Review: One of my FAVOURITE books!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 25, 2013
A Long Way Home has become one of my all-time favourite books! It is one of the most delightfully heartwarming, charmingly romantic, and yet incredibly humorous tales that you'll ever have the pleasure to read!Set in a small gold mining town named Deadman's Gulch with a group of rough and tough men, their one room shacks, two tent saloons and not a great deal else, it was hardly the place for a young woman who is pregnant and recently widowed to end up in. But that is exactly what happens to Libby Summerfield! On her way to Centrefield, Libby is dropped off by the rider of a horse-drawn wagon a mile outside of Deadman's Gulch, as he was fearful of going any closer lest he get shot. After having fallen into icy water, Libby is freezing and fearing for the life of her baby, she presses on toward the town. Having reached the town completely exhausted, Libby is then shot by a stray bullet. She collapses on the porch of the nearest shack which just happens to be Logan St. John's.Mountain man Logan, is stunned to discover a woman in Deadman's Gulch and on his porch no less. He sweeps her up and carries her inside to revive her and nurse her back to health. Little did he know that by this one caring act, just how much his life would turn upside-down.Logan is one of those unique and engaging characters that is as imposing as he is vulnerable. His powerful presence in this story will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression upon your heart, as will his charming and distinctive manner and his endearing expression of "Well now."Libby is a stubborn, strong, and talkative woman, and once she overcomes her initial fear of Logan, she brings a force into his life he didn't think possible, especially from a pregnant woman! She riles and infuriates him, is overly emotional at times and talks incessantly whenever she's angry or fearful. But then Logan is an enigma himself mystifying her with his friendliness one moment and brusqueness the next.Their relationship grows and develops without them realizing it, but both are unprepared for what's happening to them and are unable to see how things could possibly ever work out. Witnessing each of their personal struggles unfold is believable, stirring, and heartbreaking, but the exquisitely touching moments of both tenderness and mirth between Logan and Libby is not only immensely intriguing with these two characters but also deeply compelling.Most of the unrefined and crude miners that make up the town also have big hearts, and watching them all interact provides some classic moments especially when Libby's giving birth.  But when the township decides that things have to change for the better, can this boorish and rowdy assortment of men possibly change from their ungodly ways of shooting, swearing, and gambling? And with Libby determined to go home to Boston for her baby's sake, what will become of her? With someone out for revenge and wild animals roaming the surrounding areas, there is never a dull moment in this story!This is one book you don't want to miss. I absolutely loved this vividly written and gripping story that was a perfect balance of adventure, suspense, romance, humour, and faith.  Highly recommended!