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In the second book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins spins a tender tale of God’s faithfulness throughout the generations.

Rani Martin, Simon and Anna’s only daughter, is a beautiful and spirited young woman living deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. She has plenty of ideas about the man she’ll marry someday, but none of them could have prepared her for the return of Matthew Jackson.

Matthew left Cades Cove as a child after his father’s death. Now he’s come back to build a new life for himself, and it’s his dearest wish that Rani be a part of that life. But the people of the Cove won’t let him forget the sins of his father, and Matthew can’t forget the darkness of his own past.

Is there a place for Matthew in the Cove? And can the light of Rani’s love overcome his pain?

304 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2013

23 people are currently reading
125 people want to read

About the author

Sandra Robbins

53 books89 followers
Library of Congress Authorities:
Personal name heading:
Robbins, Sandra (Sandra S.)

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5 stars
96 (53%)
4 stars
59 (32%)
3 stars
16 (8%)
2 stars
8 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Gayle Pace.
1,110 reviews22 followers
December 8, 2012
Second Book in the series, Smoky Mountain Dreams, 'Mountain Homecoming' by Sandra Robbins spins a sweet tale of God's faithfulness.

Rani Martin is beautiful and spirited. She lives deep in the Smoky Mountains. She knows what kind of man she'll marry, but that will change when she meets someone totally different.

Now this man is back to start his new life. The people won't forget the father's sins. The darkness of this man's past won't let him forget. Will the people of the Cove accept him? Can his own pain be overcome by Rani.

The book flows nicely. It could be read by anyone. It doesnt have a lot of big words that aren't understood. The characters were portrayed as real people, their actions, emotions, and thoughts. When Josie rolled her eyes and shook her head. SO realistic. Josie and Rani crying when they were packing could almost make the reader cry. The book is well written. It's about friendship, their ups and downs, God's plan for the characters.

Matthew was shown to be a true man, that is a man not afraid to cry. These were shown by the author, Sandra Robbins, to be true characteristics of real down to earth people. I loved the book and would recommend it to anyone. Write more. This was a good wholesome book. 5 stars.

I received an e-copy of this book 'Mountain Homecoming' from Net Galley on behalf of Harvest House Publishers for this review.

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Profile Image for Brenda.
1,150 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2013
I really enjoyed the historical feel of this book, but it was the characters that really made the story come to life. Rani Martin feels like all of her friends are moving away from Cades Cove, but really there is no place else she would rather be. She is outspoken against the Little River Lumber Company that she feels like is destroying her beloved mountains. When she meets Matthew Jackson she really jumped to the wrong conclusions about him, but soon learns who he really is, but still can't help but be suspicious of him. Matthew was such an enjoyable character, his past really bothered him, and I kept hoping that he and Rani would come together and get their happily ever after. The secondary characters in this story really kept the plot moving, making it more than just another love story. For me it was book love with this story, I loved the setting, time period characters, and the way the author was able to pull me into the story, bringing Cades Cove to life.Even though this book was the second in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series it can easily be read as a stand alone work, although "Mountain Homecoming" was such an enjoyable read that I plan on reading the first book "Angel of the Cove" soon. Highly recommended!
7,767 reviews50 followers
December 8, 2017
Rani has let George visit her, but only wants him as a friend. He has another side that she see's, since she won't return his affection. Others in this Valley think he would be a good husband for her, including her mother. Finally confiding in her dad, that she wants a love like her parents. After twenty years the love still shines in their eyes for one another. Matthew has returned, to live and rebuilt, what was once his childhood home. Would he be welcome, after all the pranks , and what his father was. Grandma see's a different picture and tries to get Rani, to go see what the outside world is like, before she gets married. Good, in depth look at mountain life for a young girl.
Profile Image for Paula.
436 reviews5 followers
June 23, 2021
Sweet clean romance I really enjoyed reading! Great story about Rani and Matthew, he is troubled about his past, and she is very adamant about saving the mountains from the destruction of the logging company. They meet and it is a great story, although she gets mixed up and becomes engaged to another in the process. Loved it!
Profile Image for Lisa J. Hight.
5 reviews
May 30, 2018
Captivating Sequel

Coming to realize the gifts God has given you and seeing the p!and God has for your life, Rani and Matthew grow in who they are individually and then grow in the realization of who they are to each other. Loving and suspenseful.
Profile Image for Alicia Lowery.
434 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2017
Well, the title kind of gave the ending away. Also, idk who’s on the cover. She doesn’t match the physical description of the main female character.
Profile Image for Jan St Clair.
184 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2018
Fantastic book 2! This series is great and keep you interested from the first word until the very last!!
I love these books!!
Profile Image for Bonnie Olive.
259 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2020
Enjoyed this book!

A story of Simon and Anna's daughter Rani ,and of her coming of age in the great smoky mountains and regions of staying or going to New York
Profile Image for Hannah.
88 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book very much. I actually thought it was better than the first book in the series.
Profile Image for Dawn Jordan.
164 reviews
February 14, 2022
I enjoyed this book.
I was happy to see the author finished the book like she did instead of skipping years ahead.
Profile Image for Allan67.
375 reviews11 followers
October 16, 2020
Another book that I read to Diana. We can't do much anymore after her stroke, so I read to her to spend time together. Diana has always loved to have someone to read to her - and I like to do just that
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,217 reviews39 followers
April 17, 2013
About the Book:

In the second book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins spins a tender tale of God's faithfulness throughout the generations.

Rani Martin, Simon and Anna's only daughter, is a beautiful and spirited young woman living deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. She has plenty of ideas about the man she'll marry someday, but none of them could have prepared her for the return of Matthew Jackson.

Matthew left Cades Cove as a child after his father's death. Now he's come back to build a new life for himself, and it's his dearest wish that Rani be a part of that life. But the people of the Cove won't let him forget the sins of his father, and Matthew can't forget the darkness of his own past.

Is there a place for Matthew in the Cove? And can the light of Rani's love overcome his pain?

About the Author:

Sandra Robbins and her husband live in the small college town in Tennessee where she grew up. They count their four children and five grandchildren as the greatest blessings in their lives. Her published books include stories in historical romance and romantic suspense. When not writing or spending time with her family, Sandra enjoys reading, collecting flow blue china, and playing the piano.

My Review:

The setting of this book takes place in the Smoky Mountains in the early 1900's. The story centers around a young woman by the name of Rani Martin that thinks everything in her life is complete. Complete that is until her good friend Josie moves away with her family to find work because there is no work at Cades Cove. Rani had been contemplating finding a husband some day when Josie finally explained to her that sometimes in life you have to settle because the one you want may never come along.

Meanwhile Matthew returns to the Cove trying to locate his old family farm trying to find a tree that his father planted for his mother on their wedding day. He was going there to fulfill a death bed request by his mother. Upon finding it he hears alot of screaming and fussing in a female voice. So he just stands by and listens to what appears to be Rani, I believe fussing at God about her problems. He is captivated by this beautiful creature.



Seeing Rani makes living in this town so much easier......



**Disclosure**This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Harvest House Publishers.
Profile Image for Tamara Tilley.
Author 10 books23 followers
January 23, 2016
MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING was good, but moved a little slow at times.

Rani Martin is a proud product of Cades Cove, a valley in the Smoky Mountains. She loves everything about life in the Cove. Being with her family and doing the pottery she so enjoys gives her peace. Though someday she hopes to marry, she knows she won’t settle for anything less than true love. So, when Matthew Jackson returns to the Cove, her heart and mind begin a tug-o-war. When she and Matthew are together, it seems like all their time is spent arguing. But, when their not together, Rani can think of no one else. He isn’t at all what she fantasized her future husband would be. But she is sure the feelings she has for him are love.

Matthew Jackson has returned to his childhood home, a childhood stained with haunting memories. He wants to start fresh in the town of his boyhood, but isn’t sure if the people of Cades Cove will allow him to do that. The Martin family welcomes him with open arms. And when he meets Rani, he feels an immediate spark. Though they bicker more than they talk, his heart immediately claims her for its own. But Matthew isn’t convinced they should be together. He’s almost ten years her senior and has a background that shames him. He wants only the best for Rani, and is convinced he is not the man for her. He pushes her away, and by doing so hurts her deeply. But he convinces himself that it is better if he breaks her heart now instead of somewhere down the line.

Rani and Matthew struggle with where they belong in the world. Is it together? Or are they both better off apart? When the perfect man enters Rani’s life, the answer to her future seems crystal clear. Now, if only she can convince her heart to let go of Matthew.

MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING has all the ingredients for the perfect love story–a hero and heroine to pull for, a beautiful setting, and rich secondary characters. But the timing was a little too slow for my liking. Some keys phrases seemed to be repeated way too many times, and I found myself skimming towards the middle of the book. It is a good read for those her are looking for simplicity, but because of the pacing, it lacked the Wow factor I look for in a romance novel.

Book provided for review purposes.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
March 26, 2014
Title: MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING
Author: Sandra Robbins
Publisher: Harvest House
March 2013
ISBN: 978-0736948869
Genre: Historical

In the second book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams series, acclaimed author Sandra Robbins spins a tender tale of God's faithfulness throughout the generations.

Rani Martin, Simon and Anna's only daughter, is a beautiful and spirited young woman living deep in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. She has plenty of ideas about the man she'll marry someday, but none of them could have prepared her for the return of Matthew Jackson.

Matthew left Cades Cove as a child after his father's death. Now he's come back to build a new life for himself, and it's his dearest wish that Rani be a part of that life. But the people of the Cove won't let him forget the sins of his father, and Matthew can't forget the darkness of his own past.

Is there a place for Matthew in the Cove? And can the light of Rani's love overcome his pain?

MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING is the second book in the Smokey Mountain Dreams series, but it easily stands alone. Fans will want to read the first book, Angel of the Cove, so they know Rani’s parents romance story.

I found MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING a bit slow and predictable. Rani is a feisty, argumentive heroine, quick to judge and jump to opinions. Matthew is hesitant, kind of fearful acting. I’m not sure why he didn’t state it was his land she was trespassing on in the beginning of the book, and why he let her believe he scouted for trees to log, but he did. It made him seem kind of wimpy to me, not a good place for a hero to be.

However, there are a lot of four and five star reviews on this book, so this is my opinion only. If you like historical romances that are peaceful reads, then this is a book to consider. It has a sweet ending. $13.99. 304 pages.
Profile Image for Renee.
796 reviews
March 27, 2013
3.5 stars
Just as in the first book Angel of the Cove, Mountain Homecoming is a sweet love story reminiscent of Catherine Marshall's beloved classic, Christy. This book takes place 20 years after Angel of the Cove and follows Anna's daughter, Rani. As was the case with Anna's story this one is also something of a coming of age tale. Rani falls in love for the first time, has her heart broken, leaves her beloved Cove and finds out what truly matters -- faith and real love. Rani is a rather impetuous character who's a bit difficult to like at first but as the story progresses and Rani matures she definitely becomes more likeable. Matthew Jackson on the other hand is a terrific character. He returns to Cades Cove after a 20 year absence only to find that the residents haven't forgotten what his good-for-nothing father did all those years ago. He battles his own demons while becoming acquainted with the lovely daughter of an old family friend. Both Rani and Matthew are pretty well rounded as far as characters go but the one beef I had with this story was its predictability. I liked that the characters had "real-life" arguments which aren't really seen in fluffy romances but I knew that things were still going to end up tied together in a nice bow by the end in spite of everything that was going on between Rani and her beau. I felt so terrible for David, who we met later on in the book and would love to know what happens next with him! All in all a good story for those who like clean romances with heavy Christian themes.

* I received my complimentary review copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my honest review. *
Profile Image for Abbie.
291 reviews37 followers
April 25, 2013
Rani’s best friend who recently got married is moving away and she feels so alone. The same day her friend leaves a man named Matthew comes to the cove and Rani does not trust him at first. But soon she gets to know him and finds herself falling for him but Matthew has things in his past that threaten to ruin everything. Can Rani and Matthew overcome these issues to find happiness with each other?

This is book two in the series and I quite enjoyed it.

What I liked: I liked how Rani is the daughter of the couple from the first book and how this story-line flowed. I really liked Rani and her spunk. She said what she thought even though it got her in trouble at times yet made for a fun read. I also liked how the time flowed in this book and both Rani and Matt had to do some growing up. It made it more believable and interesting.

What I did not like: Rani in the beginning of the book was quite upset with a logging company and had some words with Matthew about it and then it was not really talked about again. I thought there was going to be more of a story-line there. Not a big deal just something I noticed.

Over all I liked this book and thought it was even better then the first. I am now really looking forward to the third and final book of the series due out later this year. You don’t have to read the first book of the series before you pick this one up but I would recommend it as learning the back story will make this book more enjoyable.

http://abbiesreadingcorner.com/2013/0...
Profile Image for Maureen Timerman.
3,238 reviews490 followers
March 25, 2013
Another excellent book by Sandra Robbins, and the second one in this story. This one picks up where we left off in "Angel In The Cove", which I've read and loved. Now you can read this as a stand alone, but why would you??
It is now 20 years later and Anna and Simon Martin now have Granny living with them. Their son Steven is off to college, and their daughter Rani is very passionate about her Smokey Mountains.
Matthew Jackson also returns, all grown up, and wanting the peace that the mountains offer. He just hopes this small community will not blame him for his father's sins.
Josie, Rani's best friend is preparing to leave the Cove with her husband and young baby. We find Rani there helping with a tearful goodbye, but we also find out a deep long lasting secret. This secret is one that will change Rani's life forever.
Return with us to life in the Mountains where life is one beautiful sight after another, and where life is hard and primitive. Things we take for granted are not always available there.
I do hope there is more to come in this amazing series, I personally loved this book! I love the way these people follow God, and are there for each other.

I received this book from First Wild Card Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Profile Image for Veronica.
1,057 reviews8 followers
April 27, 2013
This is a historical romance about Rani Martin, a young woman living in Cades Cove, in the Smoky Mountains. She's content there on the land she loves with her wonderful parents, but wonders if she'll fall in love someday. When she meets a man near a run-down farm, she assumes he's a stranger to the cove but realizes he's the boy her parents have talked about for years. Matthew Jackson left the cove twenty years ago, after his drunkard of a father died. He's always wanted to come back but never dreamed that he might find love. He feels too ashamed of his past, not to mention the legacy his father left. Will he find a home and someone to share it with?

I liked the setting of this story and the interactions of the different characters. I was a bit frustrated with both Rani and Matthew at different times but they redeemed themselves. There were some sweet moments between them I enjoyed. I liked the insight into ...read the rest here: http://shopgirl152ny.blogspot.com/201...
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,972 reviews175 followers
January 2, 2014
This is book 2 of the Smoky Mountain Dreams series by Sandra Robbins. We met the daughter of Simon and Anna and the return of Matthew Jackson, who had been away from Cades Cove for 20 years, since the death of his father. His mother and brother died of influenza about 5 years later while living in Pigeon Forge.

This is a story of love and acceptence. A great reminder that no matter what our sins are, God's grace and forgiveness is much greater and freely given.

I borrowed this book from the library and look forward to reading many more book by Sandra Robbins. Living at the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and reading stories based on the area is very enjoyable. Ms. Robbins has done a beautiful job of telling the story of the people of the Cove and blending in the areas around here, but most of all, sharing the love of God in her stories.
Profile Image for Kassy.
36 reviews27 followers
April 19, 2013
Sandra Robbins writing was splendid to read. I loved the heartwarming story she created.

Her characters were wonderful. Rani was a strong and fierce girl. I liked that she was outspoken. Rani expressed much audacity. At first she seemed like the type of person who was quick to judge people, but it was further in the story that she realized her wrongdoings.

Matthew was an amazing man. As I read Mountain Homecoming I felt as if I could truly feel his pain. Whenever he appeared in a specific page I could instantly understand the agony of his past. I just wanted to huge the poor lad and give him some encouragement.

My reviews are also posted at http://pinkyjustlisten.blogspot.com/

PS: Thank you Harvest House Publishers for allowing me to review this book.
Profile Image for Sylvia Nash.
Author 20 books21 followers
February 24, 2014
When Rani Martin meets Matthew Jackson in Mountain Homecoming, she meets someone she has heard about all of her life. If you read Angel of the Cove, the first book in this Smoky Mountain Dreams series, you’ve met him, too, as well as Rani’s parents. Matthew’s return to Cades Cove ignites many different and strong emotions from Rani and her Cove neighbors, not all positive. Robbins’ Mountain Homecoming is well written, the physical and historical settings are accurate, and the characters and the way they deal with life’s problems are realistic. This book is worth the read.
Profile Image for JoJo Sutis.
Author 1 book43 followers
March 26, 2013
Fans of Catherine Marshall (CHRISTY) should totally read this book...this series!!!! I LUV the characters, the settings, the romance and the drama! Watch my full VIDEO review here http://youtu.be/ci-rbUvTZAY
Profile Image for Kristen.
402 reviews11 followers
September 16, 2014
This is the second book in the Smoky Mountain Dreams Trilogy. I thoroughly loved this book and loved the characters. She really makes her characters come to life and I love that about authors. Will be looking for the final book at my local library very soon.
Profile Image for amy.
11 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2013
for some reason i just couldn't get into this story either. guess it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Profile Image for Rita.
79 reviews4 followers
August 3, 2016
Rani was a die hard country girl in the Smokey Mountains and with her and her family they had a hard warming story of family and friends.
Profile Image for Lila.
593 reviews4 followers
June 5, 2014
I found myself reading this a second time, and still thoroughly enjoyed the saga. A refreshing saga.
Profile Image for Regina Merrick.
Author 19 books63 followers
April 25, 2017
I love Sandra's suspense, but this was a real treat!! Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

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