About the Book

Book:  Journey Back Home

Author: Cheri Swalwell

Genre: Christian Romance

As you know, life isn’t always as it seems.

Ten years, four children, two full-time careers, insane schedules—this is not what Jace and Simone signed up for. When the couple married a decade ago, they shared a passion for serving youth together. They believed their deep love for God and shared interests were all they needed to keep their marriage strong.

With Jace busy as a youth minister on the weekends, and Simone taking care of their four children, as well as her second grade classroom, they barely find time to connect with each other. Travel up close and personal into the home of a youth pastor and his family as they deal with issues far-to-common in this fast-paced society.

Tragedy strikes…an investigation begins…and it seems as though life will never return to the “happily-ever-after” of their dreams.

When their world is turned upside down, the question becomes…will God give the family strength to journey back home?

If you like wholesome fiction with a faith-filled message, buckle in to read Journey Back Home, Book 2 of The Redemption of Green Pines series today.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Cheri Swalwell is a Christ follower who thoroughly enjoys her calling to be a wife, mother, and writer, in that order. She enjoys writing regularly for Book Fun Magazine and LIFE TO THE FULLEST. Her Spoken from the Heart Series is available through Deeper Shopping in both eBook and paperback versions. To read one of her many articles on life from a Christian perspective, visit her blog at: http://bit.ly/1gRp9oK. She loves to interact with her readers, so send her an email at clSwalwell99@gmail.com or “like” her on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1h4eudV.

More from Cheri

Journey Back Home was the first novel I ever wrote. The way God downloaded it into my heart was by sharing Simone’s side of the story first. Her journey is shared in the book through a series of diary entries. So I basically wrote the middle of the book first, then the ending, and then went back and wrote the beginning. It was definitely God who tied it all together so nicely.

When I finished writing Journey Back Home, it sat in my computer folders for six years. During that time God took fiction away from me, and gave me the platform of nonfiction. Two years ago, He lovingly gave me fiction back and I pulled it out, dusted it off, and started getting it ready to publish.

However, I realized it wasn’t a standalone book anymore. It was a community, a tight-knit group of people who had much more they wanted to share with readers. And I knew I needed to start with Holly’s story. Adventure’s Invitation, Book 1 of The Redemption of Green Pines, tells Holly’s background which is an integral part of Journey Back Home.

I hope you fall in love with Jace, Simone, their four children, and of course Holly as much as I have. If so, get ready because there are many more people to grow to love in all six books of The Redemption of Green Pines series.

MY REVIEW 

This book is a wonderful example of marriage and the struggles that some couples face. It is hard to be in ministry and juggle a family as Simone and Jace find out. I knew right away that Jace was over committed and started putting his family last. My husband and I have been down a similar road. We were Children’s pastors and also leaders in Marriage Ministry. Like Simone I felt overwhelmed working full time, raising  children   and being in ministry. 

Simone is a sweet character who loves being a mom and wife. But as time goes by, she could feel herself taking on  more family responsibilities while her husband was at church or meetings. It is easy to understand her frustration and feelings of not being enough for everyone. Her despair starts to show as little fights start happening between husband and wife. It was a sad moment when I read about the tragedy the family faced. If only we could take back words or actions , maybe things would turn out differently. 

Jace is so consumed with ministry he slowly forgets he is a husband and father as well. His children can tell there is tension in the family and yearn for his attention. It can be easy to fall into the trap of wanting to please others and always be available when in ministry. Jace forgot that God is first, then family then ministry. It became an idol to him and I saw his life spiraling out of control. When he faces the harsh realization that he now is responsible for taking caring of four children alone while being the youth pastor he turns to God for help.

I loved getting a glimpse into Simone’s thoughts when Jace found her journal. Within those pages he fell in love with her all over again. God showed him that he needed to change things in his life in order to move forward. I liked meeting Holly and loved how she helped Jace with the children without overstepping her bounds. She becomes very important in to the family   and I’m excited to read more about her.

The story is emotional and reminds us never to take for granted one moment. Jace’s journey is filled with lessons about forgiveness, showing  family unconditional love and while finding his way   back home where there is hope , joy and God’s love. 

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 21

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 22

Artistic Nobody, January 23 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 24

Batya’s Bits , January 24

Inklings and notions, January 25

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, January 26

deb’s Book Review, January 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

Rebecca Tews, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Holly Jo Morris, January 31

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 1

For Him and My Family, February 2

Pause for Tales, February 3

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Cheri is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/10626/journey-back-home-celebration-tour-giveaway