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The Letter #2
The Road Home
Praise for The Road Home…
I loved this riveting tale of hope and redemption. The Road Home comes to life with gorgeous imagery and a setting that eased me seamlessly and beautifully back and forth in time. Each character stood out, coaxing me into her story, making me want more. With the turn of every page there’s a revelation, something hidden or something wonderful and unexpected. The Road Home is a must-read for any book lover and a perfect follow-up to The Last Letter.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melissa Foster
Find your way home...
1891—Living separately for three years, fourteen-year-old twins, Katherine and Tommy Arthur, have done their best to make each boarding house feel like home. But unrest grows as they are driven to questionable actions just to survive. Meanwhile their desperate mother is confronted with breaking yet another promise to her children. Then a miracle descends. Hope rises on a cold, rainy night and changes everything. If Jeanie could just get word to Katherine and Tommy, she knows she can set their lives right again. Agitators, angels, and dangerous “saviors” illuminate the Arthurs’ unmatched determination and smarts.
1905—Though she tries to forget the awful years that hurt so much, the memories still haunt Katherine. Now, tearful mourners at her mother’s funeral force her to revisit a time in her life that both harmed and saved her in the most unexpected ways. Tommy grieves his mother’s passing as well. He too is thrust backward, compelled to rediscover the events in his life that shaped the man he has become. Will he commit to reconstructing his broken life? The Arthurs come to understand that forgiveness is the only way back to hope, the only way to find all that was good in the misfortune that transformed their lives forever.
I loved this riveting tale of hope and redemption. The Road Home comes to life with gorgeous imagery and a setting that eased me seamlessly and beautifully back and forth in time. Each character stood out, coaxing me into her story, making me want more. With the turn of every page there’s a revelation, something hidden or something wonderful and unexpected. The Road Home is a must-read for any book lover and a perfect follow-up to The Last Letter.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Melissa Foster
Find your way home...
1891—Living separately for three years, fourteen-year-old twins, Katherine and Tommy Arthur, have done their best to make each boarding house feel like home. But unrest grows as they are driven to questionable actions just to survive. Meanwhile their desperate mother is confronted with breaking yet another promise to her children. Then a miracle descends. Hope rises on a cold, rainy night and changes everything. If Jeanie could just get word to Katherine and Tommy, she knows she can set their lives right again. Agitators, angels, and dangerous “saviors” illuminate the Arthurs’ unmatched determination and smarts.
1905—Though she tries to forget the awful years that hurt so much, the memories still haunt Katherine. Now, tearful mourners at her mother’s funeral force her to revisit a time in her life that both harmed and saved her in the most unexpected ways. Tommy grieves his mother’s passing as well. He too is thrust backward, compelled to rediscover the events in his life that shaped the man he has become. Will he commit to reconstructing his broken life? The Arthurs come to understand that forgiveness is the only way back to hope, the only way to find all that was good in the misfortune that transformed their lives forever.
503 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2015
936 people are currently reading
666 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Shoop
49 books1,126 followersBestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards, Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 28, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. For complete coverage of this and other titles, visit: www.julievalerie.com/kathleen-shoop/
Clocking in at almost 500 pages (484 to be exact), this hefty piece of historical fiction managed to land in my reading schedule during a very busy week of summer. But despite my crazy life, the story of Jeanie Arthur, James, Katherine, Tommy and Yale brought the theme of motherly love to the forefront of my thoughts.
THE ROAD HOME is the second book in THE LETTER SERIES by Kathleen Shoop and I think it works just fine as a stand alone should you want to take a peek at book two before reading book one. Although, I think we all know it’s preferable to start with book one, THE LAST LETTER, which, from what I can tell (without having read it), also spans two years in time; 1887 and 1905; and tells the story of newly ill Jeanie, who is dying of cancer. In this first book, 1905 is the present year.
In the second book, THE ROAD HOME (the book I’m reviewing here), mother Jeanie, and twin children Katherine and Tommy share their stories across two time frames: 1891 and 1905, with 1905 being the present time in this novel as well.
Here’s a sample of a few lines lifted from the first two paragraphs:
1905 – Des Moines
Katherine stood at her mother’s coffin. The parlor was bursting with sweet pink roses, deep blue and blush-pink hydrangeas, and peonies . . . The wind twisted and then billowed the white organza sheers, making the hem lick at the hardwood floors . . . I love you, Mama. I want you to know.
Mother Jeanie’s chapters are told in first-person narrative; Katherine and Tommy’s chapters in third. Couple that with jumps from 1905 to 1891 and I was left in awe of readers of historical fiction. (I took notes on a bookmark as I read.) It occurred to me more than once that readers of the first book will probably find the second book richly rewarding because they know what happened to this family years before, in 1887. There are two other books that fans of Kathleen Shoop’s THE LOVE LETTER SERIES should know about and that’s MY DEAR FRANK: THE LETTERS THAT INSPIRED THE NOVEL, THE LAST LETTER (Frank is Jeanie’s husband) and LOVE FROM MAMA (coming soon), a larger collection of letters from the same family.
