Rating: 3.5 stars

The Long Way Home, A Homecoming Novella was an easy read. I was relieved that it wasn’t totally predictable. Sure, there was the expected happily ever after but the road to HEA had a few twists and turns. It’s the story of Joe Carlyle and Abigail “Abby” Foster. They were highschool sweethearts that ended up going in different directions when they graduated because of their different socio-economic status. Abby’s family had money and she was positioned to marry a rich guy and Joe’s family lived a more modest life as ranchers.

Clearly, I’m not giving anything away by saying that Abby’s somewhat arranged marriage falls apart. She returns home 8 years later with a proposition for Joe to spend the weekend with her at her hotel but he does something unexpected by denying her request. Instead, he wants to reconnect with her and understand what happened 8 years ago, as well as what happened with her marriage. Although Joe hasn’t stopped loving her, he is a much more mature man than he was 8 years ago. In addition, while she has no money, he has made a successful business venture that she is unaware of. Basically, they have a lot to learn about each other. Plus, Joe’s mom isn’t happy that Abby has re-appeared so that makes matters worse.

Although it didn’t follow the usual path, there was a lot about this book that was unrealistic. I mean, how do you come back to town after 8 years of radio silence and proposition someone? I can understand still being in love with someone but the love would be faded on some level. Plus, the Carlyle boys all go through some sort of crazy phase which just seemed weird to me. Maybe I’m just being too critical but I have to question some things.

Abby moved away and married into money at her father's request. But, life didn't work out the way she expected, husband's gone, father died, and now she's back in town. She runs into Joe, the guy she really loved all those years ago--what she wouldn't give for a few days of passion during Homecoming weekend. But, he's not necessarily ready to open his heart again, especially wen he sees his brother about to follow in his form teenage footsteps. But time has a way to find forgiveness and rekindle love.