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Nonfiction writer’s debut novel uses magical realism and humor to tackle grief, alternate realities, and family dramas

Publishers Weekly praises BETWEEN YOU AND US for “perceptive renderings of the nuances of grief, the challenges of healing, and what it means to trust God’s will. There’s plenty to appreciate in this touching tale of loss and renewal.”

What if? That’s the question haunting the pages of Between You and Us by Kendra Broekhuis, WaterBrook’s contemporary novel releasing March 12, 2024. A decade of writing nonfiction, one stillbirth, and countless prayers led Broekhuis to create her first work of fiction – a gripping page turner for anyone second guessing what life may be like if one thing had been different.

Leona, the protagonist of Between You and Us, steps into an alternate version of her life when she meets her husband, David, for their anniversary dinner. It’s obvious to her that in this reality, they’d accepted all the strings attached to David’s parent’s wealth. His demeanor is distant, their home is lavish, and their baby girl, Vera, is alive. The novel follows Leona as she weighs the bitter and sweet of both worlds, ultimately choosing between being with Vera—while also stuck in an unloving marriage with deeply involved and demanding in-laws—or staying in her real life that’s been altered by grief, but with the incredibly kind, funny, and thoughtful man she’s known and loved since college.

Between You and Us touches on heavy topics with a dose of humor and a lot of love, ultimately encouraging readers that even our trauma makes us who we are. Readers of contemporary women’s fiction and inspirational faith fiction will be moved by the message that everything—even the traumatic events of our lives—make us who we are and are aligned with God’s will for our lives. Additionally, women who have experienced unimaginable loss will be comforted by Leona’s laments and realizations.

“My desire is that throughout this book, readers will experience safe spaces to lament life’s sorrows while finding glimmering reminders of hope,” writes Kendra.

For more information, visit www.waterbrookmultnomah.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kendra Broekhuis is the Milwaukee-based author of Between You and Us, her first novel. Throughout 10+ years of writing nonfiction, her work appeared in Banner, Crosswalk, and Relevant, and she authored Here Goes Nothing: An Introvert’s Reckless Attempt to Love Her Neighbor. For her day job, Kendra stays home with four of her children and drives them from one place to another in her minivan. You can find her sarcastic ramblings and serious encouragement—including the grief of losing her baby at thirty-three weeks pregnant at KendraBroekhuis.com.
Instagram: @kendrabroekhuis / Goodreads: @kendra_broekhuis / Facebook: @kendrabroekhuisauthor

Media Contact: Elizabeth Groening, Publicity & Marketing Assistant, egroening@penguinrandomhouse.com

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