What do you think?
Rate this book
Chicory Inn #4
Dierbaar
Ook al is ze aangetrouwde familie, Bree Cordel Whitman voelt zich thuis bij Grant, Audrey en hun kinderen. Haar overleden echtgenoot Timothy Whitman is omgekomen in Afghanistan en als ze tijd doorbrengt met zijn familie, voelt het alsof ze dicht bij hem is. Zo houden ze samen de herinnering aan Timothy levend. Maar het is nu vijf jaar geleden dat ze weduwe werd en het is tijd om door te gaan met haar leven. Ze voelt zich schuldig omdat ze verlangt naar nieuwe liefde, maar ze blijft erover dromen, in het speciaal over één man: Drew Brooks. Maar hoe kan ze op zijn avances ingaan als ze daarmee haar familie pijn doet?
135 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 7, 2016
21 people are currently reading
212 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Raney
77 books686 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 29, 2016
This fourth book of the Chicory Inn Series was a bit predictable (I suspected who Bree would fall in love with in book three), however, it was enjoyable to watch Bree give herself permission to move on after losing her husband nearly five years prior and find love again. In Close to Home, the readers are exposed to a family member with dementia and the struggles of working through their loss of independence.
I look forward to the fifth and final book in the series coming out in 2017.
I look forward to the fifth and final book in the series coming out in 2017.
March 15, 2017
Okay, I know I said that the previous book in this series was my favorite, but it has now been usurped by this one. I so enjoyed reading Bree’s story. From what I knew of her from the previous novels, I was sure that I would love her and I did. This was such a good story about moving on from tragedy. Not just one man, but two forcing her heart to beat again. I received this book complimentary as a participant of the Litfuse Blog Tour for the final book in this series. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed are my own.
August 30, 2016
I adore the Whitman family and am thrilled with this latest installment of A Chicory Inn Novel series. This is the fourth book and there's still one more to come (yay!) No worries if you haven't read any of the other books -- Close to Home reads perfectly fine as a standalone but I enjoyed the extra insider knowledge I have about the characters from having read the first three.
This is one crazy large, multi-generational and opinionated family. Audrey and Grant are running a bed and breakfast out of their family home now that the kids have all moved out. But that doesn't mean they've stopped keeping tabs on everyone from the youngest grandchild to Grant's 85 year-old mother. I love this couple -- the ease of their relationship and the way they face life's challenges with grace and humour (for the most part.) And we get a few scenes from their perspective in Bree's story which is an extra bonus as far as I'm concerned.
Raney has captured the turmoil that comes from moving on after a spouse's death. Honestly, my stomach was in knots more times than Bree's was as I followed her nail-biting foray into the dating world. After five years of widowhood, twenty-eight year old Bree suddenly finds herself entertaining the idea of falling in love. It's complicated and angsty and there are plenty of twists and turns as she finds herself attracted to two very different men.
And while Bree is grappling over how a new romance might affect her position as an 'adopted' daughter in the Whitman family, they all must come to terms with Grandma Cece's encroaching dementia. Raney captures the stresses and joys of this faith-filled family to sweet perfection.
This is one crazy large, multi-generational and opinionated family. Audrey and Grant are running a bed and breakfast out of their family home now that the kids have all moved out. But that doesn't mean they've stopped keeping tabs on everyone from the youngest grandchild to Grant's 85 year-old mother. I love this couple -- the ease of their relationship and the way they face life's challenges with grace and humour (for the most part.) And we get a few scenes from their perspective in Bree's story which is an extra bonus as far as I'm concerned.
Raney has captured the turmoil that comes from moving on after a spouse's death. Honestly, my stomach was in knots more times than Bree's was as I followed her nail-biting foray into the dating world. After five years of widowhood, twenty-eight year old Bree suddenly finds herself entertaining the idea of falling in love. It's complicated and angsty and there are plenty of twists and turns as she finds herself attracted to two very different men.
And while Bree is grappling over how a new romance might affect her position as an 'adopted' daughter in the Whitman family, they all must come to terms with Grandma Cece's encroaching dementia. Raney captures the stresses and joys of this faith-filled family to sweet perfection.
June 30, 2016
This was the second book that I have read by Deborah Raney, but the first in the Chicory Inn series. After finishing this, I just ordered another book in the series to get to "know" the Whitman family better! Really enjoying Ms. Raney's style of writing! Bree's character seemed so real and her struggle so identifiable. The way that the Whitman family included her so tightly in their every day life, even after their son and her husband's death, is simply beautiful. It reminds me of my in laws and how they have always considered me a daughter, not a daughter in law. And the relationship between Bree and CeeCee, Tim's grandmother, is special and touching. This was a heartwarming look at multiple generations within a family and how they all come together in difficult times as well as happy occasions.
June 17, 2019
Close to Home is the fourth in Deborah Raney’s Chicory Inn series, where empty nesters Grant and Audrey Whitman have transformed their big, rambling home into a bed and breakfast. Each book focuses on one of their five children. This book, however, tells the story of daughter-in-law Bree. Bree had been married to their youngest son, Tim, who had died a solider in Afghanistan. Bree had issues with her own parents and drew close to the Whitmans. They, in turn, considered Bree as one of their own.
It’s been five years since Tim’s death. Bree’s coworker, Aaron, has shown an interest in her, but she’s just not sure she’s ready to date again. Yet she decides to go out with him just as friends. She enjoys him and the relationship, yet something isn’t right. Is it that Aaron isn’t the right one, or that Bree doesn’t want to lose her relationship with the Whitmans?
Another plotline in this book is that feisty Grandma Ceecee has been having some issues that make Grant and Audrey wonder how much longer she can live alone. Ceecee has already said she would not go to a nursing home. Yet it’s seeming less safe than ever for her to be on her own. And with the inn, they don’t think they can manage caring for her at their home.
As soon as one character from a previous book showed up, I had a feeling which way the plot would go. But I enjoyed the journey nonetheless. I have not been in Bree’s situation, but I could sympathize with her dilemma. We have dealt with a parent needing care, so I could empathize with the characters in that situation as well. As always, I enjoyed the time with the Whitmans. Though they have their squabbles and irritations, they they love each other, support each other, and pull together.
It’s been five years since Tim’s death. Bree’s coworker, Aaron, has shown an interest in her, but she’s just not sure she’s ready to date again. Yet she decides to go out with him just as friends. She enjoys him and the relationship, yet something isn’t right. Is it that Aaron isn’t the right one, or that Bree doesn’t want to lose her relationship with the Whitmans?
Another plotline in this book is that feisty Grandma Ceecee has been having some issues that make Grant and Audrey wonder how much longer she can live alone. Ceecee has already said she would not go to a nursing home. Yet it’s seeming less safe than ever for her to be on her own. And with the inn, they don’t think they can manage caring for her at their home.
As soon as one character from a previous book showed up, I had a feeling which way the plot would go. But I enjoyed the journey nonetheless. I have not been in Bree’s situation, but I could sympathize with her dilemma. We have dealt with a parent needing care, so I could empathize with the characters in that situation as well. As always, I enjoyed the time with the Whitmans. Though they have their squabbles and irritations, they they love each other, support each other, and pull together.
June 12, 2017
This is the story of Bree Whitman. She had been widowed almost five years before when her husband, Tim, died in Afghanistan. She has remained very close to the Whitman family and participates most weeks in the Tuesday night suppers. When a friend at work wants to date her, she decides it's time. This is not an easy process for Bree and mistakes are made. Another man enters the picture, complicating things further. Bree has to really search her heart and make some decisions about family, including her relationship with her own parents, which isn't close. Besides Bree's story line, CeCe, the grandmother of the Whitman clan, is facing her own serious issues, so this book deals with finding out what is best for her care. I'm almost a little sad that there is only one book left to read in this series about the Whitmans.
March 9, 2017
About the Book:
Bree Cordel Whitman is a Whitman by marriage, but sometimes she forgets she wasn't born into Grant and Audrey's family. Her late husband, Timothy Whitman, gave his life for his country on a windblown hill in Afghanistan. Bree has let the love of Tim's family keep her ties to him strong--in the same way she keeps Tim's memory alive for them. But it's been almost five years, and she can't hang onto the past forever.
Fighting the guilt she feels for wanting to love again, she can't help her dreams about a tall, dark, and handsome man--a man who is not her Tim. How can she accept the flirtations from Drew Brooks without throwing the Whitman family back into grieving? And how can Drew compete with the ghost of a hero and the hero's very alive family who seem to hold some spell over the woman who shares their name . . . a woman he might just love?
My Review:
In the Chicory Inn series we have grown to love the Whitman family. Just like in any other family there is joy, there is pain, and there is a lot of neat or weird things going on depending on how you look at it. I like Bree's story because even though she wasn't born into the family and your late husband has now passed, the Whitman's still regard her as such. I love that dynamic and I am so glad the author chose to go that way with the story line.
Bree is struggling with the fact that she wants to be loved again. She still loves her Timothy but feels it is time to move on but she doesn't want to cause the Whitman's anymore pain. She is definitely at a crossroads right now.
Drew really likes Bree and would love to take it further but he is afraid to because he is worried he will have to compete with a ghost. He feels strongly that the Whitman's keep this hold on Bree and he isn't sure what to do because he thinks he has very strong feelings for her.
The author has created a very exciting story line. I love the dynamic between Bree and Drew. It was a real page turner and I can't wait to see how this series will end.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
Bree Cordel Whitman is a Whitman by marriage, but sometimes she forgets she wasn't born into Grant and Audrey's family. Her late husband, Timothy Whitman, gave his life for his country on a windblown hill in Afghanistan. Bree has let the love of Tim's family keep her ties to him strong--in the same way she keeps Tim's memory alive for them. But it's been almost five years, and she can't hang onto the past forever.
Fighting the guilt she feels for wanting to love again, she can't help her dreams about a tall, dark, and handsome man--a man who is not her Tim. How can she accept the flirtations from Drew Brooks without throwing the Whitman family back into grieving? And how can Drew compete with the ghost of a hero and the hero's very alive family who seem to hold some spell over the woman who shares their name . . . a woman he might just love?
My Review:
In the Chicory Inn series we have grown to love the Whitman family. Just like in any other family there is joy, there is pain, and there is a lot of neat or weird things going on depending on how you look at it. I like Bree's story because even though she wasn't born into the family and your late husband has now passed, the Whitman's still regard her as such. I love that dynamic and I am so glad the author chose to go that way with the story line.
Bree is struggling with the fact that she wants to be loved again. She still loves her Timothy but feels it is time to move on but she doesn't want to cause the Whitman's anymore pain. She is definitely at a crossroads right now.
Drew really likes Bree and would love to take it further but he is afraid to because he is worried he will have to compete with a ghost. He feels strongly that the Whitman's keep this hold on Bree and he isn't sure what to do because he thinks he has very strong feelings for her.
The author has created a very exciting story line. I love the dynamic between Bree and Drew. It was a real page turner and I can't wait to see how this series will end.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author. All opinions are my own.
August 30, 2021
Een mooi boek van deze serie, alleen vond ik deze een stuk minder boeiend dan bijvoorbeeld het vorige deel. De hoofdpersoon, Bree, vond ik niet echt overtuigend. Haar verdriet om haar overleden echtgenoot en haar gevoelens omtrent zijn familie waren heel echt omschreven, maar ik vond het jammer dat ze zo weifelend en onbetrouwbaar overkwam in haar communicatie naar de mannen die in dit boek voorkomen. Daardoor verloor Bree voor mij haar geloofwaardigheid en bleef ik op 80 procent van het boek steken en duurde het lang voordat ik het boek uit had. Heel jammer, want het concept van het verhaal vond ik erg goed.
April 8, 2022
Another nice enough entry into this series based in a small town in Missouri. This book focuses on Bree, who married into the Whitman family but was left a young widow after her husband was killed in Afghanistan. She is still struggling with knowing when and how to move on but one thing she knows, she does not want to stop being a part of the Whitman family. But, how will a new beau feel about that? She feels an attraction to a co-worker and then meets Drew, the brother of Dallas, who we met in the last book with this story with Danae. No sex or profanity. Not an exciting book but nice enough with a Christian theme.
February 15, 2021
Book # 4 in this series. I loved it. I love that they still think of Bree as family after her husband and their son/brother is killed in the line of duty. I think the relationship she has with the grandmother Cee-Cee is so precious and Cee-Cee is a hoot. I don't want to give anything a way but I did not like the relationship she starts with her co-worker at all, I thought he was way to pushy.
I recommend this book, 100%
I recommend this book, 100%
February 20, 2024
Book 4 in the Chicory Inn series. This book features Bree (daughter-in-law of the Whitman's whose husband died in Afghanistan). As she thinks about dating again, she is torn about losing her in-law family. This had a predictable ending but I enjoyed the story and the thought process of what it would be like to be a widow, marry again and possibly "lose" your original married family that are friends.
February 19, 2017
Deborah Raney always writes winners! You will ache for Bree, the widow of the Whitman's son who was killed in Afghanistan, as she decides it is time to move on with her life. The Whitmans face troubles like everyone else but love and faith in God win. I have enjoyed each of the Chicory Inn books and Close to Home was no exception.
