Home Again
4.6
26
5
1
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781491087794 |
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| Publisher: | CreateSpace Publishing |
| Publication date: | 07/26/2013 |
| Pages: | 96 |
| Sales rank: | 933,863 |
| Product dimensions: | 5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.23(d) |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Home Again
4.7 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
26 reviews.
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Home Again is the first of Kathleen Shoop's book I've had the pleasure reading. I enjoy reading romance or more to the point historical romance, often. I normally prefer a full-fledged novel, however this novella fit perfectly into my time schedule in the doctors chair. Reading these days helps keep my mind upbeat!
Watching Hale and April come together and surpass the guilt they are both riddled with from the past was uplifting and heartwarming.
Brings to mind… what would happen if we were to return home again.
I will seek out Kathleen Shoop when I'm ready to shop for new additions to my ever growing book collection.
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Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Home Again (Book 1--The Endless Love Series) by Kathleen Shoop is a simple and uncomplicated love story that will leave readers with a nice feeling. The story set in 1969 in the Vietnam era. April Harrington is a runaway bride. She leaves her rich bridegroom standing at the altar and goes to her family home at Bliss to pick up the pieces of her life again. The house, which held her childhood memories, is not the same anymore and she finds it rotting slowly due to neglect and leakage. She finds solace in the arms of her brother's friend, Hale, who is a Vietnam pilot. This novella is a heart-warming story of love and healing.
The characterization of both April and Hale are remarkably effective. Hale is someone whom every woman will want to love and April is vulnerable yet emotionally strong, which makes her very desirable. The romance evolves gradually and pulls readers in. The Vietnam War and that period of history have been incorporated beautifully into the theme, showing life during that time. The war scenes in the book are realistic and many readers can relate to that part of the story. The story is emotional and moving, and it transcends time and space. There is a lingering sadness, too, in the story which also covers other topics like death, war, money etc. The emotions, drama and all the action make it a wonderful novella.
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Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
In Home Again, author Kathleen Shoop presents a tale of romance born from the shadows of the Vietnam War in 1969. Protagonist April runs from the altar on her wedding day to return to her parents’ old house and the memory of her brother, Andrew, who was killed in action two years prior to the story’s events. There she meets Hale, a fellow soldier of Andrew’s and her childhood friend, on leave from the carnage of war and trying to rebuild the house she has taken shelter in. The result is a hurt-comfort plot where love blossoms from emotional soul-cleansing and heart-breaking shared memories, all tightly packed into an easy to read, enjoyable novella.
I am not usually a fan of romantic fiction, but Home Again ticks every box for the ingredients you need to make even the most stony-hearted of readers root for the main characters. The novella is delightfully succinct and to the point, balancing the deep-set emotional problems of April and Hale nicely against the restoration of the old house. As the house heals, so do their wounds and a totally believable, enjoyable love story is born amid the beautifully described natural surroundings. The heat level of their intimacy is appropriate to the serious undertones of the sacrifices of war and Kathleen Shoop’s beautifully crafted words only enhance the reading experience. The novella flows well with high-quality writing, to the point action sequences, and imaginative settings. Overall, this was an extremely satisfying read with heart, depth and masterful storytelling.
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Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Turmoil turns to comfort as April Harrington escapes what many believe is an idyllic life and returns to the summer home of her childhood in Home Again. Kathleen Shoop brings to life a swirl of emotions after April leaves her would-be husband at the altar of a New York high society wedding and returns to the shores of Albemarle Sound in North Carolina. Finding the old home in disrepair, she considers how the grief over the recent loss of her brother, Andrew, in Vietnam has left her family in ruins. Also in ruins is Hale, her brother’s childhood friend who holds a deep secret from the final moments of Andrews’s life which still haunts him. As Hale sees April in a completely new light, he is drawn to her from something deep inside, though he tries to turn away and run from her as his guilt continues to eat at him. April is longing for the deep safety and comfort that Hale has always provided for her, but is struggling to get through to him. Will she be able to break through before he has to return to Vietnam when his leave is up?
Kathleen Shoop has painted a masterpiece of emotions and turmoil intertwined with the longing for simplicity in Home Again. The depth of conflict that both characters experience as they fight their distinct battles forms a dichotomy as their inner battles threaten to both tear them apart and draw them together. Their shattered lives and the disrepair of the house serve as parallel metaphors for the damages caused by neglect and the slow process of healing and repair. Profound, emotional and heart-warming, Home Again will draw you back to your own comfortable place and your own simpler time.
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Really interesting story dealing with loss, heartache, discovery and love. Short well written storyline with very detailed characters. April and Hale are both lost in their lives and dealing with secrets. Together they find peace and each other. Loved the story very much.
Received copy for review
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Home Again
By Kathleen Shoop
Kathleen Shoop shows us a story of loss, grief, and how love can truly conquer all. Two friends; one loses her brother the other his best friend and each is trying to pick up the pieces of their lives and rebuild. Shoop shows how a memory can bring two lonely hearts together and how love can heal wounds and change the course of lives. This story is so moving and leaves the heart still believing in hope and a better tomorrow. I love the way Kathleen takes the characters April and Hale who are both grief stricken, brings them together and shows how the human spirit will always persevere Pick this up and see how grief can change into memories and memories into warmth and a new joy of living. Did I also forget to mention love? Shoop shows us that love really does still exist in stories and that happy endings do still exist. I loved reading Home Again and look forward to reading more books by Kathleen Shoop.
Bella Doerres Five stars.
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“Sometimes the Road We Need to Take Leads Us Home Again”
Set in the turbulent 1960’s—a time of unrest and agitation with the Vietnam War on everyone’s mind and the tragic news from same landing on many doorsteps here at home. April Harrington shows up at her parents’ summer home, (aptly named “Bliss”) located on the Albemarle Sound, in her French silk wedding gown, all by herself—no groom by her side. She had left the arrogant, self-centered philanthropist, Mason, standing at the altar! Always her favorite spot, from childhood on, Bliss offers comfort after the chaotic wedding scene as well as evoking many fond and often sad memories. The familiar, once stately, now slightly dilapidated surroundings brought feelings of shock and guilt to the surface, as well as shame at what April had put her parents through. After all, they had sacrificed much to put her through college and give her the fairy tale wedding every girl dreams about. With her pampered life in view, she had forgotten who she really is and placed her parents on an invisible, forgettable shelf. As she strolls the familiar grounds, she discovers, the hard way, that even the dock has not been maintained. It cracks and disintegrates beneath her dainty-slippered feet, and she tumbles into the water. Struggling to get to the surface, she is rescued by a pair of strong hands that seem to reach her from out of nowhere to save her. Imagine her surprise when the hands belong to her Brother’s best friend Hale Abercrombie! In years past,Hale and her Brother were almost inseparable. The one person she could never forget was her beloved Brother, Andrew. A memorial stone, a grave, where no body could be laid to rest, stands in a picturesque spot overlooking the sound. With tears streaming, she recalls and brokenheartedly regrets the ugly words that were written in anger in the last letter she wrote to Andrew before her parents received the dreaded news. Oh, how April hates herself for that selfish act—one that resulted from a foolish argument over none other than her then-boyfriend, Mason. Her mind continually replays the question that has plagued her for what seems like forever–“What if her letter was the last thing he read before he was killed?” April hadn’t been pleased when Andrew decided to serve his Country. Hale had made the same decision. She had always been the “Little Sister” who tagged along, with Hale being like an extra big brother, keeping a wary eye out for her, when Andrew didn’t do the same. Andrew hadn’t approved of her choice of boyfriends either. It became a hurtful, vicious circle they were trapped in—but that was when she was much younger and heading for college, as her “Two Brothers” were heading to Vietnam. Now, here she was, grown and still needing Hale to come to her rescue—and he does, in more ways than one. Hale has his own set of demons to deal with. He refuses to speak of Andrew’s death which has injured him to his inner core. Through the love of Bliss, shared memories and heartaches, they re-kindle a closeness that was never lost and find a love that they never would have envisioned possible. Ms. Shoop’s novella may only consist of 88 pages, but, believe me when I tell you, it will leave you with a knot in your stomach, a lump in your throat, some soggy tissues, thoughts that it should be turned into a “Hallmark Hall of Fame” movie and will have you anxiously waiting to read book two in this series, “Return to Love”. Whatever you do—place this on the top of your TBR list, so you don’t miss this tale of endless love.
Nancy Narma
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April Harrington thought she knew what she wanted, that is, until she sees a picture of her fiancé with another woman. She leaves him standing at the alter and flees straight to her family homestead to heal and regroup. Upon arrival, she walks to the dock and accidentally falls into the bay, but gets saved by Hale Abercrombie. Hale and April’s brother were best friends growing up, with April always tagging along.
April is devastated to find the homestead all but falling down from neglect. Hale offers to help her with repairs. While working on the house, April and Hale grow closer. Will they be able to heal each other, and begin a future together?
I like the strength that April shows. Even though she was always surrounded by wealth and prestige, she could also fit the tomboy description. I think she and Hale were perfect together. I only wish that the author had brought more of April, her brother Andrew, and Hale’s growing up time into the story.
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While Home Again is a novella, there is a lot going on in it. From the very beginning the story unfolds and keeps going until the very last page. There is love, drama, and a lot of emotions within this story. April and Hale go through a whole lot of emotions in the time I got to spend with them. They are both dealing with loses, one by her own choice and one an accidental lose. As they work together to save the house that April spent all her summers in and is not in disrepair, they both deal with their past and develop feelings for each other. The reader can feel their sparks, yet the respect and love between them keeps them from just “hooking up.”
I am anxious to start the second book in this series, Return to Love. I fell in love with April and Hale. This is a couple that I would love to get to know better. I will definitely recommend this series.
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A big fan of Kathleen Shoop’s books, I was eager to read her latest, the books in the Endless Love series. The first in this series, Home Again, was originally published as a novella, part of an anthology by several authors, entitled ‘Bliss’. Each author wrote about a particular group of people and a particular period in time, all associated with the North Carolina plantation called Bliss. Kathleen’s offering introduced us to April and Hale. It weaves a story that includes love, war, emotional scars and coming to terms. Home Again is a departure from Shoop’s previous books and writing style, but is a good story about healing and living after painful life events. This author is an amazing story teller, painting vivid pictures of her stories and characters. This is a really nice summer read.
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I had the honor of reading Home Again by Kathleen Shoop. I am so glad I set down the book I was already starting by her to do so. This short little love story kept me devouring each page. Don't let the length of this book fool you into thinking that it lacks anything, it provides a powerful punch when it comes to character development, engaging story line, and overall satisfaction. What I enjoyed the most was the fact that this book could have been a full novel, but Kathleen somehow was able to condense it down to a well-written romance.
We all know that romance is not my strongsuit when it comes to novels, so anytime I finish one it should show how good the book is. There are some portions of the book that may be a little too much for young people, but it is written tastefully. I would have no problem offering this to my teen daughter to read.
Kathleen is fast becoming one of my favorite authors this year. And I am excited now to go on and read the book I was going to start, Love and Other Subjects. By reading Home Again, I think I have more insight into her writing and how she chooses to relate her characters to readers.
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First of all, if you are looking for a quick romance, this is certainly one to read. The opening of the book is quite clever, and I believe the end will have you begging for more. Although I appreciated that the book was short, I think I would have liked to have read an expanded version. Some of the nuances and the historical aspects of the period escaped me. This is the Vietnam War time period, and it deals with several different topics–war, wealth, death, and more. I enjoyed the novella for what it was, and it may be the very thing you need for a light read some time during Christmastime.
I was disappointed that such a short book included some profanity. It was not necessary, but it was thankfully relatively minor. The intimate scenes were never described in great detail, but the ending seemed a little rushed.
The thing that most impressed me was that the author drew on actual family memories from this time period, and perhaps that is what made the discussions of wartime seem more realistic.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
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This story is a happy/sad read. It made me sad with all the remembrances she had about her brother and the grief she still felt over his death. It is very heart wrenching to read about her suffering over how she had left their relationship, not knowing that she would never see him again.
She also has memories of her brother's best friend and feels a closeness to him that is undiminished after all these years. When she meets back up with him, that closeness is instantly obvious. Their relationship is the happy in this story. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow quickly through this novella, and was hoping that they have a happily ever after ending.
I won't go too much into detail about this, but her fiance is a pretentious, arrogant, word I won't say here! I couldn't believe his excuses for his behavior. I don't care when or where this story takes place, his actions and lack of guilt over them are reprehensible!
I recommend this to any romance lover that wants a fun, quick read. I really liked this story and it had me smiling even while it had some really sad bits to it.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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When I knew I had the opportunity to review Home Again, I was excited. I have heard a lot about Kathleen Shoop, but I have never once picked up one of her books. It was on my to-do list, but thank goodness I got to read her now! I love novellas for that quick afternoon read and that is exactly what this becam this passed Saturday while it was pouring down rain outside. I had nowhere to be and the kids were playing nicely, so why not? This novella grabbed me and never let me leave it’s clutches until the end. Good thing I have a supportive hubs that let me continue to read and took over the household for a minute!
I love a good romance and during war time, even though it is sad, it just makes everything all that much more touching. This story takes place in the times of the Vietnam War. You really don’t hear much about this war in novels and so I was happy to read about the people and their lives. If you have ever had an interest in these times, then I highly recommend this book to you. I was a little bummed once I got into the story because I wanted more! A novella was great, but I was greedy and wanted to know more about the time and the characters. Kathleen Shoop did such a great job in describing everything, I would even watch this short on the big screen. It reminded me a lot of a Nicholas Sparks book that has been turned into a movie. Of course, for something like that, more scenarios and length would have to be added, Don’t get me wrong, I loved the book. I was just so sucked in that I did not want it to end.
In this short, you will be faced wih love and emotions along with some sadness and drama. You learn a lot about the depths of the characters and what makes them tick even though this was a novella. I loved April and Hale as a couple and was rooting for them throughout the whole novel. I recommend this highly, and even though I wanted more, I give it FIVE stars. As my first story read by Kathleen Shoop, I am looking forward to other stories from her!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
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When I saw the description of Home Again. I was excited to read it. However, when I got it, I was a little hesitant. It was so small. That is when I realized it was a novella, and not a full length novel. I actually read another one of Kathleen Shoop's books, Love & Other Stories, first, even though, I got this one first to review. After reading that book, I could not wait to read this one. I'm glad I did. I really liked it. It is well written and grabbed my attention from the beginning. I couldn't put the book down.
I love a good love story, and I've always been interested about the times around the Vietnam War. What were people really like at this time? How did the men coming back from war deal with PTSD? This book touches on all of the above. If you are interested in this time period and like a good love story, then this book is for you. I would have probably liked this more if this was a full length novel. It has all of the making of a wonderful full length book and possibly a movie. It seemed a little rushed at parts especially at the end. Overall, it is a good book. I just wanted more.
I give this one 4 stars out of 5. There is some sex in the book. So, it is not appropriate for all ages.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
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When her life falls apart on her wedding day when she discovers pictures of her groom cheating, April Harrington goes to the only place she remembers solace: the family beach home on Albemarle Sound. There she discovers the once beautiful beach home has deteriorated with neglect. While there repairing the home, she runs into her childhood pal and her brother's best friend who is battling his own demons from the war in Viet Nam.
They find solace in one another, morn their mutual grief of her fallen brother, and find the love both desperately need! Although this is a novella, there is a huge amount of feeling, and depth to this love story! Kathleen did an amazing job depicting the demons that often follow our soldiers fresh home from the war, and she kept me so riveted I didn't put it down until I had read the last word. Two Thumbs up!
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This story starts out tragic and it is a painful time during which the Vietnam War was going on and we lost so many men. April's brother, Andrew was one of those men who lost his life over there and his best friend, Hale, survived. Hale feels guilty because he survived and Andrew didn't.
April feels guilty because she finally realizes how much her parents sacrificed to send her to college while dealing with Andrew being in Vietnam and then his death. They experienced a financial setback and their vacation home suffered.
When April fled her wedding, she ran to the vacation home and ran into Hale, or should we say he rescued her? Together, maybe they can heal each other. If nothing else, they can repair the vacation home and help Andrew's parents get back some of their joy. And in the end, it just might help them discover other things.
It's a great little book and it's definitely a worthy subject and a hopeful message.
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It took April's world crumbling to make her realize just how very out of touch she really was. Abandoned morals, loss of her brother, left her fiancee at the alter... all that is raw in her face personified by her family's once pristine Summer home that has fell into dilapidation. What exactly is she really looking for...will she be rescued?
I have to honestly say Kathleen Shoop managed to stuff an incredible amount of depth and feeling into this short story. I fell deeply in love with this story & the characters. Shoop brought April and Hale to life in real and amazing detail. She takes you on an emotional ride, and you find yourself lost in the story. My only regret is that the story was so short, I would love to read more.. perhaps a sequel?
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Short and Sweet
Home Again by Kathleen Shoop is the kind of story I like reading when I want to know the whole thing FAST! I was able to finish the book in no time. It came in so handy when I need to waited in line for something or even when I was at some doctor’s office. I am a big sucker for romance. I found Home Again very well written permitting me to slide through all the curves of emotions when certain scenes were taking place.
The past does seem to alter lives. April is affected while Hale is unable to shake off past events. Both April and Hale have lost so much. Together, they have to conquer the present and make room for their love in the future, as I would sum it up, it is a good read, a little short for all the action that could have happened and making it a little more steamier would have been so perfect.
It was a short read and I do recommend it. Adriana LG, Author, Jessica, The Untold Story
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I am not a huge fan of romance books, but let me tell you I loved this book! This is my first book I have read of Kathleen Shoop and I was so amazed! This book is a super fast read, which was nice because sometimes I don't have time to read a super long book, especially when I want to move on to another book. Just because it was short does not mean it wasn't good - it was fabulous! Then again I wish it kept going!
I fell in love with both April and Hale instantly. The characters brought me to them and made me feel as though I was living their story. I felt as though Kathleen was taking these characters and making them one of us. We have all been there, unable to forgive our past and so forth, always needing someone else who has been there to help us overcome the pain.
I am definitely going to check out more of Kathleen Shoop's books
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This short novella can definitely be read in one sitting. It is a contemporary romance which takes you through heartbreak of various kinds and ultimate love and healing. These two must learn to trust and forgive their own pasts to be able to go forward into the future. I did enjoy this book-it was refreshingly different from most books I have read recently.
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Home Again is a very sweet, quick story. I’m not usually a fan of Novella’s. I typically like a longer story that I can sit down and really dig into over a week. But Home Again had such a wonderful storyline that I found myself unable to put it down. It is a very quick read that would be perfect for reading while waiting at the Dr.’s office or an appointment.
April and Hale’s story moves very quickly and I did feel like I’d missed a bit of story once I finished. I wish there had been a little more involvement with the other characters. I wanted to see more interaction with her fiancé and her parents. This was a teaser. Home Again would make a wonderful full length novel and I hope to read April and Hale’s “full story”!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours. All the opinions above are 100% my own.
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A love story set with turbulant Vietnam war in the backdrop. More of a jump back in history where women were not really in charge of their lives. April is tormented by her failed marriage and heads to her family home to try to get her bearings. The home is a bit rundown and needs a lot of attention. Much has changed for April since she was home last. The loss of her brother in the war, then meeting up with her brothers best friend who faces his own demons from the war. The connection between these two is very strong and makes this story fly with sparks. Kathleen Shoop does a fine job bringing you into this story and and keeps in it til the end. "Home Again" is a great read, but will leave you wanting more of April and Hale!
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The first time I read Hale’s name, I knew I was going to fall in love with him.
And I did.
This was a quick read (literally only took me a couple of hours). Aside from the fact that it really isn’t that long, I didn’t want to put it down.
I kept forgetting it was set back in a different time where women weren’t “allowed” the independence we have now, but hot dang, if a man such as Hale wanted to do things for me and protect me and take care of me, so be it!
This was a fabulous romance story that I absolutely fell in love with. I loved April, I fell madly in love with Hale, and I would love a place like Bliss.
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