Kris Bryant

To say Sheriff Natalie Strand is shocked that Sarah Eastman, the girl who kissed her at a high school party, is back in town would be a huge understatement. Between Sarah's return and a stray dog that gets the best of her, Natalie's world is suddenly turned upsidedown. They say you can't go home again, but that's exactly what Sarah does when she returns to Spruce Mountain, Oregon, to live with her aunt and uncle after her divorce. All she wants is peace and to ensure her daughter, Harley, has stability. Seeing Natalie again after seventeen years ignites a passion that she hasn't felt in a long time. Never mind that her heart tumbles in her chest or that she forgets words when Natalie's around, she needs to focus on her family and getting her life back together. Natalie and Sarah are about to discover that anything is possible when love takes the long way home.

Home

Lucia Correa

3.5 Stars for this pleasant romance by Kris Bryant

If you are in the mood for a sweet romance with two likable main characters, a kid and a special dog – this book is for you!

Sheriff Natalie Strand works in her small hometown, Spruce Mountain, Oregon which is a few hours away from Portland. She is surprised when her High School crush, Sarah Eastman has returned to Spruce Mountain with her five year old daughter. Natalie and Sarah shared a single unforgettable kiss about 17 years ago. At least it was unforgettable to Natalie who would always compare her trysts and/or her girlfriends to Sarah but they all fell short. Sarah left for college soon after never returning until now. Recently divorced, Sarah and her daughter, Harley have temporarily moved in with her Aunt and Uncle, to regroup and figure out what to do next. It turns out Sarah hadn’t forgotten “The Kiss” either.

Another main character in this story is a stray golden retriever. Natalie nicknamed him Ghost Dog, because he was spotted by her and others out and about the town but he would always disappear soon after he was spotted. She wants to give him a safe and warm place to stay until she finds his owner.

Overall this is a nice small town romance but that’s not to say it is without any angst or wringing of hands. But it is a pleasant way to escape 2020 events for a little while.

 An advanced readers copy was given to me by Bold Strokes Books and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

KADY BURNS

Basically a hallmark movie of a book. Was expecting something to break them up, as is the norm in this genre, but was pleased to not have that trope. Normally not a fan of kids in romance novels, but in this case it didn't bother me. Overall not my favorite story but didn't offend me either.

Jude Silberfeld

Home is the perfect feel-good novel. There’s very little angst but it doesn’t mean nothing happens.

The story is simple: seventeen years ago, young Sarah, the most popular girl in the whole high school, kissed Natalie, sweet, shy, freakishly tall Natalie. The kiss changed both girls but Sarah left town without acknowledging its meaning and impact. Natalie grew up to become the town sheriff and has accepted the idea that she’s not made for relationships. Until Sarah comes back, divorced, and looking for a new life for herself and her daughter.

The story feels a bit rushed at first, maybe because it began as a novella that grew to be a short novel, but it doesn’t really matter. All the characters are very lovable, including the dog that ends up saving the day.

This is not the kind of book for which I write long, thoughtful reviews. This is hot chocolate on a rainy autumn afternoon. It won’t push you to reflect deeply on the meaning of life but it will warm you. And that, in itself, is perfect.

I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

To say Sheriff Natalie Strand is shocked that Sarah Eastman, the girl who kissed her at a high school party, is back in town would be a huge understatement. Between Sarah’s return and a stray dog that gets the best of her, Natalie’s world is suddenly turned upside down. They say you can’t go home again, but that’s exactly what Sarah does when she returns to Spruce Mountain, Oregon, to live with her aunt and uncle after her divorce. All she wants is peace and to ensure her daughter, Harley, has stability. Seeing Natalie again after seventeen years ignites a passion that she hasn’t felt in a long time. Never mind that her heart tumbles in her chest or that she forgets words when Natalie’s around, she needs to focus on her family and getting her life back together. Natalie and Sarah are about to discover that anything is possible when love takes the long way home.

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