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Goddesses Anonymous #2
Somewhere Between Luck and Trust
Where Luck Meets Trust, Miracles Can Happen Christy Haviland served eight months in prison, giving birth behind bars to the child of the man who put her there and might yet destroy her. Now she's free again, but what does that mean? As smart as she is, a learning disability has kept her from learning to read. And that's the least of her hurdles. Georgia Ferguson, talented educator, receives a mysterious charm bracelet that may help her find the mother who abandoned her at birth. Does she want to follow the clues, and if she does, can reticent Georgia reach out for help along the way? Both women are standing at a crossroads, a place where unlikely unions can be formed. A place where two very different women might bridge the gap between generations and education, and together make tough choices. Somewhere between the townships called Luck and Trust, at a mountain cabin known as the Goddess House, two very different women may even, if they dare, find common ground and friendship.
496 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
97 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Emilie Richards
192 books941 followersI'm the author of seventy-something novels, including romance, women's fiction and mystery. When We Were Sisters debuted in June 2016, a stand alone novel about two foster sisters traveling back into their past together. I loved writing it and love the cover my publisher chose.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
I'm also excited about my recent series, Goddesses Anonymous, which started with One Mountain Away and was followed by Somewhere Between Luck and Trust. The third book in the series, A River Too Wide, came out in July 2014. The Color of Light debuted in August 2015. Will there be more? We'll see.
I'm also putting up my newly edited romance backlist and love re-reading and updating them a bit.
Last year my husband and I moved from Virginia, to Osprey, Florida, the state where both of us were raised, met, and married. In the summer we live in Chautauqua, New York. I'm a quilter, knitter, kayaker, and the mother of four children, whom I regard as my greatest creative endeavors. And now there are four wonderful grandchildren to spoil.
Visit me at my web site, emilierichards.com, and my blog, www.emilierichards.com/blog. You can also find me at Twitter and on my Facebook reader page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
February 23, 2016
After I started this book I thought some of these characters seemed familiar. It turns out this is book 2 in the Goddesses Anonymous series. And yes, I had met some of the characters before in One Mountain Away, which I loved. This book tells the story of Cristy Haviland who has been in prison, for a theft crime she claims she did not commit. The law decided otherwise. While in prison Cristy gave birth to a child. Free now, she ends up at Goddess House, seeking to make a new life for herself. Where does her child, Michael, fit into that life?
Georgia, an educator with some progressive ideas, is one of several women committed to helping Cristy. After she finds charm bracelet and some articles about her birth and being left as a newborn wrapped in a sweatshirt in a hospital bathroom, Georgia is faced with her own choice. Does she want to follow the clues and find out about the mother who abandoned her or not? And if she does what might she find? Would it be better to remain in ignorance?
While the title Somewhere between Luck and Trust could refer to the two townships of Luck and Trust it also has another meaning. This is a story of friendship, love and what makes a family. At times it did feel as if the story was hopping around from one character to another a little too much and queried the use of ‘vocalising’ rather than ‘singing,’ but they were minor quibbles. I still enjoyed it very much. I liked the characters, the setting, and the way the story touched my emotions with laughter, tears and anger at times. There is also romance as well as friendship and family relationships and hard choices that need to be made. It is perhaps not crucial to have read One Mountain Away first but I would recommend it, as it gives background to of some of the characters. This is a feel good story and I enjoyed it. Loved the cover too.
Georgia, an educator with some progressive ideas, is one of several women committed to helping Cristy. After she finds charm bracelet and some articles about her birth and being left as a newborn wrapped in a sweatshirt in a hospital bathroom, Georgia is faced with her own choice. Does she want to follow the clues and find out about the mother who abandoned her or not? And if she does what might she find? Would it be better to remain in ignorance?
While the title Somewhere between Luck and Trust could refer to the two townships of Luck and Trust it also has another meaning. This is a story of friendship, love and what makes a family. At times it did feel as if the story was hopping around from one character to another a little too much and queried the use of ‘vocalising’ rather than ‘singing,’ but they were minor quibbles. I still enjoyed it very much. I liked the characters, the setting, and the way the story touched my emotions with laughter, tears and anger at times. There is also romance as well as friendship and family relationships and hard choices that need to be made. It is perhaps not crucial to have read One Mountain Away first but I would recommend it, as it gives background to of some of the characters. This is a feel good story and I enjoyed it. Loved the cover too.
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September 13, 2013As always I'm enjoying readers' reviews of this book, which came out in late July. Right now I'm working on the third in the Goddesses Anonymous series, No River Too Wide. Hope you enjoy that one every bit as much.
November 20, 2016
I liked this book. It is the second book in the 'Goddesses Anonymous' series. I liked the first one more, but this one still drew me in. I think what I like most, is that these books aren't singular in plot focus. There are a couple of threads in there, which keeps things interesting. I also like the author's focus on the characters. They are flawed, but seem to own it, which I find admirable. So 4 stars.
October 22, 2015
After serving time in prison for a crime she didn't commit, Cristy is out and and just wants to get on with her life. She is given an opportunity to live in a rural cabin while she makes some life decisions, whether to be a mother to the child she gave birth to while in prison and what to do with her future. And if that isn't enough, she has a secret she has hidden her entire life. She can't read.
When it is discovered she can't read, Georgia steps in to help her. It quickly becomes obvious that Cristy is intelligent and talented and her struggles stem from dyslexia. In Georgia's she finds the help her judgemental parents refused to get for her.
As a newborn infant, Georgia was abandoned in a hospital toilet. Despite her less than ideal beginning she has made something of herself as the principal and administrator of a school for children who can't or won't be served well by a conventional school. Then a charm bracelet shows up on her desk and it quickly becomes obvious that it belonged to her mother. The woman who abandoned her.
I really loved book one One Mountain Away. Sure it was a Hallmark Card but it was well written and the story worked. The characters in this one are great. I loved Cristy and Georgia, and I loved their stories. But it felt like a little too much for one book. I would be getting into one of the stories and then without so much as a by your leave, I would be thrown into the other story.
Adding to the problems was the suspense back story with Cristy's criminal ex. It belonged in there and for the most part it worked but towards the end of the book was quite an explanation of his criminal empire. Honestly the click of hand-cuffs would have been fine. I didn't need to know all of that.
I liked it. It was good enough. But not great.
Book 3?
Maybe. I'll decide in a week.
When it is discovered she can't read, Georgia steps in to help her. It quickly becomes obvious that Cristy is intelligent and talented and her struggles stem from dyslexia. In Georgia's she finds the help her judgemental parents refused to get for her.
As a newborn infant, Georgia was abandoned in a hospital toilet. Despite her less than ideal beginning she has made something of herself as the principal and administrator of a school for children who can't or won't be served well by a conventional school. Then a charm bracelet shows up on her desk and it quickly becomes obvious that it belonged to her mother. The woman who abandoned her.
I really loved book one One Mountain Away. Sure it was a Hallmark Card but it was well written and the story worked. The characters in this one are great. I loved Cristy and Georgia, and I loved their stories. But it felt like a little too much for one book. I would be getting into one of the stories and then without so much as a by your leave, I would be thrown into the other story.
Adding to the problems was the suspense back story with Cristy's criminal ex. It belonged in there and for the most part it worked but towards the end of the book was quite an explanation of his criminal empire. Honestly the click of hand-cuffs would have been fine. I didn't need to know all of that.
I liked it. It was good enough. But not great.
Book 3?
Maybe. I'll decide in a week.
November 30, 2022
LOVED IT, Emilie Richards writes such an interesting story with characters who are real. Great plot, just read and read it. As a teacher I especially loved the dyslexia and literacy angle. Can't recommend this series enough, but do start with the first one.
Second read was via audiobook which was excellent. Loved this story all over again and so happy that after a number of years I have forgotten the story enough to enjoy it all over again. 5 stars plus.
Second read was via audiobook which was excellent. Loved this story all over again and so happy that after a number of years I have forgotten the story enough to enjoy it all over again. 5 stars plus.
January 26, 2015
A wonderful story about family and friendship, healing and learning to trust again. We get re-acquainted with many of the wonderful people from 'one mountain away' and it was a pleasure to make their acquaintance again and to meet a few new friends :). My memory was a little fuzzy since it had been awhile since reading the first book and I was a little wary that the magic would be gone for me, but I fell right into it again before the first chapter was over.
My heart went out to Cristy... she's had a rough time of it but doing the best she can, taking her post-prison life (not a spoiler, it's on the back cover) one day at a time. She's learning how to live on her own and come to terms with what she wants with/for her life and for her son Michael.
Georgia's story starts out with her as the administrator of BCAS, an alternative option for kids who have had problems in a regular classroom (she's also one of the Goddesses Anonymous)... she's not as sure her daughter Samantha about taking Cristy in but she's willing to trust Samantha's instincts.
There's a couple mysteries going on within each story and some romantic tones, I loved how each was blended together with each storyline. The love scenes never overwhelmed or took away from what else was going on but felt seamless, natural, and sweet.
The mysteries were handled well also, little clues dropped here and there... clues and facts coming together in a plausible way, never felt forced or unbelieveable.
I love how Emilie Richards writes people and places, it reminds me of Nora Roberts in the way that you feel like you could drive to the places described and find them sipping coffee or at work.
Jackson was a despicable and scary guy who knew how to cover his tracks well and how to manipulate people. He wasn't an overwhelming presence but he left his mark and you could feel the ripples after. I was mentally cheering when he met his fate.
Sully I loved from the get go, even though I was curious about his motives at first. Dawson, grew on me and by the end I was very fond of him by the end. Hopefully we get to see more of them as the series goes on. His storyline wasn't big in the overall but he left his mark in his own way. A certain part that was revealed only endeared him to more... the way things were left with Dawson gave me hope that things would start to go well with him.
No complaints about this novel, a beautiful and moving work... would recommend :) I suggest though, you read this soon after "One Mountain away" to help keep everyone fresh in your mind.
My heart went out to Cristy... she's had a rough time of it but doing the best she can, taking her post-prison life (not a spoiler, it's on the back cover) one day at a time. She's learning how to live on her own and come to terms with what she wants with/for her life and for her son Michael.
Georgia's story starts out with her as the administrator of BCAS, an alternative option for kids who have had problems in a regular classroom (she's also one of the Goddesses Anonymous)... she's not as sure her daughter Samantha about taking Cristy in but she's willing to trust Samantha's instincts.
There's a couple mysteries going on within each story and some romantic tones, I loved how each was blended together with each storyline. The love scenes never overwhelmed or took away from what else was going on but felt seamless, natural, and sweet.
The mysteries were handled well also, little clues dropped here and there... clues and facts coming together in a plausible way, never felt forced or unbelieveable.
I love how Emilie Richards writes people and places, it reminds me of Nora Roberts in the way that you feel like you could drive to the places described and find them sipping coffee or at work.
Jackson was a despicable and scary guy who knew how to cover his tracks well and how to manipulate people. He wasn't an overwhelming presence but he left his mark and you could feel the ripples after. I was mentally cheering when he met his fate.
Sully I loved from the get go, even though I was curious about his motives at first. Dawson, grew on me and by the end I was very fond of him by the end. Hopefully we get to see more of them as the series goes on. His storyline wasn't big in the overall but he left his mark in his own way. A certain part that was revealed only endeared him to more... the way things were left with Dawson gave me hope that things would start to go well with him.
No complaints about this novel, a beautiful and moving work... would recommend :) I suggest though, you read this soon after "One Mountain away" to help keep everyone fresh in your mind.
April 5, 2016
Apparently I'm in the minority as I would rate this at 2.5 stars. I am a Richards fan and usually, she pulls me right in. I had trouble staying with this and could not get invested in the characters. It was dragged out as well. First off, I have trouble with the Goddess element. I'm just not comfortable referring to women as Goddesses regardless of the reason. In this case the "Goddesses" are a group of women who bonded together over strife, now own a house in a remote place used for respite from life's many trials. Recently released from prison for a crime she didn't commit, Cristy is invited to stay there for as long as she needs to, to sort out her life and future direction. The Goddesses all drop in from time to time but we don't get much character development on them, and I didn't feel bringing them into the story line added much to this. It was sometimes hard to remember who is who, and what happened to them, not that it's relevant to this novel, but some might find it helpful to have read "Goddesses Anonymous #1" as this is #2 and the background of the Goddesses is given in #1, there again not detrimental to the plot lines of this novel, just helpful.
Besides Cristy, there are two other plot lines... One is about Georgia, a 40ish woman looking for answers regarding the mother who abandoned her at birth, and Dawson, a young man who can't seem to live up to his parents expectations. This could have been 100 pages shorter. I hate to give it such a low rating, as Richards has written many wonderful novels with characters one feels you really get to know, but in my opinion, this wasn't one of them. I recommend an older novel of hers "Whiskey Island" and it's sequel, both very good.
Besides Cristy, there are two other plot lines... One is about Georgia, a 40ish woman looking for answers regarding the mother who abandoned her at birth, and Dawson, a young man who can't seem to live up to his parents expectations. This could have been 100 pages shorter. I hate to give it such a low rating, as Richards has written many wonderful novels with characters one feels you really get to know, but in my opinion, this wasn't one of them. I recommend an older novel of hers "Whiskey Island" and it's sequel, both very good.
June 26, 2016
She has officially been added to my favorite author list. She makes you warm and fuzzy after reading her books. I can't wait to read book #3. I also think her career as a family counselor helps her create incredible characters. My type of girl;)
October 15, 2014
I have read a lot of wonderful books about friendship, family, faith and trust, and this one is no exception. It was a heartwarming and at times heart wrenching story of doing what is best for others at he expense of your won happiness. I really give this story a 5++++. I recommend this to all who love woman's fiction at it's best.
March 19, 2016
A beautiful story about family and friends. It is also about learning to trust again by having people around you who believe in you and to help you heal and to nurture yourself. For me this book was about acceptance and it doesn't matter who you are or what you have done, the support and love between friends old and new remains strong right throughout this book.
June 26, 2013
Also posted at my blog, TBR MOUNTAIN RANGE, along with links to my review of the first book in this series.
Rated 4.5
Once again you'll become immersed in the mountain community of the GODDESSES ANONYMOUS series that includes unusual characters who need a bit of luck after all they've survived. Emotionally riveting, this is contemporary women's fiction at its best, facing difficult situations with hope and love.
After spending eight months in jail for a crime she didn't commit, Cristy Haviland is afraid of how she can possibly move forward. Pregnant when she entered lockup, she has never held her baby boy, preferring to let him go to her cousin's home to be nurtured. Now that she's out of jail, Cristy needs to decide what she's going to do with her life, where she's going to live and how she's going to care for a baby. All while trying to overcome the memories of her time behind bars and the man who put her there. Besides the obvious obstacles, Cristy also has to overcome her inability to read, something she has kept secret. How will she manage a new beginning?
A principal at an alternative school for middle and high school students, Georgia Ferguson has more obligations than hours in the day. She's determined to make her ideas for this school work, even if it means letting some of the desperately needed teachers go. What little spare time she has leftover is spent with her daughter Samantha and her granddaughter Edna, plus her best friends, the newly formed anonymous goddesses. When a charm bracelet is left on her desk and Georgia realizes it may be a way to track down the dishonorable mother she never knew, she wonders if she should just leave well enough alone. After all, the woman had cared so little that she had left Georgia in a sink at the hospital the day she was born.
The anonymous goddesses, as they call themselves, were given the Goddess House by their good friend Charlotte Hale with instructions to use it to help women. Samantha decides that they should help Cristy by letting her stay at the Goddess House until she can figure out her future. It's a cabin perched in the mountains with plenty of room for gardening and self-reflection. Cristy and Georgia are both struggling with pasts they'd love to forget and they instantly connect when Georgia volunteers to teach Cristy to read. A new friendship, based on need, becomes something much more than either woman could hope for as they travel their individual roads of discovery. When they both meet men who could possibly be their life partners, will they allow themselves to love again, knowing the pain that could result?
If you haven't read the first book in the GODDESSES ANONYMOUS series by Emilie Richards, I highly suggest you do that before reading SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LUCK AND TRUST. Book one, ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY, sets the groundwork for the friendships explored further in book two. I think you will understand this book without reading the first one but book two will mean much more to you if you've enjoyed book one. Besides, ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY is such an amazing book, so you don't want to miss it—read my review here .
In book two we get to revisit with Reverend Ana, Harmony and her baby, Samantha and Edna, while getting a glimpse of Taylor and Maddie. There are a whole new group of characters to know and love as they gather to support Cristy and Georgia in their healing process, including two handsome men for them to lean on when the going gets tough, and it does get very tough, even dangerous, before these two women find their peace. My favorite new character is Dawson Nedley, a junior in Georgia's high school, who is struggling between who he is and who his parents expect him to be. A gifted student, Dawson added some very touching moments and I can't wait to find out where his life leads him in the future.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LUCK AND TRUST is a beautiful, almost five hundred page, book that exemplifies the best qualities of contemporary women's fiction. Although there are two romances in this book, the characters don't depend on the romance for their happiness. This novel is about friendships and trust, sorrow and fear, happiness and deserving it, with healing woven amongst it all.
Emilie Richards makes you care for her characters before you're sure how it happened. This series delves into some difficult subject matter without apologies, diving in full force with the emotional upheaval caused by circumstances beyond the characters' control. It's like taking the characters and dropping them off a cliff, then waiting to see if they land on a ledge partway down, hoping to crawl back up or be rescued. You're never quite sure what will happen next, often fearing the worst, but always glad at the end that everyone is moving toward a happy-for-now.
For a riveting journey through a mountain community where good friends support one another no matter what, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LUCK AND TRUST will rattle your emotions and in the end, make you smile.
Book courtesy of Netgalley and Review courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Rated 4.5
Once again you'll become immersed in the mountain community of the GODDESSES ANONYMOUS series that includes unusual characters who need a bit of luck after all they've survived. Emotionally riveting, this is contemporary women's fiction at its best, facing difficult situations with hope and love.
After spending eight months in jail for a crime she didn't commit, Cristy Haviland is afraid of how she can possibly move forward. Pregnant when she entered lockup, she has never held her baby boy, preferring to let him go to her cousin's home to be nurtured. Now that she's out of jail, Cristy needs to decide what she's going to do with her life, where she's going to live and how she's going to care for a baby. All while trying to overcome the memories of her time behind bars and the man who put her there. Besides the obvious obstacles, Cristy also has to overcome her inability to read, something she has kept secret. How will she manage a new beginning?
A principal at an alternative school for middle and high school students, Georgia Ferguson has more obligations than hours in the day. She's determined to make her ideas for this school work, even if it means letting some of the desperately needed teachers go. What little spare time she has leftover is spent with her daughter Samantha and her granddaughter Edna, plus her best friends, the newly formed anonymous goddesses. When a charm bracelet is left on her desk and Georgia realizes it may be a way to track down the dishonorable mother she never knew, she wonders if she should just leave well enough alone. After all, the woman had cared so little that she had left Georgia in a sink at the hospital the day she was born.
The anonymous goddesses, as they call themselves, were given the Goddess House by their good friend Charlotte Hale with instructions to use it to help women. Samantha decides that they should help Cristy by letting her stay at the Goddess House until she can figure out her future. It's a cabin perched in the mountains with plenty of room for gardening and self-reflection. Cristy and Georgia are both struggling with pasts they'd love to forget and they instantly connect when Georgia volunteers to teach Cristy to read. A new friendship, based on need, becomes something much more than either woman could hope for as they travel their individual roads of discovery. When they both meet men who could possibly be their life partners, will they allow themselves to love again, knowing the pain that could result?
If you haven't read the first book in the GODDESSES ANONYMOUS series by Emilie Richards, I highly suggest you do that before reading SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LUCK AND TRUST. Book one, ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY, sets the groundwork for the friendships explored further in book two. I think you will understand this book without reading the first one but book two will mean much more to you if you've enjoyed book one. Besides, ONE MOUNTAIN AWAY is such an amazing book, so you don't want to miss it—read my review here .
In book two we get to revisit with Reverend Ana, Harmony and her baby, Samantha and Edna, while getting a glimpse of Taylor and Maddie. There are a whole new group of characters to know and love as they gather to support Cristy and Georgia in their healing process, including two handsome men for them to lean on when the going gets tough, and it does get very tough, even dangerous, before these two women find their peace. My favorite new character is Dawson Nedley, a junior in Georgia's high school, who is struggling between who he is and who his parents expect him to be. A gifted student, Dawson added some very touching moments and I can't wait to find out where his life leads him in the future.
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LUCK AND TRUST is a beautiful, almost five hundred page, book that exemplifies the best qualities of contemporary women's fiction. Although there are two romances in this book, the characters don't depend on the romance for their happiness. This novel is about friendships and trust, sorrow and fear, happiness and deserving it, with healing woven amongst it all.
Emilie Richards makes you care for her characters before you're sure how it happened. This series delves into some difficult subject matter without apologies, diving in full force with the emotional upheaval caused by circumstances beyond the characters' control. It's like taking the characters and dropping them off a cliff, then waiting to see if they land on a ledge partway down, hoping to crawl back up or be rescued. You're never quite sure what will happen next, often fearing the worst, but always glad at the end that everyone is moving toward a happy-for-now.
For a riveting journey through a mountain community where good friends support one another no matter what, SOMEWHERE BETWEEN LUCK AND TRUST will rattle your emotions and in the end, make you smile.
Book courtesy of Netgalley and Review courtesy of Romance Junkies.
May 23, 2022
4.4
Almost upgraded but closer to the end there were two or three details I would have preferred to see different.
Still, this was a very good read for me, probably would like it even more had the romance been a bit more obvious. I know this was not the goal of this book, but it would have been nice.
I really liked the vibe, this is a story about healing, about taking things one step at a time and it was certainly relaxing and rewarding to read.
Almost upgraded but closer to the end there were two or three details I would have preferred to see different.
Still, this was a very good read for me, probably would like it even more had the romance been a bit more obvious. I know this was not the goal of this book, but it would have been nice.
I really liked the vibe, this is a story about healing, about taking things one step at a time and it was certainly relaxing and rewarding to read.
April 29, 2018
It took me a long time to finish this one. I love stories like this - family, faith in God, trust and above all enduring friendship.
October 3, 2018
A little predictable but overall not bad. Characters were likable.
December 24, 2019
These books make me feel good about humanity and make me want to be a more generous person. After the very masculine-focused, violent Red Rising series, it’s nice to relax into my feminine side.
March 10, 2022
Emilie Richards writes the most wonderful family sagas!
June 30, 2015
First, it is hard to put into words or describe this inspiring 5 star story “Where Luck Meets Trust”. Emilie Richards is one of the most talented writers and have always been a huge fan for years, as one of my favorite authors. I am so in love with the new Goddesses Anonymous series as “One Mountain Away” was so moving and could not wait until the second release. When you spend your valuable time reading you want a take away from a novel – Emilie Richards always offers meaning and reflection with the successful development of her characters, grabbing you from page one until the end and after.
Each of the women in the story all have past, but it has not stopped them from reaching out to help others in need and become stronger in the process. There is so much depth to this novel – from the Bible Belt South of NC (native, so can relate) with their old school beliefs, addressing topics of illiteracy, dyslexia, a legal system which does not always support the woman, wrongful imprisonment, stigma attached to being gay, teenage pregnancy, women who have to go against their husbands to defend their children, and much more.
I can relate as had three step sons –all dyslexic (my own two sons were not), so during their teenage years, I learned so much about dyslexia thru their tutors, and much of my own research and managed to attain an untimed SAT for the middle son with a scholarship to Carolina. Emile did a wonderful job with this subject as hard to realize a grown adult who cannot read or write. (In addition, congrats to Emilie for her efforts to become a certified proliteracy volunteer – this is powerful)!
This is an excellent read for Book Clubs with great questions for discussions. I would urge you to read Emilie Richards’ blogs http://www.emilierichards.com/blog/, offering more insight into the creation of this novel, which I enjoyed. I loved the bracelet and how each charm became a map to help guide them on this mystery of Georgia’s past.
In addition to the various storylines with Christy and Georgia, there are also some intriguing mysteries which kept you in suspense throughout the novel. As always Emilie keeps you engaged. I loved the characters Christy and Dawson as they related to one another with a strong bond, and Georgia and Lucas (loved this duo).
I highlighted in my e-reader which sums up so this story so eloquently- “Abandon Perfection. Welcome reflection. Nurture connection!” Where Luck Meets Trust, Miracles Can Happen. A Must Read! I look forward to Book Three of the Goddesses Anonymous series, “No River Too Wide.”
Each of the women in the story all have past, but it has not stopped them from reaching out to help others in need and become stronger in the process. There is so much depth to this novel – from the Bible Belt South of NC (native, so can relate) with their old school beliefs, addressing topics of illiteracy, dyslexia, a legal system which does not always support the woman, wrongful imprisonment, stigma attached to being gay, teenage pregnancy, women who have to go against their husbands to defend their children, and much more.
I can relate as had three step sons –all dyslexic (my own two sons were not), so during their teenage years, I learned so much about dyslexia thru their tutors, and much of my own research and managed to attain an untimed SAT for the middle son with a scholarship to Carolina. Emile did a wonderful job with this subject as hard to realize a grown adult who cannot read or write. (In addition, congrats to Emilie for her efforts to become a certified proliteracy volunteer – this is powerful)!
This is an excellent read for Book Clubs with great questions for discussions. I would urge you to read Emilie Richards’ blogs http://www.emilierichards.com/blog/, offering more insight into the creation of this novel, which I enjoyed. I loved the bracelet and how each charm became a map to help guide them on this mystery of Georgia’s past.
In addition to the various storylines with Christy and Georgia, there are also some intriguing mysteries which kept you in suspense throughout the novel. As always Emilie keeps you engaged. I loved the characters Christy and Dawson as they related to one another with a strong bond, and Georgia and Lucas (loved this duo).
I highlighted in my e-reader which sums up so this story so eloquently- “Abandon Perfection. Welcome reflection. Nurture connection!” Where Luck Meets Trust, Miracles Can Happen. A Must Read! I look forward to Book Three of the Goddesses Anonymous series, “No River Too Wide.”
April 19, 2013
A poignant story with plenty of feel-good elements.
I loved the themes explored in this book – redemption, the meaning of family, self-development, trust and sisterhood. There is so much packed into the book: exploration of literacy, parents’ reactions to a child’s homosexulity, abandonment of a child. The plot is superbly woven together, with plenty of mystery that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
The setting is wonderful (I adore the view on the cover), and I found myself thinking wistfully that every town should have a Goddess House to shelter women who need time and security to find themselves. I loved the female characters in the book – their realism and willingness to have faith and help someone in trouble.
