Home to Stay

A Little Child Shall Lead Them #2

by Loree Lough

In the New Order Amish community of Pleasant Valley, a helping hand is never far away, and a baby's smile can be reason enough to start over--and risk love again . . .

Since losing his family in a tragic accident, building contractor Max Lambright can't seem to find purpose in anything but hard work . . . until he meets feisty newcomer, Willa Richards. As she struggles to make a new life for herself and her baby girl, she challenges him in just about every possible way. Dare he hope that, alongside this spirited woman, he might rekindle his lost faith, and find the path to love and the family he craves?

Poor choices and a difficult past have inspired Willa to make better decisions for her precious Frannie, even if it means leaving the familiar behind and starting over . . . among strangers. As she adapts to the Amish ways, she learns about Max's generous and steadfast nature. The loneliness he tries so hard to mask can't be hidden . . . not from a woman with something to prove: Together, they can build their friendship into something that will forever stand as the cornerstone of a happy family . . .

Genres: Amish, Amish Fiction

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 1, 2020

About the author

With the upcoming release of the books in her new Kensington series, bestselling author Loree Lough will have 121 books on the shelves (8,000,000+ copies in circulation). Her writing style has been compared to Nicholas Sparks and Mary Jo Putney, and readers and reviewers often call her “a gifted writer whose stories touch hearts and change lives.”

With a long list of industry awards, it isn't likely this prolific author will ever retire...not even to her cozy li'l cabin in the Allegheny Mountains. She loves to hear from her readers and personally answers every letter sent to http://www.loreelough.com/.

Visit http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B000APRS7S to see some of Loree's available titles.

Reviews

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another sweet amish book. with all The things we expect from an amish book. strong realationships, hope, faith in God. But this book also deals with mental health issues.,suicide, The healing powerfrom an innocent Child and the chance to start over. I recommend this book..Thank you to netgalley for this e arc in exchange for an honest review

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Pleasant Valley, and with some old friends, and new ones are introduced, and thus another great read by this author.
This story has a range of emotions, there is depression, fear, love, compassion and more, and we are here to experience them.
This is not the usual Amish read, there are topics here that we don't hear about in their community, but we are all human and problems exist. There is also evil lurking and we see how it is handled, and the end results.
This read was a page turner, and answers come, not always as we hope!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Keningston. and was not required to give a positive review.

[Connie Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Loree Lough and she has a winner I will read more. This is a great storyline that covers many current topics. Willa is a single Mom raising a toddler and finds herself in the middle of an Amish community to change her life. Ms. Lough has touched on drugs, addiction, finding faith, finding love, depression, suicide, trust and raising a toddler. This book was so enjoyable and I believe Willa, Max, and Frankie need "the next chapter".

[Stella Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story. This New Order Amish community and especially Max welcomes Willa and her baby daughter into their hearts. It is a story of hope, Faith and a second chance for them. As love blooms between Willa and Max there is also a cloud of sadness that hovers over their lives because of the unhappiness of Willa’s employer. As depression sets in on Anki, Willa does her best to love and encourage her as she also has to deal with Anki’s husband Dan who is very hard to please. You will like this story of love and forgiveness. I recommend it.

[Pamela Pavkov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home to Stay is the second powerful story written by Lorre Lough in her A Little Child Shall Lead them. This story tells if new beginnings, forgiveness, devastating loss, and faith. The characters are truly amazing and likeable. Willa Reynolds is a struggling new mom dealing with traumatic events from her past. When she is placed in an Amish home to help with an Amish lady who is struggling with the trauma of being barren Willa finds her true calling.

Willa meets Amish man Max and falls head over heels for him. Max feels the same for Willa and her baby Frannie. Their journey takes many twist and turns plus dealing with Willa's past. When a stranger appears demanding a large sum of money things get really stressful. Also the Amish woman Willa is trying to help takes drastic measures leaving her community completely devastated.

I was not given a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. I was not approached to post a favorable response. I have rated this story with five stars for meeting my expectations of a wonderful story that I can highly recommend to others. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Congratulations to Lorre Lough on writing another inspiring story for her readers enjoyment.

[JoAnn McGowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed the characters of this book - it was nice to revisit the original characters ! This was a story of hope and new beginnings. However there was some really sad parts!

I love this author as she really portrays the characters I such a way that makes you think long after the book is over !

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Loree Lough's Amish books. They're just so charming and sweet!
Amish fiction is at it's best here and I was swept into the story from beginning until the end.
I enjoyed coming back to Pleasant Valley for another visit. I'm delighted to call it home myself.
We all have pasts. Some are ok but some well, we just need to work on a little bit for we are all a work in progress. We all fall short of the Glory of God.
.Willa is someone that I could and did like. I loved her determination to do what's right, and I really loved her daughter Frannie. Frannie's so adorable and cute! She stole my heart!
I felt that Frannie was the daughter that I've always wanted. I didn't want to leave her behind when I finished the book. In my opinion she stole the show!
I wasn't too fond of Dan when I met him. I felt that he should had more patience with his wife than he did.
Max is battling his own past and haunts. I found myself wanting to pull him out of the book and give him a hug. Pat him on the back and say that everything will be ok in it's own timing, that God can and will work things out like they're supposed to be. I think I'm going to "sigh" with Max. He's just so kind and caring wanting to help others. And to me, that's what makes a man.
This book was just so good that I didn't want it to end.
The author has really done an excellent job with some tough subjects that are mentioned in this story. Often you don't find hard subjects like this in an Amish story. Well done Loree
I can't wait to see what Lough comes out with next.
My thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for a copy of this book.
I highly recommend this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

[C Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOME TO STAY, is a wonderful addition to A Little Child Shall Lead Them series by Loree Lough.
I have never read Loree's books before and I received an ARC through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington. and was not required to give a positive review. I am very impressed with Loree's writing and would read others.

This is a fast-moving read and not your typical Amish story. There is a wide range of emotions including depression, fear, love, compassion, and friendship.

This is Max Lambright and Willa Richards' story. Max is a contractor who meets a feisty, Englisher who has moved into Pleasant Valley and works for his partner.

Willa has a daughter, Fannie, who is less than a year old and a beautiful, loving child that was born out of wedlock when Willa was living an entirely different lifestyle. Willa is determined to make a new life for herself and the child.

Willa adapts to the Amish ways and decides to make Pleasant Valley her new home. Will there be a chance for love for her and Max?

There are so many topics and emotions in this story that are not explored in the traditional Amish story, yet they are REAL emotions that happen in real life.

I am sure this series will continue to be a success. It deserves a 5-star rating.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the A Little Child Shall Lead Them series, the main protagonist has dealt with loss, great loss. That is Max Lambright and his loss is so great that his faith and joy are all but shattered. Meeting Willa Richards just might change things for Max. Will the undeniable connection they share almost from the start be enough to help Max restore his faith and zeal for life?

Frannie has her own issues of faith to deal with, especially since she is new to the Amish and has an idea of the many changes to her life that will soon come her way. Frannie soon sees life differently and her heart begins to grow bigger for her baby girl when it comes to Max.

This touching story was so very sweet to read. As per the norm for Amish fiction stories, faith, love and longing go a long way when it comes to offering hope for the future. I loved this second book in the series. The first book was All He'll Ever Need and will continue in April with Loving Mrs. Bontrager,.

Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this book for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loree Lough writes Amish Fiction that is enjoyable and includes a bit of intrigue. Home to Stay tells the story of a woman, Willa, hiding in an Amish community for her safety and the safety of her daughter, Frannie. She finds work with an Amish man and his infirm wife. Through them, she meets Max, with whom her daughter falls in love. Max is Dan's (Willa's employer) business partner. There is something about Max and Willa that attracts them to each other. Frannie loves Max, so there's always that. It's easy to tell from the beginning of the book that Max and Willa will get together in the end. There are some steps that Willa must take in order to marry Max, such as: going through baptism classes and becoming a member of the Amish.

There were times when the plot moved slowly, but the book has enough to keep the reader involved to the end. It is a four star book, very much worth it to read.

Kensington Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating Scale
Who can resist a darling little baby? Not Max Lambright, that's for sure and certain! Willa develops feelings for Max too, but her adorable baby, Frannie, isn't all that there is to consider. There's a rather BIG thing to consider, in fact. Max is Amish and Willa is not. She is living with an Amish couple to help them with the wife, who is suffering from depression, but she is still not Amish and any real relationship between them would be impossible. UNLESS Willa converts and becomes Amish also.
What will happen? So many factors are conspiring to keep Willa and Max apart. This is such an uplifting story though and I think that readers will love it just as much as I did! Happy Reading!
I received a digital ARC of this from netgalley and Zebra Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Justine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it. Lots of surprises. Unexpected ending. READ IT!!!!

[Ann Readyoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

#HomeToStay#NetGalleya
Dan a Amish man who is trying everything to make his wife happy and nothing it seems will help. His wife is depressed as they are having trouble having a baby. They have taken in a young unwed mother named Wills and her daughter. Max who is Dan's partner is confused that his friend Dan is so hard on Willa..Max has lost his family in a tragic accident and does not want to take a chance on getting closer to Willa. Wills is dew closed to Max by his steadfast nature.Through many trials and tribulations they try to stay friends but they grow closer. Many twist and turns throughout the story.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan and his wife Anka are Amish and they are having some problems. Willa is a non Amish woman who is a single mother. Willa hasn't made the best decisions but she is trying to do better. Willa and her daughter move in with Dan and Anka. Willa helps out around their home. She does the laundry cooking and what other chores need to be done. After awhile Willa's life is going better. Dan's business partner Max is dealing with his own problems. After meeting Willa they start talking more. Over time he begins to open up to Willa and starts showing interest.

This is my first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed it very much. It was very well written and I had a hard time putting it down.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willa Richards has made many mistakes in her life. Trying to make sure her daughter has better chances, Willa leaves everything she knows behind and settles in Pleasant Valley. Max Lambright has lost everything. When he meets Willa who challenges his every move, Max finds new meaning in life. However, can they overcome their differences especially one big one? This is a fast paced read that covers a range of emotional problems. I have not read many Loree Lough stories however, I love how she develops her characters and story lines. Her characters have depth and understanding. I look forward to reading more of her novels. I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.

[Debbie Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable romance set in the Amish community of Pleasant Valley.
Overall this is a positive story of a single mom Willa and her little girl, getting her life back on track as she stays with and works for an Amish family.
Girl meets boy, and eventually there is a happy ending.
This book also touches on more serious issues - previous drug use & a bad relationship, infertility, depression and suicide - topics not usually included in this kind of fiction. But an easy read, which includes many interesting details about Amish lifestyle and provides pleasant relief from the current world chaos.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself almost giving up multiple times throughout the beginning of the book. I was a depressing read and I felt depressed as I read. It may have been what was going on in my personal life as I was reading (death of my mom) that caused me to think it was too depressing of a read.

The second half was better than the first for me. It saved the book and why it ended up four stars.

It is a clean read. Triggers of abuse, drug addiction, suicide, and depression.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first New Order Amish book. The story was good, the writing was good, but honestly the book was pretty sad. There is mental illness, suicide, and more dark things in the story. They do all work together in the story. But it is just not what I am used to in an Amish based book. Also everyone having electricity and automobiles was a big change to the Amish books I have read. IT just takes away from them in my opinion. Do not get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but I do believe I will go back to reading Old Order Amish stories.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home to Stay is a very bittersweet story. I loved how it told of a girl, Willa, turned her life around from drug addiction, to becoming Amish. Willa meets Max, and their friendship grows. Tragedy strikes near the end of the book, but they discover how to overcome unexpected trouble and help their friend through it as well. A very good story, clean, and well written

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loree Lough has written another wunderbar book!! She drew me into the story and I felt part of the book. This one I could read over and over.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Pleasant Valley! This story is so sweet and a roller coaster - I know crazy combo but it works. These characters have you rooting for them from the very beginning. DO NOT SKIP THIS BOOK - you will regret it!

[melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from netgalley.
I loved it, great story.
can't wait to read more.
I had a hard time putting it down.

[Barb Beechy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book of And a little child shall lead them, series. Just like the first story this story also has forgiveness, God's love and giving a unwed mother and her daughter a new life..

[Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great story!! 1st book I have read by this author!! Will read more of her books!! Received this book from Kensington books from netgally!!

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this story!

[Gay Ann]

This is book two to series A Little Child Shall Lead Them. The author gets better and better with each book, keeping readers attention and developing the characters.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Max Lambright is a man who has had great loss in his life. He is the last member of his family. He is fortunate to have good friends in his New Order Amish community. Max’s main focus is work. It keeps him from thinking about the loss and his lonely home. Then he meets Willa Richard and her charming daughter, Frannie. Willa is an Englisher who has come to live with Max’s business partner, Dan and his wife, Anki. Willa has made poor choices in the past, but she is determined to do better for her daughter. Willa is like a breath of fresh air to those she meets. Max finds himself thinking about Willa while at work and wanting to help her and spend time with her. Max begins to hope that with time, his house will become a home. Home to Stay by Loree Lough is the 2nd book in A Little Child Shall Lead Them series. I thought Home to Stay was well-written with developed characters. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I did feel the book was a little long (400 pages). Home to Stay has two other storylines that are a little dark for an Amish novel. Willa escaped a life of drugs. She took off the from the man that got her into that life and Willa hopes (and prays) that he will not find them. Willa is living with Dan and Anki. Anki suffers from severe depression that has rendered her unable to take care of household chores. Willa tries to help Anki and convince Dan that his wife needs professional help. Home to Stay deals with drugs, mental health issues, and suicide. I loved little Frannie who provided a sweet, lightness to the story. Home to Stay is an emotional novel. There is joy, grief, love, sadness, and much more. Willa was such a compassionate character. She was wonderful with Anki. I did not know where she got her energy. Willa accomplished more in an hour than I do in a day. I enjoyed the faith elements in the story. Home to Stay can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Home to Stay is a story about new beginnings, great loss, forgiveness, depression, and faith. Home to Stay is a poignant story that will tug on your heartstrings.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a New Order Amish romance with an unwed mother and child finding refuge in an Amish community. There are themes of forgiveness, finding God’s purpose and new beginnings. To much focus was on a secondary character with major depression and suicide that made this book less enjoyable as an Amish romance.

[Cecilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loree Lough has delivered an entertaining and well written Amish romance. She has a well developed plot and characters. She is a new author to me, but I highly recommend this book.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Willa is looking for a new start for her and baby, Frannie! Max is Amish and lost all of his family! Will these two find love over all their differences?