What do you think?
Rate this book
Somewhere in Between
The art of romance is dead…
Tessa Collins loves people. She loves her job, loves her family—and on most days, loves her crazy best friend, Chad. Determined and independent, Tessa believes in love; she just doesn’t believe romantic love really exists anymore. Real love is for fools.
Jaded and closed That’s what they say about Lenox Malone...
He believed in love once; loved his girl, loved writing—Lenox loved romance when the whole world believed it was dead. But then he was scarred by it, and alone. Finally moving past the pain love ignited inside him, he never wants to risk being jaded again.
A journal and a chance encounter…
When the handwritten words of a lovesick stranger find their way into her hands, Tessa’s heart begins to… open. To flutter. To grow. To invite inside her weary heart the possibility that perhaps romance and true love really do exist.
But can it exist for her? Can a chance connection and fate’s design unlock one of the greatest love stories of all?
Their own.
Tessa Collins loves people. She loves her job, loves her family—and on most days, loves her crazy best friend, Chad. Determined and independent, Tessa believes in love; she just doesn’t believe romantic love really exists anymore. Real love is for fools.
Jaded and closed That’s what they say about Lenox Malone...
He believed in love once; loved his girl, loved writing—Lenox loved romance when the whole world believed it was dead. But then he was scarred by it, and alone. Finally moving past the pain love ignited inside him, he never wants to risk being jaded again.
A journal and a chance encounter…
When the handwritten words of a lovesick stranger find their way into her hands, Tessa’s heart begins to… open. To flutter. To grow. To invite inside her weary heart the possibility that perhaps romance and true love really do exist.
But can it exist for her? Can a chance connection and fate’s design unlock one of the greatest love stories of all?
Their own.
ebook
Published April 26, 2016
3 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
Shirl Rickman
7 books54 followersShirl Rickman is a writer, a dreamer, and an optimist. A small town Texas girl currently residing in the San Francisco Bay Area with her beautifully blended family and their sweet, crazy dogs. When she's not dreaming up new love stories, Shirl can be found reading and drinking way too much coffee. She loves kindness, laughing and meeting her readers.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 29, 2016
This is the first book I have read by Shirl Rickman and I have to say it will not be my last. I read Somewhere in Between in a few hours (over the course of two days because you know.. Life) and it was a book that I didn't NOT want to put down.
This book pulled in from the very first page and when it was over the story was wrapped up in a nice little bow complete with the HEA I crave with love stories!
I don't believe I have ever read a book like this... The story line was unique with the journal from the past playing a part in the current day. Lenox (I freakin love that name) meets Tessa in an unconventional way (to say the least) and their story builds from there.
I am not one to give away the story (what fun is that?) but I will tell you that if you want a quick and fun read then this is a book you should pick up.
4.5 stars!
This book pulled in from the very first page and when it was over the story was wrapped up in a nice little bow complete with the HEA I crave with love stories!
I don't believe I have ever read a book like this... The story line was unique with the journal from the past playing a part in the current day. Lenox (I freakin love that name) meets Tessa in an unconventional way (to say the least) and their story builds from there.
I am not one to give away the story (what fun is that?) but I will tell you that if you want a quick and fun read then this is a book you should pick up.
4.5 stars!
April 26, 2016
I love the idea behind this story. I love the idea of putting words to paper to romance someone. This is such a sweet story with mild drama. The characters, side characters included, have great banter and chemistry. If you're looking for something for between heavy reads this is your book.
May 1, 2016
Do you want to laugh? Do you want to fall in love? Do you want to feel good reading a book? Then this is the book for you. Shirl Rickman's second novel will have you laughing and falling and reading and loving. Don't miss this great book!
July 1, 2017
Y'all I looooved this book. Both Tessa & Lenox have reasons to be hesitant to pursue love.
I adored the letters and post it notes romance. Pink post it's no less!
A sweet, fun love story with humor thrown in (especially from Chad & Sammy!).
My first book by Shirl Rickman, but definitely won't be my last!
I adored the letters and post it notes romance. Pink post it's no less!
A sweet, fun love story with humor thrown in (especially from Chad & Sammy!).
My first book by Shirl Rickman, but definitely won't be my last!
January 24, 2017
Somewhere In Between is a sweet, touching tale that tugs on the heartstrings. It’s pretty impossible to read this without a silly grin on your face or an ‘aww’ escaping out.
Tessa Collins spends the majority of her time working- which consists of helping others in need. When she has a free moment, she is usually with her best friend Chad, or going on blind dates that Chad has set up for her. Dates that Tessa finds lackluster at best- and while some of the guys are perfectly nice- she is looking for something more than just nice. Like most women out there, Tessa starts to believe that the life changing, time stopping, earth moving type of love doesn’t exist in the real world. Then she finds a journal. A journal filled with the words of a man, that are romantic enough to soften even the most critical person. She makes it her mission to find the person that wrote those entries.
Lenox Malone is the man behind the words, but he isn’t who Tessa expects to find. Once a man head over heals, he freely wrote down his feelings and emotions, positive that true love overcomes everything. Thanks to a bad break up, Lenox doesn’t feel the same about love. He also has zero interest in receiving the journal that holds the foolish words he once wrote and worse, believed. Now, if only he could convince the crazy woman that found his journal of that.
Through a series of bantering E-mails, Lenox feels this explainable connection to Tessa, a girl who doesn’t believe in romance or true love. And even though Lenox himself has no interest in going down that path again, he finds himself wanting to prove to Tessa that she is wrong. And perhaps, that he is wrong too.
Their relationship is one filled with romantic gestures, soft kisses, intense chemistry and pink post it notes. Not to mention, there may or may not be love letters involved. Yes, love letters. Talk about swooning! Shirl Rickman has created this super sweet, super special book that you won’t want to miss. She completely captivated my attention with her words and details- leaving me with the feeling that I was the star in a rom-com.
Tessa Collins spends the majority of her time working- which consists of helping others in need. When she has a free moment, she is usually with her best friend Chad, or going on blind dates that Chad has set up for her. Dates that Tessa finds lackluster at best- and while some of the guys are perfectly nice- she is looking for something more than just nice. Like most women out there, Tessa starts to believe that the life changing, time stopping, earth moving type of love doesn’t exist in the real world. Then she finds a journal. A journal filled with the words of a man, that are romantic enough to soften even the most critical person. She makes it her mission to find the person that wrote those entries.
Lenox Malone is the man behind the words, but he isn’t who Tessa expects to find. Once a man head over heals, he freely wrote down his feelings and emotions, positive that true love overcomes everything. Thanks to a bad break up, Lenox doesn’t feel the same about love. He also has zero interest in receiving the journal that holds the foolish words he once wrote and worse, believed. Now, if only he could convince the crazy woman that found his journal of that.
Through a series of bantering E-mails, Lenox feels this explainable connection to Tessa, a girl who doesn’t believe in romance or true love. And even though Lenox himself has no interest in going down that path again, he finds himself wanting to prove to Tessa that she is wrong. And perhaps, that he is wrong too.
Their relationship is one filled with romantic gestures, soft kisses, intense chemistry and pink post it notes. Not to mention, there may or may not be love letters involved. Yes, love letters. Talk about swooning! Shirl Rickman has created this super sweet, super special book that you won’t want to miss. She completely captivated my attention with her words and details- leaving me with the feeling that I was the star in a rom-com.
May 2, 2016
I wasn't too sure what to rate this book at. While it is 32 chapters long, it was a quick, enjoyable read that really sucks the reader in from the beginning where we meet Tessa Collins - a hard working gal who really doesn't know when to call it quits concerning her job. I feel like the real fun begins when we get the pleasure of meeting the mysterious Lenox Malone. These were well-written characters that both had a jaded past, and somehow overcome that when it comes to each other. It may not seem like it in the beginning, but the duo hit it off well, and seemingly have some of their life sorted out.
What happens when the potential of love doesn't exist for two people who swore off love? When Tessa Collins finds a mysterious, forgotten about notebook in one of the cities Lost-and-Found bins, she does her best to return it to its original owner. But, he doesn't want it. In fact, he tells her multiple times via e-mail to toss it. Trash it. Almost begs her to leave it alone, and better yet, leave him alone. He doesn't want it back. He doesn't want the memories that it encases back. He just wants to be left alone in the dark hole he's somehow encased himself in. Tessa won't give up though...something happened to this man who insists the notebook must be tossed. And in her line of work, she doesn't give up.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot line as it will all work itself out in the long run concerning the two not knowing, nor caring about what the other has been through in their lifetime. Overall, I will give this novel a strong 4 Bars; there wasn't anything glaringly wrong with it. It was an enjoyable read. Well developed characters that didn't hesitate to act on their feelings. A great read that I would recommend for the reader looking for something to breeze through.
What happens when the potential of love doesn't exist for two people who swore off love? When Tessa Collins finds a mysterious, forgotten about notebook in one of the cities Lost-and-Found bins, she does her best to return it to its original owner. But, he doesn't want it. In fact, he tells her multiple times via e-mail to toss it. Trash it. Almost begs her to leave it alone, and better yet, leave him alone. He doesn't want it back. He doesn't want the memories that it encases back. He just wants to be left alone in the dark hole he's somehow encased himself in. Tessa won't give up though...something happened to this man who insists the notebook must be tossed. And in her line of work, she doesn't give up.
I don't want to give away too much of the plot line as it will all work itself out in the long run concerning the two not knowing, nor caring about what the other has been through in their lifetime. Overall, I will give this novel a strong 4 Bars; there wasn't anything glaringly wrong with it. It was an enjoyable read. Well developed characters that didn't hesitate to act on their feelings. A great read that I would recommend for the reader looking for something to breeze through.
May 2, 2016
Somewhere In Between was the first book of Shirl’s that I read and I definitely enjoyed the story. I finished it within a few hours and ended up wishing it was a little longer.
Tessa was the female lead character, well developed and feisty, but also insecure in letting her guard down for the possibility of love. I never really did get the full grasp on why she was so guarded but I appreciated that she didn’t just throw herself into relationships without proceeding with caution.
Lenox, the male lead character, sounded hot but was not exactly my cup of tea. If you are into broody, journal-writing, sensitive guys, he is your man. I needed more about him and from him. It is just perhaps a personal preference type of thing, but I didn’t connect with him. I felt like he was just a little TOO in touch with his feelings for me, if that makes sense. What were his tattoos and what is the story behind them? He had a college degree but was working in a music store. Why? The dialogue was sometimes unbelievable to me, sounding too elegant and inauthentic, but then I think that was the author’s intention. I guess he really was just THAT sensitive, which for me was a turn off. I needed more development and more physicality.
The story was well written and I enjoyed this author’s style. The formatting was awesome and the journal entries as well as the pink sticky notes were a great idea and well done.
Overall, I am glad I read this novel but I was left wanting more. I will look forward to Shirl Rickman’s future work.
Tessa was the female lead character, well developed and feisty, but also insecure in letting her guard down for the possibility of love. I never really did get the full grasp on why she was so guarded but I appreciated that she didn’t just throw herself into relationships without proceeding with caution.
Lenox, the male lead character, sounded hot but was not exactly my cup of tea. If you are into broody, journal-writing, sensitive guys, he is your man. I needed more about him and from him. It is just perhaps a personal preference type of thing, but I didn’t connect with him. I felt like he was just a little TOO in touch with his feelings for me, if that makes sense. What were his tattoos and what is the story behind them? He had a college degree but was working in a music store. Why? The dialogue was sometimes unbelievable to me, sounding too elegant and inauthentic, but then I think that was the author’s intention. I guess he really was just THAT sensitive, which for me was a turn off. I needed more development and more physicality.
The story was well written and I enjoyed this author’s style. The formatting was awesome and the journal entries as well as the pink sticky notes were a great idea and well done.
Overall, I am glad I read this novel but I was left wanting more. I will look forward to Shirl Rickman’s future work.
May 14, 2016
First I would love to thank you so much for this book. I am both of these characters :(. I haven't believed in having a healthy relationship in a long time. I want to have hope that it will be possible in the future. This book was just what I needed at the right time. I think it may have given me the hope that after all is said and done there is still hope for us behind the scenes people. For so long I have been putting my life and future on hold for everything else. As this story showed you can't find it if you don't put yourself out there! Internal dinner commentary made me spit out more than one drink!! I was laughing out loud at work quite a bit while reading this that I had to go sit outside! That is saying a lot since I live in Florida
May 14, 2016
What happens when someone has given up on love and another person thinks it's never going to happen to them? This is what Somwhere in Between answers. I loved this book. The cover alone is gorgeous and the premise wasn't like anything I've read before. I enjoyed the characters, Tessa and Lenox, a lot. There's romance and fun and angst. Who could ask for more? The only downside? The book ended way too soon for me, I really wanted to keep reading their story. Shirl Rickman's first book, When Destinies Collide, was really good. I think this one is even better. I can't wait to read her next book.
July 7, 2016
Just when you thought there weren't any unique ways to tell a 'boy meets girl' romance left... Along comes Shirl Rickman with Somewhere in Between. I just finished it today and was so enchanted! The story unfolds with the aid of journal entries, text messages, emails, post-it notes, letters.... But it's not just written communication, there is face-to-face too... Tessa & Lenox are refreshing, honest, sweet...ah. Very satisfying light romance!
April 29, 2016
Love this story
This story is so special to me for many reasons. The relationship between Lenox and his mom is one I hope to have with my son one day. Tessa would definitely be my friend in real life. I just loved these characters and connected with each of them from the beginning. Another great book from author Shirl Rickman. Looking forward to what's next!
This story is so special to me for many reasons. The relationship between Lenox and his mom is one I hope to have with my son one day. Tessa would definitely be my friend in real life. I just loved these characters and connected with each of them from the beginning. Another great book from author Shirl Rickman. Looking forward to what's next!
May 26, 2016
Can love be any sweeter?
When two hearts are forced to deal with the pain of the past and the reality of the present sparks fly! It's not the insta-love some expect, they work through the pain, insecurities and fear that real people face. It was one of the sweetest stories that I have read. I love Shirl's writing style.
When two hearts are forced to deal with the pain of the past and the reality of the present sparks fly! It's not the insta-love some expect, they work through the pain, insecurities and fear that real people face. It was one of the sweetest stories that I have read. I love Shirl's writing style.
May 1, 2016
I loved the idea of this book. It was one that I did not want to end. Both main characters have a hard time with the notion of love being real for two totally different reason. Yet they find themselves letting down their guard with each other. The story flowed well especially with the journal entries. Lenox Malone is my new fav book boyfriend. Another outstanding book by Shirl Rickman!
September 2, 2016
Oh my God I loved this so much!!! I want to re-read it!!! Twisty-turny love story. Not bad twisty-turny, but totally so amazingly wonderful twisty-turny. This is definitely a unique storyline and so amazing!!!! I loved it so much!!! GET IT.READ IT.LOVE IT!!!!
June 18, 2016
This is Shirl's second book, if you haven't read it, please pick it up! It's an amazing story! LOVE LENOX!
August 18, 2016
Write me a letter Lenox
September 29, 2024
Probably closer to 2.5 stars.
I’ve owned a copy of this book since it came out in 2016, and I finally decided to read it. This is a case where the concept of the book sounded really interesting, but the execution of it was disappointing.
One of my main complaints is that the book spent too much time telling me how much they felt for the other character, and not nearly enough time showing how they felt. And despite how many times they insisted that what they felt for the other was passionate and life-changing, I never once saw the chemistry that they were trying to convince me they had.
Perhaps the most annoying thing about this book was the obvious lack of an editor. This book was self-published, which is fine. In general I think self-publishing is a good thing because of how it makes publishing accessible to people who would otherwise never get the chance to see their work in print. But just because it’s self-published doesn’t mean that an editor is unnecessary.
An editor would have caught the fact that the mmc had the middle name Evan on one page, and a few chapters later his middle name was suddenly Michael.
And an editor might have emphasized the importance of line breaks between scenes. Several times the scene would change within the same paragraph without so much as even a one line space to indicate that it was now a different scene. It was jarring how within the space of one paragraph we go from doing one thing to doing something completely different several hours later. I kept thinking, “How did we get here?” A simple line break between those two scenes would have made all the difference.
And a good editor would have definitely been able to do something about the absolutely egregious misuse of commas. So many commas were in places where they shouldn’t have been, to the point where it completely changed the tone and context of the sentence. And other sentences needed commas, but there were none to be found. It made the story clunky and awkward to read.
Overall this was a disappointing read that took me six days to slog through, and I’m just glad to be done with it.
I’ve owned a copy of this book since it came out in 2016, and I finally decided to read it. This is a case where the concept of the book sounded really interesting, but the execution of it was disappointing.
One of my main complaints is that the book spent too much time telling me how much they felt for the other character, and not nearly enough time showing how they felt. And despite how many times they insisted that what they felt for the other was passionate and life-changing, I never once saw the chemistry that they were trying to convince me they had.
Perhaps the most annoying thing about this book was the obvious lack of an editor. This book was self-published, which is fine. In general I think self-publishing is a good thing because of how it makes publishing accessible to people who would otherwise never get the chance to see their work in print. But just because it’s self-published doesn’t mean that an editor is unnecessary.
An editor would have caught the fact that the mmc had the middle name Evan on one page, and a few chapters later his middle name was suddenly Michael.
And an editor might have emphasized the importance of line breaks between scenes. Several times the scene would change within the same paragraph without so much as even a one line space to indicate that it was now a different scene. It was jarring how within the space of one paragraph we go from doing one thing to doing something completely different several hours later. I kept thinking, “How did we get here?” A simple line break between those two scenes would have made all the difference.
And a good editor would have definitely been able to do something about the absolutely egregious misuse of commas. So many commas were in places where they shouldn’t have been, to the point where it completely changed the tone and context of the sentence. And other sentences needed commas, but there were none to be found. It made the story clunky and awkward to read.
Overall this was a disappointing read that took me six days to slog through, and I’m just glad to be done with it.
May 31, 2018
I loved this book!
Tessa and Lenox are the kind of people I love to read about. Their story felt real and sweet. I loved then and the supporting cast, who doesn't love a boy who loves his mama.
Tessa and Lenox are the kind of people I love to read about. Their story felt real and sweet. I loved then and the supporting cast, who doesn't love a boy who loves his mama.
July 23, 2018
My plane just landed and it’s late so I’ll post a full review soon. But I gotta say I loved this story!
March 8, 2017
I have to say first and foremost I loved the format of this book, I'm a sucker for character emails/journals etc as I feel like I'm getting more of a peak into characters private lives.
The story itself is an easy to read journey full of laughs and love following the budding romance of Tessa and Lenox. Tessa is a love cynic with a heart of gold and Lenox is a hopeless romantic who hopes he can show her the error of her ways.
I did find the ending a little abrupt, however, I was sucked into the story and greedy for more.
The story itself is an easy to read journey full of laughs and love following the budding romance of Tessa and Lenox. Tessa is a love cynic with a heart of gold and Lenox is a hopeless romantic who hopes he can show her the error of her ways.
I did find the ending a little abrupt, however, I was sucked into the story and greedy for more.
May 15, 2016
Sometimes I'm in the mood for a sweet, lighthearted book and this one was just what I needed. In fact, I read the whole thing in one sitting. I loved the original storyline and the way that the characters communicated with each other and built their relationship. Lenox and Tessa were fabulous main characters that made me smile throughout the book with their adorable antics. And I have to say Lenox's romantic ways made me swoon quite a few times. My favorite part was the ending - it was so clever and cute. I can't wait for more from Shirl!
August 21, 2016
What a great book!
I love this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this pursuit of love, of working through the healing process of a failed love and not quite giving up to the possibility of love. This book makes me realize that in life sometimes we make wrong choices, and then we compound it by making different choices that make it impossible for some of us to find real love. Or we choose to love other things such as careers and other things. But if you believe in love it may be out there for you when you are ready to accept it. The book is real food for thought!
I love this book. I thoroughly enjoyed this pursuit of love, of working through the healing process of a failed love and not quite giving up to the possibility of love. This book makes me realize that in life sometimes we make wrong choices, and then we compound it by making different choices that make it impossible for some of us to find real love. Or we choose to love other things such as careers and other things. But if you believe in love it may be out there for you when you are ready to accept it. The book is real food for thought!
August 28, 2016
Shirl Rickman has given us a sweet and satisfying love story with Lenox and Tessa. What could be more romantic than falling in love through letters? Lenox won my heart with his letters and journal. He is an instantly likeable character despite the fact that he is keeping a secret from Tessa. I swear I want to meet him and just hug him. Tessa is my type of girl and I sometimes felt like Shirl Rickman was writing about me. This is a cute sweet loveable story that will have you wishing the art of the love letter still existed. Fantastic job.
August 26, 2016
This is one great story. Lexi and Lenox both have given up on love and romance, until Lexi found a journal at the library that once belonged to Lenox. Lexi felt she needed to return this journal and he wanted nothing to do with it...
These two go through a journey to find love and romance through letters and sticky notes...
I adored this book....gave me a wonderful feeling inside....I highly recommend it to one and all!
These two go through a journey to find love and romance through letters and sticky notes...
I adored this book....gave me a wonderful feeling inside....I highly recommend it to one and all!
October 10, 2016
This book brought back the ancient art of writing. With a pen and paper and sticky notes. I loved the premise of the lost journal and her wanting to find the person that wrote the words. A fabulous love story and great read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews