Running away from home as a young adult is only a small sliver of Elizabeth Taylor’s dreadful past. A dreadful past she’s determined to blot from her memory, until an unexpected call from her mother beckons her home to Alton, Illinois. Returning home isn’t a risk she is willing to take, especially when she’s returning with a seven-year-old daughter no one knows about.
Head Detective Richard Blake is fearless and confident when it comes to his profession. However, an incident involving his best friend’s death still doesn’t sit well with him, no matter how many years pass. When the case emerges to the surface as Ms. Taylor arrives back in Alton, curiosity gets the best of Blake.
Richard is drawn to the single mom struggling with a past she can’t forgive. While Elizabeth is leery of him, her daughter is all for the handsome detective and the help he is willing to offer. What will happen in the little city of Alton with Elizabeth Taylor’s return? And will Richard discover his past intertwining with Elizabeth’s?
Katlyn Grace is a twenty-four-year-old writer residing in a small town in beautiful West Virginia. When she’s not writing, she fills her days with homemaking, being a wife to her husband, Brad, and leading a small group of teen girls in Bible study. She also owns a candle business with her sister and enjoys time with loved ones. Her prayer is to inspire others to follow Christ more intimately through her writings.
In one word, this book is beautiful. ❤️🥹 I loved it so, so much. Feelings checklist: Smiled ✅ Cried ✅ Touched ✅ Laughed ✅ Swooned ✅ Not a feeling left untouched.
Now, I could end this review here and say it's an awesome book, but I always try to be longer in my ARC reviews, so here's my best attempt at telling you how beautiful this book is.😉
First of all, the characters are amazing.! Each one of them was just beautiful, humorous, and needed in some way.
I loved Richard❤️ He was just so amazing. He was sweet, caring, funny, and did such an amazing job with both Lizzie and Brooke.
Brooke, our darling, sweet girl. She is awesome. A She's a little firecracker. I absolutely loved her. And need more of her haha!😆🫶🏼🙌🏼
Lizzie. Lizzie's story was heart wrenching at times and it broke my heart. But I loved seeing the outcome after it all. And how she was able to accept the forgiveness that God gives, and it was just beautiful overall. She's a great mom, and she was great. (Can you tell I love em all❤️😭🥹)
I laughed so much in this book. I smiled SO big. I teared up. I swooned. It was just such an incredible book, and I truly cannot put into words how much I loved it.
I'm so incredibly happy and blessed to have been given the opportunity to be an ARC reader. This will be a book to remember. ❤️🥰
(I Received an eARC copy. All opinions are my own.)
I was excited to start this one, and once I picked it up, I couldn't stop thinking about it! This story really pulled me in, and the characters and their story was so well-written! I loved getting to meet these characters, and caught a couple references to characters I'm pretty sure are in Grace's Lawson's series. (I haven't read those books, but you'll probably enjoy those scenes even more if you've read them first.) This one works fine as a stand-alone though, so don't let that stop you if you haven't read them!
Both Richard and Lizzie have a troubled past, burdened with regrets and a lingering shame. The cause is very different, but as is often the case the scars left behind still hold them back in the present. I loved the faith and message of hope and forgiveness woven throughout the story. God leads us to others who can help, but in doing so He often helps both parties. This is sort of an example of that, and I loved seeing their story so beautifully written on the pages.
I also loved the 'cozy' touches, with Lizzie owning a flower shop, and the recipes included in the back! These are 'little' things, but I love when stories include things like that, and it just makes the book a little extra special, and allows us to look at things a little different, or include a small part of the stories we love into out daily routine. Whether that's a cinnamon roll recipe, or a smile when we look at flowers, now seeing them a little differently than before. Just me? Maybe, but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one. I loved how the book takes some difficult topics and real-life challenges, and weaves them so beautifully into the story, interwoven with threads of hope bringing peace, and joy, and shining God's light into the darkness. May this book be a blessing to those who read it, and a reminder of the powerful love of God. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love never fails. Oh, what a wonderful God He is! Amen.
I did struggle with this one a little in the second half. I don't know for sure what it was but Richard started to get on my nerves at one point, and it lasted for a few chapters. I tried to pin-point exactly what it was, since I'd really liked his character for the most part, but once they started getting closer, and acting more like a couple, he started seeming a little more unstable in some of his reactions, and maybe that was it? He was okay, but not my favorite MC to read about, and that hurt my overall enjoyment of the story a bit for a few chapters. I did love Lizzie's parts though, and for the most part I loved who story all the way through. Only the few moments where she and Richard were together during that part in the third quarter, since I was struggling with some of those scenes a bit. Overall, this is a well-written story of healing, letting go, forgiveness, and accepting the love God has for us, even when that means facing out past. It's worth it, may we be strong and courageous enough to accept His best for us.
*I was given an eARC from the author. This does not affect my review, and the thoughts are my own. This review is voluntary.*
Finding Home Again is the first book I’ve read by author Katlyn Grace. It was a pleasant read with a strong biblical presence and a sweet romance. Scripture, church attendance, and Bible stories are mentioned often and explained in a way that connects to personal experiences.
Once the romance between the main characters begins, it moves quickly, but it’s a heartwarming, kisses-only relationship that leaves you feeling warm inside.
Richard, a cop who seems to investigate everyone’s life, quickly became a favorite. His desire to help bring healing to Lizzie is admirable, and his character encourages you to reflect on how you can encourage others. Watching his interactions with Brooklyn and how this tough-guy cop softens to do girly things, really melts your heart.
Elizabeth (Lizzie) is a woman with a broken past. She begins reconnecting with her parents and with God, and faces an important decision. There was an element of suspense as we wait for her to make up her mind, and in the end, she does.
Brooklyn, Lizzie’s daughter, is a cutie with a big personality. I loved that she was included throughout the story and played a major role. Her spunky character leaves a lasting impression.
Overall, the book carries strong themes of family, forgiveness, servanthood, and leaving a legacy. The biblical message on forgiveness and walking in freedom from past sin was powerful. I look forward to reading more from Katlyn Grace.
✨ I received an ARC copy of the book and chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian romance book. The main characters are Richard and Lizzie. Richard is a detective and Lizzie owns a flower shop and is a single mom to Brooke. Brooke ran away when she was younger so when she gets a call to come home she dreads it. Will she go and face the people she left behind? Will they forgive her for leaving. While there she meets Richard and gets to know him better thanks to Brooke and God. They are both hesitant to be in a relationship but God has other plans. I loved watching Lizzie grow and give everything to God. I do believe some of my favorite parts was Richard spending time with Brooke. Brooke was the most adorable little girl. I had a feeling about halfway through or maybe further what was going to happen at one part and I was right but also heartbroken. This book goes to show you when you give everything to God everything will be clearer. You are forgiven no matter what you have done in the past. God has a plan for you. Don’t try to control everything in life when you should give it all to God. My heart broke for both Richard and Lizzie but God is great. I truly enjoyed this book and want to go read the other books with the Lawson’s. Overall, I loved this book and found it a blessing.
I enjoyed this redemption story! It follows Lizzie and her daughter, Brooke. Lizzie had run away from home as a teen with a guy who negatively influenced her. After years of staying away from home due to shame and regret, a family emergency calls Lizzie back home to Alton and gives her a chance to reconcile with her parents.
Richard has his own demons to fight. As a police rookie, he witnessed the death of his mentor and friend. Years later, Richard is in Alton as a police detective, still on the hunt for the culprit that took his friend's life.
Lizzie and Richard are drawn towards one another, although being standoffish with each other at first. But slowly, they start to build a beautiful friendship based on faith, respect, and trust. They are still battling their own guilt and shame but rely on each other and God.
This story is Christ-centered. It worked well, as we see Lizzie learning to forgive herself for the sins of the past. She relied on God, Richard, and even her parents to finally understand what true forgiveness is. It was a beautifully done redemption story that definitely tugged on my heartstrings.
If you love summer small-town vibes, where the FMC and MMC love Jesus, and a slow-burn, strangers-to-lovers story where they get to know each other on a deeper level, then I highly recommend this book!!
Thank you, Katlyn Grace, for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own!
This novel, inspired by the parable of the Prodigal in Luke 15, beautifully shows the peace-filled freedom in receiving and accepting the forgiveness of our Heavenly Father and of the people in our lives. I enjoyed the small town feel with the bakery and the Safe Haven ranch and that the characters are part of a church-going community. There’s a little mystery and some romance going on - no spoilers here, though! This one is for fans of second chances and clean romances!
As a super-cool bonus, the recipes for the cinnamon rolls and the monster cookies from the story are included at the end!!
I absolutely loved Finding Home Again! This book was so hard to put down and had my heart from the very beginning. The romance was ADORABLE, but what I loved most was the sweet bond between Richard and Brooke. Their connection added so much warmth and tenderness to the story, and I was rooting so hard for everything to work out so Lizzie, Brooke & Richard could be one happy family. 🥹 Another favorite part of this book was the beautiful faith message woven throughout. The prodigal son theme was incredibly powerful—seeing Lizzie return home after seven years, carrying so much hurt and history, and still being welcomed back with love and grace was so moving. The way God’s forgiveness and unconditional love shines through this story really touched me, and the spiritual themes felt genuine and heartfelt. My only small critique is that the second half of the book slowed down a bit and wasn’t quite as addicting as the first. And Richard definitely made me mad near the end, haha! But everything came together in such a meaningful and emotional way, and the ending made it all worth it.
Wow. What a wonderful introduction to an author that is already becoming a new favorite! Finding Home Again was my first book by Katlyn Grace, and I now regret never picking up one of her books before. One of my reading goals for this year is to read more authors who are new to me, and so because of that, I jumped at the chance to read Katlyn Grace’s upcoming release. I have heard many wonderful things about her stories, and I can honestly say that those praises were well deserved.
From the moment I read the first page, I could tell that this book would be something special. I tend to read more cute and fluffy contemporary romances, and while this one had a wonderful romance and such a comforting feel about it, there was also so much emotion that the author wove through the pages. When a book can wrap itself around my heart like this one did, I know it is truly a special story that I won’t ever stop recommending. Elizabeth’s story broke my heart. I won’t go into details about her story because I don’t want to spoil anything, but be prepared to want to reach into the book and give her a hug. The scene where she told her parents everything that happened to her? My heart didn’t just break. It shattered. I loved how she allowed God to lead her towards the happiness she deserved. It was truly beautiful how the author wrote about faith and healing.
I loved how Richard played a part in helping her heal. His kindness towards Elizabeth and her daughter was so sweet. I loved the scenes where he practically became her daughter’s best friend. Richard was the man that Elizabeth and her daughter both needed. Trust me when I say you’ll smile so much during their scenes together that your cheeks will start to hurt.
I can’t recommend this one enough. If you love a faith-filled story with loveable characters, a sweet romance, and a beautiful message of forgiveness and overcoming your pain with the help of God, family, and friends, this one’s for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book was beautiful to read! So emotional, vulnerable, and a wonderful Christ-centered story about forgiveness and redemption! This was my first novel by Katlyn Grace, and it will certainly not be my last! I fell in love with the characters (especially little Brooke) and the message of finding forgiveness in Christ. Finding Home Again is an inspiring and faith-filled novel about redeeming yourself and how our pasts don't define us. Richard and Lizzie's story is one you have to read!
If you enjoy novels with: ✨ Closed-door romance ✨ Learning and accepting forgiveness ✨ Clean Christian suspense ✨ Runaway heroine facing a dark past ✨ Police detective hero You'll love this story! ❤️
✨ Finding Home Again is a closed-door Christ-centered story about forgiveness and redemption with an element of suspense! Officially releasing in two weeks on September 5! Suitable for young adult readers and older. ✨
Finding Home Again is a beautifully spun story of hope and forgiveness, restoration and new beginnings, friendship and romance. The characters were easy to fall in love with as I quickly became invested in this small town romance with a hint of suspense and mystery.
This was a delightful romance, easy to read and full of Christian themes that were encouraging and hope-filled. While Lizzy was strong, I also appreciated seeing her weaker side. Brooke was a delight who will have readers laughing and smiling and tugging on heartstrings. Richard was a sweetheart with just the right amount of protectiveness. I also appreciated his realistic struggles.
I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Finding Home Again is a powerful story of redemption. The book opens with Luke 15:20 and the image of the prodigal son returning home, a resounding theme that carries throughout the story. More than just a feel-good read, this novel points the reader back to faith in God and His gift of redemption.
Katlyn Grace weaves together heartfelt details into a story that keeps you turning the pages. The love story between Richard and Lizzie is tender and refreshing, while young Brooke’s character adds warmth and lightness. At its heart, Finding Home Again reminds us that no struggle is too great and that every trial we face has a purpose.
I received an advanced copy. Thank you Katlyn for the opportunity to review!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a prodigal daughter who is afraid to face her past (home) even though she has made her life right. She can’t seem to forgive herself, but love of family and finding community makes her reevaluate what she thought life had to be. Forgiveness changes everything. Thank you for the advanced copy!