Review: “The Last Way Home” by Liz Johnson

Welcome to my post about Liz Johnson’s latest book, The Last Way Home! It’s the second book in her Prince Edward Island Shores series, set on the idyllic and quaint Canadian island. Read on for more about the book and my thoughts…

When Eli Ross left Prince Edward Island to join the NHL, he left a broken family behind. More than a decade later, he’s broke and headed home to an uncertain welcome. He wants to make things right with the family he wronged, but his mom’s business partner isn’t making it easy. To top it off, the coaching job he’s accepted turns out to be far more difficult than he anticipated.

For years, Violet Donaghy has put everything she had into making Eli’s mom’s ceramics shop a success, and she’s not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that’s taken her in as one of their own. But when the kiln at the shop starts a fire that nearly destroys the studio, she’ll need all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.

Can these two strong-willed people come together to mend the broken pieces of the Ross family? Or will the ghosts of the past continue to haunt them?

Return to Prince Edward Island for a romantic story of family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

Goodreads |Amazon | BookBub

The Last Way Home is another fantastic, must-read contemporary romance by perennial favorite, Liz Johnson. With a transportive setting (Prince Edward Island!), a prodigal son homecoming, a prickly-at-first-but-totally-compassionate heroine, and strong themes of forgiveness and mercy, The Last Way Home balances lighter moments, a fun bit of hockey, dreams, and the protective force of family.

This story is so much more than the synopsis hints! I am pleased with the direction it goes, and how it draws Eli’s brothers (and mom) in to his life again. If you’ve read book 1, Beyond the Tides, it continues a mending of the brothers’ relationships and the thread of mercy began in that story.

The romantic relationship between Eli and Violet begins with a prickly partnership, develops into a sincere friendship, and sparks into the best kind of romance. I love every second of their journey, from their clever banter to their serious, soul-sharing conversations. They are the perfect complement for each other, especially as each of them comes to understand the common brokenness they share and their need for forgiveness and closure life. (And I LOVE how Liz Johnson uses their history to explore different kinds of forgiveness.) Besides their emotional connection, their kisses are pretty heart-stopping, too.

One other thing I want to mention is the bit of an unexpected road trip on which Eli and Violet embark. It provides for some interesting sharing between them because of their proximity, AND it sets up cameos from other by other PEI characters from Johnson’s Prince Edward Island Dreams series. I seriously smiled about a few things they get into involving mention of taco meat and Caden’s amazing pancakes.

Thank you to Revell Reads for the paperback copy of this novel. I voluntarily purchased an ebook copy. This is my honest review.

Review: “The Red Door Inn” by Liz Johnson

An idyllic setting and story of a search for purpose come together in the launch of a new series by author Liz Johnson with the first book, The Red Door Inn, book 1 of the Prince Edward Island Dreams series. This new contemporary romance has a relaxed, old-fashioned feel with nods to L.M. Montgomery’s literary influence on the setting.

Marie Carrington is running from something, though little detail is first revealed as to what compels her to escape a life of privilege. She finds refuge on Prince Edward Island in Canada with an aspiring inn owner, Charlie. He recognizes a longing in Marie that goes beyond her current penniless circumstances and seeks to honor the memory of his wife by engaging Marie’s talent in interior design to add finishing touches to his inn. And, perhaps, offer a refuge to her wounded soul.

Complications arise when Marie discovers Charlie’s nephew, Seth, is a part of the project, as well. With relational baggage of his own and suspicions of Marie’s motives, his prickly reception of her proves challenging to her future and her heart. With a tourist season deadline and waning budget, these struggling souls must attempt to set aside any differences and unite to renovate the Red Door Inn. In
doing so, secrets from Marie’s former life cause her to question the impact her presence could make on the lives of the people she is starting to care for.

Against the backdrop of the enchanting setting and quaint B&B in the making, stories of broken pasts intertwine while Marie, Seth, and Charlie each face their own struggles with trust and finding new dreams. Memorable secondary characters offer insight and humor while secrets and romantic tension unfold between Marie and Seth. And, the main character of the second book is delightfully introduced by way of cinnamon rolls and scones.

Woven through it all is a theme of joy — sometimes found in the most unexpected places — and often preceded by struggles and heartache. It begs this question: How can you recognize true joy without experiencing its opposites, pain and conflict? Each character must reconcile this concept in some way, realizing different blessings along the way.

Liz Johnson’s style is easy to read and instantly draws in the reader with her phrasing and moments of subtle humor. She paints a colorful, magnetic community that offers Marie a sense of belonging she’s never experienced. All of this adds up to a full story that leaves the heart eager for the characters to find their own happily-ever-afters.

A few of my favorite things about this book: the best pet name ever, Chapter the cat; a few plot elements that revolve around an antique typewriter; and, the mouth-watering baking of Marie’s friend, Caden. She’s the set main character of book 2, and I’m already excited to see more of her.

Thank you to Revell Publishers for a review ARC in exchange for my honest review. A version of this review also appears on FamilyFiction.com.