Better All the Time

The Darlings #2

by Carre Armstrong Gardner

Seraphina Darling has always struggled to stand out. With her weight issues at the forefront of her mind, Sephy prefers to place herself comfortably in the background. But when Sephy's best friend and older brother announce their engagement, she vows to make a permanent change in her appearance and her life.

Meanwhile her younger sister, Amy, lands her dream job: coordinating the restoration of the community theater's arts programs. As the deadline for the project's completion approaches, Amy continues to run herself ragged, struggling to delegate and trust anyone but herself.

As the Darling sisters move through tragedy and triumph, between shadows and the limelight, each must find a path into the freedom of who God intended her to be.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Inspirational, Romance

416 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2015

About the author

Carre writes from the big small town of Portland, Maine, where she's the mom of 3 teenagers and 2 dogs she would rather not own. (Only the dogs, not the teenagers.) From 2007 to 2010, she and her family lived in Russia, studying the language and doing humanitarian work.

Like most writers, Carre grew up with her nose in a book. The heroines who most informed her were smart, creative, independent thinkers like Anne Shirley, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Nancy Drew, and Cherry Ames. Nancy proved that being a girl detective might just be the coolest career ever, but Cherry taught her that nursing was more practical. Carre compromised by becoming a nurse and marrying a sleuth.

Nearly every flat surface in Carre's home has books on it. The stories she loves most are those about the ordinary lives of ordinary people; she thinks of every life as a fascinating drama. Isn't each one of us the hero of our own story? She'd love for you to drop her a line and tell her yours!

Reviews

[Lily]

Sale alert! $1.99 paperback on Christianbook right now!

https://www.christianbook.com/2-bette...

[Marleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This second book featuring the Darling family is as wise and educational as it is slightly annoying, at the same time. Let me explain; I really enjoyed the part where Sephy (Seraphina) Darling discovers through counseling and a self-help group how and why she wants to lose weight, going as far as improving her resolve and disposition towards people she can’t say no to. It’s a learning curve, and I think it was very interesting to read about this particular topic – so many people try to boycott people who want to lose weight because they are jealous or need fat allies (like her aunt Sharon, in this case). Thankfully Sephy persevered. Too bad even her mother couldn’t even side with her. That’s what annoyed me. On the other hand, Laura Darling is still in Phoenix, AZ, and has no inclination of visiting her family. Laura is a mystery to me, because her adversity towards her loving family is not very clear to me. She’s so selfish, self-centered and she keeps on drinking, so I wonder, what is her problem? The author doesn’t give a satisfactory explanation to what ails Laura.
Furthermore, I was only mildly interested in Amy’s life – the way she went about her new job as the art director of the arts center was rather dictatorial, and her relationship towards her colleagues not very sympathetic. I don’t know where the author is going with that – hopefully in book 3, we’ll see an improved Amy.
The only dependable daughter is Ivy, with her 3 adopted children from book 1 – she’s a breath of fresh air.
Overall, I dislike super selfish and narrow minded people and, sorry to say, there are quite a bit of them in this book. Are they so ignorant of the world? Hasn’t the faith they have been brought up in taught them to be be more compassionate? Amy and Laura still have a lot to learn.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading this series! Each book follows a different Darling sister and that sister's dilemmas while still incorporating the other sisters' drama as well. I flew through this book laying next to the pool in one day - quick, easy, and enjoyable! You could read this as a standalone book but I think you would fully appreciate the story if you read the series in order.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know how Debbie Macomber takes a community of people and tells their individual stories which stretch over several books and time? I know many authors who have done this; and some of those stories, like Ms. Macomber's, have even become a television series. Well, Carre Armstrong Gardner has done something similar, although the focus remains on one family, the Darlings. This book is the second of a series, all focusing on the members of the Darling family and their friends.

Book 1 introduced us to the family by way of Ivy Darling, already married to Nick Mason. As their story unfolds, we get introduced to the many other members of the sprawling family that lives in Maine and other parts of the US.

Jane and Leander Darling are the proud parents of mostly daughters, now adults who are moving on with their lives, and sometimes to other states. Seraphina is the resident college student/grad who has taken on a nursing job nearby. Ivy and Nick live close with their adopted youngsters, Hammer, DeShaun, and Jada. Laura has moved as far away from the family as she could manage, to Arizona. Amy has taken on the position of a local arts director to create a brand new program with theater, concerts and classes. David is dating Sephy's best friend, Libby. The focus in this book is on the personal issues faced by Laura, Amy, Sephy and a few peripheral friends such as Mitch and Libby.

All the daughters had experiences which tugged at my sympathies and my heart. But I think of all their stories, it was Sephy's that resonated most with me. She and I have parallel histories, mostly revolving around emotional eating and being a people pleaser. Her journey sounded so much like mine. I remember those feelings and experiences that were so close to her feelings and experiences, especially when it came time for her to visit her Aunt Sharon. Oh my! It was both hilarious and tragic at the same time; I couldn't help but laugh in commiseration!

I also loved Amy's subplot. She could have been me when I was in my 20's. While reading about her non-relationship with Mitch, I kept yelling at her in my mind, 'Don't make the same mistakes I did, Amy!' Of course, when you are twenty-something and you have the tiger by the tail, who has time to think of long-term consequences. Right? 'Nuff said.

So if this type of storytelling is one you enjoy, go out and get the first book and this one, then go on and read the next book in the series. They really are more enjoyable to read this way. The title of the book is appropriate. Tangled stories do begin to unravel and straighten out, little by little. I'm looking forward to reading and reviewing book three.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers on behalf of the author. I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

[Jeanette Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this author weaves the lives of the Darling family together yet shows how each one 'tackles' life. There is Sephy, who is overweight and feels invisible, Amy who is borderline work acholic, Laura who feels the family judges her at every turn, Ivy who is married and adopted 3 children, David the only boy who literally marries the 'girl next door' and the parents who just received devastating news. The ups and downs are real and at times raw and not always wrapped up in a 'good news' bow. Waiting on the third book from the library which I believe is the final one in the series -- which will be hard because its one of those 'I don't want to say bye to this family' and all the battles, (some victories) they face.

[Joan Arning · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would recommend that Book 1 in The Darlings series be read first! I had difficulty keeping the four Darling sisters straight and felt it might have been easier to follow if I'd read Book 1 first. I found the story of Sephy's weight loss to be very interesting and admired her. "Aunt" Sharon was a terrible example for Sephy but true of many people! Laura confused me but she certainly had problems. My heart went out to the Darling parents and their secret they need to share with the family. I will be interested in reading the next books to see what happens.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming, Christian family saga, mostly focusing on the three Darling sisters, Laura, Seraphina (Sephy), and Amy. Each sister has problems and/or obsessions, and each has to deal with them in her own way. Two of them do it with the support of their large, close-knit family; the third thinks she's better off creating a substitute "family" of her own in a different location, far away. But they all will need God's support as they struggle to find new patterns for their lives ...

[Marnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Darling family series. I enjoyed the story as it dove deeper into the stories of Amy and Sephy. There's a third book out which should give me more on the parents and Laura. I enjoyed it.

[Miranda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed it while I was reading it, but was left so dissatisfied with the ending.

[Shelley Marushak Langelaar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed book 2 just a wee bit more than book one. It kept me interested from the beginning to the end.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Should have read the first one before this one.

[Sarah Sartin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first one but, for me, this book really lagged in the {very long} middle. I wanted to like it but, ultimately, it fell flat.

[Cindy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written!

[Beth Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about family life. Lots of characters with strengths and weaknesses.

[Ellen Keyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet series

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished book two dealing with the Darling Family and it had just the right amount of drama and humor. They are an enjoyable family to spend some time with and I look forward to the third book soon.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked how we got a little bit of all of the siblings' stories. Sephy and Amy were the main leads and I liked both of them, but had a harder time relating to Amy's workaholic tendencies. Sephy, however, is a people pleaser and I know I struggle with that a little bit. I, too, have struggled with not being able to eat whatever I want and trying to eat healthy, so I could understand the frustrations of trying to have willpower while seeing others eat what you want to eat. It was fascinating as she delved into the causes of her overeating and the true root of the problem. I'm excited to see where the story goes for her in the next book with a possible love interest! It was interesting to see Mitch, the contractor, come back into Amy's life after years away and their dynamic. I felt frustrated with some of Laura's past and present decisions and I hope we see more of her in the next book to get her story resolved. There's also some cute parts with their cousin Bailey that I hope continue in the next book, too. I liked the little hints of romance in each of the story lines. There are some tough issues mentioned in the story, such as alcoholism, drug addiction and infidelity, but it's not a gritty story and these are more background information than in-your-face problems. There's also a minor gay character which you don't see often in Christian fiction. The characters felt real and imperfect, very human. It felt unclear whether some of the characters were Christians or not. There's talk of prayer and Laura attends a good church. I appreciated a frank conversation Laura had with a love interest about where she stood on God and his response. I would highly recommend this well-written story if you like romance or contemporary fiction!

I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

[Becky Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better All The Time, a Darling Family novel from Carre Armstrong Gardner, published by Tyndale Publishing (978-1-4143-8815-1) offers readers an insight into themselves, the faults or flaws they seem themselves as happening and the opportunities to see that it is OK to be who they are.

Following Sephy Darling, the ‘fat Darling sister,’ Gardner pens a story that all women, or most of us, can relate too. Sephy is the one who sees to everyone but herself, and was content on being in the background. A friend’s newfound joy and luck makes Sephy wonder if it is time to change. She realizes that change is going to involve more than losing weight.

Sister Amy is young, but she is the one who a worker bee – and the natural one to get the community art program started. She knows she can do it and has the credentials, the drive and yet, no one seems to work as hard as she or care as much as she. So, impatience and frustration and tension sinks in.

Then there is a big Darling family event that happens, and puts the whole family to test.

Carre Gardner uses the tales to bring to light a message that many of us forget – the importance of being who God created each of us to be, and to stop trying to keep up with the Jones. In her threading of her words, Gardner paints a very visible heartwrenching picture of exactly why we need to be more accepting of ourselves and each other’s flaws.

It is a poignant message and I so enjoyed reading it. Made me want to read her other books.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better all the Time is the second book in the Darling Family series. I really enjoyed book one, All Right Here, and I have been looking forward to reading book two for a while. This was a very good installment in the series. The Darling's are a fun, quirky family that lives in a small community in Maine. Each of the siblings is unique and flawed. I love the family dynamics, and the faith message is woven in very well.

This book focuses on the two younger sisters, Sephy and Amy. Amy struggles with perfectionism, and Sephy struggles with her weight. Their older sister Laura continues her story line from the last book. I really missed Ivy, the main character from book one. She has a much smaller role this time. I hope she is more prominent in book three.

The story telling is very good in both of the books. I also enjoy the character development. Everyone is a little more mature and likable by the end. The author left a lot up in the air, so I am looking forward to the next book. I would recommend this book to fans of family dramas like Karen Kingsbury's Baxter Family series.

I received this books for free from Tyndale for the purpose of review.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
The sophomore installment of the Darling Family series helps readers get to know the members of the family more intimately. Sephy is much more fully developed as a character. Readers will look forward to seeing where this family’s emotional journey goes next.
Sephy Darling is graduating from nursing school, but her weight is holding her back from a fulfilled life. As she takes steps to lose weight, many obstacles get in her way. Amy takes the term “workaholic” to an entirely new level. And Laura, living in another state, is trying to stumble her way through life. As each learns how to manage expectations, family changes are approaching on the horizon. (TYNDALE, Apr., 416 pp., $14.99)
- See more at: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-rev...

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! The characters seemed real and believable! This is the second book about the Darling family yet it totally stands alone, as it concentrates more on different family members: Sephy and Amy and their issues. Although the author doesn’t say how overweight Sephy is, Sephy struggles with her weight and self-confidence. Amy, on the other hand, eats healthily, when she remembers to eat. And her confidence level sometimes makes her a tyrant to work for!

I found Amy and Sephy so real – and I enjoyed reading the tidbits about Ivy, their sister, who was the main character in the previous book. I so highly recommend this book! It really struck a chord with me! I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion.

[Amanda H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed the first book in this series, since the writing was fresh and the story an interesting one about a couple who deals with infertility. I love that the author writes very realistic stories that are easy to relate to. Better All the Time is an excellent follow up story! I love that it focuses more on Seraphina and Amy, one who hides her talents while the other tries to overachieve. I love that all the siblings are so different, so it's easy for every reader to sympathize with at least one of them.;) The writing is wonderful, the characters wonderful, and the story comes alive.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel to "All Right Here." This novel concentrates on family members who were peripheral characters in the first book: the two younger daughters in the Darling family are the focus of this novel. The plot centers around one daughter's battle with weight loss and another's workaholic tendencies as she starts up a community arts program. There's some wisdom within this novel about self-care and self-respect.
I found it easier to connect with the mother of the 2 girls in this novel, and it looks like the author might be setting up a story about the parents for a third book in the series. I hope so.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot better than the first one! There are a lot of characters to keep track of though, so if you have a hard time with that, just to warn you.
I liked how this book touched on the topic of dieting, eating issues. I wished that it had addressed it in a healthier way, but it was fairly well done. If you want to read a book about a family that loves each other with a lot of issues, this could be one for you.

[Janice Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without meaning to, I fell in love with the Darling family. The name may be misleading; the Darlings are a large family of unique people, each with their own challenges and dreams, a family that welcomes strangers and the less fortunate. Lots of subplots going on at once. Good strong characters. The tagline on the back of the book says: "Maybe you don't have to be perfect to be free."Great premise.

I enjoyed this book so much I will read the sequel—All Right Here—as soon as possible.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better All the Time is the second installment of The Darlings series. I just love this series. It made me laugh at times and the characters are true to life that I feel like this family are part of mine, as well. I hope another book of the series will release soon. I look forward to finding out what happens next, especially Sephy.
Excellent book! One of my favorites of the year!
100 stars.

[Judy Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book, This is book two in the Darling Novel series. This was Sephy's , and Amy's story mostly. The other family members are all still here and just like the first book it was hard to put down. I would highly recommend these books to anyone, they are clean and about a loving family. I can't wait to get the next one, They Danced On.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sephy Darling is struggling with her weight, and her sister Amy has a new job that overwhelms her. With the help of their family, they learn how to succeed. This is the second book in the Darling family series. I enjoyed this book as well as the previous one, and am looking forward to the third book in the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the mark of a well-written character is that you may not always love- or even like- said character, but the author still makes you care about them.

That was definitely the case with this book. I'm looking forward to see what happens next with the Darling Family!

[LibraryLaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Darling family. This series is like the Christian version of the TV show "Parenthood," in all the very best ways.