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Chicory Inn #5
Home at Last
Why did their differences matter so much?
Link Whitman has settled into the role of bachelor without ever intending to. Now he's stuck in a dead-end job and, as the next Whitman wedding fast approaches, he is the last one standing. The pressure from his sisters' efforts to play matchmaker is getting hard to bear as Link pulls extra shifts at work, and helps his parents at the Chicory Inn.
All her life, Shayla Michaels has felt as if she straddled two worlds. Her mother's white family labeled her African American father with names Shayla didn't repeat in polite--well, in any company. Her father's family disapproved as well, though they eventually embraced Shayla as their own. After the death of her mother, and her brother Jerry's incarceration, life has left Shayla's father bitter, her niece, Portia, an orphan, and Shayla responsible for them all. She knows God loves them all, but why couldn't people accept each other for what was on the inside? For their hearts?
Everything changes one icy morning when a child runs into the street and Link nearly hits her with his pickup. Soon he is falling in love with the little girl's aunt, Shayla, the beautiful woman who runs Coffee's On, the bakery in Langhorne. Can Shayla and Link overcome society's view of their differences and find true love? Is there hope of changing the sometimes-ugly world around them into something better for them all?
Link Whitman has settled into the role of bachelor without ever intending to. Now he's stuck in a dead-end job and, as the next Whitman wedding fast approaches, he is the last one standing. The pressure from his sisters' efforts to play matchmaker is getting hard to bear as Link pulls extra shifts at work, and helps his parents at the Chicory Inn.
All her life, Shayla Michaels has felt as if she straddled two worlds. Her mother's white family labeled her African American father with names Shayla didn't repeat in polite--well, in any company. Her father's family disapproved as well, though they eventually embraced Shayla as their own. After the death of her mother, and her brother Jerry's incarceration, life has left Shayla's father bitter, her niece, Portia, an orphan, and Shayla responsible for them all. She knows God loves them all, but why couldn't people accept each other for what was on the inside? For their hearts?
Everything changes one icy morning when a child runs into the street and Link nearly hits her with his pickup. Soon he is falling in love with the little girl's aunt, Shayla, the beautiful woman who runs Coffee's On, the bakery in Langhorne. Can Shayla and Link overcome society's view of their differences and find true love? Is there hope of changing the sometimes-ugly world around them into something better for them all?
272 pages, Paperback
Published February 15, 2017
20 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books685 followersDEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
March 24, 2017
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2n0q52i
Deborah Raney brings the Chicory Inn series to a close with the compelling story of Link and Shayla in Home at Last. Deborah is a consummate author and I have greatly enjoyed each of the five books in this series. Each story involves one of the Whitman children and, while Home at Last can stand alone, I recommend reading the series in order.
The story is well written, capturing my attention from the first page, and I have particularly enjoyed how, throughout the series, Deborah deals with difficult life issues in a gentle manner that speaks volumes – such as infidelity, infertility, and dementia. And now, in Home at Last, she writes from the heart in exploring racism and biracial marriage. There is much to love and admire in the two main characters – Link’s good-heartedness and sense of innocence, and Shayla’s determination to do the right thing by her family, no matter how difficult.
Home at Last has a different feel from the previous four books, in that the subject matter is darker and seemed to overshadow character development. I didn’t get to know Link and Shayla as well as I would have liked, and never got a feel for how their caring for each other developed. However, the story’s strength is its cultural relevance and spiritual impact of unity in Christ, which make it a very compelling read. This eye-opening, insightful story gave me a new awareness and much upon which to reflect, and it will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
Deborah shared in an interview about the theme of this book … “We are all one in Christ, and therefore we are all brothers and sisters, and should love and care for one another as such. It’s a tall order, but I hope readers will be compelled to be more compassionate, more understanding, less judgmental, and more full of God’s grace toward each other—even when we disagree on some matters.”
The Whitman family – Grant, Audrey, and their extended family – have become friends as they worked through problems and shared in God’s grace. I appreciated the realism of the series and that nothing was sugar-coated when it comes to the difficulties Link and Shayla will face.
Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Deborah Raney brings the Chicory Inn series to a close with the compelling story of Link and Shayla in Home at Last. Deborah is a consummate author and I have greatly enjoyed each of the five books in this series. Each story involves one of the Whitman children and, while Home at Last can stand alone, I recommend reading the series in order.
The story is well written, capturing my attention from the first page, and I have particularly enjoyed how, throughout the series, Deborah deals with difficult life issues in a gentle manner that speaks volumes – such as infidelity, infertility, and dementia. And now, in Home at Last, she writes from the heart in exploring racism and biracial marriage. There is much to love and admire in the two main characters – Link’s good-heartedness and sense of innocence, and Shayla’s determination to do the right thing by her family, no matter how difficult.
Home at Last has a different feel from the previous four books, in that the subject matter is darker and seemed to overshadow character development. I didn’t get to know Link and Shayla as well as I would have liked, and never got a feel for how their caring for each other developed. However, the story’s strength is its cultural relevance and spiritual impact of unity in Christ, which make it a very compelling read. This eye-opening, insightful story gave me a new awareness and much upon which to reflect, and it will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.
Deborah shared in an interview about the theme of this book … “We are all one in Christ, and therefore we are all brothers and sisters, and should love and care for one another as such. It’s a tall order, but I hope readers will be compelled to be more compassionate, more understanding, less judgmental, and more full of God’s grace toward each other—even when we disagree on some matters.”
The Whitman family – Grant, Audrey, and their extended family – have become friends as they worked through problems and shared in God’s grace. I appreciated the realism of the series and that nothing was sugar-coated when it comes to the difficulties Link and Shayla will face.
Recommended.
I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
July 22, 2017
Nice conclusion to the Chicory Inn Series. It was a pleasure to get to know Grant and Audrey Whitman and their children.
Home at Last focuses on their only living son, Link and racial topics. Main female character Shayla was easy to love with her big heart and focus on family.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
Home at Last focuses on their only living son, Link and racial topics. Main female character Shayla was easy to love with her big heart and focus on family.
My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and the opinions expressed are my own.
March 12, 2017
Every book I’ve read in the Chicory Inn series has challenged me, and I think it’s safe to say that each of the Whitmans (parents, kids, spouses) would agree that life often doesn’t turn out the way we planned. But through the unexpected twists and turns – marital difficulties, infidelity, infertility, remarriage after losing a spouse, and now racism – one thing remains constant: God knows what He’s doing.
In Home at Last, Link finally falls in love. But it’s neither simple nor easy. Shayla Michaels knows from her parents’ experience the seemingly insurmountable problems that biracial couples face, even still today. She knows from her own experience the problems that any children from that relationship will face. And yet… she can’t stop herself from dreaming.
As Link gets to know Shayla, his eyes are opened to the raw reality of racism that still exists. And so were mine. My heart broke for Shayla, for her niece Portia, and for Shayla’s father… and for Link, too. The scene where she meets his family for the first time was palpably awkward, as everyone tries to avoid being awkward. And this is with characters who all love Jesus and love people. I so appreciated the honesty in this scene, the acknowledgment that racial divides aren’t limited to hateful people or those who want to do harm. Sometimes, we’re simply divided by our own discomfort at not knowing how to relate to each other. And that’s something we can fix.
Bottom Line: Home at Last by Deborah Raney is touching and convicting, wrapped in warmth despite the glimpse into the coldness of humanity. And while Link gets an education on how evil can warp attitudes and actions, Shayla’s father learns that there are more genuinely loving people in the world than perhaps he first believed. The framework of these lessons is a love story that is exquisitely sweet, romantic, and fun. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who has ever said “what can I do” as well as for anyone who just wants to enjoy a good romance, a warm family, and a well-written story.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
In Home at Last, Link finally falls in love. But it’s neither simple nor easy. Shayla Michaels knows from her parents’ experience the seemingly insurmountable problems that biracial couples face, even still today. She knows from her own experience the problems that any children from that relationship will face. And yet… she can’t stop herself from dreaming.
As Link gets to know Shayla, his eyes are opened to the raw reality of racism that still exists. And so were mine. My heart broke for Shayla, for her niece Portia, and for Shayla’s father… and for Link, too. The scene where she meets his family for the first time was palpably awkward, as everyone tries to avoid being awkward. And this is with characters who all love Jesus and love people. I so appreciated the honesty in this scene, the acknowledgment that racial divides aren’t limited to hateful people or those who want to do harm. Sometimes, we’re simply divided by our own discomfort at not knowing how to relate to each other. And that’s something we can fix.
Bottom Line: Home at Last by Deborah Raney is touching and convicting, wrapped in warmth despite the glimpse into the coldness of humanity. And while Link gets an education on how evil can warp attitudes and actions, Shayla’s father learns that there are more genuinely loving people in the world than perhaps he first believed. The framework of these lessons is a love story that is exquisitely sweet, romantic, and fun. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who has ever said “what can I do” as well as for anyone who just wants to enjoy a good romance, a warm family, and a well-written story.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 21, 2017
Home at Last is a story about what it means to love and be loved no matter what. This is the fifth book in the series about the Whitman family and this one is about Link Whitman who falls for Shayla Michaels. There is quite a bit of challenges that stand in the way for this couple and not least of all is that Shayla has a black father and she had a white mother. Already experiencing prejudice from her own family, white and black, Shayla does not hold out much hope for her happily ever after. Until Link. Link pursues her because of who she is, not her color. He doesn’t really see that and not until they have a few dates does he realize what he may be up against. Not only that but there are a few other obstacles that he needs to get past that are a little bit more unsettling for him instead of the color of her skin.
This is a contemporary read that really shows that there is still prejudice people of mixed races face even today. Not really fitting into either world can seem daunting and harrowing. And can be a very lonely existence. I like that Link and his family showed her acceptance and love, and viewed her relationship with Jesus as the most important instead of where she came from. I think though the biggest obstacle in Shayla’s life was herself and how she put labels of unworthiness and pity on her own self. If we could but glimpse the way God sees us. I liked how this novel showed realistically the extra challenges that an interracial couple may face.
I received a copy of this book for free through Litfuse. I was not required to give a positive review and the views and opinions are my own.
This is a contemporary read that really shows that there is still prejudice people of mixed races face even today. Not really fitting into either world can seem daunting and harrowing. And can be a very lonely existence. I like that Link and his family showed her acceptance and love, and viewed her relationship with Jesus as the most important instead of where she came from. I think though the biggest obstacle in Shayla’s life was herself and how she put labels of unworthiness and pity on her own self. If we could but glimpse the way God sees us. I liked how this novel showed realistically the extra challenges that an interracial couple may face.
I received a copy of this book for free through Litfuse. I was not required to give a positive review and the views and opinions are my own.
March 12, 2017
Home At Last by Deborah Raney is a contemporary Christian romance and the fifth book in the Chicory Inn series but can be read as a stand-alone. It has been a marvellous series and I have really enjoyed it. It has been wonderful to follow the fortunes of the Whitman family siblings throughout.
The novel has a wonderful air of concern and kindness that permeates throughout. The reader can 'feel' the love that extends through the families in the book. As a parent I can identify with the feelings of Shay's father. His need to protect, even though his daughter is in her thirties. One never stops being a parent.
The need for a mother's love is a basic requirement. Again, no matter how old you get, you still want your mum. "That empty place inside that only... her mother could fill."
This basic desire is tied in to the theme of loss as Shay's mother died several years before the novel began. The hole in her life has not diminished with time.
There is the theme of trusting God, especially in the hard times. "We have to take it on faith that God knows what He's doing." At times life makes no sense but "some things aren't meant for us to understand. Not this side of heaven."
There is a compassion running throughout as characters both help out and donate to the local homeless shelter.
In contrast there is the theme of racial prejudice and injustice. It makes for hard reading at times. However there is a beautiful scene where five year old Portia is welcomed and included by the Whitman grandchildren. Oh that the world could just see each other as people and remove any labels. A world with "people who...wouldn't instantly judge them by the colour of their skin but... by the content of their character."
There is an air of hospitality throughout that blends with the importance of family as the Whitman's extended family meets fortnightly and everyone and anyone is welcome.
I have loved this Chicory Inn series. It doesn't feel like a set of books is ending, it is more like an au revoir to old friends. I have become more involved with the lives of the Whitman's as the series has progressed and it is with sadness that I have read the very last page.
A marvellous series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The novel has a wonderful air of concern and kindness that permeates throughout. The reader can 'feel' the love that extends through the families in the book. As a parent I can identify with the feelings of Shay's father. His need to protect, even though his daughter is in her thirties. One never stops being a parent.
The need for a mother's love is a basic requirement. Again, no matter how old you get, you still want your mum. "That empty place inside that only... her mother could fill."
This basic desire is tied in to the theme of loss as Shay's mother died several years before the novel began. The hole in her life has not diminished with time.
There is the theme of trusting God, especially in the hard times. "We have to take it on faith that God knows what He's doing." At times life makes no sense but "some things aren't meant for us to understand. Not this side of heaven."
There is a compassion running throughout as characters both help out and donate to the local homeless shelter.
In contrast there is the theme of racial prejudice and injustice. It makes for hard reading at times. However there is a beautiful scene where five year old Portia is welcomed and included by the Whitman grandchildren. Oh that the world could just see each other as people and remove any labels. A world with "people who...wouldn't instantly judge them by the colour of their skin but... by the content of their character."
There is an air of hospitality throughout that blends with the importance of family as the Whitman's extended family meets fortnightly and everyone and anyone is welcome.
I have loved this Chicory Inn series. It doesn't feel like a set of books is ending, it is more like an au revoir to old friends. I have become more involved with the lives of the Whitman's as the series has progressed and it is with sadness that I have read the very last page.
A marvellous series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
June 24, 2017
The last book in the Chicory Inn series and I sure am going to miss the Whitman clan! This has been an exceptional series where the author highlights realistic struggles that families face in this complicated modern world. She deals with tough topics with sensitivity and humour and always leaves me thinking. And while Home at Last can be read as a standalone novel, you'll appreciate it more if you've read at least a few of the other books to get a feel for the family dynamics.
Link's the last man standing among his happily married siblings and he's not averse to finding 'the one' and settling down, In fact he might just have found her but...it's complicated. Shayla can't deny she's attracted to Link but she's overwhelmed with the responsibilities she has at home. Helping to run her father's bakery, raising her incarcerated brother's child, tiptoeing around her embittered father. Starting a relationship with Link would just add to her burdens...wouldn't it?
Link's determined to prove her wrong and he pursues her in an endearing bull-in-a-china-shop kind of way. His upper class white collar upbringing clashes insensitively with Shayla's bi-racial blue collar world at times. It's a fascinating study in perspectives on racism and the difficulties that come from bridging two diverse backgrounds. There are scenes that made my blood boil and my skin crawl. But they are balanced by the sweet tenderness of a burgeoning love story that's definitely complicated but worth the effort.
Triumphant conclusion to the Chicory Inn series. I'm sad to let the Whitmans go. Perhaps we can encourage the author to fast forward through time and bring us the Whitman grandkids edition. :-)
Link's the last man standing among his happily married siblings and he's not averse to finding 'the one' and settling down, In fact he might just have found her but...it's complicated. Shayla can't deny she's attracted to Link but she's overwhelmed with the responsibilities she has at home. Helping to run her father's bakery, raising her incarcerated brother's child, tiptoeing around her embittered father. Starting a relationship with Link would just add to her burdens...wouldn't it?
Link's determined to prove her wrong and he pursues her in an endearing bull-in-a-china-shop kind of way. His upper class white collar upbringing clashes insensitively with Shayla's bi-racial blue collar world at times. It's a fascinating study in perspectives on racism and the difficulties that come from bridging two diverse backgrounds. There are scenes that made my blood boil and my skin crawl. But they are balanced by the sweet tenderness of a burgeoning love story that's definitely complicated but worth the effort.
Triumphant conclusion to the Chicory Inn series. I'm sad to let the Whitmans go. Perhaps we can encourage the author to fast forward through time and bring us the Whitman grandkids edition. :-)
March 21, 2017
Home at Last is book 5 in the A Chicory Inn series by Deborah Raney. Deborah has written another book that is so wonderful. I didn’t want to put this book down is was that good. This story is full of love, faith, trust, heartache, and pain. Grab a glass of sweet tea and a few tissues as you kick back and enjoy this most wonderful book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion. 4 stars!
February 23, 2017
Raney tackles a serious subject in this, the fifth and final of the Chicory Inn novels. Link is the last of the Whitman clan not married. When he starts getting to know Shayla, a young woman with an African American father, we get into the issue of inter-racial dating and marriage.
This novel explores racial prejudice, one of the many issues African Americans have to think about that never cross the minds of people like me. They certainly have challenges I have never had to think about.
Raney covers other relational topics in this novel too, such as family dynamics. The Whitman family has one set of dynamics while Shayla, her father, niece and imprisoned brother have an entirely different set.
It seems to me that Raney has done a good job exploring inter-racial issues in this novel. But I am not one to judge, being of northern European descent. I have no idea if how Raney portrays Shayla and her father is an accurate reflection of such a family. I do know that I was disappointed at the end of the novel that so many of the struggles and barriers in the relationship of Link and Shayla were left unresolved. I would like to think that Link and Shayla could ride happily off into the sunset but realistically, I don't think that would be their future. The discussion guide included helps readers contemplate all the complicated issues that might arise from inter-racial romance.
I recommend this novel to reading groups and others who would like to explore and discuss inter-racial romance.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This novel explores racial prejudice, one of the many issues African Americans have to think about that never cross the minds of people like me. They certainly have challenges I have never had to think about.
Raney covers other relational topics in this novel too, such as family dynamics. The Whitman family has one set of dynamics while Shayla, her father, niece and imprisoned brother have an entirely different set.
It seems to me that Raney has done a good job exploring inter-racial issues in this novel. But I am not one to judge, being of northern European descent. I have no idea if how Raney portrays Shayla and her father is an accurate reflection of such a family. I do know that I was disappointed at the end of the novel that so many of the struggles and barriers in the relationship of Link and Shayla were left unresolved. I would like to think that Link and Shayla could ride happily off into the sunset but realistically, I don't think that would be their future. The discussion guide included helps readers contemplate all the complicated issues that might arise from inter-racial romance.
I recommend this novel to reading groups and others who would like to explore and discuss inter-racial romance.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 20, 2017
This is a difficult book review for me to write. I am not a big romance reader, but I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. I loved the characters, the interaction between family members, and everything about the books. When this one came up for review, I didn't even read the blurb..... I just requested it.
Anything can get you labeled a racist today. Just not voting for a black president because you don't like his policies gets you labeled a racist. So to say I am not a fan of interracial relationships will definitely get me labeled by that some..... as if we do not have the freedom to feel that way. Anyway, once I found out what the book was about, I kept an open mind and read it. And I didn't care for it. Maybe it is partly because I am a single guy who will never marry, but I kept thinking Link was nuts for still pursuing a relationship with Shayla with all of the roadblocks and how her dad hated white people. (Yeah, I know it is fiction).
I know there is still racism, but I also know there are a lot of false accusations of racism and some people see it everywhere. It felt to me like the author was pushing the idea that we must all accept interracial marriages, all the while showing what a bad idea it can be. I honestly didn't care for the book, and was sad to see a great series end on this note. I do feel the subject could have been handled better, but the book was a turn off for me. It didn't help that the author referenced the Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin cases..... I am not sure if she agrees with the liberals on that, as she didn't say, but it bothered me that she used them as examples. I guess the whole book came across as an agenda to me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Anything can get you labeled a racist today. Just not voting for a black president because you don't like his policies gets you labeled a racist. So to say I am not a fan of interracial relationships will definitely get me labeled by that some..... as if we do not have the freedom to feel that way. Anyway, once I found out what the book was about, I kept an open mind and read it. And I didn't care for it. Maybe it is partly because I am a single guy who will never marry, but I kept thinking Link was nuts for still pursuing a relationship with Shayla with all of the roadblocks and how her dad hated white people. (Yeah, I know it is fiction).
I know there is still racism, but I also know there are a lot of false accusations of racism and some people see it everywhere. It felt to me like the author was pushing the idea that we must all accept interracial marriages, all the while showing what a bad idea it can be. I honestly didn't care for the book, and was sad to see a great series end on this note. I do feel the subject could have been handled better, but the book was a turn off for me. It didn't help that the author referenced the Michael Brown and Trayvon Martin cases..... I am not sure if she agrees with the liberals on that, as she didn't say, but it bothered me that she used them as examples. I guess the whole book came across as an agenda to me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 9, 2017
About the Book:
Why did their differences matter so much?
Link Whitman has settled into the role of bachelor without ever intending to. Now he's stuck in a dead-end job and, as the next Whitman wedding fast approaches, he is the last one standing. The pressure from his sisters' efforts to play matchmaker is getting hard to bear as Link pulls extra shifts at work, and helps his parents at the Chicory Inn.
All her life, Shayla Michaels has felt as if she straddled two worlds. Her mother's white family labeled her African American father with names Shayla didn't repeat in polite--well, in any company. Her father's family disapproved as well, though they eventually embraced Shayla as their own. After the death of her mother, and her brother Jerry's incarceration, life has left Shayla's father bitter, her niece, Portia, an orphan, and Shayla responsible for them all. She knows God loves them all, but why couldn't people accept each other for what was on the inside? For their hearts?
Everything changes one icy morning when a child runs into the street and Link nearly hits her with his pickup. Soon he is falling in love with the little girl's aunt, Shayla, the beautiful woman who runs Coffee's On, the bakery in Langhorne. Can Shayla and Link overcome society's view of their differences and find true love? Is there hope of changing the sometimes-ugly world around them into something better for them all?
My Review:
They say that love finds you when you aren't looking for it. I guess you can say that is what happened to Link Whitman ans Shayla Michaels. Link is all about concentrating on his work at the Chicory Inn that his parents own. He is a dedicated life long bachelor and he is okay with that or so it seems. That is until he meets Shayla.
Shayla has led a life full of rejection. When you are a mixed kid in a racial type society, I imagine it can get even worse for you since you are neither write nor black. So Shayla has a lot of pain and anger that goes along with all that rejection. It is hard for her to open up and love anyone when she struggles with loving herself, just the way God has made her.
The two of them have to come to grips with society's judgement of their relationship and get past it so that they can love without reservation. They must forgive others and their comments towards the love they feel so that they can grow in their love towards one another.
Deborah Raney writes a humdinger of a final episode to this series. Great writing! Thorough research along with a fascinating storyline make this a fantastic series. I loved it!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
Why did their differences matter so much?
Link Whitman has settled into the role of bachelor without ever intending to. Now he's stuck in a dead-end job and, as the next Whitman wedding fast approaches, he is the last one standing. The pressure from his sisters' efforts to play matchmaker is getting hard to bear as Link pulls extra shifts at work, and helps his parents at the Chicory Inn.
All her life, Shayla Michaels has felt as if she straddled two worlds. Her mother's white family labeled her African American father with names Shayla didn't repeat in polite--well, in any company. Her father's family disapproved as well, though they eventually embraced Shayla as their own. After the death of her mother, and her brother Jerry's incarceration, life has left Shayla's father bitter, her niece, Portia, an orphan, and Shayla responsible for them all. She knows God loves them all, but why couldn't people accept each other for what was on the inside? For their hearts?
Everything changes one icy morning when a child runs into the street and Link nearly hits her with his pickup. Soon he is falling in love with the little girl's aunt, Shayla, the beautiful woman who runs Coffee's On, the bakery in Langhorne. Can Shayla and Link overcome society's view of their differences and find true love? Is there hope of changing the sometimes-ugly world around them into something better for them all?
My Review:
They say that love finds you when you aren't looking for it. I guess you can say that is what happened to Link Whitman ans Shayla Michaels. Link is all about concentrating on his work at the Chicory Inn that his parents own. He is a dedicated life long bachelor and he is okay with that or so it seems. That is until he meets Shayla.
Shayla has led a life full of rejection. When you are a mixed kid in a racial type society, I imagine it can get even worse for you since you are neither write nor black. So Shayla has a lot of pain and anger that goes along with all that rejection. It is hard for her to open up and love anyone when she struggles with loving herself, just the way God has made her.
The two of them have to come to grips with society's judgement of their relationship and get past it so that they can love without reservation. They must forgive others and their comments towards the love they feel so that they can grow in their love towards one another.
Deborah Raney writes a humdinger of a final episode to this series. Great writing! Thorough research along with a fascinating storyline make this a fantastic series. I loved it!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2017
This is the fifth in the Chicory Inn Series. Deborah draws you into the stories where you feel like you really know the family and the issues that they face. Sometimes, we can all relate to a good story.
In the final installment of this series, Deborah has taken a very tough issue that is so prevalent in our society today. She has taken a look at the prejudices that still exist today. Whether it is against a particular race or even a biracial person too. She also addresses the issue of where a parent is absent and the grandparent(s) have to step in and raise a grandchild.
This follows the journey of Link Whitman and Shayla Michaels as they navigate a relationship that a lot of times society frowns upon and is prejudice against. Will the prejudices bring them together or will it tear them apart? Come follow Deborah Raney in the final installment of the Chicory Inn Series and the Whitman family to see how the story ends.
I received this ebook free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable or non-favorable review of this read.
In the final installment of this series, Deborah has taken a very tough issue that is so prevalent in our society today. She has taken a look at the prejudices that still exist today. Whether it is against a particular race or even a biracial person too. She also addresses the issue of where a parent is absent and the grandparent(s) have to step in and raise a grandchild.
This follows the journey of Link Whitman and Shayla Michaels as they navigate a relationship that a lot of times society frowns upon and is prejudice against. Will the prejudices bring them together or will it tear them apart? Come follow Deborah Raney in the final installment of the Chicory Inn Series and the Whitman family to see how the story ends.
I received this ebook free from Litfuse Publicity Group. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable or non-favorable review of this read.
March 22, 2017
It is not often that a contemporary Christian author takes on such a hot topic as racial prejudice and that made me intrigued to read this book. I thought the author wrote about the subject in real and beautiful terms. Watching Link and Shayla navigate the waters of public opinion made for a really good story. It was one that left me with hope for the future. Full review at my website. Note: I received this book complimentary as a participant of the Litfuse Blog Tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are my own.
