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It's Better This Way: the joyful and uplifting new novel from the New York Times #1 bestseller
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - After her marriage ends, one woman's struggle to pick up the pieces finally leads to a new beginning but is the past truly behind her? #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber explores the powerful intersections of love and family in this poignant novel.It's been nearly six years since Julia Jones had her heart broken. After her husband became involved with another woman, she did everything she could to save their marriage, to no avail. The couple's two daughters continue to stand by Julia in the wake of their father's behavior--and they've had a tough time getting along with the other woman who's become their stepmother. Distraught after selling the family home, Julia moves into a condominium complex that offers the warmth and charm of a fresh start. Now, having settled into her new community and sold her successful interior design business, she's embraced a fulfilling new life, one that doesn't seem to need a man in it. Her beloved father's trusty saying is ringing truer than It's better this way.But when Julia meets a handsome new resident in the building's exercise room, she can't help but be drawn to him. Heath Johnson is a welcome change from the men she's encountered on the occasional--mostly disastrous--dates her sister has eagerly planned for her over the years. As she and Heath, a divorcee himself, begin to grow close, their friendship blossoms into an unexpected love. However, they soon realize that combining families proves to be a challenge, even though their four children are adults.When a dramatic revelation threatens the happiness they've found, Julia and Heath must reconcile their love for their children with their love for each other. If they can't, their bright future together may be nothing but a dream.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2021
1361 people are currently reading
12577 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
908 books20.7k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,299 reviews
September 4, 2021
3.5⭐
Lovely story about a second chance at love.
Julia tried so hard to make her thirty-one-year marriage work. Her husband had already moved on with a woman with whom he had an affair. Six years later, things started to fall in place for Julia. While at a gym she meets Heath, also divorced. They only greeted one another for some time before they agreed to some coffee after a workout.
This is a light comfort read with PG romance, and family drama including adult children. An enjoyable quick read/listen. Audio narrated by Thérèse Plummer, one of my faves!
Lovely story about a second chance at love.
Julia tried so hard to make her thirty-one-year marriage work. Her husband had already moved on with a woman with whom he had an affair. Six years later, things started to fall in place for Julia. While at a gym she meets Heath, also divorced. They only greeted one another for some time before they agreed to some coffee after a workout.
This is a light comfort read with PG romance, and family drama including adult children. An enjoyable quick read/listen. Audio narrated by Thérèse Plummer, one of my faves!
March 19, 2022
It’s better this way by Debbie Macomber is a 2021 Ballantine Books publication.
Julia fought hard for her thirty-one-year marriage, but in the end, things turned exceptionally ugly, so she gave up and signed the divorce papers. Now, six years later, Julia has moved on- but is not interesting in dating, despite her sister’s repeated attempts to set her up with someone.
That all changes when she meets Heath. She meets him in the exercise room of her building and the two strike up a friendship. As the friendship deepens into something more, bringing their adult children into the equation, proves to be tricky, especially since there happens to be a few prickly extenuating circumstances…
This is a pleasant story about adults who find love later in life after going through the pain of divorce. It is also about blending families with adult children, which proves far more difficult than anticipated.
Naturally, a feminine touch is needed to overcome the mulish stalemate, and things progress, often humorously from there. “It’s better this way” is a wonderful way to spin things that didn’t go exactly as planned, but worked out just as well… or better in the end.
I’m glad the author had a lot of fun writing this story, because I had a lot of fun reading it!!
Julia fought hard for her thirty-one-year marriage, but in the end, things turned exceptionally ugly, so she gave up and signed the divorce papers. Now, six years later, Julia has moved on- but is not interesting in dating, despite her sister’s repeated attempts to set her up with someone.
That all changes when she meets Heath. She meets him in the exercise room of her building and the two strike up a friendship. As the friendship deepens into something more, bringing their adult children into the equation, proves to be tricky, especially since there happens to be a few prickly extenuating circumstances…
This is a pleasant story about adults who find love later in life after going through the pain of divorce. It is also about blending families with adult children, which proves far more difficult than anticipated.
Naturally, a feminine touch is needed to overcome the mulish stalemate, and things progress, often humorously from there. “It’s better this way” is a wonderful way to spin things that didn’t go exactly as planned, but worked out just as well… or better in the end.
I’m glad the author had a lot of fun writing this story, because I had a lot of fun reading it!!
August 8, 2025
This is a Romance with a lot of Family drama. I listen to the audiobook for this book while I was driving to my Grandmother's house. I did enjoy the narrator of this book, but this narrator of this book has done a lot of Debbie Macomber books. This book is a two people that is slowly moving on after a hard divorce, and Their kids is having trouble getting over what happen during their parents divorce. I have to say this book took me a little bit to get into, but once I was pulled into this book I could not put this book down. If you having a good family drama then this is the book for you, but you should not pick this book up looking for a Fun and Cute Romance book.
July 15, 2021
Debbie Macomber is one of those authors that I discovered a little later in her career but after reading several of her books I want to go back and read everything of hers. Well, as most of your readers know there’s way too many books and not enough time to get to all of them so I haven’t been able to pick up all of her many titles but I do get excited every time I get a new one so of course I had to read It’s Better This Way.
It’s Better This Way is a standalone contemporary romance that features a more mature protagonist. Julia Jones had been married once, that is until her husband cheated on her and left for the other woman. Julia had done everything she possibly could to save her marriage but in the end it just wasn’t meant to be. Now six years later Julia has settled into her single life much with the help of her two wonderful daughters.
After the divorce Julia had moved into a condominium and sold her business so now in her new retired life she has taken up the habit of working out in the community gym. One day as Julia enters for her workout she finds a new neighbor already there, Heath Johnson. After a few times of crossing paths Heath introduces himself and the two become fast friends with both having a lot in common including being sure they aren’t interested in more than friendship after rough divorces.
It’s Better This Way was another lovely read from Debbie Macomber as I just knew it would be. I loved that this romance followed an older, more mature character and just fell in love with the relationship as it grew. This would probably have been a five star read had it not been for a few unlikable characters in the background, I just didn’t understand their actions. As always though I loved the rest of the story and the character growth for a lot of the characters along the way and I will be in line once again for the next book from this author.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
It’s Better This Way is a standalone contemporary romance that features a more mature protagonist. Julia Jones had been married once, that is until her husband cheated on her and left for the other woman. Julia had done everything she possibly could to save her marriage but in the end it just wasn’t meant to be. Now six years later Julia has settled into her single life much with the help of her two wonderful daughters.
After the divorce Julia had moved into a condominium and sold her business so now in her new retired life she has taken up the habit of working out in the community gym. One day as Julia enters for her workout she finds a new neighbor already there, Heath Johnson. After a few times of crossing paths Heath introduces himself and the two become fast friends with both having a lot in common including being sure they aren’t interested in more than friendship after rough divorces.
It’s Better This Way was another lovely read from Debbie Macomber as I just knew it would be. I loved that this romance followed an older, more mature character and just fell in love with the relationship as it grew. This would probably have been a five star read had it not been for a few unlikable characters in the background, I just didn’t understand their actions. As always though I loved the rest of the story and the character growth for a lot of the characters along the way and I will be in line once again for the next book from this author.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 1, 2021
I can't believe I am writing anything less than positive about a Debbie Macomber novel, but I couldn't even finish it. Extremely saccharine and and unempowering to say the very least. I could not even finish it it made me so frustrated.
Quick review: Julia's husband cheats on her and then says he's leaving for his mistress. She wants to wait 6 months before saying goodbye to her long term marriage. the mistress starts bullying her with mean texts and pushing her off trying to save what is hers. (Jerk number 1 - the home wrecking mistress). Then Dad gets into with his and Julia's daughters bc he says accept her of stay away. (Jerk #2 "accept the homewrecker as your Step mother or get out of my life!")
The entire premise is how this woman is supposedly rebuilding her life but what she is spending most of the book trying to make peace with all the people who have blatantly mistreated her. She is unempowered and certainly not a heroine.
Maybe the author was trying to write from a place of peace, but it did not come across that way at all. It downright made me angry at the amount of BS this woman put up with. The Homewreckers kids are also Jerks- treating her very badly along the way, even though she actually had nothing to do with the affair or the home-wrecking mistress. She was the one who was hurt by all this but they treat her like she was the one causing all the harm. Freakin' Seriously??? Argh!
My final issue with this novel is the writing of the book itself was confusing. Too little use of She / her pronouns and just using JULIA in the majority of the writing. At one point I noticed the use of her name 3 times in one paragraph. I mean, its my name too but even I don't want to read it that many times!
Quick review: Julia's husband cheats on her and then says he's leaving for his mistress. She wants to wait 6 months before saying goodbye to her long term marriage. the mistress starts bullying her with mean texts and pushing her off trying to save what is hers. (Jerk number 1 - the home wrecking mistress). Then Dad gets into with his and Julia's daughters bc he says accept her of stay away. (Jerk #2 "accept the homewrecker as your Step mother or get out of my life!")
The entire premise is how this woman is supposedly rebuilding her life but what she is spending most of the book trying to make peace with all the people who have blatantly mistreated her. She is unempowered and certainly not a heroine.
Maybe the author was trying to write from a place of peace, but it did not come across that way at all. It downright made me angry at the amount of BS this woman put up with. The Homewreckers kids are also Jerks- treating her very badly along the way, even though she actually had nothing to do with the affair or the home-wrecking mistress. She was the one who was hurt by all this but they treat her like she was the one causing all the harm. Freakin' Seriously??? Argh!
My final issue with this novel is the writing of the book itself was confusing. Too little use of She / her pronouns and just using JULIA in the majority of the writing. At one point I noticed the use of her name 3 times in one paragraph. I mean, its my name too but even I don't want to read it that many times!
July 22, 2021
Wow this was enough DRAMA to sustain me for the rest of the year. Heath and Julia were so cute, OMG. Except for them, I pretty much despise everyone else in this story.
First off, Eddie deserved much of the blame as did Laura, and although I don’t like Laura, it was really unfair for Hillary and Marie to blame her repeatedly for the affair. I did like they had their mother’s back. Everyone was connected, which was not my favorite. For example, I really thought Eric and Carrie would be out of this drama and of course that was ruined too. I did like that the children were not too forced to reconcile at the end. Overall, although it was dramatic I still did enjoy it. I mean drama is always fun. Okay now let’s drink every time we saw the title in the book.
First off, Eddie deserved much of the blame as did Laura, and although I don’t like Laura, it was really unfair for Hillary and Marie to blame her repeatedly for the affair. I did like they had their mother’s back. Everyone was connected, which was not my favorite. For example, I really thought Eric and Carrie would be out of this drama and of course that was ruined too. I did like that the children were not too forced to reconcile at the end. Overall, although it was dramatic I still did enjoy it. I mean drama is always fun. Okay now let’s drink every time we saw the title in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2022
Debbie Macomber did it once again! It's Better This Way was so so good!!! This novel is about divorces, love, family drama, and finding happiness again. Debbie always has a way of pulling in readers and connecting with the story, and does not let you go. It's Better This Way broke my heart. This novel will NOT disappoint, all you need is a cozy blanket and a box of tissues close by to devour this heart wrenching novel. If you love Debbie Macomber I definitely recommend picking up this book! No dry eyes in sight for me. This novel is also about a second chance at love.
Is Julia Jones's past really behind her?
It's been nearly six years since Julia and her husband Eddie got divorced. Eddie had an affair with another woman he met at the golf course. Julia tries so hard to save her marriage but Eddie wants a divorce right away. Julia wants Eddie to give her six months to think about this and sign the divorce papers, but when Eddie's new wife Laura gets in the middle of it all, it makes it all the more harder for Julia. Julia and Eddie have two daughters together, Marie and Hillary are both in college during this heart breaking time, Julia and Eddie think this divorce won't affect their daughters, but they are both wrong.
Marie and Hillary turn against their dad because they believe Laura ruined their whole family and is trying to take their dad away from them. Julia had to sell their family home and move into a new apartment complex. While working out Julia meets Heath, who is also divorced, Julia and Heath work out together every morning, and go out for coffee following their morning workouts. When Julia learns who Heath's ex-wife is everything changes at that instant moment. Heath's two sons want nothing to do with Julia and her two daughters after some ugly text messages were sent to their mother.
Heath and Julia soon realize that combining their adult children will bring many challenges. Hillary is soon to be getting married to her boyfriend Blake, but Hillary doesn't want her dad to attend the wedding if he's going to bring their stepmother Laura with him. Both Hillary and Marie want nothing to do with Laura. Eddie doesn't know how to re-connect with his daughters and brings Julia into the middle of it, Julia doesn't want to be in the middle because she believes her adult daughters are capable of connecting with their dad themselves.
Is Julia Jones's past really behind her?
It's been nearly six years since Julia and her husband Eddie got divorced. Eddie had an affair with another woman he met at the golf course. Julia tries so hard to save her marriage but Eddie wants a divorce right away. Julia wants Eddie to give her six months to think about this and sign the divorce papers, but when Eddie's new wife Laura gets in the middle of it all, it makes it all the more harder for Julia. Julia and Eddie have two daughters together, Marie and Hillary are both in college during this heart breaking time, Julia and Eddie think this divorce won't affect their daughters, but they are both wrong.
Marie and Hillary turn against their dad because they believe Laura ruined their whole family and is trying to take their dad away from them. Julia had to sell their family home and move into a new apartment complex. While working out Julia meets Heath, who is also divorced, Julia and Heath work out together every morning, and go out for coffee following their morning workouts. When Julia learns who Heath's ex-wife is everything changes at that instant moment. Heath's two sons want nothing to do with Julia and her two daughters after some ugly text messages were sent to their mother.
Heath and Julia soon realize that combining their adult children will bring many challenges. Hillary is soon to be getting married to her boyfriend Blake, but Hillary doesn't want her dad to attend the wedding if he's going to bring their stepmother Laura with him. Both Hillary and Marie want nothing to do with Laura. Eddie doesn't know how to re-connect with his daughters and brings Julia into the middle of it, Julia doesn't want to be in the middle because she believes her adult daughters are capable of connecting with their dad themselves.
June 30, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. I loved that the main characters were of a mature age who was so strong and independent.
Julia is a divorced mom of two adult daughters. Her divorce was hard, but over time, she manages a happy, single, semi-retired life. Her routine is intersected by a neighbor and they are polite but distant. But over time, they develop a friendship that leads to feelings and foreboding. Julia is worried that her feelings for Heath are "too good to be true". She is trying to protect her heart and her fears are realized with a twist. Heath and Julia have strong feelings for each other which will be tested. This story engages you immediately. The main characters are likable and you're wanting to get through the story to see if they will get their HEA.
I really enjoy this author's books and this would have to be one of my favorites.
I loved this story. I loved that the main characters were of a mature age who was so strong and independent.
Julia is a divorced mom of two adult daughters. Her divorce was hard, but over time, she manages a happy, single, semi-retired life. Her routine is intersected by a neighbor and they are polite but distant. But over time, they develop a friendship that leads to feelings and foreboding. Julia is worried that her feelings for Heath are "too good to be true". She is trying to protect her heart and her fears are realized with a twist. Heath and Julia have strong feelings for each other which will be tested. This story engages you immediately. The main characters are likable and you're wanting to get through the story to see if they will get their HEA.
I really enjoy this author's books and this would have to be one of my favorites.
February 1, 2025
Excellent.
After thirty years of marriage, a divorce that was far from amicable, and bad feelings are still running strong six years later. A new romance is on the horizon that brings the bitterness back to the fore. A terrific read that was impossible to put down.
After thirty years of marriage, a divorce that was far from amicable, and bad feelings are still running strong six years later. A new romance is on the horizon that brings the bitterness back to the fore. A terrific read that was impossible to put down.
February 26, 2022
I am a huge fan of Debbie Macomber however this book turned out to be a big disappointment. There were parts of this story that I liked however there were more that I did not like.
I believe in forgiving because forgiveness is for you and moving forward. However there are times that along with forgiving you need to put that person in your rearview mirror and not look back.
Eddie and Julia are married for 31 years and they are in their mid 50's when this story starts. Eddie has an affair with Laura and tells Julia he longer loves her and wants a divorce. Julia wants to save her marriage so Eddie agrees to go to counseling with her. After five sessions he stops going but agrees to give Julia the six months she wants to work on their marriage.
In the meantime, Laura sends terrible text messages to Julia along with selfies of her and Eddie. One of these selfies is the two of them in bed. Tell me this is not immature. At four months Laura pushes Eddie to get the divorce.
There is a confrontation at a lake house between Laura, her sons and Eddie's two daughters. It gets nasty with yelling and screaming which is when Eddie tells his daughters that if they can not accept Laura and her sons then they can no longer be a part of his life. WOW! Let's give this guy father of the year.
At this point Julia decided it's time to sign the divorce papers and move on. Six years later Julia meets a wonderful man and they start a relationship.
Julia and Eddie's daughter becomes engaged but the daughter refuses to tell the dad so Julia feels she has to do it. Really? The guy has had nothing to do with his daughter for over six years. He feels he should walk her down the aisle and that Laura and her sons should be invited to the wedding. Unbelievable.
Eddie and his daughter go on and on with the fighting so after a long storyline of this Julia decides to step in and try to get everyone and I mean everyone to be best buddies. This was over the top and at this point I lost a lot of respect for Julia. Julia befriends Laura and tries working through everything.
Needless to say the last 40 pages all I wanted to do was throw up I was so sick of this nonsense. Your husband has an affair, leaves you and his daughters, has no contact with any of you for over 6 years and you try helping him reconnect with his daughters and asking his wife (who he left you for) to help you. Are you kidding me?
Sorry guys but everything that happened with Eddie and Julia and his daughters was his own doing. He got what he wanted and now he needs to live with it.
I believe in forgiving because forgiveness is for you and moving forward. However there are times that along with forgiving you need to put that person in your rearview mirror and not look back.
Eddie and Julia are married for 31 years and they are in their mid 50's when this story starts. Eddie has an affair with Laura and tells Julia he longer loves her and wants a divorce. Julia wants to save her marriage so Eddie agrees to go to counseling with her. After five sessions he stops going but agrees to give Julia the six months she wants to work on their marriage.
In the meantime, Laura sends terrible text messages to Julia along with selfies of her and Eddie. One of these selfies is the two of them in bed. Tell me this is not immature. At four months Laura pushes Eddie to get the divorce.
There is a confrontation at a lake house between Laura, her sons and Eddie's two daughters. It gets nasty with yelling and screaming which is when Eddie tells his daughters that if they can not accept Laura and her sons then they can no longer be a part of his life. WOW! Let's give this guy father of the year.
At this point Julia decided it's time to sign the divorce papers and move on. Six years later Julia meets a wonderful man and they start a relationship.
Julia and Eddie's daughter becomes engaged but the daughter refuses to tell the dad so Julia feels she has to do it. Really? The guy has had nothing to do with his daughter for over six years. He feels he should walk her down the aisle and that Laura and her sons should be invited to the wedding. Unbelievable.
Eddie and his daughter go on and on with the fighting so after a long storyline of this Julia decides to step in and try to get everyone and I mean everyone to be best buddies. This was over the top and at this point I lost a lot of respect for Julia. Julia befriends Laura and tries working through everything.
Needless to say the last 40 pages all I wanted to do was throw up I was so sick of this nonsense. Your husband has an affair, leaves you and his daughters, has no contact with any of you for over 6 years and you try helping him reconnect with his daughters and asking his wife (who he left you for) to help you. Are you kidding me?
Sorry guys but everything that happened with Eddie and Julia and his daughters was his own doing. He got what he wanted and now he needs to live with it.
July 18, 2021
Predictable.
Unnecessary drama between families.
A therapy session would have done them wonders.
First half better than the second.
I did like second chance love story for the 60+ crowd!
Unnecessary drama between families.
A therapy session would have done them wonders.
First half better than the second.
I did like second chance love story for the 60+ crowd!
August 17, 2022
If you have followed my blog for any time, you know how much I love Debbie Macomber. Her books are perfect for me and give me all the exact feels that I want when I’m reading. IT’S BETTER THIS WAY is exactly that. Some drama, sweet romance, and a happily ever after. What more could a reader want? Julia and her husband had been married for thirty years when he left her for another woman. Debbie Macomber has been an auto read author of mine for many many years. She has a special way of pulling her readers in and connecting with all of her characters.
IT’S BETTER THIS WAY is a story about blended families and the difficulties, pain, and drama that result when marriages end and new relationships are created. It is also about the shaky path to forgiveness and the even longer journey to fixing things. Julia and Heath are two divorced people who live in the same building. They meet one morning in the building’s gym. They are both serious when they say they are done with love and dating, but somehow a relationship grows between them and soon it becomes so crazy that they both have more in common than just being divorcees. I felt as if I could really relate to both of these strong people and having been through a few divorces of my own, Debbie nails the emotions spot on.
IT’S BETTER THIS WAY is a heart tugging story that will hold your attention from the very first page until the last. Heath has two grown boys and Julia has two adult girls. To say that they can’t stand being in the same room with the others is such a huge understatement. Neither set of children wants their parent to continue with the relationship and Julia and Heath are determined not to let their kids control their lives and who they see. Well let me tell you, here is where IT’S BETTER THIS WAY gets intense. Debbie Macomber goes straight after your heart with this wonderful story and never lets it go. I was laughing and crying and sometimes on the very same page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
IT’S BETTER THIS WAY is a story about blended families and the difficulties, pain, and drama that result when marriages end and new relationships are created. It is also about the shaky path to forgiveness and the even longer journey to fixing things. Julia and Heath are two divorced people who live in the same building. They meet one morning in the building’s gym. They are both serious when they say they are done with love and dating, but somehow a relationship grows between them and soon it becomes so crazy that they both have more in common than just being divorcees. I felt as if I could really relate to both of these strong people and having been through a few divorces of my own, Debbie nails the emotions spot on.
IT’S BETTER THIS WAY is a heart tugging story that will hold your attention from the very first page until the last. Heath has two grown boys and Julia has two adult girls. To say that they can’t stand being in the same room with the others is such a huge understatement. Neither set of children wants their parent to continue with the relationship and Julia and Heath are determined not to let their kids control their lives and who they see. Well let me tell you, here is where IT’S BETTER THIS WAY gets intense. Debbie Macomber goes straight after your heart with this wonderful story and never lets it go. I was laughing and crying and sometimes on the very same page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 23, 2021
Lighter book about an ironic plot twist about two families torn apart by bitter divorces in beautiful Seattle. I live how people survive through divorce and retirement. 🙂.
October 2, 2021
Another great book by Debbie Macomber. I love the characters and the love square.
November 24, 2023
Three and a half stars.
It’s that time of year, I just wanted something light and entertaining, so a Debbie Macomber novel seemed a good choice.
Almost six years earlier Julia’s heart broke when her loved husband of over 30 years Eddie had an affair and wanted a divorce from Julia. The other woman, Laura, in time becomes his wife. Julia and Eddie’s adult daughters Hillary and Marie stand by their mother and refuse to even meet their stepmother.
Moving on, Julia buys a condo and tries to accept her father’s oft repeated motto ‘it’s better this way.’ When Julia meets Heath Johnson a fellow resident of the condo she is drawn to him. Both divorced and wary, they tentatively begin a relationship. Heath has two adult sons, Michael and Adam who have largely stuck up for their mother. But when a complication Julia and Heath never saw coming emerges, they are placed in a quandary that threatens to destroy any chance of lasting relationship. Unless they can find a way to combat it. But can they?
When that particular complication came up I initially baulked at it. It seemed a bit too contrived. But it is essential to the plot. Once I accepted that complication I enjoyed seeing how it would all unfold.
Both Julia and Heath are likable, though certainly not without their faults. The adult children of both have more than a few issues with the relationship between Heath and Julia. Then there is Julia’s niece Carrie, who is almost like another daughter to her. She is a sweetie with a gentle caring nature.
in the end quite an enjoyable read that kept my interest. A lot of people will love it as it explores family situations.
It’s that time of year, I just wanted something light and entertaining, so a Debbie Macomber novel seemed a good choice.
Almost six years earlier Julia’s heart broke when her loved husband of over 30 years Eddie had an affair and wanted a divorce from Julia. The other woman, Laura, in time becomes his wife. Julia and Eddie’s adult daughters Hillary and Marie stand by their mother and refuse to even meet their stepmother.
Moving on, Julia buys a condo and tries to accept her father’s oft repeated motto ‘it’s better this way.’ When Julia meets Heath Johnson a fellow resident of the condo she is drawn to him. Both divorced and wary, they tentatively begin a relationship. Heath has two adult sons, Michael and Adam who have largely stuck up for their mother. But when a complication Julia and Heath never saw coming emerges, they are placed in a quandary that threatens to destroy any chance of lasting relationship. Unless they can find a way to combat it. But can they?
When that particular complication came up I initially baulked at it. It seemed a bit too contrived. But it is essential to the plot. Once I accepted that complication I enjoyed seeing how it would all unfold.
Both Julia and Heath are likable, though certainly not without their faults. The adult children of both have more than a few issues with the relationship between Heath and Julia. Then there is Julia’s niece Carrie, who is almost like another daughter to her. She is a sweetie with a gentle caring nature.
in the end quite an enjoyable read that kept my interest. A lot of people will love it as it explores family situations.
March 25, 2021
Looking for a feel good book with a multi-faceted characters, an intriguing plot, and a happily-ever-after ending? Look no further than Debbie Macomber's newest novel. Julia's husband dumped her 6 years ago for another woman, though she desperately tried to save their marriage. She has had a few bad dates, and had given up on romance when she met Heath, who had also been dumped by his ex. Here's the twist: his ex is now married to her ex, and their adult children are angry, and disapprove of their new relationship. Julia's father always told her "it's better this way" when life took a different path than she wanted, and with some forgiveness (which is really difficult, since her ex is such a rock-head) and help from a surprising source, maybe the family can get along by the time her eldest daughter walks down the aisle. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
October 13, 2022
3.4 stars
July 24, 2021
I so enjoyed this heartwarming novel! The characters in this story, the situations they find themselves in, and the emotions they experience ring true. The difficult family dynamics they struggle to navigate are relatable to many. And because of this, the hard-won reconciliations and forgiveness the characters come to by the end seem almost magical. How many adults in our world covet such peace & closure as they welcome a second chance at love? This story reminds me why Debbie Macomber is one of the masters of meaningful women's fiction. No wonder this is a Publisher's Weekly starred review & top pick!
July 23, 2021
4.75 stars
The love continues…
It’s Better This Way, by @debbiemacomber is an easy, feel-good, delightful family drama that charmed me. Admittedly, some of the characters are ridiculously obnoxious and obstinate, but they determinedly struggled through and learned some lessons along the way.
This is a story about reformed families and the difficulties, hurts, and traumas that result when relationships split and new ones are created. It’s about the rocky path to forgiveness and the even longer road to reconciliation. I loved the main character’s wisdom and graciousness in handling others, and her new found later-in-life love, which was so sweet and inspiring. I even loved the hopeful message behind the title.
This story was a pleasure to read, as all of Ms. Macomber’s books are, and I was sad to see it end so quickly.
The love continues…
It’s Better This Way, by @debbiemacomber is an easy, feel-good, delightful family drama that charmed me. Admittedly, some of the characters are ridiculously obnoxious and obstinate, but they determinedly struggled through and learned some lessons along the way.
This is a story about reformed families and the difficulties, hurts, and traumas that result when relationships split and new ones are created. It’s about the rocky path to forgiveness and the even longer road to reconciliation. I loved the main character’s wisdom and graciousness in handling others, and her new found later-in-life love, which was so sweet and inspiring. I even loved the hopeful message behind the title.
This story was a pleasure to read, as all of Ms. Macomber’s books are, and I was sad to see it end so quickly.
January 14, 2026
Solid Second chance at romance after messy divorce
What I liked: I am so glad the the fmc found new love sgain with a sweet, patient man..even after her ex ripped put her heart and stood all over it without an ounce of regret. Heath came and tried to stitch her heart back together. Her daughter's fought for her even when their father didn't and her niece did as well.
What I didnt like: There was no remorse or comeuppance from the ex husband or mistress turned wife. In other books Ive read by Debbie Macomber theres some sort of apology..some sense of I lost the best person in my life and Im stuck with the product of my own bad decisions. In this one acceptance that they will try to get along for the kids in the best that happens and the ex slipping up once and calling his ex wife his wife...( showing a bit There wasnt nearly enpugh drama there to keep my interest. of jealousy but not a bit of remorse). I really wish there was more remorse..she fought so hard to keep the marriage after he destroyed it by cheating on her and leaving her..I just wanted to see that remorse for destroying her heart..not just remorse for being a bad father.
I also had no interest in Carrie and Erics romance ( the niece) so basically skimmed any chapter from Carries POV.
What I liked: I am so glad the the fmc found new love sgain with a sweet, patient man..even after her ex ripped put her heart and stood all over it without an ounce of regret. Heath came and tried to stitch her heart back together. Her daughter's fought for her even when their father didn't and her niece did as well.
What I didnt like: There was no remorse or comeuppance from the ex husband or mistress turned wife. In other books Ive read by Debbie Macomber theres some sort of apology..some sense of I lost the best person in my life and Im stuck with the product of my own bad decisions. In this one acceptance that they will try to get along for the kids in the best that happens and the ex slipping up once and calling his ex wife his wife...( showing a bit There wasnt nearly enpugh drama there to keep my interest. of jealousy but not a bit of remorse). I really wish there was more remorse..she fought so hard to keep the marriage after he destroyed it by cheating on her and leaving her..I just wanted to see that remorse for destroying her heart..not just remorse for being a bad father.
I also had no interest in Carrie and Erics romance ( the niece) so basically skimmed any chapter from Carries POV.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
December 17, 2021
DNF at 10%.
I haven't read a Debbie Macomber books since... the 90s? This came up as a rec on my library app after I had been browsing some Robyn Carr books. I decided to give it a try, the blurb seemed interesting, older couple, and I wondered how her storytelling was (I remember it being a little too homespun for my taste).
Ugh.
So the story starts out with a married woman who is about to sign her divorce paper. She has two grown daughters and her husband has just said he wants out and has been cheating on her and wants to marry his mistress. She holds out, sure she can repair the marriage.
Oh honey, no. If he doesn't want you, has been cheating on you and wants his mistress enough to flat out tell you, then just let go.
He agrees (reluctantly) to an agreement for counseling and six months. But is clear he is not interested and only doing it as a sop. And is still seeing the mistress.
He is already checked out. This isn't fighting for your marriage this is hiding your head in the sand.
But even six months is too long for the mistress, she starts sending the wife nasty texts and voice mails calling her names and the husband just sits back and lets this happen.
He is an asshole. And so is the mistress. And the heroine still seems determined to hold on to this dirtbag. Girl, really?
There is a physical/verbal confrontation when the grown daughters of the heroine who decide to verbally bitch-slap the mistress and tell their father he is trash.
The heroine is still trying to be conciliatory and not signing those papers. I am Team Grown Daughters!
Finally, the divorce papers are signed. And we get to six years later where everyone has moved on....
And yet, the ex-husband is still dirt. He had given the daughters an ultimatum -- be nice to his new wife or don't bother being involved with him either. They are both 'Later then, asshole'. Again I am Team Grown Daughters.
But heroine keeps trying to reason with daughters to not cut dad out of their lives.
One daughter is getting married and doesn't want nasty step-mom at the wedding. Her decision is either nasty step mom stays home or dad doesn't walk her down the aisle. She refuses to talk to dad.
Heroine decides she wants to be peacemaker, and calls ex husband who is immediately nasty and disrespectful on the phone and acts as if she is constantly a bother. Mind you, this is SIX years after the divorce and she barely ever has anything to do with him.
My entire problem is the heroine. Yes her ex is an asshole and the new guy in her life seems nice ( and there is a wonking soap-opera like coincidence that links the two of them that made me roll my eyes) but she is my real issue.
Her insistence on trying to keep this asshole in her life -- first from hanging on with her fingernails before the divorce and then intervening with the daughters -- is hugely problematic for me. There is a type of forgiveness that I feel is unhealthy. There are some people who you just need to cut out of your life because their presence is toxic. No amount of 'But he is your father' or 'we've had 30 years' is worth the disdain and disrespect.
Now all of this happened within the first 10% of the book. I had such a bad taste in my mouth just at this point, i decided to peek ahead and see if it got better. No -- she is still in this pattern of 'hey let's all get together and understand'. Newp. I peaced out.
I haven't read a Debbie Macomber books since... the 90s? This came up as a rec on my library app after I had been browsing some Robyn Carr books. I decided to give it a try, the blurb seemed interesting, older couple, and I wondered how her storytelling was (I remember it being a little too homespun for my taste).
Ugh.
So the story starts out with a married woman who is about to sign her divorce paper. She has two grown daughters and her husband has just said he wants out and has been cheating on her and wants to marry his mistress. She holds out, sure she can repair the marriage.
Oh honey, no. If he doesn't want you, has been cheating on you and wants his mistress enough to flat out tell you, then just let go.
He agrees (reluctantly) to an agreement for counseling and six months. But is clear he is not interested and only doing it as a sop. And is still seeing the mistress.
He is already checked out. This isn't fighting for your marriage this is hiding your head in the sand.
But even six months is too long for the mistress, she starts sending the wife nasty texts and voice mails calling her names and the husband just sits back and lets this happen.
He is an asshole. And so is the mistress. And the heroine still seems determined to hold on to this dirtbag. Girl, really?
There is a physical/verbal confrontation when the grown daughters of the heroine who decide to verbally bitch-slap the mistress and tell their father he is trash.
The heroine is still trying to be conciliatory and not signing those papers. I am Team Grown Daughters!
Finally, the divorce papers are signed. And we get to six years later where everyone has moved on....
And yet, the ex-husband is still dirt. He had given the daughters an ultimatum -- be nice to his new wife or don't bother being involved with him either. They are both 'Later then, asshole'. Again I am Team Grown Daughters.
But heroine keeps trying to reason with daughters to not cut dad out of their lives.
One daughter is getting married and doesn't want nasty step-mom at the wedding. Her decision is either nasty step mom stays home or dad doesn't walk her down the aisle. She refuses to talk to dad.
Heroine decides she wants to be peacemaker, and calls ex husband who is immediately nasty and disrespectful on the phone and acts as if she is constantly a bother. Mind you, this is SIX years after the divorce and she barely ever has anything to do with him.
My entire problem is the heroine. Yes her ex is an asshole and the new guy in her life seems nice ( and there is a wonking soap-opera like coincidence that links the two of them that made me roll my eyes) but she is my real issue.
Her insistence on trying to keep this asshole in her life -- first from hanging on with her fingernails before the divorce and then intervening with the daughters -- is hugely problematic for me. There is a type of forgiveness that I feel is unhealthy. There are some people who you just need to cut out of your life because their presence is toxic. No amount of 'But he is your father' or 'we've had 30 years' is worth the disdain and disrespect.
Now all of this happened within the first 10% of the book. I had such a bad taste in my mouth just at this point, i decided to peek ahead and see if it got better. No -- she is still in this pattern of 'hey let's all get together and understand'. Newp. I peaced out.
April 3, 2021
You can always depend on Debbie Macomber to bring her readers exceptional books full of real life characters facing situations that many of us face but always providing a feel good happily ever after ending. She gives us all that and more in her new book It's Better This Way.
Six years ago, Julie tried to save her marriage after her husband of over 25 years told her that he had fallen in love with another women. Their two grown daughters side with their mother and will have nothing to do with their father and his new wife. Julie meets Heath in the exercise room of her new condo. At first they ignore each other, then they smile at each other and soon they start having coffee together. This friendship quickly moves to another level and they fall in love. Heath is also divorced and has two grown sons that are close to both him and his ex-wife. When a dramatic truth comes to light, Julie and Heath realize how difficult it will be to combine both families when there is so much animosity between the four children. Will they give up on their love and give in to their children or will they be able to have their happily ever after. Will Julie's father's trusty saying 'It's better this way" prove to be true in Julie and Heath's future life?
It was difficult to put this book down once I started it. I loved the characters and the way that they handled their family situation. I was hoping that their love would survive and quickly turned the pages to find the outcome. Another fantastic book by a legendary author.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own
Six years ago, Julie tried to save her marriage after her husband of over 25 years told her that he had fallen in love with another women. Their two grown daughters side with their mother and will have nothing to do with their father and his new wife. Julie meets Heath in the exercise room of her new condo. At first they ignore each other, then they smile at each other and soon they start having coffee together. This friendship quickly moves to another level and they fall in love. Heath is also divorced and has two grown sons that are close to both him and his ex-wife. When a dramatic truth comes to light, Julie and Heath realize how difficult it will be to combine both families when there is so much animosity between the four children. Will they give up on their love and give in to their children or will they be able to have their happily ever after. Will Julie's father's trusty saying 'It's better this way" prove to be true in Julie and Heath's future life?
It was difficult to put this book down once I started it. I loved the characters and the way that they handled their family situation. I was hoping that their love would survive and quickly turned the pages to find the outcome. Another fantastic book by a legendary author.
Thanks to netgalley for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own
February 19, 2021
(free ) RTC
August 27, 2021
A fast read that I read in a day! Another great book by this great author!
Read
September 19, 2021Not a fan of martyr complexes
July 26, 2022
So the HEA is that the h will spend the rest of her life making nice with the unrepentant OW who stole her husband and cheated on the H?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2021
I'm always happy to be able to read a new Debbie Macomber book and it really didn't take me long at all to feel right at home between the pages of this one.
Getting to know Julia and Heath was really enjoyable, and seeing how Julia is dealing with life 6 years on from her divorce. They are both adamant they are done with love and dating but yet a fledgling relationship crops up between them and soon it becomes apparent they both have more in common than just being divorcees!
I also enjoyed the chapters focusing on Carrie, Julia's niece who is determined the new job Julia helped out with will work out and she takes to the role really well and even helps someone come out of their shell.
And the philosophy of Julia's grandpa that things happen for a reason and that it is often "better this way" in the face of adversity is a message that can be applied to life generally and could make a bad time have an upside if you look for it.
As with all books from this author I felt quite warm and cosy while reading this, I loved all the various directions the story went in, especially the ones that had me raise eyebrows in surprise. It's a story of family, new beginnings and whether or not past hurts can be resolved or not. It's a story of healing but also of love and it's one that has left me with a great smile on my face.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Getting to know Julia and Heath was really enjoyable, and seeing how Julia is dealing with life 6 years on from her divorce. They are both adamant they are done with love and dating but yet a fledgling relationship crops up between them and soon it becomes apparent they both have more in common than just being divorcees!
I also enjoyed the chapters focusing on Carrie, Julia's niece who is determined the new job Julia helped out with will work out and she takes to the role really well and even helps someone come out of their shell.
And the philosophy of Julia's grandpa that things happen for a reason and that it is often "better this way" in the face of adversity is a message that can be applied to life generally and could make a bad time have an upside if you look for it.
As with all books from this author I felt quite warm and cosy while reading this, I loved all the various directions the story went in, especially the ones that had me raise eyebrows in surprise. It's a story of family, new beginnings and whether or not past hurts can be resolved or not. It's a story of healing but also of love and it's one that has left me with a great smile on my face.
Thank you to Sphere and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
June 17, 2021
Julia is a devoted wife and mother. When her husband of 30 years, Eddie, leaves her for his new love interest, Laura, she is devastated. However, over the next six years, she focuses on building a new, positive life for herself. She semi-retires, spends lots of time with her daughters, sister, and niece, and buys a great new condo that she absolutely loves. After a few duds, she’s no longer interested in dating….until she meets Heath. *swoon*
I liked the story. It was a heartwarming, wholesome little tale. Julia is an absolute sweetheart. I love the way Macomber redeems her characters, the way she focuses on the good side of everyone, her unwavering positivity throughout the novel. So cute.
Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t work for me. It felt awkward with forced dialogue. In my head, it sounded like a really bad Hallmark movie - adorable story, horrible actors.
Despite this, I do recommend it for a quick, warm feel-good story. Just don’t expect too much.
This one comes out on July 13, 2021.
Thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.
I liked the story. It was a heartwarming, wholesome little tale. Julia is an absolute sweetheart. I love the way Macomber redeems her characters, the way she focuses on the good side of everyone, her unwavering positivity throughout the novel. So cute.
Unfortunately, the writing style didn’t work for me. It felt awkward with forced dialogue. In my head, it sounded like a really bad Hallmark movie - adorable story, horrible actors.
Despite this, I do recommend it for a quick, warm feel-good story. Just don’t expect too much.
This one comes out on July 13, 2021.
Thanks to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for this ARC in return for my honest review.
July 13, 2021
Told in multiple POV’s, IT’S BETTER THIS WAY, is the perfect addition to your summer reading list. Julia Jones was starting a new chapter in life, her 2 girls off at college, when her husband of 30 years suddenly wants a divorce. Emotions run high, words are exchanged, and relationships become strained. Fast forward 6 years -Julia is content. She meets Heath in the condo gym and the two are completely head over heels for each other. What they don’t realize is how difficult it will be to combine their families. This book was so wonderful…Debbie just gets better and better! It had enough family drama to keep me on my toes, a swoon worthy love story (2 actually), and the way it wrapped up was just perfect! This is easily my new favorite book by Debbie Macomber and will definitely be in my top 10 for the year! Definitely pick up your copy today!
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