Though not in my typical genre, I really enjoyed this book. Oil schemes, mobs, and guns. A mother’s secret to protect her children from learning the truth about their father. Survival, redemption, revenge. Separation. Keeping company with the devil . . .
Clocking in at almost 500 pages (484 to be exact), this hefty piece of historical fiction managed to land in my reading schedule during a very busy week of summer. But despite my crazy life, the story of Jeanie Arthur, James, Katherine, Tommy and Yale brought the theme of motherly love to the forefront of my thoughts.
THE ROAD HOME is the second book in THE LETTER SERIES by Kathleen Shoop and I think it works just fine as a stand alone should you want to take a peek at book two before reading book one. Although, I think we all know it’s preferable to start with book one, THE LAST LETTER, which, from what I can tell (without having read it), also spans two years in time; 1887 and 1905; and tells the story of newly ill Jeanie, who is dying of cancer. In this first book, 1905 is the present year.
In the second book, THE ROAD HOME (the book I’m reviewing here), mother Jeanie, and twin children Katherine and Tommy share their stories across two time frames: 1891 and 1905, with 1905 being the present time in this novel as well.
Here’s a sample of a few lines lifted from the first two paragraphs:
1905 – Des Moines
Katherine stood at her mother’s coffin. The parlor was bursting with sweet pink roses, deep blue and blush-pink hydrangeas, and peonies . . . The wind twisted and then billowed the white organza sheers, making the hem lick at the hardwood floors . . . I love you, Mama. I want you to know.
Mother Jeanie’s chapters are told in first-person narrative; Katherine and Tommy’s chapters in third. Couple that with jumps from 1905 to 1891 and I was left in awe of readers of historical fiction. (I took notes on a bookmark as I read.) It occurred to me more than once that readers of the first book will probably find the second book richly rewarding because they know what happened to this family years before, in 1887. There are two other books that fans of Kathleen Shoop’s THE LOVE LETTER SERIES should know about and that’s MY DEAR FRANK: THE LETTERS THAT INSPIRED THE NOVEL, THE LAST LETTER (Frank is Jeanie’s husband) and LOVE FROM MAMA (coming soon), a larger collection of letters from the same family.
Though not in my typical genre, I really enjoyed this book. Oil schemes, mobs, and guns. A mother’s secret to protect her children from learning the truth about their father. Survival, redemption, revenge. Separation. Keeping company with the devil . . .
July 28, 2015
Got a dose of some prairie living and the hardships involved. Experienced life in a slower pace.
The story is told through the eyes of three characters which provides a good overview of the times which is late 1800's into the early 1900's. What struck me was how their strong family ties was such a source of strength and hope.
Loved how letters were emphasized in this story. I found it amazing how letters were such a strong form of communication back in the day. These days most snail mail consists of junk mail.
The story is told through the eyes of three characters which provides a good overview of the times which is late 1800's into the early 1900's. What struck me was how their strong family ties was such a source of strength and hope.
Loved how letters were emphasized in this story. I found it amazing how letters were such a strong form of communication back in the day. These days most snail mail consists of junk mail.
July 31, 2015
I received a copy of the book fromThe Summer Reading Challenge for an honest review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
I have to start this review by saying I am not a fan of historical fiction at all. When this 491 page book showed up for me to read I dreaded it like having a tooth pulled. I was not thrilled. I just knew I was going to suffer through 491 pages of this book. Well I was wrong!! I enjoyed this book much more than I ever thought I would.
The Road Home is the second book in Kathleen Shoop's The Letter Series. I did not read the first book The Last Letter and it seemed to not matter as they are written as standalone books. I'd like to read it now though just to read all the letters to see what they say.
The Road Home is set in 1905 Des Moines with twins Katherine and Tommy home for their Mother Jeanie's funeral. The book flashes between 1905 and 1891 and is told in differing voices of Jeanie, Katherine, and Tommy. Sounds confusing but it's not and it flows really well. Jeanie in 1892 finds herself a single mother and makes the most difficult decisions of her life to ensure her children Katherine and Tommy had a shot at being cared for. These decision though leave Katherine and Tommy harboring some serious negative feelings for their mother and how their lives are affected. Katherine is home caring for her ailing mother and starts to deal with those feelings but more so after her death and the discovery of letters. Katherine also find heels left with a baby sister Yale that she knew nothing about to care for for the rest of her or Yale's life as Yale is unable to care for herself. Tommy is off on his own trying to deal with his demons wanting a relationship with his father James, one his Mom took away from him to protect him. One event in particular is the one that Tommy can either find closure in or let it affect the man he is for the rest of his life.
I was easily sucked into the Arthur family and truly invested in what happened to them. My mom heart many times broke for all of them. How hard it had to be to let your kids go to better their life. It's a story of love, loss, sacrifice, forgiveness, dirty awful things that happen in life, coping with death, estranged family members, discovery of a mom loved by all she touched, strength, courage, survival, hope, and most of a love of family and bringing that family back together. The book ends well but you are left feeling their will be another book in the series, a book I'd read if given the chance.
I have to start this review by saying I am not a fan of historical fiction at all. When this 491 page book showed up for me to read I dreaded it like having a tooth pulled. I was not thrilled. I just knew I was going to suffer through 491 pages of this book. Well I was wrong!! I enjoyed this book much more than I ever thought I would.
The Road Home is the second book in Kathleen Shoop's The Letter Series. I did not read the first book The Last Letter and it seemed to not matter as they are written as standalone books. I'd like to read it now though just to read all the letters to see what they say.
The Road Home is set in 1905 Des Moines with twins Katherine and Tommy home for their Mother Jeanie's funeral. The book flashes between 1905 and 1891 and is told in differing voices of Jeanie, Katherine, and Tommy. Sounds confusing but it's not and it flows really well. Jeanie in 1892 finds herself a single mother and makes the most difficult decisions of her life to ensure her children Katherine and Tommy had a shot at being cared for. These decision though leave Katherine and Tommy harboring some serious negative feelings for their mother and how their lives are affected. Katherine is home caring for her ailing mother and starts to deal with those feelings but more so after her death and the discovery of letters. Katherine also find heels left with a baby sister Yale that she knew nothing about to care for for the rest of her or Yale's life as Yale is unable to care for herself. Tommy is off on his own trying to deal with his demons wanting a relationship with his father James, one his Mom took away from him to protect him. One event in particular is the one that Tommy can either find closure in or let it affect the man he is for the rest of his life.
I was easily sucked into the Arthur family and truly invested in what happened to them. My mom heart many times broke for all of them. How hard it had to be to let your kids go to better their life. It's a story of love, loss, sacrifice, forgiveness, dirty awful things that happen in life, coping with death, estranged family members, discovery of a mom loved by all she touched, strength, courage, survival, hope, and most of a love of family and bringing that family back together. The book ends well but you are left feeling their will be another book in the series, a book I'd read if given the chance.
December 14, 2015
Having read and been fully captivated by the first book in the Letter Series. The Last Letter, I have been eagerly awaiting this second book and couldn't wait to jump in. If you haven't read the first book don't worry as it can be easily read on its own as the author refers back to previous events, BUT in all honesty you will be missing such a touching story, the heart of what they have gone through whilst also getting to know the captivating Arthur family even more.
This is a story of love, hope, regret, forgiveness and realizing not everything is as you believe it is. The story follows a mother's love for her children, her despair at not being together and the hardships they have all faced whilst being separated. Jeanie Arthur is a character that reaches out to me from the pages and literally pulls away at my heart while reading her story, I could follow her journey of obstacles and how she overcomes them all day long. The time period is 1890's when status and titles were completely different from today's world. Now finding herself divorced from her addict & two timing husband, the world is massively different in how she is treated, penniless and unable to look after her two eldest children she makes the heart wrenching sacrifice to let them go and serve other families in the hope that they one day they will find a better life.
You will follow Jeannie, her daughter Katherine and son Tommy's determined story as they each tell their own tale after being ripped apart from one another throughout the book as it swaps between them as you read. Unfortunately for both Katherine and Tommy their life wasn't what their mother hoped and they both had to endure the harshness of the times they found themselves in. Will they finally be reunited?
I've got to admit I was constantly apprehensive whilst reading on, anticipating what could go wrong for them, holding my breath as I read. This was another realistic and compelling tale from a truly magnificent author, I am sooooo hanging on for more of the Arthur family's story, following on from where it left, hoping that it won't be too long.
This is a story of love, hope, regret, forgiveness and realizing not everything is as you believe it is. The story follows a mother's love for her children, her despair at not being together and the hardships they have all faced whilst being separated. Jeanie Arthur is a character that reaches out to me from the pages and literally pulls away at my heart while reading her story, I could follow her journey of obstacles and how she overcomes them all day long. The time period is 1890's when status and titles were completely different from today's world. Now finding herself divorced from her addict & two timing husband, the world is massively different in how she is treated, penniless and unable to look after her two eldest children she makes the heart wrenching sacrifice to let them go and serve other families in the hope that they one day they will find a better life.
You will follow Jeannie, her daughter Katherine and son Tommy's determined story as they each tell their own tale after being ripped apart from one another throughout the book as it swaps between them as you read. Unfortunately for both Katherine and Tommy their life wasn't what their mother hoped and they both had to endure the harshness of the times they found themselves in. Will they finally be reunited?
I've got to admit I was constantly apprehensive whilst reading on, anticipating what could go wrong for them, holding my breath as I read. This was another realistic and compelling tale from a truly magnificent author, I am sooooo hanging on for more of the Arthur family's story, following on from where it left, hoping that it won't be too long.
July 28, 2015
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions below are 100% my own.
I am jumping into this series without reading book one so I feel that I lost a little of the characters but within a few chapters, Kathleen Shoop's writing makes you feel like you've known them for ages! The family's story of being torn apart gets a hold on your heart like a vice and makes you hurt and ache for the situation.
Relationships between parents and children are often complicated when distress happens to the nuclear dynamic. Katherine has a hard time truly and fully forgiving her mother. When her mother is nearing the end of her life and asks Katherine to care for her younger sister, Katherine tries to make amends but she just can't completely let go.
When she discovers the numerous people that her mother has touched and aided in her life, Katherine's hard, unforgiving shell starts to shatter. I feel that she reaches that pivotal point in her life where she transitions into adulthood. If not for the letters that were written by Jeanie and the people who came to grieve her mother, Katherine wouldn't have been able to reach a point of closure. As children, we don't often understand the choices that our parents make. We don't realize that although it's not the best situation, our mothers make the best choices that will ultimately fiercely protect us.
I love the lessons and ideas of acceptance that you'll find in this book. As a mother, I can identify with the need to protect!
I am jumping into this series without reading book one so I feel that I lost a little of the characters but within a few chapters, Kathleen Shoop's writing makes you feel like you've known them for ages! The family's story of being torn apart gets a hold on your heart like a vice and makes you hurt and ache for the situation.
Relationships between parents and children are often complicated when distress happens to the nuclear dynamic. Katherine has a hard time truly and fully forgiving her mother. When her mother is nearing the end of her life and asks Katherine to care for her younger sister, Katherine tries to make amends but she just can't completely let go.
When she discovers the numerous people that her mother has touched and aided in her life, Katherine's hard, unforgiving shell starts to shatter. I feel that she reaches that pivotal point in her life where she transitions into adulthood. If not for the letters that were written by Jeanie and the people who came to grieve her mother, Katherine wouldn't have been able to reach a point of closure. As children, we don't often understand the choices that our parents make. We don't realize that although it's not the best situation, our mothers make the best choices that will ultimately fiercely protect us.
I love the lessons and ideas of acceptance that you'll find in this book. As a mother, I can identify with the need to protect!
July 20, 2015
I was immediately swept into The Road Home, surprised to find that Kathleen Shoop brought us right back into the Arthur family where we left them in Book 1, The Last Letter. That’s not to suggest this is not a book that stands on its own, because it is – but if you have read Book 1 from the Letter Series you recognize that Katherine has been battling a lot of mixed feelings about her mother, and now, having had the chance to learn more of her while she is ill, this daughter’s anger and judgement have begun to unravel. Katherine’s is beginning to understand the woman her mother was just when she dies, leaving Katherine with Yale, the little sister who almost was not.
The letters Katherine found that speak to her about her mothers life, their lives, and the past, begin her road to healing, understanding, and recognizing the depth of a mother’s love.
Meanwhile, Tommy, Katherine’s twin brother from which she is separated, has his own demons to put to bed. He’s been living in an almost arrested state, blocking out the events that shaped the man he’s becoming. Now, suddenly, he has to determine whether an event that changed him will dictate his future. His decisions are all about leaving the past and embracing the future – but they require him to put closure on the past.
Shoop does an excellent job of creating intricate feelings and emotions to pull the reader into the story. I feel invested in the lives of Jeanne, Katherine and Tommy, and Yale.
**I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
The letters Katherine found that speak to her about her mothers life, their lives, and the past, begin her road to healing, understanding, and recognizing the depth of a mother’s love.
Meanwhile, Tommy, Katherine’s twin brother from which she is separated, has his own demons to put to bed. He’s been living in an almost arrested state, blocking out the events that shaped the man he’s becoming. Now, suddenly, he has to determine whether an event that changed him will dictate his future. His decisions are all about leaving the past and embracing the future – but they require him to put closure on the past.
Shoop does an excellent job of creating intricate feelings and emotions to pull the reader into the story. I feel invested in the lives of Jeanne, Katherine and Tommy, and Yale.
**I received this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
July 23, 2015
The Road Home is the 2nd book in The Letter Series by Kathleen Shoop. Although it continues the story of the Arthur family we met in The Last Letter, it can easily be read as a standalone book as well.
I love reading historical fiction. Kathleen Shoop’s style of writing does a wonderful job of teaching her reader about the way things were during that time period while engaging us with a well told story. She does a great job bringing each character to life … you really feel like you know and care about them.
The story goes back and forth in time, from 1891 to 1905, and is told from each character’s viewpoint. The chapters from Katherine’s and Tommy’s point of view gave the background of all they endured while being boarded out. The chapters from Jeanie’s perspective tore at my “mother’s heart”. The chapters from 1905 began with Jeanie's funeral and then went into the different ways that the family coped with the many pent up & pushed down feelings that each character dealt with.
