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The Way Back
Young love means everything . . . until it leaves you with nothing.
The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not.
Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she looks for answers, the ex-boyfriend who’d witnessed her darkest days reappears, stirring up both pain and hope.
When her mother's vindictive fans threaten her grandmother's livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?
The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not.
Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she looks for answers, the ex-boyfriend who’d witnessed her darkest days reappears, stirring up both pain and hope.
When her mother's vindictive fans threaten her grandmother's livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2024
33 people are currently reading
5121 people want to read
About the author
Heidi Chiavaroli
20 books1,072 followersHeidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 18, 2024
“I think forgiveness is more about taking ourselves out of the equation altogether.”
Heidi Chiavaroli knows how to drain a reader to empty and then make them full ALL AT ONCE.
This new-to-me author has quickly solidified herself on my auto-read list.
The Way Back is book one in the Lights of Acadia series and reminds readers that our battle scars don’t have to define us solely. While I appreciated the reminder that we have a God who covers our scars with his promises, I really felt encouraged when she stated that we need to place greater importance on finding our way back home and to one another. Sometimes we can be so trapped by the expectations of others, that we forget the path WE are on. The wonderfully designed cover reflects her claim; I saw it as two open arms welcoming readers toward the light.
I loved her exploration of commas. No, not the grammatical kind. The commas we experience in life are things like waiting, struggles, hope, and growing. Chiavaroli reminds readers not to see death as a period, but a comma. Like reading a sentence with a comma, there’s a breath withheld before carrying on in each of these experiences. Life is like that. Sometimes being strong doesn’t feel strong; sometimes it feels like a pause, a breather before carrying on. I’m not very good at pressing pause and I need to learn to do it more.
I loved the references to ‘my person = my lobster’ and FRIENDS (Phoebe says Ross and Rachel are lobsters because lobsters mate for life.)
Chiavaroli finishes off with “Be quick to forgive, pray like crazy and heap on the grace.” What fantastic advice.
I was gifted this copy by JustRead Tours and Hope Creek Publishers and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Heidi Chiavaroli knows how to drain a reader to empty and then make them full ALL AT ONCE.
This new-to-me author has quickly solidified herself on my auto-read list.
The Way Back is book one in the Lights of Acadia series and reminds readers that our battle scars don’t have to define us solely. While I appreciated the reminder that we have a God who covers our scars with his promises, I really felt encouraged when she stated that we need to place greater importance on finding our way back home and to one another. Sometimes we can be so trapped by the expectations of others, that we forget the path WE are on. The wonderfully designed cover reflects her claim; I saw it as two open arms welcoming readers toward the light.
I loved her exploration of commas. No, not the grammatical kind. The commas we experience in life are things like waiting, struggles, hope, and growing. Chiavaroli reminds readers not to see death as a period, but a comma. Like reading a sentence with a comma, there’s a breath withheld before carrying on in each of these experiences. Life is like that. Sometimes being strong doesn’t feel strong; sometimes it feels like a pause, a breather before carrying on. I’m not very good at pressing pause and I need to learn to do it more.
I loved the references to ‘my person = my lobster’ and FRIENDS (Phoebe says Ross and Rachel are lobsters because lobsters mate for life.)
Chiavaroli finishes off with “Be quick to forgive, pray like crazy and heap on the grace.” What fantastic advice.
I was gifted this copy by JustRead Tours and Hope Creek Publishers and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Read
June 10, 2024I still remember the day my sister (then a teenager) told me that she’d jumped off one of the Newport cliffs on the Cliff Walk with a bunch of her friends—mostly older boys, mostly boys I had a crush on at one time or another!
I was mortified. What if she had hit a rock? What if she had drowned and I never saw her again?
Whenever I visited the Cliff Walk after that, I tried to pick out the place where she’d jumped. I’d shiver just imagining it. Years later, still picturing different scenarios in my head, I finally sat down and wrote a fictional story inspired by my sister’s experience. ☺️
The Way Back is my latest dual timeline novel and the first book in my Lights of Acadia series. Set in Maine, it features two women—Laney, my contemporary cliff-jumping heroine, and Abbie Burgess, my true-to-life historical heroine who lived more than a hundred years ago.
As with many of my books, this novel deals with some tough topics—self-harm, neglect, and moving forward in forgiveness. But as alway, my intent for this story is to shine light in the darkness. (And really, what better way to do that than through a story about lighthouses?!)
I hope you enjoy. I hope Laney, Abbie, and Jason wrap themselves around your heart as you journey with them through their struggles, triumphs, pain, and joy. Thank you for reading. ♥️
“I’m beginning to glimpse what it means to be human, to hold my scars lightly and hold hope tightly.” ~ Laney, The Way Back
I was mortified. What if she had hit a rock? What if she had drowned and I never saw her again?
Whenever I visited the Cliff Walk after that, I tried to pick out the place where she’d jumped. I’d shiver just imagining it. Years later, still picturing different scenarios in my head, I finally sat down and wrote a fictional story inspired by my sister’s experience. ☺️
The Way Back is my latest dual timeline novel and the first book in my Lights of Acadia series. Set in Maine, it features two women—Laney, my contemporary cliff-jumping heroine, and Abbie Burgess, my true-to-life historical heroine who lived more than a hundred years ago.
As with many of my books, this novel deals with some tough topics—self-harm, neglect, and moving forward in forgiveness. But as alway, my intent for this story is to shine light in the darkness. (And really, what better way to do that than through a story about lighthouses?!)
I hope you enjoy. I hope Laney, Abbie, and Jason wrap themselves around your heart as you journey with them through their struggles, triumphs, pain, and joy. Thank you for reading. ♥️
“I’m beginning to glimpse what it means to be human, to hold my scars lightly and hold hope tightly.” ~ Laney, The Way Back
February 16, 2024
This was another beautiful and heart-rending story by Heidi Chiavaroli! This is book one in the Lights of Acadia series, but it is loosely connected to the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series. Fans of that series will recognize Charlotte as Hannah's friend from that series and we do get a brief glimpse of the Martin family in this book and it was great to "see" them again. If you haven't read that series, you won't miss anything in this story, but if you have, it's just an extra nugget to check in and see how the Martin family is doing. This book's main character is Charlotte's granddaughter Laney, whose best friend died when their lives should have just been beginning and changed the trajectory of Laney's whole life. This book follows her road to healing and finding love - both in the romantic sense and the familial sense - and even finding God's love.
As the author has done in every book, she tackles some hard topics - in this book, grief, addiction, cutting, and more - and does so with great grace. Though the subject matter is extra heavy, this read didn't feel extra heavy, but it is definitely not a light read. Fraught with character development, this book delves deep into the healing process. I loved how she used an old journal of a Maine lighthouse keeper that was found at Charlotte's bed and breakfast to help bring healing to Laney and to introduce Laney to God. (Be sure to read the author's note as I was thrilled to learn that Abbie Burgess was a real person!) The faith thread in this one was solid, but not in-your-face. Laney quite naturally came to the point of falling on her knees to seek the One who could truly bring help, guidance and healing. And though the family seems beyond repair in the beginning of the book, I was very happy with the ending of this story. This book made me weep both with sorrow and with joy, which is the sign of a great story indeed. This is one I would definitely recommend to anyone mature enough to handle the heavy topics included. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
As the author has done in every book, she tackles some hard topics - in this book, grief, addiction, cutting, and more - and does so with great grace. Though the subject matter is extra heavy, this read didn't feel extra heavy, but it is definitely not a light read. Fraught with character development, this book delves deep into the healing process. I loved how she used an old journal of a Maine lighthouse keeper that was found at Charlotte's bed and breakfast to help bring healing to Laney and to introduce Laney to God. (Be sure to read the author's note as I was thrilled to learn that Abbie Burgess was a real person!) The faith thread in this one was solid, but not in-your-face. Laney quite naturally came to the point of falling on her knees to seek the One who could truly bring help, guidance and healing. And though the family seems beyond repair in the beginning of the book, I was very happy with the ending of this story. This book made me weep both with sorrow and with joy, which is the sign of a great story indeed. This is one I would definitely recommend to anyone mature enough to handle the heavy topics included. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
July 7, 2024
I loved this book! It was my first by this author & I will totally be reading more of her books, as she has several series. I love lighthouses & learning about them too. Such a wonderful story of love, redemption & forgiveness. It was excellent in every way!!
June 11, 2024
Late 1800s and present-day Maine
Beautifully told tale about healing old wounds. While mostly set in the current day, the glimpses back to the late 1800s through a lightkeeper's journal are an excellent addition.
The family dynamics between three generations of women is distant and hesitant. The youngest Laney is the novel's main character. After witnessing her best friend's tragic death, Laney is riddled with guilt for years. Being a part of her healing journey was rewarding. I especially loved Kiran's role.
Favorite line "And yet, wasn't that the challenge of being human, of empathizing with those that didn't see the same as we do?"
The cover and title are perfect for the novel.
Heidi Chiavaroli is a favorite author and I'm so glad this is just the start of a new series.
Beautifully told tale about healing old wounds. While mostly set in the current day, the glimpses back to the late 1800s through a lightkeeper's journal are an excellent addition.
The family dynamics between three generations of women is distant and hesitant. The youngest Laney is the novel's main character. After witnessing her best friend's tragic death, Laney is riddled with guilt for years. Being a part of her healing journey was rewarding. I especially loved Kiran's role.
Favorite line "And yet, wasn't that the challenge of being human, of empathizing with those that didn't see the same as we do?"
The cover and title are perfect for the novel.
Heidi Chiavaroli is a favorite author and I'm so glad this is just the start of a new series.
June 21, 2024
I didn't realize going into The Way Back that it was a dual-timeline novel. It is the second book I have read by Heidi Chiavaroli, and I am looking forward to reading more from her.
The opening scene reads like a suspense novel and immediately drew me in. It was completely unexpected and heart breaking.
The story is mainly told from present day, so I was surprised when Laney finds a journal and we start getting diary entries from the 1850s. This is an interesting way to do a dual timeline. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but as the story progressed, I was drawn more to the historical timeline than the present day.
The story had threads of grief woven throughout it. It also had themes of hope, healing, reconciliation and forgiveness. Overall, while heavy at times, it is a reminder that there is always hope, we can find healing in the most unexpected ways, and God is bigger than all our messes.
Content warning: death of a teen, self-harm, neglect
Thank you to JustReads Publicity and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The opening scene reads like a suspense novel and immediately drew me in. It was completely unexpected and heart breaking.
The story is mainly told from present day, so I was surprised when Laney finds a journal and we start getting diary entries from the 1850s. This is an interesting way to do a dual timeline. At first, I wasn't sure I was going to like it, but as the story progressed, I was drawn more to the historical timeline than the present day.
The story had threads of grief woven throughout it. It also had themes of hope, healing, reconciliation and forgiveness. Overall, while heavy at times, it is a reminder that there is always hope, we can find healing in the most unexpected ways, and God is bigger than all our messes.
Content warning: death of a teen, self-harm, neglect
Thank you to JustReads Publicity and the author for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 21, 2024
The Way Back explores the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters, and how fear and even love can skew our best intensions. The three main female characters in this conflict each strive to overcome (or struggle with) tragic pasts and the effects they cannot escape. As the story unfolds, the author reveals truth and puts the characters on the path to healing and reconciliation between three generations of women--Nana with her daughter Miriam, and Miriam with her daughter Laney. With honest gentleness, Heidi Chiavaroli presents the realities of drug addiction, self-harm, and the mind's ability to protect a victim from a tragic past. Woven within the contemporary timeline is a historical story based on true events of a female lighthouse keeper whose journal Laney discovers. As Laney reads Abbie's journal, she is inspired by Abbie's courage and the faith that carries her through the trials she faces, including a somewhat strained relationship with her own mother. Chiavaroli doesn't shy away from addressing hot button issues, but she does so with honesty and hope.
May 14, 2024
For fans of Heidi’s previous books, The Way Back will feel like coming home. If you’re new to Heidi’s books… WELCOME! This one will certainly not be your last.
Set in Maine, The Way Back is a dual-timeline story (my favorite kind!) about two women who find themselves tucked away at The Beacon Lighthouse, nearly one hundred years apart. As Laney struggles to heal from a traumatic event, she finds herself amidst the unraveling of the truth behind her mother’s and grandmother’s painful past. In her quest for truth, she comes across a journal kept by a brave female lightkeeper which helps Laney put life— and love— into perspective.
Based loosely on the true story of the heroic Abby Burgess, The Way Back is an encouraging read full of hope and healing. As always, Heidi weaves past and present together with a web of silken words and mesmerizing tales.
Set in Maine, The Way Back is a dual-timeline story (my favorite kind!) about two women who find themselves tucked away at The Beacon Lighthouse, nearly one hundred years apart. As Laney struggles to heal from a traumatic event, she finds herself amidst the unraveling of the truth behind her mother’s and grandmother’s painful past. In her quest for truth, she comes across a journal kept by a brave female lightkeeper which helps Laney put life— and love— into perspective.
Based loosely on the true story of the heroic Abby Burgess, The Way Back is an encouraging read full of hope and healing. As always, Heidi weaves past and present together with a web of silken words and mesmerizing tales.
June 21, 2024
I really loved this thought provoking book! Heidi (author) weaved her magic and wrote a dual timeline novel that drew me in, touched my heart and made the characters feel like family to me. This is a book I really had to think about and absorb…not one I could read quickly…one to be savored. It had themes of tragedy, deep grief, hope, true love, reconciliation and forgiveness. There was a love story so tender and real that it brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart. The hero had such deep love for the modern day heroine. Their second chance love story deserved their wonderful HEA…happy sigh. There was reconciliation and forgiveness of estranged family that touched me deeply. It was a dual timeline novel, so reading about lighthouse keeper Abbie Burgess, and how the author incorporates her journal into the story was absolutely enthralling. I really grew to care about Laney and all the emotional trauma she had experienced. She was deeply human and authentic. I highly recommend this beautiful story of ultimate hope.
May 29, 2024
4.5 stars
The Way Back is a heartbreaking and redemptive story. You can count on inspirational Author Heidi Chiavaroli to tackle difficult issues (in this story: grief, cutting, addiction, mental illness, brokenness, and second chances) with genuineness, as the main character begins to seek the only One who can truly guide and help her heal from a tragedy, and an unstable upbringing. I was glued to the pages to see if Laney would find her grandmother and find healing. I was happy to learn that she finds so much more.
Her grandmother Charlotte runs a bed and breakfast with a lighthouse on the east coast and is a strong and lovable character.
The faith thread is beautiful. The past and present stories with the lighthouse journal tying them together were captivating, and page-turning. I really enjoyed reading about the real-life 17-year-old heroine and lightkeeper Abbie Burgess who keeps the lights lit for several weeks during a raging storm in the 1856 when her father was off the island getting supplies. I enjoyed how the story of the young lightkeeper influences Laney's journey.
This is not a light read, but it is a beautiful story. I recommend it to all book lovers who enjoy a deeper story, with some wonderful historical details thrown into this contemporary story. I was delighted to see the cast of characters from the Orchard House series make an appearance in one chapter! I am grateful to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
The Way Back is a heartbreaking and redemptive story. You can count on inspirational Author Heidi Chiavaroli to tackle difficult issues (in this story: grief, cutting, addiction, mental illness, brokenness, and second chances) with genuineness, as the main character begins to seek the only One who can truly guide and help her heal from a tragedy, and an unstable upbringing. I was glued to the pages to see if Laney would find her grandmother and find healing. I was happy to learn that she finds so much more.
Her grandmother Charlotte runs a bed and breakfast with a lighthouse on the east coast and is a strong and lovable character.
The faith thread is beautiful. The past and present stories with the lighthouse journal tying them together were captivating, and page-turning. I really enjoyed reading about the real-life 17-year-old heroine and lightkeeper Abbie Burgess who keeps the lights lit for several weeks during a raging storm in the 1856 when her father was off the island getting supplies. I enjoyed how the story of the young lightkeeper influences Laney's journey.
This is not a light read, but it is a beautiful story. I recommend it to all book lovers who enjoy a deeper story, with some wonderful historical details thrown into this contemporary story. I was delighted to see the cast of characters from the Orchard House series make an appearance in one chapter! I am grateful to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.
May 25, 2024
The Way Back is a complicated, beautiful story about mothers, daughters, brokenness, healing, forgiveness, faith, and second chances. A lighthouse and old journal add a historical element. I loved the characters, especially Laney, Jason, and Charlotte, and liked that we had perspectives from both Laney and Jason. The epigraphs were hints about the chapters and I was especially delighted that one was a quote from Josie Martin's book. Since I've read all of Heidi Chiavaroli's books it was fun to have a brief visit with the Martin family. The historical journal of a young female lighthouse keeper was interesting to read and based on a real person. I think this is a wonderful book that is well worth reading.
June 21, 2024
"Trouble is, change is hard work. Not for the faint of heart, but sometimes God in his grace does the heavy lifting for us."
Ah, it's been a while since I've picked up a Heidi Chiavaroli book. It's good to be back! The book flows so smoothly even when it addresses very difficult topics. Laney has huge trauma in her life and her heartbreak, guilt, and shame are so real. Jason also battles heartbreak, guilt, and shame but is further along on the path to healing and shows Laney what steadfast loyal love looks like. Their first person present tense voices are raw, honest, and tender. Their journey to forgiveness is admirable. I loved learning about Maine lighthouses and the incredible history behind them. The 1800s journal entries that are interspersed throughout the story were amazing glimpses into the lives of the brave lightkeepers and their families. I loved Laney's grandmother and her wisdom. It was also fun to see her connection with the Martin family from the author's previous book series.
It looks like this may be the first in the series - I can't wait to read the next book and visit another beautiful lighthouse in Maine.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Ah, it's been a while since I've picked up a Heidi Chiavaroli book. It's good to be back! The book flows so smoothly even when it addresses very difficult topics. Laney has huge trauma in her life and her heartbreak, guilt, and shame are so real. Jason also battles heartbreak, guilt, and shame but is further along on the path to healing and shows Laney what steadfast loyal love looks like. Their first person present tense voices are raw, honest, and tender. Their journey to forgiveness is admirable. I loved learning about Maine lighthouses and the incredible history behind them. The 1800s journal entries that are interspersed throughout the story were amazing glimpses into the lives of the brave lightkeepers and their families. I loved Laney's grandmother and her wisdom. It was also fun to see her connection with the Martin family from the author's previous book series.
It looks like this may be the first in the series - I can't wait to read the next book and visit another beautiful lighthouse in Maine.
I received a complimentary copy courtesy of JustRead Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
June 9, 2024
I love lighthouses and history, so I really enjoyed this story about women, their strengths and relationships. Laney has never gotten over the guilt of the death of her friend and needing a change, she heads to the east coast where her grandmother runs a seaside inn. Having had a tumultuous relationship with her mother, and it only becoming worse with her mother's best selling book, Laney hopes that she can have a different relationship with her grandmother. Although her mother's novel, has also created the downfall of her grandmother's inn, Laney soon becomes attached to it and the lighthouse. When she finds an old diary of a women who previously helped run a lighthouse and then resided at this one, she cannot help but be fascinated by the strength and endurance of this woman, as well as what it would mean to save the inn and lighthouse after reading this diary. But not everyone has good memories of this lighthouse and so when her mother decides to come out for a visit, Laney decides she wants to know the truth and whether what's written in her novel is the truth or some made up memory. Why does her mother have to be this way? Laney could never image her grandmother being the person her mother made her out to be. So when a television crew comes out to do a story on the lighthouse and asks Laney and her grandmother to be a part of it, this wasn't the publicity they were looking for to save the inn and lighthouse. But as filming gets underway, questions and memories arise and the truth is just under the surface of what really happened to Laney's mother when she lived here. This was so good! Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and for allowing me to be a part of the launch team. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
May 13, 2024
a bit cliche and predictable but a nice light little post finals read
February 16, 2024
Wonderful book full of beauty and history of Maine lighthouses, healing of soul and body of family relationships as well as love stories. All with loving scripture sprinkled in. Everything I read from Heidi brings me hope.
June 24, 2024
In The Way Back, we have a story that really delves deep into the familial relationships. Especially those between mother and daughter. Laney Jacobs is a young woman who has not had an easy life. She has never met her father and her mother, for most of Laney’s growing up years, was strung out with whatever vise she could find. Laney felt mostly safe and loved among her best friend Maddie and her boyfriend Jacob, until tragedy struck. Not able to deal with life, Laney begins to self-harm.
Laney leaves her home in California and goes to Maine to meet the grandmother she never knew, especially now, as she wants to find out the truth about what really happened to her mother, now that her mother has written a famous memoir about herself and the lighthouse, she grew up in. Is what her mother says true, knowing her mother, or does her grandmother say something else? Shocking secrets do come out.
There is another young woman’s story we get to learn about along with Laney, written in the pages of a very old journal of a brave young woman lightkeeper. That story as well delved into a mother and daughter relationship and had me mesmerized along with Laney.
I really felt for Laney, the trauma she went through, even in her childhood where she did not have a responsible parent. The shame and guilt she is tackling with after her self-harm, it is heavy on her shoulders. I liked how the author showed us Laney’s continuing healing process, this was needed as the subject at times was heavy.
I never really know what I am going to get with this author’s work. Her stories really pull me in, and even when they broach uncomfortable subjects, she writes with empathy and hope for the characters. I am glad that there is a hope where Laney can experience healing in all of her relationships, find love, and forgive herself. There are some sensitive topics broached in this novel.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Laney leaves her home in California and goes to Maine to meet the grandmother she never knew, especially now, as she wants to find out the truth about what really happened to her mother, now that her mother has written a famous memoir about herself and the lighthouse, she grew up in. Is what her mother says true, knowing her mother, or does her grandmother say something else? Shocking secrets do come out.
There is another young woman’s story we get to learn about along with Laney, written in the pages of a very old journal of a brave young woman lightkeeper. That story as well delved into a mother and daughter relationship and had me mesmerized along with Laney.
I really felt for Laney, the trauma she went through, even in her childhood where she did not have a responsible parent. The shame and guilt she is tackling with after her self-harm, it is heavy on her shoulders. I liked how the author showed us Laney’s continuing healing process, this was needed as the subject at times was heavy.
I never really know what I am going to get with this author’s work. Her stories really pull me in, and even when they broach uncomfortable subjects, she writes with empathy and hope for the characters. I am glad that there is a hope where Laney can experience healing in all of her relationships, find love, and forgive herself. There are some sensitive topics broached in this novel.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
July 5, 2024
At about 2/3 finished, I can tell you that this book touches my heart and makes me smile. It has also already brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate the tender way that the author touches on mental health issues, such as shame and self-harm (trigger warning). There is an element of mystery, what really happened and what will happen. The side story from the journal that Laney is reading adds an interesting historical element that parallels and propels character growth. I am anxious but hopeful about what comes next. I will try to update this when I finish it in the next day or two.
Update
I am finished and completely satisfied with how everything came together. No spoilers, but everything was resolved nicely, with multiple characters undergoing great change. So many deep topics were dealt within this book: trauma and PTSD, self-harm, family dynamics, and restored relationships. I loved the historical connection, the focus on mother-daughter relationships, and the importance of friendship and support highlighted by the characters and their journeys. I would definitely recommend this book.
Update
I am finished and completely satisfied with how everything came together. No spoilers, but everything was resolved nicely, with multiple characters undergoing great change. So many deep topics were dealt within this book: trauma and PTSD, self-harm, family dynamics, and restored relationships. I loved the historical connection, the focus on mother-daughter relationships, and the importance of friendship and support highlighted by the characters and their journeys. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 19, 2024
Can you be motivated, inspired to change through the life of a historical figure?
When it’s hard to get passed something that happened in your life…something you feel like was your fault…how do you move on from it? This story provides insights into self harm as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences.
The Way Back is an endearing story with a historical lighthouse heroine, a FMC trying to escape from the clutches of her past and a hero that you will adore. Those who love clean women’s fiction with a subtle and perfectly interposed spiritual thread and a true historical heroine meshed within, will love journeying with Laney on The Way Back from her past.
I must also add that I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narration by the author. Her delivery brought distinct character voices to the table and the dialog was easy to follow. Although, I think that my favorite aspect of the audiobook was the author’s passion for this story. I could sense it in her voice.
Hard topic- self harm as an outlet for pain (post healing)
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased the ebook and audiobook.
When it’s hard to get passed something that happened in your life…something you feel like was your fault…how do you move on from it? This story provides insights into self harm as a way of dealing with very difficult feelings, painful memories or overwhelming situations and experiences.
The Way Back is an endearing story with a historical lighthouse heroine, a FMC trying to escape from the clutches of her past and a hero that you will adore. Those who love clean women’s fiction with a subtle and perfectly interposed spiritual thread and a true historical heroine meshed within, will love journeying with Laney on The Way Back from her past.
I must also add that I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narration by the author. Her delivery brought distinct character voices to the table and the dialog was easy to follow. Although, I think that my favorite aspect of the audiobook was the author’s passion for this story. I could sense it in her voice.
Hard topic- self harm as an outlet for pain (post healing)
This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review. I also purchased the ebook and audiobook.
June 28, 2024
The Way Back is the first book in Heidi Chiavaroli's new series and I am so excited for it. She writes such deep stories with issues that are very relevant in life. This is a dual timeline and it was flawlessly done. In this book we meet characters that are flawed and struggling with forgiveness. That is a main thread throughout the book. Laney has experienced great loss with the passing of her best friend in a tragic accident that occurs right before her eyes. She also doesn't have any true connection with her mother who hasn't truly shown her what love is.
I don't want to give too much away but I will say that Laney goes through a lot. This may have some trigger points for some as the book deals with some heavy issues for a few of the characters. There is grief, addiction, cutting etc... She finds solace in visiting her grandma and also finds who God's healing for her life. By finding the old journal of a Maine lighthouse keeper she finds what life is truly about.
No worries though, although the story could lend itself to be a bit heavier it truly didn't feel that way. Also there is romance and it was great. If you have read any of her Orchard series you will definitely see some of the characters in this one which was quite lovely to see. Overall I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to see some of these characters again in the upcoming books in the series!
If you enjoy stories with depth and with faith thread then you will definitely want to grab this one.
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I don't want to give too much away but I will say that Laney goes through a lot. This may have some trigger points for some as the book deals with some heavy issues for a few of the characters. There is grief, addiction, cutting etc... She finds solace in visiting her grandma and also finds who God's healing for her life. By finding the old journal of a Maine lighthouse keeper she finds what life is truly about.
No worries though, although the story could lend itself to be a bit heavier it truly didn't feel that way. Also there is romance and it was great. If you have read any of her Orchard series you will definitely see some of the characters in this one which was quite lovely to see. Overall I really enjoyed this story and I cannot wait to see some of these characters again in the upcoming books in the series!
If you enjoy stories with depth and with faith thread then you will definitely want to grab this one.
I received a copy of this book for review. I was not required to post a positive review. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
October 20, 2024
An emotional journey with compelling characters who battle addictions, self-harm, and bitterness. We walk with them through heart-wrenching pain, loss, and broken relationships and pull for them as they seek the truth about what happened in the past and find hope for reconciliation.
Another winner from Heidi Chiavaroli, who has quickly become a must-read author for me.
Another winner from Heidi Chiavaroli, who has quickly become a must-read author for me.
June 22, 2024
The Way Back is a beautifully written novel by Heidi Chiavaroli and the first in The Lights of Arcadia Series. Dealing with the death of her high school friend after trying to impress their boyfriends by jumping off a cliff into the water. It’s about mothers, daughters, guilt, pain, healing, faith and redemption.
It is a dual timeline. Laney finds a journal written by a female lighthouse keeper, Abbie Burgess in the 1800’s, her struggles & how it influences Laney’s journey.
I loved this book and found myself not wanting to put it down. I can’t wait for book two in this series.
Thanks to Heidi Chiavaroli & Hope Creek Publishers, LLC for allowing me to eARC read & review this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.
It is a dual timeline. Laney finds a journal written by a female lighthouse keeper, Abbie Burgess in the 1800’s, her struggles & how it influences Laney’s journey.
I loved this book and found myself not wanting to put it down. I can’t wait for book two in this series.
Thanks to Heidi Chiavaroli & Hope Creek Publishers, LLC for allowing me to eARC read & review this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2024
Heidi has done it again! I have fallen in love with the Beacon and all it’s inhabitants.
One of my tell-tale signs that a book will be 5-stars is if I find myself immersed and invested in the story and the lives of the characters, and aren’t thinking about the writing process, research the author must have done, conversations she probably had with the editor, etc. Heidi has a beautiful and graceful way of weaving a story together that allows the characters to jump off the page and right into your heart.
I’m also a sucker for a good dual-timeline historical fiction piece. And this one in the form of diary entries of a (real) female lighthouse keeper, Abbie Burgess?? Yes, please!
Laney and the characters in Bar Harbor were easy to get to know and love. Heidi Chiavaroli addressed heavy and emotional topics, such as self-harm, death, complex parental relationships, betrayal, love, and a journey of faith, all with grace and compassion and candor.
I hope this isn’t the last time we see Laney, Jacob, and Nana!
One of my tell-tale signs that a book will be 5-stars is if I find myself immersed and invested in the story and the lives of the characters, and aren’t thinking about the writing process, research the author must have done, conversations she probably had with the editor, etc. Heidi has a beautiful and graceful way of weaving a story together that allows the characters to jump off the page and right into your heart.
I’m also a sucker for a good dual-timeline historical fiction piece. And this one in the form of diary entries of a (real) female lighthouse keeper, Abbie Burgess?? Yes, please!
Laney and the characters in Bar Harbor were easy to get to know and love. Heidi Chiavaroli addressed heavy and emotional topics, such as self-harm, death, complex parental relationships, betrayal, love, and a journey of faith, all with grace and compassion and candor.
I hope this isn’t the last time we see Laney, Jacob, and Nana!
June 19, 2024
The Way Back is a beautiful portrait of healing and forgiveness after Trauma, with a splash of historical mystery and intrigue. This book deals with many difficult topics, but does so grounded in hope and grace. As the main characters grapple with their wounds and scars, searching for healing and a way forward through the pain, they realize that forgiveness holds the key to finding their way back to each other. If you like second chance romance, historical threads, and want to armchair travel to stunning Maine, this books needs to be in your hands!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and am in no way required to post a positive review. All opinions and reviews are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and am in no way required to post a positive review. All opinions and reviews are my own.
March 18, 2025
This was a really difficult read for me. Being intimately familiar with a young lady who used to self-harm made it all too personal. And with the talk (but no follow through) of suicide in the book, it just felt really heavy in the first half, and I had to take a break. A long one.
But I'm so glad I went back and finished it. This book is full of hope, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and second chances. YES, it's heavy. But it's also hopeful.
As an aside, I loved the historical narrative that was happening, too. So interesting!
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
But I'm so glad I went back and finished it. This book is full of hope, redemption, forgiveness, reconciliation, and second chances. YES, it's heavy. But it's also hopeful.
As an aside, I loved the historical narrative that was happening, too. So interesting!
~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~
December 31, 2025
“Death is not a period - it’s a comma. A breath, a waiting, a symbol of more to come. God’s work continues.”
This was my favorite quote from a story deep in complicated family dynamics, overcoming trauma and grief, and discovering the power of forgiveness and moving forward…all with God’s help. These characters were richly portrayed and deeply relatable. We may not all have experienced exactly what they did, but their emotions are universal to the human experience.
Just like death, what we go through in life only stops us from living if we leave God out of the equation. With Him, all of life’s challenges are just commas, not the end of the sentence.
This was my favorite quote from a story deep in complicated family dynamics, overcoming trauma and grief, and discovering the power of forgiveness and moving forward…all with God’s help. These characters were richly portrayed and deeply relatable. We may not all have experienced exactly what they did, but their emotions are universal to the human experience.
Just like death, what we go through in life only stops us from living if we leave God out of the equation. With Him, all of life’s challenges are just commas, not the end of the sentence.
June 23, 2024
Excellent!
The Way Back is a book that bids you in from page one, and when you take that first step, you find yourself in a different place, a different time. Miss Chiavaroli’s characters are so authentic you expect to run into them at the grocery store! I simply loved the entwining of present day with the 1800s. I followed a link one one page and found the historical basis for the diary mentioned. Too cool. Lessons from both storylines are pertinent to daily lives. This is an excellent read!
The Way Back is a book that bids you in from page one, and when you take that first step, you find yourself in a different place, a different time. Miss Chiavaroli’s characters are so authentic you expect to run into them at the grocery store! I simply loved the entwining of present day with the 1800s. I followed a link one one page and found the historical basis for the diary mentioned. Too cool. Lessons from both storylines are pertinent to daily lives. This is an excellent read!
September 25, 2024
Captivating
Wow! I loved this book from beginning to end! I just wanted it to continue!
Heidi Chiavaroli’s ability to weave the historical with the fictional is amazing. Personally I love lighthouses and so loved hearing the story of Abby Burgess. The story was filled with God’s love, grace and forgiveness and gave peace, comfort, strength and hope to the reader. I also loved the tie to another of Heidi Chiavaroli’s books, The Or hard House. How fun to see some of those characters!
Wow! I loved this book from beginning to end! I just wanted it to continue!
Heidi Chiavaroli’s ability to weave the historical with the fictional is amazing. Personally I love lighthouses and so loved hearing the story of Abby Burgess. The story was filled with God’s love, grace and forgiveness and gave peace, comfort, strength and hope to the reader. I also loved the tie to another of Heidi Chiavaroli’s books, The Or hard House. How fun to see some of those characters!
June 10, 2025
Amazing
What a story. This book renews my love for the written word and tells me why I write myself. This family tale is one of heartache and hope with hard topics and the building of something after brokenness.
What a story. This book renews my love for the written word and tells me why I write myself. This family tale is one of heartache and hope with hard topics and the building of something after brokenness.
July 28, 2024
4.5 stars
July 6, 2024
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it won’t be my last. The topic of the story drew me in and then kept me there. The way the author writes and the feelings the characters experienced, I felt as though I was right there. I loved the conversation between Jason and his father – how Jason had to let his father hear his hurt if he was going to heal from the pain of the past. He couldn’t simply dismiss his father’s apology as though it wasn’t important anymore; for both of their sakes, they needed to have that important difficult conversation to start the healing process. The book also got me thinking about the repercussions when people remember the narrative of their lives differently from others. There is serious pain and consequences involved if you don’t remember things correctly and damage an innocent person’s reputation.
This was an amazing book and I loved the dual history period aspect. Learning about the lighthouse was fascinating and I see this is a “book 1” so I’m excited to get to read more in this series from this author. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This was an amazing book and I loved the dual history period aspect. Learning about the lighthouse was fascinating and I see this is a “book 1” so I’m excited to get to read more in this series from this author. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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