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A Home of Her Own
A Blossoming Love Becky Martin knows that she can't stay at James O'Brien's apple farm forever, but she wishes she could. After her brother framed her for arson, she flees Chicago, traveling cross-country to California and finding work caring for James's ailing mother. Beneath the apple blossoms, it's almost as if she has a real family…but her secret won't stay buried forever. James, scarred from an explosion, didn't expect to connect to the pretty young traveler. Could she really love someone damaged like him? He knows she's hiding something. If only she'd trust him. Can she let go of her past and believe in the possibility of a future amid the apple trees?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
19 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Keli Gwyn
13 books207 followersKeli Gwyn's stories transported readers to the 1800s, where she brought historic towns to life, peopled them with colorful characters, and added a hint of humor. She has retired from writing and is spending time with her husband and adorable cat.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 4, 2018
Heroine Becky Martin flees Chicago for California and finds work there as caregiver to hero James O'Brien's ailing mother who is dying of cancer. Becky's brother framed her for arson in Chicago, a crime which he committed, and now Becky fears she must spend her life always on the run. James has a facial scar from an explosion and he hides away at his apple orchard feeling that no woman would ever want him. This was a lovely inspirational romance of two people who feel that they are damaged and will never find love. The cast was filled with many endearing and memorable characters. The apple orchards and the work that goes into growing the apples and the problems faced was really brought to life in this beautifully written story.
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March 10, 2016"Gwyn’s stand-alone is a worthwhile read with a beautiful storyline of two individuals who believe themselves to be damaged. Not only is A Home of Her Own a Top Pick, but this story is also a superb reminder of how one’s past doesn’t define one’s future" (4 1/2 stars TOP PICK! @ RT Book Reviews).
February 19, 2016
A Home of Her Own is a wonderful read. I just love Keli Gwyn's writing and this book is no exception. I found myself laughing out loud several times throughout this book and enjoyed the sweet and tender moments. There is some suspense with within the story, as well. This is a definite must read!
5 plus stars.
5 plus stars.
March 6, 2016
I read this in one night! What a sweet book! I went from teary to pages later experiencing the best fictional kiss ever!! Seriously, this has the best first kiss. I'm hoping Becky's friends get their own book :)
September 12, 2016
This is the 2nd book I have read by this author, and she has become one of my favorite authors of historical fiction! This attention-holding book includes tidbits of history from the Chicago fire, the Central Pacific Railroad, & the fruit-growing region around Diamond Springs. It goes in depth about being an apple orchardist - grafting, apple varieties, orchard care. It's fun to read the German words and to read about the German immigrants & ancestory. The main characters learn that people/things are not always what they first seem to be. Her wonderfully-developed 3 main characters are adorable. James, though bitter after suffering so much loss, is an honest, good, trustworthy man who has an interest in designing things to improve the quality of life. Becky has a love of education, learning new words, loving & serving people, and has a simple faith & trust in God. This is an excellent read for anyone, and I will definitey read more of her books!
December 18, 2016
Keli Gwyn writes "A Home of Her Own"
LIH books are small but hold a story with big content. Characters come to life when Keli writes letting them tell their story. This one has James who was wounded in an explosion and has hidden away at home with his mother for years.
When is Mother becomes ill and needs more help then he can give her he searches for someone to help.
Becky Martin has a brother that was very hurtful to her growing up thinking his dad cared more for her them him. His ways became more evil as they grew up and he even blamed her for a fire that he started so she left home knowing it would only get worse.
When she found out that James needed help she wanted to move far away and help which would let her be safe too.
reading this book will give you many hours of pleasure but also let you learn from all the research into apples as James had apple orchard. Becky loved learning new things.
LIH books are small but hold a story with big content. Characters come to life when Keli writes letting them tell their story. This one has James who was wounded in an explosion and has hidden away at home with his mother for years.
When is Mother becomes ill and needs more help then he can give her he searches for someone to help.
Becky Martin has a brother that was very hurtful to her growing up thinking his dad cared more for her them him. His ways became more evil as they grew up and he even blamed her for a fire that he started so she left home knowing it would only get worse.
When she found out that James needed help she wanted to move far away and help which would let her be safe too.
reading this book will give you many hours of pleasure but also let you learn from all the research into apples as James had apple orchard. Becky loved learning new things.
May 11, 2016
If we want to judge a book by its cover, this one would certainly be a good one to do so! As beautiful as this cover is, so is the story inside!
I was sucked into this sweet story from the beginning, and had a hard time putting it down so I could get to sleep! I laughed and I cried, this book was entirely real in its feelings. Caring for a sick loved one is one of the hardest and most rewarding things in life. I felt a closeness to the characters based on personal experience with my own mother.
Fair warning: have a sis in law like I do make apple pie on the day you finish, for apple treats are what you'll find yourself wanting! Esp since the hero and I have a shared sweet tooth! ;)
I was sucked into this sweet story from the beginning, and had a hard time putting it down so I could get to sleep! I laughed and I cried, this book was entirely real in its feelings. Caring for a sick loved one is one of the hardest and most rewarding things in life. I felt a closeness to the characters based on personal experience with my own mother.
Fair warning: have a sis in law like I do make apple pie on the day you finish, for apple treats are what you'll find yourself wanting! Esp since the hero and I have a shared sweet tooth! ;)
February 16, 2016
Keli does it again! Though I felt the books first couple of pages were a bit slow, the story quickly captivated me. Having grown up in the area of her hero, I enjoyed all the references to places I had been and long loved. It was a very enjoyable book that I highly recommend.
if you are looking for a enjoyable romance that does not shrink from addressing tough issues like abuse, trauma, and cancer, this is the book for you. Keli masterfully writes loveable characters that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next!
if you are looking for a enjoyable romance that does not shrink from addressing tough issues like abuse, trauma, and cancer, this is the book for you. Keli masterfully writes loveable characters that keeps you turning the page to find out what happens next!
March 6, 2017
Keli Gwyn created a beautiful heartfelt story with A Home of Her Own. I couldn't stop reading this astonishing Love inspired Historical story. James O'Brien and Becky Martin are both dealing with life's issues. James was reluctant to hire Becky as his mother's nurse after Dr. Wright had sent the requested telegram to the minister in Chicago.
Becky and James did not see eye to eye, but Becky proved to be more than James had expected from someone caring for his mother as she was in the final days of her life. Will Becky and James be able to come to terms with their past? There is action packed scenes with Becky assisting James beyond her usual household duties and intense moments when their lives were endangered. What arrangement can Becky make to support herself after her nursing position ended?
Readers of history will enjoy A Home of Her Own. The hero and heroine along with Mrs. O'Brien are characters that will remain with the readers along with secondary characters. Emotions will run a full range as each chapter is read whether it is with tears, smiles, hurt, angry, or laughs. I appreciate Gwyn's research about apple orchards, railroads, the Chicago fire and the heartfelt story related to a sweet relative with a German heritage.
Becky and James did not see eye to eye, but Becky proved to be more than James had expected from someone caring for his mother as she was in the final days of her life. Will Becky and James be able to come to terms with their past? There is action packed scenes with Becky assisting James beyond her usual household duties and intense moments when their lives were endangered. What arrangement can Becky make to support herself after her nursing position ended?
Readers of history will enjoy A Home of Her Own. The hero and heroine along with Mrs. O'Brien are characters that will remain with the readers along with secondary characters. Emotions will run a full range as each chapter is read whether it is with tears, smiles, hurt, angry, or laughs. I appreciate Gwyn's research about apple orchards, railroads, the Chicago fire and the heartfelt story related to a sweet relative with a German heritage.
March 25, 2016
There is so much to love about this sweet story, starting with the gorgeous cover and finishing with a sigh-worthy last page.
This is the third book I've read by Keli Gwyn, and once again she writes with a tender touch to the desires of the human heart, traces of humor and tension, and creates colorful secondary characters. The author knows the range of human emotions and weaves them deeply into this story so well.
Becky is an honest, determined young woman, running from her past and the limitations she's put on herself. James is honorable and caring, though he hides behind the scar that affected his face and life. They're sympathetic characters thrown together to care for his ailing mother and the apple farm that is James's livelihood.
I really enjoyed learning about the apple orchard industry, what life was like during the 1870s in California's Gold Country, different kind of baked goodies and treats eaten, and even the books (and dictionaries:) published at that time.
The author included a couple well-known historical events into the story, and I was pleased with a heart-warming cameo by a sweet fictional couple from another one of her books.
A Home of Her Own is a lovely gem about second chances and faithfulness, by an author I'm looking forward to reading again. I highly recommend this delicious treat of a story.
This is the third book I've read by Keli Gwyn, and once again she writes with a tender touch to the desires of the human heart, traces of humor and tension, and creates colorful secondary characters. The author knows the range of human emotions and weaves them deeply into this story so well.
Becky is an honest, determined young woman, running from her past and the limitations she's put on herself. James is honorable and caring, though he hides behind the scar that affected his face and life. They're sympathetic characters thrown together to care for his ailing mother and the apple farm that is James's livelihood.
I really enjoyed learning about the apple orchard industry, what life was like during the 1870s in California's Gold Country, different kind of baked goodies and treats eaten, and even the books (and dictionaries:) published at that time.
The author included a couple well-known historical events into the story, and I was pleased with a heart-warming cameo by a sweet fictional couple from another one of her books.
A Home of Her Own is a lovely gem about second chances and faithfulness, by an author I'm looking forward to reading again. I highly recommend this delicious treat of a story.
March 22, 2016
First, take a gander at that gorgeous cover! The Love Inspired art team did an incredible job. Promises exactly what this book delivers.
James and Becky's first meeting is certainly memorable and highly entertaining to read. James is all gnarly and Becky is all obstinate and thank goodness James's mother is on hand to sort those two out. But my it does take time and a lot of patience! A complex plot with a hint of danger gives this sweet romance a bit of bite. And I love how Gwyn brings history to life both in the area and the apple orchard. Adds a whole new dimension to the story. There's joy and sorrow and plenty of conflict before James and Becky reach their happily ever after and I enjoyed every blessed minute!
James and Becky's first meeting is certainly memorable and highly entertaining to read. James is all gnarly and Becky is all obstinate and thank goodness James's mother is on hand to sort those two out. But my it does take time and a lot of patience! A complex plot with a hint of danger gives this sweet romance a bit of bite. And I love how Gwyn brings history to life both in the area and the apple orchard. Adds a whole new dimension to the story. There's joy and sorrow and plenty of conflict before James and Becky reach their happily ever after and I enjoyed every blessed minute!
October 4, 2016
I've never read a book by Keli Gywn and let's just say I loved this one. I really enjoyed Becky and James. He was a little rough around the edges but once Becky got to know him, she found out he was a kind, generous gentleman. I like how he did everything in his power to get her to trust him. I think that's what I liked most about him - what he did for her and the sweet gifts he gifted her with. I will look forward to reading more books penned by Keli I'm the near future.
August 11, 2016
A Home Of Her Own by Keli Gwyn. Takes place in 1871. Its a historical romance. Becky Martin left Chicago after her brother burned the factory where they both worked and blamed it on to Becky. She goes to California. She meets James O'Brien. James hires her to watch his ailing mother. A romance happens there.
August 3, 2022
DNF @ 79 pgs.
I don't know how to describe this, aside from saying the writing is juvenile, the description utterly lacking, the characterizations one-dimensional, the dialogue banal, and the plot non-existent. Which sounds harsh, but if I don't finish a book? There's a reason.
Gwyn introduces us to Becky Martin, who is 'fleeing for her life' from her brother. He hit her in a drunken rage while he was grieving his father's passing. He also purportedly set the family mill on fire and blamed her. This is... impractical, ridiculous, and I couldn't get beyond the stupidity of the circumstances.
Anyhow, she travels west with 'two new best friends' we don't see again (can you say 'sequels'?), because it's FAR easier for a lesser writer to have fewer characters to keep track of. As it is, she's got too many stereotypes going - the little Chinese farmhands who speak in broken English, the loving 'mutti' who embraces her at first sight, the quirky eccentric who wears a Mad Hatter hat, but is 'Bizarre Betty' (and not Mad Hattie).
So Becky - who is Practically Perfect in Every Way - is a phenomenal cook, saves an entire orchard by stoking fires all night with/in spite of bruised ribs, sews beautiful gowns and looks like a dream, naturally. She loves her mother's dictionary WAY more than her Bible (!!), it is her treasured belonging, and she's constantly looking up big words in it. Except that the author insists that Becky loves reading and is constantly nose-deep in books... which means she would already HAVE an extensive vocabulary, so NONE of this makes sense. The dictionary thing is flawed.
Especially when on pg 73 she says, "While I appreciate your intentions, I still cannot accept such a lavish display of generosity." There is *NO WAY* this girl doesn't know what 'pensive' means, hello...!! On pg 79 he's explaining 'presumptuous' to her by telling her it means 'impertinent'. She doesn't know 'presumptuous', but she knows 'impertinent'? SERIOUSLY!?
And the focus on vocabulary seriously aggravates me. Because Lord knows a vocabulary with multi-syllabic words is WORLDS AWAY from knowing Truth from the Word of the Lord. Nevermind that this is 'Love, *Inspired*'. A dictionary should never trump the Bible in an inspirational novel - especially when Becky is the more spiritually strong of the two leading characters. Not. Okay.
She's working as a nurse for James' mother, who is dying of cancer. James was a railroad engineer (as in, civil engineer - but you're as big an idiot for thinking locomotive engineer as Becky, because the author wants you to be). Now he works in the family orchard, because he got exploded and 'isn't whole'. According to the author, having a scar makes you an incomplete person, even though not a damn thing is missing from the man.
James has a scar. It's a polite, chrischun scar, just like the six other polite, chrischun scars I've read this summer in 'Love, Inspired' books. By 'polite and chrischun', I mean that it kindly confines itself to one cheek, doesn't interfere with vision, speech, facial expressions, or eating, and doesn't touch his hairline, ear, or neck. Very polite of it, don't you think? They all are, you know. And it's unbelievably saccharine and stupid.
He also has an idiot for a neighbor. Stratton has an irrigation line on his land, and DOESN'T TEACH HIS SON how to turn the spigot? *SERIOUSLY?!?!* This is preposterous to the nth. And hideously bad writing. If Stratton's livelihood is at stake? He wouldn't leave home without teaching his son to turn a dadgum spigot. And we're not talking a little boy, here - this kid saddled TWO horses and went off to find James to get help, hello. Pitiful storytelling.
James used to go out with a society madamoiselle - cliche to the max (beautiful, rich, connected, aloof, stylish, cultured, etc)... but his not having any social standing apparently isn't an issue for the author UNTIL he's scarred, and then he's suddenly a lowly son of nobody and can't see her, anymore. Like I said, badly, BADLY written.
The orchard experiences the expected late frost writing ploy, and James tells Becky 'it's always coldest just before dawn - be prepared'. But when she collapses and he has to carry her to bed, he doesn't seem to care about the coldness that's coming just before the dawn, and instead waxes poetic about nothing at her bedside, letting the orchard freeze over without him. If he were half the man we're told he is? He would be right back out there, and not doing the romance thing the author so desperately wants that she's willing to sacrifice the story's integrity.
It's poorly written drivel, and there are almost 1500 'Love, Inspired' books out there, so I don't see the point of dragging this out, any further. It's not a good book. It's not even well-written. Pick up something else. I promise you'll be happier.
I don't know how to describe this, aside from saying the writing is juvenile, the description utterly lacking, the characterizations one-dimensional, the dialogue banal, and the plot non-existent. Which sounds harsh, but if I don't finish a book? There's a reason.
Gwyn introduces us to Becky Martin, who is 'fleeing for her life' from her brother. He hit her in a drunken rage while he was grieving his father's passing. He also purportedly set the family mill on fire and blamed her. This is... impractical, ridiculous, and I couldn't get beyond the stupidity of the circumstances.
Anyhow, she travels west with 'two new best friends' we don't see again (can you say 'sequels'?), because it's FAR easier for a lesser writer to have fewer characters to keep track of. As it is, she's got too many stereotypes going - the little Chinese farmhands who speak in broken English, the loving 'mutti' who embraces her at first sight, the quirky eccentric who wears a Mad Hatter hat, but is 'Bizarre Betty' (and not Mad Hattie).
So Becky - who is Practically Perfect in Every Way - is a phenomenal cook, saves an entire orchard by stoking fires all night with/in spite of bruised ribs, sews beautiful gowns and looks like a dream, naturally. She loves her mother's dictionary WAY more than her Bible (!!), it is her treasured belonging, and she's constantly looking up big words in it. Except that the author insists that Becky loves reading and is constantly nose-deep in books... which means she would already HAVE an extensive vocabulary, so NONE of this makes sense. The dictionary thing is flawed.
Especially when on pg 73 she says, "While I appreciate your intentions, I still cannot accept such a lavish display of generosity." There is *NO WAY* this girl doesn't know what 'pensive' means, hello...!! On pg 79 he's explaining 'presumptuous' to her by telling her it means 'impertinent'. She doesn't know 'presumptuous', but she knows 'impertinent'? SERIOUSLY!?
And the focus on vocabulary seriously aggravates me. Because Lord knows a vocabulary with multi-syllabic words is WORLDS AWAY from knowing Truth from the Word of the Lord. Nevermind that this is 'Love, *Inspired*'. A dictionary should never trump the Bible in an inspirational novel - especially when Becky is the more spiritually strong of the two leading characters. Not. Okay.
She's working as a nurse for James' mother, who is dying of cancer. James was a railroad engineer (as in, civil engineer - but you're as big an idiot for thinking locomotive engineer as Becky, because the author wants you to be). Now he works in the family orchard, because he got exploded and 'isn't whole'. According to the author, having a scar makes you an incomplete person, even though not a damn thing is missing from the man.
James has a scar. It's a polite, chrischun scar, just like the six other polite, chrischun scars I've read this summer in 'Love, Inspired' books. By 'polite and chrischun', I mean that it kindly confines itself to one cheek, doesn't interfere with vision, speech, facial expressions, or eating, and doesn't touch his hairline, ear, or neck. Very polite of it, don't you think? They all are, you know. And it's unbelievably saccharine and stupid.
He also has an idiot for a neighbor. Stratton has an irrigation line on his land, and DOESN'T TEACH HIS SON how to turn the spigot? *SERIOUSLY?!?!* This is preposterous to the nth. And hideously bad writing. If Stratton's livelihood is at stake? He wouldn't leave home without teaching his son to turn a dadgum spigot. And we're not talking a little boy, here - this kid saddled TWO horses and went off to find James to get help, hello. Pitiful storytelling.
James used to go out with a society madamoiselle - cliche to the max (beautiful, rich, connected, aloof, stylish, cultured, etc)... but his not having any social standing apparently isn't an issue for the author UNTIL he's scarred, and then he's suddenly a lowly son of nobody and can't see her, anymore. Like I said, badly, BADLY written.
The orchard experiences the expected late frost writing ploy, and James tells Becky 'it's always coldest just before dawn - be prepared'. But when she collapses and he has to carry her to bed, he doesn't seem to care about the coldness that's coming just before the dawn, and instead waxes poetic about nothing at her bedside, letting the orchard freeze over without him. If he were half the man we're told he is? He would be right back out there, and not doing the romance thing the author so desperately wants that she's willing to sacrifice the story's integrity.
It's poorly written drivel, and there are almost 1500 'Love, Inspired' books out there, so I don't see the point of dragging this out, any further. It's not a good book. It's not even well-written. Pick up something else. I promise you'll be happier.
May 10, 2022
3.5* THAT WAS ADORABLE.
i was not expecting a cute enemies to lovers (but for real this time!!!) romance from this little book. my great grandmother gave me this book and i remember her saying it was cute and she surely was right.
this story follows Becky who has no choice but to flee from where she lives to get away from her abusive brother. she agrees to care for James O’Brien’s mother before she eventually passes away from terminal cancer. Becky is a bundle of sunshine and she’s so sweet. she was a great main character and i was rooting for her. James O’Brien is the love interest, and the relationship between Becky and James has its ups and downs. James is a bit of a grump despite Becky’s kindness to him. you grow to love James even though he kinda sucks sometimes.
i literally giggled at the end. it was so cute.
TW for domestic abuse, death, and mention of traumatic events
i was not expecting a cute enemies to lovers (but for real this time!!!) romance from this little book. my great grandmother gave me this book and i remember her saying it was cute and she surely was right.
this story follows Becky who has no choice but to flee from where she lives to get away from her abusive brother. she agrees to care for James O’Brien’s mother before she eventually passes away from terminal cancer. Becky is a bundle of sunshine and she’s so sweet. she was a great main character and i was rooting for her. James O’Brien is the love interest, and the relationship between Becky and James has its ups and downs. James is a bit of a grump despite Becky’s kindness to him. you grow to love James even though he kinda sucks sometimes.
i literally giggled at the end. it was so cute.
TW for domestic abuse, death, and mention of traumatic events
June 17, 2020
The plot is in 1871. Becky ran away from Chicago, where her abusive brother blamed her for arson. She runs to a small town in California, working as a caretaker for an elderly woman. That woman's son, James, is kind of a grouch but also a nice person below the surface. As his mother faces her own battles, Becky and James wade through their own emotions, hence bringing them closer.
I found this book fascinating and endearing, especially the encounters between Becky and James. The novel ended abruptly but the plot and characters were worth the read!
I found this book fascinating and endearing, especially the encounters between Becky and James. The novel ended abruptly but the plot and characters were worth the read!
May 28, 2022
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED this book!!! Definitely recommend this book!!!!! Heartfelt romance and soooo good!!
April 7, 2016
Becky Martin leaves Chicago and her abusive brother after he tries to frame her for arson. Arriving in California, Becky becomes the caretaker for James O'Brien's mother who is dying of cancer. James owns a local apple orchard which is the perfect place for Becky to hide from her brother.
With a tender heart Becky nurses James' mother while also caring for James. One of the last requests James' mom has for Becky is for her to stay on the orchard until James makes his peace with God. Becky still has a debt to pay to James, but she knows that she can't stay on the orchard forever. Sooner or later Becky's brother will find her, and Becky knows she must leave the man that she has grown to care for.
I love the setting of this story! Having been raised in California I have visited the apple farms near Placerville. I could envision exactly what James' farm looked like during harvest time. I also loved the characters in this story. Becky is such a sweet girl, stubborn too! I loved her desire to learn about James' apple orchard. James has a tough exterior, but he really is a tender/loving son and friend/boss. A Home Of Her Own is a sweet love story between Becky and James with a bit of suspense thrown in with the specter of Becky's brother looming in the background. If you have not read any of Keli Gwyn's books I highly recommend that you pick one up soon!
With a tender heart Becky nurses James' mother while also caring for James. One of the last requests James' mom has for Becky is for her to stay on the orchard until James makes his peace with God. Becky still has a debt to pay to James, but she knows that she can't stay on the orchard forever. Sooner or later Becky's brother will find her, and Becky knows she must leave the man that she has grown to care for.
I love the setting of this story! Having been raised in California I have visited the apple farms near Placerville. I could envision exactly what James' farm looked like during harvest time. I also loved the characters in this story. Becky is such a sweet girl, stubborn too! I loved her desire to learn about James' apple orchard. James has a tough exterior, but he really is a tender/loving son and friend/boss. A Home Of Her Own is a sweet love story between Becky and James with a bit of suspense thrown in with the specter of Becky's brother looming in the background. If you have not read any of Keli Gwyn's books I highly recommend that you pick one up soon!
June 12, 2016
When reviewing books in the past, I have admitted that the historical category of books is not my favorite. There's certainly nothing wrong with the genre - I just happen to like the contemporary category better.
I may have to change my mind, however, after having read Keli Gywn's A Home of Her Own. Ms. Gwyn easily transports the reader back to the late 1800's with her accurate description of that time and of the region of Diamond Springs. The story takes place on an apple farm and Ms. Gwyn shares a wealth of information about growing and harvesting different types of apples. The authenticity of the historical aspect of the book really makes the reader want to learn more about that time and place in American history.
The heroine of the story, Becky, has fled a bad situation at home and travels across the country to California to care for the hero's mother, who is suffering from cancer. James and Becky are attracted to one another, but as in any good love story, there are obstacles to overcome, including a challenge from the local doctor for Becky's attention.
Although some of the lessons learned by James and Becky were hard, it was delightful to watch these characters grow as the story moved forward.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Home of Her Own and highly recommend you add it to your summer reading list!
I may have to change my mind, however, after having read Keli Gywn's A Home of Her Own. Ms. Gwyn easily transports the reader back to the late 1800's with her accurate description of that time and of the region of Diamond Springs. The story takes place on an apple farm and Ms. Gwyn shares a wealth of information about growing and harvesting different types of apples. The authenticity of the historical aspect of the book really makes the reader want to learn more about that time and place in American history.
The heroine of the story, Becky, has fled a bad situation at home and travels across the country to California to care for the hero's mother, who is suffering from cancer. James and Becky are attracted to one another, but as in any good love story, there are obstacles to overcome, including a challenge from the local doctor for Becky's attention.
Although some of the lessons learned by James and Becky were hard, it was delightful to watch these characters grow as the story moved forward.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading A Home of Her Own and highly recommend you add it to your summer reading list!
March 11, 2016
This was a unique reading experience for me. Becky is running for her life, but she endeavors to be as honest as possible about her circumstances without revealing all of her plans. I found this so refreshing!!! Normally, the runner changes his/her name entirely and creates almost an entirely new identity and they pay for it (usually) with the loss of their loved one's trust for a while. It's very sad that this general trope is mainly written this way. This is why I love and respect Becky's character so much. She hates lying, if she can help it, and is stronger for it. It would behoove others to follow her example by taking a leap of faith in the goodness of others.
James is so endearing! His devotion to his mother, regardless of his pain, is inspirational to all who have had to take care of an ailing or terminally ill parent or relative. He reminds us that the caretaker needs almost as much care as the patient and shouldn't be ashamed of it. His other heroic qualities place him as a gem. He will do anything to support those dearest to him regardless of the cost.
Excellent book. Can't wait for the next one!!! :)
James is so endearing! His devotion to his mother, regardless of his pain, is inspirational to all who have had to take care of an ailing or terminally ill parent or relative. He reminds us that the caretaker needs almost as much care as the patient and shouldn't be ashamed of it. His other heroic qualities place him as a gem. He will do anything to support those dearest to him regardless of the cost.
Excellent book. Can't wait for the next one!!! :)
March 10, 2016
There are so many things to love about this book! Keli Gwyn weaves together historical details, picturesque descriptions, and heartfelt emotion to create a beautiful and romantic tale. I loved James and Becky and reveled in the tenderness of their story. I highly recommend A Home of Her Own and can’t wait to read more from this wonderful author!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. All thoughts expressed are my own.
June 2, 2016
Sweet, easy read.
A bit repetitious in places. Becky and James were allowed to be a bit dense or naive. Characters were likable.
A bit repetitious in places. Becky and James were allowed to be a bit dense or naive. Characters were likable.
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