Fascinating dual time line story about Harper, a young woman from Chicago trying to figure out her path in life. She moved to Nashville after quitting her journalism job to be with her grandpa for the summer. She read his dad's journals about being in the Negro Baseball League in the 1930s and 1940s. Harper decides to write a fictionalized book about his time as a ball player. So the two story lines are present day as Harper navigates life and embedded story of the book she is writing about the past as Moses, her great-grandfather, learns about life in the baseball world.
I loved how the two story lines are connected and enjoyed both of them. Moses gives us a glimpse of the ups and downs of the traveling and dealing with racism as well as his time playing winter ball in Mexico, Cuba, etc.
Harper's story has her reconnecting with a man that was friend's with her brothers and she finds that they enjoy each other's company. She takes the time to figure out what is important and what she wants out of life, with a little guidance from her grandfather. The fictional character of Moses was created to tell her great-grandfather's, Kelton Fleming, story of being a super star batter and being recruited to play for the Memphis Eagles.
If you are looking for an immersive historical fiction/contemporary story, I highly recommend this book!
#HomeandAway #NetGalley #historicalfiction
Thank you Kensington Publishing and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I haven't read a book by Rochelle Alers since my young adult years, and let me say she has not lost her touch. This book was absolutely amazing! I fell in love with the characters and two characters' love story in particular. Once you start reading you will not want to stop.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.

Two Stories in One

Life has taken a toll on Harper Fleming; she needs a break. To center herself she makes a drastic decision and decided to spend the summer with her grandfather as she did when she was a little girl. Learning about her grandfather's pass life as a Negro League baseball player. (This really touched my heart). Ms. Alers did not disappoint the story was a combination of history, education, and romance,

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Rochelle Alers for the opportunity to read this ARC, this is my honest review.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the story of Harper Fleming. She is trying to make her way as a sportswriter in Chicago. When she is overlooked for this position again, she quits. She decides to go to Nashville and stay with her Grandfather Bernard Fleming. While she is there, she decides to write a book about her Great-Grandfather, Kelton Fleming. He is an interesting character because he played in the Negro Baseball Leagues during the 1930's and 1940's. It was fun to read about the Baseball League. Even though the players were treated so poorly, they didn't give up. I liked this book. In fact, I liked both timelines-the 1930's and 1940's and present day. Kelton's story was good, as well as Harper's story. I like the way she kept examining her life and found happiness. I recommend this book for all readers.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed reading Home and Away by Rochelle Alers. This story about gave light to what it was like to be a baseball player in the Negro League. The book gave insight of the racism, traveling and inferior living conditions they had to endure. However, it also told of the love story between Moses and Sallie Ann, and also modern Dat Harper and Cheney. This was a very good read and I would highly recommend it. Kudos Rochelle Alers on a job well done!

I'm giving this novel 5 stars for keeping me engaged the whole entire time!
Wow! What a story it is! I couldn't put the book down!
Lots of history here. Loved every minute of it.
Harper is a wonderful character. I loved her from the minute I met her. I love her get up and go. Especially, determination for writing great grandfather's story on baseball.
I learned much from this story. It definitely touched my heart and left my heart feeling full and satisfied.
The 1930's was my favorite part of the story.
Moses Gilliam is a wonderful man for sticking up for his Sally Ann. Not many men do that.
But I really liked Harper too.
I didn't want this story to end. I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine

Another great story by Rochelle Alers. I love how the author created a story within a story that flowed seamlessly. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline. I will continue to support this author on future books.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. I received a complimentary copy of this book.

When I read the blurb about the book being about an author, I was quietly anticipating a 2 for 1 book. This book delivered that and more. This story is a beautiful tribute to Harper’s great grandfather’s history.

Harper fed up with her job decides to quit and spend the summer with her grandfather like she used to as a child. While on vacation Harper sets out to find out more about her great grandfather who was a baseball player in the negro league. The fact that Harper finds love on this journey with her childhood crush is just the icing on the cake.

The knowledge and research put into this book is reflected through the information about real players from the Negro league interspersed through the novel and their experience’s.

What a homerun of a novel! 10/10

Harper is absolutely phenomenal. Following her journey through a part of history that is a bit unfamiliar really hit it out of the park for me.

(I'm almost out of baseball references.) But don't worry if you're not a baseball fan! This historical fiction novel is more slice of life than sports novel.

Rochelle Alers is such a fantastic writer. I felt like I was part of Harper's journey. And Harper is also a fantastic writer!

"I don't know if you will like our coffee because it's made with chicory, but it goes well with beignets."

The story flowed well and the characters were well developed. I recommend this book and look forward to more from this author.


****Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review****