I am completely and utterly in love with Kate Morton books. They are sweeping, epic historical novels and always when I’m finished I wish I could read it again for the first time

Homecoming is a story that spans multiple timelines and points of view. Nora’s story follows her life in the 50s and the secrets she kept. jess’s follows the present day while she goes through her grandmothers things and learns about the secrets of the area and the tragic murder that happened two generations before.
The story is full of surprises and twists. I loved how well it was done. I was able to immerse myself in the story and envision it all. I listened to some of it as an audiobook as well and feel like audiobook listeners will prefer the audio over reading it if you visualize when reading novels. It really enhanced it.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

This is my second Kate Morton novel and I wasn't disappointed. The dual timelines and rich settings in both Australia and England were beautifully portrayed. I felt immersed in the vivid world she created that seamlessly bridged past and present. The characters were deeply developed and relatable, particularly Jess and Nora, whose journeys of discovery and resilience were both moving and inspiring.
The novel's themes of family secrets, identity, and the powerful connections that bind generations together was absorbing.

I enjoyed the overall story, I like how Morton slowly reveals her stories as she introduces more characters and digs into some of the lies throughout the community. But I feel like nearly everyone of her books could be 100 pages shorter.

As a Kate Morton fan, I was more than willing to put the time into this big read. I must say I enjoyed the story of the big house abandoned in the bush, but the story because a little too twisty and turney for my liking.

I wanted to like this so bad… but it just fell short for me. I took a peek at the star rating after finishing it and I just couldn’t relate to the 5* ratings.

The overall premise of the story was interesting- it just took me waaaayyy too long to get into it. Then when I got into it I was 3/4 of the way through when s**t hit the fan and all the twists started to come out. Some of them were interesting but there was too much of a kerfuffle for me. I lost interest in what actually happened. In theory the intricacy of the plot could have been very interesting had it been executed differently and delivered in a more gentle way instead of throwing you in the deep end to connect all the pieces together.

I can see why people would like a book with such big revelations/surprises, however it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

ARC received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Netgalley, Simon & Schuster Canada, Simon & Schuster and Kate Morton for free e-ARC in return of my honest review.

"Homecoming" is a captivating and intricate novel that weaves together the past and the present in a tale of family secrets, love, and the enduring search for truth. Set in Adelaide Hills on Christmas Eve, 1959, the story begins with a chilling discovery that sets off a chain of events leading to a baffling murder investigation that shakes the small town of Tambilla to its core.

Years later, Jess, a journalist struggling to find her footing after a life in London, is summoned back to Sydney to be by her grandmother Nora's side as she battles a serious illness. Upon returning to Nora's house, Jess stumbles upon a true crime book detailing the Turner Family Tragedy of 1959, a case that holds a shocking connection to her own family's past.

"Homecoming" delves into the complexities of family ties, the lengths we go to protect our loved ones, and the hidden truths that shape our lives. As Jess unravels the mystery of her family's connection to the Turner Family Tragedy, she is forced to confront long-buried secrets and grapple with the impact of the past on her present.

The novel is a rich tapestry of interwoven narratives that span generations, exploring themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the search for identity. The author skillfully crafts a story that is both compelling and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where the past and present collide in unexpected ways.

"Homecoming" is a spellbinding and emotionally resonant read that showcases the author's talent for storytelling. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and poignant exploration of family dynamics, this novel is a testament to the power of love, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds that tie us together. A must-read for fans of gripping and evocative fiction.

Adelaide Hills, Christmas Eve, 1959 there was one of the most shocking and perplexing murder cases in the history of South Australia. Sixty years later, Jess is a journalist Live in London and in search of a story. A phone call out of nowhere summons her back to Sydney. At loose ends in Nora's (jess's granny) house, Jess does some digging of her own. In Nora's bedroom, she discovers a true crime book, chronicling the police investigation into a long-buried tragedy: the Turner Family Tragedy of Christmas Eve, 1959. I

This is my favorite of Kate Morton's work. Fantastic written, perfect mystery, supper intriguing. Highly recommend you pick this one up, guarantee you would be put it down.

Kate Morton is an exceptional storyteller who knows how to craft engaging tales that wind all over the place.

Christmas Eve in 1959: a chilling discovery by a local delivery man sets off a shocking murder investigation in a small town in South Australia. Six decades later, Jess, a struggling journalist in London, returns to Sydney when her grandmother, Nora, has an accident. Nora, once a strong and vibrant presence in Jess's life, now appears frail and confused.

While tending to Nora's affairs, Jess stumbles upon a true crime book chronicling the Turner Family Tragedy of 1959, a case that has remained unsolved. To her astonishment, Jess uncovers a connection between her family and this infamous cold case. The discovery leads her to delve into the past, hoping to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Turner family's tragedy and perhaps find a story to reignite her journalism career.

This had an great premise, but at 500 pages it was just a bit too long and meandering. I'd love to see Morton write a 400 page novel!

I so badly wanted to live this book. I was so into it at the beginning especially when the murder first appeared but the book inside a book made it super slow. This book will be loved by many, just not for me.

Read if you like: historical mysteries
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This is a family mystery/murder in 1959 Australia that has Jess looking back into her grandmother's past to solve it. Overall, the mystery was interesting and I was able to guess part of it. But the book felt a bit too long and it took me a while to get into the plot. I find that I struggle with the present perspectives in historical mysteries and find myself wanting to remain with the historical perspectives. But I did enjoy the book and thought the mystery aspect was well done!

I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down.
I just loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book.

Honestly I was worried when I saw the length of this book. It seems too many are trying to write the great epic novel and so many stories these days to me are hundreds of pages too long and too boring, I need not have worried, although this is a lengthy story you will not notice or care as it wonderful and intriguing and easy to read and includes just the right amount of details. A truly wonderful story of coming home and discovering old hidden family history and just of family itself. Highly recommend.

This book was a long one for me with many characters. I had a hard time keeping up with them. It felt like a book within a book. I enjoyed it but it was a long read.

Kate Morton's prose is beautiful and her writing always provides such an immersive reading experience. I genuinely feel like I am wrapping a cozy blanket around me, or visiting an old friend every time I start one of her books. This time I felt like I truly was in Tambilla, South Australia. Her characters are believably complex and nuanced and this novel was no different.
I've yet to figure out a Kate Morton twist, however, I did this time, abut halfway through the novel. It did not detract too much from my reading experience, but the "surprise" and "shock" wasn't there for me this time.
It is a beautiful novel, filled with vivid description and complex emotions.

3.5 Stars: I enjoy Kate Morton's writing. She writes beautifully descriptive stories and manages to add a mystery as well. Homecoming is a story told in dual timelines, 1959, when a family is found dead while on a picnic and the baby of the family missing. The second is 60 years later, when Jess is called home to Sydney, where her beloved grandmother, Nora, who raised her, has suffered a fall and been raced to the hospital. While alone in Nora's house, Jess finds a true crime book about the Turner Family Tragedy of Christmas Eve, 1959. It tells the story of the family and Jess finds out that she is related to this family. Being a journalist herself, she begins to investigate the tragedy to finally find conclusion to the story.

The description describes the book as "An epic novel that spans generations" and that is what it is. I enjoyed the book, but had to put it down a few times as it is extremely descriptive and slow moving at times. I enjoyed learning about this family and what may have caused the death of the Turner Family. There were secrets, many of them, and as Jess began to unravel some of the story, I became more interested in this one. There were several surprises along the way and the final revelations solved a second mystery. If you enjoy a sweeping story, with lyrical writing, lots of description and a mystery, you will probably love this story. I found it overlong and a bit too slow for me at times. The audiobook, narrated by Claire Foy, was well done and kept me listening. Her voice was perfect for the pace, tone and characters. If you enjoy an audiobook, I recommend you listen to this one, rather than reading it.

Kate Morton is one of those rare authors who is able to tell a multi-layered, nuanced, dual timeline story with perfection. Everything is woven together so well, with both people and places playing integral parts.

I found this to be a slow start but I knew it would be worth sticking with it and I was right. There was mystery, intrigue, love and drama as the story unfolded and Morton's prose is so beautiful. Another winner and one I can't wait to listen to on audio and experience all over again.

Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

One of Kate's best in a while!

I found that Homecoming particularly pulled on the heartstrings. Bittersweet and sad in a lot of places, but ending on a hopeful (and not overly sappy) note.

I found myself far more interested in the 1959/1960 sections than the 2018 ones - the characters felt more fleshed out and therefore more real to me. That's not to say that Jess wasn't interesting to follow, but diving into the past was more fun!

The writing was evocative and thoughtful, however I struggled with the pacing. The beginning was slow, and while I understand the context after finishing it was really difficult to get into in the beginning.

I loved how the mystery wrapped up, though it did feel like there were a few loose ends. Overall, a really enjoyable read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Two words to describe this long-awaited book: mixed feelings! 3.75 stars

I enjoyed Homecoming even if it wasn't as compelling as Kate Morton's previous novels. The French edition has 633 pages (!!) and I never considered not finishing it, so it definitely held my attention. I'm also glad to say I didn't predict every twist!

Morton writes beautifully, but I would have cut some parts (repetitive descriptions and details about the life of absolutely every character). The book has some flaws, especially about one thing: I wish the relationship between two of the characters got a more satisfying closure. I was waiting for this moment so I ended up disappointed.

Final thoughts: very good book, but it didn't make me feel emotions as intense as The Forgotten Garden, The Secret Keeper, The Lake House and The Distant Hours.

Original post: I am SO happy right now! Can't believe it's already been 5 years since Kate Morton published her last novel... But I don't have to wait anymore since I just received an ARC of her next book! 🤩🎉

Many thanks to Netgalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC

Such a beautifully crafted story with an engaging set of characters and intriguing circumstances. I loved all the moving pieces and intertwining tales and how ultimately, they fit together like a 3D puzzle. I also loved the vast array of perspectives and voices -- cleverly woven in to give a lot of perspective. A satisfying and immersive read! The ending surprised me but it was perfect.