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Behind Our Lives #1
Behind Our Lives: A Tale of Life and Love in Three Parts
His one wish? To escape. Cleanly. Beautifully. Without guilt or uncertainty. Without hurting anyone.
Broken by love, Lincoln Fraser is back in the city of his birth. He's been abandoned, betrayed, and doesn't see how he can ever trust again.
Kali Johnson is stuck in a world that feels too much for her. Her husband's gone, her son won't talk, and her apartment is full of rats. Fearful she's failing at life, all she wants is a second chance to make things right.
When a freak accident places Kali and her son in Lincoln's path, he feels compelled to help this single mother and her child.
Unprepared for the challenge of letting anyone back into his life, Lincoln is faced with a question--continue to shut himself out from the world or slowly let someone in?
Raw, heartbreaking, but full of hope, Behind Our Lives, Book One in the Behind Our Lives Trilogy, is a story that will leave you wanting more.
Broken by love, Lincoln Fraser is back in the city of his birth. He's been abandoned, betrayed, and doesn't see how he can ever trust again.
Kali Johnson is stuck in a world that feels too much for her. Her husband's gone, her son won't talk, and her apartment is full of rats. Fearful she's failing at life, all she wants is a second chance to make things right.
When a freak accident places Kali and her son in Lincoln's path, he feels compelled to help this single mother and her child.
Unprepared for the challenge of letting anyone back into his life, Lincoln is faced with a question--continue to shut himself out from the world or slowly let someone in?
Raw, heartbreaking, but full of hope, Behind Our Lives, Book One in the Behind Our Lives Trilogy, is a story that will leave you wanting more.
380 pages, Paperback
Published November 30, 2016
98 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Carr
18 books427 followersCharlene Carr is the youngest of four children and the only girl. Living in a house full of boys taught her to fight for what she wants and to always reach higher (you have to when everyone in your family towers above you).
She spent much of her childhood creating elaborate, multi-faceted storylines for her dolls and reading under the blankets with a flashlight when she was supposed to be asleep.
A bit of a nomad, she’s lived in four countries and seven Canadian provinces. After travelling the globe for several years and working an array of mostly writing related jobs, she decided the time had come to focus exclusively on her true love—crafting stories.
Charlene is a novelist and stay-at-home mom: her two dream jobs. She lives in Nova Scotia, Canada and loves exploring the coastline of her harbour town with her husband and young daughter.
Her upcoming novel Hold My Girl, "a tense and emotional dual narrative novel about motherhood, racial identity, loss and betrayal," perfect for "Fans of Celeste Ng and Liane Moriarty" will release Winter 2023 from HarperCollins Canada and Welbeck Publishing (UK).
She spent much of her childhood creating elaborate, multi-faceted storylines for her dolls and reading under the blankets with a flashlight when she was supposed to be asleep.
A bit of a nomad, she’s lived in four countries and seven Canadian provinces. After travelling the globe for several years and working an array of mostly writing related jobs, she decided the time had come to focus exclusively on her true love—crafting stories.
Charlene is a novelist and stay-at-home mom: her two dream jobs. She lives in Nova Scotia, Canada and loves exploring the coastline of her harbour town with her husband and young daughter.
Her upcoming novel Hold My Girl, "a tense and emotional dual narrative novel about motherhood, racial identity, loss and betrayal," perfect for "Fans of Celeste Ng and Liane Moriarty" will release Winter 2023 from HarperCollins Canada and Welbeck Publishing (UK).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 30, 2016
Right from the start I was pulled into this story. This is a very intriguing beginning to a trilogy and had me not wanting to put it down. The characters are wounded and stubborn but I really wanted to learn their stories and what events could have possibly led to their behaviour.
Kali is heartbroken in life and experience has shown her the people she cares about leave her too soon. At first she was frustrating but once you learn a bit about her it is understandable. You got glimpses of a kind, warm, loving Kali underneath.
Lincoln, also heartbroken, chose to leave everyone he loved. I enjoyed Lincoln's struggle, coming to terms with his own freedom and what he really wanted. The two are thrown together and clearly don't want to be where they are in life but choose to slowly let each other in. As much as I am excited for this story to continue, I feel so involved with the characters that I am sad and worried about their future, especially Theo.
Charlene Carr has written another beautiful and moving story with real characters that I'm sure will continue to warm our heart for the next two books.
I received this as a free advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Kali is heartbroken in life and experience has shown her the people she cares about leave her too soon. At first she was frustrating but once you learn a bit about her it is understandable. You got glimpses of a kind, warm, loving Kali underneath.
Lincoln, also heartbroken, chose to leave everyone he loved. I enjoyed Lincoln's struggle, coming to terms with his own freedom and what he really wanted. The two are thrown together and clearly don't want to be where they are in life but choose to slowly let each other in. As much as I am excited for this story to continue, I feel so involved with the characters that I am sad and worried about their future, especially Theo.
Charlene Carr has written another beautiful and moving story with real characters that I'm sure will continue to warm our heart for the next two books.
I received this as a free advanced copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
December 3, 2016
Behind Our Lives is another true-to-life story from Charlene Carr. Her books are always thought-provoking and honest without fairy-tale endings, but there is hope and several possibilities for their futures. Her characters are so well developed they seem real and evoke emotions and feelings in the reader. I could almost see the mold and rats in Kali’s apartment and witness her confrontation with her landlord. I can’t wait to read more about Lincoln, Kali, Theo, and Marvin in Charlene’s next book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this story.
February 21, 2017
APB Perspective review:
The book is well written , but the connection I was waiting for between
Kali and Lincoln didn't seem like a possibility until the very end but that's a hope so. I understand that it takes time to build a real connection and this book shows it's true> Kali can't seem to catch a break so I understand her reluctance to trust and believe that lincoln will be there for her. Hopefully he will show her different in the second book to this series . Spring 2017 for book two , and book three in the future. So i'll hang on to see what's next.
The book is well written , but the connection I was waiting for between
Kali and Lincoln didn't seem like a possibility until the very end but that's a hope so. I understand that it takes time to build a real connection and this book shows it's true> Kali can't seem to catch a break so I understand her reluctance to trust and believe that lincoln will be there for her. Hopefully he will show her different in the second book to this series . Spring 2017 for book two , and book three in the future. So i'll hang on to see what's next.
July 24, 2017
Very good read, with real life characters. I was drawn in from the very beginning and was left with wanting more. Looking forward to Book 2 in this Trilogy.
January 13, 2017
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, I loved this book and not just because it was written by a young, female Canadian author.
It was an easy read and I would have finished it sooner if Holidays hadn't interfered with reading. (typical bookworms complaint).
The characters were genuine. Lincoln Fraser, a recluse who's life intertwines with the lives of a single mum Kali Johnson and her three year old son Theo.
Kali although not at first glance is a a loving, kind, independent, nonjudgemental and compassionate woman who's luck would have it faces an ill timed eviction and a life altering situation.
Lincoln saved Theo from a near miss, he was almost hit by car. When Kali and Theo found themselves homeless Lincoln offered to share his apartment with Kali and her son. He had a spare room and they had no place to go.
Kali teaches Lincoln to trust and not judge people by their appearance and as Lincoln discovers
there is story behind the face of every stranger.
This book ended on a cliff hanger leaving me wanting to read more.
I can hardly wait for the next book in the trilogy better yet when is the movie coming out?
.
Honestly, I loved this book and not just because it was written by a young, female Canadian author.
It was an easy read and I would have finished it sooner if Holidays hadn't interfered with reading. (typical bookworms complaint).
The characters were genuine. Lincoln Fraser, a recluse who's life intertwines with the lives of a single mum Kali Johnson and her three year old son Theo.
Kali although not at first glance is a a loving, kind, independent, nonjudgemental and compassionate woman who's luck would have it faces an ill timed eviction and a life altering situation.
Lincoln saved Theo from a near miss, he was almost hit by car. When Kali and Theo found themselves homeless Lincoln offered to share his apartment with Kali and her son. He had a spare room and they had no place to go.
Kali teaches Lincoln to trust and not judge people by their appearance and as Lincoln discovers
there is story behind the face of every stranger.
