"I read 26+ books a year and this is the best book I have read in several years. Yes, it's THAT GOOD!"-- Glenn, Goodreads review

This gripping novel follows two women— a young Soviet college student whose life is upended by the ancient practice of bride kidnapping, and a millennial American bound by her crippling sensory processing issues— and weaves their stories together in a riveting tale of love and resilience.

1991: The Soviet Union is on the verge of collapse when 20 year-old Dina comes face-to-face with the ancient Caucasus tradition of bride kidnapping. The life she had planned is torn out from under her feet and she is forced to dig deep inside to find the strength to survive her new harsh reality.

2018: Callie keeps her life as predictable and organized as possible— Dr. Paekl says that's the best way to keep a handle on her sensory processing issues. And Callie always listens to Dr. Paekl. So, no surprises— daily run in Golden Gate Park at 6:20 am, oatmeal and a banana for breakfast, the thermostat always set at exactly 68 degrees. But a break-up with her long-time boyfriend and frustration in her high-stress job pushes her to do something uncharacteristically risky—take a leave of absence from work and travel to Georgia for a three-month internship at a mountain guesthouse. What she thinks will be merely a summer adventure ends up completely shifting her world, making her reexamine who she is, what she believes, and who she loves. While at the guesthouse, Callie uncovers a shocking family secret that could bring everything crumbling down around her.

The Valley Between Us is a heart-wrenching tale of deep friendships, faith, first loves, trauma, and, ultimately, healing.
Fans of The Nightingale or All the Light We Cannot See will be captivated by this powerful story.

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"The Valley Between Us takes the reader on an incredible journey through the world of bride kidnapping in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. But this isn't just a story about a horrific social practice that violates core rights of personal freedom and dignity. It is a story about a woman's indomitable spirit, devotion to family, and ultimate triumph. I highly recommend it."--Robert Whitlow, Best-selling author of Double Indemnity

Readers are loving The Valley Between Us:

"I couldn't put this book down...a page-turner that will stay with you long after you finish it."--Sarah, Goodreads reviewer

"Warning: The Valley Between Us will keep you up way too late! But reading it will be totally worth it!"-- Becki, Goodreads reviewer

"I fell in love with each character and didn't want their stories to end!"-- Alycia, Goodreads reviewer

"I found myself hanging on to each character's heart-wrenching lows & inspiring highs to the very end."--Andrew, Goodreads reviewer

"I still cannot get over the fact that this is Cristi Slate's debut. It is exquisitely written."-- Jenny, Goodreads reviewer

"I can't help feeling slightly blown away by this book. It is an expertly crafted story, harrowing at times but ultimately full of so much hope. The raw emotion, truthful narrative, and beautiful descriptive writing cut right to the center of Caucasus culture; both the beautiful and not-so-beautiful sides of it."--Elizabeth, Goodreads reviewer