May 13, 2017
Wow! So far this is my favorite book in the series! I love reading stories about men or women trying to find love again after they lose their spouse young. Although I have to say it would be really hard for me to get back out there if I lost my husband too soon. So I give a lot of credit to anybody that can do it. Some parts in this book will get you tears.
August 30, 2017
I enjoyed the closeness of the family (4 generations). I loved that they set and made time for gathering together. They were a family that pitched in when needed! I could relate to Cee Cee who was aging with memory issues. I definitely liked how it turned out with Drew! God's timing is perfect!
December 25, 2017
WOW! Each book in this series gets better! I love the banter of the Whitman family. I enjoy watching as they come together during difficult times. I admire their strong faith. This is a must read series!
April 24, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Chicory Inn series. I have really enjoyed these novels about the Whitman family. Close to Home is an easy read filled with warmth and depth of love and caring for others. I’m looking forward to the final book in the series, though I hate for it to come to an end.
February 26, 2017
I am really enjoying this series. I love Deborah Raney's books.
May 12, 2017
Verder lezen waar ik gebleven was, zo fijn als het nog niet stopt.
June 17, 2017
Best book in the series so far.
April 11, 2019
Another delightful story in the Chicory Inn Series.
October 29, 2017
Book 4 of 5
July 10, 2019
I will definitely read more books by this author! This Christian fiction is a great beach read.
June 23, 2016
When you lose the love of your life, how long will it take before you feel comfortable about dating again, or do you ever? What about the relationships you have built with the family after the death, do you maintain it or simply realize at some point that too will change? These are the questions running through Bree Whitman faces when it has been five years since she lost her Marine husband Tim in Afghanistan. She just can't even begin to imagine what that must be like, even though she is still young enough to begin again. Where does one even start? How will she ever be able to explain that to the Whitman family who feels more like her own family, than her real ones?
Since she has been on the receiving end of the attentions of her co-worker Aaron, who has expressed more than a passing interest in dating her, Bree just isn't sure what to do, but believes it may be time to see how it might work out with Aaron. While her job permits interoffice dating, she knows if it doesn't work out, it will be very uncomfortable to continue to work together and it may affect her working relationship with clients in the event planning business if her and Aaron can't work together. Still it is a risk she is willing to begin, but when Aaron gets too pushy on what he believes Bree should be willing to do at this point in her grieving process, she begins to wonder if she made a mistake, especially when he wants her to give up her Tuesday night dinners with the Whitman family at the Chicory Inn.
Drew Brooks find himself laid off from his job and with no prospects within town including with his brother Dallas' company that is at a hiring freeze, he opts to look outside for work in St. Louis. He just didn't expect it would mean giving up being a part of the family with the Whitmans. But since Grant and Audrey's mother, Cee-Cee is dealing with health issues including forgetting things and running the risk of getting injured living alone in her old age, they believe now is the time to begin building her a small cottage in the meadow on the land in which they run the Chicory Inn, a bed and breakfast so they can keep her close but still allow her to live independently. Now that Drew is looking for work, Grant offers him a job working on the cottage with him until he can find a more permanent job. That works out perfectly until he begins to spend Tuesday nights with the Whitmans and finds a friendship with Bree building into something much more more!
I received Close to Home by Deborah Raney compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free eBook of Close To Home in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. Since I have read the previous novels, this one was missing and was so glad I got the chance to see how Bree would deal with the loss of her husband Tim. I can only imagine how difficult the situation would be and dealing not only with your own feelings but that of your former spouses as well. This played out so well and I was rooting for Bree and Drew the whole time. I really didn't think she would work out with Aaron since their first interactions. A man who thinks Bree is ready but isn't willing to consider all the aspects of beginning again, certainly isn't worth anyone's time. I would easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and reader's even get a sneak peek at the 5th novel coming soon, Home at Last! Even though these are part of a series, you can read this one just fine, but the back stories of each of them are in subsequent novels including the first one that establishes why Grant and Audrey decided to start a Bed and Breakfast in their home.
Since she has been on the receiving end of the attentions of her co-worker Aaron, who has expressed more than a passing interest in dating her, Bree just isn't sure what to do, but believes it may be time to see how it might work out with Aaron. While her job permits interoffice dating, she knows if it doesn't work out, it will be very uncomfortable to continue to work together and it may affect her working relationship with clients in the event planning business if her and Aaron can't work together. Still it is a risk she is willing to begin, but when Aaron gets too pushy on what he believes Bree should be willing to do at this point in her grieving process, she begins to wonder if she made a mistake, especially when he wants her to give up her Tuesday night dinners with the Whitman family at the Chicory Inn.
Drew Brooks find himself laid off from his job and with no prospects within town including with his brother Dallas' company that is at a hiring freeze, he opts to look outside for work in St. Louis. He just didn't expect it would mean giving up being a part of the family with the Whitmans. But since Grant and Audrey's mother, Cee-Cee is dealing with health issues including forgetting things and running the risk of getting injured living alone in her old age, they believe now is the time to begin building her a small cottage in the meadow on the land in which they run the Chicory Inn, a bed and breakfast so they can keep her close but still allow her to live independently. Now that Drew is looking for work, Grant offers him a job working on the cottage with him until he can find a more permanent job. That works out perfectly until he begins to spend Tuesday nights with the Whitmans and finds a friendship with Bree building into something much more more!
I received Close to Home by Deborah Raney compliments of Net Galley and Abingdon Press for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free eBook of Close To Home in exchange for my unbiased and personal opinion. Since I have read the previous novels, this one was missing and was so glad I got the chance to see how Bree would deal with the loss of her husband Tim. I can only imagine how difficult the situation would be and dealing not only with your own feelings but that of your former spouses as well. This played out so well and I was rooting for Bree and Drew the whole time. I really didn't think she would work out with Aaron since their first interactions. A man who thinks Bree is ready but isn't willing to consider all the aspects of beginning again, certainly isn't worth anyone's time. I would easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and reader's even get a sneak peek at the 5th novel coming soon, Home at Last! Even though these are part of a series, you can read this one just fine, but the back stories of each of them are in subsequent novels including the first one that establishes why Grant and Audrey decided to start a Bed and Breakfast in their home.
February 20, 2017
This Chicory Inn series novel puts the spotlight on Bree Cordel Whitman. She is the widow of Grant and Audrey Whitman's son Tim and has been in previous novels in this series. The story will take you inside Bree's mind and how she feels about Tim's family. The whole family meets on Tuesday's for dinner. Bree decides to date one of her coworkers, although he doesn't understand why she has to stay so connected to her "ex's" family. Tim tries to connect with Bree's family and can maybe even be considered an outsider; it left me kind of on the edge to know if Tim's family would accept him and also if Tim would accept the family.
I really liked learning about Bree in this novel because I only learned a little bit about her in previous novels. I learned that she worked special events for a living and what life was like for her outside of her Tuesday night dinners with Tim's family. The story showed me that it was important for Bree to stay connected to Tim's family and that they stay connected to her, to maybe keep Tim's memory alive. I also liked learning about a special connection she had with Tim's grandmother.
Although there was some twist and turns I could predict some of the outcome. There was some things that were kind of left in the air, like cliffhangers, and maybe those will be included in the next novel in this series.
I was sent this book free for the purpose of reviewing the next book in the series.
I really liked learning about Bree in this novel because I only learned a little bit about her in previous novels. I learned that she worked special events for a living and what life was like for her outside of her Tuesday night dinners with Tim's family. The story showed me that it was important for Bree to stay connected to Tim's family and that they stay connected to her, to maybe keep Tim's memory alive. I also liked learning about a special connection she had with Tim's grandmother.
Although there was some twist and turns I could predict some of the outcome. There was some things that were kind of left in the air, like cliffhangers, and maybe those will be included in the next novel in this series.
I was sent this book free for the purpose of reviewing the next book in the series.
August 6, 2016
Close to Home is the first book I’ve read by author Deborah Raney. Even though it’s fourth book in the Chicory Inn Series, I didn’t feel like I had to start with the first book to enjoy it. Enough background information is woven into the storyline, so even a reader new to the series won’t be lost.
Close to Home tells the story of Bree Whitman, who has been widowed for five years. Since her husband Tim was killed in Afghanistan, she has remained close to her in-laws and extended family, who have shared a common bond of grief. But there is a desire stirring in Bree. She is still young and now contemplates marrying again and starting a family. Those feelings are intensified when Aaron from work starts showing an interest in Bree. How will romance with a new man affect her relationship with people who have been her family these past five years? Will she have to cut off those ties? Will those feelings of betraying her husband and his memory ever fade? Is Aaron the right man or has the Lord planned someone else for Bree? To find out, you’ll want to read Close to Home by Deborah Raney.
