What an absolutely PHENOMENAL story! This one came out in 2019 and I regret it took me so long to get to it. I adored this book from its cast of characters which stole my heart(this group of characters was absolutely perfect!) to is historical mystery, to its sweet storyline, I can't say enough good things about this book. I will be getting a copy for my keeper shelf and I will revisit this one again. It's just the sweetest story. Definitely a favorite read for 2021!! It might just get top spot for my 2021 reads!

Well, now that I’ve finished this book, I’ve ordered all of Valerie Fraser Luesse’s books. This was a wonderful story full of great characters and relationships. This will fill your heart up with the delightfulness of things southern … the people, the food, the true sense of caring for your family, friends, and neighbors. While set during WWII, it is more of a glimpse into life in the States for those left to keep the country going, whose loved ones are off fighting abroad, whose loved ones are not coming home, and the ones who have returned home after giving up so much for the war.

The conversation throughout the book is full of southern charm, the sense of love and loss spreads itself into your heart and presents so many heartfelt moments. There is a sadness, but there are also moments of laughter and celebrating.

This is one of those books you need to move to the top of your to-be-read list. It will leave you with a need to experience life sitting on the front porch with a neighbor and a glass of sweet tea. You’ll close the book with a sigh and a smile on your face.

Thank you to NetGalley and Fleming H. Ravel Company for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This was a sweet and heartwarming story set in Alabama during WWII. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
My rating - 3.5 stars

Oh, the heartache! Every character in this book had some sort of heartbreak or regret or some other something that made their – and my – heart wrench and twist around. This Deep South story on the home front during WWII was an emotional journey worth taking.

Content: profanity, replacement expletives, alcohol, tobacco, expletive, suicide

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse has Dolly and Si Chandler opening their home to boarders during World War II. In April of 1944 Anna and Jesse Williams arrive in Blackberry Springs, Alabama and get the last bedroom available at the Chandler home. Jesse begins work at the local munitions factory which leaves Anna at loose ends and feeling homesick. Dolly takes Anna under her wing and introduces her to the other ladies in the house as well as the neighborhood women. Dolly and Si can see that the young couple need a help with their marriage and give them subtle nudges in the right direction. One day Dolly tells Anna the story behind the original owner of her home. Anna is intrigued when she learns that no one knows what happened to Catherine and Andrew Sinclair. She decides to look for the answers and maybe find the missing treasure along the way. Almost Home is a satisfying Southern novel. It is well-written with developed characters set in a charming small Southern town. Dolly Chandler has a gregarious personality. She is friendly and nurturing. Dolly and her husband, Si opened their home to help pay the property taxes. They also have a roller rink across the street with dancing and refreshments and Si is building a pond for people to swim in (for money, of course). Dolly has a way of making her boarders feel welcome. There was just one couple who did not fit in and Si soon took care of them (it was a hilarious scene). I liked the variety of residents in the home. There are two college professors, a veteran with PTSD, and a widower as well as Anna and Jesse Williams. There is also Daisy Dupree who becomes close friends with Anna and Lillian the blind woman who lives on the same street. I enjoyed the mystery of Catherine and Andrew. We learn what happened to the couple through diary entries. The search for the so-called missing treasure was great. I love how Almost Home ended. It is a Christian story with the most important lesson being that God should be a priority in our lives. We should put Him first and let Him guide us. All the storylines in Almost Home blended together into one lovely, heartwarming story.

Almost Home is a heart warming read set in Alabama during WWII. The beginning of the war atop the effects of the depression has changed many lives. For Dolly Chandler and her husband, it means turning their large, old home into a boarding house. Soon it is filled with a mix of people who are struggling - an Illinois couple have left their farm and he's taken a job at the ammunition plant. His wife hopes this new start will help him recover his loss of confidence. Another married couple, two unemployed professors from the big city, seem unlikely boarders but they quickly fit into this rural setting. The farmer's wife makes friends with a young widow and together they welcome an injured soldier into their midst. This was an easy read, almost as comfortable as sitting on the front porch and sipping a sweet tea. I received a copy of this novel from Netgalley and all opinions are mine.

This was a sweet story set on the home front during WWII. I ended up liking it more than I thought I would as I don’t really normally like WWII fiction at least the stories set on the home front. But after this book I willing to give the genre a new try.

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse is a magical book that captures the essence and charm of the South. At times, the story seemed so familiar, that I felt like I was reading about my own memories of Southern life. Luesse spins an intriguing tale of a woman who opens her Alabama home as a boarding house during World War II. The odd assortment of people who seek shelter there are ultimately changed by their host’s love and endearing charm. I thought it was very well written. Luesse’s characters are varied and complex enough to captivate. Even though this is a rather long book, the story moves at a good pace. I had a difficult time putting it down. There are several delightfully sweet romances. “As Anna’s tears subsided, Jesse’s hands were no longer comforting but reclaiming. The waters of the slough reflected a kiss, long and deep before Jesse carried Anna to her mother’s quilt and the two of them let the tall pines drink in their kisses and sighs and whispers.” Almost Home is a delightful book with a great cast of characters. I am looking forward to reading more by Luesse in the future.

Although WWII was fought mostly in Europe, it took a heavy toll on the American people. In order to cope with the harsh economic times, Dolly Chandler and her husband turn their family home into a boarding house. They take in an estranged young couple from the Midwest, unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi and a shattered young veteran struggling to heal from the war. They are hoping that they can still weather their own private storms and get back to "normal". But unknown to them, the house has a past of its own...

By the time I finished this book, I also wanted a room in Dolly' Chandler's home... I loved the different storylines and the camaraderie that forms between the boarders. Honestly, I did not want this book to end because I got engaged in the storyline and would not mind a sequel.

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse is one of my favorite reads this Summer. The story takes place in the 1940s, also during the World War era.

Si and Dolly Chandler open their home as a way to earn extra money for their taxes. Jessie and Anne William are the first guest. Jessie as many others during this time, looking for work.

Daisy, a young widowed lady ,fast becomes a favorite. She is trying to cope with the loss of her husband and selling their family farm. Becoming like sisters, Anne and Daisy spent much of their time together. A war veterans named Reed, also moves into the boarding house, as do a few others.

As the book moves along, a story unfolds of a pirate and his beautiful, young bride, Journals found will soon become a evening past time for these people. Trying to discover if there was a hidden treasure and what became of the young couple after their wedding night.

This is my first book by the author. It kept me from interested as I fell in love with each character. I think the author did a great job at making each character come alive. It is a great story of survival, and strong friendships.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley for a review. All opinions are of my own.

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse is a 3 part novel involving the house of Si and Dolly Chandler in Blackberry Springs, Alabama. It’s the 1940s and the World War are actively happening. Si and Dolly are hurting for money and need to find a way to pay off their taxes.

In order to pay the taxes, Si and Dolly open their home to a variety of guests that are needing a change of pace and to get back on their feet as the economy rejuvenates itself. The first set of guests we meet are Anna and Jesse Williams from Illinois.

Anna and Jesse are a very young married couple in need of time away from their farm. Jesse needs to find work during the hard economic times. Additionally, Anna and Jesse need something to help put the spark back into their marriage.

In order to entertain Anna, Dolly introduces Anna to a young widowed woman named Daisy. Daisy is an interesting girl and she loves to draw. Anna also meets the blind neighbor, Lilian, and they soon become fast friends. Lilian tells Anna about the legend of the famous Pirate Andre and his beloved preacher’s daughter, Catherine’s well known hidden treasure. Dolly and Si have looked around for the treasure for years since they live in the pirate’s former home.

Soon, a solider, Reed Ingram, comes to stay at the inn. He struggles with PTSD from the war and he has been injured. However, Daisy comes to his rescue and helps him. However, will both Reed and Daisy conquer the battles that are raging inside them?

When Anna finds an old journal hidden in a former slaves cellar, the tale becomes true to life. Anna, Daisy, Dolly, and the other women of the inn form a little group. The journals hold mystery information. Soon the men become involved. However, many different happenings distract the group from their precious journals, and some mysterious issues arise at the Chandler’s home.

Will these couple’s find happiness and resolve their hurts? Is the story of Andre and Catherine true and is their really a treasure or will trouble take away all the hope they have? You are just going to have to grab a copy of the book for yourself.

This is book was a great read. I did not realize that it was a three part novel and it surprised me as I continued reading. I felt that the characters and the problems they had were very true to life. I could relate to many of them. I really enjoy this book. This was my first Valerie Fraser Luesse read and I was not disappointed. I hope to be able to enjoy more of her books.

Lastly, I want to thank Revell Publishing and the author for giving me the opportunity to review this complimentary ebook . I was under no obligation to give a positive or negative review.

What a timely book! It was good to read it as we mark the 75th anniversary of WWII. Ms. Luesse's story gave a wide perspective of that time period. She allowed us to look at it through the eyes of an injured veteran, a grieving widow, and others that are impacted by the events surrounding our involvment in the war.

The story gripped my heart! This is the first book by Ms. Luesse that I have read and I look forward to reading many more from her.

Anna and Jesse are heading to Blackberry Springs, Alabama, so Jesse can work in a munitions plant after almost losing their farm in Illinois. World War II is in full swing, and sacrifices are being made all over the globe. Anna and Jesse’s marriage is slowly falling apart, and Anna doesn’t know how to get Jesse back from the cold shell he has been showing ever since they got to Dolly and Si’s boardinghouse.

Meanwhile, Dolly and Si are trying everything to hang on to the beautiful home they inherited from Dolly’s grandmother. Dolly takes in boarders, while Si runs a roller skating rink and is busily building a lake for swimming. Dolly’s talent for making people feel at home is well-known, and her love and understanding is just what Anna needs.

I enjoyed this story of love, loss, and sacrifice. The characters were warm and honest, and the legend of pirate gold woven through was a delicious thread that held my attention. I love historical fiction, and this book did not disappoint.

ALMOST HOME is the first book I’ve read by Valerie Fraser Luesse. She grabbed me right away, from the very first page and she never let me go. Now I’m kicking myself for not making time to read her first book, Missing Isaac! Blackberry Springs, Alabama is home to one of the many munitions plants during WWII. Workers from all over the country are coming down to work there. Dolly Chandler has an old family home that she has turned into a boarding house to accommodate many of the workers. Oh, the people you will meet at her dining room table. Her husband Si along with Dolly really captured my heart as they are very caring people who only try to help others.

Dolly’s boarding house has so much history and it’s almost as if the house is alive. There is also a huge mystery that comes with the house and some of the boarders try to solve what actually happened there. ALMOST HOME is a very captivating story and will have you flipping the pages quickly to see if they solve the mystery. I was instantly caught up in the story of Catherine and Andrew Sinclair. When I finished reading this wonderful story I was happy and sad at the same time. The story was great but I wasn’t ready to leave all of the strong, caring characters.

ALMOST HOME is filled with twists and turns and had me swiping the pages way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Valerie Fraser Luesse was taking us and what would happen to all the people at the boarding house. There is so much heart in Valerie’s writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I’ve known them for a long time. Fans of historical fiction will love this book!

I would love to review this book. However, I am having problems with my downloaded copy from NetGalley and can’t read it. I have no doubt this is a great book. I’ll get a copy and will review it after I’ve read it.

I kept seeing this book pop up as I was browsing titles and there was something about the cover that I kept coming back to. I finally decided to check it out and I am glad that I did. Almost Home is the story of Dolly and Si and their boarders . In a small town in Alabama, a couple takes in boarders to help pay their tax bill on their beautiful home, which has been passed on down Dolly’s family line. They are also building a lake and a skating rink, which will help bring in income. The story really focuses on the people who come to stay though. There is a couple whose farm failed and they needed an escape. Another couple of professors who lost their jobs due to the war and the Great Depression. There are also 2 vets, one of which is still healing from his time in the service. Then there is a young widow who lives down the road and befriends them all. Each person will find that living with Dolly and Si will bring them to healing and togetherness, while also building amazing bonds of friendship. Throw in some old pirate tails and story of buried treasure and you have a real adventure. This story made me laugh and gasp and cry and wish for more. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a refreshing story about love and life and all that means. I received a free copy of this story from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Si and Dolly have fallen on tough times and rent our rooms in their giant home. It seems they minister to their boarders, in addition to housing and feeding them. They model marriage for them and they treat all as family. Ann and Jesse have left a failing farm to get their feet back under them and get their marriage on track. Daisy, a WWII widow and Reed, sent home from the war with physical wounds and PTSD, find healing in their new friendship. The back story is of Catherine and the pirate Andrew and their love story and mysterious disappearance. Other boarders carry part of the story, along with the expelled couple who were asked to leave the home.

My introduction to Valerie Luesse was a surprising delight. Almost Home gave such a breath-taking view of life at home during World War II. The United States is just coming out of a decade long depression and people are looking for jobs wherever they can find them.

Dolly and Si have a boarding house in Blackberry Springs, Alabama. They are trying to save money to pay the taxes on the house so that they won't lose it. Si has lots of schemes to come up with the money. His latest being building a lake and a skating rink in an old barn. Some of the residents help Si out during their free times.

Dolly uses her home as a place of healing for those who need it. Anna and Jesse are a young couple who have moved from Illinois to Alabama so that Jesse can work and save money to go back to their farm. Reed is a wounded soldier who needs to heal from his mental and physical wounds. Although Daisy doesn't live in Dolly's boarding house, she needs Dolly's healing touch too. She is a widow of the war, and needs to give herself permission to start over.

Underneath the over-arcing story is the story of Andre and Catherine--a pirate and a preacher's daughter. All kinds of legends and myths revolve around Andre, including a buried treasure.

This is definitely a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a diary/map to the treasure.

My thanks to Revell Publishing and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read.

I really enjoy this authors writing! I don't read much fiction that is set in the time frames she writes in. Its just not something I am all that interested in, but I make an exception for her! Her characters are always deeply layered and written just like real people with real problems and emotions. I can easily put myself in their shoes, even though they lived years ago and in a situation that I have never been in. And I think that is a sign of a wonderful writer!

Christian Historical set in Alabama during the war. A couple lives near an Army plant in a big old house where they took in boarders to help pay their taxes. Money and jobs were in short supply but there was work at the Army plant. These people, mainly three couples, came together in this big old house, living as best they could. This story is full of wonderful Southern warmth, charm and humor. You'll just love these people who are all struggling in their own way, trying to get by, putting a good face on it and learning from each other in the long run. The bond that they form is very strong. This is a new author for me - I'm a fan now.

"We both like tendin’ to our own knittin’ and don’t get on each other’s nerves.”

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”