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Home #4

The Long Road Home

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After being abandoned by his mother as a kid and losing his father at eighteen, Jesse Baylor has learned the only person he can count on is Riley, the girl he’s been in love with since she showed up in Carver, Kansas and changed his life. Their path hasn’t been an easy one, but Jesse and Riley are finally together and finally happy.

Married and expecting their first child, Jesse has everything he’s ever wanted in life…to be a husband to Riley and a father to their baby. They’ve overcome every obstacle life has thrown at them, but just as Jesse thinks the hard times are behind them, he suddenly realizes they are about to face their greatest challenge yet.

Has the long road to each other been worth it or will they end up losing it all? Come back to Carver to see how Jesse and Riley’s story ends.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2014

39 people are currently reading
104 people want to read

About the author

Megan Nugen Isbell

19 books125 followers
Megan Isbell was born in Japan and raised in Southern Arizona. Her husband's submarine career brought her to Connecticut in 2002. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MS in Reading/Language Arts Education. While her passion is writing, she also loves her day job as a first grade teacher. She chooses to set most of her stories in New England because she can't think of a more beautiful place to live. Besides writing, Megan loves spending time with her daughter, watching TV (especially The Vampire Diaries and anything on The History or Travel Channels) and running. She loves the Boston Red Sox and has an unhealthy obsession with the The Killers, Depeche Mode, Erasure, The Script, Within Temptation, Alex Band and Ryan Star. She currently lives in northeast Connecticut with her husband, daughter, one crotchety Yorkie, one lovable Chihuahua, and one indifferent gray cat. Her novels include The Home Series, After the Sky Fell Down, Here With Me and My Tomorrow.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Bobbi Wagner.
5,020 reviews65 followers
April 15, 2017
The Long Road Home (The Home Series: Book Four) by Megan Nugen Isbell is the fourth book in The Home series. This story is a continuation of Riley and Jesse story. This story will take you on a journey between their past and present. I think that each book of this series gets better and better. Like the books before this, it will pull you into their world from the first word. You will enjoy how the author has added some new situations that will put their love to the test. Again, these characters will pull at your heart strings, this story even more so then the previous three stories. The connection that these characters have is just unbelievable. Find out what happens next for this couple.

Jesse Baylor lost his father at eighteen and his mother abandoned him. The only person he has learned to count on is Riley. He has been in love with her since she came to Carver and changed his life. It has been a rough road for them but they are finally together and finally happy.

They are now married and expecting their first child, what more could they ask for. So far, they have overcome every obstetrical that life has put in front of them. Just as they start thinking bad times are over, boy were they wrong. What will life throw at them next? Will they learn that the toughest road to travel has yet to come? Was it worth it or will they lose it all? What will be their biggest challenge be next? Riley has always been a strong character in each of the four books and she has grown so much from when we first met her in book 1. In this book she will show you just how strong she can be and make her question why things happen. Jesse has also been a stronger character, he knows what he wants and what he doesn't want to happen for his family. Find out what happens with this couple as they continue their journey being married and bring life into this world. You won't want to miss what happens.

This is my favorite book in this series, but I am being to think that every book I read in this series is my favorite as they just keep getting better with each book I read. Megan Nugen Isbell has a created a series that will just take you home and you will fall in love with the characters. Megan was born in Japan and raised in Southern Arizona. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, daughter, dogs and cat. She chooses to set most of her stories in New England as she can't think of a more beautiful place to live. She loves spending time with her daughter watching television and running. Once again, she has created a story will keep you turning pages and keep you engaged until the end. You will enjoy how this story just flows through all the situations and keep you reading until the. I was so engaged that I read it all in one sitting. I highly suggest this story as you won't want to miss what happens next with this couple. Will they survive life together or will they lose each other forever?
Profile Image for buzy_reading.
2,666 reviews57 followers
April 26, 2017
Long Road Home summed up the first three books using Jesse's point of view. He recapped his reasons and choices with Riley showing how he felt. I felt it was unnecessary to repeat the words that were already stated in the prior books.
This story was a testament to unconditional love showing they could survive every obstacle Megan created. They continued to beat the odds becoming pros at dealing with traumatic circumstances.
Jesse's character showed he was not the one who was strong. In fact, he coped in most cases, with anger and frustration. While Riley showed strength and comfort. But they were a solid team who supported each other.
Jesse's character was too intense making me cringe at his behavior. I missed his southern charm. He did not cope well under pressure. The more I read about Jesse's character the more disappointed I became.
I felt at times I was re-reading the same story I already read by having Jesse's POV. Some new material was included which helped but not enough to justify a solid read. I struggled to finished chapters having to skim knowing I was not missing anything vital with Jesse's recount of events that already took place. I found most of the material would have been received better using dual POV's in the first three books. Book four was redundant.

"It was hard to feel any sense of normalcy anymore with the way our lives had been tossed around in every direction. Just when I thought we were on our way out, something else hit us that pushed us back down." This summed up book 4 and the entire series in this one statement by Jesse.

Unfortunately, book 4 was a chore for me to read. The memories created in these books were not fond memories but memories of tough times they had to endure.
Jesse's character was hard to process. My feelings for him changed after his reaction to Riley in book 2 and unfortunately he never redeemed himself for me. Riley remained about the same. She seemed to be the one who had more to process in these books and handled stress and tragedy far better than Jesse.
I felt like Megan threw too many obstacles in their way having them fighting for survival every step of the way to test them.
Profile Image for Lynn Jones.
320 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2017
The Long Road Home
by: Megan Nugen Isbell
4 Stars

This is Jesse and Riley's story. Jesse Baylor's mother abandoned him when he was small and his father passed away when he was only eighteen. The only person he has learned to count on is Riley. He has loved her since she showed up in Carver and changed his life for the better. They have overcame a lot of obstacles along the way only making them stronger for it. Riley has been his constant stability in his life and Jesse loves her with all his heart. Riley and Jesse are married now with a baby on the way. They decide to go back to Carver for Riley's mom fiftieth birthday since it will be hare for her to travel anywhere until the baby is born. They never thought their trip would take an unexpected turn. Riley is not feeling well enough to go out with friends so Jesse goes out with Brandon. Something happens and they end up at the emergency room. Riley is still not feeling well, and her and Jesse are scared and not sure what is happening. If Riley goes into labor now at six months, there's a chance she or the baby will not survive. That thought keeps bouncing around inside their heads like a ping pong ball. They have been thru so much and cannot understand why this is happening to them. There are lots of ups and downs and just like life, things happen that are out of your control.It is how you react that defines your true heart. Will Riley and Jesse get their happily ever after, or will tragedy strike at the heart of them. Jesse's knows without a doubt he would not be able to survive without either of them.
This was a wonderful book and wonderfully written. The author had a way of drawing you in and definitely keeping you on the edge of your seat. She has a unique style and makes you think about what she has written. I highly recommend this book.
Profile Image for Sara Oxton.
3,804 reviews18 followers
April 14, 2017
The Long Road Home by Megan Nugen Isbell a four-star read that is not a long road to read. This is the forth book in the Home series. This has been a great series and we have watched the love Riley Regas and Jesse Baylor have for each other grow and develop into a true love, that encompassed friendship, companionship and the love of another that not many find. They have both been through some true hardships in their lives, Jesse being abandoned by his mother as a child and then losing his farther at 18, and Riley after being dragged across country after her parents’ divorce and then losing her best friend when he went to serve his country. They have faced major problems and seem to have overcome them, they finally seem to have found their happy ending, and are married with a child on the way, they seem to have it all. Life in Carver seems to be perfect, but they should know that just because it seems perfect things can still go wrong.
Jesse takes a turn telling his side of the story in this book, we get to hear his words and views, this was so nice to have a refreshing twist to the story. Jessie is a true hero and when he tells his story you realise things that you may not have picked up on before, at least I did. Jesse is a man who has seen the world and has come out a different person, weather that is for the better or not you will need to read to find out.
Megan Nugen Isbell writes amazing characters and we have watched them grow and become the people they are now over the last four books, we have watched them fall in and out of love. The relationships between friends and family become something more.
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
October 19, 2016
There are not enough words to express my love of this series. Jesse and Riley's story is one that I will carry with me for years to come. The Long Road Home is the final book in The Home Series. To be able to completely understand and take full advantage of Megan's wonderful series, you should start by reading Book1- Last Train Home- which begins their Junior year of high school. Now, I know some people are saying " I don't want to read young adult!" But, that's where you are wrong.... While Book 1 does start off in High school, as you read this series the books grow along with the characters. TLRH centers around the beginning of Jesse and Riley's life together as adults and the start of their family. These characters go through so much in this last story. There are times where you'll be laughing, crying, and page turning so fast to find out the outcomes! It is a very emotional read. After rooting for these two through the last three books, TLRH does not let you down. Megan has developed these characters to the point you feel as though you know them inside and out. When they hurt, you hurt. When they experience joy, you do. One of the things I liked the most about this story is how the author decided to use Jesse's POV in the final book. The first three books are Riley's POV and it's was so nice to see the first three summed up from Jesse's perspective. Her choice to finish with the epilogue with Riley's perspective was also a wonderful touch that tied all the books together. I can't say enough great things about this author and the books she's written. They are truly wonderful reads that I will be reading again and again as the years pass. Please check out The Home Series. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Susan.
125 reviews1 follower
December 8, 2014
Honestly I didn't want to read this 4th book because I was pleased with book 3's ending. Of course I read it though - I was satisfied, not stupid.
This book completed the series. I liked the way Jesse kept going back to the big events in the first books to recapture the emotions and remind the reader how they fell in love and what separated them.
This book was so well written it could be a stand alone...but then you'd want to go back and start from book 1 just so you got the full effect.
I'd never heard of this author but will be reading her other books and watching for Brandon and Mandy's story in addition to Grace's story.
Great job!! I hope your friend is pleased with how tastefully you shared her story. Glad she and her daughter survived that ordeal. Miracles do happen!
Profile Image for Lyndsey.
1,085 reviews4 followers
June 11, 2017
The Long Road Home (Book 4) by Megan Nugen Is bell
4 stars

The Long Road Home is Book 4 of The Home Series by Megan Nugen Isbell. I have to say that even though this was the first book I've read of this series, the first 3 books got summarized in this book so I didn't feel lost as to what all they had been through, which sounds like so much. Following Jesse and Riley Baylor, this is supposed to be a happy time, with a baby on the way, and while they are happy, as with these two, nothing every comes easily or without bulbs in the road.
Jesse and Riley have gone home to Carver to visit Riley's mom for her 50th birthday. Throughout this story , you get to hear of a lot of the big past events that have brought them to this point, so I was able to understand what trials and heartbreak they've been through. I felt the love of these two and the excitement for the little one on the way. Jesse's mom abandoned him when he was young and at 18, his father passed away, so his only constant has been Riley. They share a very strong love and that shows love can conquer all.
While home in Carver , Jesse and Riley are going to spend time with friends but Riley isn't feeling well but tells Jesse to go ahead, but neither one of them expected the trip to the emergency room and the events after will shake them up once more.
I really enjoyed this book and I will be going back to read the first three books just so I can get the full effect of this couple.
Profile Image for Shannon Nicholson.
111 reviews3 followers
May 26, 2018
A little disappointed

The story was good but was very repetitive. The constant flash backs that seemed to basically repeat themselves and although the love they shared was strong and great and the fact that they survived many bumps in the road together, the constant thoughts and talk about their love for each other became redundant and was frustrating. The first book in this series was great. The second was ok. This one was a disappointment.
Profile Image for Emily Goodman.
1,070 reviews39 followers
May 11, 2015
There are not enough words to express my love of this series. Jesse and Riley's story is one that I will carry with me for years to come. The Long Road Home is the final book in The Home Series. To be able to completely understand and take full advantage of Megan's wonderful series, you should start by reading Book1- Last Train Home- which begins their Junior year of high school. Now, I know some people are saying " I don't want to read young adult!" But, that's where you are wrong.... While Book 1 does start off in High school, as you read this series the books grow along with the characters. TLRH centers around the beginning of Jesse and Riley's life together as adults and the start of their family. These characters go through so much in this last story. There are times where you'll be laughing, crying, and page turning so fast to find out the outcomes! It is a very emotional read. After rooting for these two through the last three books, TLRH does not let you down. Megan has developed these characters to the point you feel as though you know them inside and out. When they hurt, you hurt. When they experience joy, you do. One of the things I liked the most about this story is how the author decided to use Jesse's POV in the final book. The first three books are Riley's POV and it's was so nice to see the first three summed up from Jesse's perspective. Her choice to finish with the epilogue with Riley's perspective was also a wonderful touch that tied all the books together. I can't say enough great things about this author and the books she's written. They are truly wonderful reads that I will be reading again and again as the years pass. Please check out The Home Series. You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Anna.
Author 53 books111 followers
November 8, 2014
Some authors shouldn't write series. The first book is great, and then the author tries to repeat the same story over and over until the reader tears her hair out from boredom.

Isbell *isn't* one of those authors. Instead, her writing grows and changes just as her characters do, getting better with each installment. The Long Road Home skips forward a few years until our protagonists are married and settled young adults, and you'd think that their lives would have become boring. Instead, pregnancy and motherhood turn out to challenge both Jesse and Riley nearly to the breaking point.

I'm afraid to say anything more for fear I'll ruin what is an un-put-downable read. But, in case you're curious, the author's note at the end explains that this portion of Riley and Jesse's adventure is based on a true story, and you can really feel that verisimilitude in the writing. And then there's the surprising choice to tell the story from the hero's point of view this time around, which works so well at making his love for Riley heart-breakingly apparent.

All in all, this is Isbell's best book to date. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Dg.
345 reviews10 followers
July 27, 2015
This was my favorite out of all 4 books. WOW WOW WOW what a freakin intense, most emotional, most beautiful book this was and the best part of it was that it was from Jesse's POV. I love this book so much, I cried throughout and then to read that it happened for real to one of the author's friends made it even more special. To know that someone actually went through what Rylie and Gracie went through was a very emotional feeling but im so happy for Jesse, Rylie and Gracie becuase they did go through freakin hell and not just in this book but in their past. All 4 books were a great read and I seriously loved this whole series. This was just more than 5+ stars for me.
Profile Image for Beth Dvorak.
66 reviews5 followers
December 4, 2014
This was the perfect ending to the series! It was great to see what happened to Jesse and Riley after the 3rd book, but it was kind of annoying how they keep revisiting how Jesse hurt Riley all those years ago. Although I guess I understand Jesse leaving Riley is a huge part of their history. It was great to see how all of their friend turned out and what was going on with the rest of the characters. Great read!
Profile Image for Lesley Peck.
Author 8 books26 followers
June 2, 2015
Oh my goodness!!

So I said they finally got their happily ever after? Well, then all bell breaks loose. Holy heck!! I cried my eyes out during this book. It's written in Jesse's POV which is aweeeesome (yep, I totally sang that) and the epilogue is in Riley's. This book is truly perfect. I can't wait for Gracie's story. Don't know who Gracie is? Read the book!!! ;)
Profile Image for Ali Stieler.
8 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2015
Hit and Miss for me

I loved this series however I felt it should have ended at book 3. Book 4 felt like a waste of my time & money to be quite honest. I didn't enjoy Jesse's point of view & unfortunately he seemed a little to feminine for my tastes.
Profile Image for Konica.
478 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2014
Loved the first 3 books because it brought out the emotions in me. This book was still very good, but book 2 & 3 had me teary eyed. I'm glad this series had a HEA.
Profile Image for Sophia Holt.
328 reviews7 followers
July 29, 2015
what a great ending to Jesse and Riley's story. Book was well written. and wow make sure you have tissues ready.
Profile Image for Kathy West.
1,324 reviews26 followers
June 30, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
Profile Image for Lucy Berson.
779 reviews7 followers
April 14, 2017
5 stars for The Long Road Home, The Home Series Book 4 by Megan Nugen Isbell. I have loved Jesse and Riley from the beginning of this series! This book was so much more than I was expecting.

We first met Riley Regas when she moved to Kansas with her mother. On her first day of senior year, she met Jesse Baylor. For Jesse it was love at first sight. They became instant best friends. And after some heartache and heartbreak, they found their way back to each other. They never stopped thinking about one another or loving each other no matter how far apart they were. Finally back in each other's arms, the next logical and most natural thing was for Jesse and Riley to get married. What came as a surprise was, not only them moving from Kansas to Seattle for Jesse to start school but also they were now expecting a baby. Six months into her pregnancy, Jesse and Riley are heading back to Kansas for her mothers 50th birthday party and to visit friends. They are having a good time, seeing old friends and their old hangouts. When they make plans to hang out with their friends, Riley isn't feeling well so she opts to stay home. While Jesse is out with their friend, Brandon, there is a little mishap. When Riley receives a call about what happened, they end up at the emergency room. While there, Riley is still not feeling well and something happens, Jesse and Riley both are extremely scared and not sure what is going to happen. Will the unimaginable happen? Will Jesse lose both Riley and their baby? Will he be able to survive a life by himself?
This is one book that you do not want to miss!!! I absolutely love this series. In this book we got to see Jesse and Riley as they are now, but this book also took you back to different important times in their lives.

1,096 reviews5 followers
April 14, 2017
The Long Road Home The Home Series: Book Four written by Megan Nugen Isbell
5 stars

Wow! What an emotional, beautiful love story. I'm starting to think Megan has stock in tissues, because with each book in this series I cry more and more.

“I stared into her eyes, thinking back on every hardship we’d been through that had all added up to this moment. It's all happened for a reason, even when those reasons made no sense.”

This story is written in a way where it keeps bringing you back to their past in little flashbacks. It has them reminiscing and reminding Riley and Jesse of what they've overcome. They have been through heartbreaks, loss of family, celebrations, graduations, injured friends and through it all they have loved and supported each other.

“I knew Riley loved me and I knew she was happy living with me in Seattle, but I also knew she loved her mom and being home made her happy in a way I never could. I didn’t know that feeling because Riley was my world. I had no one else, so wherever she was, that was my home.”

Riley and Jesse were headed back to Carver for her mom's fiftieth birthday celebration. It was the last bit of traveling she'd be doing since she was well into her pregnancy. She was looking forward to seeing her friends and family, but also anxious to get back home to prepare for the baby and nursery.

Sometimes plans just don't go as planned. Riley and Jesse had no idea how their trip would take such an unexpected turn. Things you take for granted or thought you could count on can change in an instant.

“It’d been too easy allowing my mind to drift to the past, remembering happier times and the times that led me to where I was now. It was good to escape for a few moments because if I allowed my mind to constantly be barraged with the realities of now, I’d probably lose it.”



Profile Image for Laura Furuta.
2,047 reviews28 followers
April 14, 2017
The Long Road Home (The Home Series: Book Four)
By: Megan Nugen Isbell
5 out of 5 stars

The story The Long Road Home (The Home Series: Book Four) by Megan Nugen Isbell is a contemporary romance book. This is the continuing story of Jesse and Riley. The book is told from Jesse’s POV. Jesse life has not been an easy one. He was abandoned by his mother as a child and lost his father at eighteen. The one person he has come to rely on is Riley. She has been a constant in his world and he loves her with all his heart. Jesse and Riley are now married and expecting their first child and he believes that his life can’t get any better. Then in one day, an obstacle comes up that has Jesse wondering if they will be able to overcome it. Will this couple be able to hang on to each other or will this be the situation where they end up losing everything?

There are certain stories that you read that are completely unforgettable and the stories about Jesse and Riley are in that category. From the first book, you know that this couple is perfect for each other and you root for them to have their HEA. This story focuses on their lives after they are married and are expecting their first child. This is a story that had me reaching for tissues and hoping for a miracle. Their story has not always been smooth. There are so many times that circumstances worked against them however their love for each other never waned. This book through flashbacks and memories from Jesse shows that love and how they struggle to survive all the obstacles put in they’re way. This story is one that deeply touched my heart and stayed with me long after I finished reading it. You will recognize characters from the three previous stories as they support Jesse and Riley through their troubled times. I believe in couples who are fated to be together and Jesse and Riley are a perfect example. Be ready to return to Carver and get lost in a story that will leave you breathless. There are some adult situations in this book so I would recommend for a mature audience.
140 reviews
April 14, 2017
The Long Road Home is book four in the Home series by Megan Nugen Isbell.

