Jo Ellen Baker is shocked to find out that the boy who teased her mercilessly throughout high school, has returned to their hometown of Freedom Lake, and he’s missing a leg. When his mother asks her to renovate their carriage house to give him a place to gain his independence back, she wants to say no. But one look at him brings a rush of forgotten feelings.Evan Carter can’t believe he has to … has to return home and live with his parents. Every hope and dream he ever had dissipated in a car crash that cost him his leg. Stuck in a wheelchair, he’s forced to reexamine his relationship with God and the local carpenter, Jo Ellen Baker.
Will renovating his home open the door for a mended relationship, or are some wounds too deep to heal from?
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A truly beautiful story of love and forgiveness in midst of grief and suffering. Toni Shiloh continues to write heartwarming stories with characters who readers can’t help but love. Evan and Jo both have dealt with pain in their lives and in their relationships with others. Through the author’s realistic portrayal of their struggles and fears comes an understanding of the power of forgiveness, prayer, and God’s never ending love for us. I definitely look forward to reading more from Toni Shiloh in the future.
I purchased a copy of this book and was under no obligation to write a review. All opinions expressed are mine.
This is the first book I’ve read from Toni Shiloh since her debut novel, A Life to Live. That one was a cute romance, but it was light reading.
There is nothing light about Returning Home. If you don’t mind needing a box of tissues while you read, than this one is for you. This novel explores the pain of loss, disability, and hurt caused by careless words.
At the same time, you’ll watch a love grow from a spark to flame.
Check it out while it’s on sale for only $0.99. If you love it, and I think you will, there are more in this series of stand-alone stories.
Toni Shiloh writes the sweetest of books. Reading this book 1 of the freedom lake series, I am definitely going to read the rest.
Evan and JoJo are reeling from losses in their lives. I loved reading about their love wrapped in animosity between them. Their barbs at each other was very funny to read about. I was glad when they got to figure out their relationship with God and each other.
Beautiful story of God’s sweet grace even in our ignorance and anger.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
A beautiful story of love, trust and faith. Heartwarming and inspiring. How we deal with our circumstances in life can affect us in many ways. This story gives encouragement and hope. Another excellent story by this author.
Toni is a wonderful Author and I’ve enjoyed her writing. This is the 2nd book I’ve read from her and not disappointed. You can relate to these characters, their stories seem so real and the emotion the characters have really draw me in! What I like about Toni’s books are they are Christian Romance, but the romance part is not so mushy and you can tell that Toni’s Faith comes out in her books and that’s what makes me read them. I can’t wait for the 2nd book in this series!
There are so many great things about this book I’m not sure where to begin. I think I’ll start with the topic of church. I loved how the author gives us real characters where one is struggling with their faith. I remember when I was younger I never missed church when the doors were open. It could also have been because my dad was a preacher and I was expected to go. I almost fell out of my chair when JO said “I don’t want to be another hypocrite. You know the type, they smile and open the door for you, but as soon as it shuts they’re spreading your business quicker than a flea can jump on a dog.” Yes we have all experienced that type of person in a church. What I thought was so eye opening is Evan telling Jo not to be that kind of person. If we remove that judgmental attitude, we can begin to soak in His presence. I applaud the author for reminding us to go to church with an open heart and not to worry what others are thinking of us.
Jo and Evan were school friends who definitely didn’t get along. Now that Evan has come back to town, he is a changed man. His disability has softened him and I love his humbleness. Will he be able to convince Jo to forgive him for being so mean to her in school? I say let that grudge go girl and rekindle that friendship. I don’t think things happen by accident and with Jo’s help she can make Evan’s life better by helping him become more independent. Both of them have some pride issues they need to deal with and lurking behind that is the need to forgive.
The book is rich in scripture and a message of hope and having a relationship with God. There were times I wanted to cry when the characters went through heart wrenching trials. I loved how the author surrounded the characters with friends and family that encouraged them. I cherish each moment I spent reading this book because it is realistic and dealt with issues we all may face at some time. The book is a powerful message of forgiveness that I will not forget. One of the best parts of the book for me was when a group came together for bible study. These friends hungered to understand the Bible and the author does an amazing job of having questions we all wonder about answered with grace and scripture. I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this book and read it with the knowledge that there is hope, love and forgiveness for each of us.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
This was such a sweet story! I instantly fell in love with Jo and Evan and loved seeing them grow in their faith throughout the story. I appreciated how raw and realistic all of the characters were as they faced the daily and unexpected struggles of life. I also loved Jo and Evan’s interactions with one another. The themes of forgiveness and trust were woven beautifully into their story and I loved seeing them get their happy ending. Toni does an amazing job of effortlessly blending faith into the story without coming across as preachy. I also loved the setting! I love when authors create fictional towns and I wish I could visit Freedom Lake in real life. I can’t wait to revisit in book two and hopefully see a little more of Jo and Evan. Also, isn’t the cover too sweet?
I really enjoyed Toni Shiloh’s Buying Love and Finding Love, but this book tops the previous ones I’ve read. This contemporary inspirational romance highlights some of the issues in our current world through the lens of faith and prayer. And the romance? Sigh….it’s slow, tender, and oh-so sweet.
The author’s writing flows well and is easy to follow. Her town of Freedom Lake is lovely and the secondary characters that inhabit that small town really bring another layer of depth to Jo Ellen and Evan’s story. The struggles that the characters face are so very real and their commitment to Christ (when it happens) is wonderfully heartfelt and genuine.
Jo Ellen, as the heroine, took a good quarter of the book to engage me. Her world is a cocoon of hurt, misplaced pride and blame, and self-absorption. She does get past these things, though, and by the end of the book I felt like I personally supported her through her emotional and spiritual growth. Jo’s compassion and her tender heart shine through, even when she’s grieving and hurting.
From page one, I was Team Evan. Physically, emotionally, and spiritually battered, Evan comes a long way in the first few chapters of the book to cement himself as a hero, even when he does some stupid things later on in the book. His tenacity is admirable and his willingness to admit fault and ask for forgiveness is a great character trait. The author did a good job of explaining an amputee’s fears, questions, pain, and daily struggles.
I also enjoyed getting to know Darryl and Chloe through this book. Perhaps book #2 will be about them? And I’m still holding my breath for Guy and Michelle! I can’t wait to see what the author has in store for these friends!
I received a copy of this book through Singing Librarian Books Tour. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.