Better Than This: A Novel

by Cathy Zane

Overview

Sometimes the most enviable life is really a private hell.

On the surface, Sarah Jenkins appears to have it all: a handsome, wealthy and successful husband, a precocious five-year-old daughter, and a beautiful home in an affluent Seattle neighborhood. Her quirky best friend and fellow high school teacher, Maggie, marvels at her luck—and envies her happiness.

But Sarah is far from happy. She feels empty and on edge, harangued by a critical inner voice—and as the truth about her marriage and details of her past emerge, her “perfect” life begins to crumble. But just when it seems all is lost, a long forgotten, unopened letter changes everything, and with the support of friends, Sarah begins to rebuild her life. Can she quiet the critical voice in her head and learn to value herself instead?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781631524035
Publisher:	She Writes Press
Publication date:	08/28/2018
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Cathy Zane is a writer, psychotherapist, and former nurse who draws on her many years of working with women and families to create narratives of growth and empowerment. As a lifelong reader, she believes in the power of story to not only entertain but inspire, connect us to our common humanity, and instill hope. Visit her at www.cathyzane.com

Editorial Reviews

2019 IPPY Silver Medal Winner in Popular Fiction
2019 IBPA Ben Franklin Award Silver Medal Winner in Popular Fiction

“A well-executed tale of abuse, empowerment, and healing.”
—Kirkus

“A heartfelt journey of a woman truly coming into her own and discovering who she really is and what she's worth."
—Mia March, author of The Meryl Streep Movie Club and Finding Colin Firth

“Cathy Zane has written a compelling tale of love, manipulation, self-doubt and the power of friendship in overcoming all odds. Better Than This is a page-turner with unexpected twists that will stay with you long after you put it down.”
—Phyllis J. Piano, Award-winning author of Love Reconsidered and Hostile Takeover: A Love Story

“An honest portrayal of the power of friendship and the struggles many women face in love and life. Zane is a welcome addition to the world of women’s fiction.”
—Emily Liebert, Bestselling author of Some Women and Those Secrets We Keep

From the Publisher

2018-06-07
A woman finds her way out of an abusive relationship and makes peace with her past.In this debut contemporary novel, Zane tells the story of Sarah Jenkins, a wife, mother, and English teacher. In the book's first chapters, Sarah does not understand that her husband, Robert, usually away from home on extended work trips, is an emotional abuser whenever he is present. Robert's nature is obvious to readers from the opening pages, as the author's close narration of Sarah's thoughts makes it clear how desperately she strives to avoid upsetting Robert and how much of herself she sacrifices in the process. As Robert escalates to physical violence, Sarah draws back from her friends. ("You can't let her see what a mess you've made of things. She wouldn't want to be friends with you anymore.") But fellow mother Kate and co-worker Maggie eventually team up to make Sarah face her situation and deal with the unresolved issues of her childhood that have left her willing to put up with an untenable family life. When matters reach a crisis point, Sarah eventually learns to rely on her friends' support; to make the right decisions for herself and her young daughter, Lizzy; and to stop worrying about the reactions of Robert's wealthy and judgmental mother. (" ‘It was the best party, Lizzy,' Cynthia said. ‘Bestest isn't a word.' ") Zane, a therapist and former nurse, does an excellent job of capturing the raw emotions of her characters and even succeeds in making Robert, the clear villain of the tale, marginally sympathetic when readers learn about the secret he has spent years concealing. The result is a satisfying and cathartic work of women's fiction that offers an engaging and easy-to-get-into read, perfect for fans of authors Susan Wiggs and Holly Chamberlain. Although it can be painful to read the intimate depictions of emotional abuse, Zane allows the audience to feel like part of Sarah's support network rather than a voyeur and to ultimately enjoy a difficult story.A well-executed tale of abuse, empowerment, and healing.

Kirkus Reviews