It's Better This Way: A Novel

It's Better This Way by Debbie Macomber has Julia Jones meeting Heath Wilson in the exercise room of her building six years after her divorce. They start out as friends since both have had disastrous dates since their marriages ended. As time passes, Julia and Heath fall in love. An astonishing discovery threatens to ruin their bright future. It's Better This Way is well-written (as always) with realistic characters. The story moves along at a good pace. I liked that the Heath and Julia are older protagonists. I thought they were realistic characters especially with regard to their emotions. A family situation has emotions running high as well as tension. The situations were representative of real-life, but I did find it to be predictable. I loved the side story involving Julia's niece, Carrie and building resident, Eric. I would have liked that to be its own separate story (maybe a short e-book). Carrie was a great character and I wanted to get to know her more along with Eric. I appreciated the epilogue that nicely wrapped up It's Better This Way. You get to see why when things work out a certain way that "It's better this way". I was surprised to discover that there is some mild foul language in the story. This is something that I never thought I would see in a book by Debbie Macomber. I enjoyed the descriptions of Seattle especially of the building where Julia and Heath resided. It's Better This Way is a sweet, feel good tale. It is perfect for summer when you are looking for lighter fare to read.