time), shock ending, suspense, beautiful ending of acceptance, and finishes with some wisdom about life.
Two stories stand out:
* Before and After - This story is written from the viewpoint of each of the main two characters, Helena and Leo. The last section had my heart racing. The ending was unexpected until the last sentence!
* Purple Honey - Why this name? This story brought back memories of my deceased Italian father and the divorce of my parents (although the characters are different). The description of the Italian village made me long to visit my father's birthplace one day. The renovations of the home reminded me of the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun; maybe this story can be produced into a play or movie!?! In the end, the anticipated name of this story is revealed. Loved the suspense!
Overall, I enjoyed each imaginative story. I'm looking forward to the next books. Congratulations, Valerie!
Disclaimer: I'm Valerie's stepsister. I bought this book, and I have voluntarily and honestly written this book review; a first for me!
April 7, 2025
I enjoyed reading these short stories of families, love and loss. I found the stories easy to read and enjoyable although a couple of them seemed to end abruptly. I would have liked more with those ones.
I also liked the Italian words the author used throughout the stories which come from her Italian background. My favourite story in the book took place in a library that took a librarian assistant on a scavenger hunt in the library.
What I liked about this book was I could pick it up after reading another book to relax and let these short stories take me to a quieter place than the other book I was reading.
I received a free copy of Everything in Between and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I also liked the Italian words the author used throughout the stories which come from her Italian background. My favourite story in the book took place in a library that took a librarian assistant on a scavenger hunt in the library.
What I liked about this book was I could pick it up after reading another book to relax and let these short stories take me to a quieter place than the other book I was reading.
I received a free copy of Everything in Between and I am leaving this review voluntarily
December 31, 2022
Simple stories with a theme, okay read but didn't engage me as much as I'd hoped.
And I'm not much for reading short stories.
Good on Valerie for getting herself published and engaging passionately in the industry.
I'll look forward to reading a novel when one comes up.
And I'm not much for reading short stories.
Good on Valerie for getting herself published and engaging passionately in the industry.
I'll look forward to reading a novel when one comes up.
November 14, 2025
An interesting collection of stories about family, friends and relationships. If you're familiar with traditional Italian families, you will absolutely connect. I also grew up in Sydney, Australia so that was also an added interest for me. Thanks #NetGalley
July 24, 2022
I must admit that I expected more from these stories. they are neither funny nor dramatic or tragic, just some everyday impressions.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews