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No Place Like Home: A Novel
An enriching and deeply moving novel about love and loss, the bonds of family and friends, and coming home by the USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids.
Life didn’t turn out the way Jewel Sabatino planned. However long she’s been gone, home is waiting.
At seventeen, Jewel fled Colorado for New York City and didn’t look back. Now she’s raising a teenage son alone and is a loving caretaker to her one true friend when she receives a surprising her aunt’s Pueblo farm and one hundred acres of land. After decades, it’s time for Jewel to reconnect with everyone and everything she left behind.
Her seventeen-year-old son, Shane, is finally meeting his relatives. Jewel’s soulmate, Michael, has a serene haven for his final days. And Jewel’s welcome back is one of a strong community embracing rich Sicilian traditions, three ebullient sisters preparing for a summer wedding, and a tearful and anxious mother with open arms. But for Jewel, it also means facing her father, who has never forgiven his favorite child for betraying him. And he may never forgive her.
As Jewel’s emotional journey begins, an estranged visitor turns her life around again and could heal her wary heart in ways she never expected.
Revised This edition of No Place Like Home includes editorial revisions.
Life didn’t turn out the way Jewel Sabatino planned. However long she’s been gone, home is waiting.
At seventeen, Jewel fled Colorado for New York City and didn’t look back. Now she’s raising a teenage son alone and is a loving caretaker to her one true friend when she receives a surprising her aunt’s Pueblo farm and one hundred acres of land. After decades, it’s time for Jewel to reconnect with everyone and everything she left behind.
Her seventeen-year-old son, Shane, is finally meeting his relatives. Jewel’s soulmate, Michael, has a serene haven for his final days. And Jewel’s welcome back is one of a strong community embracing rich Sicilian traditions, three ebullient sisters preparing for a summer wedding, and a tearful and anxious mother with open arms. But for Jewel, it also means facing her father, who has never forgiven his favorite child for betraying him. And he may never forgive her.
As Jewel’s emotional journey begins, an estranged visitor turns her life around again and could heal her wary heart in ways she never expected.
Revised This edition of No Place Like Home includes editorial revisions.
331 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2002
5704 people are currently reading
9328 people want to read
About the author
Barbara O'Neal
28 books4,396 followersBarbara O'Neal is the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling writer of women's fiction. She lives in Colorado with her partner, a British endurance athlete.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 490 reviews
April 2, 2024
It's always a pleasure to read Barbara O'Neal's books. It's like sitting on a porch overlooking the beach with an iced coffee and enjoying the breeze. The stories are always smooth, natural, and easy to relate to.
This novel features Jewel, who hasn't been home in years after a falling out with some family members. She returns for an inheritance and learns what it means to have a home and family that loves her.
The novel was more of a standard romance than I realized it would be, although it tries to combine that with a sentimental story about sickness and healing and seem more serious. I found it hard to root for Jewel. She doesn't seem to have learned too much in her time away, and she's obsessed with a new man in town. That's where it veers from romantic to very detailed intimacy scenes, which isn't really my vibe.
Fans of the author will love this book, as will fans of this general genre.
I would give 3 stars for the plot, and 4 stars for the author's excellent writing style, which I'll average out to 3.5 rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy for review.
This novel features Jewel, who hasn't been home in years after a falling out with some family members. She returns for an inheritance and learns what it means to have a home and family that loves her.
The novel was more of a standard romance than I realized it would be, although it tries to combine that with a sentimental story about sickness and healing and seem more serious. I found it hard to root for Jewel. She doesn't seem to have learned too much in her time away, and she's obsessed with a new man in town. That's where it veers from romantic to very detailed intimacy scenes, which isn't really my vibe.
Fans of the author will love this book, as will fans of this general genre.
I would give 3 stars for the plot, and 4 stars for the author's excellent writing style, which I'll average out to 3.5 rounded up to 4.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy for review.
May 1, 2024
This novel will definitely be one of my favourites this year!
I got lost in this wonderful story that is beautifully written. It had my emotions going in every direction.
A multigenerational family saga, love story, and deeply moving novel about love and loss, and the bonds of family and friends.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I got lost in this wonderful story that is beautifully written. It had my emotions going in every direction.
