
It's Better This Way
A Novel
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Buy Now for $23.31
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Thérèse Plummer
-
Written by:
-
Debbie Macomber
About this listen
New York Times Best Seller
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? In this poignant novel, number one New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber explores the powerful intersections of love and family.
“This deeply emotional tale proves it’s never too late for love.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
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 ever: 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 Wilson 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 divorcé 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.
©2021 Debbie Macomber (P)2021 Random House AudioYou may also enjoy...
-
Window on the Bay
- A Novel
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert, Erin Bennett, Karissa Vacker, and others
- Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jenna Boltz’s life is at a crossroads. After a messy divorce from her surgeon husband nearly 20 years ago, she raised her two children on her own, juggling motherhood with her beloved job as a Seattle intensive-care nurse. Now that Paul and Allie have gone to college and moved out, Jenna can’t help but wonder what her future holds.
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Best Is Yet to Come
- A Novel
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A new beginning in charming Oceanside, Washington, is exactly what Hope Godwin needs after the death of her twin brother. There are plenty of distractions, like her cozy cottage with the slightly nosy landlords next door, and a brewing drama among her students at the local high school. Even having settled quickly into the community, Hope still feels something is still missing. That is, until her landlords convince her to volunteer at their animal shelter. There she meets Shadow, a rescue dog that everyone has given up on. But true to her name, Hope believes he’s worth saving.
-
-
Easy listening
- By Shirley M on 2022-12-06
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
Dakota Born
- The Dakota Series, #1
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Carly Robins
- Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Like many small towns, Buffalo Valley is dying. Stores are boarded up, sidewalks are cracked, houses are in need of coats of paint. But despite all that, there's a spirit of hope here, of defiance. The few people still left here are fighting for their town. Lindsay Snyder is a newcomer. She's an outsider even though she spent childhood vacations here. Now she returns to see the family house again, to explore family secrets, and to reevaluate her life. And soon after she arrives, she meets a local farmer named Gage Sinclair....
-
-
Don't waste your time
- By Jessica on 2020-07-16
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Vineyard at Painted Moon
- A Novel
- Written by: Susan Mallery
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all — a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem — it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him — his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything.
-
-
Couldn't get past the terrible narration
- By Shopper Mama on 2022-05-10
Written by: Susan Mallery
-
A Mrs. Miracle Christmas
- A Novel
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As the holiday season begins, Laurel McCullough could use some good news. She and her husband, Zach, have been praying for a baby that seems more and more like an impossible dream, and they’ve had to move in with her beloved grandmother, Helen, who’s having trouble taking care of herself. But when Laurel contacts a local home-care organization for help, there are no caregivers available.
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Bookshop on the Corner
- Written by: Jenny Colgan
- Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nina Redmond is a librarian with a gift for finding the perfect books for her readers. But can she write her own happy ever after?
-
-
Wonderful
- By Joanne on 2024-01-25
Written by: Jenny Colgan
-
Window on the Bay
- A Novel
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert, Erin Bennett, Karissa Vacker, and others
- Length: 9 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Jenna Boltz’s life is at a crossroads. After a messy divorce from her surgeon husband nearly 20 years ago, she raised her two children on her own, juggling motherhood with her beloved job as a Seattle intensive-care nurse. Now that Paul and Allie have gone to college and moved out, Jenna can’t help but wonder what her future holds.
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Best Is Yet to Come
- A Novel
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer
- Length: 7 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A new beginning in charming Oceanside, Washington, is exactly what Hope Godwin needs after the death of her twin brother. There are plenty of distractions, like her cozy cottage with the slightly nosy landlords next door, and a brewing drama among her students at the local high school. Even having settled quickly into the community, Hope still feels something is still missing. That is, until her landlords convince her to volunteer at their animal shelter. There she meets Shadow, a rescue dog that everyone has given up on. But true to her name, Hope believes he’s worth saving.
-
-
Easy listening
- By Shirley M on 2022-12-06
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
Dakota Born
- The Dakota Series, #1
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Carly Robins
- Length: 11 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Like many small towns, Buffalo Valley is dying. Stores are boarded up, sidewalks are cracked, houses are in need of coats of paint. But despite all that, there's a spirit of hope here, of defiance. The few people still left here are fighting for their town. Lindsay Snyder is a newcomer. She's an outsider even though she spent childhood vacations here. Now she returns to see the family house again, to explore family secrets, and to reevaluate her life. And soon after she arrives, she meets a local farmer named Gage Sinclair....
-
-
Don't waste your time
- By Jessica on 2020-07-16
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Vineyard at Painted Moon
- A Novel
- Written by: Susan Mallery
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Mackenzie Dienes seems to have it all — a beautiful home, close friends and a successful career as an elite winemaker with the family winery. There’s just one problem — it’s not her family, it’s her husband’s. In fact, everything in her life is tied to him — his mother is the closest thing to a mom that she’s ever had, their home is on the family compound, his sister is her best friend. So when she and her husband admit their marriage is over, her pain goes beyond heartbreak. She’s on the brink of losing everything.
-
-
Couldn't get past the terrible narration
- By Shopper Mama on 2022-05-10
Written by: Susan Mallery
-
A Mrs. Miracle Christmas
- A Novel
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
As the holiday season begins, Laurel McCullough could use some good news. She and her husband, Zach, have been praying for a baby that seems more and more like an impossible dream, and they’ve had to move in with her beloved grandmother, Helen, who’s having trouble taking care of herself. But when Laurel contacts a local home-care organization for help, there are no caregivers available.
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Bookshop on the Corner
- Written by: Jenny Colgan
- Narrated by: Lucy Price-Lewis
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Nina Redmond is a librarian with a gift for finding the perfect books for her readers. But can she write her own happy ever after?
-
-
Wonderful
- By Joanne on 2024-01-25
Written by: Jenny Colgan
-
Navy Brides
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Kristin Kalbli
- Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Navy Wife: Lindy Kyle flees to Seattle to weather a broken heart, but is unprepared for a roommate like Rush Callaghan. Strong, sensitive, and sexy, the temporarily dry-docked naval officer is everything she’s ever dreamed of in a man...and in a husband. Though they are swept away on a tide of passion, Rush holds duty to his country above all else. Navy Blues: Despite her ex-husband’s stubbornness, Carol knows Lieutenant Commander Steve Kyle would be the perfect man to father the child she so desperately wants.
-
-
FABULOUS!!!
- By Janice D on 2020-04-30
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Christmas Wedding Guest
- Written by: Susan Mallery
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Somerville sisters believe in love, but they’ve lost faith it will happen for them. Reggie hasn’t been home since the end of the world’s shortest engagement. When her parents decide to renew their vows, she buffs up her twinkle to help with the Christmas wedding. Unexpectedly, Toby, her first love, is back too, and the spark between them shines as brightly as ever. In the spirit of the season, will they let go of past hurts and greet the New Year together?
-
-
Loved it!
- By Ali H on 2021-10-27
Written by: Susan Mallery
-
A Walk Along the Beach
- A Novel
- Written by: Debbie Macomber
- Narrated by: Sandy Rustin, Roger Wayne Jr.
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Lakey sisters are perfect opposites. After their mother died and their father was lost in grief, Willa had no choice but to raise her sister, Harper, and their brother, Lucas. Then, as an adult, she put her own life on hold to nurse Harper through a terrifying illness. Now that Harper is better and the sisters are living as roommates, Willa has realized her dream of running her own bakery and coffee shop, bringing her special brand of caretaking to the whole Oceanside community.
-
-
Captivating and beautiful
- By Donna Hartley on 2020-09-01
Written by: Debbie Macomber
-
The Cliff House
- Written by: RaeAnne Thayne
- Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie
- Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the death of their mother, sisters Daisy and Beatriz Davenport found a home with their aunt Stella in the beautiful and welcoming town of Cape Sanctuary. They never knew all the dreams that Stella sacrificed to ensure they had everything they’d ever need. Now, with Daisy and Bea grown, it’s time for Stella to reveal the secret she’s been keeping from them - a secret that will change their family forever.
-
-
Enjoyable Characters
- By Janean |Rosin on 2019-11-29
Written by: RaeAnne Thayne
-
A Family Affair
- Written by: Robyn Carr
- Narrated by: Thérèse Plummer
- Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anna McNichol knows how to take charge. Raised by a single mother, she’s worked to ensure her three children have every advantage she didn’t. And while her marriage has its problems, she values commitment and believes in "till death do us part." Now an empty nester, she’s at the peak of her career and ready to seize the opportunity to focus on her future.
-
-
Another amazing book by Robyn Carr
- By BMW on 2023-01-10
Written by: Robyn Carr
-
One Perfect Summer
- Written by: Brenda Novak
- Narrated by: Erin Bennett
- Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Serenity Alston swabbed her cheek for a genetic test, she joked about uncovering some dark ancestral scandal. The last thing she expected was to discover two half sisters she didn’t know existed. Suddenly, everything about her loving family is drawn into question. And meeting these newfound sisters might be the only way to get answers.
-
-
One Perfect Story
- By Ali H on 2020-04-08
Written by: Brenda Novak
What the critics say
“Macomber has a firm grasp on issues that will resonate with readers of domestic fiction. Well-drawn characters and plotting - coupled with strong romantic subplots and striking coincidences - will keep readers rooting for forgiveness, hope and true love to conquer all.” (Kathleen Gerard, blogger at Reading Between the Lines)
“Macomber keeps her well-shaded, believable characters at the heart of this seamlessly plotted novel as she probes the nuances of familial relationships and the agelessness of romance. This deeply emotional tale proves it’s never too late for love.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)
What listeners say about It's Better This Way
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Valerie681
- 2021-07-29
Another great story
Great narrator. Another heartwarming story by Debbie Macomber. This book actually brought tears. I am a huge fan.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful