Homecoming (Sweet Hearts of Sweet Creek Book 1)

It is hard for most of us to really understand a life so filled with tragic times but I know that it happens to many people. Sheryl’s life was filled with both physical and emotional abuse. I can understand why she found it hard to forgive her stepfather and step-brother. Homecoming is a very moving story of loss, anger, bitterness, forgiveness, reconciliation and LOVE.
I loved the story of Sheryl and Mark. Through the love shown by Mark and his family Sheryl found her way back to God. I recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I read an advanced copy of this book, from the author, for an honest review.

This is a story of Sheryl and her struggle to overcome the various issues that she had. Her stepfather was dying and wanted to see her on more time. He apologized for the way he treated her and asked her forgiveness. This story lead her thru forgiveness for her step-father and starts her working her way back to God and toward love. I think that this book will hold your attention from the start to the finish. I have read this book twice and enjoyed it both times.

Sheryl had to be strong to live with the mistakes and choices she had made. After she cut ties with her unloving step-father, and the death of her abusive husband, she was only trying to survive. Mark found her to bring her back to her dying step-father so he could ask for forgiveness and tell her he loved her. In the two weeks she stayed with her family and helped with jobs on the ranch she loved, she and Mark fell in love. If she can only trust in God's plan and her renewed faith, she can be happy. Mark's patience and faith helped heal her for love to grow. The faith message showed that when we are weak, He is strong. And we are never alone.

I voluntarily received an arc copy of this story for my honest review.
Sheryl lost her husband had a crappy job and has not been home for years after not having the same beliefs as her stepfather she left with the towns bad boy and did not look back.
Years later he is dead and she is once again alone working in a bar. That stepfather she did not get along with needs her back home he is dying. He sent his business partner Mark to get her.

Sheryl is lost she does not know what to believe and is questioning her faith. She knows she needs to talk to her stepfather but really does not want to. Mark is a believer, he's single and it pretty good guy and also good looking, he is a hard worker. He may be the one to help Sheryl finally find some peace.

This story is really compelling. Sheryl is a strong character but she has had some hardships. Life with and after her deceased husband was not good. Working on the farm also may be a cure. Sheryl may find a family and friends and love even though she is not looking. Will Sheryl accept this love and Mark? This is a sweet story with no bad language or sex scenes very enjoyable read.

Xoxo,

Meme Chanell Book Corner

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This is the first book in the Sweet Hearts of Sweet Creek series, a sweet clean romance. Sheryl Kyle's mother remarried ED a rancher who has a son Nate. ED and Sheryl don't exactly get along because ED thinks Sheryl is a bad seed. ED tells Sheryl not to see a boy she is dating but she does and eventually runs away and marries him. You know how the old saying goes the grass is not always greener and that is what Sheryl ends up with an abusive husband who passes and she becomes a widow. Sheryl is working in a bar when Mark comes in telling her that her stepfather is sick and wants to see her to make amends. She agrees to go see him and heads home. Nate has told everyone she is a spoiled brat but when he is injured she steps in and helps Mark on the ranch. I really liked this story because it not only is about meeting someone who teaches Sheryl that not all men are bad but it also gives her the family she left behind an heals them all. It was a second chance for love and family. I liked how Sheryl was able to forgive ED and Nate and how they realized that they were harsh in their treatment of Sheryl. I cannot wait to read the other books.

This is a beautifully written book about forgiveness, love and finding faith again. The characters and back story were well described. Grab a box of tissues and find a quiet place to curl up and read this one. You won't want to be disturbed once you start reading.

My only issue with this book, and the reason I only gave it 4 stars, was because of the poor editing/proof-reading. There were quite a few typographical errors, and a lot of the dialog contained statements from more than one character in the same paragraph. With some basic editing, this book would be awesome.

*** I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Beautiful story. Sheryl has had a rough life, and as so many people do when faced with overwhelming loss and pain, it caused her to pull away from God, thinking that he didn't care, and that he was punishing her for all her mistakes. After enduring an abusive marriage, she's drawn back to her hometown to reconcile with her stepfather & stepbrother. Initially being unwilling to let go of the hurt caused so many years ago, she doesn't want to forgive. But as time passes, she realizes that holding onto the hurt and bitterness and refusing to forgive them is hurting her more than anyone else. As she learns to let go and forgive, and reconciles her past, she comes to see that even through the pain and struggles, God's plan and purpose played out. The challenges she faced matured her and turned her from the angry, rebellious and bitter teenager that she was when she left home into the woman that she became- a woman who could win the heart of a wonderful Christian man. His faith & support helped her find her way back to God.

I recieved an Advanced Review Copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this HEA where Sheryl goes through how to trust and reconnect with her family. Sheryl left home leaving behind her stepdad Ed and stepbrother Nate for Jason a bad boy that neither one liked. We find out that Jason was a bad boy and Sheryl shed no tears when he died in a car accident 8 months ago. Ed is dying and has realized that he made mistakes especially with Sheryl and sends Mark to ask for her to come home. Mark a hard working rancher bought the ranch right next to Nate who is also his brother in law. Mark sees something special in Sheryl and after meeting her realizes there are two sides to every story and he sets to find out Sheryl’s side since he has already heard about her wide rebellious spoiled side. I like how the story unfolded, even though I Early one figured out what the issue was between Nate and Sheryl. If you love a good clean romance this one is for you.

I loved this story it touches on so many emotions. I can't put into words the feelings I get as I read this book. Sheryl has experienced a lot. Living with a stepfather and stepbrother that don't know how to handle a girl and as a result this got her in a world of trouble including leaving with the towns bad boy that was a huge mistake. Now her stepfather is ill and has requested that she come back to the ranch. As they reunite they come to terms about past mistakes leading to redemption. Sheryl has some soul searching to do as she looks at her stepbrother and his family she begins to see what a true family should look like. When Nate gets injured she offers to help Mark with the haying. As these two work together a relationship is formed will it be enough to get Sheryl to see the goodness of people or will her mistrust and insecurities get in the way. I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

In Homecoming Sheryl Kyle comes home to a difficult reconciliation with her stepfather and stepbrother. She has trouble trusting people, especially men and keeps her emotions bottled up tight to protect herself from getting hurt. After the way she grew up and her abusive marriage, she has lost her faith in God and people.

Mark Andrews finds Sheryl working in a bar in Edmonton, gets her fired and the next day drives her back to Sweet Creek and the reunion with her family. Mark's sister is married to her stepbrother Nate and she meets two of the cutest little girls and a chubby baby boy, her nieces and nephew. They are welcoming, demanding attention in the cutest way and start the long process of breaking down the shell around Sheryl's heart.

Homecoming is full of emotion, Christian strength, reunion, reconciliation, humor, family dynamics and finally a happy ending.

I received an ARC for this book. This is truly a Christian romance. Sheryl left the home of her step-father and step-brother. She was unhappy and didn't feel loved. She left with a "bad" boy. After marrying him, he turned abusive. She writes a letter to her step-father asking for help to get out of the situation. The letter is returned and when her husband finds it he severely beats her. Her husband eventually dies in an accident. Eight years after she left, Mark is sent by her step-father to ask her to come home. She returns and watches as her "family" and Mark's family relate to God and believe in him. Sheryl must come to terms with the treatment she received from her step-father and step-brother and decide whether she can forgive them. She also must decide if she can accept what Mark is offering. I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to everyone.

Homecoming
by Carolyne Aarsen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
She's been estranged for eight years, after running away with her boyfriend. A boyfriend that nobody wanted for her. Now he's gone,they send someone to find her and bring her back home. They don't know the particulars, but they'll soon find out. Can Sheryl Kyle really do this? Does she want to? Mark, the man who brought her home, didn't know her, just the stories. But, he wants to know more and break through all of Sheryl's walls. This is a beautiful story of love, regret, unhappiness, family and most of all redemption. I loved this story and anxiously look forward to reading the subsequent novels in this series. This was such a full and emotional story that will stay with me for a long time.
I voluntarily reviewed this Advance Readers Copy of this book.

Sheryl had a difficult childhood and carried it thru to adulthood. After the death of her father it was hard for her to accept anything from her stepfather or to accept what other people told her about God's love. She moved away and had no contact with her Stepfather or brother. She gets the call that everyone dreads in that her stepfather is ill and she decides to return home. She makes contact with an old friend, Mark who still really likes and admires her. There is not enough room in this review to take you thru everything, step by step, that takes her from this point to where she regains her faith in God by loving and giving forgiveness on how she was treated, partially with Marks help. You just need to read this book as told by Carolyne.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

This book was very different from many i have read.

Sheryl a misunderstood young woman with a lot of hurt inside. Brought into another family when her mother remarries and ran away with the wrong man when she was very young. Life has not been kind to her and she has lost her way. Lost her faith.

Mark is a rancher who partnered with Sheryl's father and brother to own and run the ranch and comes to get Sheryl when her step-father is dying.

Mark comes from a very christian family who have brought love back into Ed and Nate's life. But can he bring that love back to Sheryl.

It is rare to find such faith in a book about carnal love but somehow the author manages to bring them together in a very touching way

In weakness is strength. The Christian message in this story of in weakness in strength really resonated with me. The main character, Sheryl Kyle had so many adversities to work through in order to be able to love and to accept being loved. This story spoke to my heart and even made me cry and through tears one finds joy. Great story that is well worth reading!

How do you go home when you've made the biggest mistake of your life and turned your back on God? Carolyne Aarsen crafts a beautiful tale about a journey to forgiveness, trust and love. The reader experiences Sheryl's hurt and doubts in a very real way throughout the story; fighting beside her as she confronts her dying stepfather and her bitter stepbrother and learns the true meaning of love from the Andrews family. Mark Andrews offers Sheryl with the sanctuary she needs to rebuild her relationship with God and experience love the way the Lord intended.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book and enthusiastically recommending it to others. I will be reading more of Ms. Aarsen's books.

Homecoming by Carolyn Aarsen is a emotional, spiritual family story. Eight years after Sheryl leaves home to elope with Jason Kyle, Mark Andrews is sent to find her and bring her back to Sweet Creek because her stepdad Ed is dying. Her stepdad wants to see her before he dies to seek her forgiveness. Sheryl a widow who has struggled with both emotional and physical abuse in her marriage returns to her step family that turned their back on her and hasn't been in contact with her since she left. The storyline deals with emotional family drama and forgiveness. It is well worth your time to read and you will enjoy reading it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Sheryl,
Life has beaten you down, and stolen your belief in… just about everything.
Home is just a dream. And prayers to a distant God have always gone unheard.
Or so it seems…

But now, here you are, back in the place you left when you were running away from hurts-- and seeking something better…
And they’re still here… those dreams of a family, of a home.
They are possible, because Love lives here.
Hope and forgiveness abound in the friends and family you meet…
Love lives in Mark’s eyes.
May God isn’t so distant, after all.

This was a beautiful story that I enjoyed very much.
Bottom line: 5 stars.

When I read the description it said Christian romance. I just assumed that it meant no sex or swearing. I did not expect all the Bible references and prayer and such. I'm not a religious person, and having never read a Christian romance before, it was unexpected. A little uncomfortable for me at times because it was a subject I'm not used to. That aside, it was a beautiful story that unfolded slowly, organically. I really enjoyed it to my surprise. Unlike some other romance novels where the focus is based more on sex than substance, this book is full of meaning and feeling. Very well done

This is the first book in the Sweet Creek Series and features Sheryl as the main character. She's been called home to the ranch to reconcile with her dying stepfather. They had a stormy relationship and to get back at him she eloped with the boyfriend that he didn't approve of. He made her life miserable and was very abusive. Reluctantly she returns home to be with her stepfather Nate. This changes her life as she begins to discover what family and faith are really about. She also finds herself attracted to Mark one of the ranchers. A sweet Christian romance that was fun to read.

I love this book. The setting was right before because I love ranch life and romance and it isn't set in a historical time. I did find some mistakes, but the story was awesome! Carolyne captured my heart were story!

Loved this clean sweet romance. A book that you won't want to put down. A beautiful ranch, lovin family, what more could a person ask for. Hope people that have gone through this trouble will find it good. I can see the ranch and mountains a beautiful place to be. You won't be sorry you took the time to sit down with this book. ENJOY

This was the first book I read by this author and I was hooked from the very beginning. Sheryl’s story was written with so many layers and you can feel the hurt, heartache, love and redemption as it all unfolds.

I enjoyed reading this book. At times it was very sad, yet up-lifting. The sense of love, of family, and their belief in God came through in the author's writing. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I will recommend this book (and this author) to all my reader friends.

Pinned diapers and plastic cover pants, are they coming back in style? Believable characters with most showing strength and weaknesses. Glad to see character growth. A touch of religion with mixed perspectives. Who wouldn't fall for a 'Mark'? Nice examples of miscommunication and wrong interpretations with in a family.

This heartwarming and inspirational romance between Mark and Sheryl will have you crying and happy. They have a lot of emotional healing to do and faith that god will steer them where they need to be. Both of them need to let others in so they can be happy and find love.

I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.

This was my first time to read a book from this author. I will say I am glad to have found her. This was an enjoyable read. I like a book that gets my attention right away and which is moves along well without getting bogged down in descriptions. This one fit the bill. I hope to read more.

This is a well written book with a heartbreaking story line. The author does a great job weaving a touching story of love and faith. The characters are strong and well developed and the story flows smoothly.I enjoyed reading Mark and Sheryl's story.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.

This was my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. I liked the instant connection between Sheryl and Mark but Sheryl has trauma she needs to overcome. I like the slow progression of their relationship.

I received an Advance Reader Copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The story is about two people who met and feel in love. But it wasn't that easy. She had a difficult time in trusting men. And being afraid of commitment didn't help. But with his patience and the scriptures he was able to convince her to try. This was a sweet Christian romance.

Sometimes you have to forgive to love again and this was the perfect example. Give this Christian romance a chance.
"A heart broken twice from love and family. Can a trip to the ranch give her a second chance with both? "

Mark sets out to find Sheryl, her stepfather's wish to see her again, and make things right. Her boss wanted her to work, and not talk to a stranger, a hand, would of hit her, if Mark hadn't of interfered. That was old days and with Jason, now dead, with no job, what did she have to lose. He wanted to see a sparkle in those green eyes some day. In her youth she believed that God was watching over her. Was it time to trust that again, and a cabin without worries of rent, and one good looking cowboy, all sounds to good to be true. Enjoyable second chances, that readers will enjoy

Trust is hard when you have learned not to. Sheryl must learn to trust God and Matt’s love. The story is very sweet showing how patience Matt is as He and Sheryl learn about each other. I received this book free for a review.

MARK ANDREWS found Sheryl Kyle working in a bar. She wants to know why this man is looking for her. It seems her step father Ed Krickson her step father has had a stroke and wants to see her. She goes to back with Mark to Sweet Creek. She has not been back or seen Ed or Nate for 8 long years. She has had a .miserable life married to Jason Kyle. You will enjoy this story with its true to life happenings.

Such a good book. I loved the characters and writing style. There were some typos that may have already been fixed since I got my copy, but they were easily looked over. I will be looking for more in this series.

3 1/2*
Mark has been helping Nate & Ed search for Sheryl as Eds ill & wants to right some wrongs but is he to late?
Sheryl life wasn’t easy with her step father Ed & stepbrother Nate but life with Jason wasn’t as it should of been.
This is not a story I would normally read but it drew you in.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

This story is a one of a kind example of life with its ups and downs, trials and triumphs plus love of the Lord. When one person is a true and dedicated believer, it is rare to find love in a person who has lost everything including the faith. This book is a lovely story about forgiveness and what it truly means. To tell all of you the truth, this storyline brought something very real to my life. Forgiveness is a hard thing and yet with the examples in this book, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow in my life. This might sound sappy but, seeing the two people in this world of heartache make difficult decisions about their future, really brought truth to my life. Thank you for writing this heartfelt book and I recommend that everyone take a look at the depth of this story. I appreciate this author.

this story is about how our pasts can affect our futures. It is about being independent being the last thing we need. It is about vulnerability & weakness is what makes us strong. It is about forgiveness & trust taking the place of anger & bitterness. We don't think in these terms but only GOD can can how us to see it & help us to experience weakness as strength. When we cast all our cares on HIM HE can doe it for us. Forgiveness is a freeing!!!

