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Between February and November
From Award winning author, Patti Lee, her debut novel "Between February and November" delves into the messy uncertainty of long-term marriages. Being in the wrong place at the right time can change your life in an instant.
That February morning started out like any other; Layla Ranker got her kids ready for school and her husband off to work before she went to work herself. It went downhill from there. An unfortunate event took her two towns away from home where she happened to see her husband, Alan, with a young, attractive woman going into a hotel.
Devastated, Layla contemplates the last twenty years of her life and wonders if Alan regrets marrying her right after high school. Old wounds are opened as she struggles to figure out what went wrong.
Can they rekindle what they once had?
That February morning started out like any other; Layla Ranker got her kids ready for school and her husband off to work before she went to work herself. It went downhill from there. An unfortunate event took her two towns away from home where she happened to see her husband, Alan, with a young, attractive woman going into a hotel.
Devastated, Layla contemplates the last twenty years of her life and wonders if Alan regrets marrying her right after high school. Old wounds are opened as she struggles to figure out what went wrong.
Can they rekindle what they once had?
- GenresContemporary
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
53 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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August 23, 2023Skimmed and speed read.Many time jumps.Not what I'd thought.Emotional affair that he labels friendship, blaming their shaky marriage and his current relationship w ow on a tragedy occurring early in the marriage. Ow wants him bad, he doesn't see it.Enjoys the attention and listening ear.Lies to wife about working late to spend time with her.Wife sees them together, follows them to hotel after interacting w ow in restroom,her intentions clear.He snaps out of it,doesn't follow through...so perceived cheating element.
I will have to read proper in future if mood strikes.No rating today,obviously.
I will have to read proper in future if mood strikes.No rating today,obviously.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2022
Between February and November is an extremely relatable, and emotionally charged look into the trials and tribulations of a long term marriage. When Layla comes upon a scene that makes her question her husbands fidelity, she begins to question whether her marriage to her high school sweetheart is worth saving. The author expertly weaves a tale of what brought them to this point, and how they decide to move forward.
December 5, 2022
I loved this book! Deeply felt across a range of human emotion, it’s a highly charged tale of a long-married couple meeting a challenging turning point. The dual timeline interweaves the past in their teenage years with the current time period. A third narrator adds complexity and depth to a beautifully written, carefully unfolding story. The couple’s past impinges on their present, and they are driven to raw honesty in their marriage. Highly recommend this talented author!
February 2, 2025
Hmmm, this was so insubstantial - not what I was expecting.
Just a married ol' couple who almost lost each other - or did they?
The flashbacks were pretty annoying - because the author tries to enhance or flesh out an otherwise uneventful story.
And it all happens within a day.
Just a married ol' couple who almost lost each other - or did they?
The flashbacks were pretty annoying - because the author tries to enhance or flesh out an otherwise uneventful story.
And it all happens within a day.
July 4, 2024
❤❤
I enjoyed this book. To me it was more realistic than some of the others I have read. Sometimes people just get so comfortable with each other they forget to connect. Very good book.
I enjoyed this book. To me it was more realistic than some of the others I have read. Sometimes people just get so comfortable with each other they forget to connect. Very good book.
May 7, 2024
That February morning started out like any other; Layla Ranker got her kids ready for school and her husband off to work before she went to work herself. It went downhill from there. An unfortunate event took her two towns away from home where she happened to see her husband, Alan, with a young, attractive woman going into a hotel.Devastated, Layla contemplates the last twenty years of her life and wonders if Alan regrets marrying her right after high school. Old wounds are opened as she struggles to figure out what went wrong.Can they rekindle what they once had?
🐾
"Between February and November" is a contemporary novel by Patti Lee that delves into the complexities of a relationship marred by the intrusion of a third party. Alan and Layla, a married couple, find their bond tested as doubts of infidelity begin to surface. Throughout the story, Lee skillfully portrays Layla's pain, offering flashbacks of their relationship over the years where these doubts emerge. What adds depth to the narrative is the perspective of Melanie, the 'Other Woman', as we gain insight into the couple's turmoil through her eyes.
I'm not usually a fan of stories involving cheating, whether it's actual, implied, emotional, or physical, so I'm somewhat conflicted about the plot. However, I must commend the author for handling the subject matter tastefully and weaving a compelling tale. The shifting timelines and points of view kept me engaged, as I eagerly anticipated each new revelation about the dynamics of the relationship.
In the end, "Between February and November" is a well-crafted novel with realistic themes and a touch of intrigue.
🐾
Rated 7/10
Melina L.
🐾
"Between February and November" is a contemporary novel by Patti Lee that delves into the complexities of a relationship marred by the intrusion of a third party. Alan and Layla, a married couple, find their bond tested as doubts of infidelity begin to surface. Throughout the story, Lee skillfully portrays Layla's pain, offering flashbacks of their relationship over the years where these doubts emerge. What adds depth to the narrative is the perspective of Melanie, the 'Other Woman', as we gain insight into the couple's turmoil through her eyes.
I'm not usually a fan of stories involving cheating, whether it's actual, implied, emotional, or physical, so I'm somewhat conflicted about the plot. However, I must commend the author for handling the subject matter tastefully and weaving a compelling tale. The shifting timelines and points of view kept me engaged, as I eagerly anticipated each new revelation about the dynamics of the relationship.
In the end, "Between February and November" is a well-crafted novel with realistic themes and a touch of intrigue.
🐾
Rated 7/10
Melina L.
January 7, 2025
Time jumps didn’t work for me, had to keep going back to double-check timeframes I was in, but was probably more of a me issue. I enjoyed the OW’s chapters with her perspective. Something we don’t usually get in cheating tropes. We are all maybe one bad decision from being the bad guy in someone’s story, so knowing her past helps see why she’s searching for something in particular she thought she found in MMC. Doesn’t excuse her actions but bring light.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
❤️😭❤️😭❤️😭❤️
Lessons. They can be hard, devastating. How we move forward is the key. Layla and Alan worked for it. Loss can destroy. These two almost let it take them down. Great read.
Lessons. They can be hard, devastating. How we move forward is the key. Layla and Alan worked for it. Loss can destroy. These two almost let it take them down. Great read.
November 10, 2022
The Review
This was a tense and emotional read. The author did a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that felt both realistic and engaging to the reader. The tension and atmosphere the author built around the cast of characters really heightened the imagery that made this story feel more cinematic and dramatic in its delivery.
The characters were the true heart of this story. The way the author showcased the point of view of the three main players in this story and woven the backstories of these characters from their pasts into the development of these drastic turns of events in the present made this feel both grounded and mesmerizing in its delivery. The themes of love, loss, and relationships, in general, were so profoundly felt in this book and made me feel connected to the characters and their hardships in this tale.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, emotional, and thoughtful in its approach, author Patti Lee’s “Between February and November” is a must-read contemporary women’s fiction and family drama novel of 2022. The relatability of these characters and the heartbreak surrounding the situations they face all culminate in some twists and turns that make the readers feel shocked at the turn of events that this narrative takes.
This was a tense and emotional read. The author did a fantastic job of crafting a narrative that felt both realistic and engaging to the reader. The tension and atmosphere the author built around the cast of characters really heightened the imagery that made this story feel more cinematic and dramatic in its delivery.
The characters were the true heart of this story. The way the author showcased the point of view of the three main players in this story and woven the backstories of these characters from their pasts into the development of these drastic turns of events in the present made this feel both grounded and mesmerizing in its delivery. The themes of love, loss, and relationships, in general, were so profoundly felt in this book and made me feel connected to the characters and their hardships in this tale.
The Verdict
Heartfelt, emotional, and thoughtful in its approach, author Patti Lee’s “Between February and November” is a must-read contemporary women’s fiction and family drama novel of 2022. The relatability of these characters and the heartbreak surrounding the situations they face all culminate in some twists and turns that make the readers feel shocked at the turn of events that this narrative takes.
August 1, 2025
This is heartbreaking…
First, no spoilers about the plot, except… the FMC sees her husband in a bar with another woman. That’s the beginning, and the rest is how their relationship develops over the next couple of days. There are a couple of flashbacks, and there are several different POVs.
The character development is really interesting. I totally enjoyed the journey these characters took, because it felt real.
This looked interesting, so I bought it. It’s more a marriage-in-trouble story than anything… I took a chance on this because I had points, but this is very well written and I highly recommend it.
First, no spoilers about the plot, except… the FMC sees her husband in a bar with another woman. That’s the beginning, and the rest is how their relationship develops over the next couple of days. There are a couple of flashbacks, and there are several different POVs.
The character development is really interesting. I totally enjoyed the journey these characters took, because it felt real.
This looked interesting, so I bought it. It’s more a marriage-in-trouble story than anything… I took a chance on this because I had points, but this is very well written and I highly recommend it.
October 19, 2024
First time author for me. It was a good book, interesting story that read as multiple diary page view points. Although the date switching confused me at points, was quite happy how it ended.
November 14, 2024
Not a fan of the the backward and flashback storytelling.
December 25, 2024
Layla and Alan
Enjoyed this well written love story that was caught before it derailed. Alan and Layla are both loving and compassionate. Found story real and intriguing?
Enjoyed this well written love story that was caught before it derailed. Alan and Layla are both loving and compassionate. Found story real and intriguing?
June 23, 2024
All the feels..in a good way
Very raw, real and honest. There was nothing unrealIstic or over the top, but it was still satisfying. Cheating tropes are my favorite when done well.
Very raw, real and honest. There was nothing unrealIstic or over the top, but it was still satisfying. Cheating tropes are my favorite when done well.
June 21, 2024
Horrible
Didn't like it at all it jumped around to much the husband was a complete idiot.. I mean come on and
Didn't like it at all it jumped around to much the husband was a complete idiot.. I mean come on and
September 14, 2024
Sweet
I went into this book expecting something a little different, but was pleasantly surprised. The story is actually really sweet and Alan is a teddy bear of a husband. It's also a realistic portrayal of how marriages fall into complacency. I enjoyed it.
I went into this book expecting something a little different, but was pleasantly surprised. The story is actually really sweet and Alan is a teddy bear of a husband. It's also a realistic portrayal of how marriages fall into complacency. I enjoyed it.
November 21, 2022
At the start of Between February and November, my heart immediately broke for Layla, a New England housewife who follows her husband and another woman to a hotel parking lot. I didn’t want to like Alan right away, but from his pov you could see the pain in his life and how much he truly loved his wife. We jump back to when they were a couple in high school and it just made me love them both even more. By the end of the book, what started as a story of betrayal turned into absolute heartache and it feels like I lived besides the characters and felt everything they did. What seems like an impossible happy ending turns out to be the start of a new beginning and I couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Thank you Patti Lee for sharing this story with me!
Thank you Patti Lee for sharing this story with me!
December 19, 2022
I loved this story. From the very beginning, the depth and detail given to the characters, had me visualizing the story, like I was watching it take place in front of me. This was a story of love and committment, lost souls that find their way back to each other. I felt conflicted and intrigued as the story-line revealed itself. I was rooting for Layla and Alan, but had no idea where they were headed until the final paragraphs. Two things I love most in a good read: details that make the characters visible, and a plot that could turn in any direction. This book had both! I highly recommend it.
November 20, 2022
First I fell in love with Layla, then I fell in love with Alan. These two characters stirred up many emotions. This book was hard to put down and the ending had a surprise I wasn't expecting. Even after reading it a second time, it just makes eager to read this authors next book.
March 9, 2024
If anyone tells me there's a perfect marriage, I will confidently tell the person, look, there is no such thing. What will make a marital relationship successful is ensuring we check for compatibility and learning how to manage conflict so it won't escalate. This book is about a couple named Alan and Layla, who got married to each other as teenagers. They were happy together until they lost their first child, a boy named Chris, which affected their communication negatively.
At first, when I started reading the book, I was wondering about the correlation between the title of the book and the first chapter I read. But when I read the next chapter, I started to understand the plot. The contents of the book depict the emotions and struggles faced by amateur couples who have not learned how to communicate effectively amongst themselves or know their love language. The plot was slow-paced, the characters were believable, and the story was relatable. The setting, location, time, year, and date of the plot were consistent. The plot is interesting and engagingly written in a way to keep the reader in suspense. The speech and style of talking of each character fit their personalities. For instance, the way their first daughter, Tansy, talks portrays that she has a bossy and independent personality, as said by Layla, the mother.
Furthermore, we ought to learn how to parent a child. It is a skill that ought to be learned. The ability to manage the affairs of your home and pay attention to your spouse is the key. In the plot, Layla is busy discharging her motherly duties without paying attention to the emotional needs of her husband, Alan. That continuous expression of such behaviour made both of them drift apart, even though they were living in the same house. Notably, one of the things that can kill your relationship is a lack of trust. Layla exhibited such behaviour towards Alan, and that affected her reactions towards him. She didn't believe him when he said that he never cheated on her after she saw him and Barbie walk together in a canteen. I admire Alan's character because, through his words and actions, he still professed love for Layla.
To sum it up, no other person will make more effort than you to make your marriage work. As a result, before you get engaged, you should read about how to build a comfortable and peaceful home.
At first, when I started reading the book, I was wondering about the correlation between the title of the book and the first chapter I read. But when I read the next chapter, I started to understand the plot. The contents of the book depict the emotions and struggles faced by amateur couples who have not learned how to communicate effectively amongst themselves or know their love language. The plot was slow-paced, the characters were believable, and the story was relatable. The setting, location, time, year, and date of the plot were consistent. The plot is interesting and engagingly written in a way to keep the reader in suspense. The speech and style of talking of each character fit their personalities. For instance, the way their first daughter, Tansy, talks portrays that she has a bossy and independent personality, as said by Layla, the mother.
Furthermore, we ought to learn how to parent a child. It is a skill that ought to be learned. The ability to manage the affairs of your home and pay attention to your spouse is the key. In the plot, Layla is busy discharging her motherly duties without paying attention to the emotional needs of her husband, Alan. That continuous expression of such behaviour made both of them drift apart, even though they were living in the same house. Notably, one of the things that can kill your relationship is a lack of trust. Layla exhibited such behaviour towards Alan, and that affected her reactions towards him. She didn't believe him when he said that he never cheated on her after she saw him and Barbie walk together in a canteen. I admire Alan's character because, through his words and actions, he still professed love for Layla.
To sum it up, no other person will make more effort than you to make your marriage work. As a result, before you get engaged, you should read about how to build a comfortable and peaceful home.
July 22, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Layla for addressing the Mistress 🥹immediately without any delay .! Instead of letting go she asked plainly "what about blondie?" Alan acted innocent,lied she asked again,why did he lied that he is staying late at the work.
* **Why did he was with the blondie in a BAR ? Two town away? Alan lied again,she asked why did he went to the hotel Holiday Inn with her ,did he slept with her?
* Did he slept with her in the past?
* How long he has been having affair with her?
* Alan tried to change topic.Lied again and again.👏👏👏👏 Layla,she didn't detter .
*** Layla Ranker was married to her high school sweetheart Alan . Twenty years of marriage two teenage daughters.
While Layla was busy playing nanny, house keeping, laundry service and working to support family.
Her husband of twenty years was lonely...
Here comes the WHORE 25 years old Meloony set her eyes on Alan and was trapping him from past two years.
She had stolen his no from office, started sending him messages in odd times , pushing him to do lunches , meanwhile she had been fucking whoever is available online website.
** Mel the Bitch knew Alan is married had children,but still she was set on trapping him,one fine day In a week moment she caught him ,Alan didn't come office,she left office and reached him after going home putting full makeup and sexy' outfit .She reached Alan and took him to a bar two town away...
Then she met one of her Fuck boys ,so she decided to take Alan to some quite place ,a Hotel.
* All the way she had been holding his hands, winking 😄 at him , touching feeling him ,Alan was thoroughly enjoyed flirting 🫦 all the dirty signal when out of the hotel 🛍️ entrance she openly invited him for a quiet cozy fuck ,Alan realised his mistake...
**Even when he asked her to drop him near his pickup truck she detour him to a liquor shop bought a 🍾...here again Alan asked her that the road to river creek where his truck was parked missed,she told him she was talking him to her house for drinks and later she would drop...Alan again told him that he wants to be dropped now ! She she took a long route to his truck and was waiting for him to jump her bones...
*** So here Bitch was fully set on a mission to Bandg Alan and trap him.... Layla was busy with house hold chores ...
**** A must read ! Just to know how these kinds of bitches work.
* **Why did he was with the blondie in a BAR ? Two town away? Alan lied again,she asked why did he went to the hotel Holiday Inn with her ,did he slept with her?
* Did he slept with her in the past?
* How long he has been having affair with her?
* Alan tried to change topic.Lied again and again.👏👏👏👏 Layla,she didn't detter .
*** Layla Ranker was married to her high school sweetheart Alan . Twenty years of marriage two teenage daughters.
While Layla was busy playing nanny, house keeping, laundry service and working to support family.
Her husband of twenty years was lonely...
Here comes the WHORE 25 years old Meloony set her eyes on Alan and was trapping him from past two years.
She had stolen his no from office, started sending him messages in odd times , pushing him to do lunches , meanwhile she had been fucking whoever is available online website.
** Mel the Bitch knew Alan is married had children,but still she was set on trapping him,one fine day In a week moment she caught him ,Alan didn't come office,she left office and reached him after going home putting full makeup and sexy' outfit .She reached Alan and took him to a bar two town away...
Then she met one of her Fuck boys ,so she decided to take Alan to some quite place ,a Hotel.
* All the way she had been holding his hands, winking 😄 at him , touching feeling him ,Alan was thoroughly enjoyed flirting 🫦 all the dirty signal when out of the hotel 🛍️ entrance she openly invited him for a quiet cozy fuck ,Alan realised his mistake...
**Even when he asked her to drop him near his pickup truck she detour him to a liquor shop bought a 🍾...here again Alan asked her that the road to river creek where his truck was parked missed,she told him she was talking him to her house for drinks and later she would drop...Alan again told him that he wants to be dropped now ! She she took a long route to his truck and was waiting for him to jump her bones...
*** So here Bitch was fully set on a mission to Bandg Alan and trap him.... Layla was busy with house hold chores ...
**** A must read ! Just to know how these kinds of bitches work.
June 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this debut novel from author Patti Lee! It was told from the POVs of three people: the wife, the husband, and the woman he may—or may not—be having an affair with. Overall, it was a story about the ups and downs of a couple who had gotten married young, and the joys and sorrows they had along the way. I especially loved the flashback scenes, and I was rooting for Layla and Alan to get back to the relationship they once had toward the end of the book. I also loved the way the author divided chapters into different POVs so that you got a little of everyone’s thoughts for some of the same scenes. Read this book in two days!
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July 2, 2024Skimmed most of it. There’s multiple POVs, all of the same scenes (repetitive). I couldn’t bring myself to care about the flashbacks. The best part to me was when the wife made the discovery and followed the husband/ow.
July 2, 2024
It had a lot of filler chapters, I skipped them and I was eager to see what was going to happen. In reality, almost all of the book is based on one day in February at different hours of the day.
February 18, 2025
2.5
Kinda boring
The issue was not properly solved
It was too rush
Kinda boring
The issue was not properly solved
It was too rush
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews