The Lives Between Us

This is not the regular Romance and Mystery/Thriller that I usually read. This book has a great romance and an interesting plot that includes difficult relationships and a controversial issue that will make you anxious to turn the pages. The characters were well developed and the plot had lots of depth. Definitely a good read from start to finish! The last twist makes you scratch your head and wonder what it is exactly you would do in his shoes. Not expecting last twist but it is definitely thought provoking.

THE LIVES BETWEEN US is a sad but beautiful novel. Skyler Kendall finally lets love in, the love of her wonderful niece. When her niece dies, Skyler makes it her mission to end the career of the man who she believes is the reason her niece did not get the treatment which would save her life. Can Skyler love again?

The Lives Between Us by Theresa Rizzo is a fascinating novel that will brings readers closer to the harsh realities that life can bring. A reporter name Skylar Kendall didn’t know how to love until her niece breaks down her interior walls she put up and melts her heart into a warm fuzzy place. But then fate takes away the good as as fast as bringing it to Skylar. This sad fate then sends Skylar into an angry place and all she wants to do is get revenge for what what taken away from her. Little will she expect that fate isn’t done in causing complete chaos in her life. When someone who is close to the person she wants to bring down, Skylar heart will have to decide if she can learn to love again or forever feel bitterness, hate, and anger.

Theresa Rizzo’s title, The Lives Between Us, fits perfectly within her well written plot. There are lives that separate the distance between Skylar and Mark. How they go about closing that distance will be entirely up to Skylar. A wonderful novel that is easy for readers to connect with on a deeper level and one that will capture their hearts forever. I enjoyed reading this story on how one woman learns to find courage within herself to love again. Despite what life brings to her, Skylar is a character that inspires many. I look forward to reading more novels by Theresa and would highly recommend this to readers all over the world. A sensational read. Overall, I rate it a five out of five stars.

This book is a riveting tale designed to keep you captivated until the very last page. The characters are easy to relate to, the storyline is fresh, and there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading more from this author.

I just finished reading a wonderful book written by Theresa Rizzo, called The Lives Between Us.
This book takes place in present day Michigan. It is a book about a very controversial subject, embryonic stem cells. The author tackles the subject in a very sensitive way.
Skylar Kendall is a reporter who has a hard time letting people get close to her. Her parents died when she was younger. Her sister and husband took her in. They have a nine year old daughter who is deathly ill. The girl’s only hope is embryonic stem cell therapy, which is illegal. Michigan’s own senator, Edward Hastings is very much opposed to this type of research.
Skylar is unable to find someone to help her niece in time. The little girl dies. She blames Senator Hastings and the legislation he has helped get passed. She sets out bent on revenge. She uses her job as a reporter to attack Senator Hastings.
The author gives us a very intimate look at a family that is trying to do everything they can to save their little girl’s life. She makes us feel the agony this family is going through as they deal with the morality of what they want to do to save their daughter.
This story is also a love story. Skylar meets a man who isn’t put off by her standoffishness. He also happens to be the Senator’s best friend. The relationships in this story are very complex. They make the story a rich, warm read.
I loved this book. No matter which side of the fence you are on about stem cells, you won’t be offended by this book. It merely shows both sides of the issue in a very non- judgy, down to earth, and personal way. It made me think, and that is a good thing.

Wow! This book has it all: a current political topic, a steamy love story, a family in peril, and lots of plot twists! I was drawn into the controversy along with Skye. Powerful characters round out this incredible read!

I was given an ARC of The Lives Between Us for an honest review from NetGalley and this is my review.
This book was an excellent book with the main topic surrounding it being the use of stem cells from embryos to help people who are sick get better and if it is morally right or wrong. That main character in the book, Skye is dealing with the death of her young niece who she believes stem cells could have saved and she blames her states senator for being morally against the use of the same cells and blocking the use of them in her state therefore blaming him for her niece's death. Then Skye and the senator's best friend Mark meet and start dating and they have an intriguing relationship (I won't give to much for spoiler reasons but it was interesting at times). The chemistry between was great and I did love the match.
As for the story I loved it. I can't get into to deeply for spoiler reasons but when I read the ending my mouth dropped open and I had to re-read the last section a few times because I was not sure I was reading things right. It was one of those books. You were thinking one thing then something happens and you think you have it all figured out and something else happens out of left field and you walk away going oh my gosh I did not see that coming at all. You have to love it.
I am giving this book five out of five stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/Rizzo Publishing for an honest review. Wow! This book covered a very controversial topic about stem cell research. I learned a lot about the different types of stem cell research. You can tell how much research the author had to do to write this book. Skylar, one of the main characters, is all for embryonic stem research in hopes to save her niece. Both sides of the controversy are covered in the book. This book has controversy, romance, suspense, and a twist at the end. If you like romance and want a little more meat to the story than most romance novels, then this one is for you. I started reading this book before I went to bed. The next thing I know it's around 3:30 am. I couldn't put the book down. This book will stay with you for awhile.

Thanks to NetGalley for a preview of this book.

It took me a little bit to get into this story, but once I did, I was sucked in and couldn't stop reading until I got to the end. The story is a great combination of intrigue and a love story. The book also touches on controversial stem cell research, showing both positive and negative aspects.

If you are looking for a book that will keep you enthralled and turning the pages...this is the one. I chose this book based on the description, and I had thought it would last me a few weeks...reading before bed. I was wrong...instead I spent my Labor Day weekend reading whenever I could get a spare minute. The characters, especially Skylar, Mark and Faith (and the babies) drew me right in, and I couldn't wait too see how all the issues were going to be resolved. It was written in an authentic, empathetic way, so you really felt like you knew the characters, their problems, and were intimately involved in whatever happened to them. I was impressed by the way this book held my attention and kept me wanting more. If you like books with intricate family situations, as written from authors like Kristin Hannah and Jodi Picoult, this is the book for you.

WOW! The ethical nature of this story is superbly handled. It also fascinated me with its informative background on something I know very little about. It will stay with me.

I want to thank Theresa Rizzo for all of the research she put into the subject matter of stem cell research. I learned quite a lot about stem cells and why embryonic cells are so controversial.

She has written a book that put me at the side of a hospital bed, looking down on a sweet angel of a child not long for the world. She described the action in a way that left me choking on my breath, waiting for a miracle that never materialized. I felt a real sense of panic because I knew enough about a failing heart to know time was not going to be on a little girl's side. The best books, in my opinion, are the books that make you re-evaluate your stance on a subject. The Cider House Rules by John Irving did that for me, and now The Lives Between Us has done the same. The most moving moment in the entire book has made me reconsider embryonic stem cells because easier isn't always better. I was blown away by a speech given by one of the characters. I have re-read that passage many times, and it just slays me every time.
I was moved to tears several times reading this book. This is going in my Favorite Books shelf on Goodreads. It is an excellent, compelling, heart tugging roller coaster, and well worth the price of admission.