Julia and Heath are both starting over after their spouses left them. They both have adult children- she's got daughters. he's got sons. Their chance meeting turns from affection to love but there's a problem they didn't expect- her ex is married to his ex. And his ex, in particular, has spoiled the pot about Julia with Heath's sons (who really need to grow up and act their ages). It's a nice story about blending families with good characters. The scenario of petulant adult children of divorce is sadly not that uncommon and Macomber has made good use of it. As always, her storytelling pulls you in, it's a clean love story, and it will make you sigh. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

This is such a heartwarming story. The struggle of a divided family or I should say families. It had so many twists and turns that I really didn't see the ending coming. Leaves you feeling like second chances are possible . The strong women in this book amazed me. Keep these wonderful stories coming. Just loved this one

This book is another reliable feel good book by Debbie Macomber. It is filled with second chances, romance and a backbone of faith. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read it in exchange for my honest review.

It’s Better This Way
Debbie Macomber
July 13, 2021


Macomber’s latest novel is a story of a family, two families actually. It’s Better This Way begins with the divorce of Julia Jones and her husband, Eddie. Their girls are in college anticipating graduating, planning careers. Julia had no idea that Eddie had been dating for some time. She felt their marriage was in need of more together time. He was a pro at the local country club. He taught, ran the pro shop, and managed the course. She developed her own business in home design. Consequently when he broke the news that he no longer loved her and was moving out, it was a total train wreck. She had no idea why or when their world had collapsed. She still loved him, and wanted to see a marriage counselor. She asked for 6 months for them to work on their commitment. As time passed he became more devoted to Laura and wanted to marry her. Laura too became angry that Julia wanted months to work on something she and Eddie felt was permanent. It was tough signing the papers but she did so, continuing to work hard in her own career. Their daughters felt that their father and his new wife destroyed their family. They wanted no part of a relationship with Laura. Eddie refused to let his daughters treat his new wife that way, consequently he and the girls had no connection at all.
As the story progresses and lives continue, Julia sells her business and the house. She buys a condo in an historic building. Life is becoming easier but dating not so much. She was content to remain single; enjoying time spent with the girls, friends, and her sister Amanda.
“It’s better this way” is a quote from Julia’s father. It seems when things were troubled he would repeat that phrase insisting that things work out the way they should regardless of the initial problems.
Debbie Macomber gives us a terrific story of interrelationships within the two divorced couples. I become completely involved in Julia’s new life. Although I knew she had an arduous task in dealing with her ex-husband choosing not to be involved in their daughter’s lives, but when bombs dropped it astounded me. I had to keep reading to discover what happened.
It’s Better This Way will be published by Penguin Random House LLC on July 13, 2021. I am appreciative of their allowing me to read and review the ARC of Debbie Macomber’s latest novel. Once again I thoroughly enjoyed her perspective of the human journey. She looks at the normal relationship and then gives us a huge ‘What if’. From social media I have discovered how excited her fans are about It’s Better This Way. This new novel is a well written, heart warming story that only Macomber can pen. Enjoy!

Debbie does it again!
Second chances at finding love, friendship and healing after a very painful divorce. a very heartwarming story and I just loved Heath.
I think it would be fun to read more about this family.

Perfect beach read or if you need something light with a bit of family drama to round it out.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It's Better This Way by Debbie Macomber 4 stars

This book begins with Julia Jones heartbroken because her husband wants a divorce because he having an affair with another woman. Julia insists on waiting six months and going to marriage counseling in order to save her marriage, but things get nasty with the other woman and her daughters are furious with their father. After all the acrimony, she signs the divorce papers. The next chapter is set several years later and she is semi-retired and living in a condo complex. At the complex gym she meets an attractive man, Heath Johnson, a fairly new resident of the complex. The relationship get off to a slow start and things are going well, when fate throws a spanner in the works. The way the relationship unfolds in the rest of the story.

A Debbie Macomber story is like a cup of hot chocolate with your favorite snack; wonderful and cozy. All her stories have at its core the theme of family, love, and harmony. This story was predictable and a nice easy read. I enjoyed it. I look forward to her next book, Dear Santa coming out October 2021.

Thank you Netgalley and Random House/Ballantine Books for this ARC.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. You can get your copy on July 13, 2021 at:
https://www.amazon.com/Its-Better-This-Way-Novel-ebook/dp/B08L5XTSTQ

I am so extremely honored to have received this book! I LOVE Debbie! This woman has written so many books! This is number 112 of all the books she has that I have read! Do you think that she has badges for when you get to 100 or even every 25? The part that BLOWS my mind is that she continues to come up with NEW content and NEW AMAZING content. This book BLEW my mind. Oh the tangled webs we weave is the only plot clue that I will give you.
Debbie Macomber has done it again with this book. This book has so much going on, I am so afraid to say anything without giving secrets away!
We begin this book with Julia Jones with divorce papers in front of her begging her to end it all, her thirty-one year marriage that she fought so hard to save. Their two daughters were both out of the house and it was now time to sell this house. A house that she had raised her daughters in, had so many memories. It sold very quickly and it took Julia three years to find a place to call "HOME". Once Julia found THE HERITAGE, she knew it was just the place. We are then taken on a trip through family drama, failures to launch, heartaches, intuitions, unknown pasts, fateful meetings, family trysts ad more.
There were so many points in this book where I was like-HUH, what? Just when I thought I had figured it all out, there is a plot twist happening. I loved this book so much and was so honored to be able to read this ARC and review it!

This book is worth your time, I promise.
It's Better This Way is the motto throughout the book. And it perfectly encapsulates the journey needed after a 30+ years marriage ends in divorce.
Julia is finally putting herself back together after six years and she certainly doesn't expect to find someone so Is compatible in her condo complex. She's avoided dating since all of her experiences ended horribly. But he is different and and is agun shy as she is when it comes to relationships. We get to experience Heath and Julia working through through completely unexpected roadblocks. The myriad of issues that come along with marriages is broken through affairs. And that the kids however old they may be are going to be impacted. And how taking the first step towards compromise can heal a lot of wrong.
The book deals with the hard topics and doesn't shy away from the emotional turmoil that can come about from a broken marriage and relationship between parent and child. And that in the end responsibility and forgiveness can only come about when you remember it's better this way, even if it comes at a time when it's a hard pill to swallow.

Debating between 4 and 5 stars; this is classically wonderful Debbie Macomber.

I really enjoyed It's Better This Way! It has been years (decades maybe) since I've read a Debbie Macomber book. I loved how most of the characters are my age (mid 50's) with a younger set of nieces. Definitely some interesting family dynamics going on in this book!

I felt that the "first cooking date" between the main protagonists was missed. The beginning of the next chapter had a recap of the protagonists; but there was a prior detail of vegetarian gnocchi and I was so looking forward to the magic that would be created in the kitchen. I reviewed an advance copy and I sure hope that some magic happens to add this date ... and also the vegetarian gnocchi recipe!

This book was just perfect. I flew right through it.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Debbie Macomber and the publisher Ballantine Books for the opportunity to review It's Better This Way in exchange for an honest review.

Looking for a nice entertaining read about family life with a good romance mixed in--this is a great way to pass the afternoon. Macomber is an author who consistently tells stories in an engaging way and It's better this Way is no exception. The story of Heath and Julia's romance and the fall out across their families rings truer because no characters are perfect, and yet they are mature enough to acknowledge their errors.

Recommend for a nice light read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Debbie Macomber's new book, It's Better This Way is a breath of fresh air. Loved it!! You know when you start one of Debbie Macomber's books it will be a great story with realistic characters and a story you will be able to relate to.
Julia's husband left her 6 years ago for another women. She desperately tired to save her marriage but it ended in divorce. During Julia's single years her family and friends did a little matchmaking and it ended badly. Julia decided to give up on romance. She moved into a new condo and decides to focus on her job and her grown daughters. But, she meets Heath, they have so much in common and soon they start a relationship.
The twist in the story is, Julie's ex husband is married to Heath's ex. Yes, the woman that broke up her marriage is her new boyfriend's ex. The children on both sides are angry and do no approve of the relationship.
Thank you NetGalley and for the opportunity to read and give an honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this story. I loved that the main characters were of a mature age who was so strong and independent.

Julia is a divorced mom of two adult daughters. Her divorce was hard, but over time, she manages a happy, single, semi-retired life. Her routine is intersected by a neighbor and they are polite but distant. But over time, they develop a friendship that leads to feelings and foreboding. Julia is worried that her feelings for Heath are "too good to be true". She is trying to protect her heart and her fears are realized with a twist. Heath and Julia have strong feelings for each other which will be tested. This story engages you immediately. The main characters are likable and you're wanting to get through the story to see if they will get their HEA.

I really enjoy this author's books and this would have to be one of my favorites

I have read quite a few of Ms. Macomber's books. This one struck so differently and maybe it is because I read it during a time when I had a significant birthday pass but it was so poignant about what happens when the kids are grown. I love the dynamic between The main characters and I fully did not see how (though I'm unsure how) she was going to pull everything together until it was in my face. It was a heart-wrenching book that felt like these people were my friends and I would definitely recommend reading this book.

In short: Years after both their respective divorces Julia and Heath meet and have an instant connection. Neither want a relationship but the sparks fly and they start dating. All is going great until it's discovered that their ex's married each other. Their kids do not get along at all, Julia's daughters rarely speak to their father and Heath's sons hold them responsible for the strained relationship. Misunderstandings and long held grudges are hard to ignore, but Julia and Heath are determined to make it work.

My thoughts: Oh this book pulled at all my heartstrings but in a very good way. First, as someone in my 40s I really appreciate reading a romance between older characters (meaning those not in their 20s). Second, my parents divorced when I was young and I know all too well the feeling that came with that and my father getting remarried. It definitely was not as hard as the experiences in this book, but it was all too familiar. 
I was instantly pulled into this book and enjoyed it so much, through the happiness and heartbreaks. The characters were so real and relatable to me. There was plenty of family drama, as well as lessons in love and second chances. I enjoyed the twists this book took and the challenges the characters had to go through.

3.5 stars
It’s Better This Way

It felt good to read Macomber again. I can always count on engaging characters and places in the northwest that are easy to visualize. I was wishing I could move into the Heritage myself. It sounds like a wonderful place to live, especially if you’re an empty-nester.

This is a story about divorce and how it affects everyone in the familial arena. Yes, arena is a good word for it, as plenty of battles take place here. Old ones, new ones, and in between ones. You have two couples with grown children and this covers their feelings and opinions as well. I often times felt like I was reading my own story, as it paralleled situations we have been through in second marriages. Alas, my own story does not wrap things up neatly as this story does, but I enjoyed reading about how the two remarried women took charge to nudge acceptance and forgiveness along in their adult children.

Many will be able to relate to this novel and the cast of characters. I found myself engaged, having been there, done that, through the entire novel.

I have a shelf of this author’s work in my personal library. All of them enjoyable, some more than others. When we started our book club many years ago, hers was one of our first books. We loved “Thursday’s at Eight.” If you haven’t tried it, treat yourself.

I received an uncorrected digital galley of this novel through the following:
#NetGalley #authordebbiemacomber #ballantinebooks #randomhouse
Many thanks. All opinions are my own. This novel will be released on July 13, 2021.

Many years after her divorce, Julia feels that while she has her life together physically, she is not ready for a serious relationship emotionally. Heath also has no desire for any permanent relationship after his divorce. Living in the same building, they become aware of each other. Their children from their previous marriages try to come between them and they must find a way to be together without losing their relationship with their respective children. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for my honest review.

Oh, what a book this was. The title It's Better This Way was advice that Julia's father used to say. And it became her motto. As I was reading the book, and she would say that, I was thinking there is no way it is better this way. But, Debbie Macomber made a believer out of me' Through the challenges going on, the hurt that was felt, the stubbornness, everything that was taking place, that was the motto and I had to read to find out how this could possibly be better this way. I never saw it coming, but she showed me how it could happen. This was fun, the characters were realistic, and I learned a thing or two, and I am going to think about this motto sometimes.
I received an ARC from Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine Books'

Macomber's books are always so uplifting and enjoyable, and this was no exception!

Well-developed characters and relatable scenarios easily pull the reader into the story. Having a second chance and love and happiness is a key theme in this book that's perfect for a quick, beach read (or any other time!) There were a few unexpected twists that I really liked. On occasion, the behavior of the adult children (on both sides) felt a bit immature or over the top, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of this story.

Another 5 star book by Debbie! This book was a page turners, I picked it up and 2 days later was done. It's the story of family, divorce and the surprises life throws your way. As new love finds a way in, lessons in love, friendship and moving on take over - even if family drama ensues thanks for blending new families. But what happens when the drama threatens new love? Can it last? A great quick read, another home run hit by Macomber!

It's better this way.

After 31 years of marriage, Julia's husband wants a divorce because he's in love with some else. Fast forward 6 years later, to the present day, where Julia is content with her life and her new condo lifestyle. She is done with people trying to set her up on failed dates. She's happy to just be by herself. Her motto  is "It's better this way." When she meets another single person in her building that she gets friendly with,  her ywo grown daughters are not pleased. I am a huge Debbie Macomber fan, so I was thrilled to get an advanced copy of this book to read and review. This book will pull you in with each page wanting to know what happens next with the roller coaster ride Julia ends up with trying to balance her new life while her daughters are still holding on to the past. Such a great read!!