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The Hours In Between: A Novel
Liz used to have the luxury of time. Now she doesn’t.
In this bittersweet and emotional love story Liz Taite proves that it is never too late to begin to live the life of your dreams.
One moment can change everything. When Liz Taite, the co-owner of a posh Manhattan art gallery, learns that she has only six months or less to live, she knows that she’s running out of time.
So, she does exactly what most people wouldn’t she leaves her blessed life –– minus the cheating husband –– and sets out to change her life in a way that surprises even her.
Ignoring her fears, she boards a train to Los Angeles to be closer to her kids and so begins her last adventure.
To make sense of the unraveling of her life, Liz begins to write a journal in which she feels free to not only to express her thoughts and fears but also to tell the story of her life.
Living in the now and with as little regret as possible, Liz slowly settles into her new reality. And just when she thought she had it all figured out, a series of extraordinary people enter Liz’s world. Among them are a talented gardener, a retired basketball player, and a realtor named Susan who quickly becomes her friend.
Susan not only leads Liz to an enchanting house with a history, but also introduces her to Sam, a captivating veterinarian, who steals her heart and opens up a world to her that she never thought possible.
One moment can change everything. When Liz Taite, the co-owner of a posh Manhattan art gallery, learns that she has only six months or less to live, she knows that she’s running out of time.
So, she does exactly what most people wouldn’t she leaves her blessed life –– minus the cheating husband –– and sets out to change her life in a way that surprises even her.
Ignoring her fears, she boards a train to Los Angeles to be closer to her kids and so begins her last adventure.
To make sense of the unraveling of her life, Liz begins to write a journal in which she feels free to not only to express her thoughts and fears but also to tell the story of her life.
Living in the now and with as little regret as possible, Liz slowly settles into her new reality. And just when she thought she had it all figured out, a series of extraordinary people enter Liz’s world. Among them are a talented gardener, a retired basketball player, and a realtor named Susan who quickly becomes her friend.
Susan not only leads Liz to an enchanting house with a history, but also introduces her to Sam, a captivating veterinarian, who steals her heart and opens up a world to her that she never thought possible.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2022
5 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Barry
2 books6 followersOlivia Barry is an award-winning screenwriter who turned to writing novels, something she tremendously enjoys. Besides writing in coffee shops, she loves dogs, traveling, photography, and long beach walks. She lives in New England.
You can connect with her @ www.olivia-barry.com or follow her on Substack @oliviabarryauthor.
You can connect with her @ www.olivia-barry.com or follow her on Substack @oliviabarryauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 31, 2023
I loved this book from the very first page to the very last. That’s rare for me to say, but it was truly perfect in every way.
“At almost 55, I finally figured it all out: what matters most was and still is carpe diem. The point is the moment — the moment — the very breath one is taking, the very step one is making right now. It’s about our ability to live in the moment we’re given. The choices we make. How we respond to our fears and pains. The now. It’s the only thing we can be sure of.”
“At almost 55, I finally figured it all out: what matters most was and still is carpe diem. The point is the moment — the moment — the very breath one is taking, the very step one is making right now. It’s about our ability to live in the moment we’re given. The choices we make. How we respond to our fears and pains. The now. It’s the only thing we can be sure of.”
November 9, 2022
A creative, sensitive, poignant and memorable love story that leaves the reader hungering for more. The best books not only entertain, they encourage the reader to self-reflect. How would we react if we found ourselves in a similar boat as Lizzie? How would we spend not just the hours, but the minutes and seconds in between? This wonderful little story inspires us to have gratitude for both the littlest of things and the biggest of things. It would make a terrific television program or movie.
March 8, 2023
I can’t get Olivia Barry’s story, The Hours in Between, out of my mind. It hit very close to home, as my younger sister received a fatal diagnosis and died of cancer right after Christmas. Choose life, we’re told. And yet the story’s protagonist, Liz, demonstrates that “life” doesn’t mean prolonging being alive for extra days or weeks, but rather, living fully, being in the moment, pursuing what is dear. Counting down the remaining days of one’s life might seem a bit macabre, but Ms. Barry uses this device to make the reader hyper-aware that every day matters. We don’t need a fatal diagnosis to learn the value of gratitude, friendship, love, and generosity. Ms. Barry weaves lessons of living fully with story lines of a last chance at romance, mystery, and forgiveness. I’ve gone back and re-read parts of the book simply to enjoy Ms. Barry’s beautiful prose.
July 11, 2023
What a beautiful little read. Loved the writing style and the way the story flowed like a diary.
Even though I'm a middle-aged man that could do with losing a few pounds, I really related to Liz's story.
No spoilers, but it really gives you a chance to reflect and possibly alter any future decisions that you're going to make at some point. Gratitude, honesty, compassion ... All brought up to the surface while reading this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can't wait for Olivia's next addition to the shelf.
Brilliant.
Even though I'm a middle-aged man that could do with losing a few pounds, I really related to Liz's story.
No spoilers, but it really gives you a chance to reflect and possibly alter any future decisions that you're going to make at some point. Gratitude, honesty, compassion ... All brought up to the surface while reading this one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and can't wait for Olivia's next addition to the shelf.
Brilliant.
March 26, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from Olivia Barry! It's thoughtful, provocative and challenges you to take a look at your own choices in life, through the lens of her protagonist, Liz. Ms. Barry uses words like paint to create layered, textured and colorful images on every page. It's must read for all those book clubs out there looking for their next, new discovery - Olivia Barry is one to watch!
March 25, 2023
Olivia‘s debut novel is great read! A warmhearted woman and mother turns her life 180 degree when forced to face it‘s end. Reading the diary of her last days is like crawling into her mind: full of love, but still thought provoking with a good dose of romance and a dash of sadness. You will love it. Grab your copy, make you a cup of tea and sip it in style as Liz would have done it.
October 15, 2022
“The Hours in Between” is a lovely read that brings out all your emotions. I like reading something that makes you think afterwards, which this story surely does. Love, friendship and life choices. Make sure to have some tissues ready!
November 19, 2022
Very lovely and thoughtful novel!
Olivia Barry has a very elegant and touching way to write. I was taken away by the heart warming story of Liz. With her writing, Olivia Barry shows us that it is never too late to follow our dreams. I am looking forward to reading her next book.
Olivia Barry has a very elegant and touching way to write. I was taken away by the heart warming story of Liz. With her writing, Olivia Barry shows us that it is never too late to follow our dreams. I am looking forward to reading her next book.
January 27, 2023
such a special book written by a special person
October 15, 2022
I absolutely loved this novel by Olivia Barry. "The Hours In Between" is one woman’s journey, literally and figuratively. A story told in the form of a diary. Such a great choice! It all felt so personal and immediate. The minute Liz is broadsided with her diagnosis we’re broadsided too. One of my favorite moments is how the author describes Liz’s mental state when she walks out of the doctor’s office that first time. I was right there with her through her ups and downs. And when Liz decides to make changes to her life, I'm on that train to California rooting her on. As Miss Barry turns a sad story into a love story. A remarkable feat. This was a story about Liz but really it's a story about life. It shines a mirror on all of our lives asking, ‘Are you making the most out of yours?’ The author certainly made the most out of her compassionate, romantic novel. I know what I’m stuffing stockings with this winter!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews