Halfway to Nowhere

Halfway #1

by Steena Holmes, Elena Aitken

Best friends forever. Until a decade-long secret comes between them. Even the strongest bond can’t survive some truths.

There’s a reason Nikki hasn’t been back to Halfway, and it has everything to do with her secret son and her best friend. But, she’s soon finding out that when it comes to small towns and their secrets – there’s no place to hide.

Ten years ago, Nikki Landon ran as fast as she could from the only home she’d ever known in order to keep a secret. She never had any intention of ever returning to Halfway, especially not right before the annual Christmas Festival, but with the unexpected death of her mother, she has no choice but to return – and this time with the child she’s been trying to hide.

Becky Jennings is the town sweetheart living her best life—at least that’s what everyone thinks. With a growing baking empire, and married to the town hunk who also runs the town Christmas Tree farm, she has everything she could ever want. Except for one thing—a child to complete their happily ever after.

Once upon a time, Nikki and Becky used to be best friends. But time—and secrets—have a way of changing things. With Nikki back in town after ten years, Becky’s sure it’s the perfect time to reconnect. But Nikki has other plans, including getting out of town as fast as she can, with as minimal damage to her heart and to her son as she can. Because in a small town, there’s nowhere to hide. Especially when everyone can finally see the truth of the secret she can no longer keep.Two authors with a strong friendship joined together to write books about strong relationships set in a small town. Fans of small town stories will fall in love with this series that's centered on the holiday spirit and full of sweet romance and deep family secrets.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Fiction

180 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 12, 2013

About the author

Steena Holmes is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with nearly 3 million copies of her titles sold worldwide, including The Patient, The Forgotten Ones, and Sister Under the Stairs.

Named in the Top 20 Women Author to Read by Good Housekeeping, she won the National Indie Excellence Award for her breakout novel Finding Emma and the USA Book News Award for The Word Game. Steena has been featured in various newspapers and magazines, websites such as Goodreads, BookBub, RedBook, Glamour, Coastal Living and Goodhousekeeping.

One of Steena's passions is to travel with her readers, so she created her Sweet Tours, where she shares her love for the sweet life with her readers, whether in Paris, Italy, or exploring Christmas Markets.
To learn more about her books and join her on the next Sweet Tour, visit her website at http://www.steenaholmes.com.
You can also find Steena on the web at:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsteenaholmes
Facebook: SteenaHolmes.author

LIST OF HER NOVELS STARTING FROM MOST RECENT:

SHE TOOK MY BABY

THE GIRLS IN THE BASEMENT (follow up to The Sister Under the Stairs)

THE TWIN

ENGAGED TO A SERIAL KILLER

THE SISTER UNDER THE STAIRS

THE PATIENT

THE FORGOTTEN ONES

SAVING ABBY & ABBY'S JOURNEY

THE WORD GAME

Stillwater Bay Series:
Stillwater Shores
Stillwater Rising
Stillwater Tides
Stillwater Deep

The Memory Child & The Memory Journal

FINDING EMMA series:
Finding Emma
Dear Jack
Emma's Secret
Dottie's Memories
Megan's Hope

Reviews

[Coco.V]

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[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of this book in return for my review.
The authors made me feel at home in the small town of Halfway, Montana. Nikki had not been to her home town in ten years. She only returned because her mom died and she needed to wrap up her mother’s affairs pack up her house and such. She has her 10 year old son with her. She didn’t want to see anyone just wanted to do what she had to do and take a few days and leave. Thankfully her best friend happens to see her and waylays her and that was just the beginning because of course in a small town everyone knows your business. It was a cute story of friendships and love. Secrets kept and revealed. I loved how it ended, great job to both authors! I do not want to be too specific and give the story away but I did enjoy the book.

[Sandy Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a book written by 2 authors. I think they both did a great job. Once I started reading this book it was hard to put down. This book brought out a lot of emotions in me. I was sad about the death of a mom, I was mad at Nikki at times but then grew to understand in a small way why she did what she did. I felt for Becky and believe me she is a far better person then I think I ever would be if I were in her shoes. To me a good book is a good book if it brings out emotions in you, makes you want to talk about it with others and is hard to put down. This book was just that and more.

[Sara Freitag · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got the chance to read this book in advance for my honest review. I do have to say I LOVED this book! The authors did a fantastic job! Nikki left home 10 years ago. She had to return to the small town for her mothers funeral. She left because of a secret. She wanted to get things taken care of and leave before anyone knew she was there. But things didn't work out that way for her. You will fall in love with the character and the story. You will not regret reading this book!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Halfway in Between is the second book in the Halfway series. A heartwarming novel about the town of Halfway and its residents.

Nikki is still adjusting to being new in town and enjoying the redefined and positive relationship with her high school friends, who are also the father and step-mother to her son. She is in a serious relationship for the first time in a long time and questions herself about many aspects of the relationship, her feelings, expectations, and how it will affect her son.

Kelly has lived in Halfway her whole life. Nine years ago, tragedy struck her family and her husband has been away ever since. She has been loving her life as a single mother and in a way that she felt protected both her and her daughter.

And between these two women is Parker. He loves Nikki and has been working hard to build a strong and hopefully lasting relationship with her and her son. He is also Kelly's brother-in-law. As the web that has been woven by one woman and the other who wants no part of any web, Parker has many choices to make, decisions potentially to justify, and relationships that may or may not last.

Lies, deceit, honesty, truth, love, trust, community, and family all come together through twists and turns and surprised to create an amazing novel which the reader will not be able to put down. Addressing multiple subjects with such detail and depth, the reader feels as if they are a part of the Halfway community. Written from the heart of both of these authors, Halfway in Between is engaging, captivating, and moving. Another hit in the Halfway series and a novel no reader should miss. A++

[Kristin (Kritters Ramblings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings

Three is always a company and these three friends find that out the hard way after many years apart. Nikki Landon leaves her very very small hometown and escapes when she finds out she is pregnant. She leaves her best friend and her best friend's boyfriend very suddenly and with no explanation. Ten years later, her mother has passed away suddenly and she has returned to take care of business as quickly as possible and get back out of town - of course this doesn't happen!

The book is told in two perspectives - Nikki and Becky, their polarizing views helped create great depth to this book, with points of view the reader has a harder time taking sides and instead can see this big issue from both sides and have empathy with both women. At some point, I did wonder if we should have heard a bit from Matt, Becky's husband who is crucial to the story.

[Jenna Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional story. It's short but packs a punch to the ticker.

Halfway to Nowhere is a story about mistakes and friendships and finding your way home - even if you're already there. Watching Becky and Nikki flounder about after ten years of absence in their friendship was tough, especially when the why of it comes out. It's not a shocker but it's not really meant to be. There were so many relationships woven into those story and yet I was never who is that? It was beautifully done and these two authors wove their characters together seamlessly into the story. I'm always amazed when authors collaborating on a story can do that. Where it's not two separate voices trying to be heard, but one story. Beautifully done indeed.

I cried. That makes it a 5er. I loved it. That makes it a 5er. There was chocolate. That makes it a 5er.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Steena's books but have not had the pleasure of reading Elena Aitken's books. This book was written by both of these women and it is one of the best I have read in a while.
Nikki left Halfway, Montana 10 years ago with a secret no one would guess. Only her Mother knows what the secret is. When her Mother dies Nikki finds her way back to Halfway with the intention of staying only a few days to put her Mother's affairs in place. Little did she know when she bumps into her childhood best friend that this chance meeting would set things in motion she wanted to keep secret. This is a short story that will tug at your heart and will keep you turning the pages til the end. Thank You Ladies for a great book.

[Karry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional

Such an emotional story. My heart was breaking over and over for Nikki. I felt bad for Matt and his loss of 10 years, but he pissed me off. Calling it a mistake and putting it on Nikki was craptastic! Becky, she rubs me the wrong way. Calling another woman's child yours before you've even met him just because you find out your husband is his biological father is wrong. I feel bad about her inability to carry to term, but color her crazy. Blaming everything on Nikki was crap. She just irked me in a big way. I'm routing for Nikki to find her soulmate in the coming story. Matt wasn't worthy of her then, and he and Becky deserve each other now. At least he's being a good father.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the town, Halfway; seems like the perfect setting for this story. The character, Nikki, represents the true meaning of the love of a mother. It is so easy to relate to her character and to cry with and for her. These two authors have created a wonderful story that is very difficult to put down. It is so easy to feel the love, pain, and happiness of all of the characters in this story. Bravo to the authors for putting together the perfect story in time for the holidays. You know it's a great read when you are hoping for a sequel!!
Diane

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of this book in return for my review
I'm always looking for that needle in a haystack read. Well I found it in this book. Halfway to Nowhere sucks you in right from the beginning. Nikki hasn't been home to Halfway Montana in over 10 years.She has her reasons why. She left behind a big secret. All she wanted to do was take care of business and leave. Get the book read it and see what happens. Your going to love it just like I did..

[Sherri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another favorite for me now! Steena has done it once again...this story captivates your heart and mind! It is also a good lesson on forgiveness and taking responsibility for decisions made. This is an A 1 story!

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry...It was a page turner from start to finish...Love it...you have to add it to your must read list...

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistakes can be turn out good.

Can't wait to read the next in this series. Easy reading and hard to put down. Good story plot and loved the characters.

[Jamoz23 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unrealistic, completely unrealistic in how everyone thinks and especially in regards to how they act.
A few moments only of anger, then we get no tension, no recriminations, no anger or feelings of betrayal or guilt.
The sweet and loving behaviour between Becky and Matt, truly unbelievable.
No one would be that forgiving, no matter the circumstances at the time.
Saint Becky even feels guilty for feeling angry. WTH. She may have been shallow and selfish in her wants back then but Nikki KNEW Matt and Becky were a couple and why they had split up.
Matt was a jerk for keeping that incident quiet from Becky. He should have confessed before they married.
Wow. Nikki was a bit mean in how she went about telling Matt that Ryan was his son.
That was a huge shock to him and just blurting it out, mean, and what a crap apology she gave for hiding Ryan from Matt for TEN years.
And yes, she was a coward hiding behind the, I did it for you, excuse. She then acts the coward again in planning to leave without saying goodbye, or in letting Ryan see his father.
The poor child has just met his dad and his mom is taking him away. Cruel.
The whole town seems to side with Nikki and her actions. I found her a bi-arch.
Then to suddenly have Parker declare he had a thing for Nikki and has missed her for the last ten years. So saccharine sweet and cheesy.
Ryan was the best character in the book.
Such a pity as the blurb sounded good but I cannot get invested in reading more unbelievable drivel.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Group rating on 3 books included

This ebook actually included two more stories - Unexpected Gifts & Stillwater Shores. So this is kind of a combined rating for all three. Half way to Nowhere was an enjoyable read, but almost struck me as "fairy tale-ish". Some pretty serious issues with a ten year history between friends are accepted and dealt with extremely amicably. Nice, but not exactly true to life. The second book included was also enjoyable, and although somewhat predictable, I ended up liking it better than the first. I could very much picture every scene as if it were a Hallmark movie playing before my eyes. The last book was supposedly a prequel. It was basically an introduction to an entire town of characters and although I'm somewhat curious to finish finding out the story about a mass school shooting, this prequel was kind of confusing. Just kind of a speed introduction to way too many characters to keep straight, and kind of jumped around timeline wise also.

[Kimberly C. Winslow · Rating 4 out of 5]

First 2 nice romance stories and 3rd small town devastated by a school shooting!

The first two stories were good romantic holiday stories that make you feel good. The last story was compelling and very tragic. It certainly doesn't work with the other two! Well written and absorbing. It builds and ends just as things are going down. Part of me was relieved that it cut off because I wouldn't have been able to stop reading it otherwise. It was so engrossing that your heart really begins to pound and it's like watching something horrible happen but you just can't look away.
Authors were all talented and I would read any work from them in the future. Loved the perspectives and how the story unfolds from different points of view. Last one is uncomfortably real with characters you can identify as some people you may know.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nikki is regretfully returning to her hometown after being absent for the past ten years. She had discovered she was pregnant after the prom. She had left town immediately without saying a word to anyone. She had made her mother swear to secrecy about the pregnancy. Her mother has passed away unexpectedly, and Nikki needed to return home to settle her mother’s affairs.

Her best friend, Becky saw her first. The next morning Becky sent her husband, Matt, over to the house with boxes. Matt noticed Ryan, Nikki’s son. The resemblance between Matt and Ryan is so strong, there is no doubt the boy was his.

The story is about family and friendships. The characters are well-developed. The townspeople seemed to have great personalities. This book is a good read.

[Kathy Averbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was ready for a light read/romantic story and this book fit the bill. The story was pretty predictable. I did not like that the main characters were in their late 20's but already they had lost their parents, and the one mother who was still alive was written like an elderly woman, and the characters had no siblings.

This edition also contained books written by each author separately. I also read "Unexpected Gifts" by Elena Aitken and actually liked this book more. It was all pretty predictable but enjoyable to read right before Christmas, since the story takes place over Christmas. I decided to read a different style before getting to the Steena Holmes novel.

[Sally Stackhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nikki Landon left home more than a decade ago, now she has to return to bury her mother. She is accompanied by her ten year old son and doesn’t expect to stay in town any longer than is necessary but life turns out to have other plans for her and the secret she has tried to keep since she left home comes out.

This is a story of loss, love, forgiveness, selfishness and atonement.

I was a little dubious when I realised the book was a collaboration between two authors but I must say it has worked very well, in fact seamless, and I hope these two authors write together again.

A well written story.

[Elizabeth Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet novel with a really interesting plot. Main character Nikki left her hometown ten years ago and never told anyone why. She’s back due to her mother’s death and needing to put her affairs in order. And she has a big secret with her. She knows if her former best friend, Becky, and her husband, Matt, find out the secret, her whole life will change.

I liked the story and it definitely kept me engaged. It was a good length. I thought that both Nikki and Becky acted unrealistically at times. That’s my only real complaint about the book. I really liked all of the supporting characters, though.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author but I really enjoyed this story . Now I will have get going on the series. Becky and Nikki were best friends from childhood until graduation. Becky and Matt were a couple and broke up and Nikki and Matt slept together. They were all going to college . Then Nikki found out she was pregnant and left town. She was away for 10 years and came back for her Mom's funeral. Find out when Matt and everyone else discovers Ryan is Matt's. Do they stay in her hometown or go home. A GOOD READ.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, sad

I gave this book a 5 star review because it was such an amazing story. I couldn't put this book down and I'm looking forward to reading the next book which I just purchased. I can't wait to see how this came about in this town and how they will get through this tragedy.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting more. When I purchased a 400 page book from Kindle I didn't realize that there were several novellas included. I found the ending rather abrupt and tied up a little too neatly, especially considering I thought I had a few hundred pages left in the story!

It was a cute story for sure, and a nice gentle read but I was hoping for a little more.

[Karen DelMastro · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Predictable.
I was expecting one 400 page story but there were 3 shorter stories included in this ebook. The second one was a nice romance. It read like a hallmark movie. The last one contained a school shooting which ended abruptly. Not among my favorites although the middle story was enjoyable while reading next to my Christmas tree. It had some nice Christmas spirit.

[Vickie · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK story about woman who returns to her small hometown to make her mother's final arrangements. She left town over 10 years ago and returns with her 10-year-old son. Take it from there. It had the potential to be a cute story but I really didn't like Nikki, the mom main character. Live and learn!

Go Cards! L1C4!!

[Martha Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet and Easy Read

This short, sweet novel was just perfect for a snowy day. I believe it’s an introduction to later books, and I’ll be looking into them.
Nothing too surprising here, but it’s not a mystery. I actually liked that the authors revealed the plot early on. This novel focused more on the characters, and the authors did a good job of drawing them out.

[Kathy Sandlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably give this 3.5 stars if I could. It is dessert reading at its best. Highly predictable but likable characters. It was a good quick read set during the holiday season. I will check out the next one when I need a nice easy, fun read.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book by Steena Holmes and Elena Aitken. It was beautifully written and the characters were well developed and easy to relate to.
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book, and I am so glad I did as I will now be checking out other books by these authors.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get the tissues

I have never cried as much from a book as I did from this one. I doubt anyone could read it without tears flowing. I really enjoyed reading it, even with all the tears. It was kinda cathartic to just let them flow.