When a family crisis calls him back to Big Prairie, will Craig Erikson be able to work through past mistakes and a tragedy that had sent him searching for a new place to call home?Brenna Blaum had been sure of three things in her life—her brother, her running, and her dad’s star receiver. But in a matter of a year’s time, everything she’d counted on fell apart, leaving her devastated. Seven years … devastated. Seven years later, she’s stable again. She has a supportive boyfriend, fulfilling career, and close friends. She keeps her past heartache where it belongs—in her rearview mirror. Until the man who broke her heart finds his way back to Big Prairie.
Craig Erikson had it all—popularity, success, and the love of his high school coach’s daughter. But after a year of mistakes that ended in a tragic accident, he’d left Big Prairie—the place he’d thought to always call home—hoping that without his antagonizing presence, Brenna would be able to heal. Now his mother desperately needs him, as do two young boys in her care. Craig has little choice but to return for good.
Unsure that she can forgive him, Brenna does her best to avoid him. Irritated that she ignores him as if they’d never meant anything to each other, Craig becomes determined not to allow it.
Life in a small town forces their interaction, making them confront their unresolved issues and igniting emotions that have smoldered for seven years. As Craig and Brenna are pushed together, can they endure the hard places still littering their lives? If so, is it possible to find their way back to love and home again?
Small town Christian stories of romance and redemption, begin the Big Prairie Romance series today!
Book 1: When I Come Home Again
Book 2 When I’m With You (coming summer 2020)
more
When I Come Home Again by Jennifer Rodewald is a highly emotional story that has left me a little unsure how to adequately review this read. This novel has all I’ve come to expect from a Jennifer Rodewald story: an engaging conflict that kept me turning pages well into the night; a cast of characters who are well-developed, endearing in their own right, and relatable; and, timely themes that have made me think. By all rights, When I Come Home Again is a stellar, 5-STAR novel that I highly recommend. But, I did struggle a little — OK, I struggled A LOT — with Brenna Blaum, the heroine of this novel. I am leaving this story not OK with Brenna, her issues, or her happily-ever-after ending, and I feel weird admitting that I feel this way even though I really loved the story.
I absolutely cannot stand when people play the victim. Brenna Blaum plays the victim. In my life, I have been surrounded by many family members who play the victim. They all have the same characteristics — they are whiny, angry, manipulative humans who cannot or will not take responsibility for their lives and the choices they’ve made. They are often very immature people who believe they are justified in blaming others for EVERYTHING. And, they often are incapable of seeing reason. Brenna plays the victim for most of this novel, and I struggled the entire read to like her. When she finally has moments of clarity, and recognizes that A LOT of her issues stem from herself and the choices she has made, when she finally starts down her road to redemption, it was too little too late for me. For about 3/4ths of this story, Brenna is cold and mean, and boy, does she BLAME, BLAME, BLAME! Perhaps if she had thawed a little earlier in the storyline I may have felt differently about Brenna and her redemption. But honestly, I just found her exhausting and I wanted her to go away.
For a fictional character, Brenna has real issues. In her fictional world, she needs real medical attention — massive amounts of therapy and possibly medicine — to deal with her manipulative tendencies, her jealousy issues, and her anger. Yes, she needs God as we all do. Yes, she needs love as we all do. But her needs go beyond a few prayers and an “I’m sorry, forgive me” moment. Brenna is EXACTLY like my sister-in-law and I see the extreme damage being done to my brother and niece because of my SIL’s manipulation, jealousy, and anger. I find my perspective of Brenna being totally skewed. Maybe this book hits too close to home right now. But, all I can see for Craig, the hero of When I Come Home Again, is a life of struggle and pain until Brenna’s issues are dealt with on a realistic, not romantic, level. I find myself not able to buy the happily-ever-after ending, and that makes me a little sad.
With all this said, I still highly recommend When I Come Home Again. Jennifer Rodewald is a master storyteller who is gifted at pulling the heartstrings and getting readers to look within. I am wholeheartedly eager for all Ms. Rodewald has in store for her readers, and cannot wait for book 2 in this series.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the author, Jennifer Rodewald. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Jennifer Rodewald’s books are always so enjoyable for me. This one was so heartwarming and yet so heartbreaking too. I recognized many of my own faults in both Brenna and Craig. Her insecurities, his avoidance of conflict, their desire to put the blame on things other than the true culprits. I think many teens and young adults would benefit from reading this book. I know I have, though I’m just a “bit” older.
“Some people live with regret their whole lives, never realizing that they don’t have to.”
Brenna Blaum and Craig Erikson are drowning in regrets. Following Craig’s return to his home town, primarily to care for his ill mother and her two foster sons, his reimergence into the daily flow of Big Prairie life loosens a floodgate of memories for both of them. While Brenna is consumed with anger, albeit rage might be a better description, Craig is overwhelmed with guilt and multiple responsiblities; he cannot navigate any of their forced conversations, and the spiteful expressions repeatedly displayed across Brenna’s countenance precipitate numerous sleepless nights.
“What had happened that final spring that had forced a change between them that he’d had no idea what to do with? ” How had two people, who had once dearly loved each other, arrived at this place of . . .”not even friends”.
Author Jennifer Rodewald is always about restoration, allowing her characters to fail miserably on their own, before gently reminding them that the One who heals, also loves. He also forgives, he also rebuilds. He erases shame and he promises new beginnings; he invites us to “come home again”.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Romance and redemption
Jennifer Rodewald’s stories always have such a strong message of redemption. When I Come Home Again was a powerful story about what happens when guilt is allowed to grow and fester and how it can erode a relationship.
Craig and Brenna were both so broken by the past. Brenna had been hurt so badly she couldn’t even look at Craig without seething with anger! As their story unraveled, I was so surprised to find what had been the root issue for Brenna – and she was too.
I really loved Craig and Brenna. There were also so many amazing secondary characters deserving special mention. Here are just a few:
Trent and Ashton, Craig’s and his mother’s foster sons, were adorable! Their life had been so difficult and they had put on such a tough facade. Trent’s efforts to be strong and to protect his little brother touched my heart. I loved the one speech therapy session with Brenna and the way he put on a fake British accent to sass her. And the one where they were telling stories. I would have loved to hear the one they came up with!
Miss Jane was such a dear lady. I loved the gentle, kind manner in which she imparted her wisdom with Brenna, not withholding the truth, yet sharing it with love. Another dear woman of faith was Janet, Craig’s mother. Her strength in the face of sickness and pain could only come from a deep relationship with Jesus!
Scottie was dearly loved by everyone in the small town, and for good reason. Though many in our world would consider him not “normal”, he had a deeper understanding of the things that are truly important and spread sunshine wherever he went. I loved the sweet gentle way that Craig treated him.
I would be remiss in not mentioning Grant in this list as well. Though he was quirky in his fastidiousness and strictness of diet, he had a heart of gold. I hope, seeing that this is the first book of the series, that Grant will find love in an upcoming story. I’m rooting for him!
Much of this story is about the grief and hurts Brenna and Craig dealt with and yet an undercurrent of hope keeps it from being dark or depressing. And the children of the story keep things light as well. There is a great balance of depth and light.
Readers of Christian fiction who enjoy stories rife with spiritual truths and changed lives will enjoy this beautiful story.
Read my review of When I Come Home Again by Jennifer Rodewald at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Jennifer Rodewald sure knows how to write a book that will not only touch your heart, but pierce it at the same time! The thing that I like most about her stories, including When I come Home Again, is they make you think. Think about your life, your relationship with God, and your relationship with everyone. As the characters go through life, you kind of go through it with them. You grow together, if that makes any kind of sense at all.
Brenna and Craig are characters that I easily could connect with. Me and Brenna, well we have that whole resentfulness going on. Or lack of forgiveness maybe is the correct term. I can hold a grudge with the best of them, and it seems that perhaps Brenna could to. But boy did we both learn about the importance of letting go. Have I mentioned that I love Rodewald’s books because they speak to me!? Yeah, I think I’ll find myself rereading this one a few times in my future.
And Craig? Well he had his own demons to move past. But the bravest thing I think he did was return home – something I’m not sure I could do if I were him. So in that respect, Craig taught me a lot. His life dealt him some poor hands during this story, and he had to learn to really make the best of those situations. Again, this was such an inspiration to me. It wasn’t easy for Craig, and nor is life for us. But Craig showed me how important it is to move forward.
A lot of readers just read for entertainment, and I totally get that. But when a book can just speak to your heart in ways that you weren’t looking for, well that is a book that will stay with you for a long time. I highly recommend this book to all readers out there – whether you are looking for pure entertainment (because there are some great moments in this one), or a book that will uplift you, this one has it all.
I’ve never been so happy to have a happy ending! I enjoyed the characters and the complex dynamics of their relationships, but holy angst! Craig’s reappearance in town and promptings from her psychiatrist boyfriend bring long-repressed emotions to the surface, even though Brenna does not want to deal with them. I’ve learned that fighting against feelings makes life even more difficult, and it’s not until Brenna acknowledges that she needs to process them and seek the healing of forgiveness that she begins her journey towards peace. Craig is struggling with so much change in his life- a new job, his mother fighting cancer, and becoming the father-figure to two foster children. Memories from their past filled with both joy and heartache are revisited and revealed throughout the book and the reader gradually sees how strong their connection was, and the mistakes both made that tore them apart. The message of forgiveness and redemption is strong and the story is full of emotion as Craig and Brenna find their way back to each other slowly.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
“No one can run forever.”
When I Come Home Again is a poignant, emotional, and very satisfying read. I’ve read some of Jennifer Rodewald’s books before, so I knew I’d be getting hit with all the feels and emotions. Rodewald is a master at creating multi-layered, flawed, and relatable characters and throwing them into hard situations. Brenna and Craig are two such characters with a past which ended with pain, misunderstandings, regrets, and heartache. It was very touching to see them go through the tough process of sorting things out and healing their relationship.
“There is beauty in the hard places. Don’t miss the breathtaking wonder because you are too afraid to go through the painful work of getting there.”
Tender messages of forgiveness, healing, hope, and redemption are woven into the story seamlessly and give added depth to it. This is a fantastic start to a new series, Big Prairie Romance. I’m looking forward to more amazing stories in the series. 4.5 stars
When I Come Home Again by Jennifer Rodewald is a powerful contemporary Christian novel about love, loss and new beginnings.
When loss hits hard, we hurt, we become angry and we withdraw. For a short while, this is an acceptable response but when anger rules our lives, we are in trouble. Something must change. “I don’t want this anger anymore.” We need to own our anger, then leave it at the foot of the cross. If we do not, we will be forever bound by the chains of anger.
Regret often goes hand in hand with anger. Regrets can immobilise and imprison us. “Regrets are bondage… If you don’t deal with them… they own you.” Regret is a burden we were never meant to carry. Jesus died for our freedom, not so we could imprison ourselves with regrets. “Some people live with regret their whole lives, never realising they don’t have to.”
God gives us gifts. He delights in us as we use these gifts. “The joy of the Creator as they exercised the gifts He’s built into them.”
The Word of God is powerful. It is a guide for our lives. We would be wise to use it. “The Word of God in front of him, prayerfully seeking wisdom.” Prayer is a conversation with God. We need to listen as well as speak.
At the heart of the novel is a young boy with Downs. He is loyal with a sunny personality who loves unconditionally and who is loved by all. In contrast there are fatherless boys who need loving. They present a hard exterior that needs cracking to let the love in. Retreating from love is a defence mechanism that merely succeeds in imprisoning us.
Jennifer Rodewald has created a very powerful story around realistic characters. She shows our need to live lives that connect with others and with God. The emotions that characters feel are easy to empathise with. The action resonates with the reader as we all have times when in our anger we can disconnect with the world. And we are all in desperate need of a Saviour.
This was such a powerful book with life lessons for us all.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The book has a slow start . . . but hang with it. There is a pivotal point that really makes it worth the perseverance to wade through the deep water start. This book has some powerful scenes and statements that really spoke to me. Relationships are hard – and then harder. To deal with the twists and turns that life throws at us takes a lot of tenacity and truth. This book gives a healthy dose of truth and wisdom in dealing with relationship issues. We don’t always realize what’s hidden within ourselves that may have caused or is furthering the friction in a relationship – and facing our own issues can lead to resolving the friction with others. One of my favorite lines in this book is – “Be brave, do the hard thing.” Friction is easy to float to the top – the brave and hard part is being resolved to confront the relationship issues and deal with them in a Godly, constructive manner. This story by Jennifer Rodewald is a great read and bring on more of Miss Jane . . . read it and you’ll understand.
I absolutely enjoyed this book from beginning to end. The characters are so real, this author has an amazing way of writing that you feel like you are right in the story. I always enjoy a second chance romance, but this journey is definitely unique and emotional!
Wow. Just…wow. Jennifer Rodewald is perhaps the most impactful author I’ve read in years (and years). Her stories aren’t just entertainment, but are stories that leave an impact on me and make me dig deep into who I am and my relationship with the Lord and others.
When I Come Home Again is so beautifully written, its characters so deep, broken, and heartwrenching, and the beauty, imagery, and wisdom had my eyes tearing up over and over.
This is a must-read for everyone.
Most of us have complicated relationships with our home towns. This book digs into the vulnerabilities of letting ourselves come home–in spirit and heart. With winsome characters, a beautiful setting, and a sweet, healing romance, you’ll want to put this on your 2020 TBR.
Whenever I find Jennifer Rodewald has a new book, I make time in my schedule to read it. She has a way of digging to the gritty heart of the matter and encompassing all that entails. When I Come Home Again (book one in the brand new Big Prairie Romance series) meets that high standard I’ve come to expect from this author.
Life isn’t always easy. Plans fall apart—both because of the choices we make and because of life’s circumstances. And things really fell apart for high school and college sweethearts Brenna Blaum and Craig Erickson. Seven years later, Craig’s return to Big Prairie means both he and Brenna are going to have to examine their roles in why their relationship collapsed.
This is a book about the dangers of holding on to resentment. It stagnates us in our relationships {with others and with God) and mires us in the past. It takes awareness, acknowledgment, repentance, grace, and forgiveness to release us from dwelling in the past in order to embrace God’s plans.
There is ugliness in our human, sin nature but beauty in how God grows us through our trials and pain. And Rodewald encapsulates both of those sides beautifully in this story.
Disclosure Statement:
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
When I Come Home Again
I am a huge fan of this author’s work. In my estimation her novels are an inspired art. The author presents a beautifully written story of Craig and Breanna’s young love that was torn apart because of unexpected and unfortunate circumstances, miscommunications, and assumptions. Their story is one of overcoming past regrets and finding healing and a second chance at love. What sets the author’s work apart from many other authors in this genre, is her ability to present God’s truth and wisdom through her characters and plot. For me this novel engaged me in a way where I felt like I was spending time with Jesus, the loving Counselor, watching him help two lost people muddle through their messy life, opening every wound, and lovingly offer the healing and forgiveness they needed.
Some wise words found in this book:
“Regret is a hateful captor- it’s bondage. It allows shame to dictate what you do and what you don’t do. But repentance? Repentance is hard because it requires true humility. But it is also freedom.”
“…the God I love can bring beauty into hard places, and I trust Him to do it.”
I received a copy from the author. This review is my honest opinion.
When I Come Home Again is definitely up there as one of my favorite reads of the year. A second chance story full of heart, it digs deeply into the ways that regret and guilt affect relationships.
Brenna and Craig were characters with a lot of history. Brenna required quite a bit of patience on my part as I watched her slowly begin to recognize her part in all that had happened. I really liked the flashbacks, especially their first date.
Craig was a character that I met in the novella Ordinary Snowflakes, which was such a great story, by the way! In that book, Craig’s fun personality and how great he was with children was apparent. In When I Come Home Again, the reader gets a deeper look into who Craig is. He must navigate through some incredibly difficult things, including opening his heart to two foster children with a lot of emotional baggage.
I loved this book from start to finish and look forward to reading more in the series. The novella, Ordinary Snowflakes, is definitely fun to read as an introduction to the character of Craig Erikson, but if you haven’t read it, don’t worry, When I Come Home Again stands on its own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Jennifer Rodewald has done it again! When I Come Home Again is another stellar and poignant masterpiece of a romance. I laughed and cried. Felt joy and sorrow. Hope and despair. I experienced all the up and down emotions of this crazy life in the midst of this book.
Craig Erikson was first introduced in Ordinary Snowflakes. I fell for him then and I fell for him even more throughout the course of this book. He’s such a genuinely good guy. He’s back home again after many years away. He left for a reason and now that he’s back, facing the past hurts. Reliving his mistakes. His regrets. Memories are around every corner. In particular, Brenna Blaum. He can’t seem to avoid his former girlfriend in small town Big Prairie. Their paths are constantly crossing. And he doesn’t know if that’s a good thing or a very bad thing. Watching their journey through all the hurts, misconceptions, and regrets of their past was heart-wrenching at times, but wow, what a journey!
I loved the small town of Big Prairie. There was a very authentic feel to the place and the people. Like I might come across any one of these interesting characters in the next town over.
This was a fantastic story of coming home again. It’s my new favorite book from this author. I highly recommend it and am very much looking forward to visiting Big Prairie again in the future.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
“Regret is a bondage that holds many captives. Sometimes for life.But there is freedom in repentance.” This is a story of life that is messy and both Craig and Brenna are held captive to their past history due to regret. It is only when they realize that regret is holding them captive and ask for forgiveness of one another that they can come home again. This is simply another great story about life – messy life and one that you will want to read. Jennifer Rodewalk has yet to disappoint me with a story and this is a powerful story about redemption and reconciliation.
‘Sometimes things don’t get better until you deal with the ugly parts. Clean up the mess.’
Craig Erikson returns to Big Prairie to help take care of his mother after a bad diagnosis, and help her take care of the two foster brothers in her care. He had it all when he lived in Big Prairie, big football star, dating the coach’s daughter. But big mistakes happened and he left after a horrible accident. He’d hoped to always live in this small town, but never managed to settle anywhere else. Now, he’s home for good.
Brenna Blaum loved her brother, her dad and Craig. In the space of one year, everything fell apart and since then, Brenna’s life has been one of just making believe everything is okay. She even has a wonderful boyfriend. Then Craig Erikson shows up in town and all the hurt, anger and pain flares up in her heart and takes an even deeper root than is has before. Will she ever have peace?
‘Brenna knew, all too well, what pain and disillusion could do to even the stoutest of hearts.’
Jennifer Rodewald has penned a novel that digs way down deep into the heart and refuses to let go. I was all in from the first page and hated to put the book aside for life. There are so hard lessons here in the pages of this story, lessons every person would do well to take note of and apply to their own lives. Brenna’s view of her own self worth caused her to take a much different path than she would have wanted to take, and she took Craig along with her. Their actions brought much pain and destruction to their lives. Can they overcome this gigantic hurdle and find their way back to peace and love? Can they live in the same town together once again?
Rodewald has captured just about every emotion in this book: fear, anger, love, heartbreak, joy, and peace, along with forgiveness and healing. I cried more reading this book than I think I have any other. This one is going on my Top Ten List for 2020. I highly recommend this novel.
*My thanks to the author and publisher for a preview copy of this novel. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
The Truth Was …. you could always go home again
Brenna dealt with denial through anger and bitterness. she was her own worst enemy. Craig stayed away for seven long years because Brenna told him she never wanted to see him again, that he was dead to her. She lied. She lied to him and she lied to herself. By lying she didn’t have to deal with the dirty truths she kept denying.
Not only was she angry but also hateful and selfish. Craig did his wrongs but she literally started the mess with her insecurities.
Craig walked away from a good NFL agent to try to mend things with Brenna, but she turned on him. She was spiteful and ugly. He not only lost his pro football career but lost her too, the love of his life.
So how do they work through these ups and downs? It’s not easy and it certainly is not quick. It’s a long, drawn out process of doubting, inner reflection and letting go. But redemption is possible… and with God, all things are possible for those who love and know Him.
^ OBSERVATIONS:
Did Craig even know who his dad was? Did his dad know Craig existed? Did his dad ever try to see Craig or get to know him, make amends? As we age, we look back and see things differently, things we often would like to redo or change. Did Craig’s dad ever look in the mirror and see his failures? As long as there is breath, there is hope and a chance for forgiveness and redemption.
Hmmmm….. wonder what special woman is waiting out there for Grant?
Miss Jane may be 72, but she’s not too old for that someone special to enter her life.
A deep and thorough second chance romance working through many painful issues of the past. I read this series a bit backwards as I read the second and third books before this one. I don’t recommend doing it that way lol. I love how the series works and the long roads these characters take. I loved the Christian messages and challenges within these pages.