July 22, 2017
This was a really good story. It highlighted some serious issues that we still see in many parts of our country. It's a story of hope as well. And a sweet, sweet love story.
Good stuff!
Good stuff!
March 20, 2017
I have read every book of this series and loved it! I connected so much with this family - especially the mom of the book and her husband. This family is so much like mine in so many ways so I was excited to get to read this last book of the series. Unfortunately, it wasn't what I was expecting.
Link is the son in the family and at 29, he hasn't met "miss right" yet. Until he meets Shayla while setting up the IT at the shelter where she brought the baked goods from her families bakery. A little flirting and Link is determined to ask her out, once and for all. Their beginning isn't exactly great when Shayla's little niece darts out into the icy road right in front of his truck. Thankfully, she isn't hurt, due to Link's heroics, but it's a shaky start to a shaky relationship.
Shayla's father is black and her mother white. There was a lot turmoil for her parents having a racially mixed marriage and her father is still bitter. Unfortunately, this book had too much bitterness in it for me. I was reading along and then Ferguson pops up in the sentence. I have to say, my heart dropped and I was pretty much done at that point (this is early in the book, by the way). Yes, I know there is still racial issues in our world, however, things have gotten much worse than I have ever, ever seen it and I'm a child of the 60's.
The hateful things that were portrayed in this book was such a disappointment to a wonderful series. I came away from the other books feeling hopeful and happy. This book? Not so much. The ending does lighten up but, by that time, I was so uptight from the negativity from these characters, I just couldn't enjoy it. The one bright character in this book? Link. His loving nature and kindness was a breath of fresh air in an otherwise difficult book.
As always, Deborah Raney's writing is superb and her characters well thought out and developed. I think I'm just tired of the whole color thing. I look at people as people and things would be a lot better if everyone did the same. God made us ALL in His image and that's how I chose to view humanity. What we do as people - good or bad - has nothing to do with the color of our skin. (ok, I'm stepping down off my soap box now).
For wonderful writing I would give this book 5 stars but for the subject matter and the really down feeling I had reading this book, I have to deduct 2 stars (I'm being really generous here) - giving this book 3 stars. I would have loved to have one of my favorite series of all times end with the amazing, good feel and hope I had with the other books but, it just wasn't so.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by LitFuse Publicity Group
March 13, 2017
Link Whitman doesn't exactly find an easy way into the good graces of Shayla Michaels after a near-tragic incident with Link's truck on an icy road. But that's only the tip of an iceberg of obstacles that may prevent a friendship--and something more--between this white man and mixed race woman in Home at Last, a novel by author Deborah Raney.
Yes, I jumped into this series with the final book, without having read the preceding ones. But despite my bit of trouble keeping all of the Whitman family names straight a couple times, this last Chicory Inn novel didn't leave me feeling lost.
In fact, I was pulled right into the novel early, and overall, I remained quite engaged along the way. The story brings together its cast of very human characters to tackle real questions concerning love, friendship, family, race relations, prejudice, faith, and how we handle our fears and dreams.
I'll admit that I was more than halfway through the book before I got a convincing feel for the romance. For much of the story, it seems the development of Link and Shayla's relationship is strongly focused on the surrounding issues that can keep them apart without enough focus on building the chemistry between them, in real time. It's almost as if the romance is mostly happening in the background, and then serious romantic feelings pop into the foreground.
Nevertheless, this is a hopeful and thought-provoking novel that I enjoyed and would highly recommend to fellow ChristFic readers--perhaps even ones who don't normally read romance.
_________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Yes, I jumped into this series with the final book, without having read the preceding ones. But despite my bit of trouble keeping all of the Whitman family names straight a couple times, this last Chicory Inn novel didn't leave me feeling lost.
In fact, I was pulled right into the novel early, and overall, I remained quite engaged along the way. The story brings together its cast of very human characters to tackle real questions concerning love, friendship, family, race relations, prejudice, faith, and how we handle our fears and dreams.
I'll admit that I was more than halfway through the book before I got a convincing feel for the romance. For much of the story, it seems the development of Link and Shayla's relationship is strongly focused on the surrounding issues that can keep them apart without enough focus on building the chemistry between them, in real time. It's almost as if the romance is mostly happening in the background, and then serious romantic feelings pop into the foreground.
Nevertheless, this is a hopeful and thought-provoking novel that I enjoyed and would highly recommend to fellow ChristFic readers--perhaps even ones who don't normally read romance.
_________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
February 5, 2017
The final book in the Chicory Inn series brings Link's love story to life. Although not my favorite book in this series, Link's story deals with the heartbreak and insecurity that can come with an interracial relationship in today's society. If you have been a fan of this series and this family, you will want to put this one on your reading list. *I received an advanced copy of this book*
February 26, 2018
Deborah Raney's Chicory Inn series has tackled many difficult issues from infertility, to marital discord, to suspected infidelity, to, well, you name it and the Whitman family has come out the other side of it stronger. Home at Last, book 5 and the final one in the series, brings us only son Link's story.
Link's story differs from that of his sisters in that, his conflict is more societal than interpersonal. The girl he has fallen for is of mixed race, identifying more with her black heritage than that of her white mother. Shayla Michaels has endured the slights and inequities of a society that does not value her dark skin and, in many ways, has risen above the "slings and arrows" aimed at her. However, the loss of her mother to brain cancer sent her father and her brother into a tailspin, leaving her brother in jail and Shay to care for her niece, Portia, her father and the family bakery. While she loves them all, she has resigned herself to a life without love. What man would willingly take on a ready-made family? The fact that Link is white is NOT a point in his favor.
Link looks at Shay and sees the woman he's meant to be with. He admires her strength, her beauty, and her sense of humor. He doesn't really "get" what the problem is. The more Shay lets him into her world, the more determined he is to prove that he can handle anything if she's willing to try. His biggest hurdle is her father who is adamantly opposed to his daughter dating a white man. He's seen the grief that can cause in his own family and wants nothing to do with it for his 33-year-old baby girl. Can Link prove to both Shay and her father that his love sees Shay's heart not her skin color?
I cringed a little bit when I started Link's story, not because it wasn't good but because it feels like I've been reading far too many racially charged news stories lately. Maybe that's why it's important to read a book like this one. Knowing that neither race really has a handle on their prejudices and sometimes we exhibit our biases without even realizing it, was enlightening to me. Some of these things I knew, in my head, but hadn't really taken them to heart. Home at Last wouldn't let me overlook the ways I might discriminate without really realizing I'm doing it. After her first dinner with Link's family, Shayla points out to him all the ways his family politely tried to avoid the fact that she is black. "Heaven forbid if somebody mentioned they didn't like black jellybeans, the rest of the room froze and watched me to see if I was offended." And I found myself wondering, how would MY family react? I would hope we would see the person, not the skin, but I thought the Whitmans were above that kind of treatment, too.
Home at Last is the fifth, and I think final, book in the Raney's Chicory Inn series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, it is SO MUCH BETTER if you've read the other four! I definitely recommend this book!
Link's story differs from that of his sisters in that, his conflict is more societal than interpersonal. The girl he has fallen for is of mixed race, identifying more with her black heritage than that of her white mother. Shayla Michaels has endured the slights and inequities of a society that does not value her dark skin and, in many ways, has risen above the "slings and arrows" aimed at her. However, the loss of her mother to brain cancer sent her father and her brother into a tailspin, leaving her brother in jail and Shay to care for her niece, Portia, her father and the family bakery. While she loves them all, she has resigned herself to a life without love. What man would willingly take on a ready-made family? The fact that Link is white is NOT a point in his favor.
Link looks at Shay and sees the woman he's meant to be with. He admires her strength, her beauty, and her sense of humor. He doesn't really "get" what the problem is. The more Shay lets him into her world, the more determined he is to prove that he can handle anything if she's willing to try. His biggest hurdle is her father who is adamantly opposed to his daughter dating a white man. He's seen the grief that can cause in his own family and wants nothing to do with it for his 33-year-old baby girl. Can Link prove to both Shay and her father that his love sees Shay's heart not her skin color?
I cringed a little bit when I started Link's story, not because it wasn't good but because it feels like I've been reading far too many racially charged news stories lately. Maybe that's why it's important to read a book like this one. Knowing that neither race really has a handle on their prejudices and sometimes we exhibit our biases without even realizing it, was enlightening to me. Some of these things I knew, in my head, but hadn't really taken them to heart. Home at Last wouldn't let me overlook the ways I might discriminate without really realizing I'm doing it. After her first dinner with Link's family, Shayla points out to him all the ways his family politely tried to avoid the fact that she is black. "Heaven forbid if somebody mentioned they didn't like black jellybeans, the rest of the room froze and watched me to see if I was offended." And I found myself wondering, how would MY family react? I would hope we would see the person, not the skin, but I thought the Whitmans were above that kind of treatment, too.
Home at Last is the fifth, and I think final, book in the Raney's Chicory Inn series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, it is SO MUCH BETTER if you've read the other four! I definitely recommend this book!
January 5, 2017
You can't seem to go anywhere where race is not an issue. From our latest president to the news reports, race is an issue where is simply shouldn't be. All it is is a matter of skin tone and that is all. Yet in this final novel in the Chicory Inn series by Deborah Raney, the lone wolf of the Whitman family, Link finds love where he might least expect it. Tucked quietly away in the Coffee's On Bakery, Link is attracted to Shayla Michaels. I guess one could say it was love at first sight, but as most romance stories go, theirs will not be one that goes smoothly.
Shayla has a lot of things she would rather keep buried, secrets from her past that have earmarked her for a different future than one she might have imagined long ago. Since her parents married years ago, her mother, a white women of some affluence married Mike, a black man and with it came a separation between the families. Shayla's mother's family refused to acknowledge the relationship and left her and Mike to struggle and find a way to make it in the world. Even when a terminal cancer diagnosis was revealed, her parents still refused to budge. After watching her mother suffer needlessly in that regards, Shayla believes that the colors should not mix despite how one might feel differently. Of course, growing up under those stereotypes is bound to make one a bit hardened to it all.
That is why Link is determined to show her that love can transcend any barriers including race, and he is willing to overlook everything that Shayla tosses his way to discourage any attempts at a future for them both. She even has a younger niece, Portia, a wonderfully articulate and precocious five-year-old, that will undoubtedly be one she must care for the rest of her life while her father, Shayla's brother remains locked up in prison. But can love be that easy to accept when one has had to deal with these issues her entire life or will love be the one thing that saves them all and provides a way to change the world or just their part in it, one step at a time?
I received Home At Last by Deborah Raney compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press. This novel gives you an idea of what it is like dealing with all the stereotypes people of color must deal with without having the ability to change things or walk away from it. I love that Deborah Raney took this risk in making this a part of the Whitman story and conveys to us all that love really is the best gift of all. There are discussion questions that conclude the novel that makes for a great book club find and for me, this one was worth 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I love that you don't even realize that Shayla is a different color until you are well into the story and that is what love is all about, it never takes that into consideration when it unites people together.
Shayla has a lot of things she would rather keep buried, secrets from her past that have earmarked her for a different future than one she might have imagined long ago. Since her parents married years ago, her mother, a white women of some affluence married Mike, a black man and with it came a separation between the families. Shayla's mother's family refused to acknowledge the relationship and left her and Mike to struggle and find a way to make it in the world. Even when a terminal cancer diagnosis was revealed, her parents still refused to budge. After watching her mother suffer needlessly in that regards, Shayla believes that the colors should not mix despite how one might feel differently. Of course, growing up under those stereotypes is bound to make one a bit hardened to it all.
That is why Link is determined to show her that love can transcend any barriers including race, and he is willing to overlook everything that Shayla tosses his way to discourage any attempts at a future for them both. She even has a younger niece, Portia, a wonderfully articulate and precocious five-year-old, that will undoubtedly be one she must care for the rest of her life while her father, Shayla's brother remains locked up in prison. But can love be that easy to accept when one has had to deal with these issues her entire life or will love be the one thing that saves them all and provides a way to change the world or just their part in it, one step at a time?
I received Home At Last by Deborah Raney compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press. This novel gives you an idea of what it is like dealing with all the stereotypes people of color must deal with without having the ability to change things or walk away from it. I love that Deborah Raney took this risk in making this a part of the Whitman story and conveys to us all that love really is the best gift of all. There are discussion questions that conclude the novel that makes for a great book club find and for me, this one was worth 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion. I love that you don't even realize that Shayla is a different color until you are well into the story and that is what love is all about, it never takes that into consideration when it unites people together.
March 12, 2017
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Litfuse to read and share my honest opinion. All thoughts are my own and 1oo percent honest.
Home at Last is book five in Raney's Chicory Inn series. Unfortunately, I have only read book four before receiving this one. Though I believe the book could be read as a stand alone novel, I kinda wish I could have read the complete series before reading this last story. I like to really dig in and feel connected with the characters in the books I read so I think not reading all the series first caused a slight disconnect for me. However, I didn't feel lost as I read the story at all. I think the author did a nice job of giving enough background on Link Whitman and his family to make the book easy to follow.
While reading two books from the Chicory Inn series, I can see that the author does a great job of covering delicate and tough issues that arise in life. The books both had a sturdy story line that will keep you wondering what could happen next. In this fifth book, the last Whitman sibling, Link is ready to the find love and marriage like all his sisters have. He finally decides to act on his interest in Shayla, a beautiful woman who has sparked his attention. Shayla is a biracial woman working with her father at the family bakery while raising her niece. As you can imagine all these factors begin to play a part in their relationship. As they begin dating and the process of working through the ups and downs of their relationship as a biracial couple. They face many obstacles along their journey together that are rough and a source of much pain and resentment. From racism and a crazy stalker to dealing with resentment toward Shayla's imprisoned brothers this book is full of mountains for this couple to climb if they are going to find a way to find a life together.
Deborah Raney does a good job at facing tough issues, like biracial dating. In this book, she takes us along as the main characters Link and Shayla work through the obstacles they face as a new couple. If you are someone who likes deep thought provoking fiction and an author that addresses some tough issues in her writing then I believe you will love Home at Last. I would also recommend reading all the Chicory Inn series, Each book follows all of the Whitman siblings and their journey to finding their happiness.
On a more personal note, I felt like the book was a little more tension heavy than the books I normally read. I use reading as a time for me to relax and escape some of the tensions of my day I tend to lean toward lite hearted reads. So though I enjoyed the book and the diverse topic Raney wrote about, it did feel a little too weighted for me. But that is just my personal preference coming through. I urge you to check out the series for yourself.
Home at Last is book five in Raney's Chicory Inn series. Unfortunately, I have only read book four before receiving this one. Though I believe the book could be read as a stand alone novel, I kinda wish I could have read the complete series before reading this last story. I like to really dig in and feel connected with the characters in the books I read so I think not reading all the series first caused a slight disconnect for me. However, I didn't feel lost as I read the story at all. I think the author did a nice job of giving enough background on Link Whitman and his family to make the book easy to follow.
While reading two books from the Chicory Inn series, I can see that the author does a great job of covering delicate and tough issues that arise in life. The books both had a sturdy story line that will keep you wondering what could happen next. In this fifth book, the last Whitman sibling, Link is ready to the find love and marriage like all his sisters have. He finally decides to act on his interest in Shayla, a beautiful woman who has sparked his attention. Shayla is a biracial woman working with her father at the family bakery while raising her niece. As you can imagine all these factors begin to play a part in their relationship. As they begin dating and the process of working through the ups and downs of their relationship as a biracial couple. They face many obstacles along their journey together that are rough and a source of much pain and resentment. From racism and a crazy stalker to dealing with resentment toward Shayla's imprisoned brothers this book is full of mountains for this couple to climb if they are going to find a way to find a life together.
Deborah Raney does a good job at facing tough issues, like biracial dating. In this book, she takes us along as the main characters Link and Shayla work through the obstacles they face as a new couple. If you are someone who likes deep thought provoking fiction and an author that addresses some tough issues in her writing then I believe you will love Home at Last. I would also recommend reading all the Chicory Inn series, Each book follows all of the Whitman siblings and their journey to finding their happiness.
On a more personal note, I felt like the book was a little more tension heavy than the books I normally read. I use reading as a time for me to relax and escape some of the tensions of my day I tend to lean toward lite hearted reads. So though I enjoyed the book and the diverse topic Raney wrote about, it did feel a little too weighted for me. But that is just my personal preference coming through. I urge you to check out the series for yourself.
March 13, 2017
"When the world just sees mistakes, God sees beautiful opportunities for love and grace." (back cover)
Deborah Raney's Chicory Inn series have tackled tough and sensitive issues, and Home at Last, the last novel in the series is no different. What is different is that I felt Home at Last touched on issues that have more to deal with cultural issues, than the emotional turmoil of personal conflicts. That's not to say Home at Last doesn't have personal issues, but rather, it's all integrated.
As we meet Link, the last of the Whitman kids to find a "happily ever after", it's not always as simple. Is it? And that's life. Biracial relationships are extremely common nowadays. I had my share of racial discrimination and am also one in a biracial relationship, so the conflicts in Home at Last regarding racial discrimination and inter-racial relationship seems more extreme to me than in reality. However, I do think in different areas such as small-town America, the racial tension can be more pronounced than in a big city like New York City. Despite that, I'm torn to find how exaggerated I felt many of the reasons behind the conflicts are. Not that there is no merit to these conflicts, but in an overabundance and overreached way. I find it surprising that not even one member of the Whitman family accepted Shayla as she is from the beginning, but took time. The awkwardness didn't pass, and as a family of faith, it's surprising. Not to say being Christians, we don't have our prejudices or stereotypes right away, but to be taken back or to have all be so, it didn't bode well. I felt the subject itself overshadowed what I'd expected from A Chicory Inn Novel, love and grace that extends beyond loved ones.
Deborah Raney is a fabulous writer. Her stories captures the human emotions and God's mercy beautifully. My thoughts on Home at Last have more to do with my personal experience as individual of a different ethnicity than the majority in America, than the authenticity of the story, and what the author is conveying in the story itself. Home at Last is a story that conveys the message of diversity, and what that means in God's eyes; how grace is for ALL; how prejudices and stereotypes can and will be resolve if we open the eyes in our hearts.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Deborah Raney's Chicory Inn series have tackled tough and sensitive issues, and Home at Last, the last novel in the series is no different. What is different is that I felt Home at Last touched on issues that have more to deal with cultural issues, than the emotional turmoil of personal conflicts. That's not to say Home at Last doesn't have personal issues, but rather, it's all integrated.
As we meet Link, the last of the Whitman kids to find a "happily ever after", it's not always as simple. Is it? And that's life. Biracial relationships are extremely common nowadays. I had my share of racial discrimination and am also one in a biracial relationship, so the conflicts in Home at Last regarding racial discrimination and inter-racial relationship seems more extreme to me than in reality. However, I do think in different areas such as small-town America, the racial tension can be more pronounced than in a big city like New York City. Despite that, I'm torn to find how exaggerated I felt many of the reasons behind the conflicts are. Not that there is no merit to these conflicts, but in an overabundance and overreached way. I find it surprising that not even one member of the Whitman family accepted Shayla as she is from the beginning, but took time. The awkwardness didn't pass, and as a family of faith, it's surprising. Not to say being Christians, we don't have our prejudices or stereotypes right away, but to be taken back or to have all be so, it didn't bode well. I felt the subject itself overshadowed what I'd expected from A Chicory Inn Novel, love and grace that extends beyond loved ones.
Deborah Raney is a fabulous writer. Her stories captures the human emotions and God's mercy beautifully. My thoughts on Home at Last have more to do with my personal experience as individual of a different ethnicity than the majority in America, than the authenticity of the story, and what the author is conveying in the story itself. Home at Last is a story that conveys the message of diversity, and what that means in God's eyes; how grace is for ALL; how prejudices and stereotypes can and will be resolve if we open the eyes in our hearts.
This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
March 17, 2017
Most of us would rank spending time with family as one of our highest priorities, but recognize that life's responsibilities and stresses often rush in and prevent quality time with loved ones. In Deborah Raney's Chicory Inn series, readers meet an extended family who are able to honor that promise to make family first. Their success centers around matriarch Audrey Whitman's decision to make Tuesday nights family dinner night; everyone gathers at the family home, now a B and B called Chicory Inn. Grandchildren are spoiled, silly games are played, and occasionally problems are aired.
I've enjoyed the early books of this series, so I was delighted to revisit Chicory Inn in book four CLOSE TO HOME and in book five HOME AT LAST. Author Raney again dishes up some memorable Tuesday nights, but more importantly gives readers windows to heartfelt, realistic stories of second chances, challenges, and acceptance. In CLOSE TO HOME, young widow Bree Whitman knows she must move on with her life as the five year anniversary of her soldier husband's death arrives and passes. But she fears any new life she chooses will mean leaving behind the large Whitman family, her late husband's parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews she has come to love so much. While we have not all experienced death of a young spouse, we've all experienced loss and can relate to Bree's inability to move on. As always Deborah Raney's "take" is sensitive and beautiful.
HOME AT LAST, Raney's most recent novel, ends the series. A secondary story thread about great-mother Cee-Cee failing health continues in HOME AT LAST, while the primary focus in on family bachelor Link. Tired of his dead-end job and his single status, Link takes a risk and asks out beautiful Shayla, who runs a bakery and coffee shop with her father. While Shayla is mutually attracted, she sees too many barriers -- her need to care for her young niece, her father's dependence on her, and not least, her bi-racial heritage. Shayla's life is complicated and falling in love with Link isn't the smooth, easy road to a happy ending that one would expect. Author Raney tackles prejudice, race, and past mistakes, showing us that God can handle all of that and with patience, we can all find HOME AT LAST
I've enjoyed the early books of this series, so I was delighted to revisit Chicory Inn in book four CLOSE TO HOME and in book five HOME AT LAST. Author Raney again dishes up some memorable Tuesday nights, but more importantly gives readers windows to heartfelt, realistic stories of second chances, challenges, and acceptance. In CLOSE TO HOME, young widow Bree Whitman knows she must move on with her life as the five year anniversary of her soldier husband's death arrives and passes. But she fears any new life she chooses will mean leaving behind the large Whitman family, her late husband's parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews she has come to love so much. While we have not all experienced death of a young spouse, we've all experienced loss and can relate to Bree's inability to move on. As always Deborah Raney's "take" is sensitive and beautiful.
HOME AT LAST, Raney's most recent novel, ends the series. A secondary story thread about great-mother Cee-Cee failing health continues in HOME AT LAST, while the primary focus in on family bachelor Link. Tired of his dead-end job and his single status, Link takes a risk and asks out beautiful Shayla, who runs a bakery and coffee shop with her father. While Shayla is mutually attracted, she sees too many barriers -- her need to care for her young niece, her father's dependence on her, and not least, her bi-racial heritage. Shayla's life is complicated and falling in love with Link isn't the smooth, easy road to a happy ending that one would expect. Author Raney tackles prejudice, race, and past mistakes, showing us that God can handle all of that and with patience, we can all find HOME AT LAST
March 11, 2017
I am very saddened to see this series come to an end. I have enjoyed my time in Chicory Inn. The author has made readers feel like part of the family. The inn was the central point of each story as the family gathered there for dinners, marriages and spending quality time togther. Each story in the series seemed to build on to each other. We became acquainted with the Whitman family and experienced their trials and accomplishments. The final book in this engaging series is the most powerful and emotional book the author has ever written. She has surpassed my expectations of a storyline that some will consider uncomfortable and writes with real depth and honesty. Thank you for saving the best for last. I wiped away tears during many scenes and at times I was angry because of the ignorance of people that still see others differently.
Shayla is a beautiful black woman who helps her dad at the family owned bakery. She is a hard worker and fiercely protective of her niece. After her mom died, her father seemed a bit more stern in watching over Shayla and Portia. Her father has faced many hardships in his life and I admired his determination to make things better for Shayla and Portia. Shayla is bitter over the irresponsible choices her brother has made and it showed how one bad choice can have a ripple affect on others.
Link Whitman has run into Shayla several times in town and finds himself smitten with her. I loved how he looked past the color of her skin and saw the beauty she had inside. The story tackles the issue that goes on still today. Shayla knows what it is like to look different and wishes she looked like her mom. Her mom was beautiful with blonde hair and blue eyes. It was tough to be in a biracial marriage and the consequences for Shayla's mom was devastating.
Portia is a firecracker of energy and her smile is contagious. She is very well mannered and innocent. What crushes my heart is when she comes face to face with prejudice. Link is convinced that he can win Shayla over but after witnessing an altercation at the movies between Shay, Portia and some ill mannered young men, he starts to understand why Shayla is so unsure they should have a relationship. Will their relationship out Shayla and her family in danger?
This is one book where the author writes with passion as she shows readers how society still treats others with little respect. Will we ever get to the point where it doesn't matter what color our skin is? When will we remember that children are innocent and should not have to face hate at any age? I was very impressed with Link and his family. They welcomed Shayla into their home and made her feel welcome. I wish miss Chicory Inn but the author leaves us with a powerful message. Love is all we need and with faith we can overcome anything.There are bonus questions at the end of the book that you don't want to miss. I want to thank Deborah Raney for writing a book that we all need to read . Thank you for your love for everyone and helping us through Shayla and Link's story to examine our hearts and see people the way Jesus sees them.
I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group. The review is my own opinion.
Shayla is a beautiful black woman who helps her dad at the family owned bakery. She is a hard worker and fiercely protective of her niece. After her mom died, her father seemed a bit more stern in watching over Shayla and Portia. Her father has faced many hardships in his life and I admired his determination to make things better for Shayla and Portia. Shayla is bitter over the irresponsible choices her brother has made and it showed how one bad choice can have a ripple affect on others.
Link Whitman has run into Shayla several times in town and finds himself smitten with her. I loved how he looked past the color of her skin and saw the beauty she had inside. The story tackles the issue that goes on still today. Shayla knows what it is like to look different and wishes she looked like her mom. Her mom was beautiful with blonde hair and blue eyes. It was tough to be in a biracial marriage and the consequences for Shayla's mom was devastating.
Portia is a firecracker of energy and her smile is contagious. She is very well mannered and innocent. What crushes my heart is when she comes face to face with prejudice. Link is convinced that he can win Shayla over but after witnessing an altercation at the movies between Shay, Portia and some ill mannered young men, he starts to understand why Shayla is so unsure they should have a relationship. Will their relationship out Shayla and her family in danger?
This is one book where the author writes with passion as she shows readers how society still treats others with little respect. Will we ever get to the point where it doesn't matter what color our skin is? When will we remember that children are innocent and should not have to face hate at any age? I was very impressed with Link and his family. They welcomed Shayla into their home and made her feel welcome. I wish miss Chicory Inn but the author leaves us with a powerful message. Love is all we need and with faith we can overcome anything.There are bonus questions at the end of the book that you don't want to miss. I want to thank Deborah Raney for writing a book that we all need to read . Thank you for your love for everyone and helping us through Shayla and Link's story to examine our hearts and see people the way Jesus sees them.
I was given a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity Group. The review is my own opinion.
March 23, 2017
"Home At Last" focuses on Link Whiteman, Grant and Audrey's son. It is the fifth book in the Chicory Inn series. Link is the last sibling of his family that is unmarried. He has not been in a hurry to find the woman of his dreams but he does have it on his mind. He is drawn to a mixed racial woman named Shayla. She helps her dad operate a bakery. But there is also a little girl in the picture. Although Shayla doesn't have a wedding ring on her finger, he wonders what the connection is between her and the little girl. He runs into some hard times with Shayla, both before and after he gets to know her better. Those hard times could potentially destroy anything good or maybe even help make the relationship become stronger.
I like how this book shows that couples of mixed races are more accepted in our world today than they have been in the past. Even though Shayla is of mixed race her skin is brown, which I think makes her look more like a full African American. I like how Link found a list he wrote in his younger days of the qualities that he wanted in his future bride. I love how even though that it seemed like Shayla didn't have a friend in the world that Link didn't let that bother him and brought a lot more love into her world from himself and his family.
One part of the story I didn't like as well as the rest is when Link's dad was expressing how he felt about Shayla and a part of him was glad she wasn't divorced. I didn't like that because a lot of people in this world can't help they are divorced, either it was forced on them or the circumstances in the marriage were so hard (maybe life threatening) they might of felt the only way for them was to get a divorce.
I really liked how Link and Shayla's relationship showed the true colors of the Whitman family. In my opinion, this story did a really great job of bringing out Link's story while bringing the rest of the Whitman family into the story that were highlighted in previous books of this book series.
Not only did I fall in love with the Chicory Inn series but my mother did too! She read all five books in the series! It reaches out to many different generations!
My review- 4.75 out of 5 stars
I received this book free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
I like how this book shows that couples of mixed races are more accepted in our world today than they have been in the past. Even though Shayla is of mixed race her skin is brown, which I think makes her look more like a full African American. I like how Link found a list he wrote in his younger days of the qualities that he wanted in his future bride. I love how even though that it seemed like Shayla didn't have a friend in the world that Link didn't let that bother him and brought a lot more love into her world from himself and his family.
One part of the story I didn't like as well as the rest is when Link's dad was expressing how he felt about Shayla and a part of him was glad she wasn't divorced. I didn't like that because a lot of people in this world can't help they are divorced, either it was forced on them or the circumstances in the marriage were so hard (maybe life threatening) they might of felt the only way for them was to get a divorce.
I really liked how Link and Shayla's relationship showed the true colors of the Whitman family. In my opinion, this story did a really great job of bringing out Link's story while bringing the rest of the Whitman family into the story that were highlighted in previous books of this book series.
Not only did I fall in love with the Chicory Inn series but my mother did too! She read all five books in the series! It reaches out to many different generations!
My review- 4.75 out of 5 stars
I received this book free in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
March 24, 2017
Home at Last is the final book in the Chicory Inn series, and it is a series I highly recommend. While Home at Last is a fantastic novel, I highly recommend you read the other books in the series before you read Home at Last. Each book in the series not only focuses on a specific Whitman child, but also creates depth, character development and interweaving storylines from one novel to the next.
If I had to describe Link Whitman's role within the other books, I would say he most definitely was a minor character (even his deceased brother Tim played a bigger role within the plots of the first four books. Within his minor role, he always came across as kind, loyal, and fun. In Home at Last, Link takes center stage & his personality truly shines through. He is also a 29 year old bachelor, feeling trapped in a "dead-end" job. His desires, struggles, and connections with his family create a very realistic and endearing protagonist!
Shayla is also single, and is busy working at her dad's bakery while also raising her niece. Their life has been a hard one in recent years, and the tough situations are compounded due to one thing; race. Shayla's father is African American, and Shayla and her niece Portia are biracial. The family lives in a predominantly white community. It's rare to see a Christian romance novel address current racial fears & tension, but Raney tackles in head-on and acknowledges how current events (such as Ferguson) have affected the country.
Link and Shayla do not remain separate characters in the novel, and interest in one another is revealed rather quickly. The novel does a great job of capturing the struggles of inter-racial dating, and analyzing if the struggles make it even worth pursuing a relationship.
As the Chicory Inn series comes to an end, Raney does a good job of wrapping up the various storylines and providing a nice "riding off into the sunset" feeling in regards to the Whitman family. I was pleased with Home at Last as well as the Chicory Inn series, and would even read them all again!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*
If I had to describe Link Whitman's role within the other books, I would say he most definitely was a minor character (even his deceased brother Tim played a bigger role within the plots of the first four books. Within his minor role, he always came across as kind, loyal, and fun. In Home at Last, Link takes center stage & his personality truly shines through. He is also a 29 year old bachelor, feeling trapped in a "dead-end" job. His desires, struggles, and connections with his family create a very realistic and endearing protagonist!
Shayla is also single, and is busy working at her dad's bakery while also raising her niece. Their life has been a hard one in recent years, and the tough situations are compounded due to one thing; race. Shayla's father is African American, and Shayla and her niece Portia are biracial. The family lives in a predominantly white community. It's rare to see a Christian romance novel address current racial fears & tension, but Raney tackles in head-on and acknowledges how current events (such as Ferguson) have affected the country.
Link and Shayla do not remain separate characters in the novel, and interest in one another is revealed rather quickly. The novel does a great job of capturing the struggles of inter-racial dating, and analyzing if the struggles make it even worth pursuing a relationship.
As the Chicory Inn series comes to an end, Raney does a good job of wrapping up the various storylines and providing a nice "riding off into the sunset" feeling in regards to the Whitman family. I was pleased with Home at Last as well as the Chicory Inn series, and would even read them all again!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*
July 8, 2019
Home at Last is the last book in Deborah Raney’s Chicory Inn series. Link Whitman is the oldest and only remaining son of bed and breakfast owners Grant and Audrey Whitman. He’s 29 and single. He’d like to have a family like the rest of his siblings, but has been too involved with work and has just never found the right girl. He tries to avoid disastrous set-ups with relatives of his mom’s friends.
Link is not above a little flirtation now and then, however. On his way to the bakery on cold morning for his mom, he anticipates seeing Shayla, the cute girl who works there. But right in front of the bakery, suddenly a young girl runs into the street. Link has trouble stopping on the icy road, but manages to swerve his pickup and miss her. Then Shayla comes running out, terrified and angry with him. At first he thinks the little girl is Shayla’s daughter, but finds she’s the niece – but a niece that Shayla is responsible for.
This incident sets Link and Shayla off on the wrong foot. But overcoming this rough start proves easier than handling their more serious differences. Shayla is of mixed race, with neither set of grandparents approving her parents’ marriage. Her mother has died, her brother is in jail, and her father is bitter and disillusioned. She thinks there are too many obstacles and issues that Link would never understand.
But Link wants to try and convinces her to go out with him – along with her niece, Portia. The path isn’t easy, with misunderstandings and misconceptions on both sides. Will they overcome them or give up trying?
I enjoyed this last visit with the Whitman family and felt Deborah handled the issues involved with sensitivity and understanding.
Link is not above a little flirtation now and then, however. On his way to the bakery on cold morning for his mom, he anticipates seeing Shayla, the cute girl who works there. But right in front of the bakery, suddenly a young girl runs into the street. Link has trouble stopping on the icy road, but manages to swerve his pickup and miss her. Then Shayla comes running out, terrified and angry with him. At first he thinks the little girl is Shayla’s daughter, but finds she’s the niece – but a niece that Shayla is responsible for.
This incident sets Link and Shayla off on the wrong foot. But overcoming this rough start proves easier than handling their more serious differences. Shayla is of mixed race, with neither set of grandparents approving her parents’ marriage. Her mother has died, her brother is in jail, and her father is bitter and disillusioned. She thinks there are too many obstacles and issues that Link would never understand.
But Link wants to try and convinces her to go out with him – along with her niece, Portia. The path isn’t easy, with misunderstandings and misconceptions on both sides. Will they overcome them or give up trying?
I enjoyed this last visit with the Whitman family and felt Deborah handled the issues involved with sensitivity and understanding.
March 15, 2017
Home at Last is the fifth and final book in the series Chicory Inn where the first four books you get acquainted with Deborah Raney’s Whitman family. The three sisters along with the widow of Link’s younger brother’s stories have been told through the past four books. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I feel it is better if you read the first books as this is a continuation of the Whitman family’s children. The leading character in this story is Link Whitman.
This story begins with another up-coming Whitman wedding which will leave only one of Audrey and Grant’s children not married. Link’s sisters and Mom who want him to be happy are always trying to fix him up with some of their friends but Link is working double shifts while living in a dingy apartment and has little time for a social life but wants to choose his own women.
While working with the homeless shelter Link meets Shayla Michaels and feels she is someone that he would like to get to know better. Shayla’s life is full, she takes care of her Dad, works in the bakery that her father runs, and is responsible for the care of her brother’s child because he is in prison. Shayla is biracial, her father is an African American and her mother was white. Her mother’s family wanted nothing to do with her and her father’s family wasn’t much better which made Shayla’s life difficult and her future looking dim.
As Shayla and Link becomes friends and their relationship grows into something stronger Shayla is concerned that their love cannot deal with all the issues that they must face as a couple. Someone out there has it in for her. Can their love survive when there is so much against them?
Deborah Raney has covered racial issues in a soft but meaningful way, provided enough suspense that you want to hurry and turn the pages, while showing that we should turn all of our reservations and concerns over to God. I think this is an excellent read that gives you lots to think about yourself and how your community deals with the struggles and barriers such as Link and Shayla experienced in their inter-racial romance. I also enjoyed the discussion guide.
I received a copy of this book without cost from the publisher through The Fiction Guild, a Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Elite Reader book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in this post are my own, or in this case, my mom's.
This story begins with another up-coming Whitman wedding which will leave only one of Audrey and Grant’s children not married. Link’s sisters and Mom who want him to be happy are always trying to fix him up with some of their friends but Link is working double shifts while living in a dingy apartment and has little time for a social life but wants to choose his own women.
While working with the homeless shelter Link meets Shayla Michaels and feels she is someone that he would like to get to know better. Shayla’s life is full, she takes care of her Dad, works in the bakery that her father runs, and is responsible for the care of her brother’s child because he is in prison. Shayla is biracial, her father is an African American and her mother was white. Her mother’s family wanted nothing to do with her and her father’s family wasn’t much better which made Shayla’s life difficult and her future looking dim.
As Shayla and Link becomes friends and their relationship grows into something stronger Shayla is concerned that their love cannot deal with all the issues that they must face as a couple. Someone out there has it in for her. Can their love survive when there is so much against them?
Deborah Raney has covered racial issues in a soft but meaningful way, provided enough suspense that you want to hurry and turn the pages, while showing that we should turn all of our reservations and concerns over to God. I think this is an excellent read that gives you lots to think about yourself and how your community deals with the struggles and barriers such as Link and Shayla experienced in their inter-racial romance. I also enjoyed the discussion guide.
I received a copy of this book without cost from the publisher through The Fiction Guild, a Thomas Nelson/Zondervan Elite Reader book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed in this post are my own, or in this case, my mom's.
February 9, 2017
I’ve spent the last couple of years with Deborah Raney’s Whitman family and wanted the final book in the Chicory Inn series to last. Then I got into Link’s story and couldn’t put it down. Readers have gotten to know the women in this family pretty well through the past four books, but Link always hung out on the periphery.
In “Home at Last,” Raney takes some risks. Ones that payoff in the end. This book has diversity and deals with the problems and insecurities that come with an inter-racial relationship. It shows readers what one person perceives as a solution to an uncomfortable or unfriendly situation may not be the best one for everyone involved, as Link finds out on his first date with Shayla.
There are some hard truths in “Home at Last.” Truths that should make you reflect on your own perceptions and understanding of how the world works. But through it all, the Whitman family stands in support of each other, doing their best to show God’s love and grace. A family I wish we weren’t saying good-bye to.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
In “Home at Last,” Raney takes some risks. Ones that payoff in the end. This book has diversity and deals with the problems and insecurities that come with an inter-racial relationship. It shows readers what one person perceives as a solution to an uncomfortable or unfriendly situation may not be the best one for everyone involved, as Link finds out on his first date with Shayla.
There are some hard truths in “Home at Last.” Truths that should make you reflect on your own perceptions and understanding of how the world works. But through it all, the Whitman family stands in support of each other, doing their best to show God’s love and grace. A family I wish we weren’t saying good-bye to.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 23, 2017
This is the last book in the series about the Whitman family of Langhorne, Missouri. Reading it as a stand-alone did not take away from the story. This story could be in the category: Diversity among the pages. In it Link, a white man, falls in love with Shayla, a half black girl. But racism is not all they have to deal with. Shayla’s brother is in prison and that has left her to care for her five year old niece, Portia. Each of them are struggling to make ends meet, working long hours and trying to please their families.
Deborah treats this subject with finesse but doesn’t downplay the problems that arise with bi-racial relationships. She portrays Link as a man with a head on his shoulders. who knows what he wants. She gives Shay responsibilities that would weary the best of us. And sticky situations for both that anyone would find difficult.
Links parents and Shay’s dad have real reservations and want what’s best for them. But when someone threatens Shay, the families come together to right a wrong.
This was a very enjoyable story written in an easy style. It made me consider anew the Biblical
admonition to treat others as we would like to be treated. We should see all as Christ sees us: Everyone is in need of a Savior and are equal in His Sight.
Deborah treats this subject with finesse but doesn’t downplay the problems that arise with bi-racial relationships. She portrays Link as a man with a head on his shoulders. who knows what he wants. She gives Shay responsibilities that would weary the best of us. And sticky situations for both that anyone would find difficult.
Links parents and Shay’s dad have real reservations and want what’s best for them. But when someone threatens Shay, the families come together to right a wrong.
This was a very enjoyable story written in an easy style. It made me consider anew the Biblical
admonition to treat others as we would like to be treated. We should see all as Christ sees us: Everyone is in need of a Savior and are equal in His Sight.
March 21, 2017
This is book 5 and the final book to the Chicory Inn series by author Raney. I have read all 5 books and overall I thought the series was good. Some of the books and characters I liked more than others, but I loved the concept of each book focusing on a family member and on the Chicory Inn the parents ran.
The author mostly addresses inter-racial relationships and racial hate in this book which is a pretty heavy topic. Link wants to date Shayla but her father doesn’t approve due to past inter-racial relationship struggles. Shayla is struggling to hold her life together as she becomes the mother figure to her niece and running the bakery full time with her father. She constantly experiences racism all around her and doesn’t think Link has any idea what her world is like. As Link spends more time with Shayla and Portia, he knows he will do anything to protect them and make them a part of his family.
I liked the ending of the book which wrapped up the mom’s struggles with the Inn with constantly feeling overwhelmed trying to balance her family responsibilities and running the Inn with her husband. Good ending to a good series! I would recommend reading all 5 in order to get the best character development and flow.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
The author mostly addresses inter-racial relationships and racial hate in this book which is a pretty heavy topic. Link wants to date Shayla but her father doesn’t approve due to past inter-racial relationship struggles. Shayla is struggling to hold her life together as she becomes the mother figure to her niece and running the bakery full time with her father. She constantly experiences racism all around her and doesn’t think Link has any idea what her world is like. As Link spends more time with Shayla and Portia, he knows he will do anything to protect them and make them a part of his family.
I liked the ending of the book which wrapped up the mom’s struggles with the Inn with constantly feeling overwhelmed trying to balance her family responsibilities and running the Inn with her husband. Good ending to a good series! I would recommend reading all 5 in order to get the best character development and flow.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2017
From page one, Deborah Raney pulls readers into her novel, Home at Last. Raney writes from the heart, bringing the raw emotions of her characters and their stories to life and touching the core emotions of her readers. This story speaks of the hard challenges in life, but how friendship, family, and love can help us pull through. Raney also takes on a challenge by including racial prejudice in her beautifully-written and heart-wrenching story. In this novel, readers will come to love the main characters, Link Whitman and Shayla Michaels and their special and budding relationship. Home at Last brings the Chicory Inn Series to a close. Readers are definitely going to miss this series. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy contemporary fiction.
Series: Chicory Inn
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication date: February 21, 2017
Number of pages: 352
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
Other books in the series:
1-Home to Chicory Lane
2-Two Roads Home
3-Another Way Home
4-Close to Home
A review copy of this novel was provided by the publisher via LitFuse. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Series: Chicory Inn
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication date: February 21, 2017
Number of pages: 352
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
Other books in the series:
1-Home to Chicory Lane
2-Two Roads Home
3-Another Way Home
4-Close to Home
A review copy of this novel was provided by the publisher via LitFuse. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
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