The Last Way Home is book number two in the Prince Edward Island Shores series. While I think it would be okay as a standalone, I think readers will get the most out of it by reading the series in order. While the backstory is gone over in this one, I think you'll definitely have a better feel for the family dynamics from book one.

As much as I enjoyed the first book in the series, I must say that I think I enjoyed this one even more. The chemistry between Violet and Eli was done so well, and I couldn't get enough. The kisses in this one were certainly swoon-worthy without a doubt. There was a bit of a mystery about each of their histories, with just enough revealed along the way to keep my intrigued and reading on. While the romance was, as I said, fantastic, there was a lot more going onto the story as well. I really enjoyed the messages of forgiveness and redemption. The families in this were done wonderfully, and really had a great sense of community as well.

Liz Johnson is quickly becoming one that I'll watch out for. I cannot wait to see more from this series!

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

"Being known was about the small things, small moments. It was seeing the truth before he'd even put a name on it."

I've been so looking forward to Eli's redemption story but I have to say that it did not start out the way I imagined or hoped. I so wanted everyone to embrace this broken, shattered man and help lift him up but he only runs into hostility, anger, and suspicion upon his return to his hometown. Granted, the author brilliantly turns his story around to bring about that forgiveness and redemption but my heart hurt for Eli as he slowly found his footing in the path to grace. Violet is quite the spunky heroine in need of her own dose of forgiveness and grace. Oh, I loved Eli and Violet, with their great dialogue and firecracker-laden interactions. It was also nice to see some of the characters from the Red Door Inn make their cameo appearances in this book.

Now my interest is piqued about Levi, the youngest brother, and his story. I can't wait for the finale to the series.

I received the book from the publisher via NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

The Last Way Home, by Liz Johnson, opens with Eli Ross, gingering coming back to his hometown. He had left eleven years ago to pursue his hockey dreams. Now Eli is returning in disgrace!

Before Eli can even see his family face-to-face, Violet Donaghy, a friend of his mother’s, is giving him a verbal set down for how his long absence has hurt his mother. All he knows is that he has a lot to make up for. The next surprise has Eli running into a burning building to save both his mother’s and Violet’s lives!

After Eli begins repairing his mother’s damaged pottery shop, some faces from his past, that he had hoped to never see again, show up out of the blue. Will his family be able to save Eli from these money-hungry thugs who are trying to ruin his life?

Will you see the relationship between Violet and Eli grow into something more by the end of this tale?

You will get a surprise glimpse of Marie, Seth, Caden and Adam from Liz Johnson’s earlier tales that took place on Prince Edward Island!

" You think God is afraid of your past? Let me tell you, he is not afraid of your.....jagged.....edges."

One of my favorite prodigal stories ever! In The Last Way Home, Liz Johnson brings the reader a story that will have you feeling a roller-coaster of emotions, laughing-out-loud then grabbing for a tissue the next minute. It is at heart a story of forgiveness and one of family. It is a story of learning to forgive yourself for past mistakes and then trusting on one's relationship with God to move forward with the love of family and friends.
Loved the romantic sparks between Eli and Violet that practically sizzled off the page, their separate stories tugged at my heart and kept me cheering as they gradually found the courage to overcome the past. I absolutely love the Ross family and am looking forward to Levi's story. Adored the brief cameo of characters from a former series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

As a huge fan of Johnson's gentle romances, "The Last Way Home" did not disappoint and even brought back some familiar faces that I was overjoyed to read about again. When Eli Ross comes home after losing everything, he finds himself wanting to be accepted back into the family as easily as Violet has. While his brothers are not so accommodating in the beginning, his mother is thrilled to have him back home. As with all of her sweet stories, there is a happy ending for Eli, but getting there does make the reader anxious for a few chapters after some threats are made and we have to worry about these characters for a bit.

The Last Way Home is a touching heart warming story. It's a story of grief, pain, forgiveness, and love. Its a modern day prodigal son and daughter coming home.

I really enjoyed book 1 in this series and I enjoyed this one even more! I loved being back on Price Edwards Island and back in this close-knit community with the Ross family and friends who become family. This book has it all - romance, friendship, family conflict, forgiveness and hope.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Luke 6:37
This was difficult for Eli and Violet to do. Forgive themselves. They could forgive others but not themselves. This caused a great deal of anxiety and stress for the both of them.
They were holding on to their secrets. These secrets were not allowing them to live a fruitful life. This is not what GOD intended.
I didn't realize that one of the main characters was a hockey player. WoHoo! Plus he lands up coaching a girls' team. I loved it. I played girls hockey at 14 years of age so I could relate. I enjoyed this part as I could remember my time as a goalie.
I received this book from Revell to review.

The prodigal son has come back home to his family. It has been a long while and Eli Ross has not had much contact with his mother or two brothers. Now he is back, broke and even in more trouble than anybody realizes.

Violet Donaghy is like the daughter Eli's mom has never had. Hiding from her own failures, secrets, and family, Violet had come to Prince Edward Island to start anew and fresh. And this time she has chosen the Ross family. Mama Potts (Ross) not only treats her as a daughter but has gone into business with her running a ceramic shop. Unfortunately, the day Eli arrives, the shop catches on fire and they are in a financial mess.

Eli is trying to prove that he has changed, that he is not the jerk that left his family when they needed him most. Violet is determined to not only keep Eli at arm's length but also to keep a close watch on him. She is bound and determined to make sure he will not hurt Mama Potts anymore. However, his mother loves him and is willing to take him in no matter what. How can you love like that? Well, both Eli and Violet have a lot to learn not only about a parent's love but God's love as well. Along the way, they just might be falling in love with each other too.

This was another enjoyable story about the Ross family, and I look forward to Levi's story.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this take on a prodigal son story. The story really built and really liked seeing Eli grow after hitting rock bottom. I love the overall message of everyone being deserving of a second chance and being able to change for the better.
#TheLastWayHome #NetGalley

The Last Way Home is the second book in Liz Johnson's Prince Edward Island Shores series and I absolutely loved it! It was fun how characters from Johnson's other series (Prince Edward Island Dreams) made an appearance in this story...such a delight to get an update on their lives.

Eli and Violet were great main characters. I loved seeing their relationship grow and, while the romance was a little intense at times, I still really liked it. They seemed great for each other and Eli showed a lot of growth in the story.

All in all, The Last Way Home was a fantastic read and I recommend it. Can't wait to read the next book when I can.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.*

Leaving the National Hockey League in disgrace, Eli has nowhere to go so he decides to return home, a place he left 11 years ago. Before he even sees his family, he encounters spitfire, Violet Donaghy. She assures him he's not welcome. But tragedy forces them to work together on several ventures.

I liked Eli. He has changed over the past 11 years and longs to make things right with his family. I enjoyed his wit and his interactions with Violet. He and Violet both have deep regrets and secrets that make it hard to accept love from others.

I enjoyed running into characters from other books like Aretha. That's always so fun. This was a fast-paced, interesting read. I'd highly recommend it and can't wait to read more about Levi in the next book. Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson surprised me with its refreshingly sweet storytelling as well as its wholesome and applicable themes. The Last Way Home weaves a well-told and intriguing story of heartbreak, family estrangement, redemption, and forgiveness. As my first taste of Ms. Johnson's writings, I was impressed and would definitely recommend this book. I truly enjoyed this excellent book by Ms. Johnson and look forward to reading more of her writing. 

The Last Way Home brings the reader to the beautiful and quaint Prince Edward Island in time to see a prodigal return home. Eli Ross has lived in the fame and limelight in his career of a professional hockey player, but has plenty of regrets. When Eli left to fulfill his dream of becoming a famous hockey player, he left his family in the dust, creating deep cracks and rifts. Over ten years later, Eli comes back to his family home with bruises, broken bones, and no money to his name. Eli is uncertain of his welcome, but he is willing to work for his family's forgiveness.

What Eli least expected, was to find opposition to his coming back from his mother's new ceramics shop business partner, Violet Donaghy. Violet has devoted all her time and efforts into Eli's mon's ceramics shop and she distrusts the man who hurt the family she has come to love. When a fire nearly destroys the ceramics studio and shop, the entire family needs to pull together to in order to save the family business. Can Eli learn that he not only needs to be forgiven by his family but he also needs to find forgiveness in God? Can Violet learn to trust Eli? Will the shop survive? Can two such stubbornly independent people work together to save the business? Will the family finally be reunited again or will their pasts continue to haunt them? Read The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson to find out for yourself! Happy readings!

Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through Net Galley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

Love going back to PEI and meeting new characters mixed with those readers have already grown to love!

Eli Ross returns home to Victoria-By-The-Sea after his NHL career with the New York Rangers comes to a sudden and abrupt end. Now without a penny to his name, he strides into town just as his mother’s pottery shop catches on fire. Unsure if his family will even welcome him back, he has no idea how long he will stay. He owes money to a loan shark back in New York and the only job that he can find is coaching hockey for a middle school girls league. How much farther can he fall?

Violet Donaghy ran from her past 10 years ago after a horrific accident. She came to Victoria in hopes of starting a new life when she met Mama Potts, who took her under her wing to become an artist. But when their shop, and her apartment, catch fire, she is left having to work with Mama Potts black sheep son, Eli, in order to get things back in place. When hearts collide, what is in store?

I really enjoyed Eli and Violet’s story more than I did that of Oliver and Meg in the previous book. Not sure why, but maybe it was the hockey?? Whatever the reason, I enjoyed the banter that these two had and the unlikely situations that Eli kept finding himself in, especially when he became the coach of the middle school girl’s hockey team, The Stars. He had a lot of growth during that period that matured him a lot. I also loved that Eli and Violet made a stop at the Red Door Inn and I got to check in on some of my favorite characters from that series!

This is a story of redemption for both Eli and Violet from their past mistakes. I love that the element of forgiveness was the basis for this book with a bit of the theme of the Prodigal Son (and daughter). This story can be read as a standalone, but it will shine light on other characters backstories.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The story starts with Eli Ross returning home to Victoria by the Sea on Prince Edward Island, for the first time in ten years, with nothing to call his own except the clothes on his back. He returns with shame, and a secret regret that could hurt everyone he loves. We then meet Violet Donaghy, who has become an adopted member of the Ross family. And we learn that she, too has hidden secrets and shame. Will they both learn the power of sharing their burdens, and trusting God again?
I really enjoyed the setting of this book- a small town on the beautiful Prince Edward Island. I loved Violet and Eli; I liked how both of these characters were realistic and relatable. They both had some deep regrets and deep hurts that they had to work through. I felt like Eli’s regrets and struggles, including those with his job and with his family- were also authentic. There are a couple times I just wanted to give him a good shake because of some choices he made once he got home, but some people have to learn things the hard way. His shame and embarrassment led him to those choices, and it gave him that grumpy, brooding hero charm! The amount of time it took for Violet to warm up to him was just right and seemed natural to me. I liked the fact that she had to earn his trust too, and how that happened before the very end of the novel- I like some “slow burn” as they call it, but not if it takes up the entire story. Violet’s past was sad, and hard, I felt her reactions to Eli and the latest developments in her life made sense. I also enjoyed reading about Mama Potts and the other Ross brothers again. I think the author did an excellent job of weaving the romance with the heavy struggles of the characters. The redemption at the end was so sweet for both Violet and Eli. I cried several times while reading this one. This is a book that will stay with me for a while, and I am eagerly awaiting book 3!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy; I was not required to write a positive review; all thoughts are my own.

Okay folks, I really liked “Beyond the Tides” but I LOVED “The Last Way Home”!!!!!!

Eli was such a swoony male lead😍 I mean a hunky hockey coach?? SIGN ME UP👏🏼👏🏼 The way he coached his team of teenage girls to victory was sooo heartwarming!! And I just absolutely adored Violet’s character❤️ Her strength and perseverance despite the tragedies she’s experienced in life was very admirable and I desperately wanted to wrap her up in a big bear hug🥹 And I loved her occupation so much!! I’ve never read about a character in the pottery industry prior to reading Liz’s books but it made for super interesting reading!

Liz Johnson has such a talent for writing characters that make readers empathize with their hurts and commiserate with them❤️ Violet and Eli both carry deep pain from their pasts and the issues this book dealt with were quite heavy at times (DM me for more info). However, through God’s mercy, Violet and Eli learn to forgive themselves and experience the freedom of God’s unending grace in the most beautiful way🥹💗

All in all, this book brought tears to my eyes and broke my heart in a few places. Fortunately for me, the conclusion of the novel glued my heart back together and left me with all the warm fuzzies and swoons that I look for in quality Christian romance books. There may or may not have been a ✨romantic✨ midnight rendezvous in the kitchen🥹😍😉👏🏼

5🌟

✏️Side note: I highly recommend reading book 1 (Beyond the Tides) prior to reading this one as the same characters appear in both books, however this novel could technically be read as a stand-alone and still be greatly enjoyed.

The last way home by Liz Johnson
What a great contemporary christain book! This book has everything that you love in a book. There's romance, intrigue and faith. This is the first book by Liz Johnson I've read and I am so looking forward to the next.

The story is about Eli Ross a ex-NHL player that fell on hard time's and how he struggled to return to his home and making thing right. Eli meets Violet Donaghy who is a family friend. Unknown to them, they are each struggling with their past.

This book is about about allowing God to working through your past to help you move forward in life. The characters are loveable and very down to earth. You will feel like you are part of the story and God is giving a message to you.

I recommend this book to friends and family.

I give this book a 5 stars out of 5.

I received this complimentary copy from the publisher for a honest review. All thought and opinions are mine and mine alone.

Eli Ross has made a huuuge mess of his life and professional hockey career and the only option left to him is to return home after a stormy departure years ago. Violet Donaghy fled from her guilt and pain to the place and very family that Eli had left behind.

I loved the way that Ms. Johnson wove the lives of Eli and Violet’s brokenness, pain, and their healing together. The story of the prodigal child was masterfully crafted and was a reminder of how much love can transform us.

The Ross men and their mother are such a wonderful family that you just want to be a part of their family. The townspeople are fun and I can see myself going to the hockey games and rooting for Eli's team. I loved how the town all rallied around Eli to help him. This can be read as a standalone, but I am looking forward to reading more stories in this series.

Thank you to the Revell Reads program and NetGalley for an advanced electronic copy of the book. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

I’ve read all of Liz Johnson’s books and enjoyed them, but this series, Prince Edward Island Shores, is my favorite. And The Last Way Home is her best yet. She has mastered the characters, their personalities and their flaws. Her description made me feel like I was in the story watching the scenes unfold. Violet and Eli are both broken in their own way, yet they are drawn together by the very secrets they guard. If you enjoy excellent writing, an interesting story, and wonderful characters, you’ll want to read The Last Way Home. Thank you, Liz Johnson, for another wonderful story. I’m anxious to read book three. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Last Way Home by Liz Johnson - 4 stars.

While Beyond the Tides wasn't my favorite, I rather enjoyed the story of Eli and Violet. "We both have some shattered edges, but maybe God isn't afraid of our brokenness."

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

Eli Ross is a perfect example of the prodigal son who has been away from home and his family for the past 11 years. He loses everything from his career in professional Hockey and comes home, ashamed of many mistakes made but hopeful for his family to forgive him. Violet Donaghy - no one truly knows her story or her secrets. Until Eli shows up. The two work together through family drama, helping a local girls hockey team and getting to know each other - revealing all their inner most secrets while falling in love.

Most already know I didn't love Beyond the Tides when I read it, and for the first 50-60% here, it was just average. But the moment all the secrets started to be revealed....I was crying and needing to know how Eli and Violet's story ends. These characters are broken and need each other and God to get through their painful past. I loved the ending itself.

I don't love how the romance in this series is just about their physical attraction for the majority of the story, but once they started getting to know each other, I loved them together.

Overall, enjoyed the story, being back in Prince Edward Island Shores and seeing more of Mama Potts, learning more about these beautiful families, their struggles and how the Lord works. This depicted God's forgiveness, his love, moving past your mistakes with Him right there with you and so much more.

"The truth is that life is hard. But it's easier when you have someone willing to walk through the hard times with you."

"None of us deserve to be forgiven. That's why it's called mercy."

Thank you to NetGalley and Revell for providing an advanced reader copy to honestly read and review. I will be discussing this book on my YouTube channel, BookLoverAmanda and posting a review to Amazon and Goodreads.