Kari's Review of Coming Home by Priscilla Glenn

Summary/Blurb:

 Leah Marino hasn’t been on a date in two years. After discovering the man she loved had manipulated and deceived her, she refuses to even entertain the idea of a relationship. Instead, she focuses her attention on taking care of her family, a role she’s assumed since the death of her mother and the one place she knows her kindness won't be taken advantage of again.

When a nostalgic trip back to her childhood home results in a chance encounter with Danny DeLuca, a smart-mouthed mechanic who’s as attractive as he is mysterious, Leah's carefully cultivated walls begin to crumble. She finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Danny, despite his unreliable behavior and mixed signals. 

But Danny has a secret...

One that could shake Leah's already precarious foundation and bring her world crashing down around her. Suddenly, she's faced with an incredibly difficult decision--is she willing to risk everything for the chance at finding the love she's always wanted? Or are some obstacles just too big for the heart to overcome?

What I loved:

The writing of this book was absolutely stunning!  I was captivated by the very first page to the end.  The story itself…utterly intense and breathtaking!!! Leah and Danny found each other when circumstances may have been too hard for other people to handle.  Danny’s secret ( which will remain secret because it was a request of the author’s and frankly its better this way) was so unexpected.  I have never read anything like this book.  It was emotionally charged throughout the entire book 

I love when books can send a message and can actually relate back to an average joe’s life.  This is a very real story that evokes compassion and love.  There is more than one message to be had from this book.  I felt like I knew these people and was watching a movie instead of reading a book.  Vivid images and pure emotions.  I applaud you Priscilla Glenn!!

What I didn’t love:

……There wasn’t a thing I didn’t love……

Overall:

This is a book I think everyone should read.  As stated above, there are so many messages to take away from this book.  Love can overcome, everyone deserves a second chance, and never give up just to name a few.  I can’t say much because I don’t want to spoil this book, but it really struck a cord with me.  Life experiences sometimes can stand in our way or drag us down.  What we have to do is stand up, brush it off, and keep going because everyone has a story.  Some are told, some are not, and even those this was “fiction” its so realistic it makes you think and relate.  You will not be disappointed with this book!!!

Favorite quotes/lines:

“I said it wasn’t my favorite subject, not that I was illiterate.  Me can read.” -Danny

“So if something seems too hard, princess, before you throw in the towel, you should always ask yourself, ‘Will the reward be worth the suffering?’”- Leah’s Dad

“Because when you love someone, you don’t bail when it gets hard.  That’s when you stay the most.” -Leah

“It’s hard to watch someone you care about suffer.  But when you love someone, you do it.  You do it without question or reservation.  You do it because there’s no other option-because the thought of being without them is a hundred times more excruciating than bearing their burden.”- Leah