It's Better This Way

A Novel

By: Debbie Macomber

Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer

New York Times Best Seller

After her marriage ends, one woman’s struggle to pick up the pieces finally leads to a new beginning - but is the past truly behind her? In this poignant novel, number one New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber explores the powerful intersections of love and family.

“This deeply emotional tale proves it’s never too late for love.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

It’s been nearly six years since Julia Jones had her heart broken. After her husband became involved with another woman, she did everything she could to save their marriage, to no avail. The couple’s two daughters continue to stand by Julia in the wake of their father’s behavior - and they’ve had a tough time getting along with the other woman who’s become their stepmother. Distraught after selling the family home, Julia moves into a condominium complex that offers the warmth and charm of a fresh start. Now, having settled into her new community and sold her successful interior design business, she’s embraced a fulfilling new life, one that doesn’t seem to need a man in it. Her beloved father’s trusty saying is ringing truer than ever: It’s better this way.

But when Julia meets a handsome new resident in the building’s exercise room, she can’t help but be drawn to him. Heath Wilson is a welcome change from the men she’s encountered on the occasional - mostly disastrous - dates her sister has eagerly planned for her over the years. As she and Heath, a divorcé himself, begin to grow close, their friendship blossoms into an unexpected love. However, they soon realize that combining families proves to be a challenge, even though their four children are adults.

When a dramatic revelation threatens the happiness they’ve found, Julia and Heath must reconcile their love for their children with their love for each other. If they can’t, their bright future together may be nothing but a dream.

©2021 Debbie Macomber (P)2021 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Macomber has a firm grasp on issues that will resonate with readers of domestic fiction. Well-drawn characters and plotting - coupled with strong romantic subplots and striking coincidences - will keep readers rooting for forgiveness, hope and true love to conquer all.” (Kathleen Gerard, blogger at Reading Between the Lines)

“Macomber keeps her well-shaded, believable characters at the heart of this seamlessly plotted novel as she probes the nuances of familial relationships and the agelessness of romance. This deeply emotional tale proves it’s never too late for love.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

It’s Better This Way

This is what I would call a Beach Read and quite predictable. That being said, I did enjoy it. Just not how I like to spend my credit. And over very quickly……again not what I like to have happen.

Highly recommended!

Loved it. the story was very nice, and the narrator is EXCELLENT!! looking now for other books for the author and narrator!

Good Story

I liked the story and the narration by Therese Plummer is excellent. Some of the situations seemed improbable but I really enjoyed listening to this book.

It's Better This Way

love the book. Love all Debbie Macomber ❤️ books, Her stories are amazing 👏 , Debbie is a amazing writer.

Debbie does it again

I love Debbie Macomber, her books always take me into another time and place that's so enjoyable. thank you Debbie

Would 100% recommend

I really enjoyed this book by Debbie Macomber, I loved the plot twist!
It was easy to listen to the narrater!

Confused

Heath and Julia met and began a relationship 6 yrs after their respective
divorces. Why would ANYBODY have an issue with their being together? They were not the adulteress. They both were blameless in the affair their spouses carried on.
Both Michael and Adam could overlook what damage their mother and Eddy’s infidelity had done to their father and Julia was woefully ignorant. That they could say Julia was untrustworthy and kept her daughters away from their father was truly arrogant and showed their lack of unwillingness to see truth. How dose someone kept grown adults from interacting with their father? Maybe they should look at dad’s interactions with his daughters as a reason for estrangement.
Great storyline,just thought reactions to Julia and Heath dating didn’t add up.

Charming

Loved it. My favorite part was when Heath became ill and the two families had to come to terms.

Wonderful Lesson In building Family Happiness

I’ve listened this this book whenever I feel overly tired or depressed, it revives the mood to mend relationships and be kind to all we know. Therese Plummer is delightful to listen too and the book is Debbie Macomber’s warm loving words that give hope that happiness can be part of your life if you try.

Delightful as always

Debbie Macomber has done it again. This story was about forgiveness and starting over. It was well told, and had a little twist. The narrator was awesome as well. Enjoyed very much.