Title: The Long Road Home
Author: Lori Wick
First published January 1, 1991
204 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780736915359 (ISBN10: 0736915354)
Rating: 4.12
Overview
After the sudden death of his wife, Paul Cameron is consumed by grief and anger towards God. He abandons his life as a pastor and seeks refuge in a secluded town in the mountains.
But when he meets a kind-hearted woman named Abigail Finlayson, who nurses him back to health after a life-threatening accident, he begins to question his beliefs and open his heart to the possibility of love once again. Set in the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains, The Long Road Home is a poignant tale of healing, second chances, and the power of faith.
About the Author
Lori Wick is an incredibly versatile writer of Christian fiction, whose work has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. Her books span a range of settings, from tales of pioneers to stories set in Victorian England, and even contemporary novels.
It’s no surprise that Lori’s books have sold over 5 million copies and consistently top the Christian fiction bestseller list. When she’s not writing, Lori and her husband Bob reside in Wisconsin with their three amazing children.
Editoral Review
Lori Wick’s The Long Road Home is a heartwarming tale of lost and found love, forgiveness, and redemption. First published in 1991, the book belongs to the Christian romance genre and is written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to read and understand.
With themes of faith, family, and second chances, The Long Road Home will surely resonate with readers looking for a wholesome and inspirational story. The plot revolves around the lives of three main characters: Jessica, Matthew, and Maria.
Jessica, a widowed mother of two, is struggling to make ends meet after her husband’s untimely death. Matthew, her childhood friend turned enemy, is trying to make amends for his past mistakes while Maria, a kind-hearted housekeeper, is holding secrets that could change everything.
As the story unfolds, these characters find themselves caught in a web of secrets, misunderstandings, and unrequited love. But with faith, humility, and the power of forgiveness, they learn to overcome their fears and heal their hearts.
What makes The Long Road Home stand out is its portrayal of Christian values and principles in a realistic and relatable way. The characters are flawed and imperfect, but they strive to live according to their faith and serve others with kindness and love.
The book also explores the themes of grief, trauma, and healing in a sensitive and thoughtful manner, highlighting the importance of community and family support. One of the strengths of the book is its character development.
Whether it’s Jessica’s determination to provide for her children, Matthew’s growth in maturity and wisdom, or Maria’s quiet strength and loyalty, the characters evolve and grow throughout the story, creating a sense of connection and empathy in the reader. The pacing of the plot is also well-done, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged, but not too many as to feel contrived or forced.
However, the book is not without its limitations. Some readers may find the plot too predictable or lacking in depth, and the writing style may seem too simplistic for those looking for more complex narratives.
Additionally, some reviewers have criticized the book for its stereotypical portrayal of certain ethnic groups and the lack of diversity in the cast of characters. Despite these limitations, The Long Road Home is a worthy read for fans of Christian romance looking for a heartwarming and uplifting story.
The book may especially benefit those who are struggling with grief, forgiveness, or doubts about their faith. Overall, I would give The Long Road Home a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on its engaging plot, relatable characters, and inspiring themes.
