The Road Home

by Tommy Tenney, Mark Andrew Olsen

Naomi, a Las Vegas widow with a Mennonite background, and her cocktail waitress daughter-in-law, Ruth, embark on a cross-country journey in search of hope and meaning that leads them to Naomi's old farm in Lancaster County.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Book Club, Religion, Audiobook, Contemporary

400 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Tommy Tenney is the author of multi-million selling The God Chasers series. He has written more than thirty books, with eight best-selling titles to date. Tommy has books in over forty languages, traveled into more than seventy-two countries and television broadcast into one hundred twenty nations. Tommy spent ten years pastoring and has spent over twenty years in itinerant ministry. His two passions are leading others to seek the presence of God and encouraging unity in the body of Christ. He is the founder of GodChasers.network, a mission's ministry organized to assist pastors globally, and distribute Tommy's teachings through various media. Three generations of ministry in his family heritage, and three daughters, have given Tommy a unique perspective on ministry. The Tenneys reside in Louisiana with their three daughters, their son-in-law, four grandchildren and two Yorkies.

Reviews

[Joi Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this modern retelling of Ruth from the biblical days. Ruth had a hard life and in the end she put her trust in God and she lived out the rest of her life with many blessings.

[Allen Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was awsome, the story of Ruth of the Bible. Set in modern terms. A young lady-Naomi full of hope & promise move to Moab, Utah with her husband to raise their two sons. Her son's and husband die, the trip home, Orpah, Las Vegas, God, Boaz, Old order Amish, Jesse, David(at the end)it was all right there. Well planned, well executed.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Road Home uniquely presents a story of love, loss, perseverance, self-awareness, forgiveness and acceptance. Ruth is a Bible story I know very well, but the authors did such a wonderful job of illustrating this story in a new way—setting the story in a different location and current times—I came away with a fresh perspective. I think we as a people in general tend to focus on the outcome of a situation instead of studying the complete journey, which can not only be full of highs but lows. And the important thing is how we respond and deal with the not so good life circumstances. The majority of the story is about Ruth and Naomi’s journey, which really highlights the relatability of these women. They are vulnerable, strong women who have insecurities, doubts and questions but continue to live and pursue God. I love how the strong bond between Ruth and Naomi leapt off the page. And how even amidst Naomi’s grief and doubts, she must have been doing something right—speaking life into her Daughter-in-Laws—in her wandering years, that Ruth chose to leave everything she ever knew to follow said Mother-in-law into unknown territory. What a blessing of a story!!!!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little skeptical reading this as it is written by a man, from a woman's point of view, which you could tell, but...it's wasn't horribly done like some are. I loved reading about places I love and have been and being able to see in my head exactly where things actually are, like Bethlehem Steel and south Bethlehem, Hotel Bethlehem. These places are real to me, as are Moab and Vegas. Even Lancaster County...I even am PA Dutch...so it was fun for me. I also liked how it was all brought together and taught the lesson of faith. Definitely a good read.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down!!

[Hannah Nienhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title in this book relates to the Story because Ruth and her friends begin a journey home. The authors writing style is using flashback. Also, the story is told by Ruth, the main character. The purpose of this book is to modernize and retell the Bible story of Ruth. I really enjoyed reading this book because of the strong example Ruth shows. She had to face many challenges and she stays strong throughout it all. Personally, I would not change anything in the book. I think that Tommy Tenny and Mark Andrew Olsen wrote this book perfectly!

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I was excited because I have read Tommy Tenney's book about Esther and absolutely loved it. This was just not the same, I am sorry to say. About half to 3/4ths of the book was spent with Ruth and Naomi on the road - I was ready for that part of the journey to be over much quicker. The "good part" in Pennsylvania took up the rest of the book and just went way too fast. The descriptive language had me rolling my eyes sometimes thinking why did they say it like that. I'm sorry Tommy this one fell flat for me!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This modern day retelling of the Biblical book of Ruth was quite interesting, told by Ruth herself. Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, traveled from Las Vegas back to Naomi's childhood home in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The timeline puzzled me at times, both the overall time period of the book and the time from their arrival to the climax. The theme of redemption is a valuable one. You can always find your way home to God, no matter how wayward your life has been.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, I came into this book not knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly suprised in that the book really took a unique twist to the Biblical book of Ruth. I've never read anything about the Mennonites, and their way of living. It was facinating to me. Also, the dynamic between Ruth and Naomi was great, and I personally loved the road trip parts of the book. There are some heavy topics dealing with sexual abuse, and some mentions of suicidal thoughts. Overall, this book was unique.

[Nancy Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, The Road Home. I have traveled on the Pennsylvania Turnpike many a times from Lancaster to New Stanton, Pa. and then on I 70 through Columbus, Ohio to Rt 675. I imagined Naomi and Ruth doing the same. They had courage to travel so far on so little. And in the end God was with them.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out slow then gained momentum....then throughout their driving journey I thought it was a bit too detailed at times, then when they arrived at their destination the story became very interesting and I devoured the rest of the book!

[Erin Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I know the story of Ruth from the Bible and wondered how they were going to do this. I think the authors did a great job sticking to the accurate story, but putting in some things to fill the story without distorting it.

[Donna Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great modern day version of the story of Ruth. The spunk of Ruth in the story I admired. She persevered through many trials. The relationship she had with Naomi reminded me of my relationship I had with my mother. It was a beautiful friendship. This book would make a great movie.

[Lisa Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, awesome, awesome! Loved this book!

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was interesting to think of the book of Ruth in a more modern setting.

[Massanutten Regional Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martha, Village patron, July 2020, 5 stars:

Awesome book! Captivating story line!

[Janey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant modern day retelling of the story of Ruth and Naomi.

[Jessica Francis · Rating 1 out of 5]

How many car issues can one family have????

[Adair · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting and different re-telling of the story of Ruth

[Diane Holm · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the end comes, it is often just the beginning….

Ruth loses both her brother-in-law to a terrible disease and her husband in a fatal accident all in the same day. With no family to turn to, her mother-in-law Naomi becomes her only refuge.

The three women, Naomi and her daughter-in-laws Ruth and Orpah, were a mess. Their combined grief was heavy and burdensome long after the services passed. Money was scarce. Naomi’s husband had died just three years previous and nearly all the insurance money was drained. Now widowed, Ruth and Orpah could no longer face the stress of Las Vegas life. It was time for a change and Naomi had the answer. “We are going on a journey” she announced. The next day they were on their way.

Leaving Vegas behind had a calming effect. As the glitz and glitter gave away to nature’s grandeur, they felt lighter, more alive. A measure of peace settled in as they headed for Naomi’s “special place.” It was there, in a time past, that life had seemed perfect. Though it was just one evening beneath the stars, they had felt something completely wonderful.

The time neared to let go of the past, but their hearts were reluctant. Would they stand tall and be free or haunted with memories?

The future was not yet written, but Naomi had her own plans. She was sending Ruth and Orpah home to Las Vegas on a bus. Then she was going back east. Her people were there. How many she didn’t know, but there was no question in her mind, she would return.

Ruth couldn’t allow the ageing Naomi to go alone. The two unite for a perilous journey filled with struggles, danger and surprising outcomes. Will they fulfill their dream? What hidden hazards lay in store? Can true peace ever be found?

The Road Home is vividly written and full of powerful emotions. As you read it, the story of Ruth will span the centuries and touch your heart.

The best Christian Fiction I have read in a long time!

[Becky Keeley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more. I felt it was somewhat shallow, and the authors didn't know very much about Mennonites. It is a retelling of the Book of Ruth. The "far country" is Las Vegas and Moab, UT. In Utah, the only "Mormons" presented are polygamous, of course, since this is written by Evangelicals. Ruth is a cocktail waitress in Vegas and marries a son of a Naomi who abandons her Mennonite roots. Then the sons die and Ruth goes with Naomi. The authors spend 2/3 of the book recounting the road trip, complete with references to "Thelma and Louise" and "The Witness". Then they only spent 1/3 about The Mennonites and Boaz who instantly falls for Ruth, though he is more than twice her age and saves the day, saving the farm that a relative wants to sell to a land developer. Nevermind that Naomi has been gone for 30+ years! I wish they had learned about the Mennonites and Amish rather than sticking to cliches--on the one hand they are "ideal" Christians who accepts both Naomi and Ruth back without any questions and then they sort of demonize them, having Naomi flee them because of their strict rules and "works" rather than "faith" and love. The authors didn't really explain how Boaz and everyone else could just accept Ruth, a Mexican American woman who was sexually abuse when a child and then became a cocktail waitress. And Ruth was OK with no electricity and running water--just so she could marry Boaz, though most men have abused her, except her deceased husband who had only been dead for a few months. Also, the authors had that strange scene having Ruth sleep on the floor by Boaz's bed. It's strange in the Bible, though I'm sure there is a cultural reason for it. It did not translate to modern day very well--more like the Vampire Edward staying all night, every night with Bella with no sex. Whatever!!

[Shyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the modern retelling of the story of Ruth from the Bible. I really enjoyed this book and related to the characters and the story very well. Naomi is a bitter widow who lives in a tiny apartment in Vegas (Sin City) and only has her two sons and daughter in laws to count as blessings in her life. When both sons unexpectedly die Naomi feels she must go back to her roots and the only time of real happiness in her whole life, her childhood growing up in Amish counrty. Her daughter in law Ruth accompanies her. They set out in an old impala that barely runs with little to no money in their pockets and no plan as to what they will do when and if they make it to Pennsylvania since Naomi cut all ties with her family when she married and left. The book follows the womens's journey across the counrty and the difficulties they encounter as well as their internal transformations from bitter and broken women to hopeful and faithful believers.

I'm a sucker for a good amish story and spiritual transformations so put them together and you had me at hello! But really I have several family memebers that these characters reminded me of and I could relate to how down and out they were. I want to beleive that God has a plan for all of us and miracles really do happen like in this book. The ending was a little abrubt and rushed and some relationships develop quicker then what is likely but all in all a good read!

[Dyana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting modern version of the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi. They live in Las Vegas, and Naomi's two sons (Mel & Lonnie) die on the same day (one to cancer and the other in a car wreck). Naomi (widow), Ruth (cocktail waitress), and Orpah (taxi dancer) travel to Moab, Utah to scatter the ashes of the two brothers at Dead Horse Point. Naomi feels the pull to go back to her Mennonite roots in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and refuses to return to Vegas. Orpah returns to Vegas, but Ruth (who had a horror of a childhood) decides to go with Naomi as she is looking for a place to call home.

The first half of the book is the harrowing road trip they experience with very little money and in a beat-up old Impala on "its last legs". They finally arrive in Bethlehem with no money and a dead car. They take up residence in Naomi's vacant old homestead, and Ruth finds work in a farmer's market owned by Bo (Boaz) a man twice her age. There is an instant attraction between the two. Naomi is in jeopardy of losing the homestead to owed back taxes and to a dishonest uncle who is trying to acquire the land to sell to a conglomerate who wants to build a housing development.

Can you tell by the synopsis why I gave it three stars? I must admit that, altho the plot sounds "interesting", and the writing was descriptive, and the road trip scenery was well researched; don't use this story to find biblical truth - it's not there.

[ANNETTE · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started off slow but, got real interesting fast. This book is full of emotions and encouragement.
God forgives and loves us.
Well done!

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

This. Book. Sucks.

The dialogue is unrealistic, and one of my huge peeves with it was that the author shows you, for example, that Ruth likes referencing pop culture, and then TELLS you. It got on my nerves. The information that Naomi gave about the Mennonite culture sounded as though it was lifted straight from Wikipedia. And it's so unsubtle with the mental-healing-physical-journey theme.

This is a man writing a woman's story. If they'd done it well, I wouldn't be complaining, because that's what being a novelist is about. But Tenney and Olsen have butchered one of my favourite Bible stories. Grr.

[Amelie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited when I found this book and couldn't wait to read it because another book by this same author, Hadassah, is on my top ten list of favorite books. I was, however, sadly disappointed.
The author does a good job of making a modern parallel to the biblical story of Naomi and Ruth but the writing style was nowhere near in quality as Hadassah. I found the characters without substance, and mostly annoying. I really had to force myself to even finish the book in the hopes it would get better. But it took a really cheesy romance novel type of turn in section three, and I found the whole thing just unbelievable and wanted to gag on a spoon. so disappointed.

[Michele Minor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a modern day retelling of the book of Ruth from the Bible. Naomi and Ruth travel from Las Vegas, Nevada back to Naomi's hometown in Pennsylvania back to her Pennsylvania Dutch roots. The names of the characters that are mentioned in the Bible are either the same names are close to the same names, even Boaz. Both Ruth and Naomi find their way to God in this book. This is a good modernization of the Book of Ruth. There is even mention of Boaz's parents in the book which is similar to the story of Rahab in the Bible.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Road Home is supposedly a modern telling of the Ruth story from the Bible. However, it seems to be more about a crazy road trip, with a bit at the end to tie together all of the main plot points in an unreasonably quick and convenient way. The characters were hard to connect to and the story was just not written well. Sorry Tommy Tenney... I don't think I'd read any other books by this author.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really, more like 1 1/2 stars......I really wanted to like this book; the idea is so cool (a modern retelling of the biblical story of Ruth), and the first chapter was awesome. But after that, it just didn't do it for me. It got too implausable, the religious aspects jumped forward too fast and the relationships between everyone except Ruth and Naomi were too underdeveloped. Which is too bad...it could have been a cool book.