Far From Home: A Small Town, Love At First Sight, Marriage in Crisis Romance

by Callie Mae Shaw, Susan Henshaw

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Drama

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 22, 2026

Reviews

[Jasmine (Lady Bookmont Reads)]

*rating subject to change*

Rtc!

[Sarah Shelton]

This book was a wild ride. I’d been anxiously awaiting it, as I wanted to see how Callie redeemed Griffin & gave us a deeper understanding of his mindset as well as meet Juliette.

Jules had been through so much in life. You feel deeply for her as you learn about her past & what she’s been through to become the person she is. The girl was resilient and protective and feisty! She knew what she wanted, even if she thought she could never have it. The sacrifices she was willing to make were honorable but also detrimental to herself and others.

I wasn’t on the best terms with Griffin after No Way Home. I wanted to see his POV, get inside his head, and understand why he acted the way he did. He’s a deeply feeling individual who wears his heart on his sleeve and didn’t always keep his impulses in check. He and Juliette fell hard and fast and a bit recklessly.

The actions both the MCs took led to a LOT of miscommunication & frustration, anger, hurt and grief. I wanted to shake these character and yell, “TELL YOUR SPOUSE THE TRUTH. YOU LOVE EACH OTHER.”

My favorite parts of the story included the Duprees being the Duprees- lovingly unhinged, nosy, dramatic, fiercely loyal and devoted. Ford, James, Theo, Liam and Sophie stood out to me in this book like no others. The tears I cried for James and the laughs I had for Ford were just so good. Blue and Anna’s family bickering is just amazing, and the way the men love their women is so admirable. We all should seek to love like the Duprees. I love seeing all the babies being born and the family growing. I’m very invested in their chaos, and that is a testament to Susan/Callie’s incredible writing. 💖

Overall, I’m glad I read the story. I did get to understand Griffin more, but I still didn’t like some of his actions. Insta-love really isn’t my normal cup of tea either, so the quick marriage turnaround didn’t really hit for me. Certain plot twists kept me reading & their moments in the epilogue were adorable!! I recommend this book for anyone who has kept up with the Duprees and want to see all the love stories play out! 🫶🏻

Thanks, Callie, for the ARC! All thoughts are my own.

CW: This is a closed door romance with implied intimacy between a married couple, some innuendo and Bible swears. There’s an important content warning at the beginning you should read if you may be need it.

[Haley Taylor]

Far From Home @susanhenshaw_calliemaeshaw
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🫑 Closed door / Implied off page
No swearing

Im going to call this Heartland meets Taken meets Redeeming Love.. wild, I know
I knew this one was going to hit hard (because the Duprees always do) but man what a roller coater of emotion! I absolutely adored Griffin and Juliet's love story and their marriage in crisis storyline was just so impactful. This can be read as a standalone but for the most impact, just go full Dupree and read the @susanhenshaw_calliemaeshaw backlist.
You won't regret it, they have all been infinity star reads for me!

Love at first sight
Marriage in crisis
Secrets and scars
Redemption

Thank you @susanhenshaw_calliemaeshaw and @happilyeverreaders.services for the treasured copy

[Michaela (Reading in the Heartland)]

4.5 stars

I could not put this no spice celebrity romance down. For the first couple of chapters, I was worried because of the innuendo and promiscuous attitudes of the girls surrounding Julie. However, once we got to the middle of the meet cute, I breathed a huge sigh of relief. And Griffin. Hello? A model?! So amazing how Jules came from nothing and it was love at first listen, and Griffin has been starstuck by her and it was love at first sight for him.

This emotional romance gripped me into the late hours of the night and I binged it completely. There was laughter and heartbreak. It was such a winding story with so many twists and turns that I couldn’t begin to describe them. Hiking, dangers, family pains and pressures, issues with work, and so much more. Marriage in Crisis has never been my favorite trope but, coupled with secrets and such caring hearts, this book sucked me in. It was so good!

Now, there is a trigger warning that is a huge spoiler, and I am not including it. However, the author covers these issues in a content warning at the beginning of the book. There were some things that took me out of the book. There were phrases like: “from my lips to Satan’s ears,” “I’ll see you all in h***,” “She must’ve crawled out of Satan’s anus,” and a few other variations along the same theme.

The book was heavy but also amazing. It is staying in my thoughts and I’m super excited for the next book in this series! I also want to go back, starting with the originals, and read/reread them all. The romance is fade-to-black within marriage between our MCs (though there is other fade-to-black activity mentioned). There is innuendo and steamy kisses with an intimacy level of 3. 4:5 stars rounded up to 5.

TW: Past Loss of Parent, Loss of Family Member, Drugs, See Author’s Note, Language: h***{3), d***(1)

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Jeanine Reed]

Listen up y’all!! It’s a good thing Griffin is a bonafide firefighter ‘cause his and Juliette’s romantic relationship ignites fast and burns even hotter! From the moment these two meet the smoke alarms and sprinklers go off.

In No Way Home we got a glimpse of just how amazing they were together. And I have been dying for their story ever since. Let me tell ya—it delivered!

This childhood/social media crush was something straight out of TeenBeat for Juliette. Her long ago infatuation materializes right before her eyes (and ears) when Griffin shows up as her runway partner. But when her greedy friend tries to sink her hooks in him, Juliette turns the tables on her. Next thing you know Elvis is playing the Wedding March. And the whirlwind begins…

Until it turns into a F5 ripping their lives and hearts apart. Dark secrets, unforgiven memories, and stubbornness take their happily ever after and burns it to ashes.

The Duprees do what they do—meddle, muddle, and then huddle. And that’s why I love them. They don’t take no for an answer and family always comes first. Support and love go a long way. That’s something they’ve got in spades.

I am seriously obsessed with both Seddledowne series. Can’t for the life of me understand why no one has optioned this yet. It would make an incredible Netflix or Prime show.

Thank you @susanhenshaw_calliemaeshaw for my advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

Small Town Romance
Family Drama
Generational Drama
Contemporary Romance
Closed Door Romance
All the heat with no spice

[Tatum - nuggetybooks]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Book 3 in Seddletowne Two : Finding Home
- Contemporary romance
- Dual POV
- Love at first sight
- Found family, supportive family
- Crazy plot twists
- Marriage in crisis

✨ a few of my favorite things:
- hiking the narrows
- The shower
- How supportive they are of each other
- Weston, every little part that this lore played into
- The Duprees and the chaos and love. All of them 💕
- The reconciliation and healing the cousins/brothers helped each other with
- Griffin’s character growth 👏🏻


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Honestly sat shocked for a while after I finished the book. Wow. That was just WILD. The book is entertaining and on par for the wild plot twists the other Dupree books have gotten. All Seddletowne books are full of extreme plot twists and this one was no different. This book felt a bit rushed at the end and the ending seemed abrupt for how much build up we have in the beginning of the books. Susan/Callie paints very vivid characters and they feel like real people. So it’s so easy to feel for them and the impossible situations they face. I was rooting for both of them even when they made terrible decisions repeatedly.

I was wanting more reconciliation between Jules and Griffin. I just felt it needed more of a conversation in the end. However, the situation was so messy and complicated. I think I just wanted Griffin’s perspective and needs to be heard more but he was so so gracious with Jules in the end. They had a very sweet HEA. I wish we could have seen them being a team more because when they are acting as a team, they are so so good together. I struggled a bit with Jules’ character but she’s been through so much you can’t help but give her grace for her crap decisions.

This is a fade to black contemporary romance with very minimal details. Sex is discussed. There is no language and some innuendo. The author has a note and content warning at the beginning of the book.

**Thank you so much to Susan/Callie and Happily Ever Readers for letting me read this gifted ARC. No positive review was required. All thoughts are my own.**

[Carissa]

The way I adore this entire book series and this whole family. I smile, I laugh out loud, and I swoon with every book. I'm so grateful I discovered Callie Mae Shaw and the entire Dupree clan.

Griffin was such an underrated character in the previous books. I wasn't expecting the depth his story would have. Overshadowed by a family full of superstars, he just wants to be seen for who he is. Not his family.

Juliette is broken, lonely, and just surviving. In the spotlight but wanting to escape. And she's loved Griffin for years— at least his voice. Swoon. Her story is both heartbreaking and beautiful.

I absolutely love this series. Every book leaves me more invested in these characters and this family, and I already can't wait for whatever comes next.

[Mary Watson]

2⭐️ I am so surprised that I hated this. Why was everyone so petty, uncommunicative, and childish?? It was just one thing after the other. My frustration with everything and everyone built up to the point I was literally fuming. I don’t let books get a rise out of me but I was risen for the majority of this monstrosity.

It’s almost like the author wanted to keep topping the worst thing that could happen. One bad thing would happen and you’d think they would reconcile then BAM! Op it got worse.

Griffin was so unlikable. I hated him. That’s all. For now.

I get the importance of bringing to light the awfulness that is sex trafficking, and I thought that would be a major theme, but let me tell you now, it was not. You don’t even know that’s what Jules is struggling with telling Griffin till everything blows up close to the end of the book. Everyone handled it horribly, and Jules was shunned, which made me the angriest. None of it was her fault and I felt horrible that she felt the need to run away and didn’t feel safe with Griffin.

Again, Griffin was soooo unlikable. I don’t know how old he is supposed to be but he was stuuuuupidly immature and horrible to everyone in his life. They were just trying to support him!! Did the author want us to hate him?? Cause she succeeded. Him leaving Jules in the first place was ridiculous. Then him believing literally EVERYONE else but her when they told him things about her was the worst. Gosh, I could go on and on about everything wrong about Griffin and everything he did but that would fill pages. Obviously Jules loved him for his looks and nothing else…. Right? RIGHT? Cause no way would a woman fall in love with that.

I guess I could understand Jules because Griffin was upstanding in the beginning of the book. He lured her in with his red hair and pecs. But then this switch flips and he becomes a completely different person. He didn’t know what he had till she threatened him and he comes running home. And THEN and only then does he try fighting for her. But of course that goes up in flames too.

Ugh if anyone even gets this far in my review, congratulations. I didn’t even make any sense I’m sure. My thoughts were everywhere. Just know, I hated Griffin, Jules made me angry but so sad for her, and his entire family had the patience of a saint to have to deal with him. I truly thought I was going to like this. The first couple of chapters were even pretty good, but it was all downhill from there.

I don’t recommend wasting your time with this one. I’m angry with myself that I did. I’m not sure I’d read anything else by this author. It seems to be common in her writing to make bad things happen over and over to her characters just cause she can. No thank you.

Content 💋:
- Multiple fade-to-black scenes between a married couple but not explicit. Pretty tame.
- Sex is talked about A LOT though. Not in an explicit way but it got really annoying.
- A couple of bible swears.

[Bev Walkling]

I'm a relative newcomer to books by author Callie Mae Shaw aka Susan Henshaw. I discovered her Seddledowne series towards the end of April '26. Her novels are about the large and sometimes dysfunctional Dupree family who share a lot of love for each other while not always getting along. The stories are not rom-coms. They deal with difficult topics, are very emotional and often have disclaimers and yet they reached out and grabbed me and I practically inhaled the first series. One thing I loved about them was that they are closed door romances.

Far From Home is the third book in the Seddledowne 2 Finding Home series that focuses on the next generation of the Dupree family. Griffin featured quite a bit in the previous novel No Way Home. Reading it first adds more depth to the story in Far From Home, but it can be read alone.

Griffin is a redhead and a firefighter. He has a temper to match and has trouble letting go of past hurts. He has moved far away from his family to try and find himself outside of the shadow of family pressure . He is not immediately a lovable character.

Jules has not had an easy life, growing up in the foster care system and never really having the sense or support of a family love. In high-school, she had a close friend and some brief near contact with the Dupree brothers. She went so far as to fall in love with Griffin Dupree's voice without ever meeting or even seeing a picture of him. Her goals in life were short and sweet - become a world famous model and marry Griffin Dupree.

Years later, Jules finds that Griffin Dupree will feature in one of her modeling gigs. The chemistry is instant for both of them and Griffin quickly offers her the emotional support and love that Jules (also a redhead) has always needed. Watching their relationship develop was heartwarming (and changed my opinion of Griffin significantly!) but the contract Jules had with her agency was controlling and not one she could easily break. Their romance quickly led to an elopement, but an urgent call from home brought first Griffin and then Jules back to Seddledowne for an emotional gathering. Can Griffin put aside his past issues and move home? Will Jules choose to stay in Seddledowne? What will happen to her modeling career? Will past actions separate the newlyweds permanently? Grab a copy and read on to find out. You won't be disappointed! I can hardly wait for the next book in the series!

This novel is a timely one with non graphic discussion of sexual trafficking sensitively handled as well as a significant family loss.

Thank you so much to the author #CallieMaeShaw and #HappilyEverReaderServices for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Sarah-Kate]

⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 Stars)
Every time I think the Seddledowne series can't get any better, Susan Henshaw proves me wrong.

What I Loved Most
💛 The emotional growth of Griffin and Jules.
💛 The incredible Dupree family dynamics and interconnected world.
💛 The perfect balance of heartbreak, healing, humor, and romance.
💛 A finale that had me laughing, crying, and immediately wanting the next book.

Review
I binge-read the entire Seddledowne series, and I'm officially obsessed. Every book has delivered an emotional love story filled with heartache, healing, and swoony moments, and Far From Home was no exception.

This is Griffin and Jules' story, and both characters are carrying heavy burdens. Jules is desperate to escape her circumstances, while Griffin is trying to leave his past behind. Their journey isn't just about falling in love. It's about learning to trust the people who care about them, facing difficult truths, and finding healing one step at a time.

One of my favorite things about this series is how interconnected every story feels. Returning to the Dupree family always feels like coming home, and each new book adds even more depth to the world Susan Henshaw has created. While this book can stand on its own, I think the emotional payoff is even greater if you've read the previous books in the series.

This story is definitely one of the heavier installments emotionally, but it never loses the hope woven throughout the pages. Between the family moments, the emotional twists, and that unforgettable bonus scene, this book kept me completely invested from beginning to end.

Tropes:
Second Chance
Small Town Romance
Emotional Healing
Found Family
Interconnected Series
Family Saga
Slow Burn
Marriage in Crisis

Favorite Moments
🥾 Hiking the Narrows
🧸 Weston
🏡 Every scene with the Duprees
🏥 The hospital
📚 The epilogue
➕ The bonus scene

Content
Kisses only/ closed door

Shelf Verdict:
Read if you love small-town romances that are rich in family relationships, emotionally layered love stories, interconnected series that reward longtime readers, and books that leave you smiling through happy tears.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. Thank you to Callie Mae Shaw and the team for the opportunity to read and review it early. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Randi Sampson]

Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this one!? It's no secret that I am absolutely obsessed with this entire series. It's one of my all-time favorites and the Duprees are easily my favorite fictional family EVER. The drama, the epic love stories, the way they might fight, but are always there for each other when it matters... truly, I just love them. So, each time a new book releases, I have very high expectations. And somehow, Susan/Callie always manages to not only meet those high expectations but completely blow them out of the water. And this one was absolutely no exception. We were briefly introduced to Griffin and Juliet's story in No Way Home, and this story shares some of that same timeline, giving us the chance to go back and see what happened before they got married... and what would come after he left. Truly, their story was so much more that I could have begun to imagine... and I cannot tell you ANY of it without giving away spoilers. The twists in this story are many... and you're going to want to experience them all for yourself. (That said, if you have any triggers, DO read the author's note to make sure this one's for you... it's a beautiful story, but it does deal with heavy, potentially triggering topics). What I can say is, once again, these characters are put through the wringer... it is heartbreaking and emotional and will absolutely require at least one box of tissues. But it is all worth it to get to that hard fought happily ever after in the end. While it would be extremely difficult to knock Ford's story from my top spot, I've got to admit, this one comes VERY close! Seriously, just read this whole series... you will not regret it!

Far From Home is a closed-door romance with implied intimacy/subtle fade to black (we know that they're about to do the hippity dippity- iykyk- and there's no questions what has happened off pages, BUT it cuts off before too much build up). There is also some innuendo and minor language as well. It is part of the Seddledown: Finding Home series and while you might be able to enjoy as a standalone, this is definitely a series that is better enjoyed from the beginning.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[sassygirlreads]

FAR FROM HOME was a tornado of emotions for me! There was so much hurt, scars, and fear that broke my heart but a tremendous amount of love and support that brought me the hope that everything was going to be all right.

I’m not even sure where to begin with Griffin and Juliette’s story. They are both strong characters that have survived some tough situations. Griffin is dealing with a lot and it isn’t easy for him to control his deep emotions. The Dupree men love hard and Griffin isn’t any different. I cannot even imagine what Juliette has endured from childhood to adulthood. Boy, was she resilient! Griffin and Juliette are the ultimate love at first sight couple and I never once doubted that their love was real, even through their trials. There are some really hard topics in FAR FROM HOME but I feel they were dealt with honestly but gently. I had moments when I couldn’t stop laughing, moments where I was stunned, moments that broke my heart, and moments I knew love was going to mend it all. It’s a story that is going to stick with me for some time!

Tropes: whirlwind romance = he's a firefighter = she's a supermodel = love at first site = marriage in crisis = secrets & scars = found family = protecting those you love

My favorite things:
Griffin and Juliette's whirlwind romance
The narrows
The extremely loyal and devoted Dupree family
The Dupree men
Juliette's compassion
Griffin's protectiveness
Karaoke
Loved Theo!
The group hugs
The mohawk
Cousin antics
The hospital

Quotes:
“Being married to you is going to be something else, isn’t it?”
“I’ve only experienced one miracle in my life.” “Tell me,” I said. “Easy,” she looked me in the eye. “You.”

Happy reading!

[Rachael | bookishlyrachael]

Well here is my official review: I LOVED IT. 😁

I binged the previous SEVEN books in less than a week and half just to read this one early. So worth it. 😉

This story is so beautiful. There are some hard and heavy things that these characters deal with but I think sometimes we need to see that. We need to see the struggles that others face even if it’s hard to read. It helps us to understand another perspective and have compassion for the heartbreak that others experience. Or it might even help us see ourselves in the story and know we aren’t alone.

I loved watching Griff and Jules fall in love fast and hard. This is insta-love done right. Because, to me, it’s not really even insta-love. I feel like Griff and Jules were tied together with an invisible string and when that string got pulled, they couldn’t help but fall into each other’s arms. But just because they found each other doesn’t mean happily ever after is easily won. Jules has a past that is heartbreaking and she is just looking for a home and family. While Griff wants nothing to do with his. Can they find a way to get on the same page? 🥲

A few of my favorite things:

❤️‍🔥 The way Jules and Griff fall in love and fight for each other and their future (even though they make mistakes along the way)
❤️‍🔥 The big loud way the Duprees never give up on one of their own
❤️‍🔥 Weston
❤️‍🔥 Theo - love him all to pieces
❤️‍🔥 Poor James 😭
❤️‍🔥 Karaoke night 🤣
❤️‍🔥 Grandma Jenny’s monologue and using “no cap” properly 😅
❤️‍🔥 The epilogue and bonus scene 🥹

I received an early copy of this but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[blush_and_bookmarks]

This book completely wrecked me in the best way possible. From the very first chapter, I was hooked and honestly could not put it down. I started it way too late at night and ended up spending the entire next day finishing it because I had to know how everything unfolded.

The story follows a supermodel who reconnects with the boy she’s crushed on since she was fourteen, and wow… the emotional journey was incredible. This wasn’t just a romance — it was a story about love, healing, forgiveness, redemption, and finding hope after heartbreak. The chemistry between the characters was absolutely beautiful, and the emotional depth had me feeling everything. I laughed, smiled, swooned, and yes… I literally cried tears.

There are touching and heavier themes throughout the story, including references to sex trafficking and difficult situations, but everything was handled thoughtfully and with care. Because of those themes, I would definitely recommend this for an adult audience.

I also loved that despite how emotional and intense the story was, it stayed closed door with very minimal language (I only noticed one use of “damn”). It was such a sweet, heartfelt, emotional read that completely captured me from beginning to end.

There is a small spoiler connected to previous books in the series, but honestly it just made me even more excited to go back and read the earlier ones. I absolutely adored the Dupree family and cannot wait to read more.

This story was unforgettable, emotional, romantic, and full of heart. Easily a five-star read for me.

[Nathalie DeSousa]

Another amazing book by Callie Mae Shaw. I am so thankful I got an advance reader copy from her, and then went and bought the book anyways! I have loved the Dupree family since Book 1 of the Seddledowne series, and I am loving seeing how the saga and the legacy continues on.
Now, grab on some tissues before you start reading this book! It will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions from the very first chapter. This is the story of Griffin and Juliette -we met them in No Way Home- . He is a firefighter, hot tempered, and harboring ghosts from his past. He might not be at his best as the book begins, but give him time, you will see! And there is Juliette, she has been in love with Griffin -his voice to be precise- since she was a teen. Now she is a model, with a terrible past (cue in the tissues), resilient, feisty, reserved, and very protective. She lives under a contract that restricts so much, but on a runway, she meets Griffin as her model partner, and sparks fly between them and leads them to tie the knot. What follows is probably the best part, as the entire Dupree family comes into the story (I am not giving away the plot). Be ready to laugh, to swoon, to admire the Dupree men and envy how they adore their wives and families, get some not needed but wanted advice, and just see them in action.

You will not be disappointed, trust me there are a few twists and plenty of drama to keep you entertained from cover to cover. A MUST IN YOUR TBR LIST

[Jasmine Morales]

Calliemaeshaw Just knows how to rip your heart open and sew it shut full of love! My goodness! This series was everything! Emotions all over the place… Out in the open I could not get enough!

Part two of the Seddledowne series (3 books) has stolen my heart! Now I have to go back to the roots and read all of part one which consists of 5 books!

Book 3 Far From Home also gets a 5 star! Not only did my heart literally break out of my chest and I walked around my house actually sobbing, but I also fell in love! I fell in love with the way the Dupree men love! Literally all of it!

Being a boy mom I could only hope I’ve raised my boys well enough that they are exactly like the Dupree men! Straight gentlemen, so compassionate, and completely honest to God just honest men.

Griff’s story was a bit rougher for me, along side of Jules story. I wasn’t ready for all the emotional damage to my heart but the reading must go on for your heart to feel full again!

This is the kind of book that you talk about! The ones where we sit there and say “man I wish o had a book romance” because the love these two shared was beyond anything you could ever think up.

I’m so blessed to be able to read stories like this! Stories that remind you of the kind of love that should be received and given.

Tropes:

Marriage in crisis
Love at first sight/voice
Small town romance
Rags to riches
Second chance
Found family

[Ally]

Okay guys…I’m getting emotional in the prologue. So here we go.

This one was tough! So good. But tough! Alright, let’s get into it. So, I have only read one book prior to this so excuse me while I immediately go and do some backlist reading. While I think it would have helped immensely to have read and become immersed in these characters first, it’s okay to read this as a standalone. (I basically did.)

Jules, absolutely loved her. I mean what a sweetheart and my heart completely broke for her. She had it rough from start to finish. But how can you not be proud of her resiliency?! I can’t say a lot without being spoilery, but holy cow. It was a lot.

Griffin, what a cutie. I feel bad he felt that he had some trauma but I’m glad he started to heal from it and was able to realize that hey, I don’t have to hold onto all of that. He and Jules were adorable together and I really enjoyed them.

The whole Dupree family dynamic is so stinking fun! Hence, why I need to go back and read alllll the books. I need to learn more about all the pranks. Also, I’m sorry but is anyone with me and you can’t help but LOVE Theo! He is the real mvp in this one.

I did have a hard time with Griffin’s attitude. I am trying to give grace where grace is due though because I can’t imagine what kind of trauma he felt. I’m so glad it came together!


-annnd was she reading Hosea when she wrote this? Gut punches.

Thank you so much to the author (and happily ever reader services) for allowing me to read. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

CW: the author has an excellent one at beginning for readers if you’re okay with some spoilers. Mild language, closed door (allusion of intimacy between married couple), some trauma (again if sensitive at all please see author content warning)

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy]

Everyone has dreams. Some come true, while others do not, and others are put on hold for the future. Juliette has been dreaming of Griffin Dupree ever since she fell in love with his voice.

I do not want to share too much of this story because it will ruin it. I can say this book was one of those that you will be thinking I must read just one more chapter, then another chapter and before you know it you realize it is the middle of the night. It will pull you in and you will forget where you are at as you follow these characters through their journey.

It is a wonderful story, and it is deeply emotional. There are some fairly heavy topics within the pages. The author provides trigger warnings that will prepare you for the heaviness.

The characters are engaging and you will find yourself rooting for their happily ever after. Your tissues will become your best friend. I can say, without a doubt, that my emotions were all over the place as I was happy, sad and mad at times. But it was well worth the emotional turmoil to read this book until the very end.

I have not read the previous books. After reading this one, I would recommend that you read books 1 and 2 first so you can more fully understand everyone's story.

Thank you to the author and Happily Ever After Reader Services for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jo|Ruth Reads]

I tell you... this book showed up on my Kindle, and after just a sneak peek, I was hooked and could not wait to read it. I read it all in one day! Susan/Callie’s books are always amazing, and this one is definitely up there with the others. Get ready for a full range of emotions, because this one delivers!

Julie has her dreams written down: “Become a model, marry Griffin Dupree, and have all his babies.” Griffin’s short stint modeling brings introduces him to Julie, and it feels like love at first sight. Their chemistry is instant, and you can totally understand why they rush to be together, although getting to know each other first may have helped. But secrets, painful pasts, and meddling family make things far from easy, leaving everyone wondering if their whirlwind romance can really survive everything coming their way.

There are SO many Duprees and so many potential romances still to come... I cannot wait!

I gave this 4.5 stars, rounded up to 5!

I received a complimentary copy, this review reflects my honest opinion.

***Heads up: This is fade-to-black with innuendo, steamier moments, SA discussed, and other tougher topics. Make sure you read the author’s note before starting to decide if it’s right for you.

[Queen-Esther Babagbale]

"If I’d ever known anything for sure, I knew I was born for this moment. To love her and be loved by her."

Firstly, wow!
This book had so many layers to it. Such a great romantic thriller, which I honestly wasn’t fully expecting.
The mystery surrounding Juliette’s past was so tension-filled. As much as I was on the edge of my seat threatening to smack the truth out of her mouth, I was equally terrified of whatever she was hiding.

This was an insta-love story with so much depth and substance between a model who seems to have gained everything but lost her freedom, and a guy trying to pave his own path after experiencing hurt at home. They’re caught up in a torrential storm (quite literally😂) that whisks them into their fairytale love story, but what happens when the secrets and pain of the past push them toward different plans for the future?

I adored the Dupree family! And I’m struggling to pick a favourite, but I think Theo is winning by just a tidbit🤭😂. As someone who hasn’t read the previous books about the Dupree family, I still wasn’t completely lost because information about each person was expertly woven into different parts of the story.

One thing to note: the suspense surrounding the truth will quite literally keep your heart racing, so beware of that🌝

[Melissa Burk]

Griffin and Juliette's story is filled with high emotion, drama, betrayal, and lots of love. Callie knows how to write a story that just takes your heart and takes it on a roller coaster.
Griffin, a hot shot firefighter, has always felt 2nd best to everyone in his family. He decides to make it on his own on the west coast with fighting fires and occasionally modeling. Long gone is the geeky red headed boy, yet the feeling of inadequacy still lingered in his heart. Enter in the face of the super popular makeup brand, Day Glow, Juliette Serrant. You would think she has the whole world on a string with being so famous, but she has a whole life of secrets and demanding bosses that make it hard to truly live. Jules and Griffin bond over a last minute camping trip that ended in a quickie marriage in Vegas. From there things from both of their pasts keep getting in the way of their happy ending. Will they be able to figure it out and get the life that they both deserve?

I love Juliette. She is strong and compassionate. Griffin grew on me. He has such butt headed moments but at the same time, he and Jules were so fun to read their interactions. I love the Dupree family and each book just makes me love them even more.

[Meg]

I didn’t expect to be crying at the end of the prologue, but it was heartbreaking. This book was a roller coaster of emotions. It’s a story full with grace, forgiveness, healing and redemption.

I enjoyed the family dynamic and, there was genuine yearning and deep love between Griffin and Juliette that only grew deeper in spite of everything happening. I admit, I got a bit frustrated with the miscommunication and secrets though knowing Juliette’s background I understand why she was scared. Also, I was surprise with how the family was a bit too quick to judge when some info came to light (I think they should have give Juliette the benefit of the doubt), so I really really loved when certain character called them out to reconsider things.

This book contains some hard topics and I think the author did a great job handling them in a thoughtful way. If you want to know more before diving into it there’s a warning at the beginning.

This is my first book of this series and for sure it won’t be my last. I look forward to going back and reading the previous books of the other members of the Dupree family!

* This is a closed-door romance
* Thanks the author and Happily Ever Readers for this E-ARC opportunity. All the opinions expressed are purely my own.

[Tiff]

I finished this awhile ago and then life got chaotic, welcome to summer break mom life 🥴

However, this book was absolutely wonderful! One of my favorite interconnected found family series is the Knockemout series by Lucy Score and since I finished those, I’ve joked about how I needed more because I loved the chaos but the family, the stories, and the way the characters came to life in my mind. Well the minute I started reading Far From Home, I immediately texted my friend and said “OMG!! I found it, it pulled me in just like our friends in Knockemout!”

This book was amazing and I haven’t read any of the others yet in Seddledowne but they are on my list, I’m invested in this little town and these friends/family. I loved seeing the journey and the healing. I hated seeing how Juliette and Griffin struggled with their inner demons and finding the peace to allow anyone in their space, to help them heal. However, the way it came together worked so well and you can just feel all the love and caring coming through the pages.

I’m sorry for the delayed review; however, I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading the others. Thank you for allowing me to be an ARC reader.

[Courtney Dawn]

I knew this book was going to be emotional… I just didn’t realize how deeply it was going to affect me.

The Duprees have been one of my favorite fictional families, and every time I return to Seddledown, it feels like coming home. The chaos, the loyalty, the laughter, the way they love fiercely even when life gets messy—I will never get tired of this family.

Griffin and Juliet’s story was so much more than I expected. What started as a dream, a chance meeting, and a whirlwind romance became a story about healing, forgiveness, trust, and finding your way back to the person you were always meant to be.

Juliet’s strength and resilience completely captured my heart. She has carried so much, and watching her fight for herself, her dreams, and the people she loves was beautiful. Griffin’s story gave so much more understanding to his character, and I loved seeing the heart behind the choices he made.

This story was emotional, messy, heartbreaking, and incredibly beautiful. There were moments I wanted to shake these characters and beg them to just communicate, but seeing them work through the hurt made the journey all the more meaningful.

And of course… the Duprees. Their love, their drama, their ridiculousness, and their unwavering support made this story even better. This family is the definition of found family and reminds me why I love this series so much.

Callie Mae Shaw has created another unforgettable story filled with deep emotions, complicated characters, and a love that fights for a happily ever after.

A powerful story about learning that sometimes coming home isn’t about a place—it’s about finding the people who help you become whole again.

ARC Consideration: Thank you to the author/publisher for providing an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Paula Downey]

Wow. Griffin’s story absolutely did not disappoint.

We finally get to understand so much more about him, why he left home, the weight he carried for years, and the shadow he was trying to escape. Watching him grow through this story was beautiful.

And Juliette… I was not prepared for the emotional ride her story would take me on. Heartbreaking, complicated, and so much deeper than I expected.

But the love between Griff and Juliette? So raw and freely given from the very beginning. She spent years dreaming about him, while he realized she had become the one thing that truly felt like home.

As always, the family and found family dynamics are what make this series so special. I loved getting more of James’ story, Theo continues to be the ultimate believer and sidekick, Liam the protective best friend and we can’t forget about Sophie! The banter, teasing, and fierce love between all of them is just top tier every single time.

This series continues to emotionally wreck me and I’m already preparing myself for whoever is next.

Thank you to Happily Ever Readers Services and Callie Mae Shaw/Susan Henshaw for the early electronic copy to read and review.

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread)]

This book!! It took me on a roller coaster ride. I literally wrote side notes when I was mad at certain characters to when I just loved them so much. As always, Callie Mae Shaw delivered a book full of grit and heart wrenching backstories but her characters always find their way to their HEA. Griffin and Juliette were so perfect together, their meet cute was sweet, and their elopement/early marriage was darling.

Favorite parts:
-The entirety of karaoke night.
-their adventures to Zion
-the resolution to the conflict (the planning to how it all played out… had me laughing at some things and crying at others).
-I really admired Juliette and her strength with all that she experienced. She stood up for herself and others.

Favorite quotes:
Juliette Serrant stared at me with her big blue eyes, giving me a second, as if she eased everyone in this way. I knew she was five-eleven, but I was unprepared for how tall that really was. It wasn’t imposing, though. It was… perfect. Seriously, she had to be the prettiest woman on the planet. No, pretty didn’t begin to describe her. She was breathtaking in a way that rearranged my sense of scale. Like every other woman I’d seen up to that point had been a rough draft and she was the final masterpiece. Fantastic. I was ruined forever.

He was so… technicolor. So alive. It was as if all the men in the world had suddenly become desaturated except him.

Wherever you are, that’s where I belong. I’ll never stay away again.”



Content warnings: human/s*x trafficking, foster care, infant relinquishment

[Simone Gremillion]

This book is part of a stand-alone series that I have devoured for the last week. There is a 5-part series that comes before this but is just the parents of this series. I have loved every minute of it!

This book is third in this series and covers Silas’ second oldest son, Griffin and his wife who are having problems with their marriage. This one by far exceeded my expectations and had me losing sleep. It was hard to read at times due to some really hard circumstances but completely worth it to me.

Jules is a famous model for a beauty company who has been in love with Griffin’s voice since she was 14 and could hear him in social media posts, however he would never post his face so she dreamed of what he would look like and made marrying him and having his beautiful babies one of her two dreams that she wrote down at 14 years old.

Griffin is away from VA, living in AZ, but he not only is a hotshot (special firefighter) he now models.

He moved away to escape his family and she wants nothing but.

#arcread #nospiceromance #loveatfirstsight #marriageincrisis #foundfamily

**I received an advanced copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dea Farrell]

I always love going back to Seddledowne and seeing what the Duprees are up to. This wholesome series always feels like coming home. After reading Bowen's story previously, I was so excited to get to Griffin and Juliette's story. If you've been reading this series, you know what's going on with Griffin, know he's due for a HEA, and when Juliette came along I was so excited to see him get one. Let me tell you, this one was one wild ride. Griffin and Juliette's relationship starts out fast and hot; they elope after only a couple of days of knowing each other, but then things get hard and bumpy not long after that. It turns out that secrets are being kept, hearts get broken, and what they thought would be their HEA ends up being ripped apart. Yet the Dupree family, doing what they do best, meddle, lift each other up, and try to fix things for each other and end up finding the answers and putting things back together for Griffin and Juliette. This one had me clutching the tissue box tight. I absolutely love the Duprees so much and wait for every single book in the Settledown series to be released so I can read it.

[Dina Peters]

♥️📚 Book Review 📚♥️
Far From Home by @susanhenshaw_calliemaeshaw

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 This is copy/paste the gush I sent the author when I finished this book. I don’t always do this, but sometimes I can’t help myself, and this was one of those times:

Your book!!! Their story!! Oh my goodness, what an amazing rollercoaster of emotions! The rage powered carrot stick and Theo’s squealing had me cackle laughing uncontrollably. 😂😂 Poor Juliette - her backstory gutted me! And Griffin’s initial judgment of her. Ouch! My favorite parts though are how you write the profound, Dupree forever love and how it shows up in all of the couples as they pop up in these stories. Amazing!!

This author is one of my favorites because I’ve fallen in love with the whole Dupree family! The way they love pulls hard on my heart strings. I love their family values, their shenanigans, how they have each others’ backs. Juliette’s backstory was the opposite of the Dupree experience. I loved seeing how she clicked in their puzzle. ♥️📚

[Sierra]

I have not read one Callie Mae that has not knocked my socks off! Each one just gets better and better. The Dupree family is a literal gold mine. They are what you would want every family to be. Family first. Always have each other’s back. Faith focused (without pushing it down your throat ((not that I mind but I know some do)). The family you hope your kids end up in. I just love them so much!
Griffin & Juliette’s story was one of my favorites. At this point, it is hard to decide which is my absolute favorite though. Juliette’s story is dark & it hurt my heart to read but Callie Mae brought forward most will not talk bout, that actually happens in life and did it in a way that opened your eyes & yet didn’t make it too dark. I love that her dream list got fulfilled in the way that it did. I love the little God signs like the kid in the restaurant. I honestly didn’t know what to think about with Griffin. He just seemed like a bummed out teenager in the other books but I loved his story. He redeemed himself in my eyes in this book. Can’t recommend this series enough!