Member Reviews
Loved reading this book. Amazing story and the characters lend to the charm of this book. I would highly recommend this book. You would not be disappointed.
Home to Stay by author Loree Lough is a Christian Amish book. It is Book 2 second in the author’s A Little Child Shall Lead Them series, This is the story of Max Lambright. He has lost much and is in a season of grief. It is also the story of Willa Richards and Frannie.
I enjoyed the writing style that author Lough has. It is even and inviting. Her knowledge of the Amish Culture is evidenced by the details in her books. The characters are unique and relatable. This was a sweet, touching story that was easy to read. Threads of faith, hope, love are expertly woven throughout this beautiful story. I rated it 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley but these are my honest words.
Max Lambright is a man who has had great loss in his life. He is the last member of his family. He is fortunate to have good friends in his New Order Amish community. Max’s main focus is work. It keeps him from thinking about the loss and his lonely home. Then he meets Willa Richard and her charming daughter, Frannie. Willa is an Englisher who has come to live with Max’s business partner, Dan and his wife, Anki. Willa has made poor choices in the past, but she is determined to do better for her daughter. Willa is like a breath of fresh air to those she meets. Max finds himself thinking about Willa while at work and wanting to help her and spend time with her. Max begins to hope that with time, his house will become a home. Home to Stay by Loree Lough is the 2nd book in A Little Child Shall Lead Them series. I thought Home to Stay was well-written with developed characters. The story moves along at a gentle pace which suits the story. I did feel the book was a little long (400 pages). Home to Stay has two other storylines that are a little dark for an Amish novel. Willa escaped a life of drugs. She took off the from the man that got her into that life and Willa hopes (and prays) that he will not find them. Willa is living with Dan and Anki. Anki suffers from severe depression that has rendered her unable to take care of household chores. Willa tries to help Anki and convince Dan that his wife needs professional help. Home to Stay deals with drugs, mental health issues, and suicide. I loved little Frannie who provided a sweet, lightness to the story. Home to Stay is an emotional novel. There is joy, grief, love, sadness, and much more. Willa was such a compassionate character. She was wonderful with Anki. I did not know where she got her energy. Willa accomplished more in an hour than I do in a day. I enjoyed the faith elements in the story. Home to Stay can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Home to Stay is a story about new beginnings, great loss, forgiveness, depression, and faith. Home to Stay is a poignant story that will tug on your heartstrings.
Max Lambright lost his family in a tragic accident. To deal with the pain eh throws himself into his job as a building contractor.
Willa Reynolds and her baby girl move into the community. There are stories about her spreading about, but Max is intrigued by her.
They become friends and learn from each other.
This is book 2 in a 3 book series, but I felt it did well standing alone. I would like to read the other 2 books in the series now.
Loree Lough has delivered an entertaining and well written Amish romance. She has a well developed plot and characters. She is a new author to me, but I highly recommend this book.
This second book in the A Little Child Shall Lead Them series, the main protagonist has dealt with loss, great loss. That is Max Lambright and his loss is so great that his faith and joy are all but shattered. Meeting Willa Richards just might change things for Max. Will the undeniable connection they share almost from the start be enough to help Max restore his faith and zeal for life?
Frannie has her own issues of faith to deal with, especially since she is new to the Amish and has an idea of the many changes to her life that will soon come her way. Frannie soon sees life differently and her heart begins to grow bigger for her baby girl when it comes to Max.
This touching story was so very sweet to read. As per the norm for Amish fiction stories, faith, love and longing go a long way when it comes to offering hope for the future. I loved this second book in the series. The first book was All He'll Ever Need and will continue in April with Loving Mrs. Bontrager,.
Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this book for review. This is my honest opinion.
This is a good story, and I came to admire Willa, the main character. Her love and care for her little daughter was heart-touching and I admired the complete change Willa made in her life. She deserved to find happiness again, and Max was just the guy she needed as a hero. I have to admit, however, that there were parts of this story that were sad and somewhat hard to read. Angi’s story was a sad one, But it highlighted the need for early intervention with someone who is depressed. This is a thoughtfully-written story, but be aware it’s not always a light-hearted one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I found myself almost giving up multiple times throughout the beginning of the book. I was a depressing read and I felt depressed as I read. It may have been what was going on in my personal life as I was reading (death of my mom) that caused me to think it was too depressing of a read.
The second half was better than the first for me. It saved the book and why it ended up four stars.
It is a clean read. Triggers of abuse, drug addiction, suicide, and depression.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Love Pleasant Valley! This story is so sweet and a roller coaster - I know crazy combo but it works. These characters have you rooting for them from the very beginning. DO NOT SKIP THIS BOOK - you will regret it!
Willa Richards has made many mistakes in her life. Trying to make sure her daughter has better chances, Willa leaves everything she knows behind and settles in Pleasant Valley. Max Lambright has lost everything. When he meets Willa who challenges his every move, Max finds new meaning in life. However, can they overcome their differences especially one big one? This is a fast paced read that covers a range of emotional problems. I have not read many Loree Lough stories however, I love how she develops her characters and story lines. Her characters have depth and understanding. I look forward to reading more of her novels. I received a copy through Netgalley. I review was not required.
5 Stars: 5/5 Star Rating Scale
Who can resist a darling little baby? Not Max Lambright, that's for sure and certain! Willa develops feelings for Max too, but her adorable baby, Frannie, isn't all that there is to consider. There's a rather BIG thing to consider, in fact. Max is Amish and Willa is not. She is living with an Amish couple to help them with the wife, who is suffering from depression, but she is still not Amish and any real relationship between them would be impossible. UNLESS Willa converts and becomes Amish also.
What will happen? So many factors are conspiring to keep Willa and Max apart. This is such an uplifting story though and I think that readers will love it just as much as I did! Happy Reading!
I received a digital ARC of this from netgalley and Zebra Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own.
Lorre Lough has written a very good Amish story in Home to Stay. It's a bit different than most Amish story that I read. This book is sweet with a splash of intrigue that kept me interested. I liked the characters and Ms Lough's writing style. I recommend this book. I was given an arc by netgalley and Kensington. The review is opinion.
HOME TO STAY, is a wonderful addition to A Little Child Shall Lead Them series by Loree Lough.
I have never read Loree's books before and I received an ARC through Net Galley and the Publisher Kensington. and was not required to give a positive review. I am very impressed with Loree's writing and would read others.
This is a fast-moving read and not your typical Amish story. There is a wide range of emotions including depression, fear, love, compassion, and friendship.
This is Max Lambright and Willa Richards' story. Max is a contractor who meets a feisty, Englisher who has moved into Pleasant Valley and works for his partner.
Willa has a daughter, Fannie, who is less than a year old and a beautiful, loving child that was born out of wedlock when Willa was living an entirely different lifestyle. Willa is determined to make a new life for herself and the child.
Willa adapts to the Amish ways and decides to make Pleasant Valley her new home. Will there be a chance for love for her and Max?
There are so many topics and emotions in this story that are not explored in the traditional Amish story, yet they are REAL emotions that happen in real life.
I am sure this series will continue to be a success. It deserves a 5-star rating.
I loved this book!! Great story!! 1at book I have read by this author!! Will read more of her books!! Received this book from Kensington books from netgally!!
Dan and his wife Anka are Amish and they are having some problems. Willa is a non Amish woman who is a single mother. Willa hasn't made the best decisions but she is trying to do better. Willa and her daughter move in with Dan and Anka. Willa helps out around their home. She does the laundry cooking and what other chores need to be done. After awhile Willa's life is going better. Dan's business partner Max is dealing with his own problems. After meeting Willa they start talking more. Over time he begins to open up to Willa and starts showing interest.
This is my first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed it very much. It was very well written and I had a hard time putting it down.
This was my first New Order Amish book. The story was good, the writing was good, but honestly the book was pretty sad. There is mental illness, suicide, and more dark things in the story. They do all work together in the story. But it is just not what I am used to in an Amish based book. Also everyone having electricity and automobiles was a big change to the Amish books I have read. IT just takes away from them in my opinion. Do not get me wrong, I did enjoy the book, but I do believe I will go back to reading Old Order Amish stories.
We are back in Pleasant Valley, and with some old friends, and new ones are introduced, and thus another great read by this author.
This story has a range of emotions, there is depression, fear, love, compassion and more, and we are here to experience them.
This is not the usual Amish read, there are topics here that we don't hear about in their community, but we are all human and problems exist. There is also evil lurking and we see how it is handled, and the end results.
This read was a page turner, and answers come, not always as we hope!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Keningston. and was not required to give a positive review.
#HomeToStay#NetGalleya
Dan a Amish man who is trying everything to make his wife happy and nothing it seems will help. His wife is depressed as they are having trouble having a baby. They have taken in a young unwed mother named Wills and her daughter. Max who is Dan's partner is confused that his friend Dan is so hard on Willa..Max has lost his family in a tragic accident and does not want to take a chance on getting closer to Willa. Wills is dew closed to Max by his steadfast nature.Through many trials and tribulations they try to stay friends but they grow closer. Many twist and turns throughout the story.
I received this book from netgalley.
I loved it, great story.
can't wait to read more.
I had a hard time putting it down.
Loree Lough writes Amish Fiction that is enjoyable and includes a bit of intrigue. Home to Stay tells the story of a woman, Willa, hiding in an Amish community for her safety and the safety of her daughter, Frannie. She finds work with an Amish man and his infirm wife. Through them, she meets Max, with whom her daughter falls in love. Max is Dan's (Willa's employer) business partner. There is something about Max and Willa that attracts them to each other. Frannie loves Max, so there's always that. It's easy to tell from the beginning of the book that Max and Willa will get together in the end. There are some steps that Willa must take in order to marry Max, such as: going through baptism classes and becoming a member of the Amish.
There were times when the plot moved slowly, but the book has enough to keep the reader involved to the end. It is a four star book, very much worth it to read.
Kensington Books and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. The opinions expressed are my own.