It Doesn’t Have to be That Way

Are you contemplating divorce? Do you feel alone in your relationship? Have you lost hope? 

Be inspired by the remarkable story of Luke & Macy as they share their journey through addiction, abandonment, divorce and what led them to defy the odds.

Features

A story for anyone in need of hope.Connect with the author and her true story of love, pain & forgiveness.

Real Characters

Luke and Macy are real people, real imperfect people, just like you and I. Amy Jo allows you to peer into their imperfections by taking you along their journey of undying love and unspoken pain. In regards to their personalities, they were complete opposites with Luke being the outgoing, fearless, life’s-a-party boy and Macy being the sarcastic, modest and reserved girl. But the core of their beings, what made them who they were, was remarkably the same connecting them as one in a way they could never deny.

Real Pain

Shame, guilt, anger, frustration, were more constant than Luke and Macy cared to endure. The fear of losing one another was there but always kept hidden as they learned to get better and better at numbing their emotions; which ultimately robbed them of feeling joy, happiness, love, hope. Through Macy’s control-hungry demands and Luke’s gambling addiction, the belief that they were unworthy of love and deep connection was kept alive and breathing. The chaos factor was their ‘normal’ until they divorced. So they thought, marriage-suicide made it worse.

Real Forgiveness

Luke and Macy, along with their three young children, defy the odds that they felt had always been stacked against them. They found the meaning of true love and forgiveness. They committed to never giving up on each other and learning how to get better at believing they deserve love and commitment. Their love had never died and instead grew stronger while hope found its way back into their hearts. Luke and Macy would find out how to live Better Now.

Amy Jo Hawkins
Released November 25, 2014
Available in paperback and ebook versions.
Click the image above for details.

  • November 25, 2014

  • Amy Jo Hawkins

  • 978-0986207303

  • Both paperback and ebook versions available.

Reviews

What readers are saying.“Beautiful. Love. Family. Perfection.”

“It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way” could have been entitled, “Against All Odds.” First-time novelist and St. Charles County resident Amy Jo Hawkins weaves a stormy (and at times, steamy) love story. Macy and Luke are a young couple who are unexpectedly faced with issues of selfishness, addiction, betrayal and abandonment, which ultimately leads to divorce. But against all odds, their love affair doesn’t end there, it begins anew. Stand by. Hawkins fortunately leaves us with, “To be continued.””
— Deb Smith, Founder and Publisher Emerita | Saint Charles Magazine | Saint Charles Business Magazine

  • Beautifully written story that captures the reality of love and family. May I first say that this story is incredibly touching and inspiring! I found myself completely captured in the journey of Macy and Luke, and relating to the characters from events in my own personal life… There are so many things about this story that bring…

    Alexandra

  • Thank you Amy for asking God to make you brave! This powerful love story shows second chances are God’s example for our lives. This book is a beautiful way to show healing for addiction, hurt, betrayal and so many other things when we finally just give ourselves and everyone involved to God. I am so excited to read the sequel.

    Maria W.

  • Fight for the things you love! A very touching story about love, forgiveness, family & faith. Macy & Luke create their own manual on marriage & family through communication & difficult times. Figuring it out as they go & realizing you don’t have to let go of the most important things in life.

    Honest Reviewer

  • A journey of perfection. I recommend this book to anyone in need of a good read! Amy gave so much life through out her beautiful story. I was consumed with the book as it took three sit downs to finish it. I’m blessed to have insight on how it doesn’t have to be this way for my future…

    Shiloh Lynn

  • Beautiful love story about two people who were searching. Beautiful love story about two people who were searching for love, affirmation of their worth, and much more. It was a great story about not giving up, despite many obstacles! The much more, was the spiritual love story threaded through the entire book!…

    Joan

  • Wonderful story of love and family! I was completely caught up in Macy & Luke’s story, I could not put the book down. It is an inspiring and touching story that is easy to relate to. I would recommend this book to everyone. I will be sharing it with all my family & friends. Thank you Amy…

    Shelley

  • Ready for the prequel! A great story based on true events. I suspect it will inspire many to consider all their options when faced with challenges in their own relationships. Would love to see the author write a prequel about Luke and Macy.

    Dee3000

  • Loved it! An incredible journey, so inspirational! An enlightening book that helps us to improve ourselves and become a better person!

    Joelle Saliou