I really enjoyed the relationships between Bree and the other characters. I thought the author had some good insights into people, emotions, what’s going on under the surface. I liked the characters, with the exception of one person who seemed rather narcissistic, but that’s probably why I didn’t like him.
There were a few times that the book seemed a little slow and dragged a big. Especially when it came to Bree getting a clue on what she needed to do about a relationship.
There was a little bit of faith woven into the book, but it was very minimal with a couple of references to prayer and church. There was one point in the book when Bree and Aaron were having lunch and they independently bowed their heads to pray. That just seemed really odd. Why wouldn’t they pray together?
Personally, I think the book would have been richer and fuller if the author would have done a bit more with faith. Have a person pray out loud, or even show how they are impacted from reading the Bible, hearing a sermon at church or through relationships with other believers.
I did appreciate that the book is clean. There are no sexually inappropriate scenes or language, nor situations that are offensive.
All in all, I really liked Close to Home by Deborah Raney. She is gifted in developing characters and relationships and is insightful. I recommend this book and I would like to go back and read the first three books in the Chicory Inn Series and look forward to future books by this author.
I would like to thank Abingdon Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read Close to Home by Deborah Raney in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
Close to Home tells the story of Bree Whitman, who has been widowed for five years. Since her husband Tim was killed in Afghanistan, she has remained close to her in-laws and extended family, who have shared a common bond of grief. But there is a desire stirring in Bree. She is still young and now contemplates marrying again and starting a family. Those feelings are intensified when Aaron from work starts showing an interest in Bree. How will romance with a new man affect her relationship with people who have been her family these past five years? Will she have to cut off those ties? Will those feelings of betraying her husband and his memory ever fade? Is Aaron the right man or has the Lord planned someone else for Bree? To find out, you’ll want to read Close to Home by Deborah Raney.
I really enjoyed the relationships between Bree and the other characters. I thought the author had some good insights into people, emotions, what’s going on under the surface. I liked the characters, with the exception of one person who seemed rather narcissistic, but that’s probably why I didn’t like him.
There were a few times that the book seemed a little slow and dragged a big. Especially when it came to Bree getting a clue on what she needed to do about a relationship.
There was a little bit of faith woven into the book, but it was very minimal with a couple of references to prayer and church. There was one point in the book when Bree and Aaron were having lunch and they independently bowed their heads to pray. That just seemed really odd. Why wouldn’t they pray together?
Personally, I think the book would have been richer and fuller if the author would have done a bit more with faith. Have a person pray out loud, or even show how they are impacted from reading the Bible, hearing a sermon at church or through relationships with other believers.
I did appreciate that the book is clean. There are no sexually inappropriate scenes or language, nor situations that are offensive.
All in all, I really liked Close to Home by Deborah Raney. She is gifted in developing characters and relationships and is insightful. I recommend this book and I would like to go back and read the first three books in the Chicory Inn Series and look forward to future books by this author.
I would like to thank Abingdon Press and Net Galley for the opportunity to read Close to Home by Deborah Raney in exchange for an honest review. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.
June 16, 2016
Close To Home by Deborah Raney is the fourth book in the Chicory Inn series but can be read as a stand-alone. It is a contemporary Christian novel with a wonderful inclusive family feel to it. I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the Whitman family once more.
There are many themes within the novel including that of moving on. Life never stands still but for widowed Bree she finds herself torn - her love for husband marine Tim keeps her held in limbo versus her desire for marriage and a family. Bree is still young but to move on feels like a betrayal to Tim.
Likewise time is moving on for grandmother CeCe. She is not as young as she was but still fiercely independent. Her family see changes in her and want to help but CeCe fights to maintain her independence.
The novel once again highlights the value of family. Tuesday night is still family night at the Chicory Inn. Family bonds formed in love and fellowship will persist in times of trouble. The Whitman's practice the gift of hospitality. There is always room for one more at their table.
There is a huge bond of love running throughout the novel. Bree is loved by all the Whitman's and treated more like a daughter than a daughter in law. She worries that should she ever marry again, her bond with the Whitman's will be severed.
Deborah Raney shows the value not only of family but of friendship. During testing times, it is always good to have friends to whom one can turn for support and advice.
The characters are all Christians and place a high value on both praying and attending church. One is not designed to be a Christian in isolation but for relationship with others and God.
Deborah Raney has written a marvellous series set around the Chicory Inn. The family exudes warmth and friendship which is 'felt' by the reader. The reader 'feels' included into the family circle. We share the ups and downs of family life.
Each novel in the series has focused on a different family member. This time it is the turn of Bree. I absolutely loved Bree. I 'felt' her confusion and her guilt at the thought of moving on with her life. And I 'shared' her desire to continue to be a member of the Whitman's family. Bree is a wonderfully rounded and realistic character with whom it is easy to relate.
I always love my trips to the Chicory Inn and feel sad when the novel ends. I cannot wait for my fifth and final trip to the Inn.
Give yourself a treat and visit Chicory Inn today. Experience the love and friendship as you journey with the Whitman's through life.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
There are many themes within the novel including that of moving on. Life never stands still but for widowed Bree she finds herself torn - her love for husband marine Tim keeps her held in limbo versus her desire for marriage and a family. Bree is still young but to move on feels like a betrayal to Tim.
Likewise time is moving on for grandmother CeCe. She is not as young as she was but still fiercely independent. Her family see changes in her and want to help but CeCe fights to maintain her independence.
The novel once again highlights the value of family. Tuesday night is still family night at the Chicory Inn. Family bonds formed in love and fellowship will persist in times of trouble. The Whitman's practice the gift of hospitality. There is always room for one more at their table.
There is a huge bond of love running throughout the novel. Bree is loved by all the Whitman's and treated more like a daughter than a daughter in law. She worries that should she ever marry again, her bond with the Whitman's will be severed.
Deborah Raney shows the value not only of family but of friendship. During testing times, it is always good to have friends to whom one can turn for support and advice.
The characters are all Christians and place a high value on both praying and attending church. One is not designed to be a Christian in isolation but for relationship with others and God.
Deborah Raney has written a marvellous series set around the Chicory Inn. The family exudes warmth and friendship which is 'felt' by the reader. The reader 'feels' included into the family circle. We share the ups and downs of family life.
Each novel in the series has focused on a different family member. This time it is the turn of Bree. I absolutely loved Bree. I 'felt' her confusion and her guilt at the thought of moving on with her life. And I 'shared' her desire to continue to be a member of the Whitman's family. Bree is a wonderfully rounded and realistic character with whom it is easy to relate.
I always love my trips to the Chicory Inn and feel sad when the novel ends. I cannot wait for my fifth and final trip to the Inn.
Give yourself a treat and visit Chicory Inn today. Experience the love and friendship as you journey with the Whitman's through life.
I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.
July 6, 2016
Five years ago, Bree Whitman’s world came crashing down when the black car drove up to Grant and Audrey’s house with a “we regret to inform you” message that her husband, Tim, had been killed in action. Piece by piece she has put her life back together - getting a job, moving into her own house – but she hasn’t been able to dip her toes into the dating pool. When her co-worker, Aaron, finally gets her to agree to a date, she immediately starts second-guessing herself. Is she really ready to take this step? Can she separate herself from Tim’s family in order to have a relationship with someone else? After five years of being treated as another daughter to the Whitman’s, does she even want to?
Drew Brooks, younger brother of Dallas who is married to Denae, the middle Whitman daughter, has lost his job and is visiting his brother in Cape Girardeau. Taken in as another “member of the family”, Drew is welcomed into the Whitman fold with open arms. As he works with Grant to build a cottage for Grandma CeeCee, he also gets to know Bree and likes what he sees. The only two problems he sees are his lack of employment and her apparent boyfriend. The more they talk and laugh together, the more his heart is involved. Can he continue as her friend when everything in him wants to be more?
This story really ratchets up the tension for the Whitman family! Since their oldest son, Tim, was killed his wife, Bree, is the only living link they still have to him. Never mind that she has her own parents – who she doesn’t see any more than she has to – and never mind that at 28 she’s far too young to spend the rest of her life without a family of her own. When she starts seeing Aaron and he starts asking her to step away from the Whitman family, Bree’s internal conflict nearly undoes her. She knows that any man she dates will expect her to be involved with her own family and with his but how can she walk away from the family that has held her hand through her grief and taken her in as one of their own?
As always, “Close to Home” can stand on its own but is so much better if you’ve read the other books in the series. It’s like stepping into the Chicory Inn, kicking off your shoes and settling in for an evening of gossip with Grant and Audrey and their loud, active family. I love how strong this family’s bond is. When one hurts, the rest step in to provide support, love and encouragement to make things better. Yes, I definitely recommend this story and can’t wait until Link’s story comes out in the final book of the series.
Thank you, Abingdon Press for the ARC I received through NetGalley!
Drew Brooks, younger brother of Dallas who is married to Denae, the middle Whitman daughter, has lost his job and is visiting his brother in Cape Girardeau. Taken in as another “member of the family”, Drew is welcomed into the Whitman fold with open arms. As he works with Grant to build a cottage for Grandma CeeCee, he also gets to know Bree and likes what he sees. The only two problems he sees are his lack of employment and her apparent boyfriend. The more they talk and laugh together, the more his heart is involved. Can he continue as her friend when everything in him wants to be more?
This story really ratchets up the tension for the Whitman family! Since their oldest son, Tim, was killed his wife, Bree, is the only living link they still have to him. Never mind that she has her own parents – who she doesn’t see any more than she has to – and never mind that at 28 she’s far too young to spend the rest of her life without a family of her own. When she starts seeing Aaron and he starts asking her to step away from the Whitman family, Bree’s internal conflict nearly undoes her. She knows that any man she dates will expect her to be involved with her own family and with his but how can she walk away from the family that has held her hand through her grief and taken her in as one of their own?
As always, “Close to Home” can stand on its own but is so much better if you’ve read the other books in the series. It’s like stepping into the Chicory Inn, kicking off your shoes and settling in for an evening of gossip with Grant and Audrey and their loud, active family. I love how strong this family’s bond is. When one hurts, the rest step in to provide support, love and encouragement to make things better. Yes, I definitely recommend this story and can’t wait until Link’s story comes out in the final book of the series.
Thank you, Abingdon Press for the ARC I received through NetGalley!
April 11, 2023
This book was another good one and brings to light the thoughts and feelings of a woman who has lost her beloved husband to death. I loved her closeness to her husbands family and how they all just wrapped their arms and hearts around her and made her one of them. Aaron also showed how hard it is to date someone who doesn't understand the situation. The way they are all relying on God, even in the hard times and when it is hard to do so, is inspiring.
September 12, 2017
Raney's fourth Chicory Inn novel is a beautiful exploration of remarriage, family, and responsibility. The Whitman family once again opens their hearts to how to live and love with courage.
June 11, 2016
Readers of Deborah Raney’s first three novels in her Chicory Inn series have become well acquainted with the Whitman family. We’ve learned of the trials with Grant and Audrey Whitman’s three daughters and some of the trials they’ve faced in their marriages. Book number four focus on the Whitman who is related by marriage.
Bree Whitman has spent the past five years mourning the loss of her husband and finding comfort in his family. A family she does not want to give up. Yet, as she navigates the dating working, she learns that moving on and finding her own life, her own love, might mean she has to give up the family she’s grown to love. When Drew Brooks starts hanging out with the family, he and Bree form a fast friendship. The man fits right into the Whitman family as if he’s always been there. Yet, Bree’s missteps in romantic relationships make her wonder if she isn’t meant to remain single.
What was interesting to me about this book was that in spite of the book’s description, Bree and Drew don’t really even interact until halfway through the book. Readers get a good insight into how much Bree struggles with letting go of her first love in order to allow the possibility of a new love, the possibility of her own family in her life. Once Drew and Bree make a decision, things move very quickly (more so than the insta-love that happens in many romances today).
Just as Bree struggles with letting go of the Whitman family, as a reader, I too will be sad to see them go. Yet, that’s the beauty of books, right? We can re-visit our friends anytime we wish. And there is still one more family member’s story to be told. We still have to find out what Link’s HEA will look like.
***Abingdon Press provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Bree Whitman has spent the past five years mourning the loss of her husband and finding comfort in his family. A family she does not want to give up. Yet, as she navigates the dating working, she learns that moving on and finding her own life, her own love, might mean she has to give up the family she’s grown to love. When Drew Brooks starts hanging out with the family, he and Bree form a fast friendship. The man fits right into the Whitman family as if he’s always been there. Yet, Bree’s missteps in romantic relationships make her wonder if she isn’t meant to remain single.
What was interesting to me about this book was that in spite of the book’s description, Bree and Drew don’t really even interact until halfway through the book. Readers get a good insight into how much Bree struggles with letting go of her first love in order to allow the possibility of a new love, the possibility of her own family in her life. Once Drew and Bree make a decision, things move very quickly (more so than the insta-love that happens in many romances today).
Just as Bree struggles with letting go of the Whitman family, as a reader, I too will be sad to see them go. Yet, that’s the beauty of books, right? We can re-visit our friends anytime we wish. And there is still one more family member’s story to be told. We still have to find out what Link’s HEA will look like.
***Abingdon Press provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews