Gina Rae Mitchell

A Better Forever by Tracey Cramer-Kelly | Excerpt, Giveaway, Review | Lawson Family #5

A book blog tour from Goddess Fish Promotions.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Marianne & Judy at Goddess Fish for providing me with the information for this tour.

Book Details

A Better Forever: a Marriage in Crisis Romance by Tracey Cramer-Kelly
Series: Lawson Family #5
Published by Independent on July 29, 2021
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, Contempoary Romance, Family Life, Inspirational & Personal Growth, Marriage or Divorce
Format: eBook
Pages: 188

Tumbling down…

Connor Lawson has always been a nerd. A rules follower. The valedictorian who worked his way up to Chief Financial Officer at his company on the Iron Range in Minnesota—and married the girl of his dreams. But his perfect life is crashing down around him. He could lose his job in a company acquisition. And the wife he deeply loves has discovered the shameful secret he’s hidden for most of his life.

Shattered dreams…

Melina “Mel” Lawson was the opposite of Connor in college, but she fell hard for the man she could talk to for hours. Now, twelve years and two kids into their marriage, life is a blur of hockey practice, drama rehearsals, part-time work and volunteering. Still, she can’t shake the feeling that something is missing. When she discovers what Connor has been struggling with all these years, his betrayal leaves her devastated.

Picking up the pieces…

They’d once vowed before God to love one another for better or worse—but Mel never imagined anything like this. If Connor is willing to work things out, is Mel ready to salvage this marriage in crisis? Can they recapture true intimacy and find a better forever… together?

*** Includes BONUS: Study/Discussion Questions ***

Source: Goddess Fish Promotions, Received from the author or publisher for review.

 

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Excerpt from A Better Forever

Connor hadn’t slept a wink. In twelve years of marriage, Mel had never kicked him out of their bed, and it was a damn cold place to be. All night long, her words had banged around in his head.

She knew. She knew everything.

And she thought he was capable of cheating on her.

Yes, he looked at other women, but that’s all it was.

It’s still wrong, the small voice in his head said.

By morning he’d resolved to do some serious groveling. And explaining. And he’d give her the attention he should have been giving her all along.

Instead of heading to work at first light, he started the coffee when he heard movement on the upper floor.

Mel looked surprised to see him when she came down, already dressed in a floral blouse and tan slacks, Andie right behind her.

Dad!” Andie jumped into his arms. “What are you doing here?”

“Yeah, why aren’t you at work?” Kurt appeared behind her, rubbing his eyes. “Are you sick?”

“I decided to go in a little later than usual.” He ruffled Kurt’s hair. “I wanted to have breakfast with you guys before you go to school.”

“Are you sure you’re not sick?” Andie said as she slid into her chair at the table. “You never eat with us. Not even on weekends most of the time.”

He winced inwardly. “Well, I am today.”

He glanced at Mel, but she wouldn’t look at him. Instead, she busied herself making the kids’ lunches. Nor did she say anything during the short breakfast of toaster waffles and cereal.

He didn’t try to interfere with their usual morning routine—heck, he didn’t even know their morning routine—instead staying seated at the kitchen table until the kids were loaded with their lunch boxes and backpacks.

“Kids, get in the car.” Mel gave them a little push toward the door. “I’ll be right there. I need to talk to your father for a moment.”

“Bye, dad!” Andie skipped out the door, Kurt following at a more sedate pace.

Connor waited for the door to close behind them. “Look, Mel, about last night—”

“I did a lot of thinking last night.” She looked down at her sandalled feet, then back up, although her gaze didn’t meet his. “I’m obviously not meeting your needs, Connor, and frankly, you haven’t met mine for a long time.”

Her words held no anger, only resignation. Still, they felt like a punch to the gut. “I know I didn’t handle our conversation very well,” he said. “Why don’t we talk about it after you drop off the kids?”

Her mouth flattened. “It’s a little late to talk. I think it’s best we take some time apart.”

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Purchase Links for A Better Forever

Amazon

Kobo    AppleBooks/iTunes

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My thoughts on A Better Forever

A Better Forever takes a heart-felt look at a marriage wasting away from stress, secrets, and lack of attention.

This timely book shines a light on the trap many couples fall into after a few years of marriage. It’s so easy to get caught up in the everyday business of earning a living and raising a family that couples forget what brought them together in the first place. When you add in a deep, dark secret and loads of resentment, it’s easy to see where the train runs off the tracks.

Do Mel and Conner have what it takes to save their marriage and family? They’ll need honesty, faith, and a strong will to win this battle.

A Better Forever is the book for you if you want an inside peek into  what makes or breaks a marriage.

I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.

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I love my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription!

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Giveaway!

Tracey Cramer-Kelly will be awarding autographed copies of the Army Ranger Series (US ONLY) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

Visit more stops on the Goddess Fish Promotions tour for extra chances to win!

October 28: The Reading Addict
October 28: Fabulous and Brunette
November 4: Sandra’s Book Club
November 4: Gina Rae Mitchell
November 11: Novels Alive
November 18: The Eclectic Review
November 18: Harlie’s Books

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