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The Long Way Home
Sent from Chicago to the Kansas Flint Hills on family business, Jaxton Anderson finds himself in conflict with Ami Martin from their very first meeting. Yet he cannot stop thinking about the stubborn young woman and her struggle to keep her own family farm by turning it into a bed and breakfast. Each time he tries to draw closer to her, he makes the situation worse until a series of crises throws Jaxton and Ami together in unexpected ways.
THE LONG WAY HOME is an adventure of love and reconciliation. Touching on themes of faith, family, and fortunes, it asks the characters and the reader "Who are you, and where do you want to be when you're eighty?"
"Staci Stallings writes from a deep knowledge and love of the Flint Hills, and with a compassionate understanding of everyday people caught up in family and life struggles. Her characters and their story will reside in your heart long after you have finished the last chapter of THE LONG WAY HOME."
THE LONG WAY HOME is an adventure of love and reconciliation. Touching on themes of faith, family, and fortunes, it asks the characters and the reader "Who are you, and where do you want to be when you're eighty?"
"Staci Stallings writes from a deep knowledge and love of the Flint Hills, and with a compassionate understanding of everyday people caught up in family and life struggles. Her characters and their story will reside in your heart long after you have finished the last chapter of THE LONG WAY HOME."
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
631 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Staci Stallings
72 books581 followersA stay-at-home mom with a husband, three kids and a writing addiction on the side, Staci Stallings has numerous titles for readers to choose from. Not content to stay in one genre and write it to death, Staci’s stories run the gamut from young adult to adult, from motivational and inspirational to full-out Christian and back again. Every title is a new adventure! That’s what keeps Staci writing and you reading. Staci touches the lives of people across the globe every week with her various Internet endeavors including:
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
Spirit Light Books–The Blog:
http://spiritlightbooks.wordpress.com/
Facebook Author Page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Spirit-...
Staci’s Ebook Romance Stories:
http://ebookromancestories.com/
Follow Staci on Twitter: @StaciStallings
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
May 21, 2015
What a thoughtful, thought-provoking, heart-wrenching book! Jax, by all accounts is living the American Dream, when he is sent to a little backwoods Kansas town to make sure his grandfather's affairs are in order- his resentment kicks into overdrive. He meets Ami who is pursuing her dream and a grandfather he doesn't even know, To him, both of them are clueless about what they should be doing. Only in spending time there does Jax confront his own beliefs and realize how dead his life really is and find what is truly important. At times this book may tear at your own thinking and reflect on what is important in your own life, which in my opinion make it a truly great book!
January 22, 2017
Family
He is sent to see what his grandfather has written in his will in a small town in Kansas. She inherited his grandparents farm and her farther is trying to take it away. She's turning the house into a B&B, and had a short time to prove she can do it. His grandfather believes in her and makes a difference in his grandsons also.
He is sent to see what his grandfather has written in his will in a small town in Kansas. She inherited his grandparents farm and her farther is trying to take it away. She's turning the house into a B&B, and had a short time to prove she can do it. His grandfather believes in her and makes a difference in his grandsons also.
October 11, 2020
Jaxton couldn't believe he was forced by his parents to see his grandfather to take care of his estate. He was angry didn't want to be in Kansas. He flight with himself he wanted to go home.Then he had a talk with his grandfather and decided to get to know him. He stayed and met Ami, she was fixing up her grandparents home to make a B & B. As things turned out Jaxton started helping Ami with the repairs. So many things started happened by to delay the opening. Jaxton had to deal with his grandfathers death. Then how cold his parents were, all they were to nterested in was how much they were getting, Jaxton realized he was like them before going to visit his grandfather and the lessons he leaned from him. I enjoyed the book a very good read.
Liked the book, once started was hard to put down.
Liked the characters, how everything pulled together at the end.
Liked the book, once started was hard to put down.
Liked the characters, how everything pulled together at the end.
March 9, 2021
I was surprised to find out that Jaxton was 31 because his character's inner monologue was written like a cranky 15 year old boy. I did enjoy the slow burn romance part, though I am baffled that neither Jaxton nor Ami would say the word sex. They just kept hinting around and "euphemising" about not having sex like a couple of junior high kids.
I was also extremely puzzled as to why the adult children of Mr. S. didn't understand the value of the farm land? They're all accountants and business type people and they have no idea that land is exceedingly valuable? "Buy land - They ain't making any more!" is not only a famous quote (that gets attributed to a lot of different people) but also pretty much the philosophy of the main protagonist of The Good Earth. Did these college educated middle aged people not have to read that book in literature class like I did?
I was also extremely puzzled as to why the adult children of Mr. S. didn't understand the value of the farm land? They're all accountants and business type people and they have no idea that land is exceedingly valuable? "Buy land - They ain't making any more!" is not only a famous quote (that gets attributed to a lot of different people) but also pretty much the philosophy of the main protagonist of The Good Earth. Did these college educated middle aged people not have to read that book in literature class like I did?
September 27, 2020
Jax and Ami's story was a sweet romance. Lots of good life lessons learned by reading this book. Jax was all about money until he showed up at his grandfather's place and then he started to learn that the love in your heart is what you follow to find true happiness in this life. The more you give, the more that comes back to you. I was really struggling with Jax not getting anything when his grandfather passed away. But then when he is given the key to the safe deposit box and Ami and him go and find stock certificates in there, that was worth more than anything to him. His grandfather helped him out with life after all.
October 26, 2020
Home is where your heart is
I read this book several years ago and I had to read it again after someone posted on Facebook that it was one of the best story she has read. And I have to agree with her. I just love all the life lessons that are so applicable to me and many others. Mr. Snyder was a very wise man. He could have become a bitter person, but he used his mistakes to become a better person and used his wisdom to teach and bless others. It will be a book I will continue to read again whenever I forget some of the lessons I learned before. Staci has never failed me yet with her insights. I highlight many of her books.
I read this book several years ago and I had to read it again after someone posted on Facebook that it was one of the best story she has read. And I have to agree with her. I just love all the life lessons that are so applicable to me and many others. Mr. Snyder was a very wise man. He could have become a bitter person, but he used his mistakes to become a better person and used his wisdom to teach and bless others. It will be a book I will continue to read again whenever I forget some of the lessons I learned before. Staci has never failed me yet with her insights. I highlight many of her books.
March 14, 2019
I enjoyed this book overall. I liked how the jerk of a guy didn't turn out to be amazing all right away, and he had to see his sin first.
The relationship with the older gentleman and grandfather, were so fun! I loved that.
I just felt like it should have been about 5000 more words long, as there were a few loose ends that I didn't feel got tied up as well as they should have there at the end. I went back and read it more than once, trying to see if I missed it because I was tired.
But overall, I enjoyed the story, loved the remodeling part!
The relationship with the older gentleman and grandfather, were so fun! I loved that.
I just felt like it should have been about 5000 more words long, as there were a few loose ends that I didn't feel got tied up as well as they should have there at the end. I went back and read it more than once, trying to see if I missed it because I was tired.
But overall, I enjoyed the story, loved the remodeling part!
October 23, 2020
Fantastic read!
I think I love this book so much because it really resonates with life, real, messy, confusing, wonderful life. It's Christian, but not over the top. It shows how Christianity works for real, everyday people. It's a beautiful love story about giving, of your time, of yourself, and accepting yourself and others, warts and all. It's about freeing yourself to become the best version of yourself. By the end, I officially decided that I am going to read as many of Staci Stallings's books as I can.
I think I love this book so much because it really resonates with life, real, messy, confusing, wonderful life. It's Christian, but not over the top. It shows how Christianity works for real, everyday people. It's a beautiful love story about giving, of your time, of yourself, and accepting yourself and others, warts and all. It's about freeing yourself to become the best version of yourself. By the end, I officially decided that I am going to read as many of Staci Stallings's books as I can.
July 7, 2023
At the beginning I expected this to be a light romance but it proved to be much more than just that. Jax is a materialistic young man sent by his family to small town Kansas to find out how much they will inherit when his grandfather dies. He arrives with a poor attitude and rubs everyone he meets the wrong way. With time and the wisdom of his grandfather his attitudes and behaviors begin to change. This is an encouraging and helpful story for any who think money is the most important goal in life.
February 20, 2025
good book
This was a very interesting book. It leads you through people’s lives and feelings that show you that they have problems just like we do. Their reactions are like so many people are experiencing now days and doing. They don’t trust God or believe in Him and try to do everything themselves. When they turn to God for help and give their life to Him, he can change them and guide them to be a better person. He works everything out for our good to them that love him. They found that out in the book. It’s a great story and so very true for this world today.
This was a very interesting book. It leads you through people’s lives and feelings that show you that they have problems just like we do. Their reactions are like so many people are experiencing now days and doing. They don’t trust God or believe in Him and try to do everything themselves. When they turn to God for help and give their life to Him, he can change them and guide them to be a better person. He works everything out for our good to them that love him. They found that out in the book. It’s a great story and so very true for this world today.
December 12, 2016
I enjoyed this book. It was a great story about forgiveness and unselfishness. There were a lot of lessons but I thought it wasn't too preachy. I was also surprised at how long it was but I still enjoyed it. It covered a lot of situations but didn't seem drawn out. The characters were well developed and you learned to like them. I especially liked how Jackson was able to show Ami that she wasn't forgiving. We all have to be open to learning and humble.
September 21, 2017
Good plot, Christian romance , confusing in spots
I liked the plot. Did get a little tired of all of the self hatred though. Author made Jaxton seem more like 16 yes old instead of in his 20's or 30's. Ami seemed much older. No ages were given, or I never read the ages of these characters. The ending was a little abrupt. I had to assume several things instead of the author describing the objects and results of certain tasks.
I liked the plot. Did get a little tired of all of the self hatred though. Author made Jaxton seem more like 16 yes old instead of in his 20's or 30's. Ami seemed much older. No ages were given, or I never read the ages of these characters. The ending was a little abrupt. I had to assume several things instead of the author describing the objects and results of certain tasks.
August 16, 2018
Good read
This book is a little slower to actually get moving I felt like. I’m glad the last half of the book started things really moving in motion. I feel like that was the point of the book, though. Life brings you down if you just live it day to day only living for the money. What’s truly important is your family and friends and the many ways you can share your love with them.
This book is a little slower to actually get moving I felt like. I’m glad the last half of the book started things really moving in motion. I feel like that was the point of the book, though. Life brings you down if you just live it day to day only living for the money. What’s truly important is your family and friends and the many ways you can share your love with them.
October 17, 2018
I really enjoyed this one! Staci Stallings is a pretty amazing author, if I do say so myself. She gets real emotions down onto paper, and it makes her stories hit you straight in the heart. There were a couple things that kinda bothered me - the Kindle version had some grammatical errors, and I wish certain parts would’ve been more straightforward because I didn’t quite understand what happened, but other than that, a lovely novel!
4 stars.
4 stars.
September 30, 2020
What is most important in life
I liked this book because it had good advice for everybody. First, the most important thing in life is not money but giving yourself to serving and loving people. That is what brings real happiness! Secondly, a person can change from what he thinks he is to what he wants to be. It is never too late to change. Stop listening to what other people tell you who you are, to thine ownself be true.
I liked this book because it had good advice for everybody. First, the most important thing in life is not money but giving yourself to serving and loving people. That is what brings real happiness! Secondly, a person can change from what he thinks he is to what he wants to be. It is never too late to change. Stop listening to what other people tell you who you are, to thine ownself be true.
April 13, 2019
Almost DNF it on the first 20%, thought couldn't get used to the writing style, since there wasn't really any pattern to the POV change, but I eventually the story grew in me and found the book had a really cute love story, good self-discovering and a really good message for people of any time... pay attention to what really matters...
August 18, 2021
This was a very inspiring book. I enjoyed it thoroughly - except for the author's constant use of the word Tarn. According to Webster, a tarn is a small, steep-banked lake or pool. That is not how it was used in this book. Regardless, I really enjoyed it. There were a couple of surprises that added to the story. I recommend it.
April 22, 2022
Really good read
I loved everything about this book, it made me pause and check myself. Was I doing the right thing for the wrong reason or was I doing the wrong thing for what I had convinced myself was the right reason. The story line was very believable, I could put myself in any of their positions and wonder what would I have done.
I loved everything about this book, it made me pause and check myself. Was I doing the right thing for the wrong reason or was I doing the wrong thing for what I had convinced myself was the right reason. The story line was very believable, I could put myself in any of their positions and wonder what would I have done.
June 23, 2017
Outstznding
I loved every single thing about this book. It is inspirational, heart warming, romantic and at the same time shows us how selfish and self centered we can all be, but that it is never too late to turn or lives around.
I loved every single thing about this book. It is inspirational, heart warming, romantic and at the same time shows us how selfish and self centered we can all be, but that it is never too late to turn or lives around.
May 15, 2018
Wonderful story
Loved the reconnecting between grandfather and grandson. Life lessons taught and learned with life changing outcome. Although Jaxton lost his grandfather, he continued living the lessons learned from him! HEA ending
Loved the reconnecting between grandfather and grandson. Life lessons taught and learned with life changing outcome. Although Jaxton lost his grandfather, he continued living the lessons learned from him! HEA ending
August 27, 2018
Finding your heart's desire
Excellent Christian novel, by an excellent writer. I've read several of her books. This one made me 😢. In losing his grandpa & loved one, he finds out what life is really about.
Excellent Christian novel, by an excellent writer. I've read several of her books. This one made me 😢. In losing his grandpa & loved one, he finds out what life is really about.
October 11, 2019
“Sometimes in this life you pray for something, expecting it to come in a certain package all tied up with a nice pretty bow. But I’ve learned that sometimes it comes along in ways you don’t expect— no bow, no nothing. That don’t mean it ain’t your answer" - my favourite quote.
September 30, 2020
I thought this was a sweet story. About more than just Jaxton and Ami but their families and legacy and being the person you want to be despite your circumstances.
Jaxton was super selfish in all the stereotypical ways but for someone so selfish, he was quick to acknowledge his wrongdoing and had a fierce conscience.
Ami was a super hard worker trying to achieve her dreams despite her selfish dad trying to take the "money" that's owed to him.
Overall, a cute and quick read.
Jaxton was super selfish in all the stereotypical ways but for someone so selfish, he was quick to acknowledge his wrongdoing and had a fierce conscience.
Ami was a super hard worker trying to achieve her dreams despite her selfish dad trying to take the "money" that's owed to him.
Overall, a cute and quick read.
October 1, 2020
So enjoy this author’s books! This one was no exception. The story was amazing and thought provoking. Loved the characters, the main characters for sure and many of the others. Doing God’s will showing God’s love to others was its message. Recommend this book to everyone.
November 30, 2020
Cute fluffy read. It needed an editor in parts. Good plot and characters overall, but some parts weren't credible--like the hailstorm. Nice for an entertaining vacation read, and the Christianity was a bit more overt than some Christian fic.
March 15, 2023
By far the best book I have read in quite a while. The plot made my heart stop and kick start all at the same time. I missed this family terribly and didn’t even realize it. Just OMG
Harper to say I loved is beyond that . I am so so glad your back!!!!!!!!! Much love ❤️
Harper to say I loved is beyond that . I am so so glad your back!!!!!!!!! Much love ❤️
October 5, 2024
This book was a great read to escape from everyday reality! And sometimes you need that. A good old fashioned love story about a boy who comes home to meet his grandfather and get his affairs in order only to really learn what life is really all about. It will restore your faith in humanity.
June 12, 2018
Like a Hallmark movie
It was an enjoyable read. I was rooting for Am I and Jax. It did remind me of the hallmark movies I enjoy way thing..
It was an enjoyable read. I was rooting for Am I and Jax. It did remind me of the hallmark movies I enjoy way thing..
October 2, 2020
Beautifully written story. Really made me think about the lies we believe about ourselves and how it permeates our choices and actions.
November 5, 2020
I thought the book was too long.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews