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Good Intentions Collection #4
The Road Home
A mother makes a heartbreaking choice in this unforgettable story about devotion and sacrifice in World War II–era France by the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names.
Marie Vachon experiences firsthand the devastation of the German invasion when she takes in a Jewish refugee named Josiane. A loving, if temporary, home for the displaced child. A second chance at motherhood for Marie. After three years, an inseparable bond is created. It’s one that leads Marie and Josiane to an inevitable but surprising reckoning that calls into question what motherhood means—and where it ends.
Kristin Harmel’s The Road Home is part of Good Intentions, a riveting collection of stories about the instincts, fears, and fierce love inherent in motherhood from award-winning, bestselling authors. Read or listen to each in a single sitting.
Marie Vachon experiences firsthand the devastation of the German invasion when she takes in a Jewish refugee named Josiane. A loving, if temporary, home for the displaced child. A second chance at motherhood for Marie. After three years, an inseparable bond is created. It’s one that leads Marie and Josiane to an inevitable but surprising reckoning that calls into question what motherhood means—and where it ends.
Kristin Harmel’s The Road Home is part of Good Intentions, a riveting collection of stories about the instincts, fears, and fierce love inherent in motherhood from award-winning, bestselling authors. Read or listen to each in a single sitting.
42 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2023
479 people are currently reading
3798 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Harmel
28 books16.1k followersKristin Harmel is the New York Times bestselling, USA Today bestselling, and #1 international bestselling author of The Paris Daughter, The Forest of Vanishing Stars, The Book of Lost Names, The Winemaker’s Wife, and a dozen other novels that have been translated into more than 30 languages and are sold all over the world.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
Kristin has been writing professionally since the age of 16, when she began her career as a sportswriter, covering Major League Baseball and NHL hockey for a local magazine in Tampa Bay, Florida in the late 1990s. In addition to a long magazine writing career, primarily writing and reporting for PEOPLE magazine (as well as articles published in numerous other magazines, including American Baby, Men’s Health, Woman’s Day, and more), Kristin was also a frequent contributor to the national television morning show The Daily Buzz. She sold her first novel in 2004, and it debuted in February 2006.
Kristin was born just outside Boston, Massachusetts and spent her childhood there, as well as in Worthington, Ohio, and St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating with a degree in journalism (with a minor in Spanish) from the University of Florida, she spent time living in Paris and Los Angeles and now lives in Orlando, with her husband and young son. She is also the co-founder and co-host of the popular weekly web show and podcast Friends & Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
July 26, 2024
In a Nutshell: A beautiful story about a mother’s love and sacrifice. Thought-provoking, sentimental and bittersweet. The ending didn’t work for me, though I am sure many readers will love it. Finally, this collection is swinging upwards!
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Plot Preview:
This is the fourth standalone story in the 'Good Intentions’ series, described on Amazon as “a riveting collection of stories about the instincts, fears, and fierce love inherent in motherhood.”
Finally, I found a beautiful story in this collection, befitting the theme of motherhood and the sacrifices that are an inherent part of this role. Josiane and Marie’s strong bond comes out beautifully through the writing, as does the uncertainty Marie feels when she learns that Josiane’s mom is back. The story tackles the emotions of the characters well. I loved this line: “It isn't brave when it is the only thing to do.”
The author’s note reveals how Jewish children were parted from their parents during WWII to keep them safe. As she has already written historical fiction novels focussing on the downside of such incidents, she deliberately chose to write a happy-ish story about a child who was lucky enough to end up with a loving foster family and to focus on the foster mother for a change, as most such stories focus more on the child and the troubles they face away from their parents.
This would have rated higher for me had the ending been different. I don’t want to go into spoilers, so I can’t reveal much about why I was a bit disgruntled with it. But it felt too good to be true, and didn’t suit the realistic tone of the story. I know many readers will love it, so don’t be dissuaded by my downvote.
This is my first work by Kristin Harmel, and seeing how she presents her characters and their feelings, I am not surprised at her popularity among historical fiction readers. I’d love to read her full-length works.
Definitely recommended to short fiction and historical fiction fans, as long as you like sentimental stories.
4 stars.
This standalone story is a part of the ‘Good Intentions’ collection, and is currently available free to Amazon Prime subscribers.
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Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
WWII-era France. Marie Vachon has been taking care of a little Jewish refugee named Josiane. After the death of her only son during the war, Marie immerses herself fully in taking care of the new child in her life. After three years, both Marie and Josiane love each other in a parental bond. Then comes the end of the war, and the news that Josiane’s mother is safe, and wants her child back. But is it that easy to give up on a piece of your heart?
The story comes to us in Marie’s third person perspective.
This is the fourth standalone story in the 'Good Intentions’ series, described on Amazon as “a riveting collection of stories about the instincts, fears, and fierce love inherent in motherhood.”
Finally, I found a beautiful story in this collection, befitting the theme of motherhood and the sacrifices that are an inherent part of this role. Josiane and Marie’s strong bond comes out beautifully through the writing, as does the uncertainty Marie feels when she learns that Josiane’s mom is back. The story tackles the emotions of the characters well. I loved this line: “It isn't brave when it is the only thing to do.”
The author’s note reveals how Jewish children were parted from their parents during WWII to keep them safe. As she has already written historical fiction novels focussing on the downside of such incidents, she deliberately chose to write a happy-ish story about a child who was lucky enough to end up with a loving foster family and to focus on the foster mother for a change, as most such stories focus more on the child and the troubles they face away from their parents.
This would have rated higher for me had the ending been different. I don’t want to go into spoilers, so I can’t reveal much about why I was a bit disgruntled with it. But it felt too good to be true, and didn’t suit the realistic tone of the story. I know many readers will love it, so don’t be dissuaded by my downvote.
This is my first work by Kristin Harmel, and seeing how she presents her characters and their feelings, I am not surprised at her popularity among historical fiction readers. I’d love to read her full-length works.
Definitely recommended to short fiction and historical fiction fans, as long as you like sentimental stories.
4 stars.
This standalone story is a part of the ‘Good Intentions’ collection, and is currently available free to Amazon Prime subscribers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
May 9, 2023
Beautiful story about a woman who got news that her son was killed during the war with Germans in World War Ii, she is approached to care for a two yr old Jewish girl when her parents are taken away to the camps. Then.. a few yrs later.. she must let her go when the mother comes back… heartbreaking and heartwarming story.
From the Amazon prime on kindle unlimited series.. Good Intentions… short stories from accomplished female authors.
From the Amazon prime on kindle unlimited series.. Good Intentions… short stories from accomplished female authors.
July 4, 2023
Amazon Originals Good Intentions Collection of short stories is a series of seven stories reflecting on motherhood. I loved The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel, a novel about courageous people who brought Jewish children to safety during the Holocaust, children given away by their parents out of the deepest love . The focus is on a woman who became a mother to one of these children. Moving, heartbreaking and heart healing.
If you’re an Amazon prime member , these are free for kindle. If not they are $.99, a huge bargain. This is the third one I’ve read.
If you’re an Amazon prime member , these are free for kindle. If not they are $.99, a huge bargain. This is the third one I’ve read.
July 4, 2023
This book is beautiful, gut wrenching, and thought provoking.
“The right thing often takes the most courage and the most sacrifice.”
“Hearts have a way of healing when necessary.”
“I watch the sky to the east each morning as a reminder that life continues, even when it doesn’t look the way we thought it would. Life continues, even when we are powerless over the things that hurt us. Life continues, even when we can’t know the future. God is with us in that sunrise, in that promise of a new day, in that reassurance of a tomorrow.”
“The future never looks the way we expect it to, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.”
“…it reminded me that ends could be beautiful, but they were always followed by beginnings.”
“War is about impossible choices”
“The right thing often takes the most courage and the most sacrifice.”
“Hearts have a way of healing when necessary.”
“I watch the sky to the east each morning as a reminder that life continues, even when it doesn’t look the way we thought it would. Life continues, even when we are powerless over the things that hurt us. Life continues, even when we can’t know the future. God is with us in that sunrise, in that promise of a new day, in that reassurance of a tomorrow.”
“The future never looks the way we expect it to, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.”
“…it reminded me that ends could be beautiful, but they were always followed by beginnings.”
“War is about impossible choices”
May 3, 2023
Emotional.
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. When a family lost a son during the war their grief unimaginable. The Germans are taking Jews so one young mother needs a place for her daughter to go where she will safe. The couple who lost their son were asked if they would take her in and there the intense love blossomed between the child and the couple.
There’s more. I recommend this book! I plan to read other books by thins author!
I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. When a family lost a son during the war their grief unimaginable. The Germans are taking Jews so one young mother needs a place for her daughter to go where she will safe. The couple who lost their son were asked if they would take her in and there the intense love blossomed between the child and the couple.
There’s more. I recommend this book! I plan to read other books by thins author!
August 16, 2023
“The future never looks the way we expect it to, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.”
This is a 5-star short story about love, sacrifice and devotion during WWII. In planning this book, Kristin Harmel asked herself: What would it have felt like to take a child into one’s home, to love that child deeply for years, and then to have to part with that child at the end of the war because it was the only right thing to do?
In searching for the answer she focused on the homes the children were sent to, the temporary parents who’d be a big part of the foster child’s journey. Her discovery is showcased in the plight of the Vachon family and a Jewish refugee named Josiane.
She reminds readers that
1) Life continues even when we are powerless over the things that hurt us
2) The right thing often takes the most courage and the most sacrifice
At only 42 pages, this short story still packs an emotional punch.
I read this through the Amazon Prime Reading Program.
This is a 5-star short story about love, sacrifice and devotion during WWII. In planning this book, Kristin Harmel asked herself: What would it have felt like to take a child into one’s home, to love that child deeply for years, and then to have to part with that child at the end of the war because it was the only right thing to do?
In searching for the answer she focused on the homes the children were sent to, the temporary parents who’d be a big part of the foster child’s journey. Her discovery is showcased in the plight of the Vachon family and a Jewish refugee named Josiane.
She reminds readers that
1) Life continues even when we are powerless over the things that hurt us
2) The right thing often takes the most courage and the most sacrifice
At only 42 pages, this short story still packs an emotional punch.
I read this through the Amazon Prime Reading Program.
September 7, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because of the beautiful narration by Caroline Hewitt. I always appreciate the way in which Kristin Harmel can write a harrowing story, while still keeping the ending uplifting.
December 10, 2023
A very moving story set in World War Two.
Kindle Unlimited - Good Intentions series
Kindle Unlimited - Good Intentions series
November 3, 2023
4.75⭑
who would have thought a short story could make me cry
who would have thought a short story could make me cry
November 17, 2024
This novella was really moving, thought-provoking and bittersweet.
September 7, 2023
Wrenching story of what is going through a woman's mind as she returns a child she has harbored during the occupation. Beautifully written.
August 13, 2023
This is a beautiful and uplifting short story about a horrible event in history.
So many children as well as adults perished in WWII under the most horrific circumstances. This very short story which is followed by a lovely author’s note is about a child and a mother who survived because of love and kindness. The ending was perfect for me on this one. It was the exact ending I needed to handle this subject matter.
One of my favorite parts is when a neighbor takes the mother to a garden bench and fills her heart with a reason to wake each day.
So many children as well as adults perished in WWII under the most horrific circumstances. This very short story which is followed by a lovely author’s note is about a child and a mother who survived because of love and kindness. The ending was perfect for me on this one. It was the exact ending I needed to handle this subject matter.
One of my favorite parts is when a neighbor takes the mother to a garden bench and fills her heart with a reason to wake each day.
May 31, 2023
An absolutely incredible short story!!! Just read it😊
May 10, 2023
4.5 stars
this story packed a punch i was not expecting -especially for a short story! but somehow on so few pages and with that little amount of words, this story managed to really show how hard life can be but also how beautiful it sometimes can turn out to be in unexpected ways.
defiantly worth a read!
The future never looks the way we expect it to, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful.
this story packed a punch i was not expecting -especially for a short story! but somehow on so few pages and with that little amount of words, this story managed to really show how hard life can be but also how beautiful it sometimes can turn out to be in unexpected ways.
defiantly worth a read!
February 11, 2024
Mein größtes Problem war, dass hier ein gesamter Figur-Arc in 40 Seiten reingequetscht wurde. Deswegen war alles so seltsam gerafft, aber gerade Kurzgeschichten müssen keinen abgeschlossen Arc beinhalten? arbeitet doch bitte mit der Form :(
May 20, 2023
An interesting perspective… but the ending felt like the author couldn’t give her protagonist too much grief to bear.
December 1, 2023
Motherhood never ceases, even through loss and pain, for to carry a child in one’s heart is to belong to that child forever.
Imagine losing your son during the World War II and opening your home for a Jewish refugee, a lovely girl called Josiane. Marie Vachon did everything to love that little girl and make everyone believe she is her daughter even while she is still mourning the loss of her only child.
Marie Vachon what a queen you are, because If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't have the power within me to give that girl back to her mom after three years of memories and seeing her grow as your own.
The Author's note had something that really hit me, even though I'm not a mother:
There’s no such thing as a perfect mother. None of us can look back at our children’s lives and claim that we made every single decision correctly. But if we lead with love—if we let our hearts guide our decisions and influence every moment we spend together—I think we’re on the right track.
Imagine losing your son during the World War II and opening your home for a Jewish refugee, a lovely girl called Josiane. Marie Vachon did everything to love that little girl and make everyone believe she is her daughter even while she is still mourning the loss of her only child.
Marie Vachon what a queen you are, because If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't have the power within me to give that girl back to her mom after three years of memories and seeing her grow as your own.
The Author's note had something that really hit me, even though I'm not a mother:
There’s no such thing as a perfect mother. None of us can look back at our children’s lives and claim that we made every single decision correctly. But if we lead with love—if we let our hearts guide our decisions and influence every moment we spend together—I think we’re on the right track.
April 28, 2023
Kristin always evokes a lot of emotions out of me when I devour a book written by her and this short story is no exception. I happy cried, sad cried, smiled and so much more as I listened to this one!! It might be a short story but Harmel packs a lot into this one!!!
It is WWII France and Marie takes in Josiane, a Jewish refugee child. They spend three years together until an unexpected knock comes on the front door. Will this change Marie’s life???
This story is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Motherhood is tough but so rewarding too!! There is not one perfect mom out there but we can do our best everyday!!!!
The next book by this amazing author, THE PARIS DAUGHTER, will be out on 6/6 so you don’t have to wait very long to get to read her newest which is just incredible!!!!!!!
It is WWII France and Marie takes in Josiane, a Jewish refugee child. They spend three years together until an unexpected knock comes on the front door. Will this change Marie’s life???
This story is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. Motherhood is tough but so rewarding too!! There is not one perfect mom out there but we can do our best everyday!!!!
The next book by this amazing author, THE PARIS DAUGHTER, will be out on 6/6 so you don’t have to wait very long to get to read her newest which is just incredible!!!!!!!
April 12, 2024
What a beautiful and heartbreaking story. This woman gets word her son had died in the war. Soon after she is asked to take care of a young Jewish girl. Over the next 3 years her heart begins to mend and she becomes a mother again. She feels happiness and enjoys that she is needed again. Only for her heart to be ripped out and the child she has been caring for to be taken back to her real mother. She’s torn apart all over again. She starts to grieve yet again over another loss of a child. One that was never really hers but that she had grown to love like her own. I was so mad, wondering if she’d have some sort of happy ending. I was pleasantly surprised to find out she does. I sobbed. My heart healed alongside hers. Amazing story.
August 3, 2023
This is a weeper, for sure, so be prepared. But it's a World War II story that I've not seen a lot about: about the families who took in Jewish children as their own and protected them when their parents and families were imprisoned. The ending felt like a bit of wish fulfillment rather than reality to me, which is why I didn't give it the fifth star.
But the story was beautiful and well rendered and speaks to the complex emotions of foster situations and what they can mean to the parents and children involved.
But the story was beautiful and well rendered and speaks to the complex emotions of foster situations and what they can mean to the parents and children involved.
April 27, 2023
A beautiful short story about what it means to be a mother. Set during WW2, a French mother has lost her son to war but then an abandoned Jewish child is brought to her. Can she love this child as her own? Thank you @amazonpublishing
May 12, 2023
A Story of Enduring Love
What a beautiful, if heartbreaking, story of the trials and tribulations of a mother’s love.
Emotional and raw. The characters were dynamic and the emotions were palpable.
And that ending! I actually cried.
What a beautiful, if heartbreaking, story of the trials and tribulations of a mother’s love.
Emotional and raw. The characters were dynamic and the emotions were palpable.
And that ending! I actually cried.
November 12, 2024
lovely sweet short story
I was not expecting this story to catch my heart the way it did, but it was well done, as Kristin Harmel’s books always are. Motherhood comes in so many ways and this showed a heartbreaking side of it.
I was not expecting this story to catch my heart the way it did, but it was well done, as Kristin Harmel’s books always are. Motherhood comes in so many ways and this showed a heartbreaking side of it.
April 30, 2023
A beautiful post WWII short story.
May 10, 2023
That was heart shattering in the best way.
May 11, 2023
"The single word undid me."
This short story gave me chills!
-Audible 🎧
This short story gave me chills!
-Audible 🎧
May 13, 2023
This was a free Audible download and so worth listening to around Mother’s Day! Love may be lost, but it can be found again!!
July 8, 2023
One of absolute favorite authors. Short story but it could go on and on. A good story with a great ending.
September 11, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed these short stories. Each by a different author and each quite different from the previous.
September 22, 2023
This story was amazing!! I knew I'd love it bc it's about WWII, but I didn't expect it to b this good. Omg at the end, I almost started bawling like a baby!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews