Almost Home

Written by Valerie Fraser Luesse

Narrated by Kate Forbes

With America's entrance into the Second World War, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam's munitions plants--and they're bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler's grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse. An estranged young couple from the Midwest, unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi, a shattered young veteran struggling to heal from the war--they're all hoping Dolly's house will help them find their way back to the lives they left behind. But the house has a past of its own. When tragedy strikes, Dolly's only hope will be the circle of friends under her roof and their ability to discover the truth about what happened to a young bride who lived there a century before. Award-winning and bestselling author Valerie Fraser Luesse breathes life into a cast of unforgettable characters in this complex and compassionate story of hurt and healing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 5, 2019
• ISBN: 9781980018490

Valerie Fraser Luesse

Valerie Fraser Luesse is the bestselling author of Missing Isaac, Almost Home, The Key to Everything, and Under the Bayou Moon. She is an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she recently retired as senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse received the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society for her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana. A graduate of Auburn University and Baylor University, she lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave.

Reviews for Almost Home

[c ynthia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It was wonderful. Full of southern charm. Lessons of life and family. Must read.

[grrllovesbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Characters and story intertwine in this lovely novel set in the South during WWII. Told with a delicate touch, this story is one you will remember for some time.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse has Dolly and Si Chandler opening their home to boarders during World War II. In April of 1944 Anna and Jesse Williams arrive in Blackberry Springs, Alabama and get the last bedroom available at the Chandler home. Jesse begins work at the local munitions factory which leaves Anna at loose ends and feeling homesick. Dolly takes Anna under her wing and introduces her to the other ladies in the house as well as the neighborhood women. Dolly and Si can see that the young couple need a help with their marriage and give them subtle nudges in the right direction. One day Dolly tells Anna the story behind the original owner of her home. Anna is intrigued when she learns that no one knows what happened to Catherine and Andrew Sinclair. She decides to look for the answers and maybe find the missing treasure along the way. Almost Home is a satisfying Southern novel. It is well-written with developed characters set in a charming small Southern town. Dolly Chandler has a gregarious personality. She is friendly and nurturing. Dolly and her husband, Si opened their home to help pay the property taxes. They also have a roller rink across the street with dancing and refreshments and Si is building a pond for people to swim in (for money, of course). Dolly has a way of making her boarders feel welcome. There was just one couple who did not fit in and Si soon took care of them (it was a hilarious scene). I liked the variety of residents in the home. There are two college professors, a veteran with PTSD, and a widower as well as Anna and Jesse Williams. There is also Daisy Dupree who becomes close friends with Anna and Lillian the blind woman who lives on the same street. I enjoyed the mystery of Catherine and Andrew. We learn what happened to the couple through diary entries. The search for the so-called missing treasure was great. I love how Almost Home ended. All the storylines in Almost Home blended together into one lovely, heartwarming story.

[nbmars · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel begins during World War II in April, 1944 in Blackberry Springs, Alabama. Blackberry Springs was close to Childersburg, which in real life was the site of the Alabama Army Ammunition Plant, operated by DuPont. The plant produced nearly 40 million pounds of munitions a month as well as heavy water for the development of the atomic bomb, and people came from around the country to work there. When Dolly and Si Chandler found they needed extra income, they began to operate their large home - inherited from Dolly’s grandmother - as a boarding house. Two new boarders, Anna and Jesse Williams, had just come to Blackberry Springs from Illinois, so Jesse could work at the plant. Jesse was taciturn and withdrawn, even from Anna, because he hadn't been able to make their farm succeed back home; he hoped to save enough in Alabama to try again. He thought Anna couldn’t possibly want a “failure” like him. She didn't feel that way at all, of course. The Chandlers and the other boarders immediately sensed the problem and set out in subtle ways to help them find their way back to each other.Anna began to bond with the women in the house as well as with Daisy Dupree, a young widow who lived nearby. Daisy mourned the loss of her husband, and felt guilty that she didn’t insist he not go off to war (not that they had a choice, in any event). Another young boarder, Reed Ingram, was a war veteran with a bad leg injury and PTSD, who carried his own guilt over the fact that he - a medic - couldn’t save his best friend.All of these people were holding on to their pain, and needed to learn how to move past it. As one character finally realized:“No matter what troubles you and me have got, we’re alive. We’re here on this earth, an we’re meant to make the most of it. . . . We’ve been throwin’ time away . . . .. And time’s a gift. We oughta be usin’ every minute we’ve got.”The plot turns not only on adaptation to loss and the evolution of the relationships among the characters, but on health issues for some of the characters, and tension over some former criminal boarders. Nevertheless, this is, after all, a romance, and the ending will satisfy readers.Evaluation: Although this is “Christian fiction,” the references to belief and spirituality do not overwhelm the story. I would say the “women’s fiction” aspects predominated, and it is a good representation of that genre. The side plot about the original owners of Dolly’s house was quite captivating.

[hes7 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Oh, how lovely! Valerie Fraser Luesse’s Almost Home captures life in the South in the midst of World War II, and it is a lovely story.In Blackberry Springs, Alabama, Dolly Chandler turns her family home into a boarding house. Thanks to the war, people now flock to the town, and under Dolly’s roof gathers an unlikely group of strangers. But of course, they do not stay strangers for long.Almost Home shares the story of these characters, marred by scars of the past, as they embrace friendship, healing, and new beginnings. Luesse adds a touch of mystery to their story, too, with a century-old disappearance to resolve and makes it a well-rounded, beautiful, sweet read. I recommend Almost Home.I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[kstadt929 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I don’t often bail on a book (I almost always make myself push through!), but I just couldn’t get into this book. I received it as an ARC so was looking forward to reading it. I made it about half way through and just wasn’t invested in any of the characters, I didn’t enjoy the Christian aspects thrown in, didn’t like how slow it seemed or appreciate the way the dialogue was written. I don’t have much time to read with 2 pups at home so had to bail!

[carol420 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I usually stick to Mystery & Suspense novels but something about this one drew me to take it home from the library. From the very first page I found the story captivating and the authors writing style so very easy to read. She told Anna and Jesse story in such a way that you immediately loved them and hoped that their lives were going to have a change for the better. I will admit that I never expected the type of change that their lives took or that of any of the other characters...but it was a relaxing and enjoyable read. If you want a change of pace or if you are already a fan of this type of novel...give this one a chance. I'm going to look for Valerie Luesse's other books.

[fastforward-46127 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It's the 1940s and Dolly Chandler is running a boardinghouse in her family home in Blackberry Springs, Alabama. Many people have flocked to the area to work at the plants producing military weapons and equipment. Some of the boarders have brought their painful pasts with them but maybe staying with Dolly and her husband and getting to know the other people in the house, will help set them on the path to healing. And of course discovering a secret diary from the 1800s will be interesting as well. This book is probably best classified as Christian fiction although I wouldn't say religion is a huge part of the story. For me this was much more a story of friendship and people finding a way to move on from hurt and pain. The book is pretty much split into two different parts. The first part involving Anna, a married woman from the Midwest who is having marital issues with her husband, held my interest more than the second storyline of a veteran returning home from war. I appreciate the author trying to shine a light on the effects war has on soldiers but I don't think she pulled it off very successfully. It was also frustrating that a character you spent half a book getting to know, is pretty much sent to the back burner in order to introduce a new storyline. Alternating chapters from the characters' perspectives might have worked better than first half, second half stories. Even though this was over 300 pages, it was a pretty quick read. I think if you are in the mood for something that has characters with good hearts, this might be a safe bet.I won a free advance copy of this book from the publisher and BookishFirst. I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.

[wearylibrarian · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved the characters. I felt like I was once again a child visiting my grandparents in the mountains of Tennessee and Georgia. Beverly well written.

[smits_52 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed for "Library Things Early reviewers".This is a novel filled with southern charm and hospitality. It reads like a slow southern drawl even to the language used. However, I did get pretty tired of the word "dang"!! It is a sweet story filled with sweet characters. It does tend to be shy on action and is a far fetched story. However it was a pleasure to read.

[sherripo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was the first book I had read by this author and I enjoyed it. It was a nice story that didn't have excessive violence, sex, etc. It was a feel-good story and I would recommend it. Though it wasn't the most exciting book I have ever read, it really did keep my attention and I wanted to see what would happen next.

[huberk-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

ALMOST HOME, by Valerie Fraser LuesseThe setting: 1944You are welcomed into the family (a paying guest) of Si & Dolly. They live in a beautiful house on Talamge Loop. They are close to the highway-but have their own private sanctuary.There are of course, Si and Dolly-in her grandmother's house; a single older gent who is a recent widower; and three other couples staying there for the summer.Dolly has grand ideas to make the money for their county tax bill. Si built a roller skating rink, for people to pay a nominal fee to skate. At the moment,, Si is digging out a lake, for which the public will also pay a fee to use.Dolly and Si are enjoying their renters, except for one couple they are quickly losing their patience with.One couple is there to regroup, after losing their farm-the worry has made it seem like they are two strangers living there.This is a very nice book, where as a new-comer, you are made to feel like YOU are ALMOST HOME.I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing and Baker-Revell Publishing and was under no obligation to post a reviewALMOST HOME2019

[lamb521 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Title: Almost HomeAuthor: Valerie Fraser LuessePages: 336Year: 2019Publisher: RevellMy rating: 5 out of 5 stars.It’s late at night and I just finished this heart-captivating story set during WWII. It is not focused on action overseas but in Alabama. There is mystery in the telling of the story where a young woman who lived 100 years before the time of WWII has her story too though the awe-inspiring tale ties the characters of the past to those living 100 years later via journals. The current of faith runs throughout the book, both the seen and the unseen actions of God.Various people come to live in a house that is now a home where renters have rooms yet can interact with each other, especially over a meal. The woman who runs the home is Dolly and she, along with her husband, is trying to make ends meet when rationing was in effect and just trying to pay the property taxes of their home seemed like a dream. Now, if I were to reveal the tale to you, I fear that would ruin your own enjoyment and excitement as various pages are turned and secrets revealed.The book has a tale that draws readers in and keeps them coming back because I believe what it shares many can relate to. What does it share? A tale filled with hope, community, family, dreams of the future, confronting one’s own nightmare and so much more. Dolly is one awesome caring woman whose eyes could easily be on her own troubles but are on caring for others in any way she can.Dolly’s faith, hope and love touch people who live under her roof, though not all as readers will find out. When danger is present and threatens her and her husband’s lives, who will come to their aid as they have been there for others? By the end of the book, I secretly wished there would be a sequel because it is such a story that touches the soul. Here is definitely one of the best books of this genre, and I look forward to reading more from the author should she continue to pen such moving novels. For now, sit back with the book and immerse yourself in Almost Home; it’s a book you’ll long remember. Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.

[phdinhorribleness · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! I found myself really invested in the lives of the characters and wanting to know what would happen to them next. I was really didn't want the story to end and was actually a bit sad when it did. I would love to read more about the lives of these characters.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It's the 1940 and the war is going on in Europe. Most of the young men are fighting in the Army but not all men were qualified to serve. For them, along with a lot of women, there is war work in factories to make the airplanes and the fulfill the needs of the Army. Dolly Chandler is running a boardinghouse in her family home in Blackberry Springs, Alabama. All of her boarders are far from home and they have a lot of personal baggage - Daisy's husband was killed in the war, Reed was wounded, Jesse and Anna are in the process of losing the only home they've ever known. Will coming to Dolly's boarding house and getting to know Dolly and Si help them all to become whole again?This is a book about friendships with a southern setting and lots of sweet tea. The characters were all interesting and even though they had very different backgrounds, they all became friends. Add in a secret hidden diary from 100 years earlier and the quest to learn more about the diary and you have a sweet, simple book that you will be happy you read.Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.

[milibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is really two stories in one, but involving the same characters. Dolly and Si are having problems meeting their property tax bill in 1944 so they rent out rooms in their home. The first story revolves around Jesse and Anna who have moved to Alabama so that Jesse can work in a factory, since they could not make ends meet on their Illinois farm. As the problems have escalated, Jesse has shut out Anna and must learn to love her again.The second story involves a WWII veteran, Reed, who has returned with a wounded leg. As he recovers at Dolly's he is nursed by Anna's friend Daisy who is a widow. They must learn to accept the changes in their lives before they find love.Scattered throughout the entire book are selections from a diary kept 100 years earlier by the first woman to live in the house. This is probably the most interesting part as the mystery of pirated gold plays out. Unfortunately, change seems to come the characters without cause. An enjoyable, but not quite satisfying read.

[cyncie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse was a lovely surprise, for more than one reason. It took three months for the publisher to send it to me, after I was awarded a copy through the Early Reviewers club. Once I received it, I read it right away and was so impressed by the sweet story, and the depth of the characters. The setting is a Southern boardinghouse in World War II, near a munitions plant. It's owners, Si and Dotty, become substitute parents for their boarders as they struggle to overcome separation, loss, and disappointment. There is drama, humor, romance, and a parallel mystery from decades before, that becomes a super-bonus. The book ends in a perfect way, and makes you wish you could stay with these characters for another read.

[written-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book from Early Reviewers December batch but didn't actually receive the book until March 23. The book came out in early March. The print in the copy I received was so small I really couldn't read the book without eye strain. So I bought the Kindle version in order to read and review said book.The story takes place in the 1940's in a small town in Alabama. Dolly and Si have opened their home (Dolly's childhood home) to boarders in order to help pay their yearly taxes. Anne and her husband Jesse have left their struggling farm in order for Jesse to work in the munitions factory. Jesse and Anne are having problems in their marriage as Jesse feels like a failure.Daisy has recently moved to the same small town in hopes it will help her to get over her grief of losing her husband in the war and selling their family farm. Daisy and Anne become good friends. Then we have Reed a war veteran suffering from PTSD as well as physical injuries. There are other boarders but they don't have as much "story" time. We also have the old history or handed down tale of a pirate and his bride. Their strange disappearance right after their marriage and a tale of missing treasure. Old diaries are found opening up the chance that maybe those old stories are true. We have a lot going on here but for some reason I liked the book but I didn't love the book. It's a nice easy read with some mystery and relationship problems that all get sorted out.

[jillrey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I REALLY wanted to love this book. After reading Missing Issac by the same author and LOVING that book I was hoping to be similarly ensnared in author, Valerie Fraser Luesse's story telling. But, Almost Home just seemed to fall short in the character department and took me far too long to get into. Set in the 1940's as America has entered WWII and families are still getting back on their feet after the Great Depression, Luesse opens the book with the arrival of Anna and Jesse, a young couple seeking work in Alabama's factories and holding on to their marriage by a thread. Anna and Jesse choose to stay at Dolly's beautiful home, turned bed and breakfast as Dolly prays to make ends meet. Friendships form and happy times do ensue, but I couldn't help but get a sour taste in my mouth from page one of Anna's character entrance, from complaining about her husband to not letting go of the Illinois farm and family I didn't think she would ever STOP complaining. Likely, this is the feeling Luesse is going for as Anna grows and matures in her place in Alabama, but I nearly put the book down waiting for the story to start and characters to come along that I actually enjoyed. Thankfully Dolly and Daisy made up for any animosity I felt toward Anna and while the book took awhile for the "good stuff" to start it was eventually heartwarming and sweet.*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[sherylhendrix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Waited for a long time to receive my early reviewer copy of this tale set in Alabama during World War 2, but the wait was certainly worth it! Between the April 1944 teaser letter than opens the book and the October 1945 epilogue that reveals the last part of the local mystery, this book was a page turner that I could barely put down. The action is slow and leisurely as I would imagine the old south, but the characters are compelling and fully-rounded and you can imagine yourself sitting next to them in the dining room of Dolly and Si's boarding house sharing the table together. Jesse and Anna and Harry and Evelyn, newly moved south from rural and Chicago, Illinois respectively are joined by a slew of endearing southern ladies and gentlemen as well as an obnoxious couple from Las Vegas who are quickly booted from the scene only to reappear much later. Young Reed, recently returning injured from the front, is helped in his recovery by young widow Daisy who struggles with her own personal demons. Miss Lillian, an elderly blind neighbor, brings wonderful stories to her young friends that later turn out to help Dolly and Si through their own hard times. I just loved this story from the beginning to the last page and know it will bring a smile to anyone like me who grew up in the shadow of the last world war wanting to know more about what it was like for our parents and their friends.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am classifying this as a cozy, warm fuzzy read! The people, the setting, the story filled me with nostalgia. I was transported back to a difficult but simpler time, before technology invaded life. Being a southern girl I totally related to the hospitality, kind spirits and sweetened ice tea!! Add to all this mystery and you have a 5 star read!Dolly and Si live in Alabama in a 100 year old home out in the “boonies”. They have turned it into a boarding house to make ends meet. It is WW2 and people have been wounded by the war in many ways. Families who have lost loved ones, soldiers returning with emotional and physical wounds, those who have lost jobs, homes, and finances. Everyone is hurting in some way. Dolly’s home was the perfect place for the eclectic mix of wounded hearts. They became a family and Dolly and Si like loving parents.Her big southern breakfasts and home cooked meals brought everyone together around the table to share burdens and encourage one another, like in times past. Basking in her love and kindness I was delighted to see each of the characters to heal in their own way and time. Their individual stories were so varied that I found myself immersed in each of their lives.I loved Dolly’s and the elderly neighbor’s homespun wisdom! I have marked the pages and am going to write them down to remember! Dolly’s homey letters to her sister Violet were delightful. It made me feel a bit like I was reading someone else’s mail! (No I don’t do that but I did enjoy it!) One strong thread that ran throughout the book was faith in God and waiting upon Him. I was so sad to have this book end. It was as if my visit was over and I had to leave Dolly and her wonderful home. I cannot wait to read more of Ms. Luesse’s books!I received this book from Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story will make you laugh and cry. I did not want to put this book down. This is the type of story that shows how people take care of other people during crises. These were people’s that didn’t know each other but who grew to love one another. They grew to be a family even when they were not related. I loved the characters and how they interacted. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh. My. Goodness! I loved, loved Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse! My book club read her debut novel, Missing Isaac, last year and were bowled over by the wonderful new voice of this author. We are set to discuss Almost Home in a few months, and I cannot wait to hear everyone’s reactions. This novel made me smile from start to finish (with a few tears sprinkled throughout). This one is a highly recommended read!The “loop”, a road off a highway in middle of nowhere Alabama, is the setting for Almost Home. More specifically, Dolly’s 100 year old home that has been lovingly opened to boarders to pay the taxes as well as offer respite to hurting souls. WWII is still being fought across the ocean, and the people residing in the home come from across the country to work at the munitions plant. Their stories are varied and the same — life has dealt them a blow that leaves them in despair. The cast of characters is strong, and Luesse gives each one a distinctive voice. I came to love them as old friends and was reluctant to leave them when the last page was turned. The author did oblige my curiosity of where there lives will lead with a wonderful epilogue. The novel has a faith foundation that is consistent, but never preachy. And there is a sense of wonder and even magic in the turn of events that kept this reader looking for what would happen next. The novel is set in 1944 in rural Alabama, but the characters struggles are relevant today. I loved how the author captured the era so well, yet the stories and the people are consistent with our present-day world. A century-old legend captures the boarders’ (and the reader’s) imagination adding a sense of adventure and mystery to the novel.Full of love, hope, and magic, Almost Home is perfect for those looking for a story that will whisk them away and bring them back feeling good!Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.

[bettytaylor56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Ohh, what a sweet story! The characters in ALMOST HOME are people you would be blessed to call your friends.Set in 1944, Dolly & Si Chandler are struggling to pay the property taxes on their lovely Alabama home. Due to the war, many are without jobs and travel to wherever they can find work. So Dolly and Si take in boarders.The boarders include Anna & Jesse Williams are a young couple whose farm has failed. Since Jesse has flat feet he was not eligible for the draft. Then there’s Harry & Evelyn Hastings, both college professors from Chicago who lost their jobs. Next there’s Joe Dolphus whose wife died a year earlier. Finally there is Reed, a local boy who was a medic in the war. He is dealing with PTSD after losing his closest friend.I loved the elderly, blind lady named Lillian and her quote “Old Southern women don't change much. We just rock slower and slower till we don’t rock anymore.”Daisy Dupree’s husband was killed in the war. Daisy and Anna become close friends. I loved Daisy’s advice to Anna regarding getting her husband’s attention: “Men can’t decipher hints and moods, so you gotta put what you’re feelin’ in a cast-iron skillet and hit ‘em over the head with it.”The house itself is pretty special. Dolly’s grandmother Little Mama always said the house could talk. Dolly says “I believe a little part o’ what we give to a place stays with it forever.” The house was built by Andrew Sinclair who married the preacher’s daughter. There’s a lot of mystery around the story of Andrew and Catherine.This is a wonderful story of friendships and is a true page-turner. I couldn’t wait to know what would happen next. There is mystery and romance in this book. This is a great book and I highly recommend it.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Almost Home is a slower-paced book, allowing the reader to savor the scenes. I love southern fiction, and adding a bit of history makes it even better. This character-driven story takes place in Alabama where a boom of hiring at the munitions plant brings a myriad of guests to Dolly’s boardinghouse. Dolly is a wonderful hostess, and I enjoyed being a guest.I like the veteran-returning-home aspect of this story, adding so much depth. This story showcases love and loss, and although the times are tough, there’s a solid thread of hope and encouragement. Almost Home is a redemption group of stories entwined together by a past mystery.#PrettyCoverArt#Almost HomeFirst Line (Chapter One): Anna Williams leaned out the truck window and let the wind blow her damp auburn hair away from her face.I received an advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the second book I have read from this author. Just like Missing Isaac, author, Valerie Fraser Luesse knows how to develop engaging and endearing characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and everyone I met. This book is broken out into two parts. The first part focusing on young married couple Anna and Jesse. The second part featured veteran Reed. While. I did say I enjoyed everyone in this book; the first part is where I felt the most connected to the story and the characters. It was nice getting to know Josiah aka Si and Dolly as they opened their home to others. Anna and Jesse were so young but the story of how they met was lovely. As the story progressed, so did their love for one another. The second half of the book was fine. Yet, I still read it fairly quickly. Overall, this was a fast read for me. Author, Valerie Fraser Luesse dazzles readers will endearing characters and a lovely story in Almost Home.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this story, one that you try to read slowly so you don’t miss anything, and then one that you have read faster to get the answers. I did figure out the end, or at least part of it, early on, but needed to keep reading to confirm.The story made me want to get a room at Si and Daisy’s, and spend my time with these loveable characters, and their caring for each other.A remnant time after the depression, and we are at War, but these people are survivors, and fate or God puts them together, and we get to be there with them.I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and I was not required to give a positive review.

[2lz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Many thanks to Bookishfirst, Netgalley, and librarything for providing me advance access to Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse in return for my honest review. I enjoyed Almost Home. It is a character-driven story, and the characters are charming and quirky in the very best of ways. They are facing significant struggles, but through friendship they thrive and flourish. This was a quick read for me, one I looked forward to coming back to each day. There were parts, however, that required suspension of reality. Additionally, although it is a story of substance, there were some overly sweet chapters, almost too good to be true. So many books are dark and twisted. It was such a pleasure to read a story about good people, strangers in fact, that become family.