Lately I have been craving some of the lighter, giddier style of books, and these books have it all without being lewd and making me uncomfortable. Longing for Home is the story of Katie, an Irish immigrant working in America during the time of the Great Famine. She travels across the country to work in a tiny town in Wyoming, only to find that the town is split apart by a great feud between the Irish and those who wish they would head back to their own country. Between her own dark secrets of the past and the turmoil around her, Katie has more than enough to deal with, but of course there are not one but two handsome strangers to further complicate the story. I found the plot enjoyable and at times unpredictable, especially in the matter of the love triangle. So often, the answer is obvious, but in Katie's case it is difficult to say, and there is a second book to further elaborate what her choice will be. My only issue was that the writing was at times circuitous and overly obvious. However, a romantic and at times intense story with a constantly twisting plot.

Book 1 in the series almost ripped my heart out, with all of the heartbreak and the love triangle because really...what's not to love about either guy? If one of them was a jerk, it would be an easy choice to see one of them go. Needless to say, it ended on a note that left me hanging and wanting more.

I finally had a chance to sit down and read this one and wow--I was once again blown away by the amazing way that Eden is able draw a reader right into the heart of the story. It doesn't hurt that my name is the same as the main character and that I used to play the violin, but hey, I really felt the joys and struggles of this town, which is divided by prejudice.

I have to say it--doesn't Hope Springs have any law enforcement? Where are the Sheriffs of Savage Wells when you need them (bad joke in reference to one of the author's other novels)? The way the tempers, anger, and hatred escalates is alarming, especially when bad things start to happen that really shouldn't. WHY can't people realize that human beings aren't that different from one another and race or origin shouldn't matter?! I guess I got a little emotionally worked up over this novel, but that's the sign of a true, gifted author.

The characters are great. Katie is so strong and resourceful and willing to sacrifice herself for the common good, which really makes everyone adore and love her, including the reader. Although she seemingly made her choice in Book 1, neither man will give up until it's over and they're both fantastic. I loved the nuances of all of the relationships, both good and bad, and enjoyed watching the effects and results of difficult events. This is a book worth reading.

Content: mild romance; mild violence and moments of peril; harsh words/name calling, but no swearing; very mild references to religion.

*I received a copy through Netgalley, which didn't influence my opinion. All thoughts are my own.*