This book ended on a cliff hanger leaving me wanting to read more.
I can hardly wait for the next book in the trilogy better yet when is the movie coming out?
.
September 28, 2021
Behind Our Lives Vol. 1, by Charlene Carr.
This book was sent to me as an Advance Reader Copy against an honest and fair review.
It was my first attempt at a novel from Charlene Carr.
Although this type of fiction novel is not what I usually read but I really have enjoyed reading it, I have been caught and ended up being engrossed with the story, there is a definite atmosphere to it, it is gripping.
Being well written, I appreciated the build up of the book, even if I am not sure how plausible the interaction between Lincoln and Kali are in a country like Canada (are people really so helpful?), I felt caught by the story and slowly got involved with their relation and their lives.
I would advise reading it because it is a good stand-alone novel, in spite of a cliffhanger at the end but self-sufficient enough. Some interesting perspectives over why people could decide to step out of an every day routine and start an adventure in the wilderness (or somewhere else), or why someone could refuse having too close of a contact with somebody they might even be attracted to…..
Might perhaps even decide to read Volume 2 though!
This book was sent to me as an Advance Reader Copy against an honest and fair review.
It was my first attempt at a novel from Charlene Carr.
Although this type of fiction novel is not what I usually read but I really have enjoyed reading it, I have been caught and ended up being engrossed with the story, there is a definite atmosphere to it, it is gripping.
Being well written, I appreciated the build up of the book, even if I am not sure how plausible the interaction between Lincoln and Kali are in a country like Canada (are people really so helpful?), I felt caught by the story and slowly got involved with their relation and their lives.
I would advise reading it because it is a good stand-alone novel, in spite of a cliffhanger at the end but self-sufficient enough. Some interesting perspectives over why people could decide to step out of an every day routine and start an adventure in the wilderness (or somewhere else), or why someone could refuse having too close of a contact with somebody they might even be attracted to…..
Might perhaps even decide to read Volume 2 though!
December 29, 2016
Another outstanding novel from Charlene Carr. I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I have read all of Ms. Carr's books and eagerly await each release because her characters and their stories are so real and relatable. "Behind Our Lives" introduces us to Kali and Lincoln, two young people who have experienced extreme heartbreak and difficult circumstances. Each is trying to work their way to "freedom" as they understand it, and while they take very different approaches, their meeting and subsequent friendship propels them both forward. The question that I hope will be answered in the next book is, "Given their different views about and goals in life, will they be able to move forward together, as friends or as something more?" I feel that I know them because of Ms. Carr's ability to show us the multiple facets of her characters and their "realness"! I'm rooting for Kali and Lincoln (and Theo)!
November 28, 2016
Recognizing ones self in a book can be an interesting discovery. Recognizing ones self in both of the main characters is rare.
Both Kali and Lincoln are very strong characters. Both are stubborn, proud and broken. At times I really didn't like Kali. I can definitely understand her and relate to her in some aspects but she's a very harsh woman.
Behind our Lives is a very real book. Just like Ms. Carr's other books have been. Ms. Carr writes with an honesty that most authors skirt around. It's hard not to take a good look at ones self while reading her work.
Many people may not enjoy reading Behind our Lives because of the harshness of the characters and the writing; but I enjoyed it and am curious to see where Ms. Carr takes Lincoln, Kali, Theo and even Marvin on their journey.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Both Kali and Lincoln are very strong characters. Both are stubborn, proud and broken. At times I really didn't like Kali. I can definitely understand her and relate to her in some aspects but she's a very harsh woman.
Behind our Lives is a very real book. Just like Ms. Carr's other books have been. Ms. Carr writes with an honesty that most authors skirt around. It's hard not to take a good look at ones self while reading her work.
Many people may not enjoy reading Behind our Lives because of the harshness of the characters and the writing; but I enjoyed it and am curious to see where Ms. Carr takes Lincoln, Kali, Theo and even Marvin on their journey.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2016
I received an advance copy for an honest review.
Ms. Carr has once again drawn me in as a reader with her characters. Lincoln and Kalli were an unlikely pair to become friends, and yet you understand why they are drawn to each other, and you root for them, as well as her son Theo.