Jesse Baylor has had it rough, his mother leaves him when he is two, his father unexpectedly died when he was eighteen, he found love only to lose love to find it again, all he has that he loves in this world is Riley Regas. Life is finally good, Riley excepted his marriage proposal and he can call the woman that he fell in love with at first sight his wife. The icing on the happy cake is that Riley is now pregnant with their first child, he is going to be the best dad that any baby can have. That is until it all falls apart before his eyes.

Riley Baylor, loves her husband, she is going to be a mother, life is great right now. Leaving Seattle for a few weeks so she can go and spend time with her mother for her birthday she could not be happier, that is until life does a 180.

Jesse must now be he rock that Riley always was, and pray that everything becomes ok. Will their love survive? Do miracles happen? With Jesse finally get his happy ending? Is Jesse and Riley’s love story going to be epic?

Megan Nugen Isbell is written the perfect ending to a perfect couple’s story, but true love never did run smooth. This book could have been a boring oh they got married, of they had a kid, how wonderful, instead Megan puts twist and turns in this book that you never saw happening, when you think you have it sussed out, she puts another turn in. this is an emotional roller coaster of a book, you will laugh, you will cry, you will smile and you will panic, but it’s it a brilliant ending for a couple who have not had it easy. I am going to miss Jesse and Riley; I feel thought out the series you have grown up with them and seen their love develop and blossom. I just hope the rest of the series is as good as the first 4 books. If you read any books this year, it should be the Home series. 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Melissa Schaub.
1,587 reviews
April 14, 2017
5 Stars *****

The Long Road Home is the fourth book in Megan Nugen Isbell’s Home series and this book is different from all the others in the sense that it is written from Jesse’s POV. I do highly suggest reading the other three books first because Jesse talks about all the things that have lead up to where they are now.
This book picks up several years after the last one, Jesse is getting ready to start his student teacher program to graduate, Riley is working in the VA clinic and they are living in Washington. Everything is going great for this amazing couple and then they find out that they are pregnant. This just makes their life so much better! They couldn’t be happier. Roadblocks start to pop up during their visit back home, and this couple has to work for everything that comes to them. Will they finally get their happily ever after? Or will their past luck rear its ugly head?
I really loved this book because even though it took us on this couples new adventure, it also showed us so many of the highlights of their journey and all from Jesse’s POV. It was great to see how he felt during those times and then got to see a glimpse of his life while in the marines. This book was just as much of a tearjerker as the other three but I am so happy that we got to experience their story until the end. If you have not started the Home series yet, if highly suggest that you do so now, so that you get to read this great book!
306 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2017
The Long Road Home by Megan Nugan Isbell
Stars: 5

This is the fourth book in the Home series and the final story for Jesse and Riley. This story is from Jesse’s point of view. Jesse and Riley are married and expecting their first child. Jesse is excited to be a father and is in love with Riley as much as he ever was. As Riley and Jesse face one of the biggest obstacle yet, Jesse looks back to their past and looks for strength to carry his family through their tough time.

I have really liked this series since the first book. This story did not disappoint me. I love that it was from Jesse’s point of view. It allows us to understand what he was thinking about past events, which I really appreciated. I have always loved Jesse, and this story just cemented that affection. Riley shows strength and grace in this story. I loved reading about her growth and maturity. Megan Isbell has given us the look through Riley’s and Jesse’s love story from teens to young adults to parents-to-be. I loved reading about these two characters at different stages of their lives. I also loved getting little updates on Carver as well as Riley’s and Jesse’s family and friends. My favorite updates were on Mandy and Brandon. I know that the next book in the series is their book. I am excited to read their story!

Like always, Megan Isbell has given us a story that is well written and very engaging. I had a hard time putting this story down. This story flowed well, and the action was great! I would recommend this story and this series!
Profile Image for Angelina Frazzini.
560 reviews7 followers
April 15, 2017
The Long Road Home by Megan Nugen Isbell is book four of the Home series and continues Riley and Jesse's story. This story was such a roller coaster for me. There is so much feeling and emotion wrapped up in this book that you can't help but feel all of it. This book was told from Jesse's point of view and often times he would flashback to the past which was nice because then you get his point of view on the situations they've endured already.

Jesse and Riley have everything they could want. Riley is working as a VA physical therapist. She's also pregnant with their first child. Jesse is almost done with school. He just has to finish his student teaching. They are happy and in love and on their way to Carver for a little vacation to celebrate Riley's mom's fiftieth birthday.

Everything is exactly as it should be. That is until disaster strikes. Riley is all Jesse has left in the world. She is all he can count on. He can't lose her. Jesse and Riley are trying to navigate this new normal.

"When Riley and I first got together again, after I returned to Carver and after she broke up with Evan, I thought it was too good to be true.  There was no way she could ever forgive me after what I’d put her through.  At first, I would hold her, trying to believe she was real and not some figment of my imagination, like she’d been the whole time I was gone.  I was afraid that too much time had passed and that we’d missed our chance, but things just fell together and we were happy, more happy than I deserved after the way I’d walked out on her, but now, as I sat on the floor outside the operating room, I wondered if this was my punishment.  I’d never deserved Riley and now I might lose her forever. "

In the midst of all of the unknown, an unexpected visitor shows up in Jesse's life again. He couldn't be more furious.

This book evoked so many feelings from start to finish. I loved everything about this book. The series just keeps getting better! If you've read the first three books, I absolutely recommend reading this one!
Profile Image for Terri.
158 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2017
Beautiful Ending

In the fourth installment of the Home series by Megan Nugen Isbell brings a beautiful ending to this wonderful series. Once again this book will have your emotions going all over the place with your heart breaking on minute and crying to smiling. This book is in Jesse’s POV and I really enjoyed it written that way. It starts out with Jesse and Riley living happily out in Seattle since that was where he got into college. Riley was pregnant and they were working on putting the nursery together before their trip to Kansas to visit her Mom and Jack. Riley had a doctor’s appointment before leaving to check on the baby and decided not to find out what the gender of the baby was going to be. Everything was good and soon they were on their way to Kansas. The visit in Kansas was going great but one day Riley and Jesse were supposed to be going to visit some friends when Riley decides she isn’t feeling well and was going to stay home while Jesse went to visit Brandon and Mandy. Brandon had got himself a new motorcycle and they decided that they needed to go for a ride. That ride made their entire life change. While Brandon and Jesse was out on a ride a car pulled in front of them and changed the course of their lives. This book will make you realize that family is the most important thing and love can conquer all.
Profile Image for Kristan Anderson.
326 reviews
April 21, 2017
The Long Road Home by Megan Nugen Isbell is book four in her "Home Series." You definitely need to read the first three books before this one. This story is Jesse's perspective which I love because he adores Riley in every single way. Plus I love being able to hear Jesse's side of everything that has happened.

I also liked the fact that there were a lot of flashbacks in the story. Being able to see everything from Jesse's view point gave you more of an understanding of how much he truly cared and thought he was doing the right thing. Plus it was cute to see how nervous he was throughout their entire relationship.


Jesse and Riley Baylor haven't had the easiest relationship nor have they been felt the best cards in life. Jesse was abandoned by his mother at the young age of two and his father passed away at eighteen, leaving him with no one. Riley was pulled from her comfort of Boston and thrown into the tiny little hick town of Carver. She hated everything about it and wanted to go back. When they met they were fast friends but Jesse knew he wanted more. He was smitten and it took him a while to make her realize it. Finally she came around and they were married.

Baby baby baby, finally. I am so happy for the two of them, Jesse and Riley. But something is wrong. Will Jesse be able to make it through this? Is the one thing that has been his constant rock going to fade away?

Holy boy oh wow... my emotions did not appreciate this story. But dang if Megan doesn't do a phenomenal job of showing you every single emotion Jesse is feeling. I truly felt every single thing he did. I laughed, I cried, my heart broke, I was worried, all of it. Her writing with this book completely surpassed hers of the first three.

I am so thankful that it turned out the way that it did. Jesse truly had my heart breaking reading his reactions to the awful situation with his wife and baby. I am thrilled about the next book in the series. I have grown to love Jesse, Riley and Carver, Kansas. Megan truly knows how to tug at your heartstrings and pull you into such a beautiful love story.
Profile Image for Night-Mere.
193 reviews16 followers
April 24, 2017
I loved getting into Jesse's head with this story. I'd wondered for so long about his perspective and what private thoughts go on with him, so getting this story was a treat! This was a super emotional story of love and near loss. Finding their way together while nearly losing everything is a hard line, but Isbell truly pulled it off amazingly. I couldn't imagine a better novel. I was kind of saddened by some of the decisions in the end, but it's a beautiful story and I would recommend this to anyone.
Profile Image for Nicole.
385 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2017
The Long Road Home ( The Home Series: Book Four )
By Megan Nugen Isbell
5/5 Stars

The Long Road Home is the fourth book in The Home Series , by Megas Nugen Isbell. It continues with Riley and Jesse’s journey. It should be read in order. With The Last Train Home ( Book one ) , Far From Home( Book two ), Carry Me Home ( Book three ) and then this one, of course.
You seriously have to read this series from the start!! You will not be disappointed in any way whatsoever!! You will love this series and characters as much as I do...I promise you that!!
I love this book, it's different than the rest. Only because it's Jesse’s point of view. He is telling his story this time. It's nice to see a man’s point of view. You can definitely tell how much he loves and adores Riley.
Jesse Baylor had a difficult childhood. His mom up and left him and his dad at the age of two. Then his dad unexpectedly passed away when he was just 18 years old. The only thing that has been constant is Riley. Since stepping foot in history class, he fell in love with her on the spot. Love at first sight even. But neither knew it at the time of , course.
Now, Jesse and Riley are in their twenties and even expecting their first child together. They both have come a long way. It's been quite the journey to get where they are now. They have overcome a lot of obstacles life has thrown at them. Not always, an easy road… lots of ups and downs. But one thing remains, their love for one another. It's only gotten stronger, as the years go on.
Just as things are going great, That all the hard times are behind them. Jesse suddenly realizes their greatest challenge is yet to come.
You HAVE to read this book. Just to see how Jesse and Riley’s love story ends. You will not be disappointed, I promise you!!
Ok, I'm in a little book hangover. I have loved these books soo much. Riley and Jesse's love story is a classic. Just proves, love can overcome anything!! But you both have to want it and work for it daily.
I'm a tiny bit sad, that their story has ended. But I can't wait to read what Mandy and Brandon’s story is. I'm hoping it won't be the last I hear about Riley and Jesse though.
Such an outstanding job, Megan! Beautifully written, with unforgettable characters!! This is one of my top ten, all time favorite series!! I can't believe it's over! Lol
Profile Image for The Endless Unread.
3,420 reviews63 followers
April 25, 2017
The Long Road Home by Megan Nugen Isbell is the fourth book in the Home Series

This book is an absolute great five star read. This was a definite good book that you get to feel every emotion with. I didn't want to put the book down until I had finished it. It was a sweet storyline but with also proper backstory to the characters which makes them more in depth. I love how the tragedy parts are portrayed and handled. This is a fast paced novel and from the get go you are thrust into the action of what's going down. The book just sucks you in right from the start and I think that that is really commendable as it is quite hard to do. It has lots of surprises, twists and turns and constantly keeps you guessing what is going to happen which I like. The characters were extremely well done and relatable. I really loved this book and I am intrigued to find out if there is any more in the series. I just have to find out what happens in the next book which I am really looking forward to reading.

The main characters are done so well and you can tell that they just fit together. I've really enjoyed reading this book and would encourage any and all to pick this fantastic book up.

Really highly recommended to all friends and family. A definite 10/10 score with a five star rating for me.
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