Times were very hard on single mothers and their children back then … I’m so happy that conditions have improved (for the most part). Being a single parent is not easy, no matter what time period you are in.
5 STARS ~ I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one :)
I love reading historical fiction. Kathleen Shoop’s style of writing does a wonderful job of teaching her reader about the way things were during that time period while engaging us with a well told story. She does a great job bringing each character to life … you really feel like you know and care about them.
The story goes back and forth in time, from 1891 to 1905, and is told from each character’s viewpoint. The chapters from Katherine’s and Tommy’s point of view gave the background of all they endured while being boarded out. The chapters from Jeanie’s perspective tore at my “mother’s heart”. The chapters from 1905 began with Jeanie's funeral and then went into the different ways that the family coped with the many pent up & pushed down feelings that each character dealt with.
Times were very hard on single mothers and their children back then … I’m so happy that conditions have improved (for the most part). Being a single parent is not easy, no matter what time period you are in.
5 STARS ~ I loved this book and can’t wait for the next one :)
July 16, 2015
This was my first Kathleen Shoop novel and it will definitely not be my last! Although I have to admit, when I first opened the book to see it had 496 pages, my eyes got a little wider, and I thought to myself that there was no way I would get through it, it just seemed a little longer than most books I have read, and I thought it would take me forever, but how silly of me, it didn't matter.
Set out in 1905 in Des Moines for the funeral of their Mother, the story goes back and forth to 1891 to tell how she had to give up her two older children because of an awful family misfortune. We learn the story of each child and their mother, and what they had to endure apart, stories that will truly ignite hope. I thought it was beautifully written, taking me back to a time I am glad is long gone, yet delighted to learn about. I was fully interested throughout the book, easily finishing the 496 pages, in no time. I was a little disappointed it had to end.
This was the second series in The Letter Series. The first series entitled: The Last Letter, both stand alone books. This one read well without reading the first one beforehand, yet I am eagerly seeking it out to make sure! :)
Set out in 1905 in Des Moines for the funeral of their Mother, the story goes back and forth to 1891 to tell how she had to give up her two older children because of an awful family misfortune. We learn the story of each child and their mother, and what they had to endure apart, stories that will truly ignite hope. I thought it was beautifully written, taking me back to a time I am glad is long gone, yet delighted to learn about. I was fully interested throughout the book, easily finishing the 496 pages, in no time. I was a little disappointed it had to end.
This was the second series in The Letter Series. The first series entitled: The Last Letter, both stand alone books. This one read well without reading the first one beforehand, yet I am eagerly seeking it out to make sure! :)
May 18, 2015
I received this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions on this book are 100% my own.
This is the second book in the “The Letter” series. I have to honestly say I enjoyed the second book more than I did the first book.
My heart broke for Jeanie. I can’t imagine having to live without my children. That is just something no parent should ever have to live through. Katherine and Tommy are forced to do whatever it takes to stay alive and find their way back to their mother. The family never forgot each other and always strived to be reunited.
This book goes back and forth between time frames and point of view. We learn how things were for Jeanie, Tommy and Katherine. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be without your mother or family at the tender age of 14.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat to find out if the family gets reunited. Does everything work out for the family? Are Katherine and Tommy able to let go of the past hurts and mourn the loss of their mother now?
I can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the series.
This is the second book in the “The Letter” series. I have to honestly say I enjoyed the second book more than I did the first book.
My heart broke for Jeanie. I can’t imagine having to live without my children. That is just something no parent should ever have to live through. Katherine and Tommy are forced to do whatever it takes to stay alive and find their way back to their mother. The family never forgot each other and always strived to be reunited.
This book goes back and forth between time frames and point of view. We learn how things were for Jeanie, Tommy and Katherine. I can’t imagine what it would be like to be without your mother or family at the tender age of 14.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat to find out if the family gets reunited. Does everything work out for the family? Are Katherine and Tommy able to let go of the past hurts and mourn the loss of their mother now?
I can’t wait to read the 3rd book in the series.
June 30, 2015
Kathleen Shoop has poured all of the elements that I love about women’s fiction onto the pages of The Road Home, a heart-wrenching tale of a mother’s ever-present love for her children—even in death. Shoop deftly weaves the stories of a mother, a daughter, and a son into the tapestry of one family’s history. She shows all of the ways love binds and strengthens, and how it is as deep and pure and raw as the prairie they survived.
The story unfolds from different points in time, awash with rich historical details that place you within their world. When Jeanie Arthur’s father and husband lose their family’s fortune and reputation in 1891 Iowa, everything that Jeanie holds precious is ripped from her clutches. Her former friends can pilfer heirloom jewels and steal her home, but when Jeanie loses what’s most precious, her children, she hits rock bottom. They’ve lost everything, even each other. A family torn apart and entangled in regret, the Arthurs must figure out how to reunite against all odds.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story unfolds from different points in time, awash with rich historical details that place you within their world. When Jeanie Arthur’s father and husband lose their family’s fortune and reputation in 1891 Iowa, everything that Jeanie holds precious is ripped from her clutches. Her former friends can pilfer heirloom jewels and steal her home, but when Jeanie loses what’s most precious, her children, she hits rock bottom. They’ve lost everything, even each other. A family torn apart and entangled in regret, the Arthurs must figure out how to reunite against all odds.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2015
This is a heart rending story of a family torn apart by forces beyond their control. Written in a way that will grip you and not let you go.
And the saga continues...In Book 2 we learn about what the lives of Katherine and Tommy were like after they were set from their Mother's home to board. Katherine had it the worst and has a very hard time forgiving her Mother until her Mom is dying and she is asked to care for her youngest sister who will probably never be able to care for herself. Katherine finally does make peace with her Mom but not totally until she hears how many people her Mother has helped and who all show up at the funeral. Tommy is still angry and is still harboring some ill will--plus he is still hoping to get his father back into the fold. I fully expect the next book, if there is one to focus more on Tommy and maybe a bit more on Yale.
The Road Home
And the saga continues...In Book 2 we learn about what the lives of Katherine and Tommy were like after they were set from their Mother's home to board. Katherine had it the worst and has a very hard time forgiving her Mother until her Mom is dying and she is asked to care for her youngest sister who will probably never be able to care for herself. Katherine finally does make peace with her Mom but not totally until she hears how many people her Mother has helped and who all show up at the funeral. Tommy is still angry and is still harboring some ill will--plus he is still hoping to get his father back into the fold. I fully expect the next book, if there is one to focus more on Tommy and maybe a bit more on Yale.
The Road Home
May 23, 2016
Historical fiction is a genre that doesn't get a lot of exposure lately. The Road Home is a book that deserves all the fan fare we can muster. Many times I see the early 1900's glossed over so that you only see the romance of the era. As everyone knows, life is not all glitz and glamour. The Road home shows us the nitty gritty down and dirty parts of life.
We follow the separate stories of Katherine and Tommy (14 year old twins who have been separated and placed into boarding homes) and their mother (Jeanie), who managed to keep her youngest daughter (who was a little slow) with her. Katherine and Tommy do what ever it takes to survive, and it made me wonder if, at the age of 14, would I have the internal grit to do what they did. I honestly don't know if anyone raised in today's society would be able to survive in the early 1900's.
This is the second in a series, and you do not need to have read the first novel to fully fall in love with this one. (I read them in a backwards order...whoops!). Kathleen Shoop is a masterful historical fiction writer.
We follow the separate stories of Katherine and Tommy (14 year old twins who have been separated and placed into boarding homes) and their mother (Jeanie), who managed to keep her youngest daughter (who was a little slow) with her. Katherine and Tommy do what ever it takes to survive, and it made me wonder if, at the age of 14, would I have the internal grit to do what they did. I honestly don't know if anyone raised in today's society would be able to survive in the early 1900's.
This is the second in a series, and you do not need to have read the first novel to fully fall in love with this one. (I read them in a backwards order...whoops!). Kathleen Shoop is a masterful historical fiction writer.
July 27, 2015
Good historical fiction! The family is torn apart. Their mother must live without them and Tommy and Katherine must learn to survive alone. Alternating between past and present, the story unfolds of family and their constant struggle to reunite.
I wasn't certain about how long it would take me to read this book as it looks a bit lengthy when you pick it up. Once you start reading though, the pages fly by and soon you are at the end and wishing for more. I felt the heartache as mother had to be separated from her children because as a mother, that is a terrible thing to endure. Then seeing from alternating times and views how events unfolded was awesome. I must say that I loved the history throughout and that it felt like I could see the scenes as they were described.
5/5 for me. This is the second in a series and can be read alone, but I would still suggest reading them in order.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
I wasn't certain about how long it would take me to read this book as it looks a bit lengthy when you pick it up. Once you start reading though, the pages fly by and soon you are at the end and wishing for more. I felt the heartache as mother had to be separated from her children because as a mother, that is a terrible thing to endure. Then seeing from alternating times and views how events unfolded was awesome. I must say that I loved the history throughout and that it felt like I could see the scenes as they were described.
5/5 for me. This is the second in a series and can be read alone, but I would still suggest reading them in order.
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
July 18, 2015
It took me a while to get used to the idea that chapters went back and forth between characters and between time periods--sometimes I had to go back to a previous chapter to get the thread of the story again. Since this is the second book in the series, and I didn't read the first, I wonder if I might have had more of a connection by reading the original first.
In spite of that, the stories of the children and their mother over the years are very well written. Some of the situations described are heartbreaking--and yet they all find the strength and courage to make it through. I'm extremely grateful that women no longer have to face the trials that Jeanie went through,
The story shows that forgiveness of a family member can be a slow painful process. It's a very realistic story of life in that era, and it's definitely a tear-jerker.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
In spite of that, the stories of the children and their mother over the years are very well written. Some of the situations described are heartbreaking--and yet they all find the strength and courage to make it through. I'm extremely grateful that women no longer have to face the trials that Jeanie went through,
The story shows that forgiveness of a family member can be a slow painful process. It's a very realistic story of life in that era, and it's definitely a tear-jerker.
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
August 7, 2015
Every journey is worth to the road in going home
They say no place like home. Wherever you are, home is always the best place. Road Home by Kathleen Shoop is very emotional journeys for the siblings Yale but especially Katherine and Tommy.
Life is short and very precious. Life is also unpredictable. From rich to being poor, the siblings life is turned upside down. I feel badly for them. The book is so emotional, heart-breaking but oh so good. Kathleen Shoop is one amazing author.
Rod Home is full of sadness, triumph and worth reading every page. This is a very long book to read but every chapters are worth reading. You will cry but you will amazed too. You will learn history but most of all the LOVE for these siblings. It is one heck of a journey to home.
Prepare a box of tissues because you will needed them the most.
They say no place like home. Wherever you are, home is always the best place. Road Home by Kathleen Shoop is very emotional journeys for the siblings Yale but especially Katherine and Tommy.
Life is short and very precious. Life is also unpredictable. From rich to being poor, the siblings life is turned upside down. I feel badly for them. The book is so emotional, heart-breaking but oh so good. Kathleen Shoop is one amazing author.
Rod Home is full of sadness, triumph and worth reading every page. This is a very long book to read but every chapters are worth reading. You will cry but you will amazed too. You will learn history but most of all the LOVE for these siblings. It is one heck of a journey to home.
Prepare a box of tissues because you will needed them the most.
July 15, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book from beginning to end! It 'so well-written, compelling that I could not put it down.
The plot is uniquely and gorgeously developed. Two children Tommy and Katherine were separated from their mother Jeanie when they were 14. Their life will be tough and difficult but all of them will fight very hard to reunite the family. The story is narrated by alternating the point of view of three main characters: a narrative choice really winning.
It's the second book in " The Letters Series" but you do not have to have read the first one to enjoy this one. It 's the first novel I read of this author and I look forward to reading the others, especially the Last Letter
The plot is uniquely and gorgeously developed. Two children Tommy and Katherine were separated from their mother Jeanie when they were 14. Their life will be tough and difficult but all of them will fight very hard to reunite the family. The story is narrated by alternating the point of view of three main characters: a narrative choice really winning.
It's the second book in " The Letters Series" but you do not have to have read the first one to enjoy this one. It 's the first novel I read of this author and I look forward to reading the others, especially the Last Letter
July 28, 2015
If you have read the first part of the Love Letter series, then you will surely love this second book :) While it may be read independently of the first one, it is still better to have read the books in the series simultaneously. I love how the character of Katherine evolved. It amazes me how she was able to find a better understanding of everything that her mother went through. I felt happy knowing that something inside her started to let loose.. I will recommend this book for everyone. It deserves a 5-star rating.
July 29, 2015
I was hooked to this book from the beginning. I really love how well Kathleen Shoop can take me back in time. It is a book with awesome character development and very vivid descriptions. I really enjoyed this follow up to The Last Letter. I am a person that really enjoys history and sometimes even think I was born in the wrong century. The Road Home made me really want to be in the 1800's. It is a must read for anyone who loves history and a good story of hope and redemption. Loved it!
June 18, 2015
Loved, loved this book!
November 25, 2020
This series is an outstanding read!!!!
Accolades to one of the best authors I have read in ages! As a 70-year old woman, I read voraciously! To find Ms. Shoop's books for the first time online. I am thrilled at her great writing skills that have now carried me through her first two books in THE LETTER SERIES!
Amazing, the depth of her skills to write the story of Jeanie and her family as they struggle through life in the 1800s. Their life is not an easy one. The emotions through happy times and times of loss have left me walking with them and it has been an emotional walk!
I hope you find these books as treasured as I have! Now, I turn to the third book of the series, feeling assured it will be as loved as the first two!!! Patricia
Accolades to one of the best authors I have read in ages! As a 70-year old woman, I read voraciously! To find Ms. Shoop's books for the first time online. I am thrilled at her great writing skills that have now carried me through her first two books in THE LETTER SERIES!
Amazing, the depth of her skills to write the story of Jeanie and her family as they struggle through life in the 1800s. Their life is not an easy one. The emotions through happy times and times of loss have left me walking with them and it has been an emotional walk!
I hope you find these books as treasured as I have! Now, I turn to the third book of the series, feeling assured it will be as loved as the first two!!! Patricia
September 2, 2023
Jeanie Arthur loses her family's money and reputation with her father's death. Leaving 1887 Des Moines, she tries to make a go of it but, in the process loses one son, divorces her husband, and leaves twins Katherine and Tommy behind. When all seems lost, a letter comes her way with promises of a better future.
The premise is engaging, but at 498 pages, not enough of the plot is revealed. It seems one should read all three books in the series to find everything out. That might be fine if the book is not filled with flashbacks and reflections. Because of so much filler information and a subplot of magic realism that doesn't match the tone of the rest of the story, I have no desire to read further.
The premise is engaging, but at 498 pages, not enough of the plot is revealed. It seems one should read all three books in the series to find everything out. That might be fine if the book is not filled with flashbacks and reflections. Because of so much filler information and a subplot of magic realism that doesn't match the tone of the rest of the story, I have no desire to read further.
Read
March 1, 2020It should come with a warning that you need to read the book #1 first to understand what has happened. So many references to past events without spelling out what and when. (This would natually be annoying to those who had read the first book.) Consequently, it became tedious reading, expecting to find out what had happened to James and how Katherine ended up married and Tom a minister. I also found moving back and forth in time little jumpy, not flowing naturally. Again a book that would have benefited of tighter editing.
October 11, 2022
Family Reunited After A Long Story
The substance and stories of the characters in this book were real and full of both hope and tragedy. However, I felt the book was too long. Many chapters seemed too similar, in detailing over and over the bad luck, trials, displacement, misunderstanding, and abuse the family members individually suffered.
I feel like the book should have more editing and be reworked, shortened to 2/3 the length it was. I will not be reading any others from the series.
The substance and stories of the characters in this book were real and full of both hope and tragedy. However, I felt the book was too long. Many chapters seemed too similar, in detailing over and over the bad luck, trials, displacement, misunderstanding, and abuse the family members individually suffered.
I feel like the book should have more editing and be reworked, shortened to 2/3 the length it was. I will not be reading any others from the series.
January 16, 2024
Better than the First!
The storyline of book one in The Letter Series, was intriguing enough that I, indeed, wanted to see what happened in the Arthur family, despite my disappointment in my perceived lack of depth in the writing of the first book. There were many happenings in the first book that I felt could have been explored and developed more. However, I am so glad I decided to read the second book, because the story was well developed and written, and held my attention very well! I am looking forward very much to reading book 3 in the series!
The storyline of book one in The Letter Series, was intriguing enough that I, indeed, wanted to see what happened in the Arthur family, despite my disappointment in my perceived lack of depth in the writing of the first book. There were many happenings in the first book that I felt could have been explored and developed more. However, I am so glad I decided to read the second book, because the story was well developed and written, and held my attention very well! I am looking forward very much to reading book 3 in the series!
May 19, 2020
This was a first time author for me I think and I liked her writing. It was descriptive and the story kept moving. It flipped between 3 main family characters (Tommy-son, Katherine-daughter & Jeanne-mom) and during 2 time periods. Parts of it were hard to read for the hardships they all suffered and the situations they found themselves in. This was book 2 but I did not feel like I came in to this story with missing information. Now I would like to read book 1 to see where this story began.
October 17, 2023
I was born and raised in Des Moines and still live in one of the suburbs so was interested in Des Moines history. This book was interesting and it was good to be able to actually recognize some of the places listed. I liked this book a lot but do not like books that are series books so won’t find answer to Jeanie’s financial situation. I was unaware this was series but I liked the perseverance. Hard work of the people of the past. Need more of that determination now a days
January 21, 2020
Masterful range of characters and emotions
Author effectively developed diverse characters over a duel timeline. The well developed characters ranged from those with pure intentions but having their flaws to the unbelievably cruel. Love, determination, perseverance, greed, lust and redemption all played key roles in keeping reader super engaged until the end.
Author effectively developed diverse characters over a duel timeline. The well developed characters ranged from those with pure intentions but having their flaws to the unbelievably cruel. Love, determination, perseverance, greed, lust and redemption all played key roles in keeping reader super engaged until the end.
February 15, 2020
Wrenching Family Loss & Recovery
I am sure I might have appreciated this book more had I read book I. However, the author did not make enough effort to bring the details of the events of the first book into this one. For that reason, even though this story was intriguing and heart rendering, I have no interest in reading book 3.
I am sure I might have appreciated this book more had I read book I. However, the author did not make enough effort to bring the details of the events of the first book into this one. For that reason, even though this story was intriguing and heart rendering, I have no interest in reading book 3.
April 18, 2020
This is a tale of hope and redemption, a good clean read, but it ended to abruptly and I thought left a lot to the imagination at the end. The setting jumps back and forth between 1891 and 1905 and involves Jeannie Arthur and her children, 14 year old twins Tommy and Katherine and a little girl, Yale.
June 27, 2021
Putting it back together
What a deep book! The author jumps from one character to another and moves from one time period to another, but somehow she manages to tie it all together in a moving saga of broken people who put themselves back together with hope and love. Beautifully written with amazing characters.
What a deep book! The author jumps from one character to another and moves from one time period to another, but somehow she manages to tie it all together in a moving saga of broken people who put themselves back together with hope and love. Beautifully written with amazing characters.
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