I thought It's Better This Way to be a pretty good read by Debbie Macomber and I am giving four and a half stars.

It's Better This Way by Debbie Macomber

Julia Jones had been married once, but it didn't work out, as her husband left her for another women. Julia tired everything she could to try to save her marriage, but it wasn't meant to be. Their two daughters have always stood by Julia. They haven't gotten along with their stepmother.

Now six years later Julia is settling into her single life. Her father's trusty saying always on her mind; it's better this way! She moved into a condominium complex after divorcing and sold her business. In her retirement she's taken up a routine of working out in the community gym. At the gym she meets, Heath Johnson, a handsome man who she finds herself getting attracted to! After a few run ins, Heath introduces himself. He also went through a rough divorce and has two grown sons. They become fast friends. Soon they are meeting to work out together and getting coffee together after. A nice start to their day!! Both knowing they are only looking to be friends.

But as their friendship grows closer they learn they have a lot in common and they grow closer! Their friendship grows into an unexpected love!

However, they soon realize that combining their families proves to be a challenge.

When a dramatic revelation threatens they happiness they've found in each other, Julia and Heath must reconcile their love for their children with their love for each other. If they can't, their future together may be nothing but a dream.

This was an enjoyable love story of a second chance between two couples after going through heartache. I really enjoyed reading a story of an older couple falling in love! Even though there was some family drama, which just made it interesting. I really enjoyed the characters and the way they handled their family situation.

Thank you Debbie Macomber, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the advance copy to read in return for my honest review!

Debbie Macomber has written another wonderful story with romance, friendship and family. I recommend this story. Happy reading!

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher. This is my honest and personal review.

Once again Debbie Macomber does not disappoint. The title "It's Better This Way " is just perfect for this story line and it is used as reference throughout the book.

Julia has her heartbroken my her husband when he leaves her for another woman. Their grown children also have a hard time with not only the divorce, but excepting the other woman. Julia has to sell the family home which of course is hard but she feels " It's Better This Way " . While her life has not turned out like she thought it would she feels " It's Better This Way "

After being single for 6 years she forms a friendship with a guy that also lives in her condo. What starts out as a friendship develops into a romance. Of course this romance has it struggles they need to work out along the way.

I enjoyed this book, but there are a lot of sub stories in it as well so it takes a bit of following the characters and their individually stories. That being said I think it is a book anyone would enjoy, one of those beach reads. Fun and simple hearted with it's ups and downs and surprises that makes you not want to put it down.

Family dynamics are tricky at best here they are turned inside out. A divorce divides children from parents emotionally that is sure
Y the case here. Julia Jones works through her heartache of loss with the words that make up this title. A bit of wisdom she learned long ago applies more often than not. Letting go of a life past is hard going in the best of circumstances. Julia has two daughters and they resent their fathers new partner. Julia has moved into a new place determined to a fresh start. Children forget parents are people with their own agendas. A fact that comes to the surface as one daughter plans a wedding and two sons resent their fathers new partner Julia. Finding common ground is the tie that eventually bunds this story’s end.

I usually read and review anything Debbie Macomber writes as soon as it comes out on the other platforms. As always I forgot to leave my review here. I really loved the book.

Quick read felt a little predictable at times. I predicted the source of conflict within a few chapters which effected my reading of the book.

****I received an ARC for my honest review from NetGalley*****

As a fan of Debbie Macomber I was excited to read It's Better This Way. I will say that for me this wasn't my cup of tea. I had a hard time getting into the story and contemplated DNF. Unfortunately I couldn't relate to the main character as I have in other stories. I think for the right reader this story would be enjoyable and given the right person the opportunity for reflection.

Loved that this story centered around an older female character. So refreshing to not be reading about someone in their twenties. This book was also full of great secondary characters that helped shape the book into something wonderful.
It’s fast paced and well written, keeping me engaged to the story as it played out.
My only issue was with the ex-husband Eddie. Man did he get on my nerves. But glad to see he shaped up by the end 😂.
Overall this was a great book that I highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for this book in exchange for my honest review.

I always enjoy Debbie Macomber books. I like the stories, the messages, and the outcomes. I also appreciate the characters being multidimensional. It makes the story more interesting and gives it depth.
The story was somewhat predictable, but sometimes you want that when you are reading for escapism.
It's a good weekend read.

Note: I only gave it three stars because I always want to learn at least one thing when I am reading. It can be very very simple or basic like using the word Lynn for lake. Unfortunately, this story didn't have it.

I know all her books are going to have a happy ending but I enjoy them anyway! Debbie Macomber books are great. This book was what I expected when I wanted it! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC,

Two divorcees meet by chance at their condo in the exercise room. Both Judith and Heath had given up on love but hit it off instead. Judith's daughters and Heath's sons are wary of their parents mate.
This is a good romance and I didn't get bored, This would make a good book to read on the beach.

I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber and It's Better This Way, her newest book, did not disappoint. The storyline is of a long-married couple ending up divorced over infidelity and the disastrous fallout with their two daughters. The wife/mother has a very forgiving spirit and it is really nice to see how she works with the girls to help them overcome their anger and be able to move on in a healthy way. There is one big twist that happens and I do not want to say too much to give it away, but I know I was sure surprised. This story held my attention from beginning to end, I read through it really quickly and enjoyed every word.

Six years after Julia Jones goes through a bitter divorce, will she open her heart to love again? Content with her life as a successful single woman, living in a condo in close proximity to her loving daughters, her sister, and her niece, what more could Julia possibly want? A chance encounter with one of the condo residents has the possibility to change everything.

As it often goes with this author's characters, dysfunctional family relationships take center stage. There are a lot of characters with their own side plots and drama, but the author does a good job of keeping the main focus on Julia. Definitely a beach read, It's Better This Way is a fast paced novel about second chances, righting wrongs, and gaining perspective. Although the plot is telegraphed from the beginning and the dialogue predictable, readers will be able to relax and enjoy this novel.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy of It's Better This Way by NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine Books. The decision to read and review this book was entirely my own.

Debbie Macomber has a way of taking everyday life situations and crafting a story that resonates with her readers. It’s Better This Way definitely encompasses this. Her story centers around Julia and her ex Edward. She must confront a life changing decision. As she navigates her way through the obstacles life has thrown her way she emerges a better person as does her family. I’m sure many families have faced similar problems and while the road to resolution isn’t always paved in gold the outcome is one that warms your heart. Winner, winner! Thank you #NetGalley #ItsBetterThisWay for the ARC , all opinions are my my own.

"It´s Better This Way" by Debbie Macomber is a story about finding yourself again in the later years of your life. When you might consider retirement, downsizing, going thru a divorce, helping kids with college plans etc.
But it´s also about finding yourself again, and maybe finding love again. Or more correctly, believing in love again.

I thought this was a great book by Debbie Macomber about second chances after long marriages end. It's sad that these things happen, but it's nice to see positive things can come of it. There are definitely bumps in the road for Julia & Heath as they try to figure out their relationship with their first families' baggage thrown in as well. I highly recommend reading this book to see what happens with these two. It's well worth your time.

Thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

A seasoned heart warming romance with plenty of family drama. This is a book that I had a hard time putting down. Julia and Heath are both divorced and meet in there condominium. A friendship develops into much more but then secrets come out that might destroy their families. How do they choose their happiness or their happiness for their children.

This book is full of emotion. Julia and Heath are both strong independent individuals. Lots of family dynamics that I thinks many readers can identify with. I highly recommend this read.

Julia Jones was devasted and fought hard to keep her marriage together six years ago. She’s always in difficult times followed her father’s favorite saying, but that just may be put to the test when a new man enters her life. Heath Johnson didn’t see the divorce that his wife wanted coming but when he learned of her affair he said good riddance. It’s taken bother Julia and Heath several years to get over their respective divorces and when they end up moving into the same building a year apart. They’ll become friends and possibly more, but when a unknown connection is revealed it just may be what tears them apart for good along with family. Julia and Heath will have to face obstacles they didn’t expect and along the way they just may realize that It’s Better This Way.

It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber takes twist on a love story between the main character that the reader doesn’t see coming along the characters. You’ll be wondering if this unknown connection just may tear their new relationship apart or make them stronger. As they each struggle with their respective children and their feeling about the relationship it just may have them stopping it before it starts. The main female character must navigate the tension and animosity between her daughters and their farther all the while wanting to heal that relationship especially when her oldest announces her engagement. When the main male character’s oldest son realizes who his father has a relationship with it puts a wedge between the sons and father. It’s Better This Way has the main characters navigating between family and love of each other as they try to start their budding relationship. Sacrifices are made and when an illness hits one of the main characters it brings things to a possible end. It’s Better This Way tugs at the emotions of the reader and has you investing in the lives of these two characters wondering if they’ll be able to bring their families to their way of thinking and end a feud between children along with getting along with your ex-husband or ex-wife. Debbie Macomber’s well written characters will have you wanting a happy ending for them and their families and having both main characters realizing that even though their children are grown a divorce still affects them too. It’s Better This Way by Debbie Macomber is at her emotionally best and will have the reader feeling the anguish and happiness of these characters. It’s a must reader for any Macomber fan and sure to bring her new ones along the way.

I want to start with saying that I love Debbie Macomber and have read near everything. But this one was honestly, completely and totally boring. There was not a single likable character. The children were petty, the parents were immature and cruel. I honestly could not wait for it to end. That makes me sad because like I said, I love her books but this was just straight up awful.