The Risky Way Home

Adelaide Hills #1

by Paula Vince

Had Casey Miller known the peril in store for her she might have turned down her dream job offer. Things are definitely not as they seem. Her personal judgments are turned upside down as she finds herself drawn into a story of terror and revenge that began twenty years earlier. All the while her heart is torn between two men; suave polished Eric and calm reclusive Piers. This riveting novel will have readers unravelling mysteries with Casey and rejoicing in the choices she makes as she finally discovers the home of her heart.

ebook

First published February 1, 2012

About the author

Award-winning author Paula Vince loves to evoke tears and laughter through writing fiction. She stirs her stories with mystery, romance, drama and suspense to create something delectably special. A wife and homeschooling mother of three children, she resides in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia, a beautiful spot for inspiration with its breath-taking scenery and four distinct seasons.

Paula's quest is to provide quality faith-inspired fiction set in Australia. Her quest started way back when, as a Uni student, she discovered the writing of American Christian fiction authors. She wants to provide similar enjoyable reads that highlight her own country.

Her novel "Picking up the Pieces" won the religious fiction section of the 2011 International Book Awards.

Her novel "Best Forgotten" was winner of the 2011 CALEB Award in the fiction category and also overall winner for the year.

Her novel "Imogen's Chance" (April 2014) won third place in the Book Club Network's Readers' Choice Book of the Month Award for September, 2014.

Reviews

[Omega Writers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Casey Miller’s life is soon to change direction. She is about to start work in the big city employed by her friend from school years - Suzanne Bowman. Casey’s lack of life experience is the very opposite of Suzanne’s worldly larger than life persona.

Paula Vince writes of the pain of hatred, revenge, family dysfunction, betrayal, horror, fear and misunderstandings that continues for 20 years in The Risky Way Home. The story is interspersed with unexpected love and tenderness.

Casey finds herself torn between the love and attentions of two men - each as different from the other as chalk is from cheese. The Risky Way Home is a fast moving, action packed thriller with never a dull page. Well worth a read on a wet, cold Sunday afternoon.

The Risky Way Home is an adult fiction novel that should appeal to people of all ages who like suspense and mystery. Once started, it is hard to put down.

[Susan Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Risky Way Home is another captivating story by Paula Vince. It begins with Casey responding to a job advert and reconnecting with an old school friend. In taking up the position she finds herself unexpectedly challenged not only in the job but also in her personal life. The romantic elements in the story provide a good backdrop to the deeper issues raised in the story, issues of identity, purpose and fulfilment. These issues are dealt with in vastly different ways by the different characters – Casey in her new role, Piers as a single dad, Suzanne as a business manager, Eric as a talented photographer. It is interesting to contrast the ideals that each of these people value as they live out what they believe equates to success.

As the story progresses, Paula has again been unafraid to delve into topical issues with skill and realism. In this instance looking at domestic violence and how women can unwittingly become trapped in this cycle of abuse. The ability of the perpetrator to go undetected for so long is chilling.

I liked the way the book finished on a note of hope for all the characters even for the ones whose issues weren’t wholly resolved. I also enjoyed the way a Christian perspective was encouraged without being overbearing.

A great read.

Thanks to Paula Vince for providing a free book for review.

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The characters are likeable and plot moves well to a satisfying conclusion.

[Susanne Timpani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elegant Suzanne matches up her old school friend Casey – who is now her employee – with flash fashion designer / photographer, Eric.
New to town, Casey needs someplace to live. Suzanne also has this in hand. She arranges for Casey to board with her younger brother – and single dad - Pier. Casey remembers Pier from school as the odd bodd and only agrees to share accommodation because she has little choice..
Suzanne proves herself to be the self-willed woman that Casey remembers from school. She keeps an emotional distance between her and her mother. Deep within, she holds a grudge that her mother had disconnected her ties with the father by leaving Paris to immigrate to Australia.
It's only much later, after learning the reasons why her parent's relationship disintegrated that her heart softens.
By far the most memorable – and gripping – part of the story was the period when the family lived in Paris. This flashback read as a powerful expose of family violence and the subsequent long term impact on people's lives.
Well done Paula, once again, for a pleasant, informative and enjoyable read.

[Carol Preston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story from Paula. It has all the elements of an engaging novel; romance, in-depth dealing with past hurts and conflicts, as well as some suspenseful drama. Really engaging characters. Definitely a page turner.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A page turner with mystery woven right through the story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. Highly recommend this series of Paula's books.

[Megan Higginson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book.