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Monday, February 26, 2018


RETURNING HOME BOOK BLAST







Jo Ellen Baker is shocked to find out that the boy who teased her mercilessly throughout high school, has returned to their hometown of Freedom Lake, and he’s missing a leg. When his mother asks her to renovate their carriage house to give him a place to gain his independence back, she wants to say no. But one look at him brings a rush of forgotten feelings. 
Evan Carter can’t believe he has to return home and live with his parents. Every hope and dream he ever had dissipated in a car crash that cost him his leg. Stuck in a wheelchair, he’s forced to reexamine his relationship with God and the local carpenter, Jo Ellen Baker. 
Will renovating his home open the door for a mended relationship, or are some wounds too deep to heal from?  
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Author bio –
Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.
She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and president of the Virginia Chapter.

You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.wordpress.com.


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Facebook: www.facebook.com/authortonishiloh 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tonishilohwrite 
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/tonishiloh 
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tonishiloh 
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/tonishiloh 
BookBubwww.bookbub.com/authors/toni-shiloh 
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cmNFKD


Review.jpg


There are so many great things about this book I’m not sure where to begin. I think I’ll start with the topic of church. I loved how the author gives us real characters where one is struggling with their faith.  I remember when I was younger I never missed church when the doors were open. It could also have been because my dad was a preacher and I was expected to go. I almost fell out of my chair when JO said “I  don’t want to be another hypocrite. You know the type, they smile and open the door for you, but as soon as it shuts they’re spreading your business quicker than a flea can jump on a dog.” Yes we have all experienced that type of person in a church. What I thought was so eye opening is Evan telling Jo not to be that kind of person.  If we remove that judgmental attitude, we can begin to soak in His presence. I applaud the author for reminding us to go to church with an open heart and not to worry what others are thinking of us.

Jo and Evan were school friends who definitely didn’t get along. Now that Evan has come back to town, he is a changed man. His disability has softened him and I love his humbleness. Will he be able to convince Jo to forgive him for being so mean to her in school? I say  let that grudge go girl and rekindle that friendship. I don’t think things happen by accident and with Jo’s help she can make Evan’s life better by helping him become more independent. Both of them have some pride issues they need to deal with and lurking behind that is the need to forgive.

The book is rich in scripture and a message of hope and having a relationship with God. There were times I wanted to cry when the characters went through heart wrenching trials. I loved how the author surrounded the characters with friends and family that encouraged them. I cherish each moment I spent reading this book because it is realistic and dealt with issues we all may face at some time. The book is a powerful message of forgiveness that I will not forget. One of the best parts of the book for me was when a group came together for bible study. These friends hungered to understand the Bible and the author does an amazing job of having questions we all wonder about answered with grace and scripture. I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this book and read it with the knowledge that there is hope, love and forgiveness for each of us.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.


1 comment:

  1. What a lovely review! You've blessed me with your words. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete