I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

A second chance love story and a story about siblings and family bonds.
It was a nice sweet read that was frustrating at times.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a good heartfelt second chance romance that i really enjoyed. Although it could be read as a stand a lone i feel reading it as part of a series would help to further the character development

Unfortunately this archived before I realised my copy wouldn’t work, apologies abd I shall have to purchase a copy to enjoy it myself

My first book by this author and while this is part of a series, I felt if it worked for a standalone. I would like to read the previous books in the series just to get more of the backstory. I really enjoyed it and look forward to more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of Long Walk Home in exchange for an honest review. I loved the concept of the book and young adults reuniting later in life. Author Oaksmith did a great job setting up the plot and creating the perfect segue into Lola and Gus' meeting. I also really enjoyed Lola and her desire to improve the family business even if it meant destroying her relationship with her sister, It says a lot about a character that isn't afraid to step out of bounds to make something better.

Both characters were amazing, and it was such a feel good romance. Thanks again the opportunity to read Long Walk Home.

As a big fan of the second-chance romance trope in books, I loved this book. Lola’s character was so very relatable, and I felt myself empathizing with her at every turn. I loved the humor and light moments woven into this emotional, heartwarming story. I’m thankful to have been given the opportunity to read this one! I will definitely be diving back into Ellyn’s writing soon!

A beautiful story of second chance love, I enjoyed reading about Lola and Gus, lovers once, but a tower of wrong decisions caused them to break up. Cut to the present situation where Lola was trying to run a business and Gus entered her life again. But would love spark.

Having read many of this author’s books, I knew I was in for some deep and many sweet emotions. The writing was just right for me to lose my heart to. I don’t claim to be a romance reader, but some books just fit in the right space at the right time. This was one of them.

The book had romance, no doubt, but it had family at its core and dynamics of relationships, and that made me enjoy it a lot more. I liked the second chance romance and was happy to see the two get together along with Lola trying to find a foothold for her dreams.

Love and relationships made this a lovely read.

This is the definition of a beach read. The characters were so relatable and the plot was emotional and binge worthy. I absolutely loved it

Long Walk Home is Book three in the Blue Hills series and this one is all about Lola!!

The youngest of the Alvarez sisters, Lola is fiesty, a rebel who just wants that her share of hardwork put towards making Blue Hills winery and resort a success be acknowledged by her father and middle sister Carmen and she be given more opportunities to prove her mettle.  But when Carmen refuses to indulge Lola in latest plan to build a bunch of holiday cabins in her most favourite spot- the mountain meadow above the winery- Lola decides its time to take matters in her own hands even if it means going against Carmen's wishes. If doing things stealth mode wasn't complicated enough enter Gus Weaver, a boy (now a man) from her past who was her first love and who broke her heart and who is now a hired hand to build the cabins. It soon becomes clear to Lola that she will need all her will power to keep this working relationship strictly professional....IF she wants to keep it strictly professional.

This book is all about second-chance romance and since it is one of my favourite romance tropes to read about I will have to say this book is my favourite in the series. It has its share of light moments, emotional moments and laugh out moments. My favourite moments were of Papa Alvarez trying to hook up Lola with potential Mexican suitors when she is always in the middle of her nightmarish chef duty in the resort's kitchen--Papa Alvarez was definitely in his element here 😂. Stella and Paolo's twins and their crying escapades come a close second. I have already fallen in love with the beautiful, charming town of Chelan and it was good to be back 💕. The cover picture is just soothingly beautiful 💖.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Ellyn Oaksmith for the e-Arc of the book.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

Long Walk Home is the 3rd book in a running series based on Blue Hills by author Ellyn Oaksmith. And this is the only book I have read of her's till now. Though I have not read the other 2 books in the series and characters from those books appear in this story, I was able to follow who was who and what has happened earlier. 

Lola and Gus, are both looking to have a fresh start in life,  leaving behind their personal issues and trying to make a mark for themselves. Lola is feeling misunderstood by her family and Gus has to overcome all his insecurities and the baggage of having born in a infamous family. They also were in a relationship before getting separated due to a very difficult situation during their teens. Now they are both bought together by fate and whether they are able to find their way to each other forms the story. 

The story was interesting enough and the way the characters grow has been written quite well. But for me, more often than not, the story left me really frustrated rather than interested about the female lead's plight. She was just not an endearing person for me. And the way the characters grow seemed rather abrupt to me - particularly Lola. Overall, the book was not interesting enough or engaging enough for me. This book might appeal to all those who like to read a light- hearted book with which to while away the time with not much emotional investment. 

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

Hi Everyone!

So excited to be here to bring you a book tour! Long Walk Home by Ellyn Oaksmith
Purchase links:
Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/lwhoaksmith


Synopsis:

Lola was struck by just how quickly she recognized him. It had been ten long years since she’d seen him; ten years of thinking that maybe she hadn't really loved him. But there he was. And he still took her breath away.

Lola has turned her life around since her wild teenage years, but one thing hasn’t changed: how her sister sees her. Her sister Carmen only remembers the mistakes she’s made and can’t see the potential of Lola’s plans to expand the family vineyard business at Blue Hills. But Lola is determined to win Carmen round—and gain her respect once and for all.

Then Lola’s high school sweetheart Gus arrives back in town, and everything changes. He was her first love, the bad boy she used to climb out of windows to see. But he’d broken her heart when he left town suddenly, without so much as a goodbye. And after that, she’d never seen him again. Until now.

Gus isn’t that same rebel anymore. It’s taken everything he has to come back to this town full of bittersweet memories, but he owes it to himself, and to Lola, to make amends. But she’s not that lovesick girl anymore and she knows she can’t let him turn her head again. So why can’t she stop thinking about how his strong arms would feel wrapped around her?

Then fate intervenes, and they’re forced to work together on Lola’s biggest project—and the sparks begin to fly once more…

As the sun sets over the mountains and meadows of Blue Hills, can two people who’d thought they could never be together find their way home to each other?

An utterly romantic feel-good read about being true to yourself and becoming the person you were always meant to be, Long Walk Home will make you laugh, make you cry and show you that true love always finds a way. For fans of Robyn Carr, Carolyn Brown and Mary Ellen Taylor.

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Personal Review:
This book was just what I needed...a good romance in the heart of the a beautiful location? Yes, please! I got vibes of Sweet Magnolias with just that right amount of emotion to keep you wanting to keep reading and find out what happens.

As you know we are spoiler free here, but we do need to mention the characters and their growth. It is interesting how time has a way of changing one and how what you may think is the case at one point, may or may not be anymore.

I enjoyed this book, I would recommend it!

Disclaimer: I was provided a copy of this book. Though I did not pay for the book, the opinions are strictly my own.

This was my first book from the author and despite being the third book in a series, I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything. I enjoyed the characters introduced and the elements of past reflections, healing, and forgiveness.⁣
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At times, I had issues with the slow pacing of things but overall found this to be a short, pleasant read. Whether you’re new to women’s fiction or a veteran of the genre, I’d suggest giving this one a read!

Ellyn Oaksmith writes delightful small town romances that are just ideal for losing yourself in and in Long Walk Home, she has penned another emotional, warm-hearted and captivating page-turner about second chances and coming home you are going to love.

Lola Alvarez was a flighty teen who had soon realized that there was no place like home. Working in the restaurant of her family’s winery has made her realise just how lucky she is, but Lola is not about to rest on her laurels. She wants to prove to her family that she has good ideas that will help make the business more profitable, but are they ready to listen to her? She wants to build gorgeous vacation cabins in the mountain meadow above the winery, but her older sister Carmen seems reluctant to listen to her plans. Should Lola just go ahead anyway and prove her sister wrong? Or will not keeping Carmen in the loop end up causing more trouble and upheaval?

Lola has got enough on her plate. She does not want or need any further complications, but when her first love Gus Weaver, comes back to town and brings with him feelings she thought long buried, Lola realises that she is in trouble. Big trouble. Gus had been her first love. The boy she snuck out to see in the middle of the night whom she used to get in trouble over. But Gus had left town and broken her heart into a million pieces without so much as a goodbye. Lola never thought she would see Gus again, but now he’s back and when fate thrusts them together again, Lola realises that there is no way she can avoid him now!

The more time they spend together, the more their old feelings for one another become harder to ignore. But Gus had hurt her once before, should she trust him with her heart anew? Or will past mistakes and old ghosts end up losing Lola the only man she will ever love all over again?

An absorbing second-chance contemporary romance full of sizzle and sparkle, Long Walk Home is the kind of book that once you start reading, you won’t be able to put down. Witty, heartfelt and emotional, Long Walk Home is a story about starting over, healing from the past and love lost and found.

Gus and Lola are two beautifully realised characters and their love story will have you laughing out loud and wiping away a tear or two.

A treat for small-town romance fans, Ellyn Oaksmith’s Long Walk Home is another must-read from this talented writer.

Lola works to make her mark on the family business despite her sisters doubts. Her first love has returned to town, Can they work together. and can they stay together. Good Read!

I'm a huge fan of second-chance romances, so when I received the chance to read one from a new-to-me author, Ellyn Oaksmith, I was really excited! Better yet? It's set at a gorgeous winery in the Pacific Northwest, there are a plethora of mouth-watering food descriptions, and Oaksmith weaves a number of captivating plotlines together with an ease and grace that makes Long Walk Home a definite page-turner!

From page 1, there was no doubt in my mind that I would love Lola. Her strong will, determination, and propensity to go after what she wants made me automatically like her, and I loved that Oaksmith also focused on her relationship with her older sister, Carmen. As a sister myself, I always appreciate a good sisterhood plot, and this one did not disappoint. Though I sometimes found Carmen to be too rigid, and Lola to personify the typical baby sister sometimes, it all contributed to making the characters more relatable and developed.

Lola and Gus' relationship absolutely captured my heart, as well. I loved getting their history early on, and as someone who still remembers their first love from high school, it was very relatable, poignant, heartwarming, and swoon-worthy.

And who couldn't fall in love with Daisy, Lola's rescue dog?!? What a doll!

Long Walk Home is the third book in a series, but I read it as a standalone with absolutely no problems whatsoever. Will I be going back to read the preceding two books, however? You know it!

Thank you so much to @chicklitcentral @bookouture and @ellynoaksmith for my opportunity to be on this book tour and my gifted e-copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I can't wait to read more of Ellyn's work!

I would recommend reading the first book in the series, Summer at Orchard House to understand more about the characters and some of the events in the series...
Long Walk Home is a medium paced detailed story, that is well written and easy to follow, with a realistic storyline that encourages the reader to keep reading...
I like how Oaksmith has created a plot that captures the reader from the beginning with a very well described setting. Long Walk Home can be read as a Stand-Alone even though it is part of a series.
The character development of Long Walk Home is good. The characters are interesting and have their own personalities, which adds an edgy feel to the story. Lola and Gus have quite a bit of history between them...when they see each other after 10 years apart the chemistry and sparks fly creating a charming romance.
I would recommend reading Long Walk Home to lovers of Contemporary Romance, as it is a heart warming tale of lies, love and friendship all rolled into one with a charming twist...

I am so excited to report how much I loved and enjoyed reading LONG WALK HOME by Ellyn Oaksmith, a new author to me. When I read the synopsis, I knew I would enjoy the storyline, as I do enjoy a great second chance at love typ of stories. I also do enjoy stories about sisterhood and the how characters' arc change throughout the story.

I found the book easy to read and with the chapters leaving me wanting for more. So as usual, having started this book much too late in the evening, I found myself staying up through the night swooning and sniffling in this heart-wrenchingly amazing romance.

Ellyn Oaksmith deftly writes a great story in a lovely location with characters that are realistic and relatable. Everyone deserves a second chance, and this book certainly checked off all the boxes for me. Such a satisfying story that I was hooked from the very first page.

'Long Walk Home' by Ellyn Oaksmith is a romance story about second chances and family. A book that I adored and perfect for reading on a lovely sunny day.
Lola Alvarez, absolutely loves working in the restaurant of Blue Hills, where her family have a winery which looks out over vine-covered slopes down to the crystal-blue waters of the lake.
But, she also has her own ideas to build upon the success of of the winery. She envisions gorgeous vacation cabins in the mountain meadow that is just above the winery. She wants to do this by any means neccessary and if that means leaving her sister Carmen out of the loop, so be it. Carmen will realise how good the idea is when it is a roaring success.
Then there is Gus Weaver who is back in town. He was her first love, a bad boy, for who she used to climb out of windows to see. But he’d broken her heart when he left town suddenly, not even saying goodbye.
Faced with working together, on her project, the old sparks are there between them.
So, can Lola keep her mind on making herdream a reality, when her hearts telling her something else?
A beautifully written story which absorbed me immediately from seeing the cover. The vineyard was in my minds eye with the vivid descriptions. A story that feels real and as authentic as they come. Ellyn Oaksmith has brought a story that is full of heartwarming moments but also secrets and lies as well. Every emotion is brought to the fore as the book unfolds. We see new relationships along with the old and the dynamics of family and friendships are also here for all to see.
Characterisation was excellent but I have read Ellyn Oaksmith previously and found her writing excellent then as I do now. She has the knack of bringing realistic characters each of which are unique to each other and have their own part to play within the book. I also found the hispanic culture educational for me. I know hardly anything about this culture and was so intsrested in this within the book.
I would love to see how popular Lola's cabins become in the future and will keep my fingers crossed the author brings another book with this fascinating family in it.
Thank's to Chick Lit Central, Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy of the book.

My Thoughts
I was invited to participate on a blog tour for this book and based on the synopsis I happily accepted. Here are my pros and cons for Long Walk Home:

Pros
1. This is the kind of romance novel I prefer. It is clean, mature, and realistic.
2. Interestingly, while I loved the storyline about Lola and Gus, I was more intrigued by the relationship between the sisters Carmen and Lola. If I am honest, their story was the most genuine and emotional for me.
3. Lola could be petulant, and Carmen was about as stubborn as they come. Their bickering felt almost ridiculous at times, because each one always thought they were right… and they both were right in a lot of ways. They simply didn’t know how to communicate with each other to get past their issues. It was complicated relationship for sure and an interesting observation of practical vs. creative personalities.
4. I really enjoy second-chance stories. It is one of my favorite tropes – whether it is finding new love later in life or coming back to an old love. Either way, I’m always a sucker for a second-chance story and this one fit the bill nicely.
5. Is this winery a real place? After the descriptions in this book, I really want to stay in those tiny cabins!!

Cons
1. I did not know this book was the third book in a series when I agreed to read and review it. While I think it is definitely readable as a standalone, I do have to wonder if I would have understood Lola and Carmen’s difficult relationship a bit more if I had more of the backstory from the previous books. I have this in cons mainly as a warning to others that you may want to consider reading the first two books before you delve into this one. I plan to go back and read the first two myself!

Summary
This is a nice, clean, feel-good romance intermingled with some serious familial issues. It is easy to read, very atmospheric, and very heartwarming. The ending is perfect, but you will end up wanting more… perhaps there is a 4th book coming? 😊

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and @chicklitcentral (Instagram) for inviting to me to participate in this blog tour and providing an ebook, which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.