Thank you Revell for allowing me to read and review The Color of Home by Kit Tosello on NetGalley.

Published: 09/24/24

Stars: 2.5

Disappointed. I went in expecting a story written for an adult. The Color of Home is a young teen to young adult book. The writing is simple and frankly I was bored. There are several storylines -- personalities, however I didn't match maturity with subject matter.

I have read very little Christian fiction, and thus urge you to choose on your experience.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. It is a story about finding a home and where you belong. I did not love this book and ended up DNFing it, but it seems popular and always checked out.

The Color of Home is women’s fiction from two points of view. Audrey is the twenty-eighty year-old interior design expert based in Silicon Valley, while Daisy is her great-aunt from Charity Falls, Oregon.

Daisy and her husband, Dean, are moving into an assisted living facility because Dean has dementia and they need support. Audrey takes two weeks off work and goes to help Audrey prepare their house for sale but ends up staying longer.

Audrey’s father died in a fire in Charity Falls thirteen years ago, and she hasn’t been back since. As is to be expected, somethings have changed but others haven’t, and there are a lot of memories.

Both points of view are told in first person. The change in point of view was indicated by the name at the top of the chapter. I found this confusing at times. Because both points of view were in first person, it often wasn’t obvious which point of view the chapter was in unless I’d consciously looked at the chapter header (something I tend to skip).

I also mixed the names up a few times. Audrey feels like an “old” name to me, so I kept thinking that was the great-aunt. Equally, Daisy feels like the name of a much younger character, so I had to do a bit of backtracking when I realised I’d mixed up the characters in my mind.

I did wonder why the story needed two point of view characters. It is clearly Audrey’s story, as she learns the oft-repeated lesson that we should focus on personal relationships over careers. In fairness, Audrey had come by this belief honestly: her mother is still alive but they have virtually no relationship.

Daisy clearly played the mentor role. Her point of view provided the Christian input and gave insight to some of the stresses surrounding living with a spouse with dementia. These are important topics, and perhaps deserved a story of their own rather than being the filler in Audrey’s story (which didn’t have a lot to distinguish it from every other Hallmark-esque small-town romance).

The writing and characterisation are strong, the story touches on many important social issues. Recommended for fans of issues-based Christian women’s fiction.

Thanks to Revell and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

The Color of Home: by Kit Tosello
emotional medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0

“Elizabeth Elliot believed we should talk to God before we start talking to anyone else. It’s not easy to be still. But I find it’s worth the effort to try.”

A beautiful and moving read full of hard moments without feeling like a heavy read.

💗 WHAT I LIKED: Kit has a beautiful way with words and there were so many passages where I felt as if I, too, was a part of this journey. Whether it be driving up the narrow ribbon of highway under a cornflower-blue sky, enjoying hot tea while soaking up all the overstuffed bookshelves and deep armchairs in the local used books and tea store, or working alongside the cowboy version of a Napoleon Dynamite look-alike, I felt as if I was right beside Audrey as she not only journeyed to her past and through grief, but looked ahead to her future and responded to the pull and call of the Holy Spirit leading her back to God and within the arms of Christ.

💛 READ IF YOU LIKE:
✨ Christian Fiction
✨ Dual POVs
✨ Small towns
✨ Rich atmospheric settings
✨ Horses / Equine therapy
✨ Clean romance
✨ Elements of healing, rediscovery, and redemption

💭 OVERALL THOUGHTS: Though the romance between Audrey and Cade was light and mostly developed towards the end, their relationship was sweet and endearing with moments of great care and thoughtfulness for each other’s past.

I also appreciated the care in which Kit wrote Daisy, who was caring for her husband in the early stages of Alzheimer's; how she often used light humor to soften the mood, and how she seamlessly wove in elements of faith while revealing God’s faithfulness and sovereignty over the seasons in our life.

✨ I liked it!

(3.75 stars rounded up)

A good debut from Kit Tosello! This story was full of depth and definitely tugged at you heartstrings as you experience grief with Audrey who is still reeling from the death of his father and you also experience grief from aunt Daisy although hers is in the form of her husband having Alzheimer's and she is seeing the person she fell in love with disappear before her eyes. This is told in two different point of views as the story is of both Audrey and Daisy.

The story does start a bit slow so it took me a while to get into it but I am glad I stuck with it. I thought that the growth that Audrey experiences throughout the story was great and all the little details were needed to see her come full circle. The author did great at keeping the faith themes throughout the story and makes you really think what home truly is for you? It means something different for every one.

Overall I really enjoyed the story and I can't wait to see what else this author writes in the future!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review. All views expressed are my own.

It didn’t really know what to expect going into this book and I just love it when a book surprises me! I loved it! The story came together perfectly and had themes of hope weaved all throughout. There were moments of laughter, some tears, the most loveable characters, and it kept me engaged the whole story. It doesn’t take long for Audrey to discover that she is restless with how she is living her life. It takes a trip back to her childhood stomping grounds to reconnect with God and discover what her next right step is. I quickly went to see what other books I can read by Kit Tosello and I was shocked to see that The Color of Home is a debut!!! I will be eagerly waiting for the next one!

Sweet and heartwarming story that envelopes you from page one. I enjoyed Audrey’s story and would recommend to anyone who is looking for an engaging read.

What a heartfelt and lovely debut!
Kit Tosello digs far into the story, letting readers experience the emotions that grab characters Daisy and Audrey as they share their stories from their own point of view. The descriptions are so vivid in the narrative that readers can’t help but take time to savour the scenery. To enjoy the moment as Audrey and Daisy move through their lives, and through the town of Charity Falls.
There are a couple of storylines that happen and each one is wonderfully told. I love the cast of characters and the problems that both Daisy and Audrey faces. Daisy – with her husband suffering from Alzheimer’s, and Audrey with her life/job across the country.
This is a fantastic read for readers who want a solid women’s fiction story with very little romance thrown in.
I look forward to reading more from Kit Tosello.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kit Torsello is a new to me author, and the synopsis of this one had me very much looking forward to giving one of her books a try for the first time. The Color of Home is a contemporary Christian fiction novel about a woman named Audrey who by all accounts seems to be living the life she's only ever dreamed about. However, when circumstances require her to return to her childhood roots, she realizes that our past never truly leaves us, and that the truly important things in life are often not what we've come to think they are.

The story dives into many deep and personal issues that I wasn't necessarily expecting when I picked this one up, and I loved how the author did justice by representing each of these issues realistically. But also used the faith element to shine a light over these situations that would often seem so hopeless otherwise.

This was a powerful read, and it's one I don't expect to forget anytime soon. I loved how it emphasized the importance our upbringing has on the people we become someday, and also on the fact that God can work with brokenness, if only we're willing to let Him.

Kit Torsello has an interesting writing style that focuses heavily on character development and atmospheric settings, and I literally felt like I was completely immersed in the story. I enjoyed my first foray into one of her books, and I wouldn't hesitate to give another of her books a try in the future.

However, the one complaint I had overall, was the pacing and length of the story. It felt like story was dragged out more than it needed to be, and many passages went on much longer than what would have been necessary.

Overall though, it was a lovely read that I'd highly recommend to anyone who is looking for a harder hitting Christian fiction novel.

Final Rating: 4/5.



Thanks so much to Revell for allowing me to read and review this one!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher (Revell) via NetGalley as Part of the Revell Reads Blogger Program. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

ARC Review:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Audrey Needham has a complicated history with the small town of Charity Falls, Oregon. But when her great-aunt Daisy asks for her help, she drops everything. Will a few weeks in Oregon with her surrogate grandmother provide the healing and clarity Audrey needs, or will it cause her world to come crashing down?

The Color of Home by Kit Tosello is in the running for my top read of 2024!!!

From the very beginning, Tosello’s poetic prose won me over. Employing descriptive language she transported me to the charming, small town of Charity Falls, home to the most beautiful settings and wholesome residents. Not only is this one of the best written novels I have had the privilege of reading, it contains a story that will stick with me forever.

Told primarily through Audrey’s POV, The Color of Home touches on the themes of death, grief, love, and the power of faith. The snit-bits containing prayers, bible verses, and her stream of consciousness provided insight to her inner struggles. Audrey was a complex, well-rounded character.

In addition to Audrey’s POV we are given sections and even entire chapters told from Daisy’s POV. Seeing the world through the elder Needham provided mounds of wisdom. I can’t even count the number of lines I underlined and quotes I jotted down in a journal. I know they will come in handy in the near future.

If you are looking for your next read, I highly recommend picking up a copy of Kit Tosello’s The Color of Home! It is guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings and restore your faith in humanity.

Special thanks to Netgalley, Revell, and Kit Tosello for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Color of Home was a story focussed on the main character’s relationships with her family back in Oregon, and finding her path between the two internal struggles of what she thinks she wants and need to do, versus what she truly desires to do.

We also see the POV of Aunt Daisy, who after a full life with her husband, must adjust to retirement and taking care of a husband struggling with Alzheimer. I enjoyed seeing the fears and concerns which Daisy kept hidden from others and how events brought both Daisy and Abigail in line with God’s will for their lives.

Their was very limited romance, with the focus more on Daisy and Abigail and their growth through these trials and questions.

*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*

I loved the synopsis but the book fell short on all fronts. I do not recommend this book- there are plenty of other books worth reading.

Kit Tosello's debut novel The Color of Home begins a little slowly but then sweeps you in and doesn't let go.

Audrey Needham feels obligated to take her coveted vacation time to visit her Aunt Daisy and Uncle Dean and help them move into an assisted living home. Once she gets to Charity Falls, she is surprised at the changes in her aunt and uncle, whom she hasn't seen in years, and the sameness of the town. Plus, nothing goes as planned.

The story will cause a gamut of emotions as you read about past and present day events and the on personal loss, growth and faith they have wrought.

The Color of Home helps you realize home is more than a physical structure. It is the people you love, the town you are in and the feelings they evoke. I am glad I finished the novel, and I am sure you will enjoy it, too.

I received this book from Revell through NetGalley.However, my review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

I am absolutely delighted when I discover a debut novel that sets my skin to tingling and my heart burning with a desire to share this great story with others. Such is the case with this novel with it’s intriguing title and beautiful cover! The story of Audrey and her quest for something better in life besides a demanding boss and clients is well told and engaging. When Audrey leaves her posh job in the Bay Area to travel to a little town called Charity Falls, she doesn’t expect to stay there long. In fact, her plan is a couple of weeks to help her great-Aunt Daisy prepare to live in assisted living with her great-Uncle Dean who is suffering from Alzheimer’s. What Audrey did not expect was to meet a young girl named Paige who desperately needs someone to love her and care that her dad is incarcerated without judging her. What Audrey was surprised to find in this little town was the peace she had long sought since her father died in a fire in that same little town. This book was filled with delightful surprises, family relationships and faith that was the foundation of the story. I enjoyed the plot with its moderately paced plot, perfect for the tranquil setting of Charity Falls. I especially enjoyed getting to know all of the characters who lent charm and realism to the town, making sure that Audrey was quickly caught up into the rhythm of life there. The underlying message of forgetting the past and pressing onward toward a better future was one that was not unexpected but was one that showered hope throughout the pages of the story. This was a story that begs to be read and enjoyed and shared with others because it is a timeless story of resilience, roots and restoration.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

The Color of Home is a great debut novel, but I wouldn’t have guessed it was the author’s first novel as it was written so well. It’s the story of you cannot ever go to the home you remember, but the love will always be the same.
I loved the setting of the Pacific Northwest where Audrey goes home to help her Aunt Daisy with her husband with dementia get ready to sell their home. Audrey leaves her job in interior design and the pressure of trying to get to next level of her career to help Daisy in small town Charity Falls. Charity Falls reminds Audrey of small towns life and how wonderful life can be there.
I enjoyed the different POV’s of Audrey and Daisy and the other characters in the story. The author does a great job of portraying a small town where everyone knows everyone, and it made me a little homesick for my own! The romance did not overwhelm the more important theme of family but was enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel thanks to Revell Publishing and Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

I really loved this story filled with romance, heart and figuring out your life. I loved Audrey, Daisy, Paige and Cade. I enjoyed how this story is told through Audrey and Daisy. I recommend having lots of tissues for the ending of the story. I loved this small town. I loved the feelings this story caused me to feel. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

Kit Tosello’s debut novel, THE COLOR OF HOME, is a journey in finding our true homes, not necessarily the physical ones, but the place where we find acceptance and can fulfill our greatest potential. It delves into the search for peace and purpose, with the end goal of living to be of service to others. This special book brings the reader to a place of self-examination, of our own failings and of our gifts and talents. It is an insightful study in human behavior.

I was excited to dive into The Color of Home after reading the synopsis, which promised an emotional journey of family, loss, and finding home again. Audrey Needham’s return to Charity Falls, a town filled with both fond memories and painful loss, seemed like the perfect setup for a heartfelt story of healing and redemption. Unfortunately, I ended up not finishing the book, and here’s why:

The main issue I had was with the writing itself. While the premise was compelling, I found the writing style difficult to engage with. The pacing felt slow, and the style seemed to lack the spark needed to pull me in. Rather than feeling immersed in Audrey’s world, I found myself detached and uninterested, as the narrative didn’t seem to flow in a way that kept my attention.

Overall, while The Color of Home might resonate with other readers, it simply didn’t work for me. The writing style wasn’t engaging enough to keep me invested in the story, and I ultimately decided to put it down. Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy to honestly read and review. If I was to rate the book, it would have been around a 3 star read.

This story is primarily about two women, Audrey and her aunt, Daisy. Audrey works for a trendy interior design firm in the city and is working to advance her career. She puts that in jeopardy when she leaves to help Daisy get her home ready for sale. Daisy’s husband, Dean, is suffering from Alzheimers, and Daisy is finding it hard to manage the home and his health care. Audrey spent many memorable times there with her father because he was raised by them. Along with helping Daisy with her home, Audrey takes on the self-appointed task of finding out who currently owns the once thriving inn across the road and why it is in such disrepair. She feels a closeness to it because her father used to help maintain the grounds, and Daisy was their cook.
While she is staying there, she meets a young girl who she takes under her wing. She also meets Cade, Daisy’s best friend’s son.
As all her relationships grow and develop, she begins to realize what is important in life. She has a strong faith but is not a ‘church goer’. She has been disillusioned by ‘fake’ Christians.
The author weaves the element of faith throughout the story but not in a preachy way.
The story switches between Audrey and Daisy’s point of view and their distinctive personalities are evident.
This is from the publisher’s website:
“The life she's designing may not be the life she's meant to live

Bay Area interior designer to the rich and pretentious, Audrey Needham is already on thin ice with her impossible-to-please boss when her great-aunt Daisy asks for support as her husband descends into Alzheimer's. Now Audrey is risking the career she worked hard to build as she returns to Charity Falls, Oregon.

Her feelings toward the idyllic small town are . . . complicated. While she has many good memories of her childhood summers there, Charity Falls is also the place her father was killed in a tragic fire at the Sugar Pine Inn thirteen years ago.

Despite Audrey's intent to avoid emotional entanglement, something should be done about the deteriorating inn. A local girl with an incarcerated father needs a friend. And handsome local do-gooder Cade Carter is coloring Audrey all shades of uncertain. The pull of home is hard to resist.”
This is an enjoyable story about self-discovery, spiritual growth, forgiveness and overcoming obstacles.
The ending came too fast and too soon!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book from the publisher, Revell and Baker Publishing via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.