A multigenerational family saga, love story, and deeply moving novel about love and loss, and the bonds of family and friends.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2021
The story was happy and sad and magically real...
April 28, 2022
This is my 12th story by Ruth Wind/Barbara Samuel/Barbara O'Neal and it was an emotional ride. I thought it was simply going to be a CR, but my bad. I should have known better.
Do we ever become too old not to be considered someone's child ? In a word, no.
No Place Like Home was first published in 2002 and if I had read it back then, I would have given it a solid five stars. In a way, it reminded me of some of Theresa Weir's older romances mixed with Kristan Higgins' stories concerning family life. The story was about mistakes made not just by the h, but almost every other character. Most of the MCs were the imperfectly perfect.
It also covered family relationships, friendship, romance, dying and even religion. Several times I wondered if the author came from a dysfunctional but loving family. Had she known a friend whom had AIDS? And in what faith had she been raised? Because so much of what she wrote about came across as spot-on.
If there was one thing I tired of, it was reading about Jewel's big breasts and her lush, tall, size 14 body. Still, the story was a very good piece of women's fiction and I am so glad my GR friend, Laura, recommended it to me.
Do we ever become too old not to be considered someone's child ? In a word, no.
No Place Like Home was first published in 2002 and if I had read it back then, I would have given it a solid five stars. In a way, it reminded me of some of Theresa Weir's older romances mixed with Kristan Higgins' stories concerning family life. The story was about mistakes made not just by the h, but almost every other character. Most of the MCs were the imperfectly perfect.
It also covered family relationships, friendship, romance, dying and even religion. Several times I wondered if the author came from a dysfunctional but loving family. Had she known a friend whom had AIDS? And in what faith had she been raised? Because so much of what she wrote about came across as spot-on.
If there was one thing I tired of, it was reading about Jewel's big breasts and her lush, tall, size 14 body. Still, the story was a very good piece of women's fiction and I am so glad my GR friend, Laura, recommended it to me.
April 1, 2009
If one does not wish to receive raised eyebrows (but no verbal comments, that would be unseemly) when one is riding on the Central Line on the London Underground, then one should NOT read the ending of a Barbara Samuel novel. For one will have tears streaming down one's cheeks at the heartfelt emotion, gorgeous language, and sense of joyful yet painful catharsis. Trust me, I know.
April 3, 2024
At face value, this is a book about friendship and family. I wasn’t counting on how slow it would be for me to get through. Or that it’s a re-release, originally published in 2002. The romance part of the plot was the least appealing to me. From the minute Jewel meets Malachi, she just wants to have sex with him. Includes several descriptive scenes which I skipped over. Some of their conversations were cringe worthy.
The best part of the book is the friendship Jewel has with Michael, who is a gay man dying from AIDS. Jewel takes him in to care for him during his last days. Michael is also Malachi’s brother. I’m sad to say that I just didn’t enjoy this book. It seems to have been popular through the years though. I don’t know what parts are original. This version includes some recipes. I buddy read this book with my friend Lindsey, and she tried one of the recipes and her family enjoyed it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The best part of the book is the friendship Jewel has with Michael, who is a gay man dying from AIDS. Jewel takes him in to care for him during his last days. Michael is also Malachi’s brother. I’m sad to say that I just didn’t enjoy this book. It seems to have been popular through the years though. I don’t know what parts are original. This version includes some recipes. I buddy read this book with my friend Lindsey, and she tried one of the recipes and her family enjoyed it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advance electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2024
I was excited to see this book. I read Barbara O’Neils last two books and really enjoyed them. I was disappointed to find out that it is a re-release of a title originally published in 2014.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:
The storyline is good. Jewel has returned home to Colorado after estrangement for 20 years. She had burned some family bridges with her departure. Now she has returned to family.
There are recipes between some chapters. One is for an apple pie with crushed ginger snaps as the crust. It sounds delicious.
It is April, we celebrate Earth Day. I love that Jewel has a garden and grows her herbs for cooking. She has a wonderful garden that she inherited from her aunt.
The writing style is good. There are passages describing Jewel's hometown in spring and summer. The descriptions evoked pictures in my mind. It also shows that the author is on the right road and that she is capable. The previous two books I read prove that.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:
It has a lot of fluffy romance in it. I don’t want a couple of pages detailing a make-out session. And, I don't want to read about Jewel's constant lusty thoughts.
Jewel is very self-deprecating about herself, constantly. She has no self-confidence. I prefer a stronger woman as a lead character.
Instead of a recipe, a Devotional (Homily) from Pope Saint Gregory appeared between 2 chapters. WTF? I have no idea if it was relevant to the storyline. I didn't read it even though it was only a page long.
MY SUMMARY:
Not every book is for every reader. If you don't mind pages of a make-out session, and many mentions of lusting, then it might be the book for you. I liked the family aspect of the story. I liked the setting of the story. And the descriptive writing was good.
But, sadly, this book was not for this reader. A disappointment after looking forward to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:
The storyline is good. Jewel has returned home to Colorado after estrangement for 20 years. She had burned some family bridges with her departure. Now she has returned to family.
There are recipes between some chapters. One is for an apple pie with crushed ginger snaps as the crust. It sounds delicious.
It is April, we celebrate Earth Day. I love that Jewel has a garden and grows her herbs for cooking. She has a wonderful garden that she inherited from her aunt.
The writing style is good. There are passages describing Jewel's hometown in spring and summer. The descriptions evoked pictures in my mind. It also shows that the author is on the right road and that she is capable. The previous two books I read prove that.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK:
It has a lot of fluffy romance in it. I don’t want a couple of pages detailing a make-out session. And, I don't want to read about Jewel's constant lusty thoughts.
Jewel is very self-deprecating about herself, constantly. She has no self-confidence. I prefer a stronger woman as a lead character.
Instead of a recipe, a Devotional (Homily) from Pope Saint Gregory appeared between 2 chapters. WTF? I have no idea if it was relevant to the storyline. I didn't read it even though it was only a page long.
MY SUMMARY:
Not every book is for every reader. If you don't mind pages of a make-out session, and many mentions of lusting, then it might be the book for you. I liked the family aspect of the story. I liked the setting of the story. And the descriptive writing was good.
But, sadly, this book was not for this reader. A disappointment after looking forward to it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
September 12, 2024
Beautifully written & so got damn atmospheric, I physically had to shake it off occasionally, like a wet, stannkky ole dog, to remind myself I was not actually there.
May 23, 2022
I’m so glad that a recent discussion with my friend Linda led me to go re-read this book.
In the ten years or so since I read this the first time I’ve lost both my parents, a sister, a brother, and numerous friends and acquaintances. Its been a decade of grief. This book really touched that part of me that has learned to embrace the pain of loss and treasure people in my life. In this story, Jewel’s relationships with her son, father, sisters, Michael and Malachi are all woven together as part of her journey of personal growth. However, I think its depth and power of her friendship with Michael that really anchors the story. Through that we learn about all the years of her life, the mistakes she made, the growth she accomplished.
Barbara Samuel/O’Neal has a real knack putting the reader into the setting. I could feel Jewel’s hometown, right down to the dramatic weather, intense ethnic community and overbearing family.
I’m glad I re-visited this story. Its a reminder to handle your challenges, fix your mistakes, love yourself and the people that matter to you and do what you love.
In the ten years or so since I read this the first time I’ve lost both my parents, a sister, a brother, and numerous friends and acquaintances. Its been a decade of grief. This book really touched that part of me that has learned to embrace the pain of loss and treasure people in my life. In this story, Jewel’s relationships with her son, father, sisters, Michael and Malachi are all woven together as part of her journey of personal growth. However, I think its depth and power of her friendship with Michael that really anchors the story. Through that we learn about all the years of her life, the mistakes she made, the growth she accomplished.
Barbara Samuel/O’Neal has a real knack putting the reader into the setting. I could feel Jewel’s hometown, right down to the dramatic weather, intense ethnic community and overbearing family.
I’m glad I re-visited this story. Its a reminder to handle your challenges, fix your mistakes, love yourself and the people that matter to you and do what you love.
August 18, 2018
Barbara Samuel has a unique talent for atmospheric storytelling and I immensely enjoyed this tale of sisterhood, family, friendship and love.
This is the story of Jewel Sabatino, who after suddenly inheriting her aunt Sylvia’s farm in her hometown in Colorado decides it’s time to return with her seventeen year old son, Chase, and her best friend, Michael, who is terminally ill. The women in her family, her three sisters, her Mother, her grandmother; all welcome her with open arms, except for her Dad, who is a stubborn, proud Sicilian, and has his reasons for not wanting to talk to Jewel.
There’s so much warmth and truth in this book, it really tugged at me. I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful writing and the sincerity it reflected and I can only applaud the author for not glossing over the characters; it’s in their words, the authenticity. I felt like I was in this story because it spoke to many of my sensory abilities. This author’s writing is sensual in every aspect; when it comes to loving the earth, loving people, being connected, or smelling the wonderful cooking. Also for me it wasn’t so much the love story between Jewel and Malachi (Michael’s brother) that was at the center; no it’s the ensemble of all the characters; the entire family, with at its heart Michael, who knew he was going to die but keeps everyone believing that life is always worth it, till the very end.
Oh, and by the way, this book deserves a much better cover!
This is the story of Jewel Sabatino, who after suddenly inheriting her aunt Sylvia’s farm in her hometown in Colorado decides it’s time to return with her seventeen year old son, Chase, and her best friend, Michael, who is terminally ill. The women in her family, her three sisters, her Mother, her grandmother; all welcome her with open arms, except for her Dad, who is a stubborn, proud Sicilian, and has his reasons for not wanting to talk to Jewel.
There’s so much warmth and truth in this book, it really tugged at me. I couldn’t get enough of the beautiful writing and the sincerity it reflected and I can only applaud the author for not glossing over the characters; it’s in their words, the authenticity. I felt like I was in this story because it spoke to many of my sensory abilities. This author’s writing is sensual in every aspect; when it comes to loving the earth, loving people, being connected, or smelling the wonderful cooking. Also for me it wasn’t so much the love story between Jewel and Malachi (Michael’s brother) that was at the center; no it’s the ensemble of all the characters; the entire family, with at its heart Michael, who knew he was going to die but keeps everyone believing that life is always worth it, till the very end.
Oh, and by the way, this book deserves a much better cover!
December 29, 2015
Contemporary Romance Something Missing
I really like Barbara O'Neal's writing style, no matter which of her pseudonyms she is using. There is a lush sensuality about her writing, whether the topic is Romance or Foodie Fiction.
But in this story, I never quite connected, thus the three star rating. The story felt a little dated too.
The story has a couple of intimate scenes and a few bad words, to the best of my recollection.
I really like Barbara O'Neal's writing style, no matter which of her pseudonyms she is using. There is a lush sensuality about her writing, whether the topic is Romance or Foodie Fiction.
But in this story, I never quite connected, thus the three star rating. The story felt a little dated too.
The story has a couple of intimate scenes and a few bad words, to the best of my recollection.
October 6, 2015
I thought this was a really good book. At first, I did reluctantly start it because it was written in first person...but it works really well for the book (much better, imo, than third person would've). It's a great little slice-of-life story of Jewel, a forty-year-old woman coming back home, after over two decades away, and dealing with not only the impending death of her friend, Michael, but also being once again immersed into the friends and family of a small town.
My favourite little touches by the author were the recipes at the beginning of some chapters. It was a completely extra and absolutely great addition to the book.
The characters, from the main ones to the support, I absolutely loved. I found them all to be extremely likable. Although the novel moved slow at parts, I felt it went along well with telling the story. You see Jewel (small complaint: her name should've been mentioned at the beginning of the first chapter, not partway through) slowly being accepted back into the fold and also the acceptance of Shane, Michael and Malachi. There were scenes that were absolutely hilarious like when they're trying on the bridesmaids dresses for the first time. Their laughter was so infectious in that scene, and it's probably one of my favourites in the entire novel.
I loved the way Michael's part of the story was handled. You know what's going to happen...and still...
The other scene (and it might rival the bridesmaids dresses scene as a favourite) that I loved was the last one written from Michael's perspective. It was rather lovely to read.
My favourite little touches by the author were the recipes at the beginning of some chapters. It was a completely extra and absolutely great addition to the book.
