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The Four Lindas #2
Hometown Ties
After decades out of touch, four fifty-something childhood friends have returned to the little coastal town of Clifden, Oregon, where they grew up. They look forward to supporting one another as they reinvent their lives. But second acts can be a challenge, and each woman feels the stretch. Widowed lawyer Janie struggles to leave the past behind and move forward. Emerging artist Marley wrestles with "painter's block." Empty-nester Abby fears no one takes her seriously, while beautiful Caroline has all she can do to keep her Alzheimer's patient mother at home . . . and wearing clothes! Plus, old resentments and new misunderstandings are beginning to strain the friendships they all count on. Can the Four Lindas sisterhood continue to thrive in the close quarters of one little hometown?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
138 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Melody Carlson
418 books3,250 followersMelody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books, several of them Christmas novellas from Revell, including her much-loved and bestselling book, The Christmas Bus.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
She also writes many teen books, including the Diary of a Teenage Girl series, the TrueColors series, and the Carter House Girls series.
Melody was nominated for a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her books, including the Notes from a Spinning Planet series and Finding Alice, which is in production as a Lifetime Television movie. She and her husband serve on the Young Life adult committee in central Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 17, 2019
Even though I'm not the target audience for this book, I can still appreciate it, especially the struggles the characters endure.
March 29, 2011
The second in the "Four Lindas" series which thankfully, the library had after I'd finished reading the first one (and I have the third one on reserve!) Like the first book, this was a fun, easy read, as the friendships continue to blossom and buoy each of the girls facing new challenges. Caroline is taking care of her late-stage-Alzheimer's mom; Marley is trying to find the "artist" in her again; Janie is living in and remodeling her childhood home; and Abby faces the most challenge in deciding to buy a bed-and-breakfast business AND her husband having a heart attack and triple bypass.
Okay; I know I said I recognized these books weren't "great literature", but I was a little annoyed with this one in terms of occasional sloppy writing, or maybe just sloppy proofing. At one point, Caroline introduces Abby to her mom, who reacts in a negative and frightened way, but Abby coaxes her with reminders and "At least her [the mom's] fear seemed to have resided some." RESIDED some? What the... Obviously, the word is "SUBsided". Later, the girls chide Caroline for her Pollyanna-ish attitude and Marley calls her "Our merry little sunshine..." I believe the reference should have been "Little Mary Sunshine". Maybe the author is not old enough to know that, but the proofreader or SOMEONE along the way should have caught it! I just get irritated because every day I notice misprints and spelling errors or poor grammar, even on TV "crawls", etc. We seem to have become a sloppy society where language is concerned...
Okay; I know I said I recognized these books weren't "great literature", but I was a little annoyed with this one in terms of occasional sloppy writing, or maybe just sloppy proofing. At one point, Caroline introduces Abby to her mom, who reacts in a negative and frightened way, but Abby coaxes her with reminders and "At least her [the mom's] fear seemed to have resided some." RESIDED some? What the... Obviously, the word is "SUBsided". Later, the girls chide Caroline for her Pollyanna-ish attitude and Marley calls her "Our merry little sunshine..." I believe the reference should have been "Little Mary Sunshine". Maybe the author is not old enough to know that, but the proofreader or SOMEONE along the way should have caught it! I just get irritated because every day I notice misprints and spelling errors or poor grammar, even on TV "crawls", etc. We seem to have become a sloppy society where language is concerned...
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February 13, 2011I enjoyed reading about the four girls that were high school friends and reconnected. It was entertaining.
June 18, 2025
This is the second book in the Four Linda’s series. I enjoyed it more than the first book.
Each of the characters has a new level of self awareness and growth in this book.
Marley continues to develop as an artist and even has her first show by the end of the book but what is even better is that she finally sees her need for a relationship with God and begins to talk with Him.
Abby begins to take some responsibility for her own unhappiness and makes some big changes to move forward. Caroline begins to care for her mother who has Alzheimer’s, giving all she has to help her mom. She learns that old and new friends are priceless along the way. Janie sees that she can help others and in doing so helps herself. She also learns some things about her parents, which help her to understand some of the mysteries of her childhood.
This was an interesting and well written book until the last chapter. The friends are walking on the beach and each shares the highlight of their week. There were no comments from the others, just quick statements from each. It made me feel at a loss.
There are two more books in the series. I will read the next one as this one was an improvement over the first book.
Each of the characters has a new level of self awareness and growth in this book.
Marley continues to develop as an artist and even has her first show by the end of the book but what is even better is that she finally sees her need for a relationship with God and begins to talk with Him.
Abby begins to take some responsibility for her own unhappiness and makes some big changes to move forward. Caroline begins to care for her mother who has Alzheimer’s, giving all she has to help her mom. She learns that old and new friends are priceless along the way. Janie sees that she can help others and in doing so helps herself. She also learns some things about her parents, which help her to understand some of the mysteries of her childhood.
This was an interesting and well written book until the last chapter. The friends are walking on the beach and each shares the highlight of their week. There were no comments from the others, just quick statements from each. It made me feel at a loss.
There are two more books in the series. I will read the next one as this one was an improvement over the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
This was a pretty good book, though maybe a little slow. Also, for a Christian author, God seems to be just a cliché or a slight undertone. It's definitely not a major part of the character's lives. He showed up a little more at the end, but only after one of the characters had a crisis. Maybe it's a reflection of the author's own faith.
October 21, 2020
A group of four very different women, all return to the small town in Oregon where they were raised, for a wide variety of reasons. These four "Linda's" have been friends since they were in elementary school and forty years later they find out how close they really are and support one another in more ways than one. I too am a Linda who in fourth grade had four Linda's in my class, but we were never the friends that they women are. To be a true friend is to be available to each other in times of need and be able to drop whatever you are doing and go to the aid of another. Without going into more detail, you will need to read this book to find how everything is inter-related. It makes you think, just what kind of friend am I really. It will also make you think of your relationship with God. This is an easy, fun, interesting book to read and can be done quite quickly. I am now about to start the next in the series. Have fun reading this sweet book.
August 16, 2017
This is the second of a series about 4 women who have been close friends since grade school. They form the Four Lindas since all their first names are Linda though they go by their middle name. In this book they have all moved back to their hometown. One has come home to care for her mother who has Alzheimer's, another is renovating her family home, another is feeling left behind because her husband is very busy with his business and her daughters have all moved away, and the last one is supposed to be focused on her upcoming first art show. Even though they are caught up in other things they take time for each other. I wish I had started with the first book in the series, I felt like I was missing out on some important information that would tie the story together. I'm glad I read the book.
November 2, 2020
Read this not knowing it was the second installment of a four part series. Amazon made it seem as a two book series (only this one and the fourth one available). My local library has three of the books in this series (third one not available) so will not read any of the others. The story was good and could be read as a stand-alone. All four Lindas were likable and felt that Caroline had the most focus, having to care for her Alzheimer mother. The ending did leave me wanting to know more about the future of the Lindas but since the next book is not available I won't know (reason I removed a star). Also didn't realize this was Christian fiction which wasn't apparent in the beginning but very apparent near the end.
December 5, 2017
A continuation of the 4 Lindas.
Three Lindas have returned to live in Clifton. They are all navigating living in a small town.
Caroline’s mom has Alzheimer’s. She begins attending care giver short meetings. She also has caregivers coming several times a week to give her breaks.
Jamie’s house is coming together. Her apartment sold in Manhattan.
Marley’s art career is beginning to blossom.
Abbey is going to begin her dream of owning a bed and breakfast.
Three Lindas have returned to live in Clifton. They are all navigating living in a small town.
Caroline’s mom has Alzheimer’s. She begins attending care giver short meetings. She also has caregivers coming several times a week to give her breaks.
Jamie’s house is coming together. Her apartment sold in Manhattan.
Marley’s art career is beginning to blossom.
Abbey is going to begin her dream of owning a bed and breakfast.
April 22, 2023
A wonderful story of true friends.
This was a good story about four women who were close friends in middle school and have come back to their old home town . They are working to rebuild their friendship with each day. It was wonderful seeing how each is coming back the best friendship they had long ago.
This was a good story about four women who were close friends in middle school and have come back to their old home town . They are working to rebuild their friendship with each day. It was wonderful seeing how each is coming back the best friendship they had long ago.
July 23, 2018
Over 50? You KNOW These Women!
Melody Carlson has captured the loves and lives of four women in this series! Book 2 is happy, sad, challenging, fun and engaging. A nice summer or anytime read as her four main characters, childhood friends, are so real!
On to Book 3!
Melody Carlson has captured the loves and lives of four women in this series! Book 2 is happy, sad, challenging, fun and engaging. A nice summer or anytime read as her four main characters, childhood friends, are so real!
On to Book 3!
July 18, 2020
Great female relationship read!
Loved this book and so glad to find this author who is new to me. I enjoy stories about the relationship s between friends. This one hit all the marks!
Loved this book and so glad to find this author who is new to me. I enjoy stories about the relationship s between friends. This one hit all the marks!
June 15, 2017
Another lowish four stars. I had some issues, but nothing major. Overall a good book.
April 25, 2025
Such a cute story. I find it hard to put down because I can hardly wait to see what happens next in the lives of these friends!
October 1, 2010
Title: HOMETOWN TIES
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6495-1
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
Years ago, four little girls named Linda attended the same school and were in the same class. To avoid confusion they started going by their middle names, but they became instant friends. Now, they are all in their early fifties, and once again living in the same hometown, but their friendship is rediscovering itself.
Caroline’s mother has Alzheimer’s and when Caroline makes a routine trip to the grocery store, her mother vanishes. When hunting for her in the neighborhood, Caroline gets the disturbing news that her mother is naked down by the wharf. By the time Caroline arrives, there is a police stand-off and her mother is holed up on a docked fishing boat, threatening to jump. Caroline calls her friend and lawyer, Janie, who relocated to Oregon to hopefully put the past behind her, to come and help.
Marley is trying to get in touch with her artistic side and is suffering from “Painter’s block,” yet she is quick to jump into help with Janie calls for help with Caroline’s mom. And soon, the remaining Linda “Abby” is there, toting hamburgers and fries for the mother. Abby is going through marital problems as she struggles with having an “empty nest.”
As the four friends struggle to find themselves, yet care for each other’s needs in the process, they grow and change. But can they start to thrive in the same small town they grew up in?
HOMETOWN TIES is the second book in the Four Linda’s series. Readers will want to read the first book in the series as this is a continuing story, and does not stand alone.
I was instantly drawn into the story as it opens with Caroline and her mother, and I had to admire her as she dealt with her mom and that situation. My heart broke for the mother, and the entire situation. I also felt for Abby as she struggled to find her place in her home, in her marriage, and in her future.
If you are looking for a good women’s fiction read to fill your hours this fall, then you will definitely want to pick up HOMETOWN TIES by Melody Carlson. The characters will take you by your heartstrings and hold on. There is some alcohol mentioned. I would give this a 3.5, but rounded up to a 4. $14.99. 320 pages.
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6495-1
Genre: Inspirational/women’s fiction
Years ago, four little girls named Linda attended the same school and were in the same class. To avoid confusion they started going by their middle names, but they became instant friends. Now, they are all in their early fifties, and once again living in the same hometown, but their friendship is rediscovering itself.
Caroline’s mother has Alzheimer’s and when Caroline makes a routine trip to the grocery store, her mother vanishes. When hunting for her in the neighborhood, Caroline gets the disturbing news that her mother is naked down by the wharf. By the time Caroline arrives, there is a police stand-off and her mother is holed up on a docked fishing boat, threatening to jump. Caroline calls her friend and lawyer, Janie, who relocated to Oregon to hopefully put the past behind her, to come and help.
Marley is trying to get in touch with her artistic side and is suffering from “Painter’s block,” yet she is quick to jump into help with Janie calls for help with Caroline’s mom. And soon, the remaining Linda “Abby” is there, toting hamburgers and fries for the mother. Abby is going through marital problems as she struggles with having an “empty nest.”
As the four friends struggle to find themselves, yet care for each other’s needs in the process, they grow and change. But can they start to thrive in the same small town they grew up in?
HOMETOWN TIES is the second book in the Four Linda’s series. Readers will want to read the first book in the series as this is a continuing story, and does not stand alone.
I was instantly drawn into the story as it opens with Caroline and her mother, and I had to admire her as she dealt with her mom and that situation. My heart broke for the mother, and the entire situation. I also felt for Abby as she struggled to find her place in her home, in her marriage, and in her future.
If you are looking for a good women’s fiction read to fill your hours this fall, then you will definitely want to pick up HOMETOWN TIES by Melody Carlson. The characters will take you by your heartstrings and hold on. There is some alcohol mentioned. I would give this a 3.5, but rounded up to a 4. $14.99. 320 pages.
October 12, 2011
How could I not pick up a book clearly about women each named Linda? The four women here grew up in coastal Oregon and use their middle names since they are all named Linda.
They're in their mid 50's (again a draw for me) and trying to build new lives in their old neighborhood. This is the second book of four but the first I've read by this author.
I found the book very affecting as Melody Carlson writes of things familiar to women of this generation: aging ill parents, regrets over never having had children, regrets over not being a better parent to children, stale marriages, widowhood, kids in peril and the anguish of wondering if you'll ever love or be loved again.
At times predictable but with enough cattiness about people outside their circle and ties strong enough to travel from grade school to getting older, it's a compelling read. The end was a little cloying with a sudden verging to being religious when that was missing through most of the book.
There are two books following this one, however, I'm content to just read this one with no more need to know how things began in the series or how they end up. I really like the women where they are when you turn the last page of "Hometown Ties".
They're in their mid 50's (again a draw for me) and trying to build new lives in their old neighborhood. This is the second book of four but the first I've read by this author.
I found the book very affecting as Melody Carlson writes of things familiar to women of this generation: aging ill parents, regrets over never having had children, regrets over not being a better parent to children, stale marriages, widowhood, kids in peril and the anguish of wondering if you'll ever love or be loved again.
At times predictable but with enough cattiness about people outside their circle and ties strong enough to travel from grade school to getting older, it's a compelling read. The end was a little cloying with a sudden verging to being religious when that was missing through most of the book.
There are two books following this one, however, I'm content to just read this one with no more need to know how things began in the series or how they end up. I really like the women where they are when you turn the last page of "Hometown Ties".
May 16, 2019
The second book in Carlson's Four Lindas series provides more insight into the characters' lives and motivations. The ending will have readers longing for lifetime friends like these!
SUMMARY: The four "Lindas" have all returned to their hometown--a small city on the Oregon coast--to live. The transition isn't as smooth as it could be: Caroline is dealing with her mother, suffering from an advanced case of Alzheimer's disease, Marley struggles to find her niche with painting, Janie wrestles with moving forward after the loss of her husband, and Abby wants to find something that defines who she is. Can the women remain friends, yet find who they are apart from one another?
SUMMARY: The four "Lindas" have all returned to their hometown--a small city on the Oregon coast--to live. The transition isn't as smooth as it could be: Caroline is dealing with her mother, suffering from an advanced case of Alzheimer's disease, Marley struggles to find her niche with painting, Janie wrestles with moving forward after the loss of her husband, and Abby wants to find something that defines who she is. Can the women remain friends, yet find who they are apart from one another?
December 28, 2013
This is the second book in The Four Linda's series. It is even better then the first one. It carried the reader along in all four of their lives. I really like how the friendship from when they were young has developed and continued into their adult lives. They take care of each other. It is really nice to read about women who are supportive of each other - not catty or back stabbing. I would wish everyone friends like them.
Someone said these books had a christian tone. I like it said that way. It is not preachy, but you know God is a part of their lives.
I am looking forward to reading the third one.
Go to Ope's Opinions.com for more reviews.
Someone said these books had a christian tone. I like it said that way. It is not preachy, but you know God is a part of their lives.
I am looking forward to reading the third one.
Go to Ope's Opinions.com for more reviews.
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April 21, 2013Just finished today. I haven't even looked up how many of these there are, but I will be reading all of them. What category? chick lit par excellence. Some drama, some humor, some romance, all parts of real life. Each Linda (they all go by their middle names or a variation) enters the 2nd round of life. After divorce, after a spouse's death, after breast cancer, and after trying to find one's path they all move on to the next chapter. A good, lasting female friendship is fabulous as they support each other along the way with love and giving of time.
February 12, 2016
Second in the Series
Still as enjoyable as the first book in the series. Still a hard book to share with someone who might have memory issues though. I have enjoyed reading this series because it does deal with every day issues in families and the support friends can be. Not what I would class as light reading but at the same time it is enjoyable and you easily get invested in the characters lives.
Still as enjoyable as the first book in the series. Still a hard book to share with someone who might have memory issues though. I have enjoyed reading this series because it does deal with every day issues in families and the support friends can be. Not what I would class as light reading but at the same time it is enjoyable and you easily get invested in the characters lives.
Read
September 13, 2011I had never read Melody Carlson's books before starting this series. I am getting really caught up in the character's lives and can't wait to see what happens to them next. I can sympathize with Caroline very much and hope that she finds happiness. There are many people that I know that are caretakers for their parents, and it can be very hard to do.
January 23, 2012
This was such a nice book. Slightly suspenseful with relatable characters and real life drama. All of this with a Christian tone.
Four Lindas are still settling into their hometown and they are adjusting to having friends close by. They have wasted no time in getting to know each other again and they make a woman envious of their wonderful friendships.
Four Lindas are still settling into their hometown and they are adjusting to having friends close by. They have wasted no time in getting to know each other again and they make a woman envious of their wonderful friendships.
June 13, 2015
The return of the 4 Lindas to their hometown was a bit contrived, but the author kept things moving enough to keep me engaged in the storyline. Each of the women encounters something that pulls her outside of her comfort zone, and into a position in which she needs the support of her new (old) friends.
January 17, 2013
I cant put these books down. Sometimes i'm skeptical of books where there is a bunch of different people with their own story but this author does a good job of keeping it balanced an its not confusing. I feel like I really know these ladies.
February 16, 2014
Melody Carlson creates characters that become your friends. I felt like the fifth Linda, weeping and laughing along with them. I'm not ready to let them go and hope there's a third book in this series. I'd like to see what happens to them. Novel Journey gives Hometown Ties a high recommendation.
December 18, 2014
Easy Read
This book is an easy, quick read. I have only read one other The Four Lindas book and have enjoyed them both. Of course, the fact that the series is about four women named Linda is what caught my interest in the first place since that's my name!!
This book is an easy, quick read. I have only read one other The Four Lindas book and have enjoyed them both. Of course, the fact that the series is about four women named Linda is what caught my interest in the first place since that's my name!!
April 11, 2011
I actually liked this one more than the first. I think the characters are getting a little more fleshed-out now. I still like Abby the best, and I think Paul sucks.
April 25, 2012
The first book was better. I can't stand Abby's character. She is so whiny and self-absorbed; she makes everything about her. But I love the other 3 characters. On to book 3.
May 12, 2012
Great book about four friends helping each other through life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews