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Shore Leave Cafe #8
The Way Back
"Abbie Williams is an author who excels at the romance genre. Her Shore Leave Cafe Romance series is a showcase for her ability to weave a contemporary tapestry, complete with rich characters, vivid settings and seductive moods." ― Dean Mayes, Author The Hambledown Dream, Gifts of the Peramangk, The Recipient, The Artisan Heart
Ruthann Gordon has disappeared.
Swept away by powerful circumstances beyond her control, Ruthann awakens in a place far removed from what she has ever known. Terrified and alone, fate guides her path to people she is certain she has never met, but somehow knows.
Marshall Rawley has also vanished from his hometown of Jalesville, Montana, and there has been no word for months. Trapped in the wild and dangerous past, Ruthann discovers truths she never imagined - and begins to understand her role in saving not only her family, but the family of the man she loves more than her own life.
A story about heartbreak, blame, family, destiny, and the difficulties of returning home, The Way Back is the eighth book in A Shore Leave Cafe Romance series.
A Shore Leave Cafe Romance
1. Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe
2. Second Chances
3. A Notion of Love
4. Winter at the White Oaks Lodge
5. Wild Flower
6. The First Law of Love
7. Until Tomorrow
8. The Way Back
9. Return to Yesterday
The story continues in her most recent novel, A Place to Belong.
Also from Abbie Williams, The Dove Saga
1. Heart of a Dove
2. Soul of a Crow
3. Grace of a Hawk
Ruthann Gordon has disappeared.
Swept away by powerful circumstances beyond her control, Ruthann awakens in a place far removed from what she has ever known. Terrified and alone, fate guides her path to people she is certain she has never met, but somehow knows.
Marshall Rawley has also vanished from his hometown of Jalesville, Montana, and there has been no word for months. Trapped in the wild and dangerous past, Ruthann discovers truths she never imagined - and begins to understand her role in saving not only her family, but the family of the man she loves more than her own life.
A story about heartbreak, blame, family, destiny, and the difficulties of returning home, The Way Back is the eighth book in A Shore Leave Cafe Romance series.
A Shore Leave Cafe Romance
1. Summer at the Shore Leave Cafe
2. Second Chances
3. A Notion of Love
4. Winter at the White Oaks Lodge
5. Wild Flower
6. The First Law of Love
7. Until Tomorrow
8. The Way Back
9. Return to Yesterday
The story continues in her most recent novel, A Place to Belong.
Also from Abbie Williams, The Dove Saga
1. Heart of a Dove
2. Soul of a Crow
3. Grace of a Hawk
325 pages, Paperback
Published February 1, 2018
38 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
April 8, 2018
The story continues where the last book ended with Ruthann Gordon’s disappearance on the way home to Landon, Minnesota and Marshall Rawley gone missing after leaving to find her. Ruthann finds herself in 1881 outside of Howardsville, Montana, badly injured with no memory other than a name...Ruthann Rawley. She’s found by Branch Douglas and his young nephew, Axton who make it their mission to take care of her.
This was the most protracted time travel of the series, dominating most of the book and providing insight into the story of Marshal (as in lawman) Miles Rawley. We also learn so much more about the Yancy family. But, the most interesting aspect of this book is its brutal depiction of the reality of life in the late 19th century. Finally, a historical novel that deals with the smells, bio matters and societal norms in the midwestern territories. It was fascinating.
Ruthann’s journey to find herself while dealing with life in Montana was made more compelling because of her memory loss. I loved making the connections to the present as well as to the Dove series. Mystery, suspense, romance and history are all elements that make this a very, very good story. It’s dangerous and unpredictable. I’m really looking forward to the final chapter of this series.
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
This was the most protracted time travel of the series, dominating most of the book and providing insight into the story of Marshal (as in lawman) Miles Rawley. We also learn so much more about the Yancy family. But, the most interesting aspect of this book is its brutal depiction of the reality of life in the late 19th century. Finally, a historical novel that deals with the smells, bio matters and societal norms in the midwestern territories. It was fascinating.
Ruthann’s journey to find herself while dealing with life in Montana was made more compelling because of her memory loss. I loved making the connections to the present as well as to the Dove series. Mystery, suspense, romance and history are all elements that make this a very, very good story. It’s dangerous and unpredictable. I’m really looking forward to the final chapter of this series.
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
January 29, 2018
Love can survive generations!
Ruthann Rawley awakes in 1881 with no idea where she is or who she is. She is found by 2 Claim Holders who care for her and don’t ask questions. Ruthann meets Marshall Miles Rawley and immediately feels she knows him and cares for him; he feels the same.
Meanwhile, in her own time, her husband Marshall Rawley has disappeared, looking for his wife to bring her back to him. This is book #8 of the Shore Leave series and a centuries-old feud is coming to a head.
After reading half of this book with no clue as to what the hell was happening, there was a chapter sort of explaining how Ruthann and family came to be in the situation they found themselves. This made the rest of the book very enjoyable and I did like my journey into the realms of romantic historical novels - not my usual choice of reading.
The story was strong, as were the characters and I admit I did shed a few tears a couple of times. My only concern is if you haven’t read the other books in the series in which case it does lose some of the charms because the characters are unfamiliar, as is the overall series plot. So, if possible, read the other books first.
If the rest of the series is as good as this book you will not be disappointed.
Shesat
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
Ruthann Rawley awakes in 1881 with no idea where she is or who she is. She is found by 2 Claim Holders who care for her and don’t ask questions. Ruthann meets Marshall Miles Rawley and immediately feels she knows him and cares for him; he feels the same.
Meanwhile, in her own time, her husband Marshall Rawley has disappeared, looking for his wife to bring her back to him. This is book #8 of the Shore Leave series and a centuries-old feud is coming to a head.
After reading half of this book with no clue as to what the hell was happening, there was a chapter sort of explaining how Ruthann and family came to be in the situation they found themselves. This made the rest of the book very enjoyable and I did like my journey into the realms of romantic historical novels - not my usual choice of reading.
The story was strong, as were the characters and I admit I did shed a few tears a couple of times. My only concern is if you haven’t read the other books in the series in which case it does lose some of the charms because the characters are unfamiliar, as is the overall series plot. So, if possible, read the other books first.
If the rest of the series is as good as this book you will not be disappointed.
Shesat
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
January 25, 2018
Thanks to #netgalley for my free copy of this book.
When I picked up this book I honestly did not know that this was the 8th installment. Having not read the first 7 books I was a little confused but there were enough clues in the book for me to piece the back story together.
In #Thewayback by #abbiewilliams our heroine Ruthann wakes up in 1881 with amnesia. Luckily she is found by two men Axon and Uncle Branch who take responsibility for her care and a familiar bond begins. Ruth must peice together her past while surviving her present. Without giving too much of the story away I will say there is time traveling, reincarnations and villains
I enjoyed Ruthann’s story up until the time traveling and villains became a main part of the story about 3/4 of the book in. Maybe I didn’t enjoy that part as much because I was more confused than anything? I just felt the two stories didn’t mesh well. I’ll give the first in the series a try since I liked the authors writing and then go from there.
When I picked up this book I honestly did not know that this was the 8th installment. Having not read the first 7 books I was a little confused but there were enough clues in the book for me to piece the back story together.
In #Thewayback by #abbiewilliams our heroine Ruthann wakes up in 1881 with amnesia. Luckily she is found by two men Axon and Uncle Branch who take responsibility for her care and a familiar bond begins. Ruth must peice together her past while surviving her present. Without giving too much of the story away I will say there is time traveling, reincarnations and villains
I enjoyed Ruthann’s story up until the time traveling and villains became a main part of the story about 3/4 of the book in. Maybe I didn’t enjoy that part as much because I was more confused than anything? I just felt the two stories didn’t mesh well. I’ll give the first in the series a try since I liked the authors writing and then go from there.
December 3, 2020
Central Avenue Publishing and NetGalley provided me with an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Way Back. The choice to read this book was my own.
Ruthann Gordon awakens in a place far removed from her usual life. Terrified and alone, will Ruthann be able to find her way back to those she loves?
When requesting The Way Back, I neglected to see the note from the publisher that explained the novel's place in a larger series. This book can function as a standalone novel, as I was able to follow along with little trouble. Had I read the previous novels, however, I might have felt more invested in the story and the characters. The Way Back was not what I was expecting, especially regarding the surprising plot twist. This plot thread seemed out of left field, without an anchor in the story itself. As a central point, it should have been explained more to help readers unfamiliar with the Shore Leave Cafe universe. Overall, I was not as taken with the plot or the characters that I expected to be, so I would be hesitant to recommend The Way Back to other readers.
Ruthann Gordon awakens in a place far removed from her usual life. Terrified and alone, will Ruthann be able to find her way back to those she loves?
When requesting The Way Back, I neglected to see the note from the publisher that explained the novel's place in a larger series. This book can function as a standalone novel, as I was able to follow along with little trouble. Had I read the previous novels, however, I might have felt more invested in the story and the characters. The Way Back was not what I was expecting, especially regarding the surprising plot twist. This plot thread seemed out of left field, without an anchor in the story itself. As a central point, it should have been explained more to help readers unfamiliar with the Shore Leave Cafe universe. Overall, I was not as taken with the plot or the characters that I expected to be, so I would be hesitant to recommend The Way Back to other readers.
December 28, 2017
Ruthann Gordon feels so guilty about how she left the break-up with her boyfriend Liam that she decides to return home to Shore Leave and offer her apology face to face but not far into her journey she finds herself in a very different place than she was headed and with no memory, not even her name.
Book 8 of the Shore Leave Café series is more than I could have expected. Abbie Williams writing and the story that enfolds about where Ruthann has arrived is brilliant. I was hoping after reading the seven previous books that one of the girls would find themselves time travelling and I must say I was thrilled when finally it happened.
The characters in this book give so much insight to the present time and the pieces of the puzzle are finally being put into place as the events of the past marry up with what is happening now in the present.
This book has many emotions written into it, and you will find yourself laughing at the antics of some of the characters and crying about many of the outcomes. I absolutely devoured this book and greatly look forward to the final instalment. A must read series and even though you don't have to read previous books I would encourage you to start from the beginning and read all of Abbie Williams books as you certainly won't want to miss any of them.
Thanks again to Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Book 8 of the Shore Leave Café series is more than I could have expected. Abbie Williams writing and the story that enfolds about where Ruthann has arrived is brilliant. I was hoping after reading the seven previous books that one of the girls would find themselves time travelling and I must say I was thrilled when finally it happened.
The characters in this book give so much insight to the present time and the pieces of the puzzle are finally being put into place as the events of the past marry up with what is happening now in the present.
This book has many emotions written into it, and you will find yourself laughing at the antics of some of the characters and crying about many of the outcomes. I absolutely devoured this book and greatly look forward to the final instalment. A must read series and even though you don't have to read previous books I would encourage you to start from the beginning and read all of Abbie Williams books as you certainly won't want to miss any of them.
Thanks again to Netgalley and Central Avenue Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 14, 2019
I am reviewing this book for Abbie Williams, Central Avenue Publishing, and NetGalley who gave me a copy of their book for an honest review.
Not having read previous books did hinder my initial enjoyment of the book as I wasn’t sure what was happening at the beginning. Ruthann suffers from amnesia and discovers herself in a different age with no clue of where she is etc.
Not having read previous books did hinder my initial enjoyment of the book as I wasn’t sure what was happening at the beginning. Ruthann suffers from amnesia and discovers herself in a different age with no clue of where she is etc.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews