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The “do-over” is what’s behind the novel, Between You and Us, written by Kendra Broekhuis. The genre of the book is a beautiful fusion of romance, contemporary women’s fiction, and parallel universe reality. We all tend to choose books based on labels, just like we do clothing. In this case, I encourage you to set aside your preferences. This novel is simply a well-told story that’s as satisfying as freshly baked bread, with a light dusting of magic.
Fresh. That’s the adjective I want to press into. Alternative timelines, where the protagonist is thrust into a different version of their own story aren’t new. (Think, It’s a Wonderful Life.) But the thing that sells it is the unique voice of the author in telling a story of life-altering grief and intriguing choices.
Our story is relayed by Leona, a young woman who grew up poor within a diverse Milwaukee neighborhood. Her love interest, David, is the only child of wealthy parents. Sounds cliché, but trust me, it doesn’t read that way. Romantic sparks fly from their first blind date, to marriage, to choosing independence from his mom and dad’s money, and onto the good and bad that come later. It’s a year after the heart-rending loss of their long-awaited newborn, when Leona is transported to a different timeline where her baby is alive. In this new reality, the couple is awash in affluence, allowing them to give young Vera everything she might ever want.
You’d guess there’s a trade-off to all this good fortune, and you’d be right, but I don’t want to give too much away. Let me just say that this story makes you consider the ripple effect of the choices you make. I want to add that nothing in the book diminishes the pain of loss, in fact it makes war against the trite sayings people use when confronted with those who mourn.
Between You and Us handles other sticky subjects with wisdom and good humor, as if Jane Austin was reborn as the author, Kendra Broekhus, minus the ball gowns. It has a bit of a Nicholas Sparks feel to it. Although I intensely dislike The Notebook (my apologies if you love it!), I mention this connection because hanging over the sweet romance is the shadow of loss, though it shimmers with the mystical. I was grateful I didn’t have to dodge bad language or too-steamy love scenes, as Broekhus kept things pretty PG. Alternatively, it doesn’t have a straight-laced flavor, either.
Between You and Us isn’t a frivolous read, neither is it too heavy, but something delightfully in-between. Please enjoy this “all grown-up” book unicorn!
PS: For those of you who prefer audiobooks, like my critique partner, Becky, it’s also available on Audible.
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