Book Review - It's Better This Way by Debbie Macomber - #HolidayReading UK Cruise

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Title: It's Better This Way

Author: Debbie Macomber

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Sphere

Publication Date: 13th July 2021

Rating: 5 Stars

The joyful and escapist new novel from New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

It's been nearly six years since Julia Jones had her heart broken. After her husband fell in love with another woman, Julia fought to keep her family together, but now, recalling the words of her beloved father, she realises it's time to move on: it's better this way.

Desperate for a fresh start, Julia sells the family home and moves into an apartment complex, and she's delighted to discover that her new abode comes with a gorgeous new neighbour. Heath is a welcome change from the men Julia usually dates, and as a divorcé himself he understands the difficulties of a fractured family all too well.

As a relationship between Julia and Heath blossoms, Julia dares to dream that her life is looking up - until a dramatic revelation threatens their newfound happiness. Will Julia, Heath find a way through - and will it be together?

Perfect for fans of Cathy Bramley, Phillipa Ashley and Jenny Colgan, It's Better This Way is the perfect uplifting love story about fresh starts and finding a second chance for your happy ever after

I'm always happy to be able to read a new Debbie Macomber book and it really didn't take me long at all to feel right at home between the pages of this one. 

Getting to know Julia and Heath was really enjoyable, and seeing how Julia is dealing with life 6 years on from her divorce. They are both adamant they are done with love and dating but yet a fledgling relationship crops up between them and soon it becomes apparent they both have more in common than just being divorcees! 

I also enjoyed the chapters focusing on Carrie, Julia's niece who is determined the new job Julia helped out with will work out and she takes to the role really well and even helps someone come out of their shell. 

And the philosophy of Julia's grandpa that things happen for a reason and that it is often "better this way" in the face of adversity is a message that can be applied to life generally and could make a bad time have an upside if you look for it. 

As with all books from this author I felt quite warm and cosy while reading this, I loved all the various directions the story went in, especially the ones that had me raise eyebrows in surprise. It's a story of family, new beginnings and whether or not past hurts can be resolved or not. It's a story of healing but also of love and it's one that has left me with a great smile on my face. 

Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.