The Homecoming

The Potter's House #1

by Juliette Duncan

Can she surrender a life of fame and fortune to find true love?

After leaving the small sleepy town of Shelton for the big city, Kayla McCormack struck it big time in the music industry. Her new life gave her everything she needed and wanted… fame, fortune, and fun. She even snagged a famous movie star for a boyfriend.

Just one problem – he’s married, and her conservative Christians parents don’t approve.

Dane Carmichael has had a crush on Kayla since she performed in the school Talent Show at age ten. Now carrying a war wound, Dane’s life revolves around the group of young teens he mentors at church, instilling in them the importance of remaining pure and following Jesus and not the world.

When Kayla rushes home to visit her father after receiving devastating news, she and Dane reconnect. His simple faith and life fascinate but scare her.

Kayla is challenged to assess her chosen lifestyle, but she’s also harboring a secret. She can’t forgive herself for what she did, so how can she expect God to? As He gently draws her to Himself, molding and shaping her, just like Dane does with his pots, she begins to understand how forgiving, loving and kind He really is.

Let this story of love, hope, and second chances warm your heart and draw you close to the One who loves you without condition.

The Homecoming is Book 1 in “The Potter’s House Series”

All books can stand-alone and can be read in any order. The first 7 books are:

Juliette Duncan: The Homecoming (March 27, 2018)

T.K. Chapin: When it Rains (April 10, 2018)

Alexa Verde: Heart Unbroken (April 24, 2018)

Brenda S Anderson: Long Way Home (May 8, 2018)

Mary Manners: Promises Renewed (May 22, 2018)

Kristen M. Fraser: A Vow Redeemed (June 5, 2018)

Marion Ueckermann: Restoring Faith (June 19, 2018)

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Christian Romance, Romance

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 27, 2018

About the author

Juliette Duncan is a USA Today bestselling author of Christian romance stories that ‘touch the heart and soul’. She lives on Queensland's beautiful Sunshine Coast, Australia, and writes Christian fiction that encourages a deeper faith in a world that seems to have lost its way. Most of her stories include an element of romance, but the main love story in each of her books is always God's amazing, unconditional love for His wayward children.

Juliette and her husband enjoy spending time with their five adult children and eleven grandchildren, When not writing, Juliette and her husband I love exploring the wonderful world we live in.

Please feel free to contact Juliette by email (author@julietteduncan.com) or via Facebook.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Homecoming by Juliette Duncan is a delightful Christian romance and the first book in The Potter's House series.
There are many godly themes and lessons to be learnt. God is the master potter. His hands are on our lives. He moulds, refines and fires us if we just say 'yes' to His call. "God was in the business of changing people's hearts."
We need faithful Christians to lovingly guide us to God. "God could still work in her heart... whether she was in church or not." Church is important as the body of believers help us in our walk with God. Transformation of hearts can happen anywhere.
Prayer is our lifeline to God. We can talk to Him anytime, anywhere and know that He hears us.
The lessons learnt in childhood form the foundation for our lives. If we build our lives on God, we will always have a firm foundation. If we stray down the wrong path, our conscience will surely prick us.
Trusting God in the good times is relatively easy. Trusting God at times of ill health or crisis is much harder. We can trust God at all times. "We're trusting in God, whatever the outcome."
Death is not the end. For the Christian it is a 'see you later' and not a 'goodbye.' We can have hope because of Jesus.
Juliette Duncan has created wonderful, warm characters whom I loved. The story is told in the first person from two alternating points of view. We hear both the saved voice and the enquiring voice who wants to believe but isn't quite there yet. Their interactions and outlooks are a joy to witness. A kind word can transform a heart and correct far better than a cross one.
A fabulous tale to kick off a new series. The Potter's House series is a set of books by different authors but with similar themes running throughout. You can start from this book one or dip in and out of the books as they are all stories within themselves. Whatever order you read them in doesn't matter but you seriously do want to read them all. They are wonderful.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Dana Leet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, and if anyone that sees us review wants to friend me on Goodreads feel free. I can say that this book had me in tears and smiling both at the same time at some points. It’s one of the best Christian fiction books I have read this year and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. Honestly you should really read these books if you want a phenomenal story about second chances forgiveness and love

[Margaret Fraleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Potter House Books Series.

I loved the story, the characters and the values depicted in this story.

Thank you Juliette for this heartwarming message.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve seen this series pop up on Facebook and other places for years. Have no idea why I hadn’t started it before. I’m a big fan of Juliette Duncan so I felt confident. I would enjoy this book. And I did.

I want to note that one of the main characters is not a Christian and lives a very world oriented life. Duncan does not portray this in graphic detail, but still it’s not totally sugarcoated either. it’s also vital to the storyline. But I did want to make future readers aware.

I struggled a bit with Kaela’s family and some of the people and her home church. There were some pretty harsh judgment. And a bit of it was dealt with and somewhat resolved by the end of the book I would’ve liked to have seen a little more detail on that. I guess I just want people to understand that as Christians we must stand up for what is right and not celebrate what is wrong, but calling people out on it and especially in a very negative and critical way, does nothing to draw someone to Christ.

That said … we see a beautiful example of loving someone to Christ in Dane. Not only in his relationship with Kayla, but in his mentoring with youth.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, enlightening story of fame, fortune, hardships, love, sadness, sin and redemption as we follow the lives of Dane Carmichael and Kayla McCormick (Kayla Mac) through their ups and downs of life. I particularly like how the author used Dane to explain the omnipotence of God in his efforts to help her understand how and why Jesus came to earth, and what it means to us as humans in a world where sin is rampant and where following God's teachings is scorned by so many.

The story is sweet and predictable in many ways, but there are some surprises and the way the author used Dane and his pottery shop to teach his class of young boys, and later Kayla, how Jesus can mold us and make us into what He wants us to be was brilliant.

A beautiful, well-written story which would be enjoyed by any age group.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book! Ms. Duncan has a way of weaving scripture amongst the characters and storyline without it seeming heavy or interfering with the flow of the story. The characters were believable. I especially enjoyed the parallel to the Potter and the clay as well as quotes like, "You never know how strong you are until you overcome something (something I've learned in my own personal life)" , or "I'd just never been prepared to give up what I thought was the life I wanted for the life I needed. (How many times have I needed to understand that!)" It's a sweet clean romance with a HEA, and I highly recommend it. I can't wait for the next book in this multi-author series! I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.

[Alice Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!
This story had clear faith messages but there were a lot less cliches than some Christian fiction. It had a !message of God's love that was uplifting but also very clear messages of repentance and living a holy life, and best of all the wonderful liberating truth of the God who forgives no matter how much we've fallen short, what we've done.
It follows the story of Kayla, living an immoral life, estranged from her Christian family who seem to judge her. Dane is a strong Christian who does youth work raising men up in Christ. When his old crush Kayla comes home to visit her father he is determined to reach out but she seems unreachable. Broken. The more he knows of her, the more he's in love but he refuses to date her unless she becomes a Christian
Will that ever happen?....

[Mary Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in return for an honest review, and I have no problem with that at all. In The Homecoming, we are shown that it is possible for a person to come home again, even if they think they don't want to. Kayla left her home and family to pursue a career no one approves of, and now she is back at least temporarily due to her father's illness. She is determined to be there for her father, no matter what her mother, the rest of her family and the town think of how she is living her life. She has no use for God in that life, however God has a use for Kayla and uses an old friend to show her the way not only home to her family, but back to God's family as well. This is a lovely story showing that God truly can use even the imperfect among us.

[Tracy Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homecoming

This book was fantastic from the beginning. Kayla is a pop music star raised from a Christian home. Dane is ex Marine.that was injured during his service and following his Christian Faith that he found after his injury .
Dane had a crush on kayla.since they were little but would his faith and love for Kayla be enough for her to want to be part of his Christian life now?
It takes God's help of helping to get all.the "rocks" out of Kayla's life so that she can become a beautiful piece of pottery.
This book reminds us that though we all have a past and even if we haven't lived our lives according to the way we feel.God.wants us to we are still able.to be forgiven for our past mistakes and go.forward

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers that love Juliette Duncan’s books will also find this one amazing, but a bit different. This is a story of a daughter - Kayla - that has chosen a sinful life and has little contact with her family. She gets the news that her father has a serious health issue and heads home to see him. Her time back with her family - and connecting with a classmate that she barely remembers from school - lead to many changes in her heart and her life. This book has sorrow and tears, hope and joy – as we have in our own lives. I’m very glad I read this. (I received an advance copy of this book. The opinions stated here are entirely my own.)

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring beginning to "The Potter's House" series

I enjoyed this book very much and found it very uplifting and reflective. I am a big fan of Juliette Duncan and that was my selling point for this series. I have never read a book of hers that I do not like immensely, a 5 star rating. This book did not create all the emotional feelings I usually have when I read one of her books, which was a surprise for me. It makes no difference because I plan to continue reading the series and have already purchased (KU) the available books. This is a clean, Christian story and I would recommend this book of you enjoy those genres. {FHS} Vicki from Wyoming

[DR · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is told by two characters, with very differing worldviews despite their similar upbringings. They have each departed from the strong Christian teaching of their parents, but one has learnt from this while the other has yet to do so. There is a side story of a teen just starting on his own journey – can he learn from their experience, or does he need to make his own mistakes. A lot of life lessons are shared in this book without coming over as being ‘preachy’. It is interesting to meet a parent from two opposing descriptions – food for thought as to how much our preconceptions colour our judgements.
“I received this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my own.”

[Lois Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy for an honest review of “The Homecoming”. Kayla McCormack known as Kayla Mac in the music industry where her hard work has paid off in fame and fortune. She rushes home to be with her very ill father. Her parents are conservative Christians and don’t approve of her way of life along with other people in this small town. Dane Carmichael served his country and came home with a gimpy leg resulting from a service injury. He operates a pottery shop and mentors a young boys group at church. Can these two people reconnect and find love ?

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a complementary copy of this book for an honest review.

This book is enjoyable but not Juliette Duncan's best. Don't get me wrong; I like the book! I cried in the crying spots and smiled during the heartwarming parts, but I had a difficult time connecting with the main characters and their struggles. Kayla is an ambitious rock star and Dane a soulful potter. They found a too-easy friendship, and Dane lacked meaningful growth. Those things don't really detract from the story of forgiveness and a prodigal child, yet they prevent it from being a better story.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kayla and Dane’s story is truly amazing. Kayla has lived a life that her family and friends didn’t approve of. When her father gets sick her life will change. The way Dane helped her will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. The characters in this story are very special people. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette Duncan has written an excellent story about God's willingness to forgive anyone who truly repents and receives his love. Since Dane is a potter there are many references to God as the Potter. The characters are well drawn. The story follows Kayla, her family's black sheep, who returns home (despite the censure she knows she will face) when she learns her beloved earthly father is very ill. Slowly she opens her heart. If you are looking for an excellenet Christian book, be sure you read the Homecoming.

[sue chin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deeply and profoundly moved me

It is one of my most favorite books! I bought it while I was reading it for free with my subscription.
This story, while “fiction” It’s really a portrayal of a real life walk to salvation: learning, understanding and walking out
the fullness of the incredible gift of love that God has given us in the sacrificial love of His Son.
This story is humbling. I am so grateful to Juliette for writing it and to God for setting it up for me to find it!

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story of redemption. Dane has come through his darkest hours and know God can work miracles of forgiveness in the life of any person. Kayla is still in her dark place and is fighting to stay there as she has decided she does not believe in God. When the two meet they become good friends and Dane helps Kayla see the love God has for her and His desire to bring her into His family of believers. The is journey not an easy one for either of them. This is an inspirational romance. As all of this author's books, it is a clean read.

[Margaret Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliette continues to give us her readers, a very well written book that always points to God's grace and Love for His people. This book was a story of second chances. The one person using what he had learned and received from our Heavenly Father to help others who were seeking to find the Love of God. There are real life issues that are dealt with in a way that honors God and points the reader to the truth about God's character.

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a complimentary copy to read and review honestly. Juliette Duncan’s The Homecoming is a story of real life situations and being influenced through doubt turned into a strong faith in God. It shows it’s never too late to accept Christ into one’s life and be forgiven. Her stories are refreshing reads to counteract the violence and heartache that we experience daily through media or personally.

[Debora Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story that shows a young man who is a Christian and is mentoring teen boys who shares the mistakes he made when he walked away from what he had been taught growing up and about a young woman who is a pop singer who comes from a Christian home but definitely wants nothing to do with religion. When her father becomes sick she comes home and they become friends and it shows how his steadily living his Christian life in front of her shows her that maybe it is real.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: An Absolutely Wonderful Book
Kayla is in a bad place, spiritually fighting against God, at the beginning. However, when she gets bad news about her dad’s health, she runs home to be with him, where she meets Dane. She is drawn to his shop, looking for a gift, and finds herself fascinated with him and his pottery. This book drew me in and kept me reading, fascinated with the story; and by the end, I found myself sighing, “Ahhh!” I would recommend it for a good Christian romance story!

[Sarah Rooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story, I didn't want to put the book down! I was drawn in by the characters - how easy it is to stray away from where God is leading for any of us, but how powerful God's grace is, and how vital it was for Dane to listen and be present to Kayla and live out the truth while allowing God to work. Wonderful story of forgiveness and grace and redemption. Highly recommend! I received this book from the author. All thoughts and comments are my own. I would have purchased it anyway!

[Michaela | Reading in the Heartland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn't my first Potter's House book, but it was really enjoyable to go back and read this first one in the series. I really think it sets the tone for what you can expect with hope, love, and redemption. I've always liked a rockstar romance. This one, being a female rockstar, was definitely unique. I really enjoyed the characters, their storylines, and the family element.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Norma Gorrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Homecoming

This is the story of a young woman who left home-to make a name for herself in the music industry. She did that and when her father was diagnosed with cancer she returned home to visit only to go back to finish the tour and came back home to get married and be there when her father passed. She had decided to change her life and became a Christian before her father passed. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tender, bittersweet story! Dane and Kayla are great leading characters. God's love and forgiveness shine through the entire book. Parents love and guidance sometimes come across as too judgmental to their children! I highly recommend this contemporary book to others. I received an advance e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Pamela Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am writing this review because it is a great book. I love the characters and the problems they are going though. I love the salvation message and well as the biblical applications that are found. I do wise they would use the King James Version, it would be the only thing that I would change. Thank you for the good books to read and giving us other authors that we can use.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Slate Wiped Clean

This first book in the Potter’s House series was beautifully written, like it was hand crafted for a Godly heart. There are many aspects of this book that kept me coming back for more. It made me laugh, cheer, and cry, but mostly it brought me closer to God in my faith. Thank you Juliette, Be Blessed!

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, hope, redemption and second chances!
Great message of Love, forgiveness, Grace!
“I’d tasted life apart from God, and I knew it was empty and without purpose. It might look like fun, but the fun was short lived.” So true!
The story touched my heart and I can see myself through their struggles and redemption. I can definitely relate with the characters.
Thank you! I really enjoyed this book!

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Kayla and Dean is very heartwarming. Two people, one famous and recently from Los Angeles and the other from a small town, meet again after many years. God's love works to bring them together in a special way as friends and eventually as husband and wife. I highly recommend this wonderful Christian romance.