This is a book about your past and your present. This book tugged at my emotions. Cross between fantasy and womens fiction.

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis is an absolute masterpiece. This story is unlike any novel I have ever read. This is a story I will NEVER forget. It’s heartbreaking, yet hopeful. Everything about this story is good: the plot is HIGHLY engaging and unputdownable, the characters are so real and relatable, and the themes are timely and thought-provoking. Warning to all, this book deals with incredibly painful stuff — real-life stuff like poverty, family estrangement, self-centered parents, infertility, loss of a child, infidelity, anger, and more. The characters in this book suffer…hard. But it’s such an honest look at life. So, yeah, there is suffering, but there is also forgiveness and love and joy and hope and friendship and community.

Leona stole my heart from page one. I felt a total sense of sisterhood with her character. I related to her on many levels, but it is Leona’s bottled-up anger that I resonated with the most. Leona is the type of person who follows all the rules. She does all the right things. But Life beats her up. She works really hard to be a good wife and friend and daughter and sister, but it doesn’t matter. Life is relentless. One of Leona’s many battles in this story is with infertility. Leona and her husband have tried everything within their miniscule budget to get pregnant. Nothing works, and Leona is at her wits end. One day, in the midst of her fertility struggles, Leona’s sister surprises her with a visit. During this visit, Leona realizes that her totally unmarried, unattached sister is pregnant. Leona loses it. Not because her sister is pregnant, but because of the injustice of it all. It’s not her finest moment, but Leona absolutely melts down. She screams. She throws things. She sobs. Why?! Why is it so easy for some women to get pregnant, and so hard for others? Why do the people who follow all the rules and right steps often end up broken and empty-handed, while those who break rules and go down “bad” paths, more times than not, get everything they want? I relate to all of Leona’s struggles in these areas. I relate to her meltdown and her anger and her screaming and her questions. You see, every woman I know from my grandma, to my mother and aunt, to my sister, and to all of my girlfriends had easy pregnancies and easy births and so many beautiful babies. But my body — it just fails at the one thing women are supposed to do. I’ve been where Leona was. I’ve been so angry and hurt by the injustice of it all. When one of my friends or my sister told me they were pregnant yet again I was happy for them for sure, but I was also devastated and so deeply hurt. Why couldn’t my body work the way it was supposed to? I’m sure there are many women out there like Leona, like me, who will feel this topic deeply. What I love and appreciate the most is that Broekhuis respectfully deals with these topics of infertility and anger so well, so honestly, that I felt seen. When you read Leona’s story, you’re also reading my story and countless other women’s stories who have dealt with infertility or other pregnancy issues. It’s utterly amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this after reading a book before.

This book has deeply touched my heart and spirit. Between You and Us is, without a doubt, a must-read story for 2024. I know I’ve said a lot in this review, but I have BARELY covered the surface as there is SO much to talk about with this book. This is a book that must be experienced. Personally, I’m leaving this story so grateful for my husband and daughter and friends and puppies. I’m so thankful to God for the beautiful, messy, sometimes-painful, blessed life He has given me. I implore everyone on the planet to read this amazing story. This is a story not to be missed!

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Water Brook Press, via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This story was unusual from the first pages. A grieving wife and mother slips into an alternate life with her husband and child. For much of the story, I wasn't sure what to think, and wondered how this scenario occurred. Interestingly, I did want to know the how ... but felt a little dissatisfied with the 'explanation' but in the end didn't really care about it, because Broekhuis' writing was so good. And Leona's grief was so brilliantly portrayed in all its heartbreaking detail.

This is a story that is compelling in its originality and portrayal that as a reader it pulls the heart strings in sadness, joy and relief. Broekhuis takes us inside the story to share Leona's grief. It's also a fascinating portrayal of class and prejudice and how they can be so influential in a marriage or not.

Something I grappled with for much of the story was how I struggled to love the characters especially David. I found both versions of him a bit 'blah.' I could identify with aspects of Leona and her pain, but I felt at times a little removed from her. But, I think this wasn't a story where we needed to love the leads as their story was so well crafted. Broekhuis allowed us to experience the pain, grief and struggle in such a way we could put ourselves into the story to feel the rich emotional landscape of it.

I really liked Eden and always looked forward to her scenes. And Rose, too, even though we didn't see her much. And clever how Broekhuis uses Rose in a second role later in the story.

This story will linger in my mind and I'm very appreciative of receiving an early ebook version from Waterbrook via Net Galley. This has had no influence on my review.

Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis

Leona must choose between 2 versions of her life. Either her relationship with her husband is broken or together they have suffered unimaginable loss.

How does a woman choose? This book will have the reader wondering.

Although the quantum physics part lost me and I wondered at the credulity of such a story, I got caught up in the book and realized that it raised some fascinating questions.

Leona and David’s banter was entertaining and added light to what could have been a dark situation. The characters were well-developed and grew as the story progressed. The plot kept me reading and guessing what Leona would decide.

Readers who have experienced the death of a child may want to know that this book covers that horrific loss.

I am grateful to the publisher for this complimentary arc in exchange for this, my honest review.

Between You and us by Kendra Broekhuis is an interesting story to read. When Leona and David married, they chose to live the life they wanted rather than the life his wealthy parents wanted. They are living a life of working hard for the little they have and save for a special evening out. When Leona gets to the restaurant, she finds herself meeting the David as he would have been if they had followed his families plans for them.

While this is not the typical type of story that I read, this is very interesting and kept my attention to the very end. I felt very sorry for the life Leona was now living as she was constantly doing what was expected of her. While in this life she has the young daughter she lost, but she is living with a constant schedule. It is easy to imagine the difficulty she had in deciding which life to live, one of living her own life or one of living a life others expected but having her daughter.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this enjoyable story. This is my honest review.

Could I first just say what everyone is thinking: What a gorgeous cover! I mean, it's stunning! Big kudos to the designer.

Secondly, I hopped on NetGalley to try to review this because the author was talking about it in a Facebook group I'm in. The premise sounded so intriguing! I really didn't think I'd get the NetGalley, so I was bouncing off the walls in excitement when I was accepted. And once I started reading, I almost couldn't stop. I mean, I had to stop to drive and sleep and take care of the kids, but honestly, I didn't stop much until the end.

There are some books that I can't force myself to get through no matter what. I used to feel guilty about that, but with so many books out there waiting for me, I no longer feel guilty when I put a book down unfinished.

There are books that I plow through, just to get through them. I feel like I've invested the time so I need to finish. These are books that I like the characters or plot, but not the writing style, or books that I like the writing style, but not the characters or plot.

This is one of the rare books that has wonderful writing,  amazing and realistic characters, and a unique and interesting plot. It's what we call a PAGE TURNER!

Kendra is a fabulous writer. I can sometimes say that, but then admit that the editor didn't do his or her job well. In this book, I didn't see many mistakes at all. The dialogue was so believable, wonderful, and REAL. The situations were also very realistic. A certain part, dear to my heart, was so well written that Kendra must have gone through it herself. I felt it all over again as Leona experienced it.

The story was unique, the characters well developed, the pacing perfect, and the writing flawless. The book is not in a Christian category, and that was a disappointment. There was a great opportunity to share the love of Christ, and how He can help us get through great pain and move forward. I honestly felt like that was the only thing missing from the book: Jesus.

I will definitely read more books from Kendra--she's so talented--but I truly hope to find her faith in a bigger role in the future.

4 1/2 stars

Kendra is an old and dear friend and knowing her personally has made the impact of her book even more powerful. She has experienced much of what she writes about in her book, which provides a depth of authenticity to her writing and the character’s feelings. I appreciate how Kendra discusses the challenges and beauty of womanhood both in marriage and motherhood. She also contemplates the difficulties of trauma, poverty, and grief. I always applaud an author’s vulnerability in putting their writing out there, and this is especially the case with Kendra in Between You and Us.

This debut novel by Kendra Broekhuis was a delight to read. Her ability to put you inside the main character of Leona is amazing. Through Leona, you feel the highs and lows of her relationships, her internal struggles of classism, and the grief she has after losing her daughter. This book would also make a great book club discussion. Sharing ideas on what reality you would choose and why as well as how each reader would react to the relationships portrayed throughout the book. Bravo!

Between You and Us is a debut novel, but one would not know that as a reader. The story takes the reader to great depths of feelings.
Leona meets her husband at a fancy restaurant, that they really cannot afford, to meet her husband for their anniversary dinner. When they meet, she realizes that while it’s her spouse’s physical body, it’s not the man whom she loves. When they head home, it’s a mansion and not her life at all. But there is a surprise in her new life-her baby is still alive. Leona needs to decide to go back to a life where they are poor, but her husband loves her or stay in their wealthy life where she has her baby back, but a loveless marriage.
I do not usually read books that seem to be “time travel” or science fiction and I thought this might be, but it is not those themes. It is a story of who would one choose if forced between child and husband, a great women’s literature. I recommend this book for a great story. I am looking forward to more from the author Kendra Broekhuis.
I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Waterbrook Publishing through NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.

A beautiful, heartbreaking, hopeful story! The characters feel real and so relatable. Kendra does an amazing job of paying attention to detail and painting a picture of both the wonderful and hard things of living in a complex city and being a complex human existing in it. I look forward to reading the next book she writes!

This was an engaging read for the debut novel from this author.

I was intrigued by the premise of the book and enjoyed the dual time aspect of the story woven through to help fit the pieces of David and Leona's past together.

The story was well written and emotional and the characters were brought to life really well.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

I loved this book from the get go. I couldn't wait to find out what happened next in each of the past and present story lines. I read this book faster than I normally read books, it was that good. I don't have the luxury of reading non-stop as I work, but I read it in less than a week. I highly recommend this book.

Between You and Us really hit home for me as a person experienced with the loss of two children. Kendra's ability to balance that delicate topic and weave into this beautiful story is brilliant. This is the third book of Kendra's I've read and her work just keeps getting better and better.

This is an extraordinary debut novel. Although, not my usual go-to genre, which I would call women's fiction, meets fantasy. This book held my interest and kept me turning the pages. The characters and the storyline were original and unique. This is a very creative and intriguing book. My heart and emotions wouldn't let me stop reading until I knew the outcome. The ending was happy and very satisfying. This author has a bright future, and I look forward to more stories from her.
* I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest.

A heartwarming and heart wrenching story of choices, love, grief and overcoming odds. The characters stretch off the page to pull you into their life. A must read.

Between You and Us is a spectacular debut novel that makes you realize that just because things could have been different, that doesn't mean they would have been better. I read this book in one sitting because I could not put it down. It would create some great book club discussions!

On her 10th wedding anniversary, Leona walks into a restaurant to meet her husband David. When she finds him, she realizes that while he is her husband, at the same time he is not her husband. She soon meets their fifteen month old daughter, who had died the previous year. Lucky for Leona, her husband David and her friend Eden are both scientists, so it was easy for them to accept the quantum multiverse theory. (As an Episcopalian, I'd like to give a shout out to the author for writing Christian scientists! Even though we are outnumbered by Evangelicals, Christians who believe in science do exist!)

We learn about David #1 & Leona #1 and David #2 & Leona #2 through alternating chapters between present day and the past. We learn how one decision 10 years prior split their lives into the multiverse, where their lives took very different paths. As Leona navigates her "other" life, she learns things about her family, friends, and herself. Once she figures out "the door" to her original life, she must choose whether to stay in this alternate life where her daughter is alive and well, or whether to go back to David #1 where she came from.

I loved David and Leona's relationship, with their easy going banter and how deeply they loved one another. I absolutely fell in love with Vera #2. She is such a joy! She is the same age as my granddaughter is now, which made it easy to picture her toddling around her big world exploring all the new things she was discovering. I sobbed for several chapters when we learned of the death of Vera #1, the funeral, the wretched grandmothers, and the subsequent grief. There was some pretty heavy stuff, but those topics were written with such great care.

This debut earned 5 stars and an easy spot on my favorites shelf.

Thanks to NetGalley and WaterBrook & Multnomah for the advanced copy of this book which will be released on March 12, 2024.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced in exchange for my honest review.

This was an engaging fiction debut from the author. It was easy to feel a connection with the two main characters and to want the best possible ending for them.

The magical realism was a bit hard to follow sometimes but was an overall interesting twist. The details about the setting of Milwaukee were a nice touch too. I look forward to reading more from this author!

What a stunning debut with a curious time altering aspect.
This was a unique blend of heartache, humanity, humor and the unexpected.
Leona is thrust into an alternative life after she tragically loses her 4 month old daughter, Vera. The author provides an authentic picture of the grief over the death of a child and the yearning for what might have been. It took me back to my own experiences of birthing my children and my miscarriages.
I loved the scenes with toddler Vera, they were endearing. My favorite character was husband David who gave so much love in a distressing time. In both time periods he clearly loved Leona and wanted the best for them. The scenes of their courtship and early marriage was fulll of fun and easy banter, providing a relief from the angst. But it was the struggle that Leona went through that was so arresting. She was forced to confront her relationships with her friends and family members.
This was an exceptional story that was part women’s fiction, part romance and part speculative fiction. It had a faint faith thread and was a clean read.
* A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Multinomah through NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

Told in a past and present day timeline, this is the story of Leona and David who are madly in love and have a bright future ahead of them. All is well in their little family until it isn’t. Their precious baby daughter is taken from them in a terrible tragedy.

Leona is swimming in a haze of grief after the crippling loss but prays her wedding anniversary dinner can help her and David focus on something else for just a little while. This is when she realizes something is very wrong. Leona finds herself in a different version of her own life. Her baby daughter still alive.. but she is in a cold and crumbling marriage to David and living a lifestyle she would never choose otherwise.

Leona must examine which life she ultimately wants. One with her soulmate or one with her daughter. As she navigates old memories from her past and new experiences in her “alternate” world, Leona must come to terms with her heart.

This story explores grief and how it affects every aspect of our choices and who we are after it touches us. It examines love and the tender hold it has over us. Faith and hope are woven throughout.

If you enjoy magical realism, unique storylines and emotional reads- I think you will enjoy this. It was thought provoking, moving, and the characters’ introspection was very convincing.

The authors note is not to be missed as she has experienced her own personal loss. The grief portrayed in the story was very emotional and genuine, written only by someone who has experienced it firsthand.

Content: anxiety attacks, loss of an infant, closed door

Thank you to @netgalley, @waterbrookmultnomah and @kendrabroekhuis for an advanced readers copy of the book!

I really enjoyed this book, right from the first page! It was such a well written story about life, love, and loss. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, but do yourself a favor and give it a read!