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A Hometown Boy
Prosecutor David Owen has fond memories of growing up in small-town Washington State. But he outgrew that place—and his family—long ago and hasn't felt the need to return. Until the day a tragedy shakes the town and calls him back to a community desperate for hope and healing. In the emotional fallout, he never expects to find Acadia Henderson again.
For one teenage summer they hovered on the edge of a sweet attraction before she moved away. Now as adults, that same attraction is there…only, hotter and way more intense. This seems like the wrong time to find a connection. But it could be the perfect time to move on…with each other.
For one teenage summer they hovered on the edge of a sweet attraction before she moved away. Now as adults, that same attraction is there…only, hotter and way more intense. This seems like the wrong time to find a connection. But it could be the perfect time to move on…with each other.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
10 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Janice Kay Johnson
291 books192 followersJanice Kay Johnson is the author of over a hundred books for children and adults. Her first four published romance novels were coauthored with her mother, also a writer who has since published mysteries and children's books on her own. These were "sweet" romance novels, the author hastens to add; she isn't sure they'd have felt comfortable coauthoring passionate love scenes!
Janice graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in history and then received a master's degree in library science from the University of Washington. She was a branch librarian for a public library system until she began selling her own writing.
She has written six novels for young adults and one picture book for the read-aloud crowd. Rosamund was the outgrowth of all those hours spent reading to her own daughters, and of her passion for growing old roses. Two more of her favorite books were historical novels she wrote for Tor/Forge. The research was pure indulgence for someone who set out intending to be a historian!
Janice is divorced and has raised her two daughters in a small, rural town north of Seattle, Washington. She's an active volunteer and board member for Purrfect Pals, a no-kill cat shelter, and foster kittens often enliven a household that already includes a few more cats than she wants to admit to!
Janice loves writing books about both love and family — about the way generations connect and the power our earliest experiences have on us throughout life. Her Superromance novels are frequent finalists for Romance Writers of America RITA® awards. Along with her books for Harlequin, Janice has written the Cape Trouble series of romantic suspense novels, and is about to launch a new series, Desperation Creek, set in rural eastern Oregon.
Janice graduated from Whitman College with a B.A. in history and then received a master's degree in library science from the University of Washington. She was a branch librarian for a public library system until she began selling her own writing.
She has written six novels for young adults and one picture book for the read-aloud crowd. Rosamund was the outgrowth of all those hours spent reading to her own daughters, and of her passion for growing old roses. Two more of her favorite books were historical novels she wrote for Tor/Forge. The research was pure indulgence for someone who set out intending to be a historian!
Janice is divorced and has raised her two daughters in a small, rural town north of Seattle, Washington. She's an active volunteer and board member for Purrfect Pals, a no-kill cat shelter, and foster kittens often enliven a household that already includes a few more cats than she wants to admit to!
Janice loves writing books about both love and family — about the way generations connect and the power our earliest experiences have on us throughout life. Her Superromance novels are frequent finalists for Romance Writers of America RITA® awards. Along with her books for Harlequin, Janice has written the Cape Trouble series of romantic suspense novels, and is about to launch a new series, Desperation Creek, set in rural eastern Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 10, 2013
It’s unfortunate this book is being released right after the tragedy in Newtown, CT because there are many similarities. In this book, a mentally disturbed man, steals his mother’s guns and goes on a shooting spree, killing seven adults and himself in the small town he lives in. I feel like I have to note this, because some may find this upsetting. I should also note, this coincidence has no reflection in my grade. I didn’t like this book for other reasons.
David Owen returns to his hometown when he learns his brother commits the horrible murders I mentioned above. His mother recently kicked his brother out of the house, as he was injuring her and refused his medication. She had tried several times in the past to have him committed, but it didn’t work.
Also coming home is Acadia Henderson, whose father was one of those murdered. Acadia and David grew up together but haven’t seen each other in a long time. Acadia has no other family in this town, and soon turns to David for comfort and to comfort him.
I didn’t like this book for two main reasons. First, it’s so darn depressing. It’s a very realistic, and gritty look at the devastation that can occur when something like this happens. This book is full of funerals, grieving families, hatred towards David and his mother for what his brother did. It also shows how a town can come together and there are kind people who don’t blame David’s family…but it is very, very dark. I really didn’t enjoy my time I spent reading it. The blurb (at least the one I read at Goodreads) never mentions the details of the tragedy that brings him home. It’s just a very serious situation and held no interest to me.
Which brings me to reason number two – the romance is non-existent. This is more of a fiction book, with an “I love you” tacked on to the last page. David and Acadia’s romance is barely there, and when it does show up is totally flat. Instead of letting these two fall in love, we learn about every other devastating thing that happens in this town. We have POVs from David’s mom, and this boy named Reeve, whose boss took a bullet for him, saving his life. I really didn’t care about Reeve, or being inside David’s mom’s head. I wanted to see two people fall in love. The author emphasizes how David and his mother lives, two innocent people in this story, can change, cruelly at times. They had no control over what their son and brother did, yet they get the blame. I think the author shows the side well, but this reads like a fiction book, not a romance. A very depressing fiction book at that. The sunshine, happy couple on the cover and the blurb are very misleading.
Rating: D
David Owen returns to his hometown when he learns his brother commits the horrible murders I mentioned above. His mother recently kicked his brother out of the house, as he was injuring her and refused his medication. She had tried several times in the past to have him committed, but it didn’t work.
Also coming home is Acadia Henderson, whose father was one of those murdered. Acadia and David grew up together but haven’t seen each other in a long time. Acadia has no other family in this town, and soon turns to David for comfort and to comfort him.
I didn’t like this book for two main reasons. First, it’s so darn depressing. It’s a very realistic, and gritty look at the devastation that can occur when something like this happens. This book is full of funerals, grieving families, hatred towards David and his mother for what his brother did. It also shows how a town can come together and there are kind people who don’t blame David’s family…but it is very, very dark. I really didn’t enjoy my time I spent reading it. The blurb (at least the one I read at Goodreads) never mentions the details of the tragedy that brings him home. It’s just a very serious situation and held no interest to me.
Which brings me to reason number two – the romance is non-existent. This is more of a fiction book, with an “I love you” tacked on to the last page. David and Acadia’s romance is barely there, and when it does show up is totally flat. Instead of letting these two fall in love, we learn about every other devastating thing that happens in this town. We have POVs from David’s mom, and this boy named Reeve, whose boss took a bullet for him, saving his life. I really didn’t care about Reeve, or being inside David’s mom’s head. I wanted to see two people fall in love. The author emphasizes how David and his mother lives, two innocent people in this story, can change, cruelly at times. They had no control over what their son and brother did, yet they get the blame. I think the author shows the side well, but this reads like a fiction book, not a romance. A very depressing fiction book at that. The sunshine, happy couple on the cover and the blurb are very misleading.
Rating: D
January 2, 2013
WOW...When I decided to read A Hometown Boy, I was expecting the story to be focused on a sweet romance that occurred from some sort of tragic event. I mean look how sweet the cover is!! What I got...TOTALLY. BLEW. ME. AWAY. I was so not prepared for such a powerfully emotional story. It is so well written and immediately captured and held my attention till the end. I could go on and on, but I will try to keep it short and I will try not to give away any spoilers. :)
The book starts out the day of the tragedy and is told through several character's POVs. The beginning was both sad and disturbing to read because this type of thing happens far to often in society today. It showed how so many lives are affected and made me think about how not only the victims and their families suffer but also how the family of the killer suffers and in this case, how Robbie suffered as well.
Up till this story, I never really gave much thought as to how the family of the killer suffers just as much, if not more in certain cases. They not only have to deal with their own personal grief but at the same time are grieving over the hurt or loss of any victims and dealing with the guilt and responsibility they feel~as well as other peoples harsh treatment towards them. It was truly a heart~breaking read and I felt for each of the characters. I didn't think it was possible for me to feel badly for Robbie, but I did. The scenes when David sees Robbie's apartment for the first time and then David's words at his funeral and Robbie's self-portrait~had me in tears.
I definitely sympathized with David and Acadia right form the start. I just loved them together. The scenes where they remembered their childhood growing up were so sweet. And I loved how their romance grew out of friendship. Acadia was such a great character.
