Love Comes Home: A Novel by Ann H. Gabhart

Rosey Corner #3

by Ann H. Gabhart

World War II is finally over and the people of Rosey Corner are busy welcoming the boys home. The Merritt sisters in particular are looking toward the future. Kate is eager to start a family and live out her dream of happily ever after with Jay. Evangeline wants a beautiful house and encourages Mike to pastor a big-town church. Victoria wants what can never be–a life with a man who will never come back. And little Lorena is growing up and wondering more and more about her birth family.
Through the heartfelt storytelling of bestselling author Ann Gabhart, readers join these endearing characters as they walk an uncertain road. Each sister must learn to hold her plans with a loose hand, trusting that God will guide and strengthen them as they share the joys and sorrows of life in their little corner of the world.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Historical, Christian, Christian Historical Fiction

Paperback

First published June 24, 2014

About the author

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. At the age of ten, she started dreaming of writing stories others would want to read. That dream has come true as she's published over thirty-five novels. She and her husband have three children married to three beautiful in-law children who have gifted her nine grandchildren. She still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dogs, reading, and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, was a best-seller and was followed up by two more stories about the Merritt sisters. She keeps her stories in Kentucky and has enjoyed going to the Kentucky Appalachian Mountains for some stories including These Healing Hills and Along a Storied Trail. And if you like mysteries, you can try her Hidden Springs Mysteries published under the author name, A.H. Gabhart. Visit Ann's website http://annhgabhart.com to find out more. There you can sign up for her newsletter where she does giveaways several times a year.

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loves Comes Home, by Ann H. Gabhart, is set after World War II when communities were welcoming the soldiers home. This was also happening in Rosey Corner. There are four sisters which are each looking shich will make them feel love. Kate would like to start a family, Evangeline is looking for a beautiful house, Victoria's dreams are grand, and Lorena wants information about her birth family.

This was a good book. Each of the dreams has its own obstacles that stand in the way of making them happen and each of the characters are written in a way to draw the reader into their stories.

This is labeled as Historical Fiction but it could also be labeled as a Christian Romance. So for the reader that enjoys either of these, they will enjoy this book also.

I was given this book by Revell in exchange for my honest review.

[Cynthia Childress · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War II is over, but the horrors of war continue to live on in the men who fought for freedom and the women who love them. Thankful for their return home, yet troubled by the demons that haunt them, the ladies of Rosey Corner must rely on faith in God and their loved ones to help their men (and themselves) heal. A truly inspirational novel - the power of prayer is amazing! Walk through the trials of life in the times following World War II with the people of this special place that pulls you in and you don't want it to let you go. We can learn so much from those bumps in the road.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. Gabhart writes a great story here with real honest characters. There are ups and downs for all of them. Each has there own valley to walk through and each must find their own struggle on their individual walk of faith. This series(I've read books 2 and 3) made this reader long for a simpler time in history when most men were gentlemen, neighbors helped neighbors and everyone had a place in society in the land of the free because of the brave. Highly recommend

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

World War II has ended. Two of the Merritt family's four daughters are happily awaiting the return of their husbands after years of being separated by the war. Sadly, one of the Merritt girls will not be greeting her husband along with the others. Her husband died in the war, leaving her to raise her young daughter without a father. Merritt family ties are strong, and the family gathers together in rural Rosey Corner to celebrate, accompanied by extended family in the community.

This post World War II novel is rich in history and the flavor of a rural community where neighbors are family, and everyone's business is public knowledge. At this time in history people truly cared for one another, and shared in the joys and sadness surrounding them. Young families were excited and determined to move forward with their lives, although nightmares of war haunted many young men. There were obstacles to overcome and fears to be conquered, but the support of strong families and friends is paramount in this compelling story. Acceptance is a strong theme throughout, as well as faith, hope and unconditional love for one another as a family pulls together to support one another in love and life.

Ann H. Gabhart has a gift for creating stories of human interest that go far beyond a simple story. She creates in-depth characters, rich in faith and compassion. Her writing contains a wealth of human emotions that grips the reader by its intensity. Life is not watered down. These characters are true to rural American communities. "Love Comes Home" is a memorable book of diversity in personalities and a family love so strong that nothing can break their ties to one another. I highly recommend this book! I had not read the first two books in this series, but I certainly will now!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot....

Ann H. Gabhart’s Love Comes Home is a true delight. I loved getting to know the Merritt family in Small Town Girl (although Angel Sister technically begins the Merritt family’s story), so to revisit them and their quaint town of Rosey Corner made me very happy. Love Comes Home picks up a few years after Small Town Girl, at the completion of World War II, and the Merritt sisters faces her own challenges in greeting the uncertainty and unpredictability of the future as life returns to "normal" in ways different than hoped for and expected. The characters hold true to the personalities established in Small Town Girl, even as they grow while facing their individual, challenging circumstances. This novel realistically addresses many heartbreaking situations, but also contains the hope, love and faith needed to survive such experiences. Full of emotion, I found myself teary-eyed at several moments and happily smiling at others. I loved this return to Rosey Corner - it was definitely worth the trip. I recommend it to lovers of historical fiction, especially those who have read Angel Sister and Small Town Girl. While it is not necessary to have read these two novels before Love Comes Home, I think they help to have a better understanding of the characters and their histories.

Thanks to Revell Reads, I received a copy of Love Comes Home and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Rachel Muller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ann Gabhart does it again! In my own opinion, I think Love Comes Home is her best work yet! The characters stay true to their personalities while learning to deal with the heartbreaks and thrills that comes with growing up.

Each sister is coping with her own personal set of heartaches. The war is over, but for the Merritt sisters, the ending of one tragedy is the beginning of another.

I think readers will thoroughly enjoy this third installment of Ms. Gabhart's Rosey Corner Series. And if I'm correct in my assumptions, I will be awaiting the next chapter in the Merritt sisters' lives!

I give it 5 stars!

[Emma]

Love this series so much... the setting, the writing, the characters! So sweet.

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed Ann H.Gabharts books and was happy to listen to the Audio version of Love Comes Home. It's a poignant story of four sisters during the days of the Depression. Each sister has her own personality and experiences that they respond differently to. It was the third book in this series, and I hadn't read the earlier books, so it took me a while to figure out the different sisters and their roles in the story. Other than that the book works fine as a stand alone book.

The family circle seems quite close in this time period, which I can still remember from my youth, as well. Life today seems to be on a different path so it was nice to see the family circle as portrayed in this story. Each sister has her own story to live and experiences, good and not so good.

It's a Christian romance story and was very good, as are all this author's books.

I received a complimentary copy of this Audio book from the author and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

World War II is over and the soldiers are coming home. I didn't love this one as much as the previous book--Kate and Jay's storyline was super engaging and felt so real, and I wish a bit that the focus had entirely been on them. Tori's grief deserved a bit more space, I think--people were pushing her so fast to get over the death of her husband! She had a baby at age 17 and is raising her alone, that feels like a lot to focus on. I did appreciate how Clay respected her and didn't force his attentions on her, and I do like them together, but the way it played out wasn't totally my favorite. And then poor Evie was just relegated to D-plot again--we don't even know if she had her baby!! I get the feeling that the author doesn't like this character much, but I do and wish we could see things from her perspective, too.

I'm sad that this seems to be the end of the series--I would love more of Kate and Evie!

[Abigail Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well developed, realistic characters and storyline. I didn't want to put the book down and was sorry for this series to end. Those of us from older generations can 'recognize' some of the more unique characters and various elements of the post WWII small town setting. Many of them brought back warm memories. However, every reader will also be able to 'recognize' the several self centered, narcissistic characters. When reading about the small town grocery store, I suddenly recalled the scent of fresh bread just put out on the shelves and the penny candy handed over in small paper bags.
Traipsing through the woods was a regular part of our lives as was 'going fishing' and so much more.
Thank you Ann H. Gabhart for capturing the essence of those times, both pleasant and difficult.
I just recently discovered this author and will be reading more of her books.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabhart covered a lot of ground in this final book of the Merritt sisters’ story. There was a story line for each sister with different points of view for each story line. That was kind of a risky move, I think, because it had the potential to make the story confusing and choppy. However, Gabhart did a great job with it. The story flowed well, and it all came together nicely. I guess my only complaint is that Evie’s story seemed to get forgotten and/or pushed to the back burner as the book progressed. What happened with her and Mike?

Overall, though, great little trilogy (Angel Sister, Small Town Girl, and this one, Love Comes Home). I would recommend it.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was gifted this audiobook by the Author. I love audiobooks and enjoyed listening to this one read by the author herself. Seems much more authentic when the author narrators their own books. Even though I have not read the first two books in the series, I felt this book was complete as a story and was never left out by references to events that took place before the start of this book. The characters were diverse and interesting. The story line was plausible and well-paced. The emotions of the characters seemed genuine and I was able to empathize with them throughout the novel. This was an enjoyable story and well worth reading.

[Marilyn Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one awesome book. In spite of all the difficulties at Rosey Corner, love shines through. The soldiers' reaction to the war is realistic but not gruesome. I'm not usually the type that cries easily over a story but tears filled my eyes when Kate lost her baby and a few other times also. I did wish that Mrs. Gabhart would have brought the sisters' mother a little more into the story because after all, she helped them become the women they were. The Rosey Corner series is the kind I would like to collect and have on my bookshelf.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely ending to this trilogy! While this book would stand alone, I would recommend reading "Angel Sister" and "Small Town Girl" first in order to get the background - it makes this book much richer! This is such a beautiful tale of love, loss, second chances, and life after war. These characters are so well developed and completely believable. I feel like I have come out really getting to know the folks of Rosey Corner and my life is a little better because of them. This book had me laughing in parts and crying in others. Just a good heartfelt historical novel. Highly recommend!

[Shelby Arnette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall I think the Rosey Corner books are sweet and lighthearted, but I didn't like the way the author dealt with the characters coming home from WWII in this one. The effects of the war were evident only in one minor character and even then they weren't portrayed realistically. I find it hard to believe anyone could come home from such a catastrophic event and not suffer. From what I know of my grandparents stories of their own parents (of the war generation) that just isn't a true portrait of these brave men and women's struggles.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Rosey Corners series which brings readers along with the Merritt sisters as they navigate life after World War 2. In order to get the most out of this book readers should read the first two books in the series. It looks at how soldiers coming home from the war had to readjust to civilian life and how a community grappled with the loss of so many young men due to war. It proved to be a good solid read with characters that were relatable with a good glimpse of life after world war 2.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first experience with Ann H Gabhart's work, and I enjoyed it very much. WWII is over and the servicemen are coming home. The Merritt sisters are each preparing for the changes that the end of the war has brought to their lives. The author has written a story that made that time in history more real as her characters were believable and relatable. I recommend this tale to others who enjoy this genre. Ann H Gabhart's narration was fine. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The War is over and the Merritt sisters are facing new beginnings. Evie wants her husband Mike to pastor another church. Jay and Kate are heartbroken over the loss of their baby. Tori's husband never came back from the War and she is uncertain if she can ever love another man. Lorena is no longer a little girl and is starting to wonder about her biological family. Life is full of joy and sorrows but it's always love that ties a family together.

[Addyson Currier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming off of small town girl, the previous book in the series, I couldn’t wait to start this one to see what happened. It was cool to see several things finally unfold. This one was very slow, harder to continue reading and very depressing…yet I still enjoyed certain aspects. Didn’t hate it, didn’t love it. Lol. Appreciate that I can tell this is written by a believer and no unnecessary spice or language. The brown sugar pie recipe is at the end!

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful, though emotionally heavy. The final installation of the Rosey Corner trilogy is the most intense one yet. Love and loss abound as this ballad turns its pages and builds the friendship of sisters and the bonds of family even stronger. From the death of a community’s pillar and the loss of a most desired baby, to the infancy of a new love and a lost family found, Anne Gabhart writes another story I could hardly put down.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!

All three books in the Rosey Corner series have been excellent, but this one has my heart all tangled up. I laughed, and cried, over this family i have come to know in this past week. My first acquaintance with Ann H. Gabhart's writing has made me put her on my new favorite writer's list. I highly recommend this series. For best experience, read in order.

[Conservative Goth Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s bittersweet that I finished the Rosey Corner series. A part of me wanted to read this book slowly so I could cherish the moments but at the same time, I couldn’t put it down. In a world of wokeism and anti-God rhetoric, Ann H. Gabhart gives me hope, because we need more inspirational Christian books like hers!

[Elisabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this series about the Merritt sisters and how they faced trials and triumphs in their lives. However, I felt like by the third book, there were many details that were overly repetitive from the entire series, and some plot lines were left unfinished. Maybe I noticed more because I read the entire series straight through. Still an enjoyable read.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't remember the last time a book caused my throat to clog and tears in my eyes as I read it. A deeply moving story about a family in the days after WWII. Losses and returns, renewing and moving on. A wonderful story from start to finish. I absolutely loved it.

[Carol Kuehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful ending to the Merritt Family's story! This journey through 3 books has been a delightful and spiritually inspiring book. Each character added much to the story and the author's ending was worth waiting for.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a book filled with love for God, neighbors and family. Just simple folk with big hearts. Life isn’t easy but they lean into one another. This book and series was a true delight. I have fallen in love further with Ann Gabhart’s writing with each novel of hers that I read.

[Sherri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and the whole series. I recommend it to anyone who loves a clean heartwarming book with easy-to-love and easy-to-believe characters. I listened to the audiobook and the author's voice truly depicted that of the setting. Very enjoyable!

[La Crescent Public Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy to read historical fiction novel. Available in large print.

This book traces the lines of four sisters after WWII comes to an end. One sister is married to a pastor. One is adopted and checks into her birth family. Another's husband returns from the war.

~Judy

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading Ann's books are like curling up with a warm quilt. Even though the characters go through troubles and hardships the reader always gets a happy ending it may take a couple of book in the cause of series. But it happens. And the fact that these books take place in my home state doesn't hurt.

[Carol Ackerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about sisters waiting for the end of WWII and how families are changed after the war's end. The author did a good job of showing how sisters had to cope with one family member coming home from the war while another did not.