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Home Sweet Home
Headed for divorce, Trina returns to the small town of her childhood to rebuild her life.
Trina is starting over after a painful separation from her husband of almost twenty years. Grief and loss force her to re-evaluate her life. The only thing she can think to do is to return to her hometown where she has to deal with all of the things she left behind; a hometown she hasn't visited since high school graduation.
When the police officer who lives next door comes knocking with questions about a tragedy from the past, Trina finds herself exploring the trauma of her childhood and facing the pain and stigma she's run from for so long.
As she faces a new season of life, Trina must learn how to navigate complex family relationships, new friendships and a return to the career she left behind to raise a family years earlier. In the process, she'll finally confront the ghosts of her past and upend a mystery that's haunted her adult life.
Trina is starting over after a painful separation from her husband of almost twenty years. Grief and loss force her to re-evaluate her life. The only thing she can think to do is to return to her hometown where she has to deal with all of the things she left behind; a hometown she hasn't visited since high school graduation.
When the police officer who lives next door comes knocking with questions about a tragedy from the past, Trina finds herself exploring the trauma of her childhood and facing the pain and stigma she's run from for so long.
As she faces a new season of life, Trina must learn how to navigate complex family relationships, new friendships and a return to the career she left behind to raise a family years earlier. In the process, she'll finally confront the ghosts of her past and upend a mystery that's haunted her adult life.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2020
735 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Lilly Mirren
38 books309 followersLilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
March 8, 2021
“Home Sweet Home” is an emotional heartwarming story about love, loss, life, anger, forgiveness and going home again.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 19, 2021
I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway win. I really wanted to like this book, it was well written and had a good story. It just focused too much on her past, it made it hard to find it interesting. I forced myself to finish this book, because I wanted to give it a chance. I kept getting bored, reading about constant grieving and past mistakes.
December 7, 2020
There were so many layers to this book. It revolves around a middle aged woman who is in the midst of a divorce. We learn of the tragic circumstances that led up to it as well as her difficult childhood and the effects that had on her adult life. She moves back to her small hometown and must deal with her mother. She is surprised at the many positive changes she sees in her mother’s life but the road to a better relationship is a rocky one. Add in a daughter beginning university, a best friend who comes for an extended visit after losing her job and a handsome police officer who is asking questions about the incident that caused her to leave and never return.
I was surprised at how I was able to relate to these characters so easily even though I have never been in any of these situations. It is a poignant, moving story about picking yourself up and trying to do better when things don’t go well. It’s learning how to listen to the other person’s side and to forgive and move forward to benefit you both. It shows how a wrong idea or two can have dramatic, long-lasting effects and how wonderful, new opportunities can appear seemingly out of nowhere. A heartwarming, thought-provoking read. I think the author has found her niche in this genre.
I was surprised at how I was able to relate to these characters so easily even though I have never been in any of these situations. It is a poignant, moving story about picking yourself up and trying to do better when things don’t go well. It’s learning how to listen to the other person’s side and to forgive and move forward to benefit you both. It shows how a wrong idea or two can have dramatic, long-lasting effects and how wonderful, new opportunities can appear seemingly out of nowhere. A heartwarming, thought-provoking read. I think the author has found her niche in this genre.
November 30, 2020
Trina returns to her home town after splitting up with her husband. She had left after the death of her boyfriend and to get away from her alcoholic mother, but is staying with her until she decides what to do. Flashbacks to when she was younger gradually gives further insight into her and her mother's past and the reasons for their issues.
This is an emotional book that portrays the effects of grief and depression very well, with the bleakness and sudden black episodes that can reoccur at any time. The storyline is not all dark though, with love and friendship giving hope of a brighter future. A story to read and reflect upon, rather than just light entertainment, but is well written and worthy of spending an evening or two escaping from our own troubles times.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This is an emotional book that portrays the effects of grief and depression very well, with the bleakness and sudden black episodes that can reoccur at any time. The storyline is not all dark though, with love and friendship giving hope of a brighter future. A story to read and reflect upon, rather than just light entertainment, but is well written and worthy of spending an evening or two escaping from our own troubles times.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
January 18, 2021
Home Sweet Home! It's not always easy to go back home. Trina left her home town when she graduated high school and didn't look back. Circumstances there left her not wanting to return. Now it's 20 years later, divorcing and reevaluating her life, she finds herself going back to where it all started. There is much that has happened, and she needs to deal with the pain and grief to be able to pick herself up again. Lilly Mirren has written a story that could be any one of us. It's deals with realistic situations, both happy and sad, and lets us live it all with Trina. The fantastic secondary characters bring it all together with Trina's mother at the forefront. It's a rebuilding of faith and love and a tribute to this woman's spirit.
Brigid Lohrey brings us an emotion filled performance. It's perfectly executed and tugs on our hearts and fills us with love.
Brigid Lohrey brings us an emotion filled performance. It's perfectly executed and tugs on our hearts and fills us with love.
March 7, 2021
Pretty good read
I waffled between loving the booking and being bored with the repetition. I almost ditched it fairly near the beginning, but then read more reviews and someone else had thought the same but was then glad she’d persevered. So I did, and am glad I did. I like the basic story, what I didn’t like is the constant reflections of the past. For me knowing that Ben had left because they couldn’t survive the loss of their son was enough. But some people may enjoy that. I must admit at the end I was surprised that she had left solely because of the accident, I thought it was because she had an awful home life. Plus the anger because she’d want to be back to sink into her Mom’s arms when Seb was diagnosed! Her mom visited occasionally but she hadn’t really kept up with her Mom’s life. So that didn’t make sense to me.
However it was a pleasant read overall.
I waffled between loving the booking and being bored with the repetition. I almost ditched it fairly near the beginning, but then read more reviews and someone else had thought the same but was then glad she’d persevered. So I did, and am glad I did. I like the basic story, what I didn’t like is the constant reflections of the past. For me knowing that Ben had left because they couldn’t survive the loss of their son was enough. But some people may enjoy that. I must admit at the end I was surprised that she had left solely because of the accident, I thought it was because she had an awful home life. Plus the anger because she’d want to be back to sink into her Mom’s arms when Seb was diagnosed! Her mom visited occasionally but she hadn’t really kept up with her Mom’s life. So that didn’t make sense to me.
However it was a pleasant read overall.
November 27, 2020
What a wonderful story! It is said, “you can’t go back home once you leave.” This book is proof that it can be done. Filled with grief as a teenager; lacking parental involvement while Mom’s men-friends cycled through the house; and, wanting a different life, Trina left home right after high school. The book is mainly twenty-five years later in her life when all new loss becomes a new cross to bear and she returns home to the community where she was raised. This book will make you laugh out loud at times and turn around and break your heart as you cry. It’s my warning that the story has powerful reminders of life itself and the author writes this story to perfection. I loved it! I recommend the book and thank the author for an early copy.
December 18, 2020
I enjoyed this story telling of one woman's rebuilding her life after almost 20 years of marriage come to a crashing halt. Can she start again by returning to the hometown she escaped from many years ago and the estranged alcoholic mother who was never very motherly? This book depicts the steps Trina takes even when they're difficult, the relationships that evolve and transform her, and a mysterious cold case that finally surprises everyone when it's solved. I loved the HEA and new beginnings that are hinted at to (hopefully) continue in this next books in this delightful series. I thoroughly recommend this book. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
March 26, 2021
Heartfelt and healing. Wonderfully told story.
Trina returns home after 25 years. She never even visited until her life was in shambles and she felt hopeless. In her despair she is even willing to move in with her mom. A mother who had seldom been there for Trina. But what Trina finds is a mother who has completely changed but Trina doesn't know how to forgive. This author did a wonderful job of exposing character flaws, heartfelt emotions and weaving a plot that keeps you reading . And everyone needs a friend like Lisa who is the subject of book 2.Can't wait for book 2.
Trina returns home after 25 years. She never even visited until her life was in shambles and she felt hopeless. In her despair she is even willing to move in with her mom. A mother who had seldom been there for Trina. But what Trina finds is a mother who has completely changed but Trina doesn't know how to forgive. This author did a wonderful job of exposing character flaws, heartfelt emotions and weaving a plot that keeps you reading . And everyone needs a friend like Lisa who is the subject of book 2.Can't wait for book 2.
April 30, 2022
An enjoyable read...
This is my first book by this author. I have to be in the right mood for Women's Fiction stories since they drone on about someone else's sad life, but the author kept it moving along. There were only a couple of proofreading typos so the read was smooth. What niggled me throughout this story is the author's propensity to describe everything as 'timbre'. Is wood so scarce in Australia that it needs to be a pointed adjective each time something is named? Really irritating. The story kept drawing me back to continue reading. I do have four more of this author's books, but they're all Women's Fiction, so I may read them in the future.
This is my first book by this author. I have to be in the right mood for Women's Fiction stories since they drone on about someone else's sad life, but the author kept it moving along. There were only a couple of proofreading typos so the read was smooth. What niggled me throughout this story is the author's propensity to describe everything as 'timbre'. Is wood so scarce in Australia that it needs to be a pointed adjective each time something is named? Really irritating. The story kept drawing me back to continue reading. I do have four more of this author's books, but they're all Women's Fiction, so I may read them in the future.
December 4, 2020
This is a wonderful story. It’s about forgiveness and going back home. Trina left home right after high school to find a different life from the one she had with a mother who didn’t pay attention to her. She finally returns home, many years later, after a devastating loss. She finds that her mother has changed and home isn’t so bad after all, I really enjoyed this book, as I do with all of Lilly Mirren books. I highly recommend this book. I received an early copy from the author and this review is all my own opinions.
February 9, 2021
Home Sweet Home, a women's fiction, is breathtakingly well written, emotional, and beautiful, filled with humor, grief and, secrets, and mystery. I loved to follow Trina in her journey to happiness. My heart broke for her. She is a beautiful and strong character. The supporting characters are great, and interesting. I need more! Brigid Lohrey did a fantastic job with the narration. She has a beautiful voice. Lilly Mirren never disappoints. I love her writing. If you like women's fiction books, this one is for you. I enjoyed it, and I highly recommend it.
February 21, 2021
Home Sweet Home
She is back home after years gone by. She is in a middle of a divorce. Memories come flooding back.Trina has many regrets in her life. A look back just might help her with the healing process. But when she is confronted with the possibility that her high school boyfriend's death may not have been an accident things change. She has had a lot of time to reflect on her life. This was an emotional journey for her. And even though she is older doesn't mean she has to forget about love.
She is back home after years gone by. She is in a middle of a divorce. Memories come flooding back.Trina has many regrets in her life. A look back just might help her with the healing process. But when she is confronted with the possibility that her high school boyfriend's death may not have been an accident things change. She has had a lot of time to reflect on her life. This was an emotional journey for her. And even though she is older doesn't mean she has to forget about love.
November 29, 2020
Inspirational Women's Fiction and Second Chances
This is a wonderful bit of Women's Fiction. There are 3 generations of women that are dealing with long-buried hurts, incredible tragedy, and unbearable pain. They slowly begin to heal and find second chances to live a happy life. The story is very good. The reader kind of knows how it will all end, but the joy is in the journey. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.
This is a wonderful bit of Women's Fiction. There are 3 generations of women that are dealing with long-buried hurts, incredible tragedy, and unbearable pain. They slowly begin to heal and find second chances to live a happy life. The story is very good. The reader kind of knows how it will all end, but the joy is in the journey. I received this ARC book for free from the author and this is my honest review.
February 26, 2021
4 star
I enjoyed the Australian setting and the story certainly included many serious issues parents and children have to find ways to cope. I just felt a lot of the hard work learning to cope was missing. There was rather rapid forgive and forget after decades of pain. Trina felt home and accepted, but at the same time most of the discussion was about her hiding/avoiding from others in the community (except Pete) and bonding with her newer friend Lisa.
I enjoyed the Australian setting and the story certainly included many serious issues parents and children have to find ways to cope. I just felt a lot of the hard work learning to cope was missing. There was rather rapid forgive and forget after decades of pain. Trina felt home and accepted, but at the same time most of the discussion was about her hiding/avoiding from others in the community (except Pete) and bonding with her newer friend Lisa.
December 14, 2020
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A woman moves back home when her marriage breaks up but childhood memories start to haunt her. She has to deal with her rocky relationship with her mom as she comes to terms with things. Watch her journey to forgiveness of herself and her mother as things play out.
It is an emotional look at the ups and downs in life.
A woman moves back home when her marriage breaks up but childhood memories start to haunt her. She has to deal with her rocky relationship with her mom as she comes to terms with things. Watch her journey to forgiveness of herself and her mother as things play out.
It is an emotional look at the ups and downs in life.
May 10, 2021
You CAN Go Home Again
Lily Mirren has a deft touch when dealing with the tragedies that can occur in life. It turns out you can go home again! Lovingly narrated by Brigid Lohrey with distinct voices for each character, a mystery is unraveled that brings peace to the survivors. The descriptions make me long for a chance to visit these locales.
Lily Mirren has a deft touch when dealing with the tragedies that can occur in life. It turns out you can go home again! Lovingly narrated by Brigid Lohrey with distinct voices for each character, a mystery is unraveled that brings peace to the survivors. The descriptions make me long for a chance to visit these locales.
June 2, 2021
Trina has stayed away from here home town for 20 years and kept her distance from her mother and her childhood memories. Now after going through a divorce she decides to go back home and stay with her mother until she 'finds' herself and decides what to do with her life. Lots of emotions in this book, but it's a good read.
December 1, 2020
This is a well written book that will keep you turning the pages. It is full of emotions and you can feel everyone of them. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one. I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 23, 2021
CONFUSING...
I don’t understand why the author decided to go from the present to the past because it confuses the reader! And why the long narration??? Let the question be answered on the same page that it was asked...
I don’t understand why the author decided to go from the present to the past because it confuses the reader! And why the long narration??? Let the question be answered on the same page that it was asked...
February 24, 2021
Really nice story, well-written, insightful, some LOL moments. I'd like to continue with the next book if I can find a deal. For American readers: a slice is a bar cookie. I had to ask a Kiwi friend about that.
February 25, 2021
Good book
It started rather slow,I even thought about not finishing it..I am so glad I did..The female lead has gone through so much and has been enveloped in pain and hurt. Like a phoenix She rises again ,full of light and hope.
It started rather slow,I even thought about not finishing it..I am so glad I did..The female lead has gone through so much and has been enveloped in pain and hurt. Like a phoenix She rises again ,full of light and hope.
February 27, 2021
Sweet story
A sweet and thoughtful story about second chances, dealing with grief, family, friendship, and romance. Really lovely, although a few times the plot seemed to move oddly for me.
A sweet and thoughtful story about second chances, dealing with grief, family, friendship, and romance. Really lovely, although a few times the plot seemed to move oddly for me.
March 9, 2021
A clean women's fiction with a little romance; Trina is dealing badly with the grief of the death of her son, she lost her marriage, and decides to start over in a new town.
I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.
March 10, 2021
Redemption and Forgiveness
A wonderful read! Light reading that explores pain, sorrow, healing and forgiveness. There is no such thing as the perfect family and we all deal with these feelings differently. Time does heal old wounds and forgiveness can bring redemption and joy.
A wonderful read! Light reading that explores pain, sorrow, healing and forgiveness. There is no such thing as the perfect family and we all deal with these feelings differently. Time does heal old wounds and forgiveness can bring redemption and joy.
July 13, 2021
Finally Home
FINALLY home for good. This book would interest those who like happy endings. There is a lot of emotional baggage in life but the upside shows people who have been down as far as they can that there is still hope, love and life!
FINALLY home for good. This book would interest those who like happy endings. There is a lot of emotional baggage in life but the upside shows people who have been down as far as they can that there is still hope, love and life!
August 1, 2022
I know these people!
Lilly Mirren writes to where a reader can see the images in their minds, whether it's at a house, outdoors, on a horse, in love, with anywhere. I love being able to be there with them. They don't know I'm there, but I know everything. It is wonderful!
Lilly Mirren writes to where a reader can see the images in their minds, whether it's at a house, outdoors, on a horse, in love, with anywhere. I love being able to be there with them. They don't know I'm there, but I know everything. It is wonderful!
October 26, 2022
Home Sweet Home
Set in a small Australian town Trina moves back to be near her estranged mom. Then her best friend moves in with her and the three of them open a bakery and so many sweet things happen throughout the book. A good read.
Set in a small Australian town Trina moves back to be near her estranged mom. Then her best friend moves in with her and the three of them open a bakery and so many sweet things happen throughout the book. A good read.
May 25, 2023
Home Sweet Home
I know some people thought this was too sad, but Trina’s story wouldn’t be the same without it. I loved how she worked through that sadness and found so much joy, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in the end.
I know some people thought this was too sad, but Trina’s story wouldn’t be the same without it. I loved how she worked through that sadness and found so much joy, peace, forgiveness and reconciliation in the end.
December 30, 2020
This book is wonderful
Except for the tragedy, I loved this book. Feel good when you read this story. You just can’t help it!
Characters were real. You just would like to know them more.
Thank you.
Except for the tragedy, I loved this book. Feel good when you read this story. You just can’t help it!
Characters were real. You just would like to know them more.
Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews