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| Two Roads Home (Abingdon Press, June 2015) |
Two Roads Home (Abingdon Press, June 2015)
What if it's too late for dreams to come true?
Minor---but-nagging setbacks continue to sour Grant and Audrey Whitman's initiation into the world of innkeeping, but larger challenges brew when an innocent flirtation leads to big trouble for the Whitmans' son-in-law, Jesse. Jesse Pennington's friendly, outgoing personality has always served him well, especially in a career that has earned him and his wife Corinne a very comfortable lifestyle. But Corinne and Jesse are both restless---and for similar reasons, if only they could share those with each other. Instead, too many business trips and trumped-up charges of harassment from a disgruntled coworker threaten their marriage and possibly put their three precious daughters at risk.
With their life in disarray, God is tugging at their hearts to pursue other dreams. Can Corinne and Jesse pick up the pieces of what was once a wonderful life before it all crumbles beneath them?
My Thoughts:
I'll be honest-It's been a while since I've opted to read a Christian Fiction Novel! But when I had the opportunity to receive a complimentary copy Abington Press via Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review, and after being intrigued after reading the synopsis listed above, I decided it was worth broadening my reading scope!
Before my copy of Two Roads Home arrived, I purchased and read the first book in author Deborah Raney's Chicory Inn series. Mainly, I wanted my review of the 2nd book to include whether or not a reader of Two Roads Home needed to read both books. Here are my thoughts: Two Roads Home CAN stand as an independent read. It's a book full of great imagery, character development, and a story line that is different than the key storyline in Home to Chicory Lane. That said, there is a depth in character development regarding the extended Whitman family that is nice to have when you read both novels. A reader will especially gain a better grasp on the matriarch & patriarch of the clan, Audrey and Grant Whitman, by reading both books and having a better appreciation the couple and also of the family home that has become Chicory Inn.
Two Roads Home is a good reading choice for unwinding at the end of the day. This 2nd in the series held more suspense than the first, as a person outside of the family circle is stirring up trouble that affects married couple Corinne and Jesse. And as the situation takes over more of Corinne and Jesse's life, it impacts the lives of their children and the rest of the Whitman clan. Ultimately, Corrine and Jesse have to take a hard look at their marriage, realize their dreams have changed over the years, and choose to support one another as they focus on a career change and downsizing. The changes, while initiated as a result of a bad situation, do indeed lead to a good outcome and a more intentional marriage.
I hate to give so many details that it ruins a reader's own discoveries as they turn each page. But the situation Jesse finds himself in at work is extremely realistic, as is Corinne's response. Another nice aspect of Two Roads Home is the bond that sisters Corinne, Landyn & Dallas share. The sisterly bond includes touches of envy, lack of empathy, and then solidly lands with protecting, affirming, and caring for each other. Again, a very realistic scenario, and is a storyline that flows nicely with the main plot.
Probably the only thing I didn't care for was how the situation resolved itself with the person who had 'disrupted' Jesse and Corinne's life. Even though I thought it was a neat way to conclude that aspect of the book, it also felt a tad abrupt. But it did not take away from my thought that other readers will really also enjoy Two Roads Home.
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