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Jennifer Gold
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Halfway to You: A Novel Kindle Edition

by Jennifer Gold (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 9,657 ratings
See all formats and editions

An ambitious podcaster and her reclusive interviewee embark on a life-altering journey to uncover long-lost truths in this immersive story about love, travel, and family secrets.

Forty years ago, aspiring writer Ann Fawkes left the United States for a Mediterranean adventure that opened her heart to travel and love. After a chance encounter propelled her into the publishing world, she released her first novel, an instant bestseller—and the last book she ever wrote.

Now, Ann lives a reclusive life in the San Juan Islands, hiding from the public and its probing questions. But when podcaster Maggie Whitaker convinces Ann to sit for an interview, Ann agrees on one condition: Maggie must keep her story off the record.

Determined to change Ann’s mind before she loses her job, Maggie agrees. But as she learns about Ann’s life—particularly the love affair that inspired her novel and the decisions she made in its wake—Maggie realizes Ann’s story intersects with her own in shocking, life-changing ways.

A sweeping, heart-wrenching novel that spans decades and continents, Halfway to You explores the distances we create between ourselves and the ones we love most and what it takes to finally bridge them.

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  1. Print length
    411 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Lake Union Publishing
  5. Publication date
    April 1, 2023
  6. File size
    5803 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
Next slide of product details
Popular Highlights in this book
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Previous page
  1. The problem with expecting people to hurt you is that you’re constantly looking for a reason to be proven right, and you forget all the instances you’re proven wrong.
    Highlighted by 502 Kindle readers
  2. “We’re all works in progress. Even Jane. Even Ann Fawkes. Even me. The important thing to remember is to learn from every experience.”
    Highlighted by 170 Kindle readers
  3. Loneliness could turn a person into a caged, hungry dog, growing wilder by the night. Inside my own inebriated fog, I finally understood: alcohol put the dog to sleep.
    Highlighted by 121 Kindle readers
Next page

From the Publisher

"Gold succeeds in breaking your heart before expertly putting it back together again" -Alison Hammer

"...bursting with juicy family secrets and seemingly insurmountable obstacles" -Tracey Garvis Graves

"you'll flip the pages quickly and shed more than a few tears..." -Kristin Harmel

Editorial Reviews

Review

“There is no geometric figure that can describe the intersections and angles of this story.” —Booklist

“Forget about second chances—this epic love story will leave you believing in third and fourth chances. Halfway to You is a beautiful exploration of the healing power of forgiveness between lovers, family, and friends. Jennifer Gold succeeds in breaking your heart before expertly putting it back together again.” —Alison Hammer, author of Little Pieces of Me

“Halfway to You is an emotional and multilayered tale bursting with juicy family secrets and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This story within a story is filled to the brim with surprising reveals you won’t see coming. I absolutely loved it.” —Tracey Garvis Graves, New York Times bestselling author of Heard It in a Love Song

“An emotional, twisty story of love, grief, and second chances, Halfway to You asks important questions about forgiveness, fate, and family. If you’re anything like me, you’ll flip the pages quickly and shed more than a few tears as celebrated author Ann and young podcaster Maggie struggle toward heartbreaking truth.” —Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author

From the Publisher

As someone who loves to travel, I’m always looking for a great fictional armchair getaway, which is exactly what Jennifer Gold has delivered in her evocative and atmospheric novel Halfway to You, an emotional story following two different women, separated by decades but connected in time.

Ann is a well-known writer who had one monster hit and then, for reasons unknown to the public, never wrote another novel. Maggie is a podcaster desperate to interview Ann decades after her novel released, and is shocked when the reclusive writer agrees—because in addition to not writing anymore, Ann also doesn’t give interviews. When Maggie finally sits down with Ann, she delivers yet another surprise—she’ll only agree to do the interview if every word is off the record, leaving Maggie with an impossible choice: hear the story that could change her life but cost her her career, or walk away from her idol with nothing. What Maggie quickly realizes is that Ann has her own motive for agreeing to the interview in the first place, and it has very little to do with wanting to discuss her writing career...

Set over the course of several decades and across a variety of gorgeous locales, Halfway to You took me on a heart-wrenching trip through time and space. But in spite of the many stops and detours the story took along the way, there was never any doubt that the ultimate destination would be worth the journey.

—Alicia Clancy, Editor

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B6C1KR7Q
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lake Union Publishing (April 1, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 5803 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 411 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 166250909X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 9,657 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Gold

Jennifer Gold

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Jennifer Gold writes discussable book club fiction about love, second chances, and self-discovery. She’s the multiaward-winning author of The Ingredients of Us, Keep Me Afloat, Halfway to You, and Polite Calamities.

When she’s not writing, Gold can be found traveling, enjoying the outdoors, or curled up with a book. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two cats.

To hear first about Jenni’s upcoming novels, receive bonus content and sneak peeks, and chat with Gold directly, join her monthly newsletter. You can also connect with Jenni on Instagram: @jennifergoldauthor.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
9,657 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing quality full of depth and gorgeous descriptions. They also find the characters engaging and likable. Readers describe the book as hard to put down and satisfying. They find the story compelling, satisfying, and realistic. They mention the story keeps their interest and attention. Customers also find it riveting, touching, and heartbreaking.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
Story qualityWriting qualityCharacter developmentEmotional contentInterestDifficulty to put downTravel experiencePacing
200 customers mention "Story quality"192 positive8 negative

Customers find the story nice, satisfying, and interesting from start to finish. They appreciate the realistic storytelling and sweeping saga. Readers also describe the book as an engrossing read with lots of twists and unexpected turns.

"...Well written, great characters, and a compelling story! It just doesn't get any better than this! Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Mrs. Gold!..." Read more

"This book was very well written and an interesting story. I loved that it is written from a modern POV that incorporates podcasts...." Read more

"...written with strong character development and plot twists that are surprising yet believable. Five stars is not enough!" Read more

"Compelling story that I couldn’t put down. Written with beautiful prose and wonderful descriptions of people and places. Emotionally riveting!" Read more

90 customers mention "Writing quality"84 positive6 negative

Customers find the writing quality of the book full of depth and gorgeous descriptions. They also appreciate the lyrical, visual way the author writes. Readers also mention the story is poetic in many ways and sparked wanderlust. They appreciate the fantastic descriptions of scenery and the incredible representation of depth.

"...But that only speaks to how well written the book is. Then, there is the story that she tells. The characters are so vulnerable, and so real...." Read more

"This book was very well written and an interesting story. I loved that it is written from a modern POV that incorporates podcasts...." Read more

"This story pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Beautifully written with strong character development and plot twists that are surprising yet..." Read more

"Compelling story that I couldn’t put down. Written with beautiful prose and wonderful descriptions of people and places. Emotionally riveting!" Read more

69 customers mention "Character development"63 positive6 negative

Customers find the characters well-developed, engaging, and likable. They also appreciate the ability to absorb the characters' emotions throughout their past.

"...Well written, great characters, and a compelling story! It just doesn't get any better than this! Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Mrs. Gold!..." Read more

"...Beautifully written with strong character development and plot twists that are surprising yet believable. Five stars is not enough!" Read more

"...the descriptions of the environments, beautiful, but the characters were well thought out and well sculpted." Read more

"...The characters and storyline had depth I haven’t experienced in quite a while." Read more

63 customers mention "Emotional content"63 positive0 negative

Customers find the emotional content of the book heart-rending, honest, and profound. They say the characters come to life, making them really feel their emotions. Readers describe the story as immersive and sweeping. They mention the love, longing, and betrayal expressed feel so real.

"...The characters are so vulnerable, and so real. There is so much raw emotion in the pages of this book!..." Read more

"...Emotionally riveting!" Read more

"...There are some touching moments and the story is easy to read. But it’s not particularly well-written. A lot of it just rambles on...." Read more

"Beyond amazing. Deep emotional dives that never leave the reader depressed. Outstanding work of art. Difficult to put down, blessedly." Read more

24 customers mention "Interest"24 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written, captivating, and engaging. They say it's hard to put down and provides pleasure when resumed. Readers also mention the story is refreshing, intriguing, and fun.

"...Thank you for telling a story and not just writing words. It was refreshing." Read more

"This book resonated with me, keeping me reading at all hours...." Read more

"The characters were well described and kept your attention, as the story unfolded. A love story that had many different paths…" Read more

"...It kept my interest throughout and I became totally immersed in their love story." Read more

15 customers mention "Difficulty to put down"11 positive4 negative

Customers find the book very hard to put down and easy to read.

"...Outstanding work of art. Difficult to put down, blessedly." Read more

"...usually like books that flip back and forth in time but this was easy to follow. There were a" Read more

"...Sometimes the story is joyful but often sad and painful. It is difficult to set aside and takes over your mind...." Read more

"...an emotional book, with up and downs, but grips you and it is difficult to put down." Read more

13 customers mention "Travel experience"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the travel experience in the book amazing, enjoyable, and incredible. They also appreciate the embedded travelogue and how it supports the story. Readers mention the descriptions of her travels are poetic and spark wanderlust.

"...I enjoyed the travel stories and the mysterious perspective of an untold family secret but times the story seemed to drag along...." Read more

"I loved the book and the descriptions of her travels...." Read more

"Unique book, well written, loved the travel aspect and how the story ultimately centers around two women discovering themselves and the people..." Read more

"...it hard to follow but the characters pulled me in and I enjoyed the element of travel." Read more

14 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive11 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book slow and tedious. They say the story starts out slow and they can't follow it.

"This book was exhausting. Back and forth. Back and forth. Satisfying ( but a bit trite) ending. So much wasted time for these characters." Read more

"The story started out slow in my opinion. I would have given it a 3 based on the first half of the book...." Read more

"...Unwilling to comprímase yet still apparently madly in love...." Read more

"Enjoyed the story, fast moving and easy read...." Read more

A favorite this year
5 out of 5 stars
A favorite this year
Halfway to You is the story of two women: Ann Fawkes, the reclusive author of a single, best selling novel, and Maggie Whitaker, the podcaster determined to share Ann’s story. As they work together, their stories intersect in unexpecting ways… and there’s so much goodness in the exploration.Second chance stories are always my favorite. I love the hope, and goodness knows I could use a good second chance or two myself. Ann’s journey offers much to think about as far as “what ifs,” and I deeply admired how she lived life on her terms as much as possible. The way the story weaves together is clever and powerful, and I absolutely loved it. I was totally immersed, living alongside these characters. Don’t miss this one. A top read of 2023.
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Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Magical!
Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
Wow! This novel is amazing! Mrs. Gold is a gifted wordsmith. But, no, I would better describe her as a word magician. It's like she waves a magical wand and words appear out of nowhere to paint a masterpiece that is just so beautiful! I found myself having to reread sentences at times because I was so captivated by the beauty in the flow of words that I failed to grasp what was being said. But that only speaks to how well written the book is. Then, there is the story that she tells. The characters are so vulnerable, and so real. There is so much raw emotion in the pages of this book! Well written, great characters, and a compelling story! It just doesn't get any better than this! Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Mrs. Gold! This book is magical!
3 people found this helpful
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Marissa Richards
4.0 out of 5 stars Well Done
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
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This book was very well written and an interesting story. I loved that it is written from a modern POV that incorporates podcasts. While this book checked all the boxes for what a good book is, I found that I struggled to get through it. I wouldn't say that I was bored, but I didn't connect with any of the characters involved. My personal favorite was the baker that delivered pastries.
2 people found this helpful
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Jennifer
5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpectedly brilliant
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2024
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This story pulled me in and wouldn't let go. Beautifully written with strong character development and plot twists that are surprising yet believable. Five stars is not enough!
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Theresa
5.0 out of 5 stars A “must” read story
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
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Compelling story that I couldn’t put down. Written with beautiful prose and wonderful descriptions of people and places. Emotionally riveting!
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A. G. Bergman
4.0 out of 5 stars lots of twists and feelings
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2023
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This was a really terrific book. Not only with the descriptions of the environments, beautiful, but the characters were well thought out and well sculpted.
2 people found this helpful
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Ellen
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2024
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I found the story line of the book quit interesting. At times I felt myself completely connected to the main character. The very descriptive stile of writing really held an appeal for me. Looking forward to reading more of Jennifer's work.
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Beth Deese
3.0 out of 5 stars A story that’s just a story
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2023
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It’s a good story. Maggie Whitaker gets a chance to interview her hero, a reclusive aging author named Ann Fawkes, for a podcast. In the telling of Ann’s life story, Maggie realizes Ann’s story involves her and solves mysteries in her own past. There are some touching moments and the story is easy to read. But it’s not particularly well-written. A lot of it just rambles on. Characters who are important in the beginning like Maggie’s boss Grant just fade away with no resolution or who are alluded to be important like Matt the baker end up being just marginal background scenery. Ann’s story builds slowly and rambles around abs then the ending is abrupt and tons of action happens at the end as if it was hastily written just to be done with. I’m not regretful I read it but it isn’t one I would recommend to a friend or read again.
4 people found this helpful
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JuJuQ
5.0 out of 5 stars What a treasure
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2024
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A beautiful story that found me when I needed it most. The characters and storyline had depth I haven’t experienced in quite a while.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Rebecca Tattrie
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful read
Reviewed in Canada on June 3, 2023
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It took me ten pages to know this would go on my top ten list of books. I laughed and I cried and I did screenshots of favorite quotes.
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Jacquie
5.0 out of 5 stars Deep, emotional, beautiful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2023
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This book made me feel my own emotional experiences were being shared; not because the story was like my own but through the intricate detail of emotions that reflected the reasons why we chose to do or say something or chose not to tread a certain path, perfectly reflecting the complexities in us all. The main characters of Ann, Todd and Keith age over decades of life and love, sometimes learning from mistakes but often continuing to stumble through life. This book felt real with sharp vulnerabilities that shape lives, loves and family. The extra layer of Maggie’s character weaving part of the story felt natural and gave a sense of continuity from past to present. The style of writing, much like reading a personal diary, provided a sense of really getting to the hearts of characters and alongside the exquisite descriptions of beautiful places around the world I was totally immersed and read the book in only two sittings.
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lyntrom
4.0 out of 5 stars Emotional story of love and loss
Reviewed in Canada on June 22, 2024
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When Maggie, a young pod-caster is given the opportunity to interview a reclusive well known author who she admires she jumps at the chance as it could be a big step for her career. However it soon becomes obvious that Ann, the author, who now lives on remote San Juan island, has her own agenda. She does not allow Maggie to record the interview, a huge disappointment but is very forthcoming in telling the story of her exciting life in the Mediterranean where she met the man who would become her agent and who encouraged her to write the book. Ann's story is compelling with travel, new adventures, love and heartbreak. As the story unfolds, family secrets that have been held for decades are revealed that bring these two women closer together while leaving a lot of questions still to be answered.

It was very well written and would be a great book club read, as the characters make decisions or run from them and you are left to guess the reason. A very emotional and different love story that spans decades.
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Margaret
4.0 out of 5 stars A Compelling Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 2, 2023
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I found this book hard to get into at first - a young reporter trying to build a career, lost on a rural road, denied an interview and estranged from her mother seemed a bit of a cliché, but the prose was elegant and the descriptions beautiful so I persevered. I was rewarded with an emotional story, perhaps a little too far fetched, but compelling nonetheless Each character is carefully written, even if at times their hang ups are just too exaggerated. Todd in particular seems too weak, too often, to inspire the love he receives.

This book is written in the current fashion of being told from more than one perspective. However in this case two stories unfold, so it is justified by the plot rather than a writing mode.
4 people found this helpful
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Janice L
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
Reviewed in Canada on March 16, 2023
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So well written that you can hardly put it down. Loved seeing how story unfolded, with several surprises. Main characters are humanly flawed but you care about them.
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