In looking at them and the choices that they have made in their lives, as the reader it also makes you think about your own interactions with others in your own life. She definitely reinforces the thought that life isn't always easy or uncomplicated when it comes to choices.
The author says that this is the beginning of a trilogy, and I am looking forward to continuing their journey with them. There is much that can still be uncovered about them and their relationships, not only with each other, but with the members of their families.
Ms. Carr has once again drawn me in as a reader with her characters. Lincoln and Kalli were an unlikely pair to become friends, and yet you understand why they are drawn to each other, and you root for them, as well as her son Theo.
In looking at them and the choices that they have made in their lives, as the reader it also makes you think about your own interactions with others in your own life. She definitely reinforces the thought that life isn't always easy or uncomplicated when it comes to choices.
The author says that this is the beginning of a trilogy, and I am looking forward to continuing their journey with them. There is much that can still be uncovered about them and their relationships, not only with each other, but with the members of their families.
February 26, 2017
I liked these characters and this story but...it was slow going and then the end wasn't an end, frustrating. Why is Kali so ungrateful, so angry, actually there is no reason that would satisfy in this case. Lincoln was unconditionally kind to her and her son, was obviously becoming attached after months of living together and then when he wanted to continue his relationship with her son which is something a normal person would be appreciative of she balks for what reason? I got Lincoln in some respects, his wanting to breakaway completely in order to find himself again but...
So, I'll stick around for the second book but if there is no real growth in these characters then I won't wait for the third.
So, I'll stick around for the second book but if there is no real growth in these characters then I won't wait for the third.
November 29, 2016
Behind Our Lives. . . I absolutely love the depth of these characters in this story written by Charlene Carr. Lincoln, Kali and Theo stole my heart as I rooted for these broken individuals to rise above the anguish and pain that were (given) to them in life’s dance. Barely living and existing in their own worlds, their truth and secrets are the stories these individuals choose not tell, to cope. Charlene developed these characters with such a commitment to “what happens when life gets in the way of living!” I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I give this story 5 stars … Charlene Carr writes life!
June 10, 2017
The book had a slow start for me but began progressing well. I loved the characters and often caught myself wanting to yell something to them to hear me. Lol. I wanted to say Lincoln tell her how you feel. Don't give up!
So Lincoln was in a bad spot in life and all he wanted was to be hidden and escape all pain and people that caused it. He was a handsome man in his twenties that was hiding behind a bushy beard and long hair with raggedy clothes. People saw him as homeless but he wasn't. Just when he thought he was getting away from life...life found him and he experienced feelings he wasn't planning on feeling.
Read the book to find out more of Lincoln.
So Lincoln was in a bad spot in life and all he wanted was to be hidden and escape all pain and people that caused it. He was a handsome man in his twenties that was hiding behind a bushy beard and long hair with raggedy clothes. People saw him as homeless but he wasn't. Just when he thought he was getting away from life...life found him and he experienced feelings he wasn't planning on feeling.
Read the book to find out more of Lincoln.
June 28, 2017
I completely fell in love with this book and the characters - I had been told it somewhat of an unlikely love story of sorts and that's what made me pick it up, the hope that it would perhaps be a story outside of the 'love story' mould. I fell for the characters and understood their fear of where things were going. The twists that the plot brought about extra complexities in their emotions and I really connected with their view of the world. I would thoroughly recommend this book, wonderful - can't wait to read the rest of the series :)
November 20, 2016
I admit, it started slow for me, but the build up kept me enthralled! Kali makes me mad sometimes, and Lincoln makes me want to slap him to wake him up. But to have the characters and story evoke such emotion in me, it obviously is a great read. It pulled me in and I couldn't put it down till I finished the book.
I received an advanced copy for the purpose of reviewing, thank you Charlene, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the trilogy.
I received an advanced copy for the purpose of reviewing, thank you Charlene, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next one in the trilogy.
November 30, 2016
I have to say this book started off slow for me. I honestly didn't think I would finish it, but then boom! I loved it. Characters are complex and interesting, and by the middle you can't wait to know what happens to them. That said, I hated the ending. I need to know what will become of everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2018
Intriguing and real
This is a great book about 2 people trying to live their lives alone. Lincoln left behind a successful business when he was betrayed, and Kali is trying to raise her mute son on her own. Tragedy and loss bring them together, but neither are ready for a relationship. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
This is a great book about 2 people trying to live their lives alone. Lincoln left behind a successful business when he was betrayed, and Kali is trying to raise her mute son on her own. Tragedy and loss bring them together, but neither are ready for a relationship. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
December 7, 2016
I received a ARC from the Author in exchange for an honest opinion.
It started off slow but is truly worth the wait. Very deep book for me. Also I felt this was different from Charlene's other books but I love her writing style and it kept me hooked. Truly worth the read!
It started off slow but is truly worth the wait. Very deep book for me. Also I felt this was different from Charlene's other books but I love her writing style and it kept me hooked. Truly worth the read!
September 16, 2018
Review
I really liked this book. The story line was different and the characters very likeable. You could sympathize with them and cheer them on! I am look forward to the next installment.
I really liked this book. The story line was different and the characters very likeable. You could sympathize with them and cheer them on! I am look forward to the next installment.
January 15, 2019
It's a really easy to read entertaining book. I liked it so much that I bought the 2nd book and started reading right away. Maybe it's a bit "heavy" if you have been diagnosed with a bad disease (such as cancer or MS) but it's totally readable and enjoyable.
April 22, 2019
This sort of hopeful. We can be broken but time, patience, love can heal us.
I loved this book, the characters were real. Their emotions raw, simple and and true. I look forward to the sequel.
I loved this book, the characters were real. Their emotions raw, simple and and true. I look forward to the sequel.
October 27, 2021
More than I expected
I thought this would be a simple romance, but I found it to be much more. The issues the two main characters carry are slowly revealed, making me realize my life is pretty easy. Moving story.
I thought this would be a simple romance, but I found it to be much more. The issues the two main characters carry are slowly revealed, making me realize my life is pretty easy. Moving story.
October 26, 2017
Loved this book! I have read all of Charlene Carr’s books & have enjoyed them all. This one is especially good!
February 20, 2019
Good read
This was a good easy read but held a lot of depth in the characters. Can't wait to read the next book
This was a good easy read but held a lot of depth in the characters. Can't wait to read the next book
January 14, 2020
Excellent book! First one of this author I've ever read. I can't wait to read more!
November 14, 2021
Very engaging story. Very well-written. On to book 2.
December 2, 2016
I enjoy Charlene Carr's writing and appreciate the opportunity to read her work in exchange for an honest review. My reactions to "Behind Our Lives" was mixed- although I found the main characters intriguing and was moved my many of their interactions, particularly in scenes with Kali's young son, something about the book felt off, and I've been struggling to identify where that feeling comes from. I think that essentially, the book is too short- that many complex psychological and social issues are just barely touched on, and it left me feeling that the characters weren't quite real, but cardboard cutouts of themselves. I never really felt their motivation, or identified with them, though I also understand that this has more to do with me, and my personal experiences than a flaw in the book. Given that this is a trilogy, I have hope that the author will slow down and spend more time exploring her characters in depth, describing in more detail their backstories, the cultural/psychosocial landscape in which they find themselves, as theirs is a story worth sharing in depth. Some of the fault admittedly lies with the genre, which tends towards emotions and challenges of the moment, relying heavily on cliche and stereotype to describe character instead of through original storytelling. I believe that this author is able to provide her readers with richer food than this- and I hope that she will give us more to chew on and savor next time.
December 24, 2023
‘Sometimes, you can’t make it better’
My motto is “don’t pressure the wronged to reconcile with the wrongee”. Not when the initial problems are left unresolved; not when resentment and pain are still raw. Instead, offer support to them; ask for them guidance and what their needs are.
None of this “Life’s too short to…” when actually “Life’s too long to…” applies. No pressuring the wrong party to take huge steps or make grand gestures. Healing takes time and so does reconciliation – neither of those start until the other party takes responsibility and makes the necessary changes (if applicable).
If people spent a fraction of the time working on the people who caused the hurt to fix things as they do on telling the people who have been hurt to act as if nothing happened, imagine what a wonderful world this could be.
Lincoln doesn’t merely *feel* betrayed; he *was* betrayed. His story is rich and complex, yet so understandable. Where does one go when the support system has fallen apart? Inward.
Lincoln made an excellent point regarding an upcoming change in Kali’s life:
‘Theo's [Kali’s son] at a disadvantage because he can't say anything back. But when it comes down to it, lots of kids can't say anything back.’
I’ve read other works by this author and she really gets to the core of our emotional baggage, especially in this book. The main and supporting characters develop over time in a very realistic way. I can say a lot about Kali, but let’s save that for the next book.
I look forward to finishing this trilogy with ‘What We See’ and ‘The Stories We Tell’.
My motto is “don’t pressure the wronged to reconcile with the wrongee”. Not when the initial problems are left unresolved; not when resentment and pain are still raw. Instead, offer support to them; ask for them guidance and what their needs are.
None of this “Life’s too short to…” when actually “Life’s too long to…” applies. No pressuring the wrong party to take huge steps or make grand gestures. Healing takes time and so does reconciliation – neither of those start until the other party takes responsibility and makes the necessary changes (if applicable).
If people spent a fraction of the time working on the people who caused the hurt to fix things as they do on telling the people who have been hurt to act as if nothing happened, imagine what a wonderful world this could be.
Lincoln doesn’t merely *feel* betrayed; he *was* betrayed. His story is rich and complex, yet so understandable. Where does one go when the support system has fallen apart? Inward.
Lincoln made an excellent point regarding an upcoming change in Kali’s life:
‘Theo's [Kali’s son] at a disadvantage because he can't say anything back. But when it comes down to it, lots of kids can't say anything back.’
I’ve read other works by this author and she really gets to the core of our emotional baggage, especially in this book. The main and supporting characters develop over time in a very realistic way. I can say a lot about Kali, but let’s save that for the next book.
I look forward to finishing this trilogy with ‘What We See’ and ‘The Stories We Tell’.
April 9, 2024
3.5 rounded up, because I picked this up after something sad happened (Princess Daisy, my 19 year old cat had to be put down) and it was a very comforting book. There were also other good things about this book - good men, family drama and different conception of love than the very physical one often represented in romance novels. I did have a problem with the central relationship - while Lincoln and Kali were both presented as damaged people, with good reason for their damage , Kali never once gave him reason to like her, except the glint in her eye, or the occasional laugh. She was mean, standoffish and brittle and the fact that he was attracted to her while she treated him like that suggests his damage.
I was going to write that they had no chemistry, but now that I've broken it down, it's just based on a things I don't value.
Will I read the next one in the series? Almost certainly.
I was going to write that they had no chemistry, but now that I've broken it down, it's just based on a things I don't value.
Will I read the next one in the series? Almost certainly.
December 3, 2016
I very much appreciate that I was provided a free advance copy of Behind Our Lives by the author Charlene Carr in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Charlene! The story was a little hard to get into at first because of the style, not content. However, the author did a great job of drawing the reader in. Was it fate or divine intervention that brought Kali, Theo and Lincoln together? It doesn't really matter because as they figure out their relationship, you will too. You will find yourself laughing, crying, chastising and congratulating Kali and Lincoln, and being very proud of Theo. I can't wait to read the next book!
January 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, 2 people meet by a freak accident .
But each one has been hurt so bad that they don't want to let each other in.
Each action on both Kali & Lincoln's part makes you wonder is this the truth? Or are they still hiding something from their past?
As a reader you hope for them to get together, then there is the lovable boy Theo who doesn't talk, together can they get the boy to speak? Or will they lead their own separate lives?
I will have to read on in Chapter 2 What We See as the story continues
But each one has been hurt so bad that they don't want to let each other in.
Each action on both Kali & Lincoln's part makes you wonder is this the truth? Or are they still hiding something from their past?
As a reader you hope for them to get together, then there is the lovable boy Theo who doesn't talk, together can they get the boy to speak? Or will they lead their own separate lives?
I will have to read on in Chapter 2 What We See as the story continues
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews