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Long Way Home by Lynn Austin is a beautifully written novel that tugs at the heart and offers a hopeful message about healing after trauma. Set in the wake of World War II, the story follows Jimmy Barnett, a shell-shocked veteran confined to a VA hospital, and Grace, a quiet young woman determined to uncover the truth behind his silence. As Grace digs into Jimmy’s past, she uncovers a moving tale of love, sacrifice, and the unseen wounds soldiers carry home.

The book also weaves in a second powerful storyline: that of Gisela Wolff, a young Jewish woman trying to survive the horrors of Nazi Germany. Her family’s journey—from persecution to attempted escape—is both heartbreaking and eye-opening. I had no idea Jews fled to Cuba, only to be turned away. I’m angry the U.S. didn’t open its doors.

I also learned about the Allied bombing of Mortsell, Belgium—a botched raid meant to hit a German factory that killed civilians instead. So tragic.

Austin blends history and faith with grace and honesty. Long Way Home is tender, thought-provoking, and ultimately full of hope. It’s a story that stays with you.

** Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for a complimentary review copy. The opinions are my own.

Peggy Serrano lives across the street from the Barnett family. She lost her mother when she was young and when her dog, her only companion is hit by a car, Dr. Barnett, the local vet says he can't be saved. His son Jimmy convinces his dad to try, telling him she has already lost her mother. Buster is saved, but ends up with only three legs. Peggy and Jimmy become best friends. When Jimmy goes to war, Peggy can't wait for him to come home, but she isn't prepared for the Jimmy who returns. He is changed, not talking to anyone and even tries to kill himself. He ends up in the VA hospital and undergoes some terrible treatments, but nothing seems to help. Peggy is determined to help the Barnetts figure out what happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy's war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy's belongings. There is a second storyline, that of Gisela, the woman in the photograph. She is a German Jew who ends up on the St. Louis, a ship that was supposed to take them to Cuba. They are turned away and end up back in Europe. Gisela's family ends up in Brussels, but that is not far enough from the Nazis. Along the way, Jimmy meets Gisela, but what happens to her? How does that affect Jimmy?

Long Way Home is set during the war centering on Gisela and her family, along with Sam and his family she meets on the St. Louis, as well as back in the U.S. after the war dealing with the returning veterans and what they were dealing with. I felt such empathy for the Barnetts and Peggy while they tried to help Jimmy and get to the bottom of what happened to him. Peggy was wonderful in her quest to help Jimmy. Contacting others he served with in his role as a medic gives an insight into what it was like for him and others working in the field hospitals. Meeting various soldiers, medics and even clergy who returned from the war gives insight into how they suffered while trying to come home and move on with their lives. It also deals with the loss of faith these men had when they returned after what they witnessed. This is a well written story, with two timelines and storylines that are woven together to give us two POVs of the war and it's aftermath.

This is a World War 2 story. It is definitely not the easiest book to read, but once I found my rhythm, I really enjoyed it.
It shows what PTSD can look like.
It also gives a realistic look at what some Jews experienced.
Lots of hard things.
The ending leaves the reader with hope, and I appreciated that, coming through the dark things.
I recommend this book.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Lynn Austin weaves a compelling story. This one has darker themes but life has darker themes as well and we all need to know when things aren't just there's still hope and light in the horizon. I would recommend this read to anyone.

A great piece of historical fiction encompassing the struggles of those living and serving through WW2 and for those left behind trying to comprehend the atrocities committed by other human beings. Mental health issues and treatment for PTSD are descriptive and of their time and upsetting to read but overall the story is of an wholesome nature.

Thanks to Netgalley the author and publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review

Lynn Austin has written another beautiful story.
The hurt and devastation of war, along with the well written glimpse into the life of Jewish people—their unfair judgement and the horrors they faced are hard to read, and yet, it is important to read and never forget.
The love of God shines through it all, dispelling darkness.
This book is so very well done, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
I was given an advance copy through NetGalley. This review is my own honest opinion.

Thank you to Tyndall House Publishers and Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

The story-telling from two sides, of a German-Jewish nurse and a battle-worn American soldier, is riveting. The search for the mysterious girl in the photo held by the soldier as they try to solve the mystery of why he can't emerge from the prison of his suicidal ideation is very interesting. Intense friendships, undying love, perseverance, great things.

However, the reason I have to take it down in stars is the awkward dumping of religious discussion in the book. I'm in full support of the discussion of faith and incorporation of religious discussion, but it was clunky and oddly-placed. You'd hear no mentions of religion then suddenly a speech about God and faith, but it felt like a chapter in a Sunday school book rather than a real discussion. To be honest, the clunky religious discussion took me out of the story

Jim has returned home from service in WWII plus post service working with displaced Jewish people, and Jim is exhausted. He is drained and suffering PTSD. After he makes an attempt to take his own life, his parents place him in a psychiatric facility with hope to bring him back. Long-time friend and neighbor, Peggy, does some research for alternate treatment methods, along with some common sense.

Gisela, a displaced Jewish nurse, works through most of the war and experiences loss after loss while her family is placed apart and her fiancee is working for the Resistance.

We read through the whole store to figure out the connection between Jim and Gisela when Peggy finds a note about her in Jim’s Bible. Always full of compassion, Jim is breaking the hearts of his loved ones as he flounders under the treatment plan.

This was a really good book about finding healing after war. I loved how Peggy wanted to help her friend and did everything she could to try and figure out what had happened to him and to find a way to heal. I also liked that there were the two storylines. It was interesting to have one storyline follow a Jewish woman during WWII and all the things she experienced and then have the other storyline be after the war and people healing from that. I thought it was well written and did a good job of letting us see what life would have been like at this time.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Peggy's best friend, Jimmy went to war as a man who served and wanted the best for everyone. When he returned, he was a shell of that man and reached the point where he tried to end the pain the only way he knew how. At the time, the solution was to place veterans in a VA hospital where the treatment was quite horrific. Peggy is determined to help Jimmy any way she can and that led her to reaching out to fellow soldiers he served with. Letters and visits to Jimmy begin to sway his mental state, but it ends up being a 3-legged dog that reached his soul enough for him to see how rewarding his life could be.

As the wife of a soldier, I really appreciated this look at what happens to those that serve and how important love and support is for them on their return. I was horrified by the solutions the VA was using to "heal" these men. Ultimately I loved the story and the moral that was shared. Would definitely recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

What a beautiful, powerful story. Even though it took me a while to get through this book (I read it at a very busy time), it was well worth the read! Both parts of this book were equally well-written, and as I oscillated between post-World War II and mid-World War II, I related to each of the main characters and cheered them on. To my knowledge, I don’t remember reading about the St. Louis incident before; the way it was portrayed here was heartbreaking, and yet somehow Austin managed to still infuse some hope in the story. Helping someone recover from PTSD was also a heartbreaking, yet hopeful process—and combining the two stories created an unforgettable read. If you enjoy history, especially historical fiction that discusses some of the harder elements from the past, this would be an excellent choice for you.

I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

Lynn Austin's Long Way Home is a 5 star read for me! She really knows how to write an amazing World War II story that just captures your heart. Peggy is such a true and loyal friend to Jimmy who has been a long time friend and is suffering from PTSD after the war. His story really tug at my heart and I loved the compassion Peggy had for him. I loved the way Gisela's story intertwines with Jimmy's and how everything comes together in the end.

Beautiful story and I highly recommend it!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Published 21 June 2022.

This is one of those books that you read and it changes you. It changes your perception of life and of history- often in a hard but necessary way.

I have read other books that included the fateful trip of the St Louis, full of German Jews bound for Havana and each time I am horrified and determined that we MUST help refuges. If only those people had been allowed into Cuba, or the US, or ANYWHERE but back to Europe. Of course family trees would be changed but the hardships the continued to be forced to face are heartbreaking.

Gisela and her family were aboard the St Louis and then ended up in Belgium. Through the kindness and secrecy of these people she was able to become a nurse which was then used on the battlefields during WWII.

Jimmy Barnett was a medic in the war who held up against difficult circumstances but was changed by his encounter with Gisela. Returning home, he is no longer a faith-filled boy but a broken man who tries to take his life and ends up in a mental hospital. His parents and best friend Peggy seek to unravel what he experienced in order to bring him back from his extreme depression and PTSD.

This book bounces between Gisela's life before and during the war and largely Jimmy's after. These books help me appreciate the life we have now and remind me of the sacrifices that have been made by individuals.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is touching and thought-provoking as so many Lynn Austin books are.

I received a complementary ecopy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own.

Long Way Home, by Lynn Austin, is a profoundly moving novel. Set in Europe and the United States during and after WWII, this beautifully written dual timeline story is absolutely riveting as it tells the story of two women, the men they care about, and the devastation of war and its aftermath. With tremendous talent, Ms. Austin has crafted a gripping story that highlights human heartbreak, perseverance, resiliency, and compassion. Though filled with scenes of tragedy and despair, this novel finds an emotional balance by offering honest moments of hope and redemption bolstered by gentle reminders that healing and restoration can be successfully kindled in the presence of love, kindness, and grace

Within the pages of this book, the well-developed characters are authentic and vulnerable. Their will to fight for significance and survival is utterly compelling. Their questions, their insecurities, their fears, and their needs are certainly believable. When confronted with deep loss, cruelty, and uncertainty, their struggle is genuine and raw especially as the foundations of their faith begin to crumble. Yet, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles they display courage and determination to help one another to restore a sense of purpose, hope, and belonging.

Ms. Austin is an exceptionally talented writer and storyteller. In Long Way Home, she offers the reader a truly surprising, enriching, and profoundly memorable novel. Page after page, it is a tender and touching story of loss, love, faith, and family. As it explores relevant themes like cruelty, racism, and trauma, it also reveals the power of love, friendship, and perseverance. Every minute spent reading this book is a thoughtful, immersive, and meaningful experience. I recommend it wholeheartedly.  

*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and NetGalley. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

When it comes to historical reads, those set during or around the time of WWII tend to be some of my absolute favorites. That said however, they can also tend to be a bit heavy. As such, I really have to be in the right frame of mind to pick one up, and some tend to weigh a little heavier on my heart, needing to be sandwiched between much lighter reads.

Long Way Home was definitely that type of book--- taking on some heavier topics like PTSD and the hardships of those in Europe during the war. I cannot say that this was always the easiest one to read, or even the most enjoyable when it came to the subject matter... but it was a beautifully written story and one that I think is still such an important story to be told. These things still matter, and when we look at PTSD in current military, we see that this is still very much an issue. The author did a great job of covering these topics with grace.

Overall, I thought this was a beautiful story with fantastic characters that draw the reader in. If you enjoy a good WWII fiction, this is most certainly one to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

Long Way Home by Lynn Austin is a wonderful well researched historical fiction about several women during World War 2.
I rate it five stars plus.

Compelling journey of friendship, and faith.

Peggy Serrano is on a quest to help her best friend, Jimmy, by finding out what happened to him during the war in hopes of unlocking a start to healing.

A compelling story of family and friendship, that explores the questions of faith, pain and suffering. Peggy is a hardworking young woman, I loved the friendship between her and the Barnett family throughout the story, as well as her determination to help Jimmy and Joe. This book does a great job of not only showing the horrors of the war, but also the aftermath and its toll. I loved how the author brought Jimmy to life through the eyes of those who loved him best, showing the man he was before and throughout the war.

Overall, a beautifully written book that explores hard question of hurting and why God allows suffering. I admired Gisela for her strength throughout her ordeal. Lynn Austin doesn't disappoint in this latest WW2 novel filled with faith, hope and love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Long Way Home is my first read from author and I enjoyed my experience with this heartwarming story about companionship between childhood friends.

Peggy tried so hard to help her friend Jim who got war traumatized after going home. She tracked Jim's mysterious girlfriend to help him get through his trauma. Told from Peggy and Gisella POV this story unravel beautifully in amazing writing style. The pace is slow but in good ways to make readers can absorb and think about the post of wars crisis. This story will make us appreciate our veterans more, teach us about empathy and true friendship.

Thank you Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishing for let me read my copy. I am grateful and my thoughts are my own.

Long Way Home by Lynn Austin
Austin wrote this book to honor the veterans who fought in WW2 and innocent refugees whose lives were disrupted by war. One of the main characters, Jim Barnett, returns from the war unable to resume his life. He attempts suicide and is placed in a VA hospital by his parents. His friend, Peggy, seeks to understand how the war has changed Jim and traces his experiences through the recounting of his comrades. His parents and Peggy are desperate to have Jim return to them, but it is a long journey home.
I am a fan of Austin’s books and enjoy her writing style. Even though WW2 was catastrophic for the soldiers and civilians, she conveys its horrors without graphic examples. She also laces hope through the story, which every character needs to survive.
I particularly enjoyed reading about “Peggety” who clings to hope despite her own unpleasant circumstances and shuns the bitterness she could have chosen. Peggy grows as a character and becomes someone to admire.
The author also deals with questions of faith that her characters wrestle with. I felt she answered these honestly from both a Jewish and Christian perspective.
Lynn Austin has done much research and gives her readers a better understanding of World War 2. I highly recommend this book and am grateful to the publisher for a copy to review in exchange for my honest opinion.

I didn't realize that this book was 817 pages! The story is very engaging from the beginning. I grew to care about Peggy, Jim, Gisela, Joe, Paul, and others except Pop and Donna. My faith is also growing more substantial and I feel like some questions I have about this kind of situation answered. I cried a lot and smile a lot.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for providing me with the eARC of this amazing book. It is one of my best reads in 2022 and of course one of my all-time favorites.