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What do you do when the heart wants what it wants?
Rowan Barnes never planned on living in Texas, and she’s not sure she likes it. She tells herself that her dream job as grill chef at a new up-and-coming restaurant was worth the relocation from her Portland home, but she feels out of place and alone in the lone star state.
Kate Landreth, on the other hand, is Texas through-and-through. Rowan meets Kate while picking up beef from a local cattle ranch, and is immediately drawn to the woman whose heart is as big as the state she loves. As the two women become closer, Rowan begins to see Texas through Kate’s eyes, but Kate is hesitant to fall too deeply for a woman who makes it clear that Texas will never be her home.
When Rowan finds herself at a crossroads, she must decide if she wants to stay in Texas, or if she wants to return to Portland—to the family and friends and familiar places that she has so desperately missed. The question Rowan has to ask herself is whether or not home is where she grew up, or whether home really is where the heart is.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2020
17 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Jenn Alexander
7 books49 followersJenn Alexander was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada. She graduated in 2017 with an M.S. in Counseling from the University of North Texas, and has since returned to Canada, where she is trying to reacclimatize to the frozen north.
Jenn is a 2018 graduate of the the Golden Crown Literary Society’s Writing Academy, for which she was the year’s recipient of the Sandra Moran Scholarship. She lives with her three daughters, two cats, and one rambunctious dog. When she’s not writing, Jenn spends her time playing the drums, skiing, or looking for adventure.
Her debut romance novel is The Song of the Sea.
Jenn is a 2018 graduate of the the Golden Crown Literary Society’s Writing Academy, for which she was the year’s recipient of the Sandra Moran Scholarship. She lives with her three daughters, two cats, and one rambunctious dog. When she’s not writing, Jenn spends her time playing the drums, skiing, or looking for adventure.
Her debut romance novel is The Song of the Sea.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 10, 2020
3.50 Stars. A sweet romantic read. This is Alexander’s second book and the second one of hers that I have read. While I have to be honest that I enjoyed her debut book The Song of the Sea more than this one, I did like this book. What I realized is that Alexander can really write. While I might not have liked her story choices as much this time around, the writing quality of her books is really impressive, especially for someone who is so new to her craft. I have a feeling Alexander is going to be around for a long time to come.
This is a story about Rowan, who leaves her hometown of Portland to move to Texas for her dream job. Texas could not be any more different then Rowan is used to so she is struggling with homesickness even though being a grill chef is everything she ever wanted. When she visits a cattle ranch to buy local meats, Rowan can help but be attracted to Kate the rancher. Could Kate be the person to help Rowan see that Texas is the right place to be?
I don’t know what it is but I love ranches, horses, and all that cowgirl stuff when it comes to lesfic. As soon as I saw what this book was about I knew I wanted to read it. I think Alexander did a great job with the setting and showing some of the roots of Texas. Alexander just writes very well and she easily transports you to wherever her setting is.
Alexander’s debut book was a drama that was tough to read. If I remember correctly I was crying my eyes out half the time. I was really surprised to see her go from such a dramatic book to such a light read with this story. These books are almost complete opposites. While I don’t mind a good sweet romance, I wish this book would have had more conflict to really drive the plot. It wasn’t until about the 80% mark that was really was any conflict and that was the angst. The other issue for me is that the little conflict there was, was really predictable. The conflict and the resolution was a little too telegraphed for my tastes.
I did find myself enjoying the romance. I could have used a tad more chemistry, a little more heat, but I did like the two characters together and was rooting for a possible HEA. I thought their dates and the ‘get to know you’ faze was well done and pretty cute.
Overall I didn’t love this, but it was still a good read. I think people wanting sweet romances right now would be happy with this. This book really solidified me about how well I think Alexander writes. I now know her skills in her debut book were not a one off. I would absolutely recommend her debut The Song of the Sea to any drama fans and I will be reading whatever Alexander writes next.
A copy was given to me by https://lezreviewbooks.com for a honest review.
This is a story about Rowan, who leaves her hometown of Portland to move to Texas for her dream job. Texas could not be any more different then Rowan is used to so she is struggling with homesickness even though being a grill chef is everything she ever wanted. When she visits a cattle ranch to buy local meats, Rowan can help but be attracted to Kate the rancher. Could Kate be the person to help Rowan see that Texas is the right place to be?
I don’t know what it is but I love ranches, horses, and all that cowgirl stuff when it comes to lesfic. As soon as I saw what this book was about I knew I wanted to read it. I think Alexander did a great job with the setting and showing some of the roots of Texas. Alexander just writes very well and she easily transports you to wherever her setting is.
Alexander’s debut book was a drama that was tough to read. If I remember correctly I was crying my eyes out half the time. I was really surprised to see her go from such a dramatic book to such a light read with this story. These books are almost complete opposites. While I don’t mind a good sweet romance, I wish this book would have had more conflict to really drive the plot. It wasn’t until about the 80% mark that was really was any conflict and that was the angst. The other issue for me is that the little conflict there was, was really predictable. The conflict and the resolution was a little too telegraphed for my tastes.
I did find myself enjoying the romance. I could have used a tad more chemistry, a little more heat, but I did like the two characters together and was rooting for a possible HEA. I thought their dates and the ‘get to know you’ faze was well done and pretty cute.
Overall I didn’t love this, but it was still a good read. I think people wanting sweet romances right now would be happy with this. This book really solidified me about how well I think Alexander writes. I now know her skills in her debut book were not a one off. I would absolutely recommend her debut The Song of the Sea to any drama fans and I will be reading whatever Alexander writes next.
A copy was given to me by https://lezreviewbooks.com for a honest review.
December 13, 2020
A sweet and romantic story of Rowan, a chef in a high-pressure prestigious restaurant who moved to Texas for her dream job, and Kate, a born and raised Texan who is helping her father keep their ranch after a bad accident left him paralyzed. I find myself relating more to Rowan, perhaps because of her insecurities and her loyalty towards her family and friends. Anybody who had to move for a job that might turn out temporary would recognize her reluctance to give up her ties to her home city and fear of investing her heart in a new state. Kate is also facing her own dilemma of whether to start a relationship with someone who might leave any moment. She knows she needs all her focus and concentration to fight for her ranch, the only place she's ever thought of as home.
The book was very easy to read. I liked Jenn Alexander's writing style straightaway and now would like to read her previous book.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Bywater Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
The book was very easy to read. I liked Jenn Alexander's writing style straightaway and now would like to read her previous book.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Bywater Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
May 18, 2020
3.5* – So many lesfic books with the word “home” in the title at the moment… We’re way past the time when coming out was the main theme (and I’m very grateful for that), but I guess the topic of home and what makes home home – and by extension that of family and what makes a family – will always be relevant.
We say home is where the heart is. Rowan Barnes left her friends and family in Portland, Oregon, for her dream job as a grill chef in an up-and-coming new restaurant… in Texas. While she’s delighted with the opportunity to prove herself and learn, she kinda hates Texas as soon as she arrives. Too hot, too conservative, too not home. Meeting Kate Landreth, a local cattle rancher, will force her to open her eyes and her heart to new possibilities, new friendships, new love. And, yes, new home.
If I had to summarize this book in one sentence, or give it a tag line, I’d say it’s about finding the right person in the wrong place. Then maybe if you’re lucky, what felt like the wrong place will turn out to be right after all. That’s what happens here for Rowan, and I liked the way she realised she wasn’t giving Texas a chance, letting her prejudice take over. Even if things between the two women develop lighting fast, I also appreciated the parallel between Rowan, who left her home to follow her dream, and Kate who is fighting to keep her home, which meant giving up on her own dream.
Home is Jenn Alexander’s second novel, the first I read. From what I gathered, her debut novel was much more tragic and less of a romance. This one is light with a medium dose of angst, but I could have done with a little more depth. The story also felt rushed here and there. I had a very nice time reading it, however. The characters are relatable and likeable, the chemistry was excellent, it was a good quick read. And it made me very curious about Alexander’s first novel.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
We say home is where the heart is. Rowan Barnes left her friends and family in Portland, Oregon, for her dream job as a grill chef in an up-and-coming new restaurant… in Texas. While she’s delighted with the opportunity to prove herself and learn, she kinda hates Texas as soon as she arrives. Too hot, too conservative, too not home. Meeting Kate Landreth, a local cattle rancher, will force her to open her eyes and her heart to new possibilities, new friendships, new love. And, yes, new home.
If I had to summarize this book in one sentence, or give it a tag line, I’d say it’s about finding the right person in the wrong place. Then maybe if you’re lucky, what felt like the wrong place will turn out to be right after all. That’s what happens here for Rowan, and I liked the way she realised she wasn’t giving Texas a chance, letting her prejudice take over. Even if things between the two women develop lighting fast, I also appreciated the parallel between Rowan, who left her home to follow her dream, and Kate who is fighting to keep her home, which meant giving up on her own dream.
Home is Jenn Alexander’s second novel, the first I read. From what I gathered, her debut novel was much more tragic and less of a romance. This one is light with a medium dose of angst, but I could have done with a little more depth. The story also felt rushed here and there. I had a very nice time reading it, however. The characters are relatable and likeable, the chemistry was excellent, it was a good quick read. And it made me very curious about Alexander’s first novel.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2020
Home by Jenn Alexander is a beautiful romance about love, family, and what home really is.
The story revolves around Rowan Barnes who has moved to Texas to her dream job as the grill chef in an up and coming restaurant called On the Range. It is a huge step for her future, but the move to Texas from Portland, Oregon is like moving to an alien world, and Rowan is horribly homesick. The only good thing she can find about Texas is Kate Landreth, the beautiful rancher that On the Range buys their beef from. But will Kate be enough to keep Rowan in Texas, or will her homesickness eventually pull her back to Portland?
This is a well-written story. Ms. Alexander has nailed what Rowan went through as she moved from one area of the country to another. Considering the differences in the two regions, she would have not only had the expected homesickness, but would have also suffered from culture shock as well. (I know this since I kind of went through this same culture shock in real life, only in reverse.) The author is spot on with the feelings she gave to Rowan. Both Rowan and Kate are well-developed with an obvious connection. The descriptions in the story are amazing, and I’ll warn you now that you will probably become quite hungry as you read this novel. Remember, Rowan is a chef in Texas, the home of some of the best BBQ and southern comfort food in the South…or maybe the world.
I also must mention the awesome cover design for this novel. It is beautifully designed by Ann McMan (TreeHouse Studio) and fits the story perfectly. Covers really are important since they are the first thing a possible reader will see. This cover will definitely help you feel like you’re in Texas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and recommend it to all who love a good, well-written romance.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
The story revolves around Rowan Barnes who has moved to Texas to her dream job as the grill chef in an up and coming restaurant called On the Range. It is a huge step for her future, but the move to Texas from Portland, Oregon is like moving to an alien world, and Rowan is horribly homesick. The only good thing she can find about Texas is Kate Landreth, the beautiful rancher that On the Range buys their beef from. But will Kate be enough to keep Rowan in Texas, or will her homesickness eventually pull her back to Portland?
This is a well-written story. Ms. Alexander has nailed what Rowan went through as she moved from one area of the country to another. Considering the differences in the two regions, she would have not only had the expected homesickness, but would have also suffered from culture shock as well. (I know this since I kind of went through this same culture shock in real life, only in reverse.) The author is spot on with the feelings she gave to Rowan. Both Rowan and Kate are well-developed with an obvious connection. The descriptions in the story are amazing, and I’ll warn you now that you will probably become quite hungry as you read this novel. Remember, Rowan is a chef in Texas, the home of some of the best BBQ and southern comfort food in the South…or maybe the world.
I also must mention the awesome cover design for this novel. It is beautifully designed by Ann McMan (TreeHouse Studio) and fits the story perfectly. Covers really are important since they are the first thing a possible reader will see. This cover will definitely help you feel like you’re in Texas.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and recommend it to all who love a good, well-written romance.
I received an ARC from Bywater Books for an honest review.
May 23, 2020
3.6
I enjoyed this book. It's been 'done' before, but I never get fed up of romances. Specially when books like this one which make me smile continuously.
Compared to her first novel 'The song of the sea', this was such a easy, laid back read. But seemed a bit short.
If you've not read 'The song of the sea', her first novel, you should give that one a read... but have the tissues ready.
I enjoyed this book. It's been 'done' before, but I never get fed up of romances. Specially when books like this one which make me smile continuously.
Compared to her first novel 'The song of the sea', this was such a easy, laid back read. But seemed a bit short.
If you've not read 'The song of the sea', her first novel, you should give that one a read... but have the tissues ready.
May 9, 2020
I loved everything about this book, the cover, the descriptive passages painting a humid picture of Texas, the horses, and did I mention the cover? There is humour here, heartache, frustration, hope, and did I mention horses? The writing is top-notch. The characters are so real, you can feel their dreams, feel their disappointments, their passion and fears. I could smell the horses, see the stars, taste the food...oh, the food! The food alone is a great reason to read this book.
Seriously, I did not want this book to end. If I could give it fifteen stars, I would.
I will be reading this one again. It has definitely earned a place in my read-once-a-year-pile.
It's that good.
And not just because of the horses.
Did I mention how much I love that cover?
Thank you to Jenn Alexander for a wonderfully captivating book, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review that resulted in my love affair with this book. (Don't tell my wife)
Seriously, I did not want this book to end. If I could give it fifteen stars, I would.
I will be reading this one again. It has definitely earned a place in my read-once-a-year-pile.
It's that good.
And not just because of the horses.
Did I mention how much I love that cover?
Thank you to Jenn Alexander for a wonderfully captivating book, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review that resulted in my love affair with this book. (Don't tell my wife)
July 1, 2020
Rowan relocates to Texas for a significant restaurant opportunity and quickly falls for Kate, who runs the local steak ranch (haha, okay, cattle ranch) after her father is injured, but Rowan wasn't planning to stay in Texas long.
Solid romance, lots of Texas, I feel the stakes could have been higher.
Solid romance, lots of Texas, I feel the stakes could have been higher.
May 24, 2020
Loved it!
Leaving everything behind, feeling homesick and that for her dreamjob. What will it take for her to feel like she is home? They say "home is were the heart is" but does this also apply to Rowan?
Saddle up for a great adventure with a cowgirl and a chef. Feel the Texan heat and get a taste of the delicious food. Home is a very pleasant read to unwind. Well written, with vivid descriptions and a great plot. Looking forward to read more from this author.
Leaving everything behind, feeling homesick and that for her dreamjob. What will it take for her to feel like she is home? They say "home is were the heart is" but does this also apply to Rowan?
Saddle up for a great adventure with a cowgirl and a chef. Feel the Texan heat and get a taste of the delicious food. Home is a very pleasant read to unwind. Well written, with vivid descriptions and a great plot. Looking forward to read more from this author.
December 12, 2020
(2.5)
it wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me
Reasons to Read This Book
Rep: lesbian mcs, paraplegic side character
it wasn't bad, it just wasn't for me
Reasons to Read This Book
Rep: lesbian mcs, paraplegic side character
May 27, 2022
Home
by Jenn Alexander
Review
Rowan is homesick, to say the least. She uprooted her life in Portland to take a chance at her dream job. A grill chef and a hip new restaurant. Did I mention Rowan hates the heat. This just adds to her list of why she homesick. She pushes forward because she wants to make a name for herself.
Rowan definitely seems to have an exit plan, be a success and head back home to Portland.
Enter Kate. Kate is Texas everything. Born and Raised. She is helping her daddy at his Cattle ranch, after his accident. Her dad wants to sell, but Kate isn’t having it. Her dad is struggling with his condition and Kate is there to pick him up and be supportive. She wants her dad to keep pushing and fighting and not give up everything so easily. It’s so enduring how much Kate loves and cares for her daddy.
When Rowan and Kate meet, the story truly starts to develop.They get to know each other, it’s very sweet and old school. Actually dates, and taking their time and letting the relationship blossom. It was very sweet and wholesome.
Although it’s clear to Kate that Rowan is missing her parents, friends and Portland life, the connection keeps both of them moving forward. Rowan starts to feel Kate can really help her transition into the Texas life style. but she feels like Kate will help her transition to the Texas life style.
Rowan went to Texas for a job, but found something more. A true place to call home, filled with love and her person.
This book was sweet and wonderful. It was my first book by the Author I will definitely check out other books by the Author.
I would like to thank ByWater Books and Salem West for the Arc! 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
by Jenn Alexander
Review
Rowan is homesick, to say the least. She uprooted her life in Portland to take a chance at her dream job. A grill chef and a hip new restaurant. Did I mention Rowan hates the heat. This just adds to her list of why she homesick. She pushes forward because she wants to make a name for herself.
Rowan definitely seems to have an exit plan, be a success and head back home to Portland.
Enter Kate. Kate is Texas everything. Born and Raised. She is helping her daddy at his Cattle ranch, after his accident. Her dad wants to sell, but Kate isn’t having it. Her dad is struggling with his condition and Kate is there to pick him up and be supportive. She wants her dad to keep pushing and fighting and not give up everything so easily. It’s so enduring how much Kate loves and cares for her daddy.
When Rowan and Kate meet, the story truly starts to develop.They get to know each other, it’s very sweet and old school. Actually dates, and taking their time and letting the relationship blossom. It was very sweet and wholesome.
Although it’s clear to Kate that Rowan is missing her parents, friends and Portland life, the connection keeps both of them moving forward. Rowan starts to feel Kate can really help her transition into the Texas life style. but she feels like Kate will help her transition to the Texas life style.
Rowan went to Texas for a job, but found something more. A true place to call home, filled with love and her person.
This book was sweet and wonderful. It was my first book by the Author I will definitely check out other books by the Author.
I would like to thank ByWater Books and Salem West for the Arc! 4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 4, 2020
3.75 out of 5 stars
Rowan moves to Texas as she lands her dream job as a chef. She meets Kate, a cattle rancher, and they both find each other attractive and could maybe fall in love. Despite landing her dream job and meeting someone new, will it be enough for Rowan to establish roots in Texas for the long-term?
This is my first book that I've read from Jenn Alexander and I was not disappointed. Although, it was a premise that seemed familiar, Jenn was able to steer it in a new direction that was fresh.
It was getting a little repetitive with the back and forth of Rowan missing home and thoughts of staying in Texas. Rowan did seem to assume a lot of things about Texans and most of them were negative. It did show a lot of growth on Rowan's part as she did start to make an effort to get to know the Texans and the things she could do around there.
I love the chemistry between Rowan and Kate, they were so different but were able to overcome their differences by trying to understand one another. I appreciated that.
Overall, a mostly light story that I'd recommend to fellow readers.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
Rowan moves to Texas as she lands her dream job as a chef. She meets Kate, a cattle rancher, and they both find each other attractive and could maybe fall in love. Despite landing her dream job and meeting someone new, will it be enough for Rowan to establish roots in Texas for the long-term?
This is my first book that I've read from Jenn Alexander and I was not disappointed. Although, it was a premise that seemed familiar, Jenn was able to steer it in a new direction that was fresh.
It was getting a little repetitive with the back and forth of Rowan missing home and thoughts of staying in Texas. Rowan did seem to assume a lot of things about Texans and most of them were negative. It did show a lot of growth on Rowan's part as she did start to make an effort to get to know the Texans and the things she could do around there.
I love the chemistry between Rowan and Kate, they were so different but were able to overcome their differences by trying to understand one another. I appreciated that.
Overall, a mostly light story that I'd recommend to fellow readers.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2020
I came across Alexander last year with her other book Song of the Sea and loved it. Home was much lighter than Song of the Sea but just as good in terms of quality. Can not wait for what comes next.
February 1, 2021
What does home mean? Alexander explores all possibilities that can mean home writing within the framework of this lovely romance.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
June 10, 2020
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢ 👩🍳🥩🥓🌞⭐️💖👩🌾🐎🐂🤠👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Home » by Jenn Alexander from Bywater Books. So, here it is !!!
It’s actually the 1st time I’m able to read one of Jenn Alexander’s books …so, thanks for the reading opportunity.
My rating : 2 ⭐️
The story sets in Texas (chiefly in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex), and focuses on chef Rowan Barnes & local rancher Kate Landreth.
Rowan grew up in Portland, Oregon, and never planned on living in Texas. She’s not sure she likes it since she just came in the Lone Star state because she was offered her dream job as grill chef at a new up-and-coming restaurant. She tells herself it was worth the relocation.
Kate is Texas through-and-through. After her dad’s had an accident leaving him paralized, she gave up her studies to run the cattle ranch.
They met when Rowan comes to Kate’s ranch to pick up some beef for the restaurant she’s employed in. Together they’ll have to figure out where « home » truly is …
OK, so … I loved the ranch settings, I really liked the fact that Rowan is NOT a perfect toned bodied MC & I appreciated the few good touches of humor.
This being said, I’ve been very disappointed by the story. Let’s be honest, there’s not really anything mind-blowing in this book… The story itself isn’t very original and cruelly lacks of angst and depth. I had a strong sense of déjà vu while reading & I had a hard time connecting with the MCs. I didn’t felt their so-called « great chemistery » and I struggled to finish the novel. All this is a real shame because I think there was A LOT OF potential in there due to both MCs’ a tad unusual youth and what they have to go through as adults, even more since they met ...
Some other things bothered me :
° the unoriginal title … Damn !! I wonder why on earth there are so many books titled « Home » or « Coming Home » or « Whatever Home » in our lesfic niche … Are there so many « lost » people out there ???
° before the rushed end, the very predictable, highly tiring and far from being romantic « black moment » at the 80-85%-mark … I really, really hate when the authors think it’s a good idea to make the MCs suffer because of a break-up tearing them apart instead of using the major issue to bring them closer. From my POV in this case it was even more ridiculous & immature … Why ??? Because of the poor character development and because in the space of just a few weeks, the MCs haven’t built enough things together (they only went to a few dates together and slept together just once) to reach that amount of drama and for this very same drama & the resulting « I love yous » to be credible …
° a more thorough beta reading / edition work would have (at least I hope) taken care of :
°°some punctuation issues, some missing spaces, some typos, some inconsistencies and the sometimes very unclear narration.
°° the blurred (and slightly incoherent) time line. It’s pretty hard to really know how much time passes between two events because of the lack of real time markers.
°° the rambling (oh yeah, there’s some rambling in the book, like, really a lot !!!) before Rowan realised that the things she was holding onto were not entirely worth it, but also about Kate’s & the ranch’s situation, Kate’s dad’s situation & actings, about the « dating » …
°° the so numerous and tiring repetitions of a bunch of words and/or expressions found all the novel long, the worst of it being the clear overuse of :
°°° « Portland » => found 52 times at least
°°° « home » => Seriously, IDK if it was to convince herself or us of the rightness of the title choice but, darn, the word « home » in its exact form or in a derivated one (in the expression « back home » or in terms like « homesick », « homesickness », etc ) has been used more than 140 times from the title to the end of the book, and that’s quite excessive, don’t you think ???
°°° & the icing on the cake : « Texas » !!! Gosh !!! I really believed I would go nuts because it has been mentioned (as the state’s name or as an adjective) at least 206 times !! (NB : the adjective « Texan » is excluded of the count). Guess it was just in case we had a doubt about where the story sets …
If I had been the beta reader and/or the editor of this book, you can be sure that I would have pointed those issues which clearly waste the novel (big time !!) because it looks like more they are fillings than anything else and all this makes the text very heavy to read …
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Sadly no, due a lot of issues
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not totally due to, between other things, the not strong enough character development
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Nope, unless the story is seriously reworked before being released a second time …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope, unless the story is seriously reworked before being released a second time …
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes. Because this still new author’s first piece of work is in my endless TBR list since a while, & I’d like to see how she’ll improve her style. So, I’ll give her another try, someday…
- Would I recommend this book => It saddens me but I can’t do that. So, I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢ 👩🍳🥩🥓🌞⭐️💖👩🌾🐎🐂🤠👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
That’s in exchange of an honest review that I received an ARC of « Home » by Jenn Alexander from Bywater Books. So, here it is !!!
It’s actually the 1st time I’m able to read one of Jenn Alexander’s books …so, thanks for the reading opportunity.
My rating : 2 ⭐️
The story sets in Texas (chiefly in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex), and focuses on chef Rowan Barnes & local rancher Kate Landreth.
Rowan grew up in Portland, Oregon, and never planned on living in Texas. She’s not sure she likes it since she just came in the Lone Star state because she was offered her dream job as grill chef at a new up-and-coming restaurant. She tells herself it was worth the relocation.
Kate is Texas through-and-through. After her dad’s had an accident leaving him paralized, she gave up her studies to run the cattle ranch.
They met when Rowan comes to Kate’s ranch to pick up some beef for the restaurant she’s employed in. Together they’ll have to figure out where « home » truly is …
OK, so … I loved the ranch settings, I really liked the fact that Rowan is NOT a perfect toned bodied MC & I appreciated the few good touches of humor.
This being said, I’ve been very disappointed by the story. Let’s be honest, there’s not really anything mind-blowing in this book… The story itself isn’t very original and cruelly lacks of angst and depth. I had a strong sense of déjà vu while reading & I had a hard time connecting with the MCs. I didn’t felt their so-called « great chemistery » and I struggled to finish the novel. All this is a real shame because I think there was A LOT OF potential in there due to both MCs’ a tad unusual youth and what they have to go through as adults, even more since they met ...
Some other things bothered me :
° the unoriginal title … Damn !! I wonder why on earth there are so many books titled « Home » or « Coming Home » or « Whatever Home » in our lesfic niche … Are there so many « lost » people out there ???
° before the rushed end, the very predictable, highly tiring and far from being romantic « black moment » at the 80-85%-mark … I really, really hate when the authors think it’s a good idea to make the MCs suffer because of a break-up tearing them apart instead of using the major issue to bring them closer. From my POV in this case it was even more ridiculous & immature … Why ??? Because of the poor character development and because in the space of just a few weeks, the MCs haven’t built enough things together (they only went to a few dates together and slept together just once) to reach that amount of drama and for this very same drama & the resulting « I love yous » to be credible …
° a more thorough beta reading / edition work would have (at least I hope) taken care of :
°°some punctuation issues, some missing spaces, some typos, some inconsistencies and the sometimes very unclear narration.
°° the blurred (and slightly incoherent) time line. It’s pretty hard to really know how much time passes between two events because of the lack of real time markers.
°° the rambling (oh yeah, there’s some rambling in the book, like, really a lot !!!) before Rowan realised that the things she was holding onto were not entirely worth it, but also about Kate’s & the ranch’s situation, Kate’s dad’s situation & actings, about the « dating » …
°° the so numerous and tiring repetitions of a bunch of words and/or expressions found all the novel long, the worst of it being the clear overuse of :
°°° « Portland » => found 52 times at least
°°° « home » => Seriously, IDK if it was to convince herself or us of the rightness of the title choice but, darn, the word « home » in its exact form or in a derivated one (in the expression « back home » or in terms like « homesick », « homesickness », etc ) has been used more than 140 times from the title to the end of the book, and that’s quite excessive, don’t you think ???
°°° & the icing on the cake : « Texas » !!! Gosh !!! I really believed I would go nuts because it has been mentioned (as the state’s name or as an adjective) at least 206 times !! (NB : the adjective « Texan » is excluded of the count). Guess it was just in case we had a doubt about where the story sets …
If I had been the beta reader and/or the editor of this book, you can be sure that I would have pointed those issues which clearly waste the novel (big time !!) because it looks like more they are fillings than anything else and all this makes the text very heavy to read …
If I had to make a very short and quite different version of my review, it’d be something like this :
- Did I enjoy this book? => Sadly no, due a lot of issues
- Did I find the characters believable? => Not totally due to, between other things, the not strong enough character development
- Is this book now included in my « must be re-read »-list? => Nope, unless the story is seriously reworked before being released a second time …
- Will I purchase the paperback? => Nope, unless the story is seriously reworked before being released a second time …
- Would I read another book by this author? => Yes. Because this still new author’s first piece of work is in my endless TBR list since a while, & I’d like to see how she’ll improve her style. So, I’ll give her another try, someday…
- Would I recommend this book => It saddens me but I can’t do that. So, I’ll let people use their free will to read the novel, or not …
🏳️🌈👩❤👩📚⚢ 👩🍳🥩🥓🌞⭐️💖👩🌾🐎🐂🤠👩❤💋👩📖👭🏳️🌈
June 15, 2020
‘I did warn you that Texas comes with Texans’
Canadian author Jenn Alexander earned her degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas and now works as a play therapist in Canada. She has now published two novels - THE SONG OF THE SEA, her debut novel, and now HOME.
Jenn Alexander once again demonstrates a gift of eloquent prose that grants her the grace of a practiced author. Her time sent in Texas during her studying to be a counselor serves her well: this new novel is about, and has the true flavor of, Texas.
The immediate appeal of Jenn’s writing greets the reader on the opening pages – atmospheric designing that is magnetic: ‘Rowan Barnes couldn’t figure out why Texans were so scared of hellfire when they seemed to already live and thrive in it. ‘How is it so damn hot outside?’ She wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her arm, and then continued pushing the shopping cart across the parking lot…I’m gonna die,” she said to no one in particular. “All these damn little black birds are gonna peck the flesh from my body….Her brain was being fried. Shed been in Fort Worth, Texas, barely a week and already she was talking to herself.’
The mood is set and the engaging story unfolds, as in the synopsis: ‘Rowan Barnes never planned on living in Texas, and she’s not sure she likes it. She tells herself that her dream job as grill chef at a new up-and-coming restaurant was worth the relocation from her Portland home, but she feels out of place and alone in the Lone Star State. Kate Landreth, on the other hand, is Texas through-and-through. Rowan meets Kate while picking up beef from a local cattle ranch, and is immediately drawn to the woman whose heart is as big as the state she loves. As the two women become closer, Rowan begins to see Texas through Kate’s eyes, but Kate is hesitant to fall too deeply for someone who makes it clear that Texas will never be her home. When Rowan finds herself at an unexpected crossroads, she must decide whether she stays in Texas or returns to the safe confines of Portland. It all comes down to one question: is home is where she grew up, or is home where the heart is?’
This is a fine love story of two women, beautifully rendered and rich in insight and sentiment. Jenn Alexander continues to impress as an author of substance. Highly recommended.
Canadian author Jenn Alexander earned her degree in Counseling from the University of North Texas and now works as a play therapist in Canada. She has now published two novels - THE SONG OF THE SEA, her debut novel, and now HOME.
Jenn Alexander once again demonstrates a gift of eloquent prose that grants her the grace of a practiced author. Her time sent in Texas during her studying to be a counselor serves her well: this new novel is about, and has the true flavor of, Texas.
The immediate appeal of Jenn’s writing greets the reader on the opening pages – atmospheric designing that is magnetic: ‘Rowan Barnes couldn’t figure out why Texans were so scared of hellfire when they seemed to already live and thrive in it. ‘How is it so damn hot outside?’ She wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her arm, and then continued pushing the shopping cart across the parking lot…I’m gonna die,” she said to no one in particular. “All these damn little black birds are gonna peck the flesh from my body….Her brain was being fried. Shed been in Fort Worth, Texas, barely a week and already she was talking to herself.’
The mood is set and the engaging story unfolds, as in the synopsis: ‘Rowan Barnes never planned on living in Texas, and she’s not sure she likes it. She tells herself that her dream job as grill chef at a new up-and-coming restaurant was worth the relocation from her Portland home, but she feels out of place and alone in the Lone Star State. Kate Landreth, on the other hand, is Texas through-and-through. Rowan meets Kate while picking up beef from a local cattle ranch, and is immediately drawn to the woman whose heart is as big as the state she loves. As the two women become closer, Rowan begins to see Texas through Kate’s eyes, but Kate is hesitant to fall too deeply for someone who makes it clear that Texas will never be her home. When Rowan finds herself at an unexpected crossroads, she must decide whether she stays in Texas or returns to the safe confines of Portland. It all comes down to one question: is home is where she grew up, or is home where the heart is?’
This is a fine love story of two women, beautifully rendered and rich in insight and sentiment. Jenn Alexander continues to impress as an author of substance. Highly recommended.
March 9, 2022
Good Story
I have never read this author before but I look forward to more of her storytelling. She does a great job of getting into her characters heads, making you feel like you really know them. Well done!
I have never read this author before but I look forward to more of her storytelling. She does a great job of getting into her characters heads, making you feel like you really know them. Well done!
September 12, 2020
3.5 star ratings
An appreciated read for an erstwhile gloomy morning. Not the typical stringing of courtship and drama story...just sweet romance
An appreciated read for an erstwhile gloomy morning. Not the typical stringing of courtship and drama story...just sweet romance
September 7, 2022
I loved this book so much more than I expected to! Very well written and truly enjoyable read.
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