He is everything she avoids in a man. So why does she want him so badly?
Control comes easily to Emory Walsh.
After all, when you spend most of your time in a cockpit 25,000 feet off the ground, control is a very good thing.
And when you’ve already had your heart smashed to pieces, protecting yourself feels more important than ever.
But when tanned, sex-on-a-stick Arlo Cruz walks into Emory’s life, her no-strings-attached policy comes abruptly to an end. That is, until the dizzying heights of Arlo’s charm leaves Emory in a freefall to heartbreak.
Forget a cruisy hook-up, this is an all-out romantic tailspin.
With memories of her past hot on her heels, Emory fights to retain the upper hand over her heart. But can she learn to let go of her fears before she lets go of Arlo...forever?
Finding Home is an adventurous small-town romance for readers who love second chances, multicultural romance, and stories with plenty of heart.
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Sutton Bishop has always believed in happily ever after. Despite beginning her writing career while penning nonfiction essays and articles for magazines, Sutton’s heart belonged to romance long before she wrote her first book. After marrying her teenage heartthrob and starting her own family, she plunged into fiction—blending action, adventure, suspense, and romance. Sutton’s deeply layered and flawed characters are forced to contend with challenging plot twists that reveal their hidden motives and passions, in settings that range from America’s heartland to the heat of Guatemala, Morocco, Italy, and Spain.
Her current releases include the Ancient Passage Series, Piñon Ridge Series series, and Javier. Interlude (a Piñon Ridge spinoff), One Scorching Summer (part of the Texas Summer Series), and the first installment of the Torch River Series series will release in 2025.
Sign up to Sutton’s newsletter for chatty updates, including bookish news, culinary adventures and gardening escapades: www.suttonbishop.com
Beautiful, sweet and an extremely romantic and bliss filled story. Finding Home pulled at my heartstrings, championing for love, feeling distraught with the deceit and tragedy, cheering for hope to overcome all of life’s roadblocks. Thank you Sutton for writing a very special and loving story. This couple encompasses the meaning of love while being brave and independent but also complete and whole when they are as one. This story has renewed my faith in love conquering all. “I love you Arlo. My soul loves your soul” “ I love you Emi. You are my heart. My home.” ❤️❤️SWOON❤️❤️
Loved this small town romance with an international flair. Finding Home is a character driven as neither the Hero or Heroine are push overs for love or romance. In fact Arlo the hero of the story isn’t as gun shy about relationships, as Emory the heroine, which is a cool twist on the romance genre. Emory has previous emotional baggage she hasn’t unpacked, and it does impact her budding relationship with Arlo. What I love about Bishop’s writing as she doesn’t just write a romance, her books are a immersive experiences, which makes her readers dive deep into the lives and community she writes. This is in fact not only a great romance but a fantastic woman’s fiction book.
It's a chilly October night, the day before Halloween. I got to the mailbox and there is a package inside. I haven't ordered anything that I can remember. I did not recognize the return address. All of these factors have left me pretty confused.
I slice open the package and much to my surprise it was a copy of Finding Home! I was absolutely shocked. I had joined the Goodreads giveaway for the book so I went to scour my email for a notification that I had won. I had no such email. I can only assume the author had chosen to send out the copy on their own. Not only that but the book was signed and included bookmarks and had an ARC sticker on the cover!
I could not contain my excitement!! I was supposed to be cooking pumpkin seeds with my husband from our recently carved jack-o-lanterns, however I was so focused on the book and researching how it showed up at the house and talking about it excitedly that I didn't even realize he finished washing the seeds, seasoning them, and cooking them before I noticed!
Thank you so much to Sutton Bishop for sending me this book! I wish I could articulate how much I appreciate it and how much it means to me. I will always prize my copy and it will be displayed on my bookshelf with pride!
As for the actual review:
The first thing I want to talk about is more on the con side, which is the tone. I struggled with it. It seemed to be all over the place. At first the book was light and fun with just a girl and her friends and maybe a new guy. Then for the next bit it was spicy, which surprised me btw, haha, I couldn't tell from the cover. Those things took up about the first 1/3rd of the book. The next third was all fighting and angst and tragedy. Then the last third was accidents, injury, and anger. It was all over the board.
For some pros!
I love her cat Rad! My cat Moog sits with me while I read and Rad reminds me a lot of him. That's it, I just love her cat!
I am so jealous of Emory's friend group. That is something I have always wanted and reading her story let me share them for a while
Also, what's the deal with the sour cream donuts? That just doesn't sound good haha
There were endless descriptions of food in the story. Not necessarily a pro or con, but based on the note at the end it seems that this is somewhat of a staple in Bishop's writing.
These people are all obsessed with coffee! No shade because I am also obsessed. But damn. This brings it to a whole new level! These characters can't do anything without a cup of coffee in hand! Multiple cups (again, same) that they are constantly talking about to each other! I need a coffee buddy from Pinon Ridge because I need someone to share this addiction with and they all are perfect for the job!
Page 175 😂 I'm so confused.
I do wonder if Sutton herself is a pilot? Or perhaps a relative of one? I noticed many pilot terms that are likely to be known only if you're an aviator. However sometimes they were used... Weirdly. Not inherently wrong, just not how I've seen anyone do it before. Of course that doesn't mean anything definitively. Everyone has different methods. Just one example though is during Emory's recollection of the search and rescue mission. She mentions how her copilot is constantly searching for storms. Not by monitoring the radios (ATC, CTAF, ATIS of a nearby airport) but literally looking for one at night with his eyes. I don't remember a mention of NVGs. Maybe it was just supposed to be foreshadowing? But that's pretty strange imo. Not wrong.... Just strange.
Another example is the summary of the book. It says Emory spends most of her time at 25,000 feet AGL. Which would make sense if she was an airline pilot. However as search and rescue she would probably fly anywhere from 50 feet to 1000 feet AGL. I could go on...
All that being said, those things are just nit picks. I loved getting to read about a pilot MC. As a fellow female helicopter pilot it is really cool to see a depiction of that in literature, it is pretty uncommon in both real life and print. Because of that this already special book is extra special to me.
This is a quote that I found to be quiet comical from near the end of the novel:
"... the men, antsy from hours of sitting around, had gone out for lunch followed by cross-country skiing". I'm sorry what? Who goes cross-country skiing because they're antsy while waiting for their loved one in a hospital?! I understand going on a walk or drive or getting lunch, it had been several days of waiting rooms at this point, but cross-country skiing?! Who?!
I did not know this was a "sequel" until I read a comment that mentioned that it was the second in the Pinon Ridge series. But once I found out I was like ooooh I bet it's about Kenna and Hardin. Sutton did a wonderful job making it an independent book that doesn't require information from the first book to make sense; however I'm sure there are fun references I would have understood if I had read it before. I'm excited to learn more about these characters by going back and reading the first book! Maybe the 3rd one will be about Noa! Fingers crossed 🤞
Overall this book was pleasant to read and I am grateful to Sutton for the opportunity to enjoy it! Thanks again!
I really enjoyed getting to know Emory in this book, she is such a strong, independent woman and so down to earth. This was such a charmingly heartbreaking book overflowing with love, emotion, beauty and pain. The storyline is beautiful even though there are hard times, desperate times, but the interactions, the twists, the ending... absolutely astounding. This continues on from the first book, the original characters are still there and mentioned but this focuses on Emory and Arlo, their story and incredible lives. I really enjoyed book one and this story definately kept that bar high.
“Finding Home” is Sutton Bishop’s heartfelt second book in the Pinon Ridge series, and it’s a winner. This beautifully told story, and the tight-knit group of friends and family members, grabs you from page one and doesn’t let go. Emory and Arlo couldn’t be more different, but when they finally get together, they absolutely sizzle. Oh my, do they ever! A must-have for every romance reader.
A really great book that leaves you happy at the end. I had not read the first book in the series and didn't need to. I was able to fully enjoy the book without the prior history. The author describes the scenery beautifully and wish I was there. The story of woman whose past has scarred her heart. The woman then must decide whether to heal or not. I enjoyed the book immensely and will be looking out for more from this series.
Sutton Bishop has endeared us again with another sweet and heartbreaking tale from Pinon Ridge. Entwining some past characters with new friends, the avalanche of romance sweeps us away. Taking place in a fictitious town in the rugged mountains of Colorado, its residents soon charm us. First, we are in awe of the brave, intelligent Emory Walsh, a woman pilot who is part of the local search and rescue teams. Her life and daring feats are front-page newsworthy, but her personal life is bleak and safe. She enjoys the many friendships of her gal pals posse, her family, and intense work. The work is Emory's control in life, precise, professional, risking only herself and the team each time they are engaged in a rescue. Once burned and disappointed by love, Emory is hesitant to fall again. Currently, men are only toys and infrequent dalliances, not worthy of commitment or her love and respect.
As in other Bishop books, this is a theme, finding love in dire circumstances, during danger, after a life-threatening event, or a heartbreaking one. But unfortunately, Emory Walsh has yet to meet her match. She is stunned when 'he' walks in the door of her favorite downtime bar.
Enter Arlo Cruz, the author describes him as "Sex on a stick." He is the handsome guy of nearly every woman's fantasy, including Emory's friends. Emory meets with her challenge of Arlo, who instantly finds her intriguing and perhaps prey. But Emory wants to run instead of facing the possibility of at least a one-night fling. However, an emergency call brings Emory to her senses, and Arlo, a stranger, steps in to help. Emory intrigues him more when Arlo witnesses Emory performing her normal but complicated job duties. Who wouldn't be impressed by a woman who is a helicopter rescue pilot and an EMT?
The story arc moves well. As readers, we quickly become the cheerleaders for Emory, hoping she will accept whatever Arlo has to give her! Her friends do the same. Even Emory's family is surprised by this Spanish gentleman and some assure the hesitant gal to 'take a bite of the forbidden fruit.'
Author Bishop has traveled to many exotic and beautiful places worldwide, including those inspiring and rugged mountains of Colorado and Wyoming, so some of them are the backdrop scenery of what will become a hot ticket ride! A good read for all seasons as Arlo and Emory fire up the cold nights and send the summer stars spinning in this modern adventure.
Rating: 5/5🌟 Steam 3.5/5🔥 Thank you @wildfiremarketingsolutions and @authorsuttonbishop for the ARC of Finding Home. Love a head strong, independent, head strong bad-ass female character? Like a man that isn’t afraid to prove to you that he wants you? Need a page turner and a book that makes you swoon? Want a book that gives off K.A. Tucker’s The Simple Wild vibes? This is the book for you!! This was the first book that I have ever read by Sutton Bishop, and it defiantly won’t be the last. This book was hands down amazing, and I read it in one sitting. I could not stop turning the pages wanting to know what happened next. The story was told in such a way that you couldn’t help but feel and love all the characters. This book defiantly pulls at the heartstrings and makes you realize that no love story is perfect, but love is worth it. This is a book that I need on my shelves!
Emory is powerful and genuine. Even in fits of anger, she's still so down to earth and open with how she's feeling. Being in her head was a journey all in itself, the best kind. Between her and Arlo narrating, their connection was told perfectly. Their attraction to each other was STEAMY 🥵.
Sutton Bishop has a way with words in any kind of situation - whether that's sexual tension, vulnerability, anger, accidents, or sneaky reveals. Everything was incredibly crafted. I loved every bit of it.
Quick, easy, and intriguing steamy romance read. ❤️
Thank you again to Twins and Talent & Sutton Bishop for sending me an ARC PDF copy to read before release (the book released yesterday!!). I was so thrilled to read it. I loved Mac and Hardin's story. I was eager to learn more about Emory and Arlos' growing attraction to one another.
This book leads the reader in quite the adventure of growth, happiness, and love. Each character, setting, and circumstance is refreshingly real. This was such a relatable read full of true to life experiences that will have you playing a tug of war between your heart and mind!
Highly recommend if you love strong female characters that find love when least expected. Similar reads include: Things We Save in a Fire by Katherine Center, The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, and Serena Singh Flips the Script by Sonya Lalli.
Emory Walsh almost has it all with amazing friends, family and outside the box job. But when it comes to love she built a wall so high, she doesn’t even dare peek over. This all changes when she meets Arlo, shifting her take in endless possibilities.
Is there room for growth, family, career and love?
In order to accept love, you must reshape your outlook of fear!
Sutton Bishop breaks gender norms and providing realistic and positive values on a true value of women and their world in books. Allowing all to see the world though her books and characters.
This book was so good. You can’t help but get pulled in. Everything was so descriptive and engaging. I loved the family dynamics and closeness of the friends. Not to mention the great detail of the rescues. I highly recommend it.
This is a romantic suspense story with lots of twists and turns in the plot. Featuring a scenic back drop, this romantic story was packed with action, emergencies, intensity, and spice . Keep in mind that emergencies can be fairly sad and intense, so I will leave it at that without spoiling.
Reading this book made me realize how little knowledge I have about flying planes or being a pilot... which is probably because I'm afraid of heights g However, I enjoyed that I could relate to the characters working in the medical field even if it isn't in the same manner as my career.
I loved the strength and solid message in this book. The intricate information was fun to learn and the clear message that strong is more than okay, was refreshing. Learning to love again is tough. Taking chances requires courage. Giving all your heart takes deep faith and trust. And loving deeply is great joy. These two will bring your heart home again and again!
Sexy and fun story with some twists and turns! I really enjoyed Finding Home and got a bit swept up by the main and supporting characters. Good to the last page!
This read keeps you on your feet the whole time. The action between the characters and in their professional life. I couldn’t put this book down.. can’t wait to see where the story goes
I would describe Finding Home by Sutton Bishop as a cute small-town romance with a bit of steam. I got lost in Pinon Ridge, Colorado. I felt like I was right there with the group of girlfriends; Emory, Kai, Ronni, Cori, & Kenna, who are all strong women and there for each other no matter what. I enjoyed the multicultural romance and loved visiting Spain. However, it is so much more! This is not a vacation fling; this is Emory falling head over heels for Arlo but holding back, Arlo knowing he wants Emory in his life and doing what is necessary to prove himself and his love. There is romance, adventure, tragedy, and it is full of emotional ups and downs.
If you enjoy Romance or Women’s Fiction, I definitely recommend reading Finding Home. It is technically book 2 in the Pinon Ridge series following Hearts Don’t Lie. However, I read it first and I don’t feel I missed out on anything other than reading the wonderful story of Mac and Hardin which I fully intend to.
I win this on Gooreads giveaways. Thank you Sutton Bishoo for the signed copy. I always read those first! However, this time I did purchase a kindle copy of Hearts Don't Lie to read first.
I enjoyed Hearts Don't Lie more than this book, but I did enjoy this one as well. The characters I got to know played a small role in this and I liked that. I also likes that this could be a stand alone. The scenes were painted beautifully. Characters all likable and remind me of some of my friends. The sudden fleeung and break up was a surprise. The helicopter crash was a bit predictable. I love that Sutton wraps up her books well. It would be great to know more, but you don't feel like you've been left hanging with unanswered questions.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I was thrilled to win this book through a Goodreads Giveaway and was also pleased to see that it’s signed by the author. This was my first time reading a book by Sutton Bishop. The book is the 2nd in a series but it really held up well as a stand-alone although I could tell that there must be a backstory. Finding Home was a pleasant and easy read. There were a few things added that didn’t really fit in the story well or weren’t explained that left me wondering why they were even included. However, overall it was a solid read that I enjoyed.
I want to first say, this book was excellent. This book is the second book in Pinon Ridge by Sutton Bishop. (I didn't read the first book.)
Emory who is well known in her small town. Meets Arlo, who is on a business trip. Emory and Arlo go on several dates and it's love at first sight for both. But little does Arlo know that Emory's heart has been broken before. Will Arlo be the one to get through to Emory? Such a great story!
Honestly, the beginning of this story was too good to be true. I kept thinking, there is no way this continues this way. Then, the other shoe dropped.
This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster the entire second half. I was angry for both Emory and Arlo. I wanted to cry for them multiple times. My heart was ripped apart.
I loved this story so much. I was truly sad it was over. I hope to revisit Emory and Arlo again in the future!
Fun, engaging story with some twists and turns. Likable characters, adventurous storyline that runs the gamut of emotions. Enjoyed the small-town, second-chance aspect.
*I won an ARC of this book from the author via a FB contest and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Thank you to the author for the book.
Finding Home did not disappoint. This is a quick read and it takes you on a tour of multiple countries. Arlo and Emory are very real characters that bring you into their exciting life. The book is full of adventure and I look forward to reading more about Pinon Ridge.
Not what I normally read but thought I would try it. I am sure many people would love this book but not me. She flies helicopters he represents soccer players. They see each other while out with their friends, love at first sight.
Enjoyed reading this story. Likable characters and settings. A good blend of romance, adventure and second chances. Readers of Romance will like this book.
3.5 ⭐️ A cute small town romance that seems so perfect from the first time they laid eyes on each other. Emory is a pilot and took Arlo from CO to WY on their second date 😍 I wasn’t sure how the story was going to go because half way through they are still going on dates and making plans to travel, like we still had a lot of book left, something needs to happen. I needed a twist! Don’t get me wrong I love a good romance but they basically saw each other and started dating.
We got a twist thought Emory feels like her past is coming back to haunt her and just as this happens something major happens in her life.
Arlo for sure comes in strong and Emory has reservations for good reason. The second part of the book I FLEW through it was that good!
Sutton Bishop nailed in writing a beautiful, heartbreaking and sweet story. Finding Home starts with Emory Walsh, as the meaning of the name states, a strong, brave, and intelligent woman. She is a women pilot who works in the rescuing team, she values her job and enjoys her work. Although her position includes a lot of risk-taking, she is uncertain about allowing herself to get into a relationship. After her heart got smashed in her last relationship, she protects herself from getting hurt again.
After meeting Arlo Cruz, a handsome and enchanting man, her no-strings-attached policy abruptly ends. Arlo and Emory have many adventures together and everything is astounding until Arlo’s charm leaves Emory with a shattered heart. Emory leaves Arlo with no explanation and vanishes. She is on her journey of overcoming her fear of pain when it comes to love and now feels betrayed. With all her memories from her past, Emory fights to retain the upper hand over her heart. Will she let go of her fears before she lets go of Arlo…forever?
This story shares a beautiful theme of finding love when you are heartbroken and the fear of loving again. “There are lessons to be learned within the fear, honey. And also from the pain and the grief. It’s the discovery that helps you manage and achieve a healthy balance.” This tale has such strong characters and beautiful tropes: small town romance, second chance, multicultural romance, girl squad, all the feels, and alpha heroine. Bishop wrote this story with a true sweetheart to leave a message and touch people's hearts.
“ I love everything about you. You are my home.”
I can’t wait to read the other Piñon Ridge books because I want to know the story of the other characters that were in the book.
Overall I liked this book and it's a great book to read on any occasion.
Finding Home is part of the Pinon Ridge series by Sutton Bishop. This was a new author for me, but I definitely look forward to reading more books by her. This was a small-town romance and I loved meeting the people of Pinon Ridge. Emory had been hurt in the past and since then she sticks to her no-strings attached rule. Until she met Arlo, he somehow made it past the walls she had built around her heart. Arlo was intrigued by Emory from the beginning but knows he must win her trust. Can Emory let go of her fear and trust Arlo? This was a heartbreaking and beautiful story. Emory and Arlo made the perfect couple, and I was cheering for them from the beginning. I loved how Arlo supported and understood Emory. He was in awe of her strength and talent while also full of encouragement for her. It was a beautiful book and I look forward to reading future books by the author. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.