Unexpected love and plans that go awry... Long Journey Home by Sarah M. Eden (Review & #Giveaway)

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 - Leave a Comment

I have so enjoyed this series! Read my review of this newest addition and enter the giveaway below...

Long Journey Home

(Longing for Home/Hope Springs #4)
By Sarah M. Eden
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 400 Pages
September 4th 2018 by Mirror Press

Summary

From Sarah M. Eden, the USA Today Bestselling author of the Longing for Home series, LONG JOURNEY HOME is a new romance novel set in the beloved world of Hope Springs.

Widowed by war, Maura O’Connor has raised her son alone under the weight of poverty in the unforgiving slums of New York City. That harsh and difficult life has taken a toll on them both. Desperate to save her son from the misery around them, she moves them both to the tiny western town of Hope Springs, where her late husband’s family lives, hoping that the decade of silence between them does not mean she and Aidan will be rejected outright. Her son needs family, and she would endure anything to see him happy.

Ryan Callaghan has worked the land belonging to the late Granny Claire for years, dreaming of one day claiming it as his own. Living in his brother’s home affords him no freedom, no stability, no joy. The arrangement is even harder on his mother, whose health is quickly deteriorating. A risky investment in the land has finally begun to pay off, and he is at last in a position to secure a better future for them both. When use of the home is, without warning, offered to a newly arrived widow and her son, that future is entirely uncertain.

Both Maura and Ryan desperately need the Claire farm, for their own futures as well as those of the loved ones who depend on them. Neither can remain in Hope Springs without the house and land, but only one can claim it in the end.

Longing for Home Series:
Longing for Home
Hope Springs
My Dearest Love
Love Remains
Long Journey Home

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My Review

LONG JOURNEY HOME, like the other books in this series, is a story of hope, family and love that overcomes heartbreak and struggle. The characters are easy to relate to, genuine, and well drawn, making it easy to become invested in the story as they try to work through the hardships they face. The setting is easy to become immersed in, particularly for those not new to the series as it is like coming home to a beloved small town and its characters. Another enjoyable and inspiring romance in this series!

I loved these characters! Goodness. Maura. How I loved her and felt for her! She is one strong woman who has had so little to hold dear and is facing such a difficult future. Ryan was a character I fell in love with from the start. He is such a solid presence in Hope Springs and for his mother, Maura, and Aidan. I loved their interactions and how slowly their friendship and then love blooms. I loved how they interacted with others, how they sacrificed and loved fiercely, but struggled with their own hopes and dreams.

This story moves at a fairly steady pace. It wasn't as emotional or intense as the last book in the series, but there needed to be plenty of time for Maura and Ryan to work through things. There were some really great moments in this story, and I loved how sweetly this ends. I'm hoping for at least three more stories in this series, or maybe even four as I need to find out what will happen to Finnbar, Patrick, the new doctor, and Maura's friend (the latter two just hinted at).

In the end, was it what I wished for? I really enjoyed this story! It's full of heart, friendship, family, and a steady romance. I have come to love this town and its characters and am hoping there will be more stories to come in Hope Springs.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the tour host, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to my reviews or Goodreads.)

About the Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including AML's "2013 Novel of the Year" and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, as well as 2014 Whitney Award winner for "Best Romance" and "Best Novel of the Year," Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

Sarah is represented by Pam Howell at D4EO Literary Agency.