Finding Home

by Melissa Whitney

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a heroine with a love of a good book is in want of her own happy ending…if she lets herself.

Eleanor “Elle” Davidson has avoided going back to her hometown. Out of excuses, she’s back home for thirty days to confront the ghosts of her past, including the mother she hasn’t spoken to in eighteen years. Soon, Elle discovers that sometimes going back can help you move forward.

In the search for her authentic self, she finds an unexpected passion for the village’s handsome veterinarian, Dr. Clayton Owens. Will her feelings for Clayton be enough to free her heart from the prison of her past, or will she do what she’s always done…run away?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Mental Health

373 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

About the author

With a name like Melissa Whitney she had two choices become a Real Housewife or a romance author. Sorry Andy Cohen, she's chose romance!

A Jane Austen fangirl, Melissa hails from Western New York, but currently lives in Southern California with her husband and rescue pugs. When she's not brewing the perfect cup of tea, hunting for a delicious pastry, or traveling with her husband, she's writing swoony and steamy romance novels.

Melissa explores themes of disability, mental health, trauma, grief/loss, and family in her emotionally heartfelt and comedic stories. She often says, "Life isn't a romcom nor a high drama. It's somewhere in-between and so are my stories." As a legally blind woman and trauma survivor, Melissa taps into her own lived experience and her masters in social work to craft thoughtful/sensitive stories that delve into deeper themes, while still offering the swoon, steam, and humor that make us fall in love with a good romance.

Reviews

[Nafeesa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was a lot more than the sweet romance I expected it to be.

In this story, we meet Elle and Clayton. Eleanor Davidson returns to her hometown to face some of the demons of her past. While doing some soul searching, her heart takes an unexpected interest in the local vet, Clayton Owens. Can she stay and find her happily ever after with the man she loves, or will she run away, as she has done so many times before?

Firstly, this is a very sweet romance. No doubt. However, I wasn't prepared for the depth and different layers to the story. It had the perfect balance of romance and family 'drama'.

I felt very invested in all aspects of this story. I wanted the main characters to get together. I wanted Elle to mend fences with her mum. I even wanted Noah's happily ever after!

This story really reminded me of why I love small town romance. The everybody knows everybody vibes. The cosiness. The gossip. The shenanigans. The love. The laughter. The joy.

🐶 Small town romance
🐶 Cinnamon roll mmc
🐶 Mental health and trauma rep
🐶 Jane Austen vibes
🐶 Third person, single POV
🐶 HEA

I'm excited for Noah's story!

Thank you to author Melissa Whitney and Happily Booked OR for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenna Crumpton · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of Jane Austen novels, then you’ll definitely love this one! I wasn’t sure what to expect with this story since I’ve never read anything from this author but I’m glad I took the chance! I truly enjoyed the storyline and it definitely had all the cute, happy feelings of a small town romance (but it definitely covered some heavy topics so check your trigger warnings please!)

The two main characters, Elle and Clayton, were so cute together! I loved the banter between them and also between all the other characters of the story! I feel like both of the main characters were very relatable in their own way.

I truly feel like Melissa did a great job telling the story of these characters and she really brought to life what we as adults go through daily. I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read the next book when it comes out!

Thanks so much to Melissa and Happily Booked PR for an ARC of this book for an honest review!

[Nichole Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm normally more of a dark romance lover, but sometimes an amazing wholesome romance book is exactly what the soul needs. Finding Home was just that for me! I absolutely loved Clayton and Elle's story. At times it was an emotional roller-coaster, especially learning about Elle's past, but the growth, perseverance, understanding, and love that was shown in this story was well worth the hard times. This is the second book I have read by Melissa and she is on a winning streak with me. Such a phenomenal story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Maddie Elam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m obsessed. Jane Austen lovers my beware. You’ll
be hooked from the first page. In addition to the lovely references and inspired characters, this story has so much well-done representation. The characters are relatable, lovable, and genuine. Clayton has to be the most perfect MMC I’ve ever read, seriously. I found Elle to be the most relatable. Her growth was amazing to read, and I loved getting to see her finally find her home.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love it because it’s set in my hometown but I just couldn’t get in to it. It’s a hallmark movie in book form. With a little more “spice” than I like.

[Megan Tolley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️1.5🌶️
ARC Review
Thank you to Melissa & Happily Booked PR for sending me this adorable advanced readers copy of Melissa’s newest release! Elle & Clayton are perfection, and their healing journeys were beautifully tragic but cleansing to my heart ❤️ Read your triggers before this diving into this one, but be open to spilling some happy and sad tears along the way🫶🏼

[stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ★

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

It definitely felt like I was meant to read this book! Finding Home is a cute romance that’s a fun read for Jane Austen lovers. Each chapter starts with an Austen quote and cute references were made throughout the novel. It starts with Elle Davidson going back to her hometown of Perry, NY after years of avoiding it, where she encounters her childhood crush/acquaintance, Clayton Owens. A romance quickly ignites while Elle navigates being home and facing her past.

The parallels between characters in the novel and Austen characters was engaging. The plot followed a similar arc to Sense and Sensibility with less external conflicts and more internal ones, and the romance nearly takes the backseat to Elle’s character arc. At the same time, it felt like these parallels were made very clear on the page, not allowing much room for readers or Austen fans to see the similarities themselves.

The connection between Elle and Clayton was nice to read—even though it moved fairly quickly in the beginning—but a lot of their conversations left me wanting more. Some scenes would draw out while the ones I wanted to read the most would cut short, even unrelated to the romance. However, it was well written and the style descriptive. Their banter was quirky in some instances but fun overall.

I’ll for sure be continuing this series! Book two, Coming Home, started with a Little Women quote and I already love that. If you like small town romance, Jane Austen, and are looking for a sweet series, this could be for you.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Squeezing this one in at the tail end of July because it's been such a busy month! But here I am, finished and ready to review this lovely story!

Let's start with a few stats:

POV: Third person limited
Verb Tense: past
Spice Level: 2 (does have sexual scenes, just not super explicit ones)
Genre: contemporary romance
Other notes: includes some LGBTQ rep, some slight disability rep (the MMC stutters, so not exactly a disability, per se), some non-binary rep; mentions of s*xual abuse/r*pe, parental abandonment, suicide, and verbal abuse

Favorite quote? I actually have one here. (I should probably utilize my highlights features more often on my Kindle.)

Books are littered with stories of men that conquer lands, slay monsters, find treasure, build kingdoms, or discover new worlds, all for the women they love. Life is full of stories of men showing up with roses or jewelry to declare their love. All the fictional and the real stories were nothing compared to the knee-wobbling, swoon-inducing idea that Clayton, who adored books as much as Elle, wouldn't finish one because they had started it together and together, they would finish it.

My thoughts:

This was definitely a sweet romance. The MMC is one of your classic cinnamon-roll MMCs, as I've been seeing them called all over IG. He's basically the kindest, cutest man with a pug for a companion, and I fell for him as much as our FMC Elle Davidson did. Clayton Owens is a veterinarian with a farmhouse in small-town upper New York who's harbored a crush on Elle for a very long time, despite their quite different paths in life.

Meanwhile Elle Davidson, formerly Eleanor, is career-minded woman in a healthcare company with far-reaching aims and goals for her life. The last thing she wants to do is leave her California condo and go back to Perry, New York, to spend time with her family. Or rather, the last thing she wants to do is go there and come face-to-face with her mother. She misses her family, especially her aunt, uncle, and cousin, but the fear of encountering the mother she feels abandoned her is too strong a deterrent for Elle. For years, she's avoided going back...until now, as her cousin's wedding looms at the beginning of the month and her uncle's 50th birthday bash follows at the end. Convinced by her two friends, Viet and Willa, to spend a whole month in Perry for the big celebrations, Elle reluctantly boards a plane for New York.

I like this story. It was really cute and sweet. There were some definite heavy themes. Elle is a character deeply traumatized by her past and the loss of her father and grandmother at a young age. She's flawed by her need to wall up her emotions to prevent herself from being hurt again like she was so often as a child, and she refuses to seek out things for her personal life the way she goes after her career goals. She struggles with feelings of worthlessness. I know I could relate to Elle on several levels as I read, and she's such a well fleshed out character.

Clayton, too, has his own needs and wants as well as flaws. He's more of a Gary Stu than Elle is a Mary Sue, but he still struggles with his own need for his father's approval after he went into veterinary medicine instead of becoming the next Dr. Owens, MD, as he was expected to do. His problem lies in shutting down and not discussing his needs with others. He's still exceptionally cute and strong and kind, and he fits the cinnamon-roll vibes so well.

The other characters don't disappoint either. I loved Elle's friends Viet and Willa. They're the "girl squad" you need to push you when you don't want to make tough decisions. I want to see more of Willa. She's such a feisty psychologist, and I loved her silliness. Elle's family proved to be a warm, loving one, and the images of her Aunt Janet and Uncle Pete loving on each other after years of marriage was heart-warming in its own way. I love that the book celebrated older love, not only with Janet and Pete but also with Clayton's parents in certain scenes.

The author mentioned tackling the difficult topics with care in her initial notes on the story, and I would agree she did this. She brought these topics into the story and gave it themes of brokenness and healing from trauma, and it wasn't trite or flippant but studied and compassionate. I know the themes mentioned above in my notes can be triggering for some people, so I would just advise caution. Know that the author didn't include these things with the intent of adding shock value to the story, and they are definitely handled delicately in my opinion.

I enjoyed the romantic beats to the story, and as always, I'm glad when I get an HEA in my romances. I'll end by saying the emphasis on Jane Austen, as both Elle's and Clayton's favorite author, was so much fun. There was tea to be had, Mr. Darcys to discover, and an adorable epilogue you have to read to understand.

Many thanks to Melissa Whitney for the opportunity to read and review this ARC copy of her book. All opinions are my own and are given voluntarily.

[Sherley's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.25
Spice: 3

Finding Home is for true Jane Austen fans! This is my first Melissa Whitney read and I truly enjoyed Elle and Clayton’s story. After 18 years away from home, Elle returns to her small town for her cousin’s wedding. While there, she is forced to confront / deal with her traumatic past and relationship with her mother. Will she have to take it all on by herself or will she find a friend…and maybe more in the small-town vet, and old friend, Clayton? Could the trip back home lead to not only a resolution with her mother, but also love?

Though Finding Home feels like a light read with the description of a beautiful small town filled with loving and caring people and Elle’s aunt, uncle, and other family members and friends who love and want nothing but the best for her, there are many emotional and heavy topics discussed in the book. Learning about what happened to Elle in the past really made me hurt for her. Seeing her want and need of a relationship with her mom moved me and hit close to home a bit.

The story was like an emotional roller coaster ride. I enjoyed Clayton and Elle’s scenes. I laughed quite a bit throughout the book especially with the banter between them. I also enjoyed the chemistry and friendship Elle and Clayton developed throughout the story. However, some of the other parts of the story were heavy. In spite of all of this, I loved how the author navigated what both Elle and Clayton were going through and how they were able to be there for each other and help each other deal with their past hurts and come out as better people at the end. They were full-fledged, realistic, well-developed characters. Elle was a sweetheart in my eyes and Clayton could make any girl swoon! I also appreciated that the secondary characters were not just there to be there; there was more to them as far as character building and development!

The story had a great combination of plot, character development, and spice. Everything I need in a romance novel. There were times in the book where I did feel like the scenes were a little drawn out and bit repetitive, but it did all came together at the end.

This was a beautiful love story, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves Jane Austen and swoon-worthy love stories. Just be sure to be in the right state of mind because there are some heavy topics discussed in this book. And…no spoilers but the ending was PERFECTION!

I’m excited to read the next installment in the series, Coming Home!

[Venus Stone-Cutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so romantic. I’ve never read all of Jane Austen’s books, but I fell in love with her thanks to Melissa’s quotes from her books.

Finding Home will connect with anyone who has felt the fears of reliving the past. I connected with Eleanor “Elle” Davidson so much. I know what it’s like to face a not so pleasant past, and from the minute I started reading, my heart was all Elle’s.

Melissa has such a beautiful gift of imagery when she writes. When she talks about the town of Perry, she has the ability to transport her readers to that place; where they can see every bit of the place the characters are. When Elle steps foot back in Perry, you can feel her nervousness and hesitation of being back home. The ability be see what’s going on vividly through Melissa’s descriptions kept me fully engaged.

Elle had such a great group of people in her life. Uncle Pete and Aunt Janet filled a huge void in Elle’s life. Although they don’t know all that happened as she was growing up, they do know that she and her mother aren’t on speaking terms and that she’s avoided coming home to Perry for so long. They love her unconditionally and are completely there for her.

Viet and Willa bring the saccharine wit with Elle. They may be blunt and have minimal filter but these two are the puzzle pieces that fit in Elle’s life. I definitely want to see more of them in upcoming books.

Clayton. OMG. I fell in love with this man. Any man who becomes interested in the things a woman is interested in is a bonafide keeper. Clayton liked Elle from the very minute he saw her in school. When everyone seemed to snub or bully her, Clayton stood up for her and liked her no matter her size. His attraction to her picked up the minute he saw her again. He proved that he was there for her, no matter what and seeing that attraction blossoming into mutual feelings was beautiful .

This book was so full of emotional chapters. I felt happiness whenever Clayton and Elle were together and I felt sadness and anger at how Elle was treated as a young child up until her teens. Seeing how her heart broke at feeling that she wasn’t good enough or made to feel ashamed of how she looked broke my heart.

Melissa masterfully written a story that any young woman can see herself in. You can connect with these characters and that’s what makes this book a stellar read.

[Alex S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear the last time I read Melissa Whitney it was my favourite book, but this is my new favourite!
Bring on the tears, the heartbreak, the love, the insight into my own life! Melissa I love you!

Holy shit, prepare to cry. She said it was a personal story to her, but it feels like it’s personal to me too. Granted, I’ve never moved away from a small town or had a lot of this stuff happen to me. But being chosen, choosing yourself, feeling worthy, feeling seen! Having family members that you are estranged from, trauma you never faced, reconciling those things! Nailed it!! This story is like therapy!
Not a single word is excess in her stories! Everything has a place and the writing just flows naturally.

Elle is the most wonderful FMC, she’s a badass at work and she’s the kindest most thoughtful person. She suffered a lot, lots of family trauma, and fat shaming (been there). I really loved how despite it all, she was the most understanding and forgiving. It showed a lot with her interactions with Summer and I wish I could be more like her.

Clayton was not only a hot veterinarian, but so understanding and patient as well! He can read Elle like a book and I love that he just always ‘had her’ when she needed someone. He also had his own issues of not being good enough and facing that himself.

Their romance blossomed so perfectly! The friendships and family relationships with Pete, Janet, Willa, Noah, Viet etc.. all ones I envied!
There isn’t a lot of spice, it’s not smutty if that’s what you’re looking for, but it doesn’t need to be! There is sexy scenes but somewhat closed door. It’s lovely!

I was heartbroken, I was saying “don’t go” and trying to figure out how they would solve the thing.

I also loved the Jane Austen aspect, quotes at the top of each chapter, references, and bonding over the stories. I am immediately buying my own copies of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Sense and Sensibility’ that’s for sure!

Oh man I cannot wait for Home 2/3 and whatever comes next!

[Kay Hertz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! This one will really resonate with all the couples who move frequently or choose to be together, regardless of physical distance

Plot: 5📍
Spice: 3 🔥
Overall: 5 ⭐
Laughter: 3 🤣*

"Where your life is and where his life is doesn’t matter. What matters is what you want your life to be, and with whom. The rest is just geography.” - Uncle Pete

Everyone needs an Uncle Pete!

*Ugly cries* How appropriate I'm reading this line in a hotel, two long days of driving in to yet another 3000 mile move for my husband's career, our 4th cross country move in less than 10 years.

This book will make you happy cry, tear up from rage, happy cry again. . . I think I lost count at 6 or 7 watery eyes sessions. All for different emotions. ALLLLLL the feels! A fantastic character-driven plot, sweet, steamy open-door love scenes, and overall a stellar combination!

Our FMC, Eleanor, but Elle to those she's deems worthy enough, is just the absolute best. Perfect? No. But dang is she a fighter! Just the absolute fiercest and most loyal of friends. I adore her!

Clayton, our MMC, is also just as amazing! I love how he's so dang honest and open. He's the picture of understanding and accepting, protective but not over bearing. And as a very he loves animals, so extra bonus points!!!

Once again, Ms. Whitney's writing is just superb - you're there, in the small town of Perry, laughing with the residents, the sweet wonderful family and friends. She's also cleverly woven themes from Jane Austen, both directly/overtly as well subtly/alluded to, with I think any fellow Austen fan will enjoy looking for.

The whole cast of characters is lovely - they're the kind of people you hope to have in your life for real. I always appreciate her deliberate choice to include often overlooked or poorly represented portions of the population. Oh! And the snuggliest pug you'll wish would pop off the pages, into your lap!

I highly recommend this book, and absolutely cannot wait for the second book in this "Finding Home"series!

*This isn't a meant to be a full-on RomCom, clutch your sides from laughter, stiffle your snorts, etc., from absurd shenanigans. But there is so much humor that will bring a smile to your face, I definitely had to include this rating!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINDING HOME by Melissa Whitney is the equivalent of a well worn sweatshirt, a pair of fuzzy slippers, a mug of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows, and a million messy puppy kisses. The story, the characters, the setting, and the writing just make you feel good in that settled, cozy way that makes the whole world seem brighter. Am I gushing about a book? Yes. Yes, I am.

This is a love story between two genuinely NICE people. I liked them individually, but loved them together. Elle is back home in small town Perry after a long absence. She’s been estranged from her mother for eighteen years and is carrying the baggage of horrific trauma. But, don’t think Elle is damaged goods, because she is resilient having built a successful career and surrounded herself with a supportive circle of friends. Clayton has been smitten with Elle since high school when she was chubby, insecure Eleanor. I mean, this romance was destined to happen and in inevitable once Elle meets Clayton’s adorable pug, Fitz.

There’s swooning. There’s spice. There’s falling in love. Underlying all of that, however, is a theme of forgiveness. Forgiving oneself and forgiving others. There’s advocating for others and learning to advocate for oneself. It’s about two people learning to communicate what they need to themselves and each other. And all of this happens with the help of the kindest, most loving cast of family and friends. Oh, and don’t get me started on the Jane Austen vibes.

I enjoy book tours because they expose me to indie authors I may not otherwise discover. I’m so glad this small town romance caught my eye because it gave me all the feels and I’m beyond excited that Ms. Whitney will pay another visit to Perry for the telling of Nat and Noah’s story. YAY! I’ve got my return ticket booked already.

Thank you to Melissa Whitney and Happily Booked PR for the gifted book in exchange for my unbiased review.

[HeatherREADS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Home by Melissa Whitney is the first in the new Home series. It is about acceptance, love, and believing in your own worth. Elle hasn’t been home to Perry, in Western NY, for over sixteen years. But a family wedding and birthday party entice her back, despite the fact that she no longer has a relationship with her mother, who also lives in Perry. Elle runs into quite a few people from her past, most notably former high school classmate Clayton, who she dubs the “hot farmer.” Elle and Clayton’s chemistry is undeniable but are they willing to take the leap? Will Elle go back to her beloved home in Long Beach, CA or will she start a new chapter in Perry?

As someone from Western New York, I really got a kick out of the setting, which loomed large in this story. Another pleasant surprise was the Jane Austen theme throughout. Each chapter opened with a Jane Austen quote to set the scene. The book was not “just” a romance, there was a whole range of emotions and experiences explored. Elle’s fractured relationship with her mom and history of sexual assault were examined.

This was the type of book that I thought I had all figured out, until I realized that I didn’t. I liked how it wasn’t so cookie cutter and most of the characters were deftly fleshed out. I experienced a whole range of emotions as I read this book, and really felt drawn to Elle and Clayton’s story. The main characters had full back stories while the periphery characters were also developed to an extent that made sense. As this is the first in the series, I am now looking forward to the next one, Home #2!

[scribsbookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t done a non-ARC review in a really long time so I am more than happy (and very excited) to bring Finding Home to your attention! Finding Home is the first novel in the Home series, a set of interconnected small-town romance standalones. Eleanor “Elle” Davidson is about to spend a month in the town she grew up in but a place she has managed to avoid for years. Though she has a loving family in her Uncle Pete, Aunt Janet, and Cousin Tobey, it’s her past that keeps creeping in when she least expects and wants it to. But what happens when she reconnects with everyone, including the village’s veterinarian, Dr. Clayton Owens? Is that part of the past she’s going to avoid or is it one she’s going to welcome?

This is my first Melissa Whitney novel and I am so glad that I came across her table at Steamy Lit Con because I love this story! Aside from being well written, I love the overall vibe and complexities of the characters. No one avoids something for extended periods of time unless there’s a pretty compelling reason, but sometimes we have to confront those reasons in order to move past it. Though Elle struggles with it, she makes progress as she reconnects with the village of Perry. The support she has in her life speaks to how far and how much she has overcome her past. Meanwhile, Clayton’s steadfast nature also really shines through. Despite his own journey, he also supports Elle with hers, providing a safe landing space for her. He not only fights for them but for her as well. The supporting cast of characters help to make up the family and the cast of the small town but in a way that feels organic and not nosily intrusive - these people really are a family.

[Maggie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my gosh this book was filled with all the happy fuzzy feelings I needed in a romance!! (That’s not to say heavy topics weren’t covered so please check your trigger warnings).
But Clayton was literally the sweetest cinnamon roll man in the entire world! He was so patient and loving and easily became a favorite book boyfriend!
I feel like this book had a little bit of everything, you have adult self discovery (a favorite of mine), he falls first, small town romance, amazing side characters, an adorable pug snd so much more!
Melissa does an amazing job at making the conflicts in these books so realistic to what adults go through while avoiding miscommunication tropes! I love that there are never silky miscommunications causing big blow up fights.
The pace was also great with nice short chapters keeping everything moving!
I love Melissa’s writing style and I think she made another amazing romance here that both tugs at your heart strings and had you giggling and kicking your feet!

MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD
My one and only thing I wish was different is I wished there was a little more conflict in the actual relationship between elle and Clayton. This could be me just wanting drama but I felt like everything was so perfect between them all the time and I just wanted a little bit of something to add some drama or problem that they needed to work through.
Obviously there was the big conflict with Elle moving back to Cali but I wish during their actual relationship building there was a bit more conflict.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall a wonderful summer read that was exactly what I needed during a busy week with the kids. As a person who has never read Jane Austen, it absolutely spurred me to want to pick them up! I love the quotes from the books throughout the chapters.

What to expect:

Small town
Takes place in a real place
Jane Austen Vibes
Strong FMC
Close proximity
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Explores what family means
Mental Health and Trauma Rep
An adorable pug

This read was a great way to slow down and enjoy some wholesome romance. I loved the characters and the depth of emotions and plot in the storyline. Clayton was the cinnamon roll boyfriend that we all need in our lives and I just wanted to bundle him up an take him home with me. His love for his community, family, and animals just makes him completely swoon worthy. I love his constant care for Elle and how he is unfailingly loyal and present for her.

The author did an excellent job with the exploration of difficult topics in the story line and really honored that experience for the character. The representation was wonderful. The found family and underscoring that family isn't always the one that you were born to is one of my favorite tropes and this was very well represented in this story.

Overall, I would highly recommend this read this summer! This was my first book from Melissa and I read it as an advanced reader copy in return for an honest review and I loved the story and will definitely be coming back for the rest of the series!

[Aarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Home is the 1st book in the new Home series.

Reading "Finding Home" felt like stepping into a modern-day Jane Austen novel.
The charm, elegance and subtle humor Melissa Whitney weaves throughout the story creating a timeless tale of love, friendship and finding one's true home as the title says.

At the heart of the story is Elle - strong, intelligent and independent woman, whose journey is filled with love, challenges, and the search for belonging.
Her story of searching for her place in the world and learning to trust in herself and others is truly inspiring.

The dynamic between Elle and her friends, along with her uncle’s family, was beautifully portrayed. Their love and encouragement reminded me of the importance of having people in our life who always have our back🫂 The sense of community and belonging was beautifully woven into the story.

Clayton was a wonderful character and his relationship with Elle was one of my favorite parts of the book. Their chemistry was sweet and genuine. It felt real and honest, like the kind of love we all hope to find🥹🤌
I loved how their relationship blossomed naturally, filled with those little moments that made my heart skip a beat. It was such a cute and heartfelt romance that had me rooting for them from the start!

This book gave me all the feels—joy, laughter, a few tears, and a lot of smiles. The smooth, emotional storytelling made it impossible to put down. If you are looking for a book that feels like a warm hug, this is it!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 🌶️🌶️🌶️

With Jane Austen themes found throughout, an adorable pug, and an amazing plot line, Melissa gives a book that gave me all the feels.

Be transported to the town of Perry where Eleanor (Elle, FMC) is coming back home to. Her nerves had my anxiety spiking. She has avoided Perry for a long time as her estranged mother still lives there. Thankfully she has other friends and family that welcome her back with open arms and unconditional love.

Clayton (MMC) had feelings, once upon a time for Elle, and they come rushing back when he sees her again. He never let anyone tell him how he would treat Elle as a kid. He doesn’t come off strong, but grows back into a relationship of friendship that grows into more. Melissa writes these two so beautifully and I was routing for them the whole time.

As Melissa can write romance wonderfully, she can write whit just as well. Enter Viet and Willa, our blunt, no filter, can’t help but love side characters. I need more of them in future stories! Melissa mixes the romance, no filter banter, emotional upbringing, and emotional hardships and turns out a book that was perfect! Growing up, thinking you aren’t good enough, is hard to overcome. But with the right people, never letting you forget how strong you are, that little voice can be quieted and the amazing person that you are is able to shine through.

As always review trigger warnings before reading.

Tropes:
🐾 Small Town Romance
🐾Mental Health/trauma Rep
🐾Found Family
🐾Strong FMC
🐾Cinnamon Roll MMC
🐾Close Proximity

[Kasey Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thank you to Happily Booked PR & Melissa Whitney for an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sometimes going back … helps you move forward.

This is Elle’s story of self discovery.

Eleanor “Elle” Davidson has made it a mission to leave the past where it belongs .. in her home town of Perry, NY. Elle promises to return home for two special events, but the thing about small towns is you can’t hide from people forever - like Elle’s mother … who she hasn’t spoken to in eighteen years. Unlike her mother, Elle finds herself crossing paths with Clayton Owens, a former classmate and the town vet - and she has no plans to avoid him. While Elle came home to confront her past, can she find a future in Owen?

PS. the side characters in this story?? just as amazing as the main characters (Fitz has a special place in my heart because who doesn’t love an adorable pug?!)

ALSO: the epilogue melted my heart!!

✨ Small Town Romance
✨ He Falls First
✨ Mental Health
✨ Strong FMC
✨ Cinnamon Roll MMC
✨ Jane Austen Vibes

TW: this book contains mentions of sexual assault (not on page), parental abandonment and parental emotional neglect, grief/loss, and attempted suicide (not on page).

[Tori anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gah, this book was so cute!

A bit of a left field book for me but gosh I’m glad I was given the opportunity to read it.

I’m not much of a Jane Austin lover (I mean I like Pride and Prejudice but that’s as far as I’ve gotten) but I loved how quotes were slipped into each chapter.

With the introduction stating that this was a personal story to Melissa I was intrigued and by the end of the book so many moments hit me straight in the heart.

The romance throughout this book was beautiful, as were the family relationships and friendships. I loved the interactions with each character and there were some wonderful moments of wisdom squeezed into this book.

Our FMA Elle (Elenor), our Boss Bitch! She is a fighter! I loved her loyalty to her friends, her kind heart (even after all trauma) and her ongoing feistiness that came out throughout the book. Her growth throughout the book was wonderful to see, and seeing her find her place brought such as smile to my face.

Our MMC Clayton (you cinnamon roll you). Him being a cute veterinarian was an added bonus and very much the opposite end of what I usual love in my book men (cough Shadow daddies cough) but I really enjoyed his character and how understanding he was towards our girl… whilst also overcoming things himself.

[Madison Creech · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Where your life is and where his life is doesn't matter. What matters is what you want your life to be, and with whom. The rest is just geography." ~ Finding Home by Melissa Whitney🏡

ARC Review:
🌟🌟🌟.75

Thank you so much to Happily Booked PR and Melissa Whitney for trusting me with this ARC!!🫶🏼

This book will make you cry with all different emotions!! Happy, sad, anger! SUCH an emotional roller coaster but completely WORTH IT!!🥹

Eleanor (or Elle for short) is such a fighter and such a great friend!! Loyal and so incredibly fierce!🩷

Clayton is the definition of a cinnamon roll MMC! He's so understanding, accepting, and protective! It's exactly what Elle needs!💙 Him actually taking interest in Elle's interests!!🫠

Melissa's writing made me truly feel like I was there IN PERRY!! The Jane Austen vibes were all throughout this book and it was truly beautiful!🥰

Finding Home is for the people that are afraid to visit the past. And I feel as thought a lot of people can truly relate to that!

You'll love this book if:
* You love Jane Austen Vibes🥰
* You love small town romance🏡
* You love adorable pups in books🐶
* You love a cinnamon roll MMC🥹
* You love a girl that knows what she wants🩷

Thank you again for Melissa and Happily Ever PR for allowing me to review this ARC! Can't wait for Melissa Whitney's next book!🥰

[Katarina Petzold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Home was just another highlight for me! I absolutely loved Clayton and Elle's story.
You'll be hooked from the -first page.

In addition to the lovely references and inspired characters, this story has again! so much well-done representation. The characters are relatable, lovable, and genuine. This was so romantic, and deep, i just loved it!
Clayton has to be the most perfect MMC I've ever read, seriously. I connected with Eleanor (Elle) much, i also know what it's like to face a not so pleasant past, and from the minute I started reading, my heart was all Elle's.
Her growth was amazing to read, and I loved getting to see her finally find her home.

At times it was an emotional roller-coaster especially learning about Elle's past, but the growth, perseverance, understanding, and love that was shown in this story was well worth the hard times.
Finding Home will connect with anyone who has felt the fears of-reliving the past.

This is the second book I have read by Melissa and she is on a winning streak with me. Such a phenomenal story. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

I've never read one of Jane Austen's books, but I fell in love with her thanks to Melissa's quotes from her books. Definitely going to read some jane Austen books now.

[Dea Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

After avoiding going back to her hometown for eighteen years, Eleanor "Elle" Davidson is heading home for one month. Elle is happy to finally see her family, but she's hoping to avoid seeing her mother. When she's home, she strikes up a friendship with the town's veterinarian Clayton Owens. Elle's feelings for Clayton begin to develop into something deeper. Will she be able to open up her heart to him, or will she run away to protect herself?

Finding Home is a sweet romance, but the FMC deals with some heavy traumatic experiences from her past, so it is a very heavy read at times. I absolutely adored Elle and Clayton as a couple. They were just so cute together. Their shared love for Jane Austen, the way they just understood each other, their banter, and how they supported each other was just everything. These two were made for each other. All the side characters were written with just a much thought and care as Elle and Clayton. I can't even tell you how many times this book made me tear up. Not just from sadness but from the amount of love and tenderness shown by these characters. This book was full of pain and heartbreak, but also love and forgiveness. I can't wait to read Nat and Noah's story.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Home
by Melissa Whitney

This book was adorable, first of all. Bonus, each chapter starts with a Jane Austen quote and there are Jane Austen references throughout the book. Eleanor “Elle” Davidson has not returned to her hometown in a very long time and for good reason. Elle hasn’t spoken to her mother in eighteen years. However, she wants desperately to attend two upcoming family events, so she relents and returns to the sleepy little town for one month. A surprise is the town veterinarian, Clayton “Doc” Owens. They remember each other from high school, but they are different people now. They begin a romance and it is sweet and tender. When the time comes for Elle to leave, she is unsure what the future will hold.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I enjoyed it. I recommend this book to others, especially readers who enjoy romance genres. There are mature, traumatic/triggering themes, so I recommend this book for adults only. Overall, I rated this book 5 out of 5 stars because it has all the elements of a great romance novel. I loved the book! I can’t wait to read the next one!

[Cori Hamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You are never an excuse; you are the reason," 💜

This was the absolute sweetest story. Clayton and Elle's story is so incredibly sweet and swoony. When coming back to her home town after almost 20 years, Elle falls for the town vet, who she happened to go to school with. Their attraction is instant, after a rather embarrassing run in with a goat.

Not only is the love story adorable, the friends and family backing the two makes the story that much sweeter. While Elle no longer has a relationship with either her mom or dad, her Aunt and Uncle make up for it ten fold. The squirt gun scene had me in tears! Everyone needs an Uncle Pete who steps in for Elle like no one ever had. I also can't say enough about their friends: Viet, Willla, and Noah. The group that surrounds these two is amazing.

There were heavy topics discussed in this story, revolving around Elle's past with her mom and mom's boyfriends. But

"I'll catch you, so swoon away."

Thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC copy of Finding Home. I can't wait for Coming Home!

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle is the Lizzie Bennet and Clayton is the Darcy to this Jane Austen inspired book. Every chapter starts off with a Jane Austin quote and I loved every single one as they were so fitting to the chapter.

Elle Davison is finally going home after being gone for eighteen years to celebrate her uncle's birthday and a cousin's wedding. Her close friend's convince her to take a whole month off to be back home. Elle left for a reason and while she's a fierce boss woman now home is terrifying.

She chooses to bring the new brave and strong Elle with her to face the demons from her past including her mother whom she made sure she would not run into at these family events. When she bumps into a childhood friend she finds comfort in his presence. He helps ground her and helps her when she has panic attacks with triggering events. He's there for her and she slowly she realizes that he's always has been there for her.

Going home ends up being so much more than Elle realized and she soon has to decide what she wants for herself and stop pleasing everyone around her.

[Hannah Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Home by Melissa Whitney ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall, I liked this book a lot! I love the queer rep and mental health rep, always things I’m hoping for in every book I read!
I felt like Elle had a lot of growing to do, continuously making decisions to protect herself without considering the impact it had on her relationships with other people, and by the end I feel like she was finally hearing that message and trying to work on it. I was so anxious during the last half of the book about her relationship with her mom, and was feeling fearful that everything would be fixed without much work, to tie the story up with a nice neat bow, and was really relieved to see that wasn’t the case. I think Clayton was written as being pretty perfect, which felt a bit unrealistic and it didn’t seem there was much of a character arc for him, which I wasn’t actually bothered terribly by since while this was a romance, it was definitely Elle’s story. I would have really appreciated getting to see Clayton’s experiences as well, though I recognize the story was about more than just their romance.

[Deb McIlroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I am a sucker for a small-town romance. This book did not disappoint. I love the characters and they are all very relatable. The development was good and loved to follow the journey of the main characters and I just needed them to end up together, so the cheering was on. That said…I loved the side characters as well, especially Aunt Janet. We all need an Aunt Janet in our lives. The banter was fun and made me laugh throughout the story. I like how Melissa finds a way to include diversity in her stories and characters and this romance includes a lot of it. The scene setting is nice and you can easily picture yourself in this cozy small town.
A definite must-read if you enjoy lighthearted, small-town romance with some cheeky banter.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Melissa for this ARC.

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a heartfelt, heart warming, heart strengthening book!

We follow Elle who has to go back to her hometown for an extended stay after avoiding it for years and years.

While back in here hometown she runs into an old high school acquaintance, who has definitely grown up, and so begins a whirlwind romance.

This story was so good. The romance piece is of course a big part of this story. The journey of learning to communicate, and trusting someone, and learning to love.

What is also very prominent in this story is the self healing. Wow, wow, wow, what a ride Elle goes through to confront the ghosts of her past. I absolutely loved her journey. It felt real and raw, and so satisfying at the end. I'm not much of a cryer in books but this one got me during Elle's journey.

I would absolutely recommend this book!