Book picks similar to
Leaning Into the Abyss by Amie McCracken


1-shelved
authored
fiction-womens
relationships

The Happiness In Between


Grace Greene - 2017
    Again. After dropping out of college to marry Trent, divorcing him, then remarrying him, she’s shown up on her parents’ doorstep nursing her wounds. But her parents refuse to help this time—emotionally or financially.Desperate to earn money and determined to start over, she accepts an offer from her aunt to house-sit at the old family home, Cub Creek, in ruggedly beautiful rural Virginia. But when Sandra arrives, she finds the house has grown shabby, her aunt’s dog is missing, and the garden is woefully overgrown. And she suspects her almost-ex-husband is on her trail.As she begins to settle into the familiar homestead, powerful secrets and hurtful memories are unearthed. But Sandra discovers that to move on from the pain of her past, she must embrace the beauty of her future. Getting back to her roots—with a little help from her handsome new neighbor Colton and his son; her aunt’s devoted dog, Honey; and a lush garden on the brink of either failing or flourishing—may be just what Sandra needs. And this final chance could lead to regaining her self-respect, making peace with her family, discovering what she’s truly made of…and becoming the woman she was always meant to be. And along the way, she just might find a bit of happiness in each day.

The Nantucket Beachfront Inn: 'Sconset Beach


Ainsling Delaney - 2021
    Unemployable at her age, and broken-hearted by a husband who left her in the lurch, she desperately needs a Plan B. Her prayers are answered when a wealthy benefactor wills her a large house in the 'Sconset Beach area of Nantucket. She heads out to the picturesque New England island with her two best friends, Luna and Mila, going along for the ride.One catch...her estranged daughter also lives there. Charlotte Killeen, Ava's daughter, is battling a crisis of her own. Her new husband, Matthew, wants a divorce, even though the couple have a newborn baby. Charlotte needs her mother more than ever, but the two have never seen eye to eye. Her marriage on the rocks and with few prospects for income, Charlotte is near the end of her rope. Then a life-threatening illness brings into focus what's important after all.Mila, Ava's best friend, is battling a devastating illness, information that she hasn't shared with Ava and Luna. She never wants to be a burden, so she just doesn't ask for help. But she's going to need all the support she can get. She finds this support in a very surprising place, and, in doing so, gets closer to her own destiny.Ava busies herself with fixing up her beautiful new beach home, so that she can open up a bed and breakfast. Contractor Deacon Cromwell, whom Ava hires to do the renovation, is the man who might thaw Ava's cold heart, if only she'll let him. However, he's almost 20 years her junior and, Ava believes, out of her league. Can Ava overcome her insecurities and allow herself to love again?

Queen Anne's Lace


Dawn Gardner - 2019
    Lacy starts on a journey to find to find the man that could change her life. As Lacy gets closer to finding the man, circumstances force her to do something that she will regret for the rest of her life. This explosive coming-of-age story set in the late 1970s is full of twists and turns, forgiveness and courage.

Shadow of Doubt


S.L. Beaumont - 2019
    Lacking support from her husband in the aftermath, she turns to her new work colleague Will Johnston for comfort, setting her personal and professional lives on a collision course with unforeseen and explosive consequences.Jessica barely has time to recover before another tragedy hits: her beloved father suddenly dies of a heart attack in Edinburgh, and she rushes to her mother’s side to comfort her.Waiting for Jessica in her father’s personal effects are instructions in code and the key to a safety deposit box. As she follows the clues her father left behind, Jessica uncovers secrets that will upend the foundations of her life—and put her in grave danger.Forced from her home and job, Jessica flees to the Scottish coast where she tries to piece together a terrifying conspiracy that has personal and global implications. Can she stop events that could topple the political establishment of the country? Or will terror succeed?

Mulberry Bay: A Novel


Melissa Hill - 2015
     'A warm, beautifully crafted read with a storyline that will make you forget about everything except turning those pages...' SCOTTISH DAILY RECORD The Bay Hotel, perched on a clifftop above a sweeping bay, was once the heart and soul of pretty Irish seaside town Mulberry Bay. Run by the Harte family, the place was as beloved as cheery landlady Anna, and visitors from far and wide came for the warm welcome and charming surroundings. The hotel was also once home to thirty-something sisters Eleanor and Penny, and while youngest sister Penny still lives close by, it's been some time since Elle has been back. But following a family tragedy, she is forced to return from her busy London world and confront the reality of the life she left behind. When it becomes apparent that the property may need to be sold, the sisters are unprepared by the reaction of their father, Ned. He steadfastly refuses to give up their mum’s legacy, revealing that the family has given up something equally precious once before. Intrigued by their father's revelation, the sisters unite, with the local community behind them in their efforts to save the hotel - and, in the process, help heal the fractures in the Harte family. 'A little bit of heartbreak, a little bit of romance, Hill has the ability to make each page delicious with her light and entertaining story-telling ability.' Sunshine Coast Sunday 'If you miss Maeve Binchy .... (Melissa Hill) will cheer you up. A jewel of a novel, sparkling with warm yet delightfully flawed characters' Romantic Times 'Doesn't get much better than this sweet and romantic page-turner' Closer

Witch Way: Books 1-3


Jane Hinchey - 2019
     When local witch Harper Jones returns to her magical hometown of Whitefall Cove she keeps finding herself in the middle of murder mysteries. It all starts when her high school nemesis turns up dead and Harper’s determined to bring the killer to justice. Together with her familiar – an orange furball named Archie – and her hilarious Gran who thinks bedazzled Ugg boots are the height of fashion, Harper sets out to solve the mystery; and that’s just the start of her adventures. If you love witchy sleuths with a knack for finding out whodunit, then you don’t want to miss this bestselling series and your chance to binge read the first three books in this special boxed collection! WITCH WAY TO MURDER & MAYHEM - Book 1 To call Gran eccentric is somewhat of an understatement. She has questionable fashion sense, cough, can anyone say bedazzled Ugg boots and a tutu? But my Gran? She is awesome. So when she suggested I buy The Dusty Attic Bookstore I was all in, after all, what could go wrong? Try finding my high school nemesis dead on the floor of my newly acquired store for starters. Now I’m on the suspect list! WITCH WAY TO ROMANCE & RUIN - Book 2 To win the Decadent Dessert’s competition, you have to crack a few eggs. Gran is gearing up to finally take down the reigning winner of Whitefall Cove’s annual Decadent Dessert’s competition, only the former victor turns up dead, and Gran is the number one suspect. Now all eyes are on us. How on earth do I keep two feuding covens from outright war, prove Gran’s innocence, and keep my new bookstore afloat? WITCH WAY DOWN UNDER - Book 3 Tick Tock. Time is running out. My parents are missing in outback Australia. Only they’ve left me clues. Clues that tell me they were close to a significant discovery – the location of a copper scroll that leads to untold treasures. A scroll that treasure hunters would kill for. ★ WHY READERS LOVE THE WITCH WAY SERIES ★ “I fell in love with the characters from the first page of WITCH WAY TO MURDER & MAYHEM. Gran! I wish I had a gran like her. I didn't figure out who the culprit was until the author wanted me to. I couldn't put this book down, it has all the elements you'd expect with extras that fit seamlessly into the genre. Cannot wait for more in the series!” ~ Angie “I loved the characters in WITCH WAY TO MURDER & MAYHEM so much! Harper Jones comes home to Whitefall Cove after losing her magic, fiancee and job. While home living with Gran, who by the way is a hoot! Harper decides to buy The Dusty Attic Book store. This is when the Mystery begins! A murder and a whole bunch of suspects and one very hot detective! I highly recommend this book!” ~ Donna “WITCH WAY TO MURDER & MAYHEM is a great book! I had so much fun reading this! Gran is a hoot, I want to be like her!! Harper is amazing, even after going through such a horrible break up with a cheating McDouche, as Gran calls him, and losing her magic, she still pulls herself up and comes out ahead of it all. Such a great inspiration. I can’t wait until the next book comes out to see what happens!” ~ Jodi “WITCH WAY TO MURDER & MAYHEM - Gran had me rolling on the floor with belly laughs; I love that clotheshorse hussy. This is not your typical cozy murder mystery; there's actually interesting storylines, funny dialog, an interesting variety of characters, almost all likable. This clean story moves at a fast pace and there's plenty of intrigue.” ~ Texas

Call Waiting


Dianne Blacklock - 2003
    Her dreams of a fulfilling life after art college didn't include cleaning up after bored school children and being a doormat for her yuppie boyfriend. What she really wants is to be more like her friend Meg - at least she has turned her art training into a lucrative job in computer design, not to mention having a doting husband and a gorgeous baby son to complete the package.But when Ally's grandfather and sole relative dies, she returns to the Southern Highland home of her childhood where she must confront painful issues from her past that her safe life in the city has allowed her to ignore. Meanwhile, Meg is not as happy as Ally imagines. Dissatisfied with her picture-perfect life, a restless Meg longs to inject more passion and spontaneity into her days - but at what cost to her family's happiness?

The Language of Sand


Ellen Block - 2010
    But when fate erases in one tragic moment what she loves the most, the very foundations of her life vanish.     Abigail retreats to Chapel Isle, a secluded island in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. As caretaker of a run-down lighthouse, she hopes to redefine herself. But as a resident soon remarks, “If you came to Chapel Isle for normal, you came to the wrong place.”     For on Chapel Isle, no one can be neatly defined. From a scientific genius to the feuding fishermen’s wives, from a handsome hothead to the ghost said to be haunting the lighthouse, everyone is struggling to find meaning where meaning seems lost. And when a series of mysterious crimes strikes the island, Abigail finds that she must face down her deepest fears if she is to save herself, her neighbors, and the new life she’s unexpectedly come to cherish.

Hamilton's Choice


Jack Casey - 2020
    His heir is dead; his daughter has gone insane with grief. His dear wife, Eliza, now shudders at his touch.As Hamilton struggles to save his marriage and his family, his political opponent, Aaron Burr, threatens to topple the nation. The nation which Hamilton had risked everything to forge.Burr, impoverished and embittered by a humiliating loss, blames Hamilton. Burr will stop at nothing to regain his lost power and restore his fortunes. If he can destroy and defame Hamilton in the process, he will have his ultimate triumph.It is a time of honor, duels, political intrigues, and political violence.Torn between his duty to his wife and family, and his allegiance to the country, Hamilton must make his choice.You know his name, but this is the story that you haven't heard before! If you loved the score of Hamilton, the biographies of Chernow, and the novels of Stephanie Dray - you would love Hamilton's Choice!Read it Today! "Fans of American history will love this fictionalization of Alexander Hamilton’s political and family life in the years leading to his death. Great for fans of Ron Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton, Joanne Freeman’s Affairs of Honor, Gore Vidal’s Burr"– Booklife Review

Shades of Silence


Liz Lazarus - 2021
    Her husband’s plane has vanished over the Atlantic Ocean and although the Coast Guard has suspended the search, she clings to hope that he’ll still be found alive. Three months later, a young woman appears after hours at Julianna’s Ormond Beach restaurant, declaring, “He’s not who you think he is.” Before the stranger can say anything else, a gunshot through the window kills her instantly. Seasoned detective Paul Grant is assigned to investigate the girl’s murder. He senses that the shooting was not random but doesn’t know the connection to his only witness. Was the girl referring to Julianna’s presumed dead husband, her lazy stepson, her shady bar manager, or someone else? The investigation leaves Julianna wondering who she can trust and culminates with an eerie link to the past that no one sees coming.

The Stronger Half


Jeff Coleman - 2018
     It was after his identical twin Bill suffered the traumatic brain injury that left him crippled and unable to speak. George would see the man sitting on a bench at the mall, or at the store standing by the magazines. But he never seemed to notice George, not even when he tried to communicate. Twenty years later, after dropping out of college to care for Bill, George has become a junior high school janitor. Between his struggling with debt, working a physically demanding job, and taking care of Bill’s needs, life has not been easy. But George doesn’t know the meaning of difficult until the man finally acknowledges him, triggering a terrifying series of supernatural events that leaves George and Bill running for their lives. And as George struggles to protect his twin from an otherworldly evil, he discovers a startling secret about Bill—one that leaves him questioning decades-old assumptions and wondering which of them truly is the stronger half.

Baroni


Alfred Harris - 1975
    But Baroni's hopes are constantly thwarted by his venal, unappreciative boss and sabotaged by his ambitious young partner. They want Baroni to spend his final days investigating a recent murder that could lead to the headline-making arrest of an underworld kingpin. The problem is, Baroni is obsessed with the apparent, accidental death of a woman who fell five stories from her apartment window. Baroni is convinced that her henpecked, but likeable husband pushed her...and he's willing to risk his badge, and his meager pension, to prove it.

Tangled Threads


Sandy Hill - 2011
    Can they reconcile or will death and betrayal mark their lives and the lives of their families forever? Delia O'Toole is determined to escape the nursing home that has become her prison. So when her lifelong enemy, Ruthann, begs her to return to their hometown in North Carolina, Delia realizes it's time to confront Ruthann. It's time to deal with “the accident.” “Tangled Threads,” vetted for accuracy by an expert on early mill villages, moves between the 1890s and the 1950s. Along the way, it explores the limits of forgiveness and the difficult choices that await us at the end of life. Book club discussion questions included.

Traveling Light


Katrina Kittle - 2000
    Her lover, Nicholas, fears she's depending on him to fulfill her remaining dreams and hopes. And, most ominously of all, her cherished brother, Todd, is slowly dying. In the tranquil suburbs of Ohio, as these difficult days crawl forward, Summer will come to terms with life, death, relationships, and her father's enigmatic, long-ago injunction to "travel light". She will learn that true love transcends all illness, distrust, and the cruelty of time. But it is in trying to fulfill a promise made to her brother long ago that Summer will meet her greatest challenge -- and realize how truly fortunate she is.

Murder On Perrys Island


J. Kevin Earp - 2017
    The boy was left a paraplegic. Marcus suffered PTSD and could no longer bring himself to carry a gun. Forced to resign the job he loved, Marcus returned to his historic family home on Perrys Island to try to put his life back together. Marcus had grown up there listening to the police chief’s stories of crime solving in the city. The chief’s stories inspired Marcus to leave the island and become the youngest detective in PD’s history. Marcus’s childhood best friend had been Jenny Gibbons, the Chief’s daughter, who was now an Ohio Wildlife Officer assigned to the island’s state park. She is determined to help Marcus face his pain and to reestablish their relationship. As they return home from an evening out, Jenny learns that the wife of an island businessman has been brutally murdered. With Chief Gibbons away for the night, a desperate Jenny turns to Marcus to use his experience to preserve the crime scene. Marcus refuses at first, unwilling to have anything to do with police work that might force him to relive recent events. Finally, he gives in to her pleas and agrees to supervise the crime scene just until the Chief can take over. Despite himself, Marcus is drawn deeper into the investigation. When a witness identifies a youth camp chaperone as the last person to be with the victim before her death, Marcus believes the man’s story of innocence. Marcus is proven correct when the elderly housekeeper who helped raise him is left for dead in his own house and the historic mansion set on fire. The attack provides a personal aspect to the case that drives him to narrow down the suspects. Marcus’s single-minded pursuit of the killer while fighting his personal demons might cost him his own life!