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The Long Road Home Romance Collection
Mandy didn't expect to be left alone in the wilds of Indiana after taking the wagon train west. Bess, the "mistake" of a prostitute in the largely unsettled West, knows no other life than growing up in a brothel. Deidre, a runaway slave, dreams of reuniting with her beloved husband, Jeremiah, who was sold away from her. The last thing Frederika wanted was to leave her beautiful home in Germany for the rugged Texas frontier. But as secrets are revealed and new chances abound, will all four women discover the kind of forever love and family that transcends any boundary?
480 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 26, 2014
*Book Description*
Story One:
Ethan and Mandy Evanston have been happy in their marriage. At least Mandy thought so until Ethan told her he planned to work for the railroad for a few months. Not expecting Ethan to bring her out here into the middle of nowhere to leave her alone, especially not with her secret...Now alone in the wilderness, she discovers new friends that help her wait for her dear husband...but when something happens...
Ethan feels trapped. With what he's done, he can't go back to his wife Mandy so he makes something up. Knowing it will be devastating to her, he just can't see her face again...and Bess...
Will they ever find the true reason for living? And will they ever be reunited?
Story Two:
Bess wants nothing more then to be know as who she is. Bess. Not a prostitute who grew up in a brothel and has no morals. She wants to be held and loved by a man who cares about her for who she is. She thought she'd found that person but now...he's gone. Just like everyone else. Will she ever find the one person that will see to the person inside?
Story Three:
Deidre still can't believe the blessing she has found in being able to stay with Mandy and just can't stop thanking God for everything. Even though she loves her son, God, and has a warm home and food, something's missing. Her beloved husband who was torn away from her. She still believes she can find him but with each passing day hope fades. Will she ever see him again?
Story Four:
The last thing Fredrika wants to do is leave her beloved Germany for what the Americans call "Texas". She just wants to stay right where she is and go to Music school. Outnumbered, they leave for America and 'Rika' needs to see her sister and mother through things she never expected. Will she let her frustrations consume her? Or will she get over leaving Germany and find love in the process?
*What I liked*
The first thing I LOVE about this book is...the book. The cover is gorgeous and glossy and the pages are torn and antique looking on the edges that gives it a really cool texture. The writing was sweet...I loved the first 3 stories from Judi Ann...I loved the story from Naomi as well, don't get me wrong, especially since I am part German, but I really liked Judi's stories and that she tied them all together. They both had wonderful characters and since this is a novellas collection, it was quick to read. The main thing I loved is the Christian values. Judi Ann especially had some really good Christian witness material in her books and made her characters live it out.
*What I didn't like*
I really feel this should have been 2 separate books.Not because one reader is better then the other or anything like that, just that the first three books don't fit with the last at all. They should have been published like what they are: A trilogy and a novella. At the least they should really tell the readers that they don't go together. This is a great book if you want some quick reading but not if you aren't good about finishing a book. I'm one of those people that has to finish a book right away. So if you hand me four different novellas it is hard for me to keep my focus.
*My Rating*
I give The Long Road Home Romance Collection...
4 stars!
*Why my rating is what it is*
My rating is four stars because of the books being in the same collection and also because sometimes it is a bit hard for it to hold your attention. Other then that, this book is great!! You should read it!
*I received this book from Barbour publishing and Bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
Story One:
Ethan and Mandy Evanston have been happy in their marriage. At least Mandy thought so until Ethan told her he planned to work for the railroad for a few months. Not expecting Ethan to bring her out here into the middle of nowhere to leave her alone, especially not with her secret...Now alone in the wilderness, she discovers new friends that help her wait for her dear husband...but when something happens...
Ethan feels trapped. With what he's done, he can't go back to his wife Mandy so he makes something up. Knowing it will be devastating to her, he just can't see her face again...and Bess...
Will they ever find the true reason for living? And will they ever be reunited?
Story Two:
Bess wants nothing more then to be know as who she is. Bess. Not a prostitute who grew up in a brothel and has no morals. She wants to be held and loved by a man who cares about her for who she is. She thought she'd found that person but now...he's gone. Just like everyone else. Will she ever find the one person that will see to the person inside?
Story Three:
Deidre still can't believe the blessing she has found in being able to stay with Mandy and just can't stop thanking God for everything. Even though she loves her son, God, and has a warm home and food, something's missing. Her beloved husband who was torn away from her. She still believes she can find him but with each passing day hope fades. Will she ever see him again?
Story Four:
The last thing Fredrika wants to do is leave her beloved Germany for what the Americans call "Texas". She just wants to stay right where she is and go to Music school. Outnumbered, they leave for America and 'Rika' needs to see her sister and mother through things she never expected. Will she let her frustrations consume her? Or will she get over leaving Germany and find love in the process?
*What I liked*
The first thing I LOVE about this book is...the book. The cover is gorgeous and glossy and the pages are torn and antique looking on the edges that gives it a really cool texture. The writing was sweet...I loved the first 3 stories from Judi Ann...I loved the story from Naomi as well, don't get me wrong, especially since I am part German, but I really liked Judi's stories and that she tied them all together. They both had wonderful characters and since this is a novellas collection, it was quick to read. The main thing I loved is the Christian values. Judi Ann especially had some really good Christian witness material in her books and made her characters live it out.
*What I didn't like*
I really feel this should have been 2 separate books.Not because one reader is better then the other or anything like that, just that the first three books don't fit with the last at all. They should have been published like what they are: A trilogy and a novella. At the least they should really tell the readers that they don't go together. This is a great book if you want some quick reading but not if you aren't good about finishing a book. I'm one of those people that has to finish a book right away. So if you hand me four different novellas it is hard for me to keep my focus.
*My Rating*
I give The Long Road Home Romance Collection...
4 stars!
*Why my rating is what it is*
My rating is four stars because of the books being in the same collection and also because sometimes it is a bit hard for it to hold your attention. Other then that, this book is great!! You should read it!
*I received this book from Barbour publishing and Bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
November 21, 2014
Story 1 - Mandy watches her husband walk away to work on the railroad, wondering if she should have told him she was pregnant. When she gets notice that he was killed in an accident she wonders how she is going to survive. But God sends a run-away slave with a the message of salvation. Deidre saves her financially by helping with all of the work and by helping provide an income. But most importantly she saves her spiritually.
Story 2 - Bess grew up in a brothel. But when one of the patrons "finds Jesus" she realizes there might be a way out of her former life. But old thoughts are hard to shake and Bess struggles with the concept of forgiveness and a new life.
Story 3 - Deidre ran away from a cruel master who had sold her husband and was getting ready to sell her baby son. She's found a wonderful home with Mandy, but she misses her husband. Will she ever be reunited with him?
Story 4 - Frederika wasn't happy about her family leaving Germany. She protests vehemently, but eventually steps up to the plate and takes over when neither of her parents are there to help her.
The first three stories are sweet, well written, and romantic. They all tie together to form a nice cohesive story about three woman who overcome difficulties to become strong women in Christ.
The fourth story doesn't fit with the first three. The feel of the story is depression, frustration, and confusion. The main character is a bit grating in her immaturity and the romance was super rushed without a romantic feel to it. I'm sure that the author writes a great story. It was just jarring after the first three stories. I would recommend this book for the first three stories alone.
I received this book free of charge from Barbour in exchange for my honest review.
Story 2 - Bess grew up in a brothel. But when one of the patrons "finds Jesus" she realizes there might be a way out of her former life. But old thoughts are hard to shake and Bess struggles with the concept of forgiveness and a new life.
Story 3 - Deidre ran away from a cruel master who had sold her husband and was getting ready to sell her baby son. She's found a wonderful home with Mandy, but she misses her husband. Will she ever be reunited with him?
Story 4 - Frederika wasn't happy about her family leaving Germany. She protests vehemently, but eventually steps up to the plate and takes over when neither of her parents are there to help her.
The first three stories are sweet, well written, and romantic. They all tie together to form a nice cohesive story about three woman who overcome difficulties to become strong women in Christ.
The fourth story doesn't fit with the first three. The feel of the story is depression, frustration, and confusion. The main character is a bit grating in her immaturity and the romance was super rushed without a romantic feel to it. I'm sure that the author writes a great story. It was just jarring after the first three stories. I would recommend this book for the first three stories alone.
I received this book free of charge from Barbour in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2014
The Long Road Home is a collection of four short love stories. I am usually not a huge fan of novellas, but this collection is one of my favorites that I have read.
The stories are:
The Long Road Home by Judi Ann Ehresman, which is about Mandy, who finds herself alone when her husband, Ethan goes off to work at the railroad. This is one of two of my favorites of the four stories in the collection.
On the Wings of Grace by Judi Ann Ehresman, which is about Bess, who Ethan had met while working on the railroad.
Where to Agree by Judi Ann Ehresman, which is about former slave, Deidre, who hopes to one day reunite with her husband, Jeremiah. This one is one of two favorites of the four stories in the collection.
The Reluctant Immigrant by Naomi Mitchum is about Frederika, who leaves her home in Germany to live in Texas.
I really enjoyed each and everyone of the stories. I love reading these sweet and clean romances. I am going to add it to my must read list for others. I look forward to more by these authors and hope to find full length novels by them in the future.
Highly recommended.
Five stars.
I receive this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
The stories are:
The Long Road Home by Judi Ann Ehresman, which is about Mandy, who finds herself alone when her husband, Ethan goes off to work at the railroad. This is one of two of my favorites of the four stories in the collection.
On the Wings of Grace by Judi Ann Ehresman, which is about Bess, who Ethan had met while working on the railroad.
Where to Agree by Judi Ann Ehresman, which is about former slave, Deidre, who hopes to one day reunite with her husband, Jeremiah. This one is one of two favorites of the four stories in the collection.
The Reluctant Immigrant by Naomi Mitchum is about Frederika, who leaves her home in Germany to live in Texas.
I really enjoyed each and everyone of the stories. I love reading these sweet and clean romances. I am going to add it to my must read list for others. I look forward to more by these authors and hope to find full length novels by them in the future.
Highly recommended.
Five stars.
I receive this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
February 1, 2019
I loved the three story, I must confense I didn't finish the last one. I found a bit slow, but. Judi Ann Ehresman did a great job with each of his story. Love, redemption and second chance. Wonderful
October 7, 2021
They were clean reads but I just didn't overly care for any of them.
I found they all dragged on about daily life that didn't pertain to the storyline at all.
I found they all dragged on about daily life that didn't pertain to the storyline at all.
February 13, 2024
Could not get into. I liked the story line but I'm an atheist.
October 5, 2024
The 1st 3 books were great I couldn’t put the books down, but I just couldn’t get into the 4th book. I wish the 4th book was the same story as the 1st 3.
November 8, 2014
First, let me say that this is a gorgeous, quality book, with a beautiful cover. It is such a nice addition to any library. The book is a collection of Four Romances with an Enduring Pioneer Spirit. While I don’t normally read novellas, I really enjoyed this collection. Each story contained the substance that full length novels are made of. The first three stories are all written by Judi Ann Ehresman. These three novellas are all connected with overlapping characters, which I really like.
The first story, The Long Road Home, is about Ethan and Mandy Evanston. They were married in the East and then moved West to Indiana together as Homesteaders. Neither Ethan nor Mandy know the Lord, but they work hard and have a nice, small cabin and land. Ethan has a restless spirit and makes the decision to leave Mandy for several months in order to make cash money working for the railroad. The next year is full of loneliness and adventure for both of them.
The second story, On the Wings of Grace, is a spinoff using the setting and characters Ethan meets while he is away working for the railroad. It is a lovely story of grace, forgiveness, and second chances. It’s also a beautiful example of a healthy church community that’s very refreshing to read.
The third story, Where Two Agree, is also a spinoff from The Long Road Home, and has small cameo appearances from a couple of the characters in the second story, On the Wings of Grace. I have to admit, I love a cameo appearance no matter how small. This story takes place primarily in South Carolina and deals with the evils of slavery but it also delves into the hearts of those who always recognized the institution of slavery as immoral and wrong. I always love a good historical fiction novel set in the South where heroes go against the grain, doing what is right versus doing what is normal, or evil in the case of slavery and the treatment of blacks.
The fourth book in the collection The Reluctant Immigrant, was written by Naomi Mitchum. It isn't related to the other three stories at all. It was an interesting story, but I definitely enjoyed the first three stories best.
As previously stated, even if you don’t normally read novellas, you will still enjoy this collection, as the first three are so well connected with their overlapping characters. To me, it was like reading a novel in three parts and I did enjoy it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
The first story, The Long Road Home, is about Ethan and Mandy Evanston. They were married in the East and then moved West to Indiana together as Homesteaders. Neither Ethan nor Mandy know the Lord, but they work hard and have a nice, small cabin and land. Ethan has a restless spirit and makes the decision to leave Mandy for several months in order to make cash money working for the railroad. The next year is full of loneliness and adventure for both of them.
The second story, On the Wings of Grace, is a spinoff using the setting and characters Ethan meets while he is away working for the railroad. It is a lovely story of grace, forgiveness, and second chances. It’s also a beautiful example of a healthy church community that’s very refreshing to read.
The third story, Where Two Agree, is also a spinoff from The Long Road Home, and has small cameo appearances from a couple of the characters in the second story, On the Wings of Grace. I have to admit, I love a cameo appearance no matter how small. This story takes place primarily in South Carolina and deals with the evils of slavery but it also delves into the hearts of those who always recognized the institution of slavery as immoral and wrong. I always love a good historical fiction novel set in the South where heroes go against the grain, doing what is right versus doing what is normal, or evil in the case of slavery and the treatment of blacks.
The fourth book in the collection The Reluctant Immigrant, was written by Naomi Mitchum. It isn't related to the other three stories at all. It was an interesting story, but I definitely enjoyed the first three stories best.
As previously stated, even if you don’t normally read novellas, you will still enjoy this collection, as the first three are so well connected with their overlapping characters. To me, it was like reading a novel in three parts and I did enjoy it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.
December 21, 2014
The Long Road Home - Mandy Evanston never expected her married life to turn out like it has. When her beloved husband Ethan leaves to work on the railroad, neither expect the consequences, surprises or outcome of this decision. While Mandy finds unexpected surprises, that are definitely heaven sent, she grows in ways she never expected. Ethan must face consequences of decisions he has made and wonders if there is a place of forgiveness. Can Mandy and Ethan give their lives to God and find the path to each other? This is a lovely story of finding God’s love and forgiveness.
On the Wings of Grace - Bess must learn to forgive herself and accept that her past “mistakes” is her past. While God has truly blessed her and allowed her into the Sheldon family, she for the first time feels home. When tragedy strikes the family will Bess be able to continue to be a part of this wonderful family or is there somewhere else she is to be. When Robert finally makes his intentions known, what will Bess do? Will Bess ever be able to be truly happy again? This is a great story about love, forgiving oneself and not allowing guilt to rule our life.
Where Two Agree - Deidre loves living with the Evanston family but continues to have this longing to find her husband. She knows it is not safe for her to return south, so she continues to trust God and his timing. Knowing patience is not always easy she still finds peace in trusting her beloved husband to God and knowing in his timing they will connect. Jeremiah can not believe his good fortune when he was bought by a loving plantation owner. He has longed to earn enough to buy his freedom and that of his wife and child. He is relying on God to keep them safe. He was sold before his child was born and has no idea when or how he will be reunited with his family. This is a great story about Gods timing.
The Reluctant immigrant - Frederika Mueller never wanted to leave Germany for Texas. Now she must face bitterness, anger, and many trials. She is not prepared for all that is in store for her. Through her unspeakable trials we watch Federika grow up. She faces many hardships, decisions and even threats. Will she ever get her family to her father and when more than one man try for her heart, whom will she choose?
I received this book from book club network (bookfun.org) for my honest opinion.
On the Wings of Grace - Bess must learn to forgive herself and accept that her past “mistakes” is her past. While God has truly blessed her and allowed her into the Sheldon family, she for the first time feels home. When tragedy strikes the family will Bess be able to continue to be a part of this wonderful family or is there somewhere else she is to be. When Robert finally makes his intentions known, what will Bess do? Will Bess ever be able to be truly happy again? This is a great story about love, forgiving oneself and not allowing guilt to rule our life.
Where Two Agree - Deidre loves living with the Evanston family but continues to have this longing to find her husband. She knows it is not safe for her to return south, so she continues to trust God and his timing. Knowing patience is not always easy she still finds peace in trusting her beloved husband to God and knowing in his timing they will connect. Jeremiah can not believe his good fortune when he was bought by a loving plantation owner. He has longed to earn enough to buy his freedom and that of his wife and child. He is relying on God to keep them safe. He was sold before his child was born and has no idea when or how he will be reunited with his family. This is a great story about Gods timing.
The Reluctant immigrant - Frederika Mueller never wanted to leave Germany for Texas. Now she must face bitterness, anger, and many trials. She is not prepared for all that is in store for her. Through her unspeakable trials we watch Federika grow up. She faces many hardships, decisions and even threats. Will she ever get her family to her father and when more than one man try for her heart, whom will she choose?
I received this book from book club network (bookfun.org) for my honest opinion.
November 30, 2014
In the first three stories each of their lives touch each other. Each one lives with dreams and secrets. It starts off with the story of Mandy who all of a sudden needs to survive the wilds all alone. The author gives us a feeling for her spirit and determination to succeed. A friend out of nowhere helps her change her life around – and then a big surprise hits. Can deep hurts be mended? Your heart aches for these characters and their sufferings and accomplishment all the while learning to love God. Next comes Bess who has always been unwanted. She has to learn how to accept that God loves her and to let others love her despite the sins she feels are unforgivable. A heart-warming tale of redemption that makes tears come to your eyes with its beauty! The third is about Deidre and her struggles as a slave and life after running away. She cares for her child as she longs to see her husband again. The desires of both to be reunited is strong and lovingly written. God is control of everything and a strong thread of faith is in each story! The fourth story isn’t connected to the first three, but is also an intriguing read. Rika has to learn to trust God through the struggles of being an immigrant in a land she doesn’t know. Will she find the love she desires?
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
I received this book from bookfun.org for an honest review.
December 8, 2014
This is a collection of 4 stories, the 1st three written by one author and the last by a different author. The first three are written from the perspective of 3 different women, whose lives are connected. So, although they are all stand-alone stories, you will see the same characters or learn more about them in the next story. As I read the stories of Mandy, Bess and Deidre, I felt like I was sitting down with a cup of tea and listening to some women tell their life stories. Their stories and lives were not easy – but God was faithful through it all.
The last story tells of Frederika who was forced to leave her beloved Germany and go to America. Nothing, it seems, goes right! It was very interesting to see how things changed people. Frederika changes from a self-centered, lazy girl to a hard-working, find-a-way young woman but little is mentioned about her faith. I found it amazing trials, especially to read that they are based on true accounts. This story is very different from the first three.
All of the books in this collection told tales of the amazing pioneer spirit of different women. Great book to read to learn about different eras and types of pioneers. I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
The last story tells of Frederika who was forced to leave her beloved Germany and go to America. Nothing, it seems, goes right! It was very interesting to see how things changed people. Frederika changes from a self-centered, lazy girl to a hard-working, find-a-way young woman but little is mentioned about her faith. I found it amazing trials, especially to read that they are based on true accounts. This story is very different from the first three.
All of the books in this collection told tales of the amazing pioneer spirit of different women. Great book to read to learn about different eras and types of pioneers. I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
January 7, 2015
The Long Road Home is a four novella romance collection of enduring pioneer spirit. The first three books interlocked with some of the same people and how each of their lives were lived in hardships and faith and what it took to survive. All four told a story of four strong women who were struggling to take one step and one day at a time. I enjoyed reading their stories. I could see and feel just how hard pioneer life must have been. Daily chores, caring for the family, the livestock, the challenges of each of the changing seasons and still holding onto faith that tomorrow would be better. I celebrated with them in the joy of simple things and was rejoicing with them when good times came. If you like Christian fiction with a little romance you will find this to be four dramatic stories of faith, love and perseverance. I also found this book to a lovely, fine quality paperback, the cover is thick and embossed with thick pages and rough edges that made this a very attractive book.
I was gifted this book by Barbour Publishing through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) for my honest opinion which I have given.
I was gifted this book by Barbour Publishing through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) for my honest opinion which I have given.
December 30, 2014
“In the wilds of the unsettled West, four women discover that heart desires can be fulfilled in ways they could never have imagined and that love can cross any boundary.”
The Long Road Home Romance Collection is a great collection! I enjoyed these “four romances with an enduring pioneer spirit.”
Judi Ann Ehresman penned the first three novellas, which share overlapping characters. They are The Long Road Home, On the Wings of Grace, and Where Two Agree. The fourth novella, The Reluctant Immigrant, was written by Naomi Mitchum and details the Mueller family’s journey to the Texas frontier.
I love reading historical fiction and enjoyed the times and places that were detailed in these novellas, as well as the romance of each unique story. Engaging and encouraging, The Long Road Home Romance Collection is a collection I enjoyed and recommend to fans of historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
The Long Road Home Romance Collection is a great collection! I enjoyed these “four romances with an enduring pioneer spirit.”
Judi Ann Ehresman penned the first three novellas, which share overlapping characters. They are The Long Road Home, On the Wings of Grace, and Where Two Agree. The fourth novella, The Reluctant Immigrant, was written by Naomi Mitchum and details the Mueller family’s journey to the Texas frontier.
I love reading historical fiction and enjoyed the times and places that were detailed in these novellas, as well as the romance of each unique story. Engaging and encouraging, The Long Road Home Romance Collection is a collection I enjoyed and recommend to fans of historical romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.
November 28, 2014
The Long Road Home is a collection of four novellas. Each one is able to stand alone, but the first three have tie-ins to the others. It is like connecting with old friends throughout the book. The book itself is beautifully made and has a gorgeous cover. The pages have the look of a book from long ago, and it is enjoyable just to hold it while reading.
I just felt this was a gentle read where you walk through life with each character. The characters were well developed and I felt I could relate to each one. All of the stories have themes of redemption, trusting God, and being faithful. I found myself reflecting on my own faith as I read each story, and the book deepened my love of God.
I receive this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
I highly recommend The Long Road Home. I would give it 5 stars.
I just felt this was a gentle read where you walk through life with each character. The characters were well developed and I felt I could relate to each one. All of the stories have themes of redemption, trusting God, and being faithful. I found myself reflecting on my own faith as I read each story, and the book deepened my love of God.
I receive this book from bookfun.org in exchange for my honest review, which was given.
I highly recommend The Long Road Home. I would give it 5 stars.
January 12, 2015
Four stories of young women in the unsettled “west” maturing in life and spiritually. The first 3 stories are connected to one another and include a young wife, a prostitute and a runaway slave. The four story is about a young lady who immigrates with her family from Germany to Texas and endures many trials. These young ladies all learn to depend on God. The stories are well written, hold your attention and are unique stories of faith. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.
I received this book from Book Fun in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received this book from Book Fun in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 24, 2015
The Long Road Home Romance Collection is an enjoyable group of four novellas. Each tell the story of women in pioneer times trying to achieve their dreams and goals. The details allow the reader to participate in the character's story as if they are actually there. The love found by these women is truly what their heart desires.
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received the book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 25, 2016
Loved it love all these books!!!! Share them with my elderly uncle all the time as he also loves them.
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