When Riley Regas moved from Boston to the small town of Carver, Kansas, she never expected the turn her life would take. She never thought she could be happy in Carver, especially after the betrayal she endured at the hands of someone she thought she loved. She was wrong. It's been six months since everything changed. Six months since Jesse stepped in and saved her. Six months since she realized she'd been in love with Jesse all along. Six months of happiness and Riley can't wait to take the next step in her life with Jesse at her side. But one night changes everything and the life she envisioned with Jesse is turned upside down. Jesse has always been there for Riley, and now it's her turn to be there for him. Will the love they fought so hard to find be strong enough to see them through this or will it ultimately tear them apart?
Megan Isbell was born in Japan and raised in Southern Arizona. Her husband's submarine career brought her to Connecticut in 2002. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and an MS in Reading/Language Arts Education. While her passion is writing, she also loves her day job as a first grade teacher. She chooses to set most of her stories in New England because she can't think of a more beautiful place to live. Besides writing, Megan loves spending time with her daughter, watching TV (especially The Vampire Diaries and anything on The History or Travel Channels) and running. She loves the Boston Red Sox and has an unhealthy obsession with the The Killers, Depeche Mode, Erasure, The Script, Within Temptation, Alex Band and Ryan Star. She currently lives in northeast Connecticut with her husband, daughter, one crotchety Yorkie, one lovable Chihuahua, and one indifferent gray cat. Her novels include The Home Series, After the Sky Fell Down, Here With Me and My Tomorrow.
Far From Home was book 2 in the series and began where book 1 ended with Riley back in Kansas. Riley had been back for six months and was dating Jesse. Riley put the incident with Alex behind her and replaced those horrific memories with loving memories. Jesse and Riley were the main characters while Riley continued to give her point of view. Far from Home was about taking the necessary steps into adulthood. Both Jesse and Riley turned eighteen and graduated from high school. Both were embarking on a future together. They were making plans and acclimating to the changes. Jesse's character was warm, caring, and supportive. Riley's character was supportive, understanding, and loving.
Megan depicted the emotional state of these characters with a rawness typical in these shocking situations. The process and steps used by these characters were ideal to the situation. The common theme was about change. Change in their relationship. Change in life and the way the characters coped and handled the change.
The story was hopeful and stressful. The process, steps, and methods for coping were so realistic that I got anxiety waiting with uncertainty for how they were going to proceed. As Megan closed the chapter on high school and began a new chapter for all characters either heading off to college or the military it all came down to change. The characters grew after graduation having to make tough choices and learn to adapt to all the changes. Megan added a few new characters that added some great advice and support for Riley. Riley's relationship with her mother was a huge improvement from book 1 and that pleased me. This book spent a great deal of time on Jesse and Riley coping with all the changes occurring to them and their friends.
I felt like Jesse and Riley argued like a married couple and had conversations much like married couples. I liked the story but it was hard to say I loved it. It was overwhelming reading about all the change yet the way Megan walked them through each scenario helped ease the tension.
Far From Home (The Home Series, Book Two) by Megan Nugen Isbell is the second story in The Home Series. This is a continuation of Riley and Jesse's story from Book 1. It would be helpful if you read Book 1 before this one so you know the their prior to this but I also think that this author has written this story so well that you would be able pick up on what is going on. This story will make you laugh, cry and angry at times. You will love how the author has created a story that flows and grows with these characters. She has created an emotional roller coaster that will take you on a journey of love and other unexpected emotions. Find out what happens next with Riley and Jesse!
When Riley Regas moved to a small town in Carver, Kansas, she never expected her life to take the turn that it did. Just when she thought she would never be happy again, she finds out that she is wrong. It is now six months passed since the ending of book 1, since everything changed for her. Six months since she met him in that classroom and he saved her. What will she do when she realizes she has loved him along? She can't wait for the happiness to continue as she moves to the next step in her life.
What will happen when one night changes everything for them? She thought that Jesse was it for her but will the fates have other plans for them? Will she be there for him when fate puts struggles in front of them? Will she be able to help him? How strong is their love? Is it strong enough to make it through this or will it pull them apart? You will love how the author has created these two, Riley and Jesse so that you can relate to them. They will pull you into their story from the first page forward and make you feel what they do. You will fall in love with them as they go through their struggles of being a teenager.
I think this is my favorite so far of The Home Series by Megan Nugen Isbell. I can't wait to see what happens with all these characters in the next book. Megan was born in Japan and raised in Southern Arizona. She currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, daughter, dogs and cat. She chooses to set most of her stories in New England as she can't think of a more beautiful place to live. She loves spending time with her daughter watching television and running. One thing that I love about her books is that she pulls me into her stories from the first page. I read this story in one sitting and totally myself in this story. You will not see what is coming on every page you turn of this story and you will want to find out. I highly suggest this story as I know you will want to see what happens as much as I did.
Far From Home picks up 6 months where Last Train Home left us off. It resumes with Riley Regas back in Carver. She hasn't regretted her decision to move back especially because she can't see her life without Jesse Baylor and her friends in Carver. In Far From Home it brings us back to the love birds and them about to graduate high school and looking forward to college and a summer together. While getting ready for the summer Riley decides to get a job at a flower shop. When tragedy happens the day after graduation it leaves Jesse lost and hopeless. He isn't really ready to make all these adult decisions but he is shoved into this adult role. He just wanted to spend a summer with Riley and his friends doing pretty much nothing and hanging out before they went to college. He starts to become very distance from Riley while he figures out a way to support himself. This causes Riley to worry which causes her to seek help on what to do and how to help. Matt is the owner's son at the flower shop she works at, he also is a psychology major at K State. He helps Riley try to understand why Jesse is becoming distant. With this Riley has a summer of learning and growing ahead of her.
I loved the first one but didn't like Riley as a character but with Far From Home you see a different side of her. A more mature and grown up side. She has grown so much that she even grew on me. After what happened to her and the fact she came back to Carver and is more of the young woman i wanted and knew she could be was awesome. Far From Home also takes on the issues of insecurities on feeling abandoned and rejected. It shows how many different people deal with grief in very different ways. It shows how instead of accepting help from the ones who love us we slowly self destruct. Megan Nugen shows us how when tragedy strikes that it's terrifying to have to grow up unexpectedly overnight. That when life seems smooth sailing BAM life throws you the biggest obstacles and how you overcome them or life with them is the defining moment in your life. This is such a gut-wrenching read, but don't be scared because its also such a wonderful read to see these amazing young people grow. I not only cried at times but i ugly cried to the point of my fiance asking if i was okay. I got so mad at this book that i wanted to throw my kindle but at the next page i would laugh. It was a very emotional read. Megan Nugen writes with such passion that the characters come to life and play like a movie. It's a definite page turner for sure.
Far From Home is book two in The Home Series by Megan Nugen Isbell. The story begins six month after the first one ended. Which was where Riley realized she had been in love with her best friend Jesse the entire time. I mean come on girl, we all knew, you're just stubborn.
Riley, Jesse, and their best friends, Holly, Mandy, Laura and Brandon, are about to graduate from high school. They are all coming to terms that after this summer things will change forever between them. They will no longer be the close knit group they had been since kindergarten, well Riley being the exception of course. Thankfully she matured a little and realized that Carver was not so bad after all. (Really I'm happy her brattyness is gone and she is nicer to her mom, we all have those moments but it was great to see she grew up.)
After a great few months after Riley comes back from Boston, things come to a sudden halt one awful night for Jesse. This sudden change of events causes Jesse to spiral out of control leaving Riley and their friends to worry. Riley is doing everything that she can to be there for him but he does everything he can to push back at her. He thought he had everything figured out but now he has no idea where to go and what to do, he feels alone.
Will Riley be able to help Jesse like he was able to help her? Will things be okay between them? Or will the unthinkable happen....
The characters each grow up a lot in this book. Some for the better and some for the worse. Being a teenager the summer before college can be incredibly difficult. It can be even harder when you're forced to grow up immediately due to situations out of your control. This book shows how difficult it can be for an eighteen year old to handle very adult situations. It also shows how much you learn and sometimes lose from your first real, true love. Not everything is roses when you're an adult and Jesse and Riley learn that quickly.
I have to say I was very pleased with this book, Megan did a great job making it relatable and making the emotion feel real. The ending cut me like a knife though, it hurt deep and was nothing like I imagined. But I am glad that there is more because it just can not end that way. While I was a bit apprehensive about this series in the beginning, I have changed my mind and am looking forward to reading the rest of the Home series.
Far From Home by Megan Nugen Isbell is book two of The Home Series. This book is a continuation of Jesse and Riley's story. If you haven't read book one, Last Train Home, I suggest you do before reading this one. I loved being able to read more of Riley and Jesse's story and seeing how everything played out. There is so much feeling in this book. I couldn't put it down. I read it start to finish in just a couple hours.
Riley Regas is happy to be back in Carver. It's been six months since Riley and Jesse started their relationships and things couldn't be better. Graduation is approaching and then summer and then Riley and Jesse along with their friend Holly will be attending Kansas State University. Riley and Jesse are practically inseparable, having a great time. Riley even decides it's time to move their relationship a little further.
"It still hurt when I thought about what Alex had done to me, not because I still loved him…I’d come to realize I’d never loved him at all, but because I’d given something of myself to him I could never get back, especially when the one I truly loved was sitting beside me and had been there all along."
Not too long after graduation however, everything changes after an accident. Riley knows she just needs to be there for Jesse but it gets increasingly more difficult the more he pushes her away. Riley stands firm though. She's not that selfish snob she once was. She will do whatever it takes to help Jesse.
"The joy of loving Jesse was being replaced with the sorrow of watching him struggle and there was nothing I could do to help him because he wouldn’t let me."
This book, like the first book, was in first person point of view from Riley's POV. I can say that I wasn't really expecting the ending but I can't wait to read the third book to see what happens.
Far From Home (The Home Series: Book Two) By: Megan Nugen Isbell 5 out of 5 stars
The story Far From Home (The Home Series: Book Two) by Megan Nugen Isbell is a contemporary romance. This is the continuing story of Riley and Jesse. You were introduced to them in book one and now you get to read what they have been up to and what is to come for them. Riley has come back to Carver, Kansas thanks to Jesse and they are happy with how their relationship has matured. I love Riley because she is so independent and knows what she wants. Now that she is graduating she is ready to take the next step in her life, college. She won’t be alone. Jesse will be right there with her. Life never looked so good. Then an unexpected situation happens which turns both Riley and Jesse’s life upside down. Riley knows that Jesse has always been there for her and now she will return the favor. However, she finds that things are not always so clear cut and life has a way of changing even the best-made plans. Riley is confused about how she should react to all the changes that are happening and this causes misunderstandings to happen between her and Jesse.
Jesse’s world has changed and he is having a hard time dealing with the situation that he is in. He pulls away from both Riley and the friends that want to help him. Will the love that Jesse and Riley have be enough to see them through? This story had my emotions changing constantly. The characters are so well written that I felt I know them well and when situations come up I couldn’t help be feel affected. This book had me quickly turning pages to find out what happens next and I can’t wait to read what happens in the next book. I highly recommend this book and series to anyone who believes in the power of love.
This is the second story in the Home series following the lives of Riley and Jesse six months into their relationship. Within the first couple of chapters you get the feeling that life is good for these two characters, their relationship is finally becoming what both of them wanted but still Jesse is always the gentleman and not pushing her in all aspects of the relationship as he feels if he takes what Alex did will Riley freak-out by the memories and run away from him and he loves her too much to let that happen.
So as Graduation draws nearer the group have decided there option for colleges and Jesse and Riley are going to the same one, life could not be better, until one night everything changes and turns both their worlds upside down. When a tragedy occurs which leaves Jesse lost, abandoned and hurt, his anger is real and destructive but can Riley be the one who can protect him from himself and love him no matter what and also be there for Jesse as he has been there for her countless times.
As the story goes on you get the feeling that Riley has really matured as a character from the first book and does truly love this sweet boy, your heart breaks when Riley is just lost at how she can help Jesse and although she wants and needs to be there for him, he is making it difficult for her to love him.
Also the introduction of Matt who becomes a friend and confident for Riley to express her feelings regarding Jesse and how she feels absolutely useless with his moods and attitude. Matt has first-hand experience with the topic as he has gone through the same sort of thing with his girlfriend, although the end situation was different he still also understands how angry Jesse is regarding the world and tries to help Riley show Jesse that she is still there for him and loves him.
Although you can follow the story in this book and it possibly could be read as a stand-alone book, I would recommend reading the first book before starting this one, it does set up the history of how they first came together and how far the couple have come. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series and see all the characters grow.
In the second book from the Home series called Far from Home was an amazing adventure and Megan Nugen Isbell did an outstanding job. She not only makes you fall in love with these characters she makes you feel what they are at the time. This book is a roller-coaster of emotions. I had a hard time putting it down and when I did it wasn’t for long. I rarely will cry when reading books but I was a blubbering baby with this one! This book is about the journey of Riley and Jesse after they got together and there plans. They are getting ready to graduate from high school and after the summer were going to go to college together. Everything was planned out and they were ready for their future until one night there is a knock at the door that changes everything. Jesse is delivered news that would change his life forever. This time is especially hard for Jesse because he is forced to grow up overnight. Over the summer Riley has been trying to be supportive of Jesse and his drastic mood changes. Then one day she goes to the shop he works at and is accidently told about Jesse plans to join the Marines. Riley is heart broke because they were supposed to be leaving for college soon and Jesse never told her his plans to join. Riley adjusted to the idea but didn’t like. Riley decides since there are only a few days left before he is to leave to try to make the most of it. Then the day comes that he is to leave and that is a day that will change her life forever. I can’t wait to get to the next book!
4.5 stars for Far From Home, The Home Series Book 2, by Megan Nugen Isbell. You should read the first book so that you have a better understanding of the characters and what they are going through. This is the second book in the series and it picks up 6 months after Jesse goes to Boston with the hopes of Riley coming back to Carver. When Riley does come back, her and Jesse are finally a couple and everything is practically perfect. They spend pretty much every spare moment together. Until there is an unfortunate incident that changes everything. One minute they are happy, carefree teenagers and the next, they are forced to be adults. While they should be having the summer of their lives, preparing to leave for college at the end of the summer, they aren't exactly sure what is going to happen now. Will they be able to overcome the obstacles in their path or is this the end for Riley and Jesse? This book had me on the edge from the beginning. And by the end, the tears were flowing and I was ugly crying. I can not wait to see what happens with Riley and Jesse next. My heart truly broke for everything that they had gone through. This is one book that you will definitely want to read but make sure you have the entire box of tissues with you. You are bound to feel all sort of emotions with this book. You will laugh right along with them and you surely will cry. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did and look forward to the rest of the series as much as I am.
Holy cryfest. Seriously, I was a mess throughout most of this book. But I loved it.
Far From Home by Megan Nugen Isbell is book two in her Home series. They are not standalones, you have to read them in order. Book one is when Riley and Jesse meet and fall in love. Her mom moved her to Carver for her senior year of high school and though she hated it at first, she quickly made a good group of friends, including Jesse. Book two starts at graduation and the happy couple have their whole future to look forward to. They even plan to attend the same college along with one of their friends and have plans to work for the summer to save up! What a wonderful, happy story. Until it’s not.
Something happens and it shakes everything up. Riley tries to stay strong for both of them but Jesse keeps pushing her away and pulling her back. That, along with other events, made this a truly heartbreaking book and an emotional read. I could sympathize with both characters and how they reacted in each moment, as I’ve been on both sides. I’m glad Riley had a good support system, because she needed support as much as he did. Megan really drew me in with this one, and I can not wait to read the next book in the series, hoping for SOME sort of happily ever after. These two deserve a happily ever after. Maybe it will tell us what’s going on with everyone else too? Here’s hoping.
5 star review Far From Home is the second book in the Home series by Megan Nugen Isbell. These books do need to be read in order. Having read the first book I couldn’t wait to see more of Riley and Jesse and what would happen in their story. I’m not sure I was quite prepared for this book though! What an emotional rollercoaster this book was! I’m pretty sure that I was on the brink of tears the majority of the way through and then the ending happened and well that was it the floodgates opened! This story was just heart-breaking for both Riley and Jesse. The book picks up 6 months after Riley comes back to Kansas following her humiliation at the hands of Alex and Adrienne. Riley and Jesse’s relationship is going from strength and strength until one night when Jesse’s world comes crashing down around him. I honestly came to love Jesse over the first book and when this happened to him I could have cried right along with him. I have to give it to Riley she tried her hardest to support him through this difficult time. I really did like book 1 but I have to say this book is just amazing. I think what struck me the most was the development of the characters. They matured a lot from the first story; they dealt with things that not many 18 year olds have to deal with and did so with a lot of maturity. I loved that Riley kept her feisty side even though she was going through a hard time supporting Jesse. The secondary characters from the first story (Riley and Jesse’s friends) don’t feature as much in this story but they are still there in the background. I think that the author did a wonderful job with bringing out such emotions in the characters in this story – I felt like I was going through it with them! It really is excellently written. I was gripped from the beginning until the end! I cannot wait for the next part of their story! I know what I want to happen – I just hope it comes true! I would definitely describe this as a YA story but I’m not in that age range and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Sometimes it is nice to read just a nice, sweet romance story! I definitely recommend this book and it certainly deserves the 5 stars I give it!
Far From Home is the second book in the Home Series. I loved Riley and Jesse’s story in the first book and couldn’t wait to pick it back up. I was expecting the normal teen/first love story with them changing and growing but there was no way I expected the heartache and pain. I think I cried through at least half of the book. It’s hard to read in public while trying not to sob out loud.
We reconnect with Riley and Jesse six month later. They are getting ready to graduate high school and spend their summer together doing a lot of nothing and working summer jobs before leaving for school at Kansas State along with Holly. All of them hang out when they can and just enjoy being young. Counting the time down before Brandon leaves for the military and the rest of the crew goes to school. But the unthinkable happens, their relationship is tested to the brink and they have to grow up to face life before they are ready.
The emotions felt by Riley and Jesse just break my heart. The lost and helpless feeling they both have. Not knowing what to do and how to help make all the pain and heartache go away. Will they survive this?
I love this series and these characters. Watching them mature from high schoolers to the beginnings of adulthood is fun to watch. I love how Riley was able to get adjusted to life in a small town after the move from Boston and the relationship with her mother gets back to where it was before the move. I am now trying to figure out when I get the read the next installment of this series and find out what happens next with Riley, Jesse and the rest of the crew.
Far From Home by Megan Nugen Isbell is the second book in a series that just blows my mind away. Far From Home is told from Riley’s point of view. It picks up a little after the first story ended. Riley and Jesse are getting ready to graduate school and change is coming. I was not expecting the story to take the turn that it did and definitely was not ready for the pain I would feel. I can definitely see how Riley has changed since her experience in the first book, even though there are times that she doubts herself. Jesse is going through something deep and is forced to learn his own lesson. One that might end up for the worst but we just have to stick by him and wait. I wish that Jesse didn't have to learn his lesson the way that he did in the book but it was needed. We also get to see some of their friends from the first book make appearances and see how they have changed. I was most impressed by Brandon who really seemed to change the most. He went from the group jerk and jokester to a serious caring guy. There are a few new people that we meet through Riley. One of who is Matt, a new co-worker that is also going through a similar struggle. Reading about what they were going individually going through and the struggles each had was a downer but interesting to see how two people react and handle a similar problem. I really enjoyed the second book and cannot wait to start the third one.
Far From Home is the second book in Megan Nugen Isbell’s Home series and you have to read the first book before this one or you will miss all of the backstory and all of the overwhelming feelings that go along with it. Before I get into how this book destroyed me, let me first tell you a little bit about it. Six months ago Riley did not think she would ever step back into Carver after she made the biggest mistake of her life and was utterly humiliated by it. But Jesse was there to help her put all of the pieces back together and she soon realized that the things she feels for Jesse are so much more than she ever thought she felt for Alex. Her and Jesse have had six months of happiness; they have graduated and are making plans to take off to college in a few months. Nothing could be better until a horrific accident changes everything. Jesse is dealt one crappy hand after another and soon the happiness that they once felt is a distant history. Will they be able to find their way back to each other? Will their love be enough to get them out of their darkest days? Ok, so I would just like to say that I cried big fat ugly tears throughout most of this book. My heart absolutely broke for Jesse and the things that he had to deal with. Most adults don’t have as much to deal with as this 18-year-old kid did. Oh and poor Riley just wanted to be there for him and it was a constant struggle. My heart went out to her and the emotional roller coaster she had to endure to be with the love of her life. While I completely understand why everything had to play out the way it did at the end, I hated that it came to it. I am going to dive into the next book right now because I know there has to be more… I highly suggest that everyone jumps in with me. You will not be disappointed with this series, especially if you like books that make you feel so much that you just have to cry to let out all the pressure.
Far From Home is book two of the Home Series by Megan Nugen Isbell, and it continues the story of Jessie and Riley.
Riley has finally been happy for six months with Jessie as her boyfriend. She has moved on from the horrors that happened to her and she is happy. She has an attentive, loving, handsome boyfriend who worships the ground she walks on. That is all until one night.
Jessie has love Riley since he met her and not he gets to call her his, life is good, can’t get any better, he has a girlfriend she loves, she loves him, life is perfect. Until one night ruins it all for him.
For so long Jessie has been Riley’s rock, and not it’s time to return the favour, but will it be enough? Can their love survive? How much can one couple take before they break? Are they meant to be?
Megan Nugen Isbell, takes us on an amazing roller-coaster of emotions with this book. In the first book, you like Riley and Jessie, but in this second book you fall deep in love with Riley and Jessie. She has taken this book into a direction I never saw coming, and Megan broke me, I can’t even begin to explain everything I felt. How much can Jessie take, he was always his happy go lucky, cheeky chap and we see him brought to his knees and its devastating, and you feel for Riley, because what can she do? I need to read the next book; I need to feel whole again. I love the writing style; I love how the book flows and how it continues from Last Train Home.
If you want to read this book, I would strongly recommend reading Last Train Home first, you won’t be disappointed and it will make this second book more heart felt if you do. This book is worth the five stars. Megan please put my heart back together in the next book!
Far from home by Megan Nugen Isbell is an amazing 5 star worthy book. This book is also second in the series.
I was not disappointed with this author and this book was just as good as the first book in the series. You will need to have read the first book in the series in order to have read this one. It cannot be read as a standalone as it picks up from where it left off.
You will fall in love with her characters but they will also frustrate you. The development of her characters from the first book is indescribably brilliant. The first book was good but the second one is 1000 times better. I think that the author captured all of the characters emotions perfectly.
What I love the most is that the author makes you feel as though you are experiencing the characters journey with them. Which is just paramount from a good author these days. The authors writing is nothing short of amazing.
This book will keep you interested from the very beginning until the end. This book had me crying so many tears so if you read this book I would make sure to have the tissues ready incase.
I would highly recommend this book to all my friends and family. I look forward to reading more from this author with high expectations. Let's just hope that all the authors books are like this series. If they are I'll be one clicking and I hope you will too.
Far From Home (The Home Series: Book Two) by Megan Nugen Isbell – 4 Stars
This is the second book in the Home Series and I recommend reading the first book called “Last Train Home” to read the beginning of Jesse and Riley’s friendship turned romance.
Jesse and Riley are best friends who are in love with each other. They are setting plans for their future after graduation from high school and all that changes in the blink of an eye.
Far From Home was an emotional, heart breaking book that followed both Jesse and Riley from “innocent 18 year olds” to adults who have to make live altering decisions that will best suit their futures. Jesse and Riley have a bond and a love that you just don’t think is ever going to end.
I read this book in one sitting and at times I was smiling, then crying, then gut wrenching anger at adults who don’t always do the right thing and ultimately, I walked away from this story with hope for the future. Far From Home was so much more emotional and gut wrenching than I thought it would be and certainly more than Last Train Home.
It feels weird to say “I enjoyed this book that held so many feelings that my heart hurt” but I did. It was a quick read, a page turner to find out what would happen and wonder what more could possibly happen to these kids. I’m proud of both of them for making the decisions that they did. I look forward to watching where this relationship goes in Book 3. I know how I want it to end, but I’m not sure it will end that way. We shall see.
I am totally hooked on this series.. I have laught, cried and got angry. This book is bringing out all emotions. What pulled me in to read this story was the fact that when I was 17 my parents moved me from Massachusetts to Kentucky. So I knew I would be able to relate with rylie. That what drew me in to read this book but then I was hooked on the story.
Far From Home by Megan Nugen Isbell a sublime five-star read. Far from home is the second book in the home series, and what a second book, in the first book Last train home we met Seventeen-year-old Riley Regas she was born and raised in Boston, and life was perfect, then her folks got a divorce but she was dealing with it. Riley even managed to be civil to her dad’s new girlfriend. Then her mum up and announces that they are moving to a place that she has visited three times, a small town in Kansas called Carver, it’s her mother’s home town and they are moving there. This second book deals with how the fall-out six months on from the events in Last train home. Riley Regan’s life has changed in ways she never imagined, it’s been six months since Jesse stepped in to help and save her, six months since she came to the fateful reality that she was in love with Jesse all along, she has spent six months with him imagining and planning their happy ever after, and imagining the life they will lead together. That is until one fateful night Jesse’s life changes for ever, and where he was once there for her, she will need to step up to the plate and be the one Jesse needs to be strong. Will a love that is only six months old be strong enough to weather this storm? Will Riley be able to be strong enough, she has had her own share of problems? Or will everything they have fought for be too much to them to cope with. Only time will tell. Megan Nugen Isbell has a talent for writing compelling characters that you want to punch one minuet and hug and make all better the next.
Not often we get to think about the stress of losing a loved one, especially at a young age with no support system to fall back on. Hard to get through the ordeal without scars. Well told, even with casualties.
the second book in the home series, far from home continues with Riley and jesse. the book continues where Riley and jesse become even deeper involved. in the first book we see how jesse is able to help riley. she relays on him to help her get over so many obstacles. in the second book we see the roles reverse, Riley now Is taking care of Jesse when he needs her the most. the are so in love they don't think that they will have anything else in life to have to deal with. the characters are very strong and emotional. the author writes with the ability to let you feel the emotions that the characters are feeling. it feels like you are standing along with them when they are going through these experiences. without going into to much detail, a serious family circumstance happens and Riley must step up and take care of jesse. they have to use the love that they have for each other to help jesse get through this experience. the love that they have for each other is so strong you read about it and get jealous. I've never been a fan of young adult books but I feel like this isn't that young when reading it. yes they are young and some what immature in their thinking but it was a very good read. the book was quick and easy to follow. I would recommend this book to anyone that would like a quick read. it makes you happy, sad, mad all in one sitting.
Okay... Let me just start out by saying this book will make you laugh, cry, and have you page turning long after you should have went to bed! Far From Home is book two in The Homes Series by Megan Nugen Isbell. Before reading this book, you really should read Book 1 which begins the love story of Jesse and Riley- two best friends who fall madly in love with each other. FFH is a very emotional read. The characters grow so much in this book. Riley and Jesse have just hit the highest point in their relationship and could never be more in love than they are at that very moment. Terrible accidents happen ripping the life they know apart. The author writes with such emotion for these to characters making Riley and Jesse's feeling come alive on paper. There were times this book made me elated, joyful, mad, and filled with sorrow. I started this book one night after work and found myself still reading it two hours before having to return to work. It was that good! Before I even finished reading this book ( probably about half way through), I had to purchase the rest of this series immediately. I even found myself seeking reassurance from the synopsis of Book 3- Carry Me Home while reading this book! Again, the characters, storyline, and emotions of this book are wonderful. Please check out the Home Series and all of Megan's books. You will fall for these characters just as I did.
I enjoyed the first book in this series, but book two is much, much better. We stick to the same heroine, but the story gets meatier when her boyfriend's only parent dies, leaving him floundering at eighteen.
This isn't precisely a feel-good book, but it *is* very true and leaves you feeling satisfied (despite heart-wrenching moments). I was very glad that and, in general, appreciated the lack of stupidity of the characters. (It's easy to add drama by making your main characters do completely irrational things, but that type of plot twist always makes me roll my eyes.)
Oh, and did I mention --- another excellent cover?
While I enjoyed Last Train Home, the first in the Home Series, the author hit her stride in Far From Home. It has been a long time since a story has moved me to tears - this story did precisely that. The characters - what can I say? Riley and Jesse are wonderful. They are well developed and the reader will relate to their struggles, hurts, and fears. For those of us who've left our teenage years behind, Far From Home will grab hold of your heart and not let go - requiring you to remember how it was to love for the first time and the pain of loss.
Megan Isbell continues the story of Riley and Jesse with just as much soul and feeling as she began it. The characters come full circle, from Riley needing Jesse to him needing her, and the circumstances and emotions they go through during their last summer before college is heartwrenching.
I love this series because it feels so true, so how teenagers would act in these situations and like you are right there with the characters.
I can't wait to read the third book in the series!