I loved the way she was able to see past the tragedy and support and defend David while she herself was also grieving. Because he so needed her and he tried his best to comfort her in return. I thought Janice wrote David's character so well. He was trying to take care of his mother while trying to hold everything together. Loved him!! So, of course, I wanted David and Acadia to get their HEA. lol :)
A Hometown Boy showed that even out of the worst tragedy, some lives can be changed for the better. Even though the ending was great~I would have loved an epilogue to show the characters a few years later. I definitely shed more than a few tears but there was also romance, friendship, healing, forgiveness, some laughter and a HEA that left me with a good feeling at the end.
I will definitely be looking for more from Janice Kay Johnson and I cannot highly recommend this book enough!!
***This may sound corny, but I have no other way to describe my feelings about this book but to say that I truly feel that I am a better person after reading A Hometown Boy. This book changed the way I define exactly who the victims are in tragedies because they have so very many different faces and there are so many different forms of suffering.***
Best Of The Best rating!!
***ARC obtained per NetGalley and Harlequin~Thank you!!
The book starts out the day of the tragedy and is told through several character's POVs. The beginning was both sad and disturbing to read because this type of thing happens far to often in society today. It showed how so many lives are affected and made me think about how not only the victims and their families suffer but also how the family of the killer suffers and in this case, how Robbie suffered as well.
Up till this story, I never really gave much thought as to how the family of the killer suffers just as much, if not more in certain cases. They not only have to deal with their own personal grief but at the same time are grieving over the hurt or loss of any victims and dealing with the guilt and responsibility they feel~as well as other peoples harsh treatment towards them. It was truly a heart~breaking read and I felt for each of the characters. I didn't think it was possible for me to feel badly for Robbie, but I did. The scenes when David sees Robbie's apartment for the first time and then David's words at his funeral and Robbie's self-portrait~had me in tears.
I definitely sympathized with David and Acadia right form the start. I just loved them together. The scenes where they remembered their childhood growing up were so sweet. And I loved how their romance grew out of friendship. Acadia was such a great character.
I loved the way she was able to see past the tragedy and support and defend David while she herself was also grieving. Because he so needed her and he tried his best to comfort her in return. I thought Janice wrote David's character so well. He was trying to take care of his mother while trying to hold everything together. Loved him!! So, of course, I wanted David and Acadia to get their HEA. lol :)
A Hometown Boy showed that even out of the worst tragedy, some lives can be changed for the better. Even though the ending was great~I would have loved an epilogue to show the characters a few years later. I definitely shed more than a few tears but there was also romance, friendship, healing, forgiveness, some laughter and a HEA that left me with a good feeling at the end.
I will definitely be looking for more from Janice Kay Johnson and I cannot highly recommend this book enough!!
***This may sound corny, but I have no other way to describe my feelings about this book but to say that I truly feel that I am a better person after reading A Hometown Boy. This book changed the way I define exactly who the victims are in tragedies because they have so very many different faces and there are so many different forms of suffering.***
Best Of The Best rating!!
***ARC obtained per NetGalley and Harlequin~Thank you!!
December 28, 2012
I laughed, I cried, but I couldn't put down this book. Perhaps the storyline, so similar in some ways to the recent horrors in Newtown, CT, was the reason, but I'd prefer to think it was because the characters grabbed me by the throat and wouldn't let go. So I ended up reading well into the wee hours, without a single regret!
Grief is something hard for me to take, but when it's blended skillfully into a storyline and makes total sense, I simply have to know if all will be well in the end.
Grab some Kleenex before you sit down with this book, or you may end up using the ends of a sheet, as I did.
Grief is something hard for me to take, but when it's blended skillfully into a storyline and makes total sense, I simply have to know if all will be well in the end.
Grab some Kleenex before you sit down with this book, or you may end up using the ends of a sheet, as I did.
December 22, 2012
The book starts with a shooting rampage committed by someone mentally ill. The hero and heroine are both affected tragically. Beginning this so soon after Newtown, I almost stopped reading as soon as the inciting incident occurred, but I'm glad I didn't. It was definitely a tearjerker (which is no generally something I go for), but was sensitive and authentic, with a core of optimism.
November 27, 2017
Have your hanky ready because you will cry when reading this book.
This is a hard read-- lots of death .. an odd romance indeed but JKJ does a terrific job.
Mental illness and family dynamics, small town relationships and violent death are huge parts of this story.
Worthwhile read.
This is a hard read-- lots of death .. an odd romance indeed but JKJ does a terrific job.
Mental illness and family dynamics, small town relationships and violent death are huge parts of this story.
Worthwhile read.
December 30, 2012
David Owen is a prosecutor in Seattle. He rarely, if ever, returns home to the small town that he grew up in. It is easier to avoid his mentally ill brother and his mom, who has always put David's brother's needs above his. It is even harder since his dad passed away. Acadia Henderson hasn't been home to see her father in years. Even though she moved away with her mother after their parents divorced when she was 13, she has still considered this small town home, spending her summers there when she was younger, though she is still resentful that her father didn't fight harder for her to stay with him. When tragedy strikes, David and Acadia, who haven't seen each other in 16 years, are forced to both return home at the same time. David's brother is dead, Acadia's father is dead, along with several other neighbors and friends. No one ever thought anything like this could happen in their small town. No one was prepared when it did.
David arrives home to his distraught mother who is in a state of shock, crime tape barring them from entering his brother's basement apartment and his father's den, where the guns were kept. As he drives through the small neighborhood there is more of the same. Charlie Henderson's porch is blocked off with crime tape, as are some of the other neighbors. No one knows how this could have happened. Acadia, who is a nurse in California, arrives home to her father's house, a house she hasn't been to in years, a house that for the first time ever does not have her father in it. David see's her get out of the car, and she notices him looking at her also. Despite the tragedy that has brought them home again at the same time, she can't help but remember the crush she had on David for years when they were young, remembering the summer they spent together. The feelings are still there, even though she hasn't thought about it in years. David is surprised to see Acadia. He should have known she would come. Seeing her again stirs up feelings in him also. Yet there is this vast wall of guilt and tragedy that stands between them now. The town is angry at David's mother and at him because of what his brother has done. David understands this, though it doesn't make it any less difficult to endure. They blame the family, even though the family wasn't at fault. The only one who doesn't blame them is Acadia. In fact, she stands behind David and his mom as they all go through the aftermath of death and tragedy together.
David and Acadia begin to spend more and more time together as they go through the necessary steps that must be taken after a loved one dies. They find out that the same feelings that were there when they were teenagers are still there, and are even stronger. They are also a great source of support for each other during this time. In fact, it is Acadia's support that helps the townspeople to begin to forgive, and begin the process of healing. As the funerals end, and all the arrangements have been sorted out, David and Acadia must decide where there relationship will go from here. Is this just another summer fling, or is it something real, something that can last a lifetime?
A Hometown Boy is a story of tragedy, death, grief, anger, mental illness, love, forgiveness, and healing. In light of recent events, I was hesitant to read it, but I am glad I did. Not only did I relate and comprehend the hurt and anger of the victims, but I was also able to relate to the family of the one who caused the tragedy, who in reality, were victims themselves. That really gave me something to think about. I think that it is too easy to overlook the family of the perpetrator. They are people that are filled with sorrow, guilt, and shame because of what their loved one did, but also grieve not only the lives of those their loved one took, but also the loved one that they lost. Acadia is amazing in this story as she leads the way to reconciliation and forgiveness, a characteristic her father would have been proud of. This is a story of people who in the midst of tragedy, experience families and friends brought together again, witness relationships being healed and restored, and experience love as it blossoms and grows. This thought-provoking contemporary romance is more than just a sizzling story, it is something that inspires you to think about your belief system and your reactions, and just how those reactions effect the people around you.
David arrives home to his distraught mother who is in a state of shock, crime tape barring them from entering his brother's basement apartment and his father's den, where the guns were kept. As he drives through the small neighborhood there is more of the same. Charlie Henderson's porch is blocked off with crime tape, as are some of the other neighbors. No one knows how this could have happened. Acadia, who is a nurse in California, arrives home to her father's house, a house she hasn't been to in years, a house that for the first time ever does not have her father in it. David see's her get out of the car, and she notices him looking at her also. Despite the tragedy that has brought them home again at the same time, she can't help but remember the crush she had on David for years when they were young, remembering the summer they spent together. The feelings are still there, even though she hasn't thought about it in years. David is surprised to see Acadia. He should have known she would come. Seeing her again stirs up feelings in him also. Yet there is this vast wall of guilt and tragedy that stands between them now. The town is angry at David's mother and at him because of what his brother has done. David understands this, though it doesn't make it any less difficult to endure. They blame the family, even though the family wasn't at fault. The only one who doesn't blame them is Acadia. In fact, she stands behind David and his mom as they all go through the aftermath of death and tragedy together.
David and Acadia begin to spend more and more time together as they go through the necessary steps that must be taken after a loved one dies. They find out that the same feelings that were there when they were teenagers are still there, and are even stronger. They are also a great source of support for each other during this time. In fact, it is Acadia's support that helps the townspeople to begin to forgive, and begin the process of healing. As the funerals end, and all the arrangements have been sorted out, David and Acadia must decide where there relationship will go from here. Is this just another summer fling, or is it something real, something that can last a lifetime?
A Hometown Boy is a story of tragedy, death, grief, anger, mental illness, love, forgiveness, and healing. In light of recent events, I was hesitant to read it, but I am glad I did. Not only did I relate and comprehend the hurt and anger of the victims, but I was also able to relate to the family of the one who caused the tragedy, who in reality, were victims themselves. That really gave me something to think about. I think that it is too easy to overlook the family of the perpetrator. They are people that are filled with sorrow, guilt, and shame because of what their loved one did, but also grieve not only the lives of those their loved one took, but also the loved one that they lost. Acadia is amazing in this story as she leads the way to reconciliation and forgiveness, a characteristic her father would have been proud of. This is a story of people who in the midst of tragedy, experience families and friends brought together again, witness relationships being healed and restored, and experience love as it blossoms and grows. This thought-provoking contemporary romance is more than just a sizzling story, it is something that inspires you to think about your belief system and your reactions, and just how those reactions effect the people around you.
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May 19, 2013The full review at:
http://rubinaramesh.blogspot.com/2013...
The Thoughts of the Reviewer...
I have not yet put up this section in any of my reviews. But this book compelled me to do so. I took a long time to read this book. Literally. I read it twice before starting my review. I was in a dilemma. How do I rate this book? The topic is raw, current and something which under no circumstance can I sympathize with. Forget sympathizing, I can't begin to understand. Something which shook United States of America to the very core. Something which made us question where humanity is landing? When I came across this book, I felt repelled at first and I could not put it down at the same time. For a light Harlequin Romance, this book was nerve cracking.
Of course it's a romantic tale but the coming of the protagonists is the result of a schizophrenic's action. So, I decided not to review this book as I generally do by introducing the HE and the SHE and talk about their Love Story. Here the love story is overshadowed by a more powerful story.
The Story....
David and Acadia are neighbors who had gone their separate ways only to come back to their hometown Tucannon due to a tragedy. But they did not belong to the same side of the tragedy. David's brother Robbie was a schizophrenic who needed to be curtailed but due to the System the parents could not do so. They had to pay a heavy price for it. My fingers are itching to type what had actually happened since I know many of you would love to discuss the pros and cons of the incident. But it will be taken as a spoiler and I cannot do that to the author.
The author, Janice Kay Johnson, on her part has beautifully depicted the characters surrounding Robbie. The love story between David and Acadia is simple and honest, without much drama except their emotional conflicts. But I must say here that Acadia is one character I would love to have as my daughter in law but not my daughter. [ Sorry Janice] But such openness and forgiveness are a divine qualities that I am yet to see in a person. A person who has such a big heart is very rare.
For me relating to Acadia is very difficult but Joyce yes. I could understand the conflict of a mother. She sounded a person with all human faults and that is fine. But to say that I have to forgive and live happily ever after, being a victim of a crime of such a big magnitude, doesn't work for me.
Another character Reeve puzzled me. What the heck was he doing there? If he wanted to say that he is one character whose life changed after the incident, then why was he coming in bits and pieces and how was he related to David and Acadia. They even did not have a scene together. [Or did I miss anything after two reads? ]
If something made me really angry in this book was the sting of sympathy I felt for Robbie. I don't want to feel sympathy for such characters. I hate them. Period. I don't want to know what happened to them, I don't want to know what they were good at. And I don't want to sell anything they have done for any cause- especially after the incident has taken place. I am sorry but such beings should not be depicted as humans after the incident.
http://rubinaramesh.blogspot.com/2013...
The Thoughts of the Reviewer...
I have not yet put up this section in any of my reviews. But this book compelled me to do so. I took a long time to read this book. Literally. I read it twice before starting my review. I was in a dilemma. How do I rate this book? The topic is raw, current and something which under no circumstance can I sympathize with. Forget sympathizing, I can't begin to understand. Something which shook United States of America to the very core. Something which made us question where humanity is landing? When I came across this book, I felt repelled at first and I could not put it down at the same time. For a light Harlequin Romance, this book was nerve cracking.
Of course it's a romantic tale but the coming of the protagonists is the result of a schizophrenic's action. So, I decided not to review this book as I generally do by introducing the HE and the SHE and talk about their Love Story. Here the love story is overshadowed by a more powerful story.
The Story....
David and Acadia are neighbors who had gone their separate ways only to come back to their hometown Tucannon due to a tragedy. But they did not belong to the same side of the tragedy. David's brother Robbie was a schizophrenic who needed to be curtailed but due to the System the parents could not do so. They had to pay a heavy price for it. My fingers are itching to type what had actually happened since I know many of you would love to discuss the pros and cons of the incident. But it will be taken as a spoiler and I cannot do that to the author.
The author, Janice Kay Johnson, on her part has beautifully depicted the characters surrounding Robbie. The love story between David and Acadia is simple and honest, without much drama except their emotional conflicts. But I must say here that Acadia is one character I would love to have as my daughter in law but not my daughter. [ Sorry Janice] But such openness and forgiveness are a divine qualities that I am yet to see in a person. A person who has such a big heart is very rare.
For me relating to Acadia is very difficult but Joyce yes. I could understand the conflict of a mother. She sounded a person with all human faults and that is fine. But to say that I have to forgive and live happily ever after, being a victim of a crime of such a big magnitude, doesn't work for me.
Another character Reeve puzzled me. What the heck was he doing there? If he wanted to say that he is one character whose life changed after the incident, then why was he coming in bits and pieces and how was he related to David and Acadia. They even did not have a scene together. [Or did I miss anything after two reads? ]
If something made me really angry in this book was the sting of sympathy I felt for Robbie. I don't want to feel sympathy for such characters. I hate them. Period. I don't want to know what happened to them, I don't want to know what they were good at. And I don't want to sell anything they have done for any cause- especially after the incident has taken place. I am sorry but such beings should not be depicted as humans after the incident.
October 22, 2016
The Thoughts of the Reviewer...
I have not yet put up this section in any of my reviews. But this book compelled me to do so. I took a long time to read this book. Literally. I read it twice before starting my review. I was in a dilemma. How do I rate this book? The topic is raw, current and something which under no circumstance can I sympathize with. Forget sympathizing, I can't begin to understand. Something which shook United States of America to the very core. Something which made us question where humanity is landing? When I came across this book, I felt repelled at first and I could not put it down at the same time. For a light Harlequin Romance, this book was nerve cracking.
Of course it's a romantic tale but the coming of the protagonists is the result of a schizophrenic's action. So, I decided not to review this book as I generally do by introducing the HE and the SHE and talk about their Love Story. Here the love story is overshadowed by a more powerful story.
The Story....
David and Acadia are neighbors who had gone their separate ways only to come back to their hometown Tucannon due to a tragedy. But they did not belong to the same side of the tragedy. David's brother Robbie was a schizophrenic who needed to be curtailed but due to the System the parents could not do so. They had to pay a heavy price for it. My fingers are itching to type what had actually happened since I know many of you would love to discuss the pros and cons of the incident. But it will be taken as a spoiler and I cannot do that to the author.
The author, Janice Kay Johnson, on her part has beautifully depicted the characters surrounding Robbie. The love story between David and Acadia is simple and honest, without much drama except their emotional conflicts. But I must say here that Acadia is one character I would love to have as my daughter in law but not my daughter. [ Sorry Janice] But such openness and forgiveness are a divine qualities that I am yet to see in a person. A person who has such a big heart is very rare.
For me relating to Acadia is very difficult but Joyce yes. I could understand the conflict of a mother. She sounded a person with all human faults and that is fine. But to say that I have to forgive and live happily ever after, being a victim of a crime of such a big magnitude, doesn't work for me.
Another character Reeve puzzled me. What the heck was he doing there? If he wanted to say that he is one character whose life changed after the incident, then why was he coming in bits and pieces and how was he related to David and Acadia. They even did not have a scene together. [Or did I miss anything after two reads? ]
If something made me really angry in this book was the sting of sympathy I felt for Robbie. I don't want to feel sympathy for such characters. I hate them. Period. I don't want to know what happened to them, I don't want to know what they were good at. And I don't want to sell anything they have done for any cause- especially after the incident has taken place. I am sorry but such beings should not be depicted as humans after the incident.
I have not yet put up this section in any of my reviews. But this book compelled me to do so. I took a long time to read this book. Literally. I read it twice before starting my review. I was in a dilemma. How do I rate this book? The topic is raw, current and something which under no circumstance can I sympathize with. Forget sympathizing, I can't begin to understand. Something which shook United States of America to the very core. Something which made us question where humanity is landing? When I came across this book, I felt repelled at first and I could not put it down at the same time. For a light Harlequin Romance, this book was nerve cracking.
Of course it's a romantic tale but the coming of the protagonists is the result of a schizophrenic's action. So, I decided not to review this book as I generally do by introducing the HE and the SHE and talk about their Love Story. Here the love story is overshadowed by a more powerful story.
The Story....
David and Acadia are neighbors who had gone their separate ways only to come back to their hometown Tucannon due to a tragedy. But they did not belong to the same side of the tragedy. David's brother Robbie was a schizophrenic who needed to be curtailed but due to the System the parents could not do so. They had to pay a heavy price for it. My fingers are itching to type what had actually happened since I know many of you would love to discuss the pros and cons of the incident. But it will be taken as a spoiler and I cannot do that to the author.
The author, Janice Kay Johnson, on her part has beautifully depicted the characters surrounding Robbie. The love story between David and Acadia is simple and honest, without much drama except their emotional conflicts. But I must say here that Acadia is one character I would love to have as my daughter in law but not my daughter. [ Sorry Janice] But such openness and forgiveness are a divine qualities that I am yet to see in a person. A person who has such a big heart is very rare.
For me relating to Acadia is very difficult but Joyce yes. I could understand the conflict of a mother. She sounded a person with all human faults and that is fine. But to say that I have to forgive and live happily ever after, being a victim of a crime of such a big magnitude, doesn't work for me.
Another character Reeve puzzled me. What the heck was he doing there? If he wanted to say that he is one character whose life changed after the incident, then why was he coming in bits and pieces and how was he related to David and Acadia. They even did not have a scene together. [Or did I miss anything after two reads? ]
If something made me really angry in this book was the sting of sympathy I felt for Robbie. I don't want to feel sympathy for such characters. I hate them. Period. I don't want to know what happened to them, I don't want to know what they were good at. And I don't want to sell anything they have done for any cause- especially after the incident has taken place. I am sorry but such beings should not be depicted as humans after the incident.
March 14, 2013
This book tells the story after a tragedy that had make David and Acadia to return to their hometown. David’s brother, Robbie who was mentally ill since his teenage have went on rampage killing townspeople and one of the victims, is Acadia’s father. This book begins with the aftermath of the tragedy, narrating about how the people come to term with their loss, and finding the reason behind the killing. David who have not met Acadia for a long time, was grateful that she is standing behind him and his family even though her father was killed by Robbie whilst in Acadia’s mind, she is struggling to be the person that she believe her father wanted her to be but on her other hand, she trying to stop herself from blaming others for the tragedy.
This book is an emotional read for some especially it’s dealt with the tragedy and its aftermath; a person’s feeling. If a reader who is looking for romance especially those mushy affectionate between the main characters; this book may not be the one for you.
This book is an emotional read for some especially it’s dealt with the tragedy and its aftermath; a person’s feeling. If a reader who is looking for romance especially those mushy affectionate between the main characters; this book may not be the one for you.
May 15, 2013
Disclosure: This ebook was provided to me free of charge through NetGalley for the sole purpose of an honest review. All thoughts, comments, and ratings are my own.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Great dynamic in the relationship that made it very believable. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions. I am a real sucker for a sexy romance!! I laugh, I cry and I wish the hero were real so he could be mine! LOL
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
Really interesting tale that had my attention the whole time. The pace was wonderful and the characters engaging. Great dynamic in the relationship that made it very believable. Beautiful storytelling that entertained the whole time!
It had really great flow and did the job of making me think at times. I love a book that taps into my emotions. I am a real sucker for a sexy romance!! I laugh, I cry and I wish the hero were real so he could be mine! LOL
I would love to see more from this author! Definitely one to watch in the future.
January 15, 2013
A Hometown Boy by Janice Kay Johnson is a deeply emotional read about forgiveness and love.
David Owen, a prosecutor in Seattle, has fond memories about growing up in a small town in Washington, but he also has some very painful memories that have kept him away from his family for a long time.
Acadia Henderson, was very happy living in a small-town with her parents. She loved her friends and her school. But when she was thirteen her parents divorced, her mother took her to live in San Francisco. She has never forgiven her father for not fighting to keep her with him.Read More...
David Owen, a prosecutor in Seattle, has fond memories about growing up in a small town in Washington, but he also has some very painful memories that have kept him away from his family for a long time.
Acadia Henderson, was very happy living in a small-town with her parents. She loved her friends and her school. But when she was thirteen her parents divorced, her mother took her to live in San Francisco. She has never forgiven her father for not fighting to keep her with him.Read More...
February 1, 2013
I feel the opposite of the previous reviewer. It is fortunate that this book came out when it did - in the aftermath of Newtown, whence are being bombarded with more death in the media, it is hard to see the community and find understanding. This story does not belittle or trivialize, but takes a look at some forgotten victims. Within the predictable formula of a romance novel, the author does so much show how neighbors can work to limit the destruction, or continue to rip apart their community. I read it through three times.
February 2, 2013
This is a really good book, amazingly topical. It's about the aftermath of a mass shooting in a small town by a mentally ill man who takes his father's guns. This book was written way before Sandy Hook, the setting is across the country in Washington state, and the killer didn't shoot his mother first, but it resonates.
The hero is the brother of the shooter, the heroine is the daughter of one of the victims. The story works through their feelings, plus his mother's and one of the "near misses." It's a really good story well told.
The hero is the brother of the shooter, the heroine is the daughter of one of the victims. The story works through their feelings, plus his mother's and one of the "near misses." It's a really good story well told.
March 19, 2014
I actually finished this book a week ago and have been trying to decide the best way to review it.. This isn't the typical SuperRomance I'm used to.. That being said,it's a very powerful and emotional book.. It starts with a mass killing by a man who has mental issues and as seems to happen in real life,is unable to get the help he needed.. His brother,David comes back to town and so does neighbor Acadia,whose father was a victim.. Lots of emotion and characters play out in the book leading to the love story..
February 9, 2016
Starting a book with a mass shooting was pretty intense. Then, reading how the family and survivors of the killer dealt with the aftermath was predictable pattern but was portrayed in a slow heart wrenching way.
To return home and fall for your childhood crush is sweet, but add the painful realization that your brother had murdered her father? What do you do? Everyone copes in different ways. Understanding, patience and love is key for this small town community.
To return home and fall for your childhood crush is sweet, but add the painful realization that your brother had murdered her father? What do you do? Everyone copes in different ways. Understanding, patience and love is key for this small town community.
November 7, 2012
This is one that really is unforgettable. After several JKJ books that were readable but not the extraordinary books Johnson can produce, this one restored my faith in her. Full review will be posted later at Just Janga.
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December 29, 2014Category: Heart & Home
New Look, Longer Book!
New Look, Longer Book!
January 19, 2013
I don't enjoy what is known as "trashy romance" novels, but this one wasn't too bad. My grandmother suggested it because of the situation the main character faces.
August 24, 2014
heavy on the angst and drama, very well written
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