Heaven Adjacent is a thought provoking novel filled with quirky characters.

Roseanna is a high flying attorney until she up and leaves it and everyone behind. A life changing moment happens when her attorney friend Alice dies before she can experience the joy of retirement and doing all those fun relaxing things she plans to do. However Roseanna leaves behind one irate partner in the business who isn't impressed by her departure. He plans revenge! I didn't like him at all!

When Roseanna settles down on a farm she just comes across she finds that there are already some people living on her property and along come more. As well her son finds her because of a reporter who stops by and writes about what Roseanna has been involved in along with the little girl on the property.

Over a few years Rosie finds herself being challenged and while what might have began as a 'pretend' living off the land, becomes a reality. She finds out that it is not too late to change and to become the someone she would like to be towards herself and others.

There's an old man, a dog and a horse with a mind of its own, a young man with no where to go until now and a little girl who is persistent but low key.

There are poignant moments and moments filled with humour. And times where family really counts.

After finishing this book, I needed to take time to digest and reconcile this story with my life. This book touched me on many different levels.
Roseanna Chaldecott, a strong, independent and extremely successful attorney, suddenly decides to run away from home. An incident involving her best friend and business partner triggers Roseanna's actions.
This is a story of transition, from who she thinks is to who she is, recognition of what is important and necessary to her well being and achievement, reaching the real goal.
Every character introduced whether human or non-human, plays an integral part of this story. Each shows Roseanna something about herself.
In my opinion everyone should read this book! It is enlightening as to what the human spirit really requires to be happy and how we miss the signs but how we can find our way..
Thank you to Lake Union and for approving my request for ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Do you ever want to just run away? As an adult the idea of running away seems more difficult than exhilarating! With all of the responsibilities and such it doesn't seem as freeing of an idea. Roseanna has recently endured a life tragedy and decides that the only solution is to pick up life and start over with a little less daily commitments, she leaves her partner at a law firm job and ends up in the country on a farm and that is mostly where this book begins.

This was one of those stories where I often asked myself, "Could I do this?" I wondered if I could push the reset button and leave it all behind. I love books that make me think about life and wonder what if. Catherine Ryan Hyde showed the full picture with positives and negatives to a life reset and what you gain and what you miss. The way she writes the book is easy to read but it in no ways would be considered fluff in my mind. Her books have full characters who are struggling with something and have full stories in their books. Like most of her books, I feel as though the secondary characters almost feel as full and realized as the main character out front.

I love her writing, plain and simple. I don't have to read the synopsis when pitched a book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, I am 90% sure I will love it no matter what her characters are up to!

Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde was interesting. The main character, after the death of a close friend and colleague went for a drive and ended up in the middle of nowhere. She then buys a piece of land nearby with an old house, shed and barn. The farm has lots of acres and squatters. Soon Roseanna is living there with the squatters without any warning to her family, friends and coworkers. She has found she does not want to go back to Manhattan or any city ever again. She calls and lets everyone know, she is taking some time. Suddenly, this high powered lawyer is living a simpler life and is finding her way. Until she is found and her new existence is threatened.

Catherine Ryan Hyde writes books about people who are broken. People who need a family or connections with others. In this respect Heaven Adjacent is similar, but for me the main character was not as likeable as some of her others. As the book went on I found myself liking the main character more and more and perhaps that is what the author wanted. To take a person who was unlikable and make her change to someone we might like better.

Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde was a good read.

Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde

Brief Summary: Roseanna Chaldecott is living a comfortable life as an attorney in Manhattan when her best friend and law firm partner suddenly passes away. Reevaluating her priorities, she leaves her life behind and buys a remote farm in the Adirondacks. Throw in a cast of unique characters, her estranged son Lance, and a old horse named Ernest to the mix and she begins to realize what’s really important in her life.

Highlights: Have you ever wanted to drop everything and leave your current life in search of your piece of “heaven on earth?” It’s a safe bet that most people have entertained this thought and it’s fascinating to see how Roseanna pulls this off. But by far the best aspect of this book is Roseanna’s journey and all the wisdom she learns along the way. How many people put off doing things they want to do because they think they will have more time tomorrow? As Alice’s story proves, she thought she had time to “live later” and worked her entire life; unfortunately we are not promised tomorrow. The time to live is now. She also realizes the importance of relationships with people and that she can be happy without material possessions.

Explanation of Rating: 4/5 I really enjoyed the themes and found them very applicable and relatable. I enjoyed the quirky characters. It’s an easy and enjoyable read. This novel made me feel good but it didn’t consume or grip me.

Psychology Factors: Job burnout and grief reaction were the impetus for Roseanna’s major life change. Though few people have the luxury of being able to revaluate her priorities and totally walk away like she does. Most people have to cope with job burnout through better self care. LGBT diversity was an added plot factor.

Favorite Quotes: there were too many to list, but for me the most salient message was Alice’s mistake of thinking she had time to live later: “She spent her whole life working for something she never lived long enough to enjoy. I have to believe that she’d tell me not to make the same mistake.”

Give this book to the workaholic in your life too busy working to live and have fun. The themes of this novel are reminiscent of Thorton Wilder’s Our Town.

Thank you to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review

Thanks to Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for a review.
A light hearted easy read. Rosanna is a high powered attorney living a very successful life in the city. Her life long friend Alice died suddenly causing Rosanna to take a look at her life She walks out on her business partner, buys a remote dwelling in the countryside, adopts some squatters and is enjoying a much simpler life.
A reporter tells her story in his newspaper which results in her son Lance turning up at her front door, she fears he is here to drag her back to the city and her busy life. She finds though that he just wants to spend time with her, something they never did while he was growing up as she was always too busy, they are enjoying getting to know each other.
This story is about how unimportant material things are, how little we need to live and the importance of making time for the people we love.
3.5 stars.

This is my first Catherine Ryan Hyde book. The main character, Roseanna, was a successful lawyer in a law firm with her best friend Alice and another partner Jerry. Everything changes one day when Alice has a stroke or embolism and passes away. Roseanna runs away and ends up in a little place in upstate New York and buys a piece of land with a dilapidated tiny farm house. This piece of property comes with several squatters. This is a story of reinventing one’s self, learning what is important in life, and finding family in a group of strangers. Many times this book reminded me of A Man Called Ove. Very slow moving but a heart felt story.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the opportunity to read her latest book - 5 glowing stars as always! I can't get enough of this author's books from the first one I read, Pay It Forward. Each one makes you think about difficult subjects but in a way that is never over the top, preachy or sappy.

Roseanna wakes up one morning in NYC and decides to call in that she won't be showing up for work that day as a partner in a law firm that she started with her best friend, Alice. She gets in her car and starts driving. She ends up in a rural town upstate and comes across a dilapidated small farmhouse on beautiful acreage in the middle of nowhere. And decides to buy it on the spot and live simply and off the grid. Which is fine - until she realizes that there squatters on the property and more people keep coming into her world.

So many things to ponder in this book - highly recommended as are all of her books!

I love books where the main character is taking a long look at their life and determining what really makes them happy and this was a very interesting take on that. This isn't a unicorn and rainbows kind of book. The author doesn't wave a magic wand and make Roseanna likable and happy and things are not always easy. I enjoyed how perplexed she was by the influx of squatters and visitors all looking for their own peace as she's trying to hold on to the bit she's found for herself.

The developing relationship between Roseanna and her son Lance was interesting and felt very genuine. It wasn't always smooth and there were some step backs or plateaus. As well her own self-discovery isn't always smooth. Her epiphanies don't always stick and sometimes it takes her awhile to really process stuff.

This a kind of a quiet book. There aren't big events for the most part and while there is conflict that isn't the real meat of the book. The focus is on relationships, development, and self discovery but in a subtle way that feels incredibly genuine. This is my first Catherine Ryan Hyde book but it definitely won't be my last!

Thanks you Net Galley for the ARC of Heaven Adjacent by Catherine Ryan Hyde. I’m a little late in my review because I received it right before it came out to the public. For me I know a book is really good and deserves 5 stars when I talk to my husband about it. I could soooooo relate to this book.. I always say in my next life I want to live on a farm, where i can live a quiet life milking the cows, reading, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. In Heaven Adjacent Rosanna put my dream in to motion. I absolutely fell in love with every character and lived vicariously through Roseanna. Another excellent book by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Thank you for letting me dream!!

I was afraid to read this book because I am usually a horror and mystery reader. I am so glad I read this book! I absolutely loved it. I look forward to reading more by this author. I had not heard of her until this book and I am glad I did.

I loved it! Catherine Ryan Hyde is my favorite author and a master storyteller, and she has delivered yet another meaningful and touching novel. Beautifully written, as always, this story makes you think about what is important in life, and what the word “family” truly means. It makes you think about being present in your life instead of marking the days, throwing away the things that don’t make you happy in order to embrace the ones that do. The characters, both human and furry, are so rich and engaging. CRH writes with honesty, heart, and humor, and I loved every line! Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an early copy. This is my honest opinion.

A new Catherine Ryan Hyde is always cause for celebration and clearing the decks for a read. This is no exception. Roseanna may be lucky enough to be able to afford her change of lifestyle from lawyer to farmer but her internal struggle will be familiar to many. What is important in life? How can you shift priorities to put yourself at peace and make a difference in a subtle way. Roseanna hasn't had a lot of positive non- work relationships, including with her own son Lance, so this novel sees her evolve into a woman who thinks more profoundly about life. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. As always, Hyde is an excellent storyteller who will keep you turning the pages.

I loved this book! I had just finished reading Catherine Ryan Hyde's book "Take me with you". The first book of her's that I had ever read, so naturally i wanted to read more of her works. As it was a powerful read.

I found Heaven Adjacent highly entertaining, and gutsy! How many women give up a high powered job to live in a run down farm and want solitude?? Roseanna does, and she does it to please herself. What she received in return was some squatters on her land, a mother and daughter. She teams up with the daughter to make junk zoo animals, which in itself is a roadside attraction.

Her son Lance pleads with her to return to the city, but Roseanna has found her heart and soul in the country.

A whopping good read, and I will read more of works of Catherine Ryan Hyde. Glad I found this interesting, heartfelt author. Keep up the good work!

Will also post on Goodreads!

I am thankful to once again have been given the chance to read Catherine Ryan Hyde's next upcoming novel! Heaven Adjacent teaches us to appreciate the small things in life. It teaches us that it is okay to be scared, everyone is scared, but, there is no need to run from it. It teaches us to trust those around us, to open ourselves up to people and to just be happy with the things we have.

Roseanna, our protagonist, makes the sudden split-second decision to just up and run. She wakes up one morning with the urge to get away from the city, her world and the life she leads. Part of her is grieving due to the loss of her best friend/ law partner and the other part of her is trying to reconcile with the fact that life is too short to waste away without enjoying it. As she drives away in her fancy car without a specific destination in mind, Roseanna lands up somewhere near the Adirondacks where she finds a perfectly acceptable farm.

As she settles and tries to make a home here, she allows a mother and daughter to stay on the premises. Slowly, a few more people happen upon her place, all seemingly in search of paradise or peace. At first Roseanna is irritated by the presence of other people, but as time passes, she starts to accept them. This seems to bug her son when he finally finds out where she is, through a news article about her animals sculpted from the junk around, and comes to convince her to go back. He does not understand her sudden decision and as he starts to spend some time with his mother, the two of them discover things about the other that they never knew or understood before. Talking about their lives, their relationships and who they are, a knew sense of peace and acceptance develops.

This story is one of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Roseanna finds a new kind of peace, a new hobby, and learns to accept the people around her. They all have something to teach her about life and her relationship with her son. This is a heart-warming story that is very well-written and pushes the reader towards introspection. It helps the reader understand that it is okay to want to escape, but don't be rash about it, and be sure to let in the ones you love. It will make a world of difference. Be open about your thoughts and don't be afraid to speak up. This is how a person can learn and grow into a better human being.

One again, this new and upcoming novel by author Catherine Ryan Hyde is a must read as it touches upon relevant and relatable topics!

Thank you NetGalley for ARC. Oh I loved this book and absolutely adored the characters. After the main character loses her best friend and law partner, she literally runs away from her high paying job and the law firm she founded. She leaves NYC seeking silence and ends up buying a run down farm property. As much as she’d like to be alone, she doesn’t stay hidden for long. Wouldn’t we all like to run away from our jobs! ❤️ Great story about what’s important, reconnecting with family and forming new family.

This book was INCREDIBLE. It drew me right in from the very start. The only reason I put it down to sleep was because I made the mistake of starting it late at night, when I was reading for bed. I stayed up and read 70% in one shot; it was that good.

The story centers on Roseanna and her gang of misfits (or squatters, as they're referred to in the book). Her son Lance and his partner make appearances. Everyone plays their part and make the story whole. I wish I could hire Roseanna to make me a penguin. I can't go into more detail without spoiling the book, but trust me, read it...and don't start right before bed if you know what's good for you.

This is the story of Roseanna, a successful lawyer, who after the loss of her close friend and business partner Alice leaves everything to move to the country.
Alice, was a workaholic who never took vacation and wanted to retire in two years to enjoy life. Something Alice was never able to do.
Roseanna took the death of Alice very hard and totally changed the direction of her life. It is a heartwarming story of a mother who has her son back in her life, how the squatters on her land become her family.
Loved this beautiful story. Thank you netgalley, the publisher and Catherine Ryan Hyde for the beautiful stories you write. I love them all.

This is a fantastic book about a woman realizing what is important in her life...........money and possessions or peace of mind and tranquility. Roseanna is a successful NY attorney, her best friend and founding partner in their law firm dies unexpectedly 2 years before she plans to retire and live life. Roseanna has trouble making herself get out of bed and go to work everyday until one day she decides to "run off" and she sees things in a whole new light. This book is one of the best I've read this year. Enjoy reading a can't put down book!

A powerful story about self realization e power of community by one of my favorite authors. I too have often thought of leaving the real world and living alone. I don’t think I’d choose the same type of setting as Rosie, but there’s something to be said about simplifying. It really shows us what’s important!

With thanks to NetGalley, 5e au5or and publisher for his ARC in exchange for my honest review.