This story is about a woman who has suffered too much hurt and refuses to trust anyone - including God. And it is about a man who trusts God with all his heart. They are drawn together, but can't see any way to mesh their lives when they have such different beliefs. Read this wonderful story of change, forgiveness and love.

(I got this free on the store. I was not required to do a review, but wanted to post my own opinion.)

Sheryl has been through so much sorrow in her life and thought God had abandoned her. Her abusive husband and her stern stepfather caused her lots of grief. She doesn't think she can love or be loved. Mark comes into her life and though it takes lots of time, he is able to prove to Sheryl that there can be real love in her life.

Loved this story! Sheryl discovered out of her weakness she becomes strong. When she was forced to return to her hometown, the walls she erected for protection because of childhood hurts finally crumbled as she allowed herself to look back with wiser eyes! Finding that the God she thought had deserted her had been with her all along. I HIGHLY recommend this story if you like a clean story with inspiration!

When I read the description it said Christian romance. I just assumed that it meant no sex or swearing. I did not expect all the Bible references and prayer and such. I'm not a religious person, and having never read a Christian romance before, it was unexpected. A little uncomfortable for me at times because it was a subject I'm not used to. That aside, it was a beautiful story that unfolded slowly, organically. I really enjoyed it to my surprise. Unlike some other romance novels where the focus is based more on sex than substance, this book is full of meaning and feeling. Very well done

Sheryl has a lot of forgiveness to delve out. She is not sure what to do, or how to do it. She has all but shunned God. She feels that he abandoned her at her time of need. Then she meets Mark and she realizes that forgiveness and love are possible through God. This book ran so emotionally deep for me. It was so heartfelt, and at times had me reflecting on my own relationship with God. What Sheryl and Mark had was a clean friendship that turned into a clean relationship.

I loved this book! It was a touching book about true faith and how it can help you through the toughest times. A lovely story about Sheryl’s fear to let the past go and learn to trust and love again. I cried, laughed and smiled throughout the book. An awesome book and I can’t wait to read more.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last.It was well written with a really good storyline.This is Sheryl and Mark's story and is a really emotional read at times and my heart broke for her at.This is a good read and I would recommend it

I loved this book, & really enjoyed reading it.
It is the first book I've read by Carolyne Aarsen,
& it won't be the last.
It is a spiritual, emotional, & encouraging story.
Look for to reading Book two.
A MUST READ!!

I loved Mark and Sheryl's story. Sheryl had lost everyone that she loved and had quit trusting in God. When she started trusting again he showed her right where she needs to be. I was given a copy and I gave a honest review.

I just could not put down this book. I was pulled in as I kept going and it was so well worth the reading time. The story of Mark and Sheryl finding their way was so full of feeling and of faith that it was fulfilling in all aspects of a good read. I definitely look forward to reading the next Sweet Creek book.

Sheryl returns to the ranch where she grew up because her stepfather is dying and is asking for her. This was a place of anger and bitterness. A moving story of reconciliation. Your heart will be touched.

I really don't know how some people survive traumas.
I have seen it done and this book shows a way how.
The characters were so believable and likeable.
The struggles they faced and how they responded was intriguing.
I loved reading this book.
The author pours her heart into it and it shows.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Great characters, with an interesting storyline. I enjoyed this book. It's complicated, and it's sweet. This is the first Christian romance I've read, it was different (compared to other romance novels), but it was well written and lovely.

I enjoyed the emotional connections and character development. Sheryl has a lot of baggage that gets beautifully worked on throughout the story. Mark is a wonderful hero, willing to show repeatedly what true, real love looks like. I loved the vivid scenery and crystal illustrations of ranch life.

Unfortunately, incorrectly used ellipses, funky breaks, and chronically missing periods were very distracting. Because I didn’t find any major misspellings or improper word use, I’m inclined to think it may just be a formatting issue with some software along the line. In any case, it needs proofing/correcting for full enjoyment of the story, which as I’ve said, was quite enjoyable and deserving of a full four stars.

A good book with interesting characters. I think it was more plot- driven than character-driven, yet all of them left an impression. I had some problems with a back-story that wasn’t fully developed. Some flashbacks would have helped.

And I thought Sheryl was being especially unforgiving to start with. She seemed to carry it too far.

However, I’m only taking away a star because of the overuse of “soft.”