Us, Now and Then: A Novel of Friendship and Second Chances

by Lorie Smith Schaefer

Decades ago, burdened by shame, Claire fled her hometown, leaving behind a trail of secrets. However, when her lifelong best friend receives a devastating cancer diagnosis, it serves as a poignant reminder of hidden truths and unsettled debts. Overwhelmed with conflicting emotions, Claire flies back home, where she is forced to confront her most unforgivable choice, face to face. Will she finally find the redemption she desperately seeks and grant herself another opportunity to reclaim the lost love?The gripping narrative of this book will sweep readers away! The heartfelt conversations and the raw portrayal of intricate family dynamics will deeply move them. This profoundly touching Women's Fiction novel is a must-read if you crave poignant stories that delve into lifelong friendships, closely guarded secrets, and the power of second chances. Great for book clubs!Buy US, NOW AND THEN today to embark on a journey that will rekindle hope that it’s never too late to start again.

360 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

Lorie has lived and worked in Northern Nevada for nearly fifty years. Her career in elementary education included many years as a teacher for the Carson City School District. She also contributed personal and political columns to Carson City’s Nevada Appeal for fifteen years. Retired now, she lives with her husband in Reno, where she volunteers as a Reading Grandma. She spends much of her time avoiding housework by reading, writing, and watching her granddaughter grow up too fast.

Reviews

[Teri Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

US, NOW AND THEN is a touching and, at times, humorous novel about a lifetime friendship between two women. Claire and Libby meet as young girls, and though their home and family lives are very different, they share a special connection. But as life can do, life comes at the women fast, and before they know it, the time has passed, other people have come and gone from their lives, and they have less time for each other. But in mid-life, when Libby faces a health scare, the two friends reunite, and like all real friendships, it's as if they just saw each other the day before. It's a good thing their friendship survived the test of time because life keeps happening in this book, and they are going to need each other as they deal with past secrets, choices, and events out of their control. Fans of women's sagas, family life fiction, and Contemporary American novels won't be disappointed.

[Jacci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story follows two friends through the joys and sorrows of their lives. At times you don't like them, then they grow like real people who learn from their mistakes, and do better and you like them more.
The settings are a great part of the story. The relationships fall in and out of favor, especially between moms and daughters, which is so real life.
It's a story about loves and losses and most importantly forgiveness and reconciliation. A very good read.

[Lorie]

Regret kept Claire away from her hometown for decades. Is fifty too old for truth, forgiveness, and a second chance at love?