“Show me the books he loves and I shall know the man…“

Halfway to Each Other

Susan Pohlman

The true story of a California couple on the brink of separation who unexpectedly find love again on the Italian Riviera.

Tired, empty, and disillusioned with married life, Susan Pohlman was ready to call it quits. As soon as she and her husband, Tim, wrap up a business trip in Italy, she planned to break the news that she wanted to end their eighteen-year marriage.

During their last day as they walked along the Italian Riviera, Tim fantasizes aloud that, perhaps, they could live there. Susan initially dismisses the notion as nonsense but is inexplicably overwhelmed with a desire to give the marriage another try. Defying all logic, the couple find a school for their children and sign a lease for an apartment. Maybe a life in such a charmed setting could help them find their way back to each other.

Together with their fourteen-year-old daughter Katie and their eleven-year-old son Matt, they trade in their breakneck Los Angeles pace for adventure and a slower, more intimate lifestyle slipping out of the constraints of the traditional American Dream into a dream of their own.

Instead of seeing each other for fleeting moments in the mornings and evenings, the family starts to spend their days together rediscovering the simple joys that bring texture and meaning to all our lives. Travel with them as they stumble upon new customs, explore medieval alleyways, browse street markets, befriend neighbors, learn to cook, and try a new language.

Halfway to Each Other is the remarkable story of an ordinary American family that inspires and offers hope that all of us who find the courage to listen to our hearts and follow our dreams can experience a new beginning.

Have you ever had a very close close friend? One that you could call at all hours of the night? Someone that you have been able to share your deepest hurts and victories with? Who has known  you inside and out …since what seems like forever?

If  so then you will instantly be drawn to Susan Pohlman. She reminds me of “that” friend. The one where you can share your deepest thoughts with but know they will be safe.

Only “In Halfway to Each Other” she is the one sharing her deepest thoughts and fears as her family tries to salvage what is left of life “together”.

As I read the book I was drawn toward Susan’s honest opinion of herself and life with her husband. Living in Southern California I could relate to the demands that she experienced living so close to the “Hollywood” lifestyle.

Halfway to Each Other is an inspirational memoir and Susan quotes various versus from the bible and faith filled insights that she learns throughout her journey in Italy.  Quoting verses and speaking of her interaction with God made her journey even more real to me and one that I could relate to on multiple levels.

I was not sure what I would initially  think of the book…as I am not usually a big fan of memoirs…but Halfway to Each Other was written delicately and expertly. It was not a high suspense novel but instead read as if you were reading a letter from a dear friend.

Laughing at their stumbles and wobbles at they learn about life in a new country, without friends, without the hustle and bustle of everyday life…left me longing for a more quite time with my family as well. Knowing that they were victorious toward their goal and allowing God to lead them on was inspirational.

Grab a cup of coffee, a warm blanket and snuggle into this book. It’s a journey you will long remember.

*See my review at Amazon.com

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