Home to Me

Hope Springs #8

by Sarah M. Eden

Ten years have passed since Finbarr O’Connor’s life was changed forever by the horrific fire that still haunts Hope Springs. He’s learned to navigate the world without his sight. He has even regained much of his independence. But he’s exhausted, worn down, lost. So, when an opportunity arises that would make his life far easier, he’s tempted. But accepting it would mean leaving Hope Springs and all his family.

Emma Archer has been away from Hope Springs for nearly half a decade. Distance has helped her escape the ghosts that haunt her there. But the pain she has not entirely outrun catches up with her when a telegram arrives from an unknown sender, urging her to return home for the sake of her sister. She loves her family too much to ignore the plea, yet returning will be painful. Seeing Finbarr O’Connor again, she fears, will shatter her completely.

Her unexpected return thrusts them together again. Both struggling with their pasts and unsure of their futures, they begin to find in each other some of the trust they once lost. Is there hope for something more in the pull they feel to each other, a new chance to find home, healing, and love before life pulls them apart once more?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Westerns, Historical Romance, Audiobook, Clean Romance, Historical

284 pages, Paperback

Published February 10, 2026

Reviews

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Shelby Werner Thayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and tender book about healing, family, and two characters that I came to love through the first 7 books in the Hope Spring series (which I happily reread in preparation for this release). It was a treasure to read their story of finding each other again, working through their shared and individual griefs and falling in love. As the reader, I felt like I was part of the town and the extended O'Connor and Archer families holding my breath and tiptoeing around Finbarr and Emma so I wouldn't topple whatever fragile rebuilding was going on between them. While cheering them on, of course, and celebrating when they found their way together.

Sara Eden does an incredible job of creating not only characters, but entire interconnected families and communities. It makes for such a beautiful read, and one that never feels like it is quite done. I of course found myself longing to know so much more of what comes next for our sweet town of Hope Springs and her delightful cast of characters. I know that this is the "final" book in the main Hope Springs series, but I look forward to future stories, especially centered about Ivy, Aiden, and Sybil.

[she_batts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book! Loved every word of it. Read it slowly, reread previously read pages, all to get every ounce of beauty! Been waiting for a long time for Finbarr and Emma’s book but it was worth the wait. Ten stars from me. “She’s home to me” line made me cry and smile at the same time. Their love was worth all the torment they went through to reach it. My suggestion is to read the entire series to feel all the emotions that this book has to offer.
Loved it!

[dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!

Whattttt!!! I can’t believe it’s over!!! I devoured this book!! I wish I could go back and read it all again for the first time!! Finbarr and Emma!!!! The blizzard?!?? Finbarr’s relationship with Eimear and Ivy!! The spoon!!! Him calling her mo sholas…😭😭😭 I mean, I could eat 100 more books of these… give me some Sybil with another O’Connor…. I’m secretly hoping for Ivy & Aiden’s story(I know why you sent that telegram Aiden😉) i mean who wouldn’t want a bit more?!?! 🤭😅🙏 It also wouldn’t hurt to see a bit more of Emma and finbarr and babies!?!? 😌 also loved seeing all the other couples from the previous books. L-O-V-E-D all of the Tavish and Cecily appearances!!!💖🥹🫂 A TEN OUT OF TEN BOOK AND A TEN OUT OF TEN SERIES!!!

📖

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a long wait to see Finbarr and Emma finally get their happily-ever-after. The road has been a difficult one and this book was full of bumps along the way. But they finally got over the biggest bump and became exactly who the other needed to find their happiness. In the end the romance is sweet but it has taken years to get there. It was a painful 10 years for Emma and Finbarr.
I couldn't figure out what the illness is that Emma's sister has. I'd like to know.
I think my only complaint about this story is that there is a lot of repetition concerning both of their feelings and situations.
I enjoyed seeing the other family members make an appearance as well. I feel like there are enough loose ends still to continue the series but Finbarr's siblings are complete. Maybe we'll see other character's stories pop up over time.

[RD · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those of you who, like me, have enjoyed this series over the past 13 years, be prepared to set aside some uninterrupted hours to read this much anticipated story. It is amazing! It is heart wrenching, emotional (keep a tissue box handy), and incredibly tender. Both Emma and Finbarr still have some healing to do after the fire they lived through ten years ago. After trying to heal while apart, maybe they’ll have more success healing together.

I highly recommend this clean, uplifting series. It is a story I reflect on often, with characters I feel connected to after so many years together. Thank you Sarah Eden for creating this beautiful world and sharing it with us.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional and beautiful way to end this series (at least I think it’s the end?). Like the first two I couldn’t read it without crying but this time it was tears of healing along with the pain.
This story and the struggles in it didn’t feel so contrived and forced for a story like so many books. Maybe it’s because as a reader you go through the struggles and pain through the series and so it feels so real. Loved it and love Emma and Finbarr!

[Deidra Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realize how much I needed their story. Wonderful from start to finish. Their worries were so real and relatable. I enjoyed the unexpected story developments and didn't mind anything that felt a little predictable.

[Novidiac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed and anticipated addition to the Hope Springs series.

Worth every minute of waiting. An intense and deeply moving story. Joy from ashes. At times, it was difficult to read through the tears but could not put it down. Always grateful to be so beautifully touched by Sarah Eden's masterfully crafted characters.

[Jerrica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had high expectations with this one, and Sarah delivered in every way! Finbarr and Emma's story was everything I needed it to be!

[Tani · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for Finbarr and Emma’s story for a long time. It did not disappoint. 💜

[allie southworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting years for this! I loved it!

[Kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything about this book! I knew when I started this series 4 years ago that Emma and Finbarr were meant to be together. Love them and that we finally got their story!

[Sarah Esplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Finbarr + Emma’s story! I had just recently reread the first two “Longing for Home” books which I think made it extra special. Highly recommend this whole series!

[Elisabeth Dewsnup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I “not so patiently” waited for this book for 10 years. My 15 year old heart rejoiced while reading. It was as heartbreaking, tender, beautiful, and fabulous as I had hoped it would be. A 5 star read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah M Eden's Hope Springs series is one of my very favorites. And it's been so long since there was a new book in this series. I was so excited to get to read this one. It's such an amazing book!

I loved getting to see Finbarr again. He's such a great character. I love how resilient he is. He's blind, but he's learned to move on and do things on his own when he can't see. I love how he was talking with Emma, but he had no idea.

Emma's feelings about going back to Hope Springs, Wyoming are mixed. She wants to go back to see her family. But she doesn't want to go back to where she doesn't feel like she belongs. But she's so brave and she does it. I love the way she learns that there is some place that she belongs.

I loved seeing the O'Conners and the Archers again. Both families are so great. Sometimes I just want to crawl into this series and live there!

[Jami Pruitt (My.lovely_readingcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book, filled with hope, healing and love. I don't know how to express all that this book made me feel, but I will try.

I love the emotion that you can feel as you read this story. You can feel the pain that Emma feels as she continues to struggle with her memories of the fire. Even though she continues to have painful memories and dreams just being in Hope Springs, she is willing to be there for her family.

I love how much Finbar has grown throughout this series. Seeing him in this story as an adult who has overcome so many challenges in the last 10 years was one of my favorite things about this book.

I love how Emma and Finbar both continue to grow in this story and I love when their relationship finally changes to a romantic one.

Thank you Sarah M. Eden for writing such inspiring stories full of hope, healing, and love. I will forever be grateful for the stories you write.

[Melinda DeBirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and healing

The Hope Springs series is one of my absolute favorites from Sarah Eden. All of the characters are so full of life, the good and the bad, the ups and downs. They all have extremely hard things to overcome. Sarah writes them all with compassion, thoughtfulness, and love. When I saw that this book was for Emma and Finbarr, I couldn't preorder fast enough. Seeing these characters through so many books, through so much pain and trial, was so healing for my heart. Only Sarah Eden can write PTSD and disability into a believable and beautiful story full of laughter and love. It honestly feels like watching my good friends fall in love and find happiness and healing. This entire series does that for me. And each book brings my own life and heart a little more peace as well.

[Cydnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been waiting so long for this final book to be written in the series!! My heart has hurt for Finbarr all of these years, and this book did not disappoint. From the front cover (I never had a clear picture of Finbarr in my mind, but Emma was spot on), to the last page, I couldn't wait to sit back down and keep reading. I read it so quickly that I wonder if I should read it again.

There was only two things that I questioned. Why did it take so long for someone to figure out telling Finbarr who was approaching, or state who they were when speaking with him? And, why wouldn't Cecily have trained them earlier? When the family started doing it I expected Cecily or Tavish to comment on it, since it would benefit her as well.

I would love to read this series again, but Ms. Eden keeps bringing out new books and I can't keep up!

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been waiting for this book for literal years, and it didn’t disappoint. I appreciated seeing Finbarr and Emma come to a happy ending after all the pain and sadness and tragedy they went through over a decade, and that they were able to find peace and healing in each other, and resume their old friendship but as full-grown adults with a greater understanding of themselves and each other, was so sweet. I thought this would be the final book in this series, but with all the buildup of Aiden going to medical school and Eimear’s undiagnosed recurring illness, I’m guessing there will be at least one more, and I’m thrilled (possibly even two or three more, so that we can see Ivy and Sybil have a happily ever after?!).

[Faith | The Wholesome Shelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

📝 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲: A tender second-chance romance about healing and finding your way back home, both emotionally and relationally, set in Hope Springs, Wyoming in 1881.

💬 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: This is easily one of Sarah M. Eden’s most anticipated releases, especially for longtime readers who have been waiting for Emma and Finnbar’s story. Returning to Hope Springs felt like coming home, and I loved seeing familiar faces and catching up on the community we have grown attached to over the series.

What stood out most to me was how thoughtfully this book handled grief, survivor’s guilt, and emotional healing. Emma and Finnbar’s journey did not feel rushed or overly romanticized. Their wounds ran deep, and the story gave them the time and space to confront loss, regret, and forgiveness in a way that felt very human. Healing here is slow, imperfect, and honest, which made their second chance feel earned.

I also really appreciated the strong sense of family and community. The support system around the mcs plays a huge role in their growth, and it added so much warmth to the story. This was not just a love story, but a story about choosing to live fully again after loss.

I truly hope this is not the last we see of Hope Springs. I would love to see Aiden’s story, and Ivy’s too, if we are lucky.

𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗤𝘂𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:

“On the contrary,” Finbarr said. “I would walk through purgatory itself if Emma Archer needed me to.”

Sharing the burden lightens it enough for a person to learn ways of letting it go entirely.”

“Mo sholas,” he said. “My light.” His arm wrapped around her again. “I was in the darkness for far too long. But you brought back the light.”


❤️‍🔥 𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿: The emotional depth, the realistic portrayal of grief and healing, the strong family bonds, and the quiet, steady romance.

⚠️ 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: Grief and loss, PTSD, survivor’s guilt, emotional trauma related to past tragedy, mentions of death

✅ 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱/𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗜𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲: Closed-door historical romance, second-chance love stories, emotionally grounded storytelling, strong community and family dynamics, and slow, healing-centered romances

[Stephanie P (Because My Mother Read) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator continued to do a great job with it.

Despite not being nearly as popular as other series by this author, the Longing for Home series is my definite favorite of the authors. I really love the cast of characters and town and themes. Finbarr has been a longtime favorite character of mine and so I’ve been anxious for his story.

This was mostly satisfying and had a lot of great moments of growth and realization. But the romance aspect felt a little lackluster to me. It jumped from barely speaking to each other as a result of past pain to being fully in love without me feeling like I could fully feel and experience the process.

[the girl who reads a lot · Rating 5 out of 5]

“There’s very little the O’Connors can’t accomplish when they put their minds to it. Provided they have ample reminders and are shown a great deal of patience.”

Warning: Don’t read this book in a public place unless you’re better than me at not crying!

Oh Finbarr. I’m not alone in waiting years for your story to be told. And it’s a really good one! It may be my favorite of the series, but I probably need to reread some to make sure. I don’t even know what else to say about it. It’s just so good!

[Naomi Noorda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this long-awaited finale to the Hope Springs series! Emma and Finnbar are my favorite characters (except maybe Katie, Tavish, and Jonathan). I like that Sarah waited so long to write this one (even though I was impatient) because it drives home the point that healing can take a long time.
I expected there to be a more conclusive ending with the school teacher drama. Like, why did she have it out for Emma from day 1? Was it just that she didn’t want Emma around seeing the paddle? I wondered if she would have some connection to the Archibalds from the earlier book.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve eagerly anticipated this story for years. It was worth the wait. I was so engrossed in this story, soaking in the current state of Hope Springs and all the extended family members and how Emma and Finbarr both find their way forward, a place to belong, and the healing they’ve so desperately needed. I wasn’t quite sure how this story would play out about the direction the author went with it was both heartbreaking and healing and was a beautifully satisfying story to read.

[Kartika Heikkila Aposhian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars round up. I loved seeing the realness of both Emma and Finbarr in this book. They seemed very true to their own characters and the supporting characters were also well done. I liked the story well enough but for one thing: I never felt like they had a romantic love between them. Familial? Yes. But there was very little indication of romantic love except that they started to hold hands and they kissed at the end, so that fell a little flat for me.

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been anxiously awaiting this book for years--and then when I purchased it, I was a bit nervous to start it, because what if it wasn't as good as I hoped? Well, if you have similar concerns, have no fear, because this book is total perfection. It's beautiful and heartbreaking and hopeful and everything I could have hoped for it to be. I just loved it, start to finish. I really, really hope that we'll see more books in this series (or a spinoff), because I am so not ready to be done getting to know the O'Connors and their neighbors. 5 stars and definitely goes on my Best Books of 2026 shelf.

[Tildie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I fell in love with the characters from Hope Springs years ago. The first 2 books in the series are amazing!
This story.... felt half hearted and put together just to appease the fans. So many phrases were repeated several times and every interaction felt exactly the same just with varying scenarios. Romantic love? No. Familial love? Yes. It felt a bit forced.

And in what world does a 2 week old baby reach for a rattle or person to stop crying??

[The Flipped Page (Susan K) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet addition to this series.

Romance, sweet, period; series but stand alone read
Lovely ending for the youngest O’Connor who had suffered such a tragedy and loss after losing most of his eyesight in a fire.
Emma coming home and facing her grief and guilt over the fire and finding her friendship with Finnbar as something more, something she had always dreamed of.
Lovely fall for them both, and lived all they learned about themselves, and each other.
Beautifully composed.

[Itsmekatie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been eagerly anticipating this story for some time now, and it did not disappoint. It's been so fun to see these beloved characters finally get the story of their own in a way that showed true growth and development but held true to the characters I've loved all along. Sarah Eden knows how to tell a great story. Loved it.