A Contemporary Christian Romance Novel - The Long Way Home

This has been a wonderful book,in more ways than one for me.
I have read several more of Ms.Stallings books and have quiet a few more to read as time permits.
I don't think I have read a one that doesn't have values of a Christian nature we could and learn from.They are written in a way that gives you something to think about and do some real soul-searching while reading them and even after you stop reading for awhile.
That said.
The reason I just gave it a four star is this: The books need a bit of good editing.Words left out of sentences and proper verbs used. Sometimes they were very distracting while reading.I have noticed this in all of her books. This takes away from the books.To me anyway.
Personally,I think authors should read their own books to pinpoint these WEE MISTAKES,before the book is published.Sometimes these mistakes are not so WEE.When they are like that ,I WILL NOT BUY ANYTHING ELSE,EVER,published from that author.Have RESPECT for the readers,BECAUSE ,THEY are the ones that purchase your books.
Grandma to Eight

Disliked the constant anxiety and fear the lead characters live with. Didn't read it all!!! Found the same problem with other books by the same author. So much time is spent on their anxiety that I don't want to read it. I've got enough anxiety in my life, I don't need to read about it a swell!!!

This book was ok. It started off pretty good but after awhile it became a little too drawn out. The themes of the story were good and I love a Christian romance but there was never any mention of Jesus or redemption. It's great that they love God but it was never completely obvious of His influence. She should have gotten to the point a little sooner.

I just finished Staci Stallings the long road Home, I highly recommend it. I also felt as I was reading the book that part of Staci was missing. I say this because I have read all of Staci’s books I love her as a writer. Getting back I felt that this book was just missing the true Staci, then this morning I was reading her book Reflection on Life II , in there she has a chapter that she reflects back on the book when it was edited. She told how it was her first book and the editor, published it his was not hers. It put it all in prospective for me I knew it was missing the true Staci. I still highly recommend this book I bought it. A great story….Thanks Staci Stallings

The beauty of the rolling hills of the Kansas Foot Hills is initially lost on Jaxton Anderson. He only wants to fulfill his task and be on his way. His grandfather's recent heart attack has led the family to inquire regarding his grandfather's will and related worth of his ranch. Jaxon's resolve to quickly return to his "real life" in Chicago soon gives way to something more, however, when a foolish decision forces self-examination and self-honesty. Further, seeing neighboring Ami Martin's need inspires him to growth beyond his wildest imagination. Now Jaxton finds himself torn between the father and the life he left behind, and a place and a woman that claims his heart.
When her own grandfather died, it was Jaxon's grandfather who encouraged Ami Martin to fulfill her dream. Her grandfather's home is the only home she has ever known. Unfortunately, her father intends to sell it out from under her. Nevertheless, Ami dreams of transforming the property into a bed and breakfast -- a place of romance and beauty for the world-weary. Jaxton initially represents the city and the values Ami abhors. But when he insists upon making restitution, and then continues to help her to realize her dreams, they both learn to leave behind the bitterness and disillusionment that encumbers their lives.
Author Staci Stallings creates an inspirational romance in THE LONG WAY HOME that proves that a romance need not contain graphic sex to provide a beautiful story. Jaxton is a flawed hero, guilty of tragic mistakes, who grows to someone extraordinary. Ami struggles issues with self-esteem, family, and economics to come to believe in hope and dreams. Ordinary struggles with pain of destructive family relationships, struggles with self-esteem, and financial challenges lend heart-rending yet realistic challenges. Further, themes of transformation and redemption provide a spiritual foundation without overwhelming the narrative. Indeed, the author gives the novel a heart of goodness amidst the flaws that make us human. THE LONG WAY HOME earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

This was a sad story of a family who did not know how to relate to one another exceptional through work, and then it was heated. A good thing came out of Jaxton being sent to his grandfather Snyder, his mother's father. All Jaxtons father wanted him to was get all the information on what his wealth of his property and cattle amounted to and a copy of his will. They did not figure on Jaxton falling in love with grandpas neighbor Ami Martin. The story gets made going with these two getting Ami s house repaired to become a bed and breakfast. It is a good story to see how someone who has everything really has nothing worth having if you do not have love and are now happy in what you do for a living.

Compelling story, likeable ordinary people main characters, and a loving grandpa. What more could you want?

The thing that appealed most to me is that the story and characters were believable. There were enough flaws in the characters that I could relate to them, and the story was one that plays out (in different variations) every single day. I also enjoyed watching a relationship grow and seeing two people struggle with, but choose to fight the physical desire. They focused on the parts of the relationship that will last - commitment, faithfulness, partnership.

I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in Kansas!

This story was OK but I did a lot of scan-reading which usually merits two stars. There were also some things that seemed illogical, particularly every money reference. For example, if a guy was struggling to pay exorbitant rent every month, does he just go off and leave that debt accruing? Was he getting paid by the firm to go on family business? Paying the dad for the farm? I don't know. It just felt illogical, the whole ten reservations, etc. Anyway, I did finish it so that merits a two-star minimum, too.

After all the reviews on "hating" Jaxton, I was surprised to see through him in the first chