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The Connecting Door
Norman has spent years building an enviable stable that is known and respected throughout England. In fact, everything in his life is exactly how he would like it to be ... except for his marriage. Twenty-nine years, five children and demanding responsibilities have led Norman and Martha to live separate lives.
When Norman realizes how little time they have together, he tries to change things only to find that the desire for closeness is not enough to make lasting change. Through the course of his attempts he realizes how little he has invested in the relationship that matters most and how much he has to give if he can make the time to show his interest.
When Norman realizes how little time they have together, he tries to change things only to find that the desire for closeness is not enough to make lasting change. Through the course of his attempts he realizes how little he has invested in the relationship that matters most and how much he has to give if he can make the time to show his interest.
74 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2022
70 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Josi S. Kilpack
82 books2,053 followers I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
September 22, 2022
Norman and Martha have been married for many years. In fact, their oldest son is in his "honeymoon phase" of marriage and catching them together leads Norman to desire to recapture that young love with his wife. Oh, how I can relate! It's so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of managing an estate (house) and family, as well as coming in to your title (job) and hobbies and lose sight of what matters most.
This endearing tale captures the attempts to recreate what is now lost and I was there for it. Kilpack writes engaging characters and the story flows from front cover to the last page.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
This endearing tale captures the attempts to recreate what is now lost and I was there for it. Kilpack writes engaging characters and the story flows from front cover to the last page.
Content: mild romance
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
September 26, 2022
The Connecting Door is the story of a mature couple married for 29 years. Their busy lives had led to them living separate lives under the same roof. I loved this novella that showed Norman realizing what had happened to him and Martha. He wakes up and tries to find ways to win her back. This realistic look at married life is a refreshing change from Newlyweds so in love. It truly shows how you have to make your partner your biggest priority.
There was ready humor along the way as many of Norman's attempts at reconciliation were blocked. He was dumbfounded at his bad luck. The last chapter of the book was the sweetest, as Martha revealed something to Norman that would have helped their marriage stay strong through the years. This is an enjoyable, quick read.
There was ready humor along the way as many of Norman's attempts at reconciliation were blocked. He was dumbfounded at his bad luck. The last chapter of the book was the sweetest, as Martha revealed something to Norman that would have helped their marriage stay strong through the years. This is an enjoyable, quick read.
May 24, 2023
I contemplated giving this 4 stars...not for the story, but for the message. This novella is about an older couple (married 29 years, so not terribly old) who find themselves not as much in love as they once were, taking each other for granted. This is a story I see played out over and over in real life in so many couples lives. The message to make time for each other and put your spouse first is so important! Unfortunately, there will be very few men who will read this and it does take two, so idk, not really the right content for a novel maybe... Just my opinion🤷🏼♀️
September 21, 2022
This was a cute and short novella about second chances. Norman has realized he wants to spend time with his wife, Martha, but getting there takes Norman through a bit of a maze until he realizes what Martha needs. It was about finding balance and righting his priorities in his life. It was very cute!
September 24, 2022
The Connecting Door is a lovely, sweet story that I very much enjoyed. The author does a wonderful job of walking the reader through Norman and Martha’s history, while experiencing the present and moving the story along. A very enjoyable and nice, quick read. I absolutely loved the ending.
September 20, 2022
Always love Josi’s stories! I just can’t ever put them down! This was a sweet moment in the marriage of mature adults figuring out how to work it out. The characters were just enough! Loved it!
October 3, 2022
This novella definitely pulled at my heart! I could feel the emotions and frustrations from both characters very keenly. Norman and Martha have been married for many years. They've got several children and many responsibilities that have often pulled them away from having time together. So many obligations and hobbies and much in between, has Norman so preoccupied for years that he's forgotten so many things about his wife and their marriage and their love.
A memory is jarred when he comes upon his newlywed son and daughter-in-law sharing a sweet kiss. Then more memories of his marriage with Martha start to come and he realizes he hasn't done much to nurture their relationship in quite a while.
Norman was a character that I wanted to shake my head at (ok I not only wanted to, but I did!) and I wanted to give him a good shake of his shoulders telling him to "wake up!" But I also could relate and I was applauding him for his efforts, even if sometimes (or a lot of times) he was just bumbling and not quite succeeding in his attempts at wooing Martha. He was definitely a very "human" character that was easy to relate to. And yet, he was also one who made me want to learn from him. As I know life can get busy and carry us away from what is important. If something is important we need to keep our sights on it and nurture it, especially relationships (in this case between husband and wife).
