Finding His Way Home

Barrett's Mill #3

by Mia Ross

INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE

Book 3-Barrett's Mill: In the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a family legacy leads to love.

Prodigal son Scott Barrett is back home in Barrett's Mill with plans to atone for his past mistakes and restore his future. But the quiet Virginia village feels like a different place since his return. The old cottage and chapel are crying out for repair--much like Scott himself. Luckily, sensitive artist Jenna Reed offers to help. Jenna sees Scott without judgment, though she reveals little about her own troubled past. As they work together to renovate the chapel, Scott begins to earn her trust, and soon he's envisioning life with the beautiful Jenna. Can the love of a good woman finally make him whole?

Genres: Love Inspired, Contemporary Romance, Christian, Romance, Christian Romance

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 10, 2015

About the author

Mia Ross loves great stories. She enjoys reading about fascinating people, long-ago times, and exotic places. But only for a little while, because her reality is pretty sweet. Married to her college sweetheart, she's the proud mom of two amazing kids whose schedules keep her hopping. Busy as she is, she can't imagine trading her life for anyone else's--and she has a pretty good imagination.

Reviews

[Carly Ellen Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of Harlequin's "Love Inspired" line, Finding His Way Home is exactly that... an uplifting, inspiring love story. Mia Ross weaves a theme of faith throughout the story, without becoming preachy. Jenna and Scott will make you smile. They aren't perfect, but their love story is wholesome and refreshing.

I'd like to see a bit more side character development. Perhaps we'll learn more about Scott's cousin and/or his high school friend in a future novel? I hope so. I look forward to reading more from Mia Ross.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

True confession: I read this book in one sitting even though I couldn't afford to lose the sleep. Sigh. I just couldn't bring myself to put it aside and start counting sheep! I love the Barrett family, love this wonderful community Ross has created. Lots of southern charm and brotherly shenanigans. But there's sorrow too, and anguish over pasts that can't be undone. Ross weaves a bright thread of hope through that darkness and brings resolution in the form of redemption and forgiveness. That's what made this an unforgettable read for me.

I really loved Jenna. Thinking she's right up there on my favourite heroines list. Direct and upbeat and just a little bit fragile, the residual fallout from a rough past. She was full of surprises. I couldn't believe some of the things she said, the courageous ways she faced off with Scott. Sometimes I held my breath to see how he would take it and then let it out in a whoosh of relief when he reluctantly admire her straightforwardness. The give and take between these two was a delight to read. Ross delivers an amazing love story liberally laced with realism. Awesome read.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding His Way Home is the story of Scott Barnett and Jenna Reed when Scott comes home to Barnett's Mill, Virginia. He has made mistakes and is in a dark place but then he meets Jenna. She is positive, supportive and keeps him on his toes as he finds his way back to his faith and his trust in himself. Finding His Way Home is a great Christian romance.

I send my thanks to Mia Ross and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for my copy of Finding His Way Home that I won in the Giveaway.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Really liked Scott and enjoyed the picture of someone turning their life around after it had gone so wrong.

[Jasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia Ross is my go to for sweet romances with some amazing characters and lots of emotion. She wraps up her Barrett's Mill series with a wonderful pair that you just fall in love with. I'd liked Jenna from the moment I met her in a previous book. She is the epitome of the wandering artist without a care in the world. Her carefree spirit was contagious, but she was still grounded enough to appreciate the community around her.

Scott has a record in his past, quite literally. He's on parole and being stuck in his small home town where everyone knows everything is very difficult. He finds there are two groups of people - those that want to give him a chance to prove himself, and those that judge him and want nothing to do with him. As he isolates himself at his grandfather's "homestead", using his time to fix the place up, Jenna was exactly what he needed in his life.

Watching the two of them bring out parts in each other that no one realizes were even there was so much fun. While there is a hint at religion here and there - do not let that scare you away from this series or from Mia Ross. There's no hitting you over the head with a bible in this one, just a sweet romance in a small town.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of fixing hearts and fixing buildings. Scott Barrett is back in his hometown so he can trying to make up for his past mistakes and start fresh. His is a situation of being with the wrong crowd and in the wrong place. It takes a while for some people to warm up to him again. Meanwhile he is repairing an old chapel that he inherited from his grandfather who had passed away. Then he meets artist Jenna Reed. She doesn't judge him like other people in the town had. She has a troubled past of her own. Through restoring the church they bond and become friends. I love how their relationship just grows and blooms into something more. I felt I was right there experiencing everything with them. This story is so inspiring and intriguing. Loved it from start to finish.

[Dorel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 3 because it didn't grab my interest.

[Rosa Cline · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had received this book as a First Reads Good Reads giveaway book, but wanted to read them in order since they were part of a series. COULD someone read these as individual books? Yes, BUT getting the full feeling effect you have to read all three in order. The first one introduces you to the family although it does center around one couple; but you get to know community members and other family members. This second book switches over to a 'brother' in the main family. First one was one brother, and this one is another brother and last book is another brother. So getting the background of the family and community helps to understand the setting and emotions of everyone.

All three books although labeled 'Romance' they are good 'beginning' Romance books for teenagers since they don't have any sex, any bad language (a few words a few people may think of as curse words but nothing that is over board), nothing that is 'adult only'. Also all three have just enough reference to Believing in God and having Faith that makes it enjoyable and a Christian can relate it to their lives. (or in someone they know lives) And those that doesn't believe in God would still (I think) enjoy the books because the references aren't "in your face" as a reader. The third book has more references than the first two but still I wouldn't say overly inpounded with God references. Just well rounded books that pretty much anyone would enjoy (except the VERY HARD CORE Romance readers that 'want' adult stuff going on.)

This one a young man that only in the other books are 'mentioned' as kind of a 'hush hush' son comes back to his hometown to try and find a second chance at life, after being in the wrong place at the wrong time hanging out with the wrong people. Took take away from thinks he loved to realize that and now trying to start over but will he allow the townspeople to help him start over or will he see them through what he "thinks' they are thinking about him? Takes a young woman (who you get to kind of know in the first two books) to befriend him and get to know him for 'him' and not his past. Because after all we all have a past, including her. She helps him to find himself and realize he's not as 'broken' as he thinks he is. With her Faith and God's guidance this story was a good read.

I hope there are more Barrett Mills books but we'll have to wait and see if Ms Ross takes off with some other community members she's lead us to get to know, or maybe even some of the older ones? Either way it's a very nice community to get wrapped up in

[Beckie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads First Reads. Once I started to read this book I could not put it down. If you like romances, this is the book for you. This is a very good romance book. Scott Barrett has just been released from jail for a crime that he may or may not have committed. He comes back home to atone for his past mistakes and to be with his family. However, during his absence his grandfather has passed away, who was his favorite and closest relative. He feels lonely and isolated as some of the people are very suspicious of him because of the past arrest. The whole place feels a little different to him with his grandfather being gone and he has trouble forgiving himself for not being there with his grandfather before he passed. He meets a girl named Jenna at the cemetery and they hit it off from the start. She, like him has had a troubled past and she sees the good in him. As she gets to know him she reveals to him about herself. He likewise sees the lightheartedness in her and the faith she has in God and she helps him to find the right path and a promising future. He inherits the old place from his grandfather and her with her artistic ability and he with his family history of carpentry skills and family wood business find a way to work together. They start to renovate the old chapel on the property and she helps a young girl find her way into becoming an artist also. As they renovate the chapel he begins to earn her trust and she realizes that this is a man who understands her completely and that this might be the place where she belongs versus moving from place to place as she has done all her life. In the end they realize that they do love each other and that this is what they both have been looking for and wanting in their lives and that this is where they should be and where they should live forever.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming story of two people who are both searching for home, this book was really enjoyable. Scott has made some mistakes in the past, ending up in prison. Now that he's out, he returns to his old hometown where he meets Jenna, a wandering artist who's about ready to leave town. Abandoned by her mother as a teenager, Jenna has working through some issues in her own past. When they meet, Jenna's outgoing personality draws the reclusive Scott back out into the world.

Setting: The story takes place in the small town of Barrett's Mill, which is full of charm and endearing characters. I really enjoy the quirkiness of small towns and the everybody knows everybody feel. Scott can't hide from his past because everybody knows about it.

Characters: The main characters, Scott and Jenna, are both wounded and easily relatable. You feel the pain of what they've been through and want better for them. The extended Barrett family plays a large role and some new characters are introduced, hopefully setting up more stories for this series.

Plot: The story moved along at a good pace and was very believable. I liked that the characters made mistakes and weren't perfect, yet they were trying to change and do better. The restoration of the chapel and cottage that Scott inherited and Jenna's help with the stained-glass window repair gave them a reason to spend more time together.

I really enjoyed my time spent with Scott and Jenna and would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys light, clean romance.

I received a free copy of this book through Goodreads First Reads.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

Finding His Way Home by Mia Ross is a story about two characters, Scott Barrett and Jenna Reed, who are both flawed but very realistic. I easily connected with both of them and appreciated the fact that they were never really "out of character." The setting was nice, too, and seemed very cozy. The descriptions made me want to drive from my busy, crowded city to this small town where I can enjoy the nature and quietness before crawling back. I admired Scott's willingness to have Jenna mend him together. Many male leads are either too stubborn or too ridiculous to let anyone dictate them, and Scott wasn't either. He was just a perfect balance between dark and charming, and it was nice to finally read about a guy who actually felt real. Jenna was also very likable as a character. She connected well with everyone, and it was easy to believe that she was cheerful and nice, because she was. The chemistry between Jenna and Scott was built in a slow, steady manner that worked as the two got to know each other. The ending, I must say, did feel a little rushed. Even so, I give this a four stars since I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott, fresh out of prison for being in the wrong place at the wrong time and trusting the wrong girl has returned to Barrett Mills to try to start over on the old homestead his grandfather left him. The place is in very bad shape but then so is Scott. Scott visits his grandfathers grave and there he meets Jenna, the gypsy artist, who convinces him to help her plant flowers on his grandfathers grave. Jenna is light hearted and manages to bring a smile to Scott's face but Jenna has her own issues to hide from and doesn't want to get involved with anyone especially since she will soon be leaving Barretts Mill for the summer art circuit. It seems like a conspiracy that keeps throwing them together but Jenna feels the pull of her dream to someday have her work show in a gallery. Her dreams may just come true thanks to a friend of hers who has set her up with an introduction to a gallery owner friend of his.

[Cathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding His Way Home by Mia Ross is a sweet romance with a Christian theme. Both Scott Barrett and Jenna Reed have wandered in life looking for a place to settle. Jenna's worries that tying herself to one place too long could lead to emotional hurt; Scott's wandering led him to become involved with the wrong sort of people and the consequences were costly. Now he's home in Barrett Mills and intent on keeping his barriers in place. When providence brings these two scarred people together, will faith and trust allow them to open up to each other. I enjoyed this installment of Mia Ross's Barrett Mills books without having read any of the previous ones. I received this book in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

[Madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Mia Ross has the amazing ability to bring readers into characters minds. We truly get into the hero Scott's gut and feel his angst. Jenna is a great heroine and I find really liked her and how she interacted with the ensemble cast. Speaking of ensemble cast, this is the last book of a series and I find that Ross has been able to keep all of the characters in play, but expertly keeping the hero and heroine front and center. Not many authors can do that well. There is a fluidity to her writing and I was disappointed when I finished the book because I didn't want the story to end. I am anxiously waiting for her next book to be released.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Finding His Way Home, one of the Barrett's Mill series by Mia Ross, very much. Scott Barrett moves back home to Barrett's Mill after being in prison for driving a get away car in a robbery. He didn't know they were going to rob the place. They said he did. He went to prison. Part of being released he had to stay in Barrett's Mill for a certain amount of time. Scott's grandfather left him some land and a old house and small chapel in his will. Scott wants to stay to himself. But he meets Jenna Reed is an artist. Jenna befriends Scott and helps him adjust to being back home. There is a lot going on in this book. Well worth reading.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you just need a light, happy story with a good ending. This books fits the bill perfectly. The story begins as Scott Barrett comes back home to Barrett's Mill. The quiet Virginia village doesn't quite feel like home, or perhaps it is Scott himself who has changed? Wanting to make a difference Scott begins works on renovating a nearby chapel with the help of Jenna, a local artist. You can probably tell from the cover and my short introduction to the book that a romance ensues, but it is a wonderful upbeat story of personal redemption and the good that love can do.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

You always know what you are going to get with a Harlequin romance and this one does not disappoint. This book is characterized as "Love Inspired" and it is a nice clean romance in which the main characters Scott Barrett and Jenna Reed overcome their painful pasts with the help of each other and God. Although this is #3 in the Barrett's Mill series, it can be read as a stand alone. I enjoyed the small town of Barrett's Mill and look forward to reading about other relatives and friends in the town.
I received this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a lucky winner of this book here on Goodreads.com. This book was a real surprise. I usually picture Harlequin style books as being only for women but this one read so well you couldn't tell. I loved the characters & story line. I could easily see this book being made into a movie. Looking forward to reading more Mia Ross books in the future.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ARC book provided to me. I will being looking for more books in the Barrett's Mill series. This was very interesting. Scott Barrett and Jenna Reed have both had troubled pasts but with Jenna's help Scott is starting over. Love was the last thing either wanted and it just slipped up on them.

[Eleanor Jethro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book free from Goodreads Firstreads.
What an inspirational book. Scott didn't know what to expect when he went back to his hometown after being released from prison. Would the people accept him or would they turn their backs on him. People react differently to all kinds of things - which this book definitely showed.
Very fast and enjoyable read.

[Dena McMurdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a clean, Christian romance that was just what I was looking for. I liked the way the characters interacted with each other and how they both looked past the each others faults. While nothing really made this book stand out to me, I enjoyed reading it. It was slow paced, sweet, and perfect for a rainy afternoon.

I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

It seems like everyone enjoyed this but me. There was no chemistry between the main characters, no conflict. They were put there because it was convenient for the story. I would have like to have had more character development on both Jenna and Scott, and more info on their pasts. However, I will read more Love Inspired romances.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding His Way Home is an inspirational romance of a soldier that returns home and decides to repair a family chapel with a young local women's help. It is a great romance with lots of understanding and compassion.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Goodreads because I get to read a lot of new authors and Mia Ross was one of them. I really enjoyed reading Finding his way Home. It was a sweet love story and predictable but a great read for a cold winters afternoon. I'll be looking forward to reading more of her books!!!!

[Harlequin Books]

"This continuation of the Barrett’s Mill series contains a poignant reminder: “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It is a story of second chances, moving beyond guilt and regaining confidence" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).

Miniseries: Barrett's Mill

[Alisha Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun, easy read and I cannot wait for 1 august to read Heath's story

[Vykki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great lite romance. It had great characters and great story plot. It was a great read. I won this book on goodreads.

[Tennille · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a sweet, timeless story of redemption, second chances, and personal growth that didn't come across as a heavy handed lecture.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads First Reads. A sweet romance about forgiveness and second chances. The book was well written and I really enjoyed it.

[Alejandra Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was definitely one of the best books i've read in my life! So beautiful!