Story of Redemption

I love the beautiful setting of PEI, and the wonderful characters in this series. The storyline of forgiveness is so powerful. Such a beautiful reminder that no matter what tragedy we have faced in the past, there is always hope for a better future.

Liz Johnson has definitely become a must read author for me. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

Sport, pottery and second chances. Violet found her second chance with the Ross family on Prince Edward Island. Eli Ross left the island after hurting his family and it is only pure desperation that has landed him back home. When Eli arrives on the day a fire destroys the pottery business Violet and Eli’s mother have worked so hard to build, it’s the least Eli can do to help to rebuild it - even if he’s the last person Violet wants around. But the past is about to catch up with Eli and it might put his family and Violet’s safety at risk.

Prodigal son returns, girl with a haunted past finds a safe place and family. The Last Way Home makes the best of these storylines. As soon as the bantam hockey team Eli is asked to coach when he returns to the island is revealed as an all girls team, I was hooked. I love a good sports story and athletes make for excellent main characters. Eli is driven but haunted by his poor choices that ended his career in the NHL. Of course, we later learn there was a lot more to these decisions than the world knows and that only helps to endear Eli to the reader. Violet too is hiding something. But her past is somethings she wants to remain hidden.

Rebuilding the pottery workshop and business is the perfect excuse for Eli and Violet to work together - even if they’d rather not. Violet is determined to keep walls up between her and the man who abandoned his family. But as she gets to know him, she learns there is a lot more to why he left and why he has returned. Eli in turn starts to get behind Violet’s defences.

The Last Way Home has all the cute scenes, character trauma and small-town (or in those case, island) townspeople and heart you could want in a romantic novel.

The publishers provided an advanced readers copy of this book for reviewing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Find more reviews, reading age guides, content advisory, and recommendations on my blog <a href="https://madisonslibrary.com">Madison's Library</a>

This is a great novel that is set in beautiful PEI. I love the characters of Eli and Violet as they learn to trust each in small town adventures that are impacted by New York City. Eli is a disgraced hockey player that is reluctant to come home but Violet surprised him and it was great for chemistry. The small town politics with the family first mentality was wonderful. I fell in love with the characters, town and world that was developed. I can’t wait to read book one and three when it comes out. This is one series you don’t miss, I can tell!

I received an arc via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Storyline: not so unusual...enemies (of a sort) to friends to...more?
Setting: PEI.
Yes, this setting! is only one thing that attracted me to this book. I've always longed to go there, and this gave me a tiny taste of what island life might be like.
Eli left the island to play football. And thought he could never return. But he's lost everything, and decides why not go home.
There, he meets up with Violet. Violet is considered family by all the other members of Eli's family. Eli and Violet get off to a rocky start. But then, they get to know each other a bit...
Can Eli get over his rejection issues?
This story is sweet, if a bit messy at times.
I love the hope and redemption that is woven throughout its pages.

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

This is a good book. The two main characters are Violet and Eli. Violet works for his mother’s pottery business and Eli is a retired NHL player. There is a instant attraction they each have secrets and don’t want to tell anyone about them for fear of rejection. They each have to open up and try to love each other. They do succeed.

A lovely story that sucks you and makes you want to see a happy ending. I am new to Liz Johnson but I highly recommend The Last Way Home. This is a redemption story that made me feel good! The characters are great, the plot is great and Liz's writing style is a joy to read.

Violet Donaghy hasn't seen her parents in ten years. Eli Ross hasn't seen his family in over ten years. When they meet, this is about all they have in common. While Eli was away pursuing and losing a phenomenal NHL career, Violet became a member of his family. Not by blood, but a family member none the less. Eli broke his mother's heart when he left and now that he's back, Violet makes her grudge very clear to him. She doesn't know why he has come home, and he doesn't know her history, but as they begin to spend time together things begin to change. Can Violet let go of her antagonism towards Eli and can Eli resolve the very real danger in his life?
Violet and Eli are carefully crafted genuine characters. Their secrets define them and neither believes they deserve forgiveness. As their stories are revealed readers become immersed in their lives. The author expertly balances their emotional turmoil and their growing closeness to each other.
This well told story deals with strong themes that include family, community and second chances. It is well worth reading. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

4.5 stars
A redemptive story about a former hockey star returning home with his career in shambles and the mafia after him for 50 grand. It explores the meaning of family and the idea of what sorts of things might “qualify” us for getting the privilege of having a good family. I loved the subject of family from both characters’ POVs and how they came to different but complimentary resolutions.

I am loving this series and am not happy about waiting a full year for the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. This review is based off a final copy I bought.

Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book

The Last Way Home is a contemporary romance novel written by Liz Johnson. It is book two in the Prince Edward Island Shore series, but it is not necessary to have read book one in order to read this one.

Summary: Eli Ross is coming home in disgrace. He would stay away if he could, but he’s broke and has no where else to go. He’s prepared for his family to hate him for the way he left all those years ago, but knows it will be even worse if they discover the real reason he lost it all…….

Violet Donaghy has adopted the Ross family as her own. They have filled the void she desperately needed after leaving home at only 16. She knows they love her like family, but that could change if they ever knew the secret she was hiding……..

My Thoughts: I liked the story line and the characters in this book. I thought there was a good overall arcing theme of learning you don’t have to do everything on your own, that you need others in your life, and how to accept grace for your past mistakes.

BUT, there were just too many romance cliches in this one. Talk about how broad of shoulders he has, how one touch set off electric sparks that went through their entire bodies, etc., etc.-it’s pretty silly in my opinion. I much prefer a little more realism in the romance department-I mean who cares how broad someone’s shoulders are, and WHY is that in so many romance books? Ahem.

Anyway…….aside from all of the unrealistic romantic phrasing, it wasn’t a bad book. If you like romance novels and don’t mind the “cheese”, and especially if you enjoy hockey, this might be a book you would enjoy.

Title: The Last Way Home
Author: Liz Johnson

Pg: 368

Series: Prince Edward Island Shores book 2

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Rating: 4 stars

Publisher: Revell

The last way home by Liz Johnson is the second book in the Prince Island shores Series. And while I didn’t love it as much as the first one in the series, I didn’t enjoy reading about a hockey player get a second chance. This one’s a bit of a prodigal son retelling.



Every time I read one of Liz’s Prince Edward Island books, I feel like I’m there. The setting is just as much a part of the story as the hero and heroine. And the secondary characters don’t feel secondary. And I’m looking forward to the final brother’s story in the next one.



I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher as part of a blog tour I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone

An engaging read with well developed characters, strong themes of family, faith and reconciliation.

Eli Ross returns to PEI the prodigal son, disgraced and his life's dream of the NHL gone. Violet is like family to the Ross family, working alongside Mama Potts to make the ceramics business a success, she doesn't want to befriend the man who hurt her family.

I loved returning to PEI and the Ross family, Mama Potts has always been one of my favorite characters. I loved the relationship building, as well as how the brothers are protective of Violet. It was fun seeing Eli and Violet grudging work together, finding common ground and working through their own individual challenges.

Overall, an engaging read with great emotional depth and character growth throughout. Highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

My Thoughts:
This is another winner by Liz Johnson! She’s an auto-read for me, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on The Last Way Home. I’m a sucker for a good redemption story and for a former pro-athlete character, and this had both!
The hockey influences were strong enough to satisfy the fan in me but not too much to deter anyone who doesn’t care about sports. It was a good balance for a romance novel.
But the shiny trophy goes to the beautifully redemptive story. With two characters struggling with their past, Johnson had a lot of room to showcase the mercy and grace of our Lord. And she did it in a natural, not-overly-preachy way. It’s a great example of why Christian Romance is such an important genre.

Rating and Recommendations: I’m giving The Last Way Home 5 stars. I recommend it to those looking for Christian Contemporary Romance or Christian books featuring hockey.

~ I received a copy from Revell. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Liz Johnson always keeps me turning the pages, and I knew this book was going to be a good one. I first met the Ross family in Beyond the Tides, and could not wait to see what they were up to now. Eli was the prodigal son. He left when they needed him, in order to pursue his dreams and hasn’t looked back since. Being famous had it’s perks, but now that he’s headed back home, fame won’t get him in the door like it used to. Violet is a firecracker, and will do anything to protect the family she feels adopted into. There are things in her past she would rather not think about, but Eli coming around might make her see a different side of things. When the two must work together butting heads is to be expected. I loved watching every moment of it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Contemporary Romance. I loved the way second chances were woven into the story, and seeing how much family loves each other. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishers and was in no way forced to post a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I've only read a couple of other books by Liz Johnson years ago & just finished “Beyond the Tides”—book one in this series—so I was looking forward to the second installment of Prince Edward Island Shores. She once again proves why I need to read more of her novels! Her characters stand out for me, flawed people with realistic problems & living out circumstances any one of us could face in our own lives. She also packs a punch with the emotions she brings out, ones that easily connect me with both Eli and Violet!

“He didn't need a home. But at the moment, he needed a place. Somewhere to rest his head, to regroup, to be still. If they would take him back.”

Eli is our washed out NHL champ dragging his tail between his legs seeking forgiveness after 10 years from his family. Knowing he deserves nothing, but hoping somehow he can make up for mistakes he made. There's also secrets he harbors, ones that can hurt those he loves the most. Violet is our local girl, pottery artist extraordinaire that has been “adopted” by Mama Potts, Eli's mom. Oh these two clash at the start and go head to head more times than I could count! So getting them together somehow was where Liz Johnson worked her magic.

“We both have shattered edges,” he whispered. “But maybe God isn't afraid of our brokenness.” ~Eli

I won't spoil this for other readers, but what I will say, this story grabbed me by the heart. Eli & Violet have their share of heartache and they must learn to let each other in for the healing process to begin. There were parts that made me cry as secrets came to light, and the tender emotions as they dealt with each one. There were also plenty of lighter moments to temper it all. And there is a strong faith thread that reminded them of the grace, forgiveness, and mercy extended by God who loves unconditionally and always has His arms open wide.

A tenderhearted redemption story about how God can take our brokenness—like the red clay pottery Violet works with—and make something beautiful out of it!

Maybe God doesn't always fix what's shattered. But He can make something new and beautiful out of what's been broken. ~Violet

*I received a complimentary copy from Revell publishers and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *

Did you grow up enjoying Anne of Green Gables or watching the movies starring Megan Follows? The setting of Prince Edward Island in Canada is what first drew ua to this book.. How glad we are that we did! This is Liz Johnson‘s second book in her Prince Edward Island Shores Book Series following Beyond the Tides.

Eli Ross was born to play hockey, and everyone who has seen him on the ice knows it. When he returns home broken and disgraced, he isn't sure of the reception he'll receive from those he left behind. Eli's mom and two younger brothers haven't heard from him in 10 years - not since the day he walked out on them to pursue his NHL dreams. He wants to make things right with his family, but his mom's business partner isn't going to make it easy.

Since not long after Eli left town, Violet Donaghy has worked to help Eli's mom's ceramics shop become a success. She's not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that's made her one of their own. When a fire nearly destroys the pottery studio, Violet needs all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.

This is a wonderful book about a family of three brothers with an absent father. It illustrates the truth that we always have a choice to do what is right. We are not trapped in our mistakes or destined to repeat negative family traits. In addition, we don’t have to bear our burdens alone. They are best shared with those who love us whether it is a biological family or other people close to us. Forgiveness is perhaps one of the most beautiful elements of God’s love. His faithfulness and love are not dependent on our actions. They are based on his character. We exhibit our faith most clearly to a fallen world when we extend forgiveness to others.

The Christian storylines in this book are plentiful, but it is also a delightful book of finding love amid our brokenness. We thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to our followers, especially if you enjoy family bonds, fired pottery, and fierce hockey.

This is our honest review based on an advance copy from the publisher.

When I saw that The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson was available to review, I jumped at the opportunity to get a copy. At first, I wanted to read this book because the cover called to me. I absolutely love it! The colors are perfect, the script is super pretty, and that house. I want to move there! Then, I read the synopsis and I was hooked. I have a weakness for stories about sports heroes and their down-to-earth heroines. I am so glad I took the time to read this book because it is GOOD! I found the pacing to be a tad on the slow side, but that’s OK. I really got to know the characters and understand their conflicts. I got deep into this story and I enjoyed every minute. Violet and Eli’s stories really had me feeling all the feels. I admit I cried a bit (have some tissue near you when you read this), chuckled some, and smiled big as Violet and Eli found their way towards forgiveness and love and redemption and second chances. I enjoyed watching their romance develop and appreciated that it evolves naturally and realistically. My favorite moment in the story is when Violet attempts to define who Eli is to her and struggles to put into words how to define him. She eventually blurts out that he is her best friend. I laughed a little because it is such a sweet moment, but it’s also a very truthful insight. It’s not an easy thing to define deep, true-love relationships. Best friend — that one person you count on, rely on, who knows all your icky parts but loves you anyway, that one person willing to do all of life with you, even the scary parts. Best friend — it seems so childish a phrase to encompass everything that person is, but that’s the best way to put it. I really had fun journeying with Violet and Eli as they made their way to best-friend-ness and true love. The Last Way Home is a really outstanding novel. I highly, highly recommend this beautiful Prodigal Son story. You do not want to miss out on this read!

A quick note about the series: The Last Way Home is book 2 in the Prince Edward Island Shores series. I have NOT read book 1 yet, but that did not negatively effect my reading of this book. I had no problems keeping track of characters, plotlines, conflicts, etc., and I never felt like I was missing information or behind. If you want to start the series with this book, you will be fine to do so.

I received a review copy of this novel in eBook form from the publisher, Fleming H. Revell Company, via NetGalley, as part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

My thoughts: I just love Liz Johnson's romances. They are so full of drama and heartbreak and healing. Plus, this series is set in PEI... I fell in love with Eli and Violet and couldn't read the story fast enough. If you love romance grab a copy of this book today. I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.

Eli has returned home after leaving 11 years ago without a goodbye. He has hit rock bottom, kicked out of the NHL, homeless and broke. He does not want anyone to find out what happened with his career but wants to make amends with his family for his past mistakes. He arrives in town just as his mom’s shop has a fire. His mom welcomes him back with open arms. He makes it his mission to assist Violet, his mom’s business partner and mentee, with getting the shop ready to reopen while his mom is recovering from her injuries. Violet had never met Eli, only heard about him, as she arrived in town shortly after he left. Violet arrived in town with some secrets of her own and during the 10 years she has known the Ross family they have become like family to her. Due to Eli’s long absence, she has formed some strong opinions about him. Both Eli and Violet and trying to keep their secrets to themselves but eventually they share them with one another and realize they can help each other carry the load. Eli is desperate for money and ends up taking a job as a coach for a girl’s bantam hockey team, but because it is a girl’s team he enlists Violet’s help. I loved the scenes with hockey team they might only be 13 & 14 year old’s but they teach Eli some lessons and he discovers he actually enjoys coaching. While on a search for an item for the shop Eli and Violet interact with some characters from another series written by Ms. Johnson. I have read this other series, so it was fun to have this crossover and catch up with those characters briefly. (You do not need to know that series to enjoy these scenes though). This was an interesting story that took some turns I wasn’t expecting and keep me intrigued. Would Eli get out of the mess he was in? Can Violet find peace with her past? I loved the way the story unfolded at the end and the message that God can use our brokenness to make someone beautiful. There is a strong message of forgiveness and love. Eli’s mom loved him unconditionally and forgave him immediately for his mistakes. Eli had to learn to forgive himself and ask others for help rather than trying to carry the burden alone.

This was a beautiful story about forgiveness and reconciliation.

“I think maybe forgiveness isn’t sweet because it’s earned.” His voice rumbled so low that it vibrated in his chest. “Forgiveness is sweet because none of us deserve it.”

Both Eli and Violet had something they ran away from which made them feel they do not deserve forgiveness and the best which is set out for them. Through other people who poured out unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness, they were on a journey to self-forgiveness - which is sometimes the hardest of all.

I loved the family and the brothers’ relationship. I would have enjoyed seeing more interaction between the brothers, but what I have seen I adored.

Some favourite characters from the PEI series pops in and plays a short but impactful part in Eli and Violet’s journey.

“Maybe God doesn’t always fix what’s shattered. But he can make something new and beautiful out of what’s been broken.”

I enjoyed this second book in the series and am looking forward to the third book about Levi.