I didn’t think that the romance element of the book was prominent, but there are two love stories interwoven in the story that I found compelling. The focus, more, I think is on family – or perhaps it is just that those aspects of the book most jumped out at me, thought-provoking and powerfully written as they are.
The ending surprised me a little (not predictable, for me). Without wishing to give anything away, I think I’d have preferred a slightly different ending in terms of the resolution of a family issue, but I quite understand why the author wrote the book this way, and in fact I think she is courageous and educative in doing so.
In all, well worth a read if you love intelligently written books with plenty of story and loveable characters.
I loved the themes explored in this book – redemption, the meaning of family, self-development, trust and sisterhood. There is so much packed into the book: exploration of literacy, parents’ reactions to a child’s homosexulity, abandonment of a child. The plot is superbly woven together, with plenty of mystery that makes you want to keep turning the pages.
The setting is wonderful (I adore the view on the cover), and I found myself thinking wistfully that every town should have a Goddess House to shelter women who need time and security to find themselves. I loved the female characters in the book – their realism and willingness to have faith and help someone in trouble.
I didn’t think that the romance element of the book was prominent, but there are two love stories interwoven in the story that I found compelling. The focus, more, I think is on family – or perhaps it is just that those aspects of the book most jumped out at me, thought-provoking and powerfully written as they are.
The ending surprised me a little (not predictable, for me). Without wishing to give anything away, I think I’d have preferred a slightly different ending in terms of the resolution of a family issue, but I quite understand why the author wrote the book this way, and in fact I think she is courageous and educative in doing so.
In all, well worth a read if you love intelligently written books with plenty of story and loveable characters.
July 13, 2013
4.5 stars
An insightful exploration of the meaning of family and the healing power of friendship ... women supporting women. Emilie Richards writes from the heart covering current social issues and life lessons with compassion and a healthy dose of hope.
We re-visit many of the characters I adored from One Mountain Away, they're the trustees of the mountain cabin called The Goddess House, a safe haven for women needing a second chance or fresh start. In no time I was invested in Cristy Haviland's life, you just can't help caring. Georgia's story was equally compelling and I loved the brilliant but troubled Dawson Nedley and the quiet strength of Sully.
The romantic threads are subtle, not the main focus of the story but a sweet addition. I'm looking forward to seeing how these relationships play out in future installments.
This can easily be read as a standalone, but the experience will be so much richer if you start with One Mountain Away. Besides, it made my favourite read list last year, so why would you want to miss out? Somewhere Between Luck and Trust is not the sob-fest of One Mountain Away but it touched my heart, I'm loving this series and Emilie Richard's beautiful writing.
"Abandon perfection. Welcome reflection. Nuture connection."
An insightful exploration of the meaning of family and the healing power of friendship ... women supporting women. Emilie Richards writes from the heart covering current social issues and life lessons with compassion and a healthy dose of hope.
We re-visit many of the characters I adored from One Mountain Away, they're the trustees of the mountain cabin called The Goddess House, a safe haven for women needing a second chance or fresh start. In no time I was invested in Cristy Haviland's life, you just can't help caring. Georgia's story was equally compelling and I loved the brilliant but troubled Dawson Nedley and the quiet strength of Sully.
The romantic threads are subtle, not the main focus of the story but a sweet addition. I'm looking forward to seeing how these relationships play out in future installments.
This can easily be read as a standalone, but the experience will be so much richer if you start with One Mountain Away. Besides, it made my favourite read list last year, so why would you want to miss out? Somewhere Between Luck and Trust is not the sob-fest of One Mountain Away but it touched my heart, I'm loving this series and Emilie Richard's beautiful writing.
"Abandon perfection. Welcome reflection. Nuture connection."
August 25, 2013
4.5 stars
For me, this book was slow to start but I am glad I stuck with it. I loved reading Cristy's story the most. Georgia's story was interesting too but did not catch my attention as much. Not many books make me cry out loud. When Dawson and Cristy help each other out...that made me cry. I don't understand why you have to get a license to drive a car but people don't have to do any type of studying or learning to be a good parent. Read the book.
For me, this book was slow to start but I am glad I stuck with it. I loved reading Cristy's story the most. Georgia's story was interesting too but did not catch my attention as much. Not many books make me cry out loud. When Dawson and Cristy help each other out...that made me cry. I don't understand why you have to get a license to drive a car but people don't have to do any type of studying or learning to be a good parent. Read the book.
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May 26, 2016"Richards’ second Goddess Anonymous novel is a rich deeply moving Southern- fried novel that speaks to you, heart and soul, mixing mystery, romance and Lowcountry fiction in one empowering read. Her perfectly cast narrative enlightens, entertains and educates as it flows smoothly throughout the tale. Her unforgettable, enigmatic fully developed characters will bring joy and fear" (4 1/2 stars TOP PICK! @ RT Book Reviews).
January 25, 2024
I didn't feel quite as in tune with the characters, but it probably had lots to do with illness in our family. The author reminds us that sometimes things aren't as they appear to be and some really do deserve another chance in society and may need our extra help.
September 16, 2020
Engaging writing, vivid characters, an enjoyable read.
December 18, 2015
I really enjoyed reading this story of overcoming obstacles and finding friendships.
April 2, 2018
I started reading Somewhere Between Luck and Trust a week or two after finishing the first book in the Goddesses Anonymous series, One Mountain Away, which I really enjoyed.
Naturally, since this is a series, there is no way to avoid comparing the books, especially since I read them both in such a short span of time. Unfortunately, this book came up short for me.
There is a definite tie-in to book one, and a few of the main characters from the first book appear sporadically in this book. However, the protagonist, Christy, is new to the series. Christy is a young woman with a reading disability who has just been released from prison after serving time for a crime she did not commit. The goddesses are helping her to get back on her feet. Christy had almost too many problems for it to be believable for me....she is estranged from her parents, she is a single mom and does not have a relationship with her child, she has a learning disability she is actively trying to overcome, she is being stalked by a violent ex-boyfriend. Her strength and ability to cope with all of these simultaneously at such a young age was not that realistic for me.
There is a second protagonist, Georgia, who had a minor role in the first book. She is a middle aged woman who is trying to trace a mystery from her past and is starting out in a new romance.
The characters are likable, but what was surprising to me is that this book dragged for me, even with the large number of sub-plots and challenges that these characters were facing.
Overall, the book is well written, but just slow and because there was almost too much going on, I didn't ever feel invested in any single aspect of the storylines.
I probably will still give the third book of the series a try, in the hope that is has the same strengths of book one, which I really enjoyed.
Naturally, since this is a series, there is no way to avoid comparing the books, especially since I read them both in such a short span of time. Unfortunately, this book came up short for me.
There is a definite tie-in to book one, and a few of the main characters from the first book appear sporadically in this book. However, the protagonist, Christy, is new to the series. Christy is a young woman with a reading disability who has just been released from prison after serving time for a crime she did not commit. The goddesses are helping her to get back on her feet. Christy had almost too many problems for it to be believable for me....she is estranged from her parents, she is a single mom and does not have a relationship with her child, she has a learning disability she is actively trying to overcome, she is being stalked by a violent ex-boyfriend. Her strength and ability to cope with all of these simultaneously at such a young age was not that realistic for me.
There is a second protagonist, Georgia, who had a minor role in the first book. She is a middle aged woman who is trying to trace a mystery from her past and is starting out in a new romance.
The characters are likable, but what was surprising to me is that this book dragged for me, even with the large number of sub-plots and challenges that these characters were facing.
Overall, the book is well written, but just slow and because there was almost too much going on, I didn't ever feel invested in any single aspect of the storylines.
I probably will still give the third book of the series a try, in the hope that is has the same strengths of book one, which I really enjoyed.
June 26, 2025
This is the story of two women. Christy is a young girl, who is in jail for stealing a ring. While in jail she has a baby boy. Her cousin takes him to care for until Christy can. The father of the baby is an abuser and will not let Christy alone. Georgia is a teacher. She was left at a hospital when she was a baby and has no idea who her parents are. She receives a charm bracelet that may be connected to her family. These two women have to make decisions.
March 14, 2019
Christy has come from a hard past that started with the decision to be with the wrong man. Once she is released from prison, she is fortunate to be taken in by a wonderful group of ladies "Goddesses". This support group helps her in finding herself while living in a mountain cabin in a fictitious town in North Carolina.
September 1, 2018
I love this series
Women helping women. That is the foundation for this series. I found it to be a very good and different style. Haven’t read but one other book by Emilie. Loved her style and will read more. Not cheesy romance book or explicit. Very entertaining read for me!
Women helping women. That is the foundation for this series. I found it to be a very good and different style. Haven’t read but one other book by Emilie. Loved her style and will read more. Not cheesy romance book or explicit. Very entertaining read for me!
August 23, 2020
I enjoyed this book. My favorite characters was Georgia & Christy. I loved their relationship and how similar but different they were. A very heartfelt book! It really tugged my heart and had me on edge on some scenes.
November 23, 2023
One of the worst books I’ve ever read… honestly have no idea what was even going on half the time took way longer than needed about a woman that went to jail and then “goddesses” took her under their wing to bring her back to life after jail.
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