I believe that this has been my favorite book in this series. I look forward to reading more about Samuel. I loved Seth, Rachel and Andy. They have a treacherous journey and learn to trust again. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I had a little trouble getting into this one at first, but in the end, I finished it and was pleased with the outcome. I loved the characters, and the plot line in the end. I had to learn to let go of things in my own life, to be able to trust my now husband, and I related to Rachel in that way. Ms. Beller has woven a beautiful story of hope, trust, love and God's grace. The characters are perfect for their roles, and the plot line, even a little slow at the beginning, was gripping and worth 4 stars. Well done, Ms. Beller. ( )

I don't know why it took me so long to actually start it, and why the first couple of times I couldn't focus on the first page. It wasn't the author's fault. It was mine. I was still in a “book hangover” from the last great book I read. However, as soon as I finished the first chapter, I was hooked.

What I Loved About This Homeward Journey:
At 3% of the ebook, in the first chapter, I already saw the first mention of God. That warmed my heart. I didn’t have to wonder if it was going to be a truly Christian novel or just a clean one with a mention of “religion” thrown in to market it as a “Christian fiction.” I wasn't disappointed. There were personal prayers to God all throughout, maybe in almost every chapter.

From the very first page when we’re introduced to the main male character, Seth, I liked him. He loved being outdoors, he had come to loath his former vices, and he already wanted to protect an innocent woman. Now there’s a good guy I can have a book crush on! I’m so tired of these romances (usually secular, but I’ve seen them even in Christian fiction) where the love interest is a bad boy, or he’s a flirt, or the woman hates the man for the majority of the book. That drives me insane!

I also enjoyed the way that the setting was unobtrusive yet played such a big part in their journey up to Canada. The climbing of the mountains, the camping details, the use of a simple act like swimming to demonstrate Andy's character growth—they all showed a mastery of setting without pounding it into the reader's brain that this was a trip from this place to that place. The physical journey was just the backdrop to the real journey, the spiritual journey of healing for Rachel and Andy. Very well done.

What I Didn't Love:
There were only a couple. The first is a minor thing. I'm not sure that the thought from either Rachel or Seth at the beginning of each chapter added anything. In fact, several times I felt that the thought was something Rachel wouldn't have admitted even to herself yet. And who were these thoughts directed to? A journal? To God? Neither option really fits, as they were too personal for a journal that might be read by posterity, neither was it in second person as speaking directly to the Lord. Several times I didn't see what the thought even had to do with that particular chapter. I personally think the book would be better without these. Just a chapter heading is fine.

The second is more important. Though it took so long to build Rachel's trust, and I loved the believable length of time for the romance to unfold (unlike so many romances where a woman who had hated the man through the entire book suddenly capitulates and falls madly in love with him because of one incident), there was one point that didn't seem very realistic to me at all. The climax. And that was what brought it down from 5-stars for me. Without spoiling anything, I'll just say that the tension and stakes had been gradually building, and then from out of nowhere comes a truly evil villain without a single redeeming quality, shooting the stakes sky-high. And there was no real motive for the villain, no obvious rewards for the risk, no demand for his supply. I think there could have been a much less dramatic—and more realistic—conflict, and we still would have been satisfied with the character growth and the happily ever after resolution for the romance.

All in all, though, This Homeward Journey was a very enjoyable read with deep characters, masterful use of setting, and a journey that I won't soon forget.

(I received this book for free by CelebrateLit. The decision to write a review, as well as the opinions expressed in it, are all my own. I was not compensated for this review.) ( )

The author has written a great story set in the late 1860s with vivid descriptions that help readers feel like they are there with the characters. I loved reading about the mountains and how hard it was to travel during this time period. It would be hard to travel the unknown countryside but Rachel has decided to do just that with her son Andy.

I admired Rachel's determination after getting out of an abusive marriage. She felt free for the first time, but her heart has hardened . It will take a lot to trust someone again. Her adventure starts out pretty well till she realizes she needs to have the security of others around her as she trudges along the terrain.

Seth is a changed man since he gave up drinking and other things that set him up to sin. He is trying to follow God and will have temptations along the way as he travels to see the Canadian mountains. I liked how the author brings Seth and Rachel together and the security she starts to feel as she travels with him . They encounter danger along the way that will test their faith and trust .

There is a point in the story that will change how Rachel feels about Seth. When he opens his heart to her and tells her of his past, will she be able to still trust him? I loved how the story is about forgiveness and judging others. We all have done something wrong in our life and the good news is that God forgives us. Rachel will have to look deep in herself to not let her past cloud her thoughts of Seth.

The ending is good and shows that when you forgive, you are set free of bitterness. Rachel must trust Seth if she has any hope of getting out of a dangerous situation. Seth is focused on what he must do and he turns to God for guidance. The road home for Rachel will find her asking God to forgive her for her anger and to help her learn to trust again. It's an emotional journey for all as they seek God for the right direction home.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )

It's 1866 and folks are still heading west to find their future in a land less populated. Rachel and Andy, her son, are no different, or are they...? With memories that would put most people into a state of perpetual anxiety, Rachel heads for her brother's place somewhere in Canada requiring her to travel through the mountains. With a huge dose of strength and basically no trust, they set out. Burns, rattlesnakes and kidnapping are only a few of the situations they are confronted with. Is it even possible they will find their way safely?
I received this incredible story through CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own. ( )