The characters, from the main ones to the support, I absolutely loved. I found them all to be extremely likable. Although the novel moved slow at parts, I felt it went along well with telling the story. You see Jewel (small complaint: her name should've been mentioned at the beginning of the first chapter, not partway through) slowly being accepted back into the fold and also the acceptance of Shane, Michael and Malachi. There were scenes that were absolutely hilarious like when they're trying on the bridesmaids dresses for the first time. Their laughter was so infectious in that scene, and it's probably one of my favourites in the entire novel.
I loved the way Michael's part of the story was handled. You know what's going to happen...and still...
The other scene (and it might rival the bridesmaids dresses scene as a favourite) that I loved was the last one written from Michael's perspective. It was rather lovely to read.
April 13, 2024
I’m pretty stingy with five star reviews. This one has everything I want in a book - the love and conflict of family, luscious sexual tension, true love of dear friends, and recipes. Oh, and it made me cry.
This is a revised edition previously issued under O’Neal’s pen name, Barbara Samuels. I’m so glad it was brought to my attention this way, because I thought I had read all of her books.
I especially loved how Jewel, the main character, experienced life through all her senses, with beautiful descriptions of scents (especially as the scents pertained to each person), food, weather, and light.
Family, recipes, good sexual tension - yes, please.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
This is a revised edition previously issued under O’Neal’s pen name, Barbara Samuels. I’m so glad it was brought to my attention this way, because I thought I had read all of her books.
I especially loved how Jewel, the main character, experienced life through all her senses, with beautiful descriptions of scents (especially as the scents pertained to each person), food, weather, and light.
Family, recipes, good sexual tension - yes, please.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC.
April 27, 2024
4.5 I just love this author and feel the feels every time. Definitely not highest literary level, but so good!
September 19, 2024
Ik vond het een mooi verhaal, maar een beetje oppervlakkig en vluchtig geschreven waardoor ik niet helemaal invested was
January 5, 2024
No Place Like Home tells the story of a young woman who defied the traditions of her large family in Pueblo, leaving school as the teenage daughter of a traditional Italian Catholic family for life and adventure with her rock-star quasi-husband, Billy, whom she met with Michael, a man who becomes her best friend after meeting them both at the state fair. Jewel leaves Pueblo for New York with Billy and Michael at age 17 longing for adventure and life outside the confines of Pueblo and the staunch traditions of her large family. Along the way, the three of them leave the small-town claustrophobia of Pueblo for the semi-successful rock star lifestyle of Micheal and Billie in New York, a man she truly loves but never marries, despite the birth of their son, Shane. After twenty years, Jewel feels the familiar pull of her first family, the one she left behind to spread her wings. After a series of life-altering challenges and an inheritance of land from a great aunt, Jewel decides to head home to Pueblo with her son, Shane, and her dearest friend, Michael, to try to make amends with the life she left behind as a young girl. Estranged from her father, whom she hasn’t spoken to since she left Pueblo twenty years ago, Jewel longs for a reconciliation as much as that scares her. With her strong Sicilian roots and a huge family whom she believes judges her for her past free-spirited adventures, she learns as much from this family reunion as her parents, sisters, aunt, cousins, and grandparents do. As Michael meanders one of the biggest struggles of his life, Jewel finds redemption in forgiveness via a new and unexpected love as she rebuilds a life for herself and Shane inside her large Sicilian family.
The tale is a journey of personal growth and romance, reconciliation and the never-ending lure of family ties that bind. I had never read a Barbara O’Neal book before, and I must say I am now a new fan of her work. The tale is delivered via characters that become part of your family as you read; the characters and their foibles so real you feel like you lived through them with the MC, Jewel. Her characters jump off the page and into your heart. With both believable characters and believable backstories, and rich immersive settings, you will feel as if you stepped off the same train and bus that Jewel, Shane, and Michael did when they arrived in Pueblo. You can smell the family dishes, taste the mouth-watering deserts, and smell the high desert weather in all its glory and seasons. O’Neil weaves a tale of longing, lost souls and the true nature of family and forgiveness and the need we all seem to have at times in our lives to return to our roots for comfort when times get tough. This book will transport you through some of your own youthful imperfections alongside Jewel as she comes to understand the one life she is destined to have as she rebuilds her life and finds new love after loss. Spoiler Alert: Have tissues handy. And there are a few drug/alcohol scenes, bad boy innuendos, and sex scenes which Barbara O'Neal writes into the story beautifully and unoffensively. As my first book review for Net Galley which I stayed up most of the night to finish, I am thrilled to say Barbara O’Neal's poignant tale of love and loss, personal growth, and family forgiveness should be a must read for all.
The tale is a journey of personal growth and romance, reconciliation and the never-ending lure of family ties that bind. I had never read a Barbara O’Neal book before, and I must say I am now a new fan of her work. The tale is delivered via characters that become part of your family as you read; the characters and their foibles so real you feel like you lived through them with the MC, Jewel. Her characters jump off the page and into your heart. With both believable characters and believable backstories, and rich immersive settings, you will feel as if you stepped off the same train and bus that Jewel, Shane, and Michael did when they arrived in Pueblo. You can smell the family dishes, taste the mouth-watering deserts, and smell the high desert weather in all its glory and seasons. O’Neil weaves a tale of longing, lost souls and the true nature of family and forgiveness and the need we all seem to have at times in our lives to return to our roots for comfort when times get tough. This book will transport you through some of your own youthful imperfections alongside Jewel as she comes to understand the one life she is destined to have as she rebuilds her life and finds new love after loss. Spoiler Alert: Have tissues handy. And there are a few drug/alcohol scenes, bad boy innuendos, and sex scenes which Barbara O'Neal writes into the story beautifully and unoffensively. As my first book review for Net Galley which I stayed up most of the night to finish, I am thrilled to say Barbara O’Neal's poignant tale of love and loss, personal growth, and family forgiveness should be a must read for all.
April 2, 2024
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever cried so much while reading a book! This story really brought out all the emotions in me. Barbara O’Neal is quickly working her way on to my favorite authors list. No Place Like Home is the story of Jewel Sabatino. She’s the oldest daughter of 4 girls in a very large Italian Catholic family. She breaks all the traditional rules by running off with a young musician named Billy during her last year of high school. Because of this she has brought shame to her father Romeo and he will have nothing to do with her. It’s Billy’s band mate Michael who becomes her best friend and confidant in life. After Billy’s drug related death, Michael, who has already lost his gay partner, becomes sick with AIDS. Jewel along with Michael and her teenage son Shane return to Pueblo, Colorado to live in a house that she’s inherited from her deceased Aunt. It’s there that she tries to rebuild her life by making amends with her family and starting up her own pie baking business. She does this all while taking care of her sick friend Michael and keeping her wayward son on the straight and narrow. It’s then that Malachi, Michael’s younger and very hunky brother enters the picture. He has come to spend time with Michael during his last days here on Earth. This was a wonderful story of friendship, of finding forgiveness, and of finding true and lasting love. It’s a book I don’t think I’ll ever forget reading because it really touched my heart! I’d like to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the arc that I obtained off the Read Now section. This was a beautiful story, one I truly enjoyed reading and highly recommend. I’m giving it a much deserved 5 star rating and am looking forward to reading more books by Barbara O’Neal very soon!
August 12, 2013
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Barbara Samuels
This is an oldie but goodie that I have recommended many times in fact I even recommended it to a script writer friend because I thought it would be a great movie. I hoped he could work with Ms Samuels on a screen play, but Im sorry to say it never happened.
This is the story of a woman who has been estranged from her family who comes home with her son and gay best friend. The novel takes place in my home town and I know the restaurant and the characters in the book very well. At least I know the types and the setting. Ms. Samuels does a marvelous job with time, place and familiar ( at least to me) personalities. This story would make a great novel in and of itself, but then add in a typical Italian family she is eager to reestablish bonds with especially for her son.
It has been a favorite of mine for a long time and truly appreciate Ms. Samuels talent.
Highly Recommended
Barbara Samuels
This is an oldie but goodie that I have recommended many times in fact I even recommended it to a script writer friend because I thought it would be a great movie. I hoped he could work with Ms Samuels on a screen play, but Im sorry to say it never happened.
This is the story of a woman who has been estranged from her family who comes home with her son and gay best friend. The novel takes place in my home town and I know the restaurant and the characters in the book very well. At least I know the types and the setting. Ms. Samuels does a marvelous job with time, place and familiar ( at least to me) personalities. This story would make a great novel in and of itself, but then add in a typical Italian family she is eager to reestablish bonds with especially for her son.
It has been a favorite of mine for a long time and truly appreciate Ms. Samuels talent.
Highly Recommended
October 26, 2012
This is the first book I've read in longer than I can remember that made tears just stream down my cheeks. But mixed with the sadness was so much joy. Barbara Samuels writes about family, food, love, motherhood, and the joys and sorrows of balancing all the roles that come with being a woman with wit, tenderness, and shattering honesty. The genuineness of the writing and the universal truths that this book explores lift it far above your average "women's fiction" novel. I never once felt like my emotions were being manipulated. It's only March, but I'm already placing NO PLACE LIKE HOME at the top of my Favorite Books of the Year list.
June 19, 2024
Barbara O’Neal is one of my favorite authors. There’s always so many layers to her stories. The family drama feels so real. The estrangement between Jewel & her father. The unconventional self-made family between Jewel & Michael. The reunion with Jewel’s whole family when she moves back home. All of the characters have a rich backstory & she paints the picture so clearly it’s like watching a movie. The recipes sprinkled throughout are an added bonus. It’s a beautiful book filled with beauty, sorrow, joy, & loss. It’s absolutely worth the read.
January 25, 2021
Barbara Samuel (or O'Neal) has become my trusted go-to author when I want something warm & cozy, a feel-good, predictable pick-me-up. That said, I was a little disappointed with this story. It's not bad, but it's not as good as I've come to expect from her. These characters all fell flat for me, they weren't believable or even all that likeable. The story was cute enough though. I believe she could have done better with this one.
January 17, 2025
I love Barbara O’Neal books usually. I’ve read all of her newer books and love them. When I saw she redid her older books I was so excited to check them out. This book was not for me. I didn’t hate it. But I didn’t like it at all. I can’t put my finger on what it was. But I will say if she called Malachi a Sex God one more time I was going to scream!
January 19, 2010
Excellent! Couldn't put it down. Barbara sucks you into her characters and her description of the countryside makes you want to be there. The sex scenes are magic and her relationship with her son and best friend brought me to tears.
March 27, 2009
I checked this out from the library thinking it would just be a cheesy love book (which I do secretly love) but it was much more. It was poignant and sweet and the characters are so completely developed, you just fall in love with all of them.
October 18, 2018
I really like this author but I didn’t really care for this book
May 9, 2024
Barbara O’Neal’s books have quickly become an automatic read for me. This book was first published in 2002, and revised in 2024.
I love how some books seem to enter your life just when you need THAT sort of read. This book was that for me. If you follow me, you know I love a good emotional read. This book hit all the feels. O’Neal paints a picture of the Sabatino family, a tight knit, large Italian family. Jewel, the wild child, returns home with her teenage son and her gravely ill best friend. Estranged from her Dad, what transpires next more than she could ever dream of.
Family is at the center of this book, both the family we are born into and the family that we choose. I so enjoyed the big family and how there was so much love going on behind the scenes. Friends that become our family when times are tough and are always there for us, no matter what. Jewel made a tough decision at a young age, and had to live with the fallout. Things come full circle in a heartbreaking way bringing with it an unexpected but heartwarming ending. This story was beautifully written and so relatable. Very rarely do I read a story that I fall in love with all the characters. There is a tough facade to all but a softness underneath. This is a love story of parents, family, friends and lovers that come into our lives at perfect times. Jewel is so unapologetic with the decisions she made in the past, she owns it and makes no excuses. But she has grown up and now knows what she needs to do. She is in no rush and let’s things play out organically, which I appreciated. This shows how differently we look at things and people at different points in our lives.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
I love how some books seem to enter your life just when you need THAT sort of read. This book was that for me. If you follow me, you know I love a good emotional read. This book hit all the feels. O’Neal paints a picture of the Sabatino family, a tight knit, large Italian family. Jewel, the wild child, returns home with her teenage son and her gravely ill best friend. Estranged from her Dad, what transpires next more than she could ever dream of.
Family is at the center of this book, both the family we are born into and the family that we choose. I so enjoyed the big family and how there was so much love going on behind the scenes. Friends that become our family when times are tough and are always there for us, no matter what. Jewel made a tough decision at a young age, and had to live with the fallout. Things come full circle in a heartbreaking way bringing with it an unexpected but heartwarming ending. This story was beautifully written and so relatable. Very rarely do I read a story that I fall in love with all the characters. There is a tough facade to all but a softness underneath. This is a love story of parents, family, friends and lovers that come into our lives at perfect times. Jewel is so unapologetic with the decisions she made in the past, she owns it and makes no excuses. But she has grown up and now knows what she needs to do. She is in no rush and let’s things play out organically, which I appreciated. This shows how differently we look at things and people at different points in our lives.
Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. This is my honest opinion.
January 14, 2024
I took my time listening to this one. It took time to get into it, and I am not entirely sure why because I ended up really enjoying it. This is not a story that is plot driven. It is greatly character driven, and therefore it is slower at times. There are two or three fairly vivid sex scenes, but even that love story is not the real love story.
Jules, Michael (her gay best friend), and Shane (her son) leave New York for the security of a home Jules has been left by an aunt. She hasn’t been back to Pueblo in 20 years and has not spoken to her father in as much time. As she reestablishes herself within her family and community, she cares for Michael as he is dying for AIDS, and also falls for Michael’s brother, Malachi as they navigate what life will feel like without him.
I enjoyed the theme of family. I was grateful for a family who just loved and helped one another through the hard things. I cried when Michael died, when Jules and her father made up, and when Malachi came back to her. A solid three star listen.
Jules, Michael (her gay best friend), and Shane (her son) leave New York for the security of a home Jules has been left by an aunt. She hasn’t been back to Pueblo in 20 years and has not spoken to her father in as much time. As she reestablishes herself within her family and community, she cares for Michael as he is dying for AIDS, and also falls for Michael’s brother, Malachi as they navigate what life will feel like without him.
I enjoyed the theme of family. I was grateful for a family who just loved and helped one another through the hard things. I cried when Michael died, when Jules and her father made up, and when Malachi came back to her. A solid three star listen.
November 5, 2019
The main character, Jewel, has returned home to her small town, having inherited a cozy little house from her late aunt. Jewel has a teenaged son and is caring for Michael, her beloved and very ill friend. The three of them move in, placing Jewel in the middle of her big Italian family, and within hate-glaring range of her still-angry, estranged father. This story explores how she fits back in, how her son develops, how Michael does over time, and the budding relationship between Jewel and Michael's troubled, handsome brother. It's got a rich character arc for Jewel, who was the "bad girl" of the family and learns to understand herself. She's also close to forty, so this has some threads of accepting the realities of getting older. Great descriptions of setting, characters, and food. A lovely novel.
October 7, 2024
The only reason I can’t leave this book five stars is because it took me too long to get completely invested in it to the point where I could not put it down.
Once I got to the point where I couldn’t put this one down I was obsessed with it! The last 1/4-1/2 of this book was five stars undoubtedly. It was so rich and beautiful and devastating and fulfilling that it just blew me away. I had tears through the last twenty percent of it that I couldn’t hold back.
That ending?! Phenomenal!
Don’t skip out on this one! Do not DNF whatever you do! If you have to put it down to reset or read something faster-paced, then do it, but come back! Come back to this one & finish it! I promise it’s worth it! What a great story omg 😭😭😭
Once I got to the point where I couldn’t put this one down I was obsessed with it! The last 1/4-1/2 of this book was five stars undoubtedly. It was so rich and beautiful and devastating and fulfilling that it just blew me away. I had tears through the last twenty percent of it that I couldn’t hold back.
That ending?! Phenomenal!
Don’t skip out on this one! Do not DNF whatever you do! If you have to put it down to reset or read something faster-paced, then do it, but come back! Come back to this one & finish it! I promise it’s worth it! What a great story omg 😭😭😭
August 27, 2025
I typically like Barbara O’Neal books but this one missed the mark. Because I am someone who finds DNF’ing elusive, I found myself slogging through this slow burn. While the author eventually endeared me to her characters, it seemed like she dropped us in the middle of her story with pre-established investments. She didn’t adequately build her storyline nor make me care. Like I said, I did eventually find some satisfaction in its outcome but I can’t say I would recommend it.
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