It was a quick and delightful and thought provoking read that I hope everyone who picks it up can enjoy! I loved the ending, it didn't quite happen how I had been imagining it would, it was better!
This was originally released as part of the Horses, Hounds & Happily Ever After Anthology but is being released as an individual novella. I'm not sure if the anthology is available anymore as it was for a promotion. But I know the authors are starting to publish their novellas individually.
Content: Clean. Some mention of marital relations but nothing graphic, I thought it was tastefully done.
I received a copy from the author but already had my own as part of the Anthology. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
A memory is jarred when he comes upon his newlywed son and daughter-in-law sharing a sweet kiss. Then more memories of his marriage with Martha start to come and he realizes he hasn't done much to nurture their relationship in quite a while.
Norman was a character that I wanted to shake my head at (ok I not only wanted to, but I did!) and I wanted to give him a good shake of his shoulders telling him to "wake up!" But I also could relate and I was applauding him for his efforts, even if sometimes (or a lot of times) he was just bumbling and not quite succeeding in his attempts at wooing Martha. He was definitely a very "human" character that was easy to relate to. And yet, he was also one who made me want to learn from him. As I know life can get busy and carry us away from what is important. If something is important we need to keep our sights on it and nurture it, especially relationships (in this case between husband and wife).
It was a quick and delightful and thought provoking read that I hope everyone who picks it up can enjoy! I loved the ending, it didn't quite happen how I had been imagining it would, it was better!
This was originally released as part of the Horses, Hounds & Happily Ever After Anthology but is being released as an individual novella. I'm not sure if the anthology is available anymore as it was for a promotion. But I know the authors are starting to publish their novellas individually.
Content: Clean. Some mention of marital relations but nothing graphic, I thought it was tastefully done.
I received a copy from the author but already had my own as part of the Anthology. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
October 12, 2022
This is a clean romance novella, from an author I shared about many times, @authorjosiskilpack. It’s so fun to share her work with you, because I’ve known her for at least 20 years. And it doesn’t disappoint, I loved the characters and the reality of the circumstances these characters navigate thru.
Now back to the book - Norman and Martha have been married for years, in fact their oldest son is married and still living the “honeymoon phase” of his marriage. This leads Norman into realizing he misses those moments with his wife Martha. As he starts to remember their lives when stealing kisses and using the connecting door of their suites, he realizes he will have to make some hard choices between having that part of his relationship back or being so hands on in the day to day details of the life they’ve built together, while falling away from each other.
The ways he attempts to corrects this and his mindset rang so true to real life for me. Those of you with a mature relationship will really be able to relate to this struggle. It’s definitely not a new one for marriages, but sometimes it’s hard to make the changes necessary to make your marriage thrive. Both Martha and Norman need to make choices as they recognize the need for intimacy!
This is a short book, and yet so poignant! I absolutely loved Norman and it was so good for me to see his thought process and at the same time see how Martha felt and how she had set aside her pride and be willing to take time for Norman.
I smiled, laughed, remembered some moments in my marriage I could have made some changes, I cried and I hugged my kindle!! Weird I know, I despise that thing! But this story was perfect!
Thanks Josi for the opportunity to read this novella, and although she supplied me the book, she doesn’t sway my opinions! They are all mine!
Now back to the book - Norman and Martha have been married for years, in fact their oldest son is married and still living the “honeymoon phase” of his marriage. This leads Norman into realizing he misses those moments with his wife Martha. As he starts to remember their lives when stealing kisses and using the connecting door of their suites, he realizes he will have to make some hard choices between having that part of his relationship back or being so hands on in the day to day details of the life they’ve built together, while falling away from each other.
The ways he attempts to corrects this and his mindset rang so true to real life for me. Those of you with a mature relationship will really be able to relate to this struggle. It’s definitely not a new one for marriages, but sometimes it’s hard to make the changes necessary to make your marriage thrive. Both Martha and Norman need to make choices as they recognize the need for intimacy!
This is a short book, and yet so poignant! I absolutely loved Norman and it was so good for me to see his thought process and at the same time see how Martha felt and how she had set aside her pride and be willing to take time for Norman.
I smiled, laughed, remembered some moments in my marriage I could have made some changes, I cried and I hugged my kindle!! Weird I know, I despise that thing! But this story was perfect!
Thanks Josi for the opportunity to read this novella, and although she supplied me the book, she doesn’t sway my opinions! They are all mine!
September 22, 2022
Most regency novels revolve around debutants and new love. This novella includes an older married couple that has fallen into living parallel lives. I loved the idea of noticing each other and making an effort to revive a relationship. I loved this second chance love story! If you need a quick read that pulls you into the story, check it out!
April 18, 2023
I think I'm getting old because I like reading stories with middle aged characters. This one is from the point of view of a father and husband who has been successful and led a good life, but hasn't given his family the attention that they need, and how he tries to make it up to them, especially his wife.
April 20, 2024
It was fun to read a book from only a husband’s perspective. And not just a husband, but one that’s been married for 29 years (same as me). He realizes he and his wife have grown apart and he tries to rectify it. He has a little owning up to do on his own end, which he has the grace and humility to realize. It was a short, sweet book.
July 22, 2023
5 STARS, REGENCY 2ND CHANCE
First in the Series for this 5 STARS read of an unusual Lord who suddenly after an encounter with his heir & new daughter in law is stunned to realize how long it had been since he & his wife had done the same thing as the red cheeked young newly married couple.
Norman realized it had been 5 years since he had come into his title & his time with his wife of over 20 years had gotten pushed back more than it even had before. When his father was sick, they started losing time together because he had to work with diligence to make the stables a success.
Martha had more calls on her time, their children, his sick father, helping his mother, and after the title, all that entailed.
Norman knew they were successful in the over all aspects of life, but he started realizing he had let slip by something of utmost importance. Yes, & he definitely needed to work at getting it back.
A second chance at love being pursued in a most unique manner! I enjoyed this novella & really didn't know whether to laugh or feel sadness for Norman, at times. His gift of apples he had purchased his wife, definitely made me laugh out loud for awhile! It gave so much, the gift itself & why, the farmer grabbing an opportunity, Norman stashing said gift in his bedroom, and then his myriad of thoughts about the gift after conversation
with his wife after dinner. This was so delicious, showed he was really putting some deep down thoughts into it.
RECOMMENDED. 1ST Time Reader but not last time. Great Series Starter!
Clean Language
First in the Series for this 5 STARS read of an unusual Lord who suddenly after an encounter with his heir & new daughter in law is stunned to realize how long it had been since he & his wife had done the same thing as the red cheeked young newly married couple.
Norman realized it had been 5 years since he had come into his title & his time with his wife of over 20 years had gotten pushed back more than it even had before. When his father was sick, they started losing time together because he had to work with diligence to make the stables a success.
Martha had more calls on her time, their children, his sick father, helping his mother, and after the title, all that entailed.
Norman knew they were successful in the over all aspects of life, but he started realizing he had let slip by something of utmost importance. Yes, & he definitely needed to work at getting it back.
A second chance at love being pursued in a most unique manner! I enjoyed this novella & really didn't know whether to laugh or feel sadness for Norman, at times. His gift of apples he had purchased his wife, definitely made me laugh out loud for awhile! It gave so much, the gift itself & why, the farmer grabbing an opportunity, Norman stashing said gift in his bedroom, and then his myriad of thoughts about the gift after conversation
with his wife after dinner. This was so delicious, showed he was really putting some deep down thoughts into it.
RECOMMENDED. 1ST Time Reader but not last time. Great Series Starter!
Clean Language
February 20, 2024
A very sweet unique story about an earl that suddenly realizes that he is happy everywhere in his life except his marriage.
The writing is very well done, especially given that a female author was writing from a man’s POV, and yet it was still believable; his musings and reminiscing, but also his complete cluelessness and reactions to his prose being wounded.
Many aspects of regency life are explored in a new way that those of us who read this genre are aware of but might not have realized the extent to how much separation between the lives of men and women there truly was during this time period. It was fascinating to read
I do feel like this book needs a trigger warning of ALL THE FEELS but also, how many women who are reading these books are desperate for their husbands to wake up and notice them like this earl did.
So for the ladies out there that are struggling in their marriages, this might not be the book for them to read. I know it would have caused me much more heartache than I could bear had I read it in my first marriage (my first husband never did make me a priority).
The writing is very well done, especially given that a female author was writing from a man’s POV, and yet it was still believable; his musings and reminiscing, but also his complete cluelessness and reactions to his prose being wounded.
Many aspects of regency life are explored in a new way that those of us who read this genre are aware of but might not have realized the extent to how much separation between the lives of men and women there truly was during this time period. It was fascinating to read
I do feel like this book needs a trigger warning of ALL THE FEELS but also, how many women who are reading these books are desperate for their husbands to wake up and notice them like this earl did.
So for the ladies out there that are struggling in their marriages, this might not be the book for them to read. I know it would have caused me much more heartache than I could bear had I read it in my first marriage (my first husband never did make me a priority).
January 7, 2023
kindle unlimited 25/?
Norman and Martha have a perfectly fine marriage of nearly 30 years, but it's gone the way of many long-lasting marriages and the two rarely connect on any sort of emotional level anymore. They're like ships in the night; each tending to their own business ( his the stables, hers the household) and hardly even speak to one another, let alone spend meaningful time together.
After witnessing their son and his new wife's much more affectionate love for one another, Norman realizes he's lost both the spark and the friendship he once had with his wife and seeks to bring it back to their marriage.
A sweet novella and I liked that we were seeing a side of romance that isn't often portrayed, but I did like a bit more could have been done with the characters and story as a whole. It felt a little flat.
Norman and Martha have a perfectly fine marriage of nearly 30 years, but it's gone the way of many long-lasting marriages and the two rarely connect on any sort of emotional level anymore. They're like ships in the night; each tending to their own business ( his the stables, hers the household) and hardly even speak to one another, let alone spend meaningful time together.
After witnessing their son and his new wife's much more affectionate love for one another, Norman realizes he's lost both the spark and the friendship he once had with his wife and seeks to bring it back to their marriage.
A sweet novella and I liked that we were seeing a side of romance that isn't often portrayed, but I did like a bit more could have been done with the characters and story as a whole. It felt a little flat.
September 30, 2022
This is such a cute novella. I love reading novellas because they are easy to finish in an afternoon. And I especially love them when they are as intriguing as this one.
I loved the way that the author had the whole point of view be through Norman’s eyes. That’s not something you usually see. But it really worked with this one. I loved how Norman noticed things about his life and relationship with his wife that weren’t the same as they used to be. And he went about trying to fix them.
But Norman found out, eventually, that his wife had noticed long ago that things weren’t the same. And that left Norman needing to fix some things about himself. I really loved that he was willing to listen and try.
This is such a cute second chance novella. It’s a pleasant afternoon’s reading.
I was sent an e-copy of The Connecting Door as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
I loved the way that the author had the whole point of view be through Norman’s eyes. That’s not something you usually see. But it really worked with this one. I loved how Norman noticed things about his life and relationship with his wife that weren’t the same as they used to be. And he went about trying to fix them.
But Norman found out, eventually, that his wife had noticed long ago that things weren’t the same. And that left Norman needing to fix some things about himself. I really loved that he was willing to listen and try.
This is such a cute second chance novella. It’s a pleasant afternoon’s reading.
I was sent an e-copy of The Connecting Door as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 3, 2023
Norman and his wife have been married over 20 years. They have grown children now. After their oldest gets married, and is in the honeymoon stage, Norman thinks about his own marriage. When was the last time he kissed his wife? He sets out to be close to her again as they have grown apart. But it’s not as easy as he would have thought.
This novella was so cute! I loved it! I loved how much Norman tried and failed to reconnect with his wife. I liked watching him rediscover his wife and who she is now. I felt bad for him at times though. Overall a great quick read. Very clean! Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novella was so cute! I loved it! I loved how much Norman tried and failed to reconnect with his wife. I liked watching him rediscover his wife and who she is now. I felt bad for him at times though. Overall a great quick read. Very clean! Definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 1, 2023
Worth the wait
I liked that even though there was a lot of miscommunication between the wife and husband that with some time and effort that this couple was able to put their past behind and focus on their future together. I liked Norman as he saw what was missing in their relationship, and worked so hard to repair it. He is a very endearing character that I have come to appreciate. I didn’t like that this book was so short but it’s relatable to all that want their marriages to last!
I liked that even though there was a lot of miscommunication between the wife and husband that with some time and effort that this couple was able to put their past behind and focus on their future together. I liked Norman as he saw what was missing in their relationship, and worked so hard to repair it. He is a very endearing character that I have come to appreciate. I didn’t like that this book was so short but it’s relatable to all that want their marriages to last!
August 22, 2024
Sweet Second Chance
What a delight to read of an older married couple who have drifted so far apart that their relationship is little more than that of housemates.
Though Norman tries to remedy the situation, in the end Martha makes him understand how his behaviour over the 29 years of their marriage has landed them in this state. The reader’s heart breaks for them both.
This is a lovely story that pulls on the heart strings. It’s a delight to read and I recommend that you do.
What a delight to read of an older married couple who have drifted so far apart that their relationship is little more than that of housemates.
Though Norman tries to remedy the situation, in the end Martha makes him understand how his behaviour over the 29 years of their marriage has landed them in this state. The reader’s heart breaks for them both.
This is a lovely story that pulls on the heart strings. It’s a delight to read and I recommend that you do.
September 23, 2022
Short, sweet novella. I could relate to these characters, especially as they were trying to navigate their relationship amongst time and changes. It's a reminder at how quickly life goes, and how it relationships take work and communication. I would have enjoyed to read Marta's perspective. But I loved the idea 'the door has never been locked', when in fact we almost sabotage ourselves when we get caught up in the mundane of life.
October 2, 2022
This is a sweet story about an older couple. Norman realizes one day how distant he and his wife Martha have grown apart. I love how he tries to find things that she likes and bring back the love that they had again. He watches and tries to find the little things that will make her happy again. It's a good reminder for anyone to not take things for granted. Remember to love the things you have. Loved this book!
January 31, 2023
3.5 stars, may round up after thought
This is a historical romance novella, 100% spice free. A husband of a couple who have been married for 29 years, realizes he feels disconnected from his wife. He goes about trying to win back her affection, but realizes he needs to shift his views.
I love the concept, and the characters have pretty good draw for a short piece. But, it was a teeny bit too dry, I wish it had more humor or something. I’ll read the next one, as they’re so short.
This is a historical romance novella, 100% spice free. A husband of a couple who have been married for 29 years, realizes he feels disconnected from his wife. He goes about trying to win back her affection, but realizes he needs to shift his views.
I love the concept, and the characters have pretty good draw for a short piece. But, it was a teeny bit too dry, I wish it had more humor or something. I’ll read the next one, as they’re so short.
September 16, 2022
Never to old to learn new tricks
I loved this awakening of an old yet new love. Seeing our selfish self serving lives as empty compared to selfless unconditional love. True passion springs from understanding and trust. This must have time and interest. Time to truly share big and little thoughts, big and little activities.
I loved this awakening of an old yet new love. Seeing our selfish self serving lives as empty compared to selfless unconditional love. True passion springs from understanding and trust. This must have time and interest. Time to truly share big and little thoughts, big and little activities.
September 16, 2022
I read this right when I saw it come out! Love the idea of a rekindling romance after many years of marriage vs young love but since this was a novella I felt like a lot of the book was kinda stressing me out because their relationship was not in good standing. It of course ends well and has a great message, one I can definitely apply to my own marriage.
September 17, 2022
A sweet story about a married couple finding the magic again
I love Josi's stories. I like to read them over and over. I like the change in situation. A mature couple finding their relationship and love again. A lesson in always putting those we live first and making them our priority. This is a great story.
I love Josi's stories. I like to read them over and over. I like the change in situation. A mature couple finding their relationship and love again. A lesson in always putting those we live first and making them our priority. This is a great story.
January 15, 2023
Not my cup of tea
Sweet but pretty boring and typos abound. Martha seemed too standoffish and Norman too bumbling but some of it is probably realistic—the slipping into roles and not friendship is insightful. But still. Not for me. I also didn’t realize it was a novella. Novellas just aren’t complex enough for me.
Sweet but pretty boring and typos abound. Martha seemed too standoffish and Norman too bumbling but some of it is probably realistic—the slipping into roles and not friendship is insightful. But still. Not for me. I also didn’t realize it was a novella. Novellas just aren’t complex enough for me.
February 20, 2023
Twist
So many romance writers focus on new love for the young. This was a very different story focusing on the relationship of a long-married couple. There was not much of an outside plot and little development of side characters. The book mostly focuses on Norman and his introspection.
Clean romance.
So many romance writers focus on new love for the young. This was a very different story focusing on the relationship of a long-married couple. There was not much of an outside plot and little development of side characters. The book mostly focuses on Norman and his introspection.
Clean romance.
September 16, 2022
This is a sweet novella, following an old married couple. The neglectful husband Norman wakes up one day to realize he and his wife Martha have lived very separate lives for years, and he wants to change that.
October 3, 2022
This was a cute 2 hour read for me today. I enjoyed the later in life rekindling romance storyline. I felt like Josi could easily have made this into a longer novella, but I enjoyed the quickness of the read as well.
November 2, 2022
So good usually
Thus feels like half a book. It ends abruptly and needs more dramatic tension.
It is more of a short story. Josi Kilpack is usually so good but I would skip this one.
Thus feels like half a book. It ends abruptly and needs more dramatic tension.
It is more of a short story. Josi Kilpack is usually so good but I would skip this one.
December 5, 2022
A regency romance story about a couple of mature age ,unusual and interesting, but a bit short, I could have enjoyed more with more pages to tell a complete story about past/present ,more plot and character development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews