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00leah00's review against another edition
3.0
"Home" is a small town romance between a sheriff and a woman returning home after being gone for 17 years. The sheriff, Natalie, and Sarah shared a kiss in high school and haven't spoke since Sarah left, shortly after the kiss. They run into each other almost as soon as Sarah returns to town and they are both instantly consumed with the other. Being in a small town, they continue to run into each other at convenient times and then are set up on some dates by meddling family members.
Bryant states in the beginning this started as a novella and unfortunately it continued to feel that way through the whole story. She never goes into much depth on their personalities or past relationship. Natalie and Sarah seem to think about the kiss quite a bit but it never explained the seemingly insta-love that happened. They weren't in a relationship in high school, it doesn't even sound like they were friends. They were just two people who happened to make out at a party one time. There wasn't enough of a basis to the relationship so I just didn't understand why it was anything more than instant attraction.
It wasn't all bad by any means, there are some very cute moments with Sarah's daughter and a wandering dog. I just wished the story and the characters had been fleshed out more. I liked the story well enough but I feel I could've loved it so it's a bit disappointing.
If you're looking for a quick, angst/drama free story than you'll surely find it in this one.
Bryant states in the beginning this started as a novella and unfortunately it continued to feel that way through the whole story. She never goes into much depth on their personalities or past relationship. Natalie and Sarah seem to think about the kiss quite a bit but it never explained the seemingly insta-love that happened. They weren't in a relationship in high school, it doesn't even sound like they were friends. They were just two people who happened to make out at a party one time. There wasn't enough of a basis to the relationship so I just didn't understand why it was anything more than instant attraction.
It wasn't all bad by any means, there are some very cute moments with Sarah's daughter and a wandering dog. I just wished the story and the characters had been fleshed out more. I liked the story well enough but I feel I could've loved it so it's a bit disappointing.
If you're looking for a quick, angst/drama free story than you'll surely find it in this one.
virginiaberg's review against another edition
2.0
this was cute enough but please god, i never want to see or read about a lesbian cop again in my life. parts of this read like pure law enforcement propaganda.
also in the first chapter there’s a character who has never even heard of golden retrievers, which is haunting me. they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in america? are there people who’ve literally never seen a golden before? i can’t decide if i’m just assuming everyone would be familiar with this dog because i grew up in a small new england town where practically everyone had either a golden or a lab, or if this was just actually ridiculous
also in the first chapter there’s a character who has never even heard of golden retrievers, which is haunting me. they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in america? are there people who’ve literally never seen a golden before? i can’t decide if i’m just assuming everyone would be familiar with this dog because i grew up in a small new england town where practically everyone had either a golden or a lab, or if this was just actually ridiculous
judeinthestars's review against another edition
4.0
Home is the perfect feel-good novel. There’s very little angst but it doesn’t mean nothing happens.
The story is simple: seventeen years ago, young Sarah, the most popular girl in the whole high school, kissed Natalie, sweet, shy, freakishly tall Natalie. The kiss changed both girls but Sarah left town without acknowledging its meaning and impact. Natalie grew up to become the town sheriff and has accepted the idea that she’s not made for relationships. Until Sarah comes back, divorced, and looking for a new life for herself and her daughter.
The story feels a bit rushed at first, maybe because it began as a novella that grew to be a short novel, but it doesn’t really matter. All the characters are very lovable, including the dog that ends up saving the day.
This is not the kind of book for which I write long, thoughtful reviews. This is hot chocolate on a rainy autumn afternoon. It won’t push you to reflect deeply on the meaning of life but it will warm you. And that, in itself, is perfect.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story is simple: seventeen years ago, young Sarah, the most popular girl in the whole high school, kissed Natalie, sweet, shy, freakishly tall Natalie. The kiss changed both girls but Sarah left town without acknowledging its meaning and impact. Natalie grew up to become the town sheriff and has accepted the idea that she’s not made for relationships. Until Sarah comes back, divorced, and looking for a new life for herself and her daughter.
The story feels a bit rushed at first, maybe because it began as a novella that grew to be a short novel, but it doesn’t really matter. All the characters are very lovable, including the dog that ends up saving the day.
This is not the kind of book for which I write long, thoughtful reviews. This is hot chocolate on a rainy autumn afternoon. It won’t push you to reflect deeply on the meaning of life but it will warm you. And that, in itself, is perfect.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
lizwineks's review against another edition
4.0
I received an ARC, all opinions are my own.
This was a quick, feel good read with LGBT characters. Both characters were already out and any discrimination was in the past. Focus was on a storyline that included a dog, who in my opinion was the main character of the book. Fairly fluffy, but read it at a time I needed something lighter.
This was a quick, feel good read with LGBT characters. Both characters were already out and any discrimination was in the past. Focus was on a storyline that included a dog, who in my opinion was the main character of the book. Fairly fluffy, but read it at a time I needed something lighter.
mjsam's review against another edition
3.0
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fairly sweet romance from Bryant that falls somewhere between a novella and a novel. It features Natalie, a Sheriff in her small home town, and Sarah, who is returning to said small town with her six year old daughter. Natalie and Sarah shared a kiss in high school, and haven’t talked since. Both remember the kiss though (and think about it a lot since seeing each other again).
To be honest, not much happens in this book, these two reunite, have a lot of ‘meet cutes’ and then get together, in between that is a subplot about a lost dog, that even though I love dogs, I thought took up too much of the story given it’s length. The side characters aren’t terribly fleshed out, but are very supportive and there’s some cute moments with Sarah’s daughter Harper, who also features in the dramatic portion of the book.
Thankfully there’s no miscommunication or contrived breakup, and the MCs are very sweet together. I did think the ending from the dog’s POV was weird though. 3.5 stars.
This is a fairly sweet romance from Bryant that falls somewhere between a novella and a novel. It features Natalie, a Sheriff in her small home town, and Sarah, who is returning to said small town with her six year old daughter. Natalie and Sarah shared a kiss in high school, and haven’t talked since. Both remember the kiss though (and think about it a lot since seeing each other again).
To be honest, not much happens in this book, these two reunite, have a lot of ‘meet cutes’ and then get together, in between that is a subplot about a lost dog, that even though I love dogs, I thought took up too much of the story given it’s length. The side characters aren’t terribly fleshed out, but are very supportive and there’s some cute moments with Sarah’s daughter Harper, who also features in the dramatic portion of the book.
Thankfully there’s no miscommunication or contrived breakup, and the MCs are very sweet together. I did think the ending from the dog’s POV was weird though. 3.5 stars.
lsnack's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this audiobook and Brittni did a wonderful job narrating it. She has a very nice voice and it really adds to the emotions of the story. Natalie is still carrying feedings for Sarah and their perfect kiss. Sarah regrets how things ended with Natalie in high school. She wasn’t ready to accept her feelings for her. Returning home may be the best thing for both of them. I love Henry the dog and Sarah’s daughter Haley. A sweet story with quite a bit of heat.
brennooth's review against another edition
5.0
Such a feel good read. Loved Harley with Nat. That was just adorable. And Sarah and Nat being reunited. The aunt and the mother making sure they'd end up on a date... gah. I'm really happy there was so much comfort in them getting together and even with Harley disappearing, not too much of the drama-angst-heartbreak that could've happened with Francine showing up. Just what I needed. Definitely gonna come back to this whenever I need a lovely feel-good story.
lizwine's review
4.0
I received an ARC, all opinions are my own.
This was a quick, feel good read with LGBT characters. Both characters were already out and any discrimination was in the past. Focus was on a storyline that included a dog, who in my opinion was the main character of the book. Fairly fluffy, but read it at a time I needed something lighter.
This was a quick, feel good read with LGBT characters. Both characters were already out and any discrimination was in the past. Focus was on a storyline that included a dog, who in my opinion was the main character of the book. Fairly fluffy, but read it at a time I needed something lighter.
lezreviewbooks's review
4.0
This is a lesbian holiday romance novella set in a small fictional town in Oregon around Thanksgiving. If you are looking for a feel-good, low-angst read with an adorable couple, a cute dog, and lovely secondary characters, then you are gonna love this.
kindle
After seventeen years of absence, Sarah Eastman goes back to her hometown of Spruce Mountain, Oregon with her young daughter to live with her aunt and uncle after her divorce. There she meets Natalie Strand again, now the town Sheriff. Natalie has never forgotten Sarah and their shared kiss during a high school party and seeing her again reignite dormant feelings. Both women reconnect but Sarah wants to stay away from relationships and Natalie is still hang up with their past. To make Natalie’s life more confusing, a stray dog seems to be playing hide and seek with her…
Kris Bryant is one of my automatic go-to lesfic authors for the quality of her writing. I love that she can produce a heart-wrenching, angst-filled story about anxiety like ‘Listen’ (one of my favorite books of 2019), that she can also deliver a light and entertaining romance as ‘Breakthrough’ or a hot erotic story such as ‘Shameless’ (under the pen name of Brit Ryder). She’s a talented and versatile author.
‘Home’ follows the “return to hometown” trope and features all the typical elements of small-town life where everyone knows everyone and all about their lives. The author built a sweet cast of town residents, along with an elusive but adorable dog. As it’s usual in Ms. Bryant’s books, the main characters have strong chemistry that makes it easy for the reader to imagine them together and the build-up in their connection is exquisite. If you are looking for a light and hot romance, you won’t be disappointed with ‘Home’.
Having said that, I wasn’t that fussed about this book’s epilogue. I’m not against epilogues as such but, in my opinion, this one wasn’t organic to the story, especially the last part that tells the story from the dog’s point of view. I appreciate that the author might have wanted to explain the back story surrounding the dog, but for me, it felt like an unnecessary addition. Some time ago I listened to an interview where Ms. Bryant said that her publisher asked her to add a few thousand words to her original draft and it made me wonder if the epilogue was added for that reason. It reads more as ‘bonus content’ than as an integral part of the story. Despite that this made me drop half a star in my rating, it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment or my recommendation. 4 stars.
ARC Provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
kindle
After seventeen years of absence, Sarah Eastman goes back to her hometown of Spruce Mountain, Oregon with her young daughter to live with her aunt and uncle after her divorce. There she meets Natalie Strand again, now the town Sheriff. Natalie has never forgotten Sarah and their shared kiss during a high school party and seeing her again reignite dormant feelings. Both women reconnect but Sarah wants to stay away from relationships and Natalie is still hang up with their past. To make Natalie’s life more confusing, a stray dog seems to be playing hide and seek with her…
Kris Bryant is one of my automatic go-to lesfic authors for the quality of her writing. I love that she can produce a heart-wrenching, angst-filled story about anxiety like ‘Listen’ (one of my favorite books of 2019), that she can also deliver a light and entertaining romance as ‘Breakthrough’ or a hot erotic story such as ‘Shameless’ (under the pen name of Brit Ryder). She’s a talented and versatile author.
‘Home’ follows the “return to hometown” trope and features all the typical elements of small-town life where everyone knows everyone and all about their lives. The author built a sweet cast of town residents, along with an elusive but adorable dog. As it’s usual in Ms. Bryant’s books, the main characters have strong chemistry that makes it easy for the reader to imagine them together and the build-up in their connection is exquisite. If you are looking for a light and hot romance, you won’t be disappointed with ‘Home’.
Having said that, I wasn’t that fussed about this book’s epilogue. I’m not against epilogues as such but, in my opinion, this one wasn’t organic to the story, especially the last part that tells the story from the dog’s point of view. I appreciate that the author might have wanted to explain the back story surrounding the dog, but for me, it felt like an unnecessary addition. Some time ago I listened to an interview where Ms. Bryant said that her publisher asked her to add a few thousand words to her original draft and it made me wonder if the epilogue was added for that reason. It reads more as ‘bonus content’ than as an integral part of the story. Despite that this made me drop half a star in my rating, it didn’t affect my overall enjoyment or my recommendation. 4 stars.
ARC Provided by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
See all my reviews at www.lezreviewbooks.com
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