A Change of Pace Freya Barker

A Change of Pace

Freya Barker

Newt Tobias would do anything for his little girl--even retire early from the force and move to a small lake community to give Millie a new beginning after her mother's  tragic cancer loss. Millie is also a cutter due to her lack of control over elements in her life--mother's death, moving in with her dad, dad being shot, and being a teen. After meeting Freddy and her dog, Boulder at school--Millie begins to develop a relationship with Freddy. 

Freddy uses animals to connect with her patients. Freddy's therapy style is a bit unorthodox, but filled with results. Freddy knows she shouldn't invite patients to her home--she knows that Millie will come out of her shell around the numerous animals on her land. An afternoon with Freddy's animals and Millie slowly starts coming out of her shell and talking about the first time she cut--after Newt was shot. Millie isn't the only person that Freddy is getting too close to. The more she's around Newt, more she's drawn to the man as more than a patient's father. Soon life changes pace for everyone from Freddy's cancer scare to Millie's kidnapping. Neither Newt or Freddy leave each other's side during the changes in their lives instead it pulls them closer to each other. But what happens when Millie wants to make them one family in one house instead of two? 

The Distance Between Us Georgie Capron

The Distance Between Us

Georgie Capron

This is a refreshing story about a married couple rediscovering who they are as individuals and a couple. I loved that this novel didn't follow the norm--ok to me seems to be the norm. In the last few novels, I've read about married couples--the novel ended with divorce packaged as a feminist move showing that the wife doesn't need the husband. I've been left with anger and frustration. This novel was completely different. 
Tasha has been married for fourteen years to Charlie with three children. But between maintaining the household and taking care of kids--Tasha feels empty. She adores her children but there are moments where her patience is wearing thin. She should be able to turn to Charlie for support but he has been distant and focused on his career.  Charlie has been working late in order to financially support the family. Tasha feels that the two of them are moving apart especially after Tasha attends the birthday party for Charlie's grandmother where everything went wrong on the way home and even beforehand--yet Charlie didn't ask Tasha about any aspect of the trip. He carries on about how terrific his business trip was and the numerous ammienties he was offered while away. 

Tasha does something that forever changes their relationship. Due to Tasha's split decision, she is forced to make numerous other decisions that she is not entirely happy about. She is fearful about the future and her future with Charlie. Charlie has a few of his own fears too. 
 She is happy about returning to the workforce--this decision is made to make her feel better about herself. The job she takes is completely different than her previous career in health care. Tasha decided to become a temporary personal assistant at a brokerage firm.  In the process, Tasha remembers or rediscovers who she is and what she wants. In the process, Charlie is reminded why he fell in love and why he continues to love Tasha. But will they find a way back to each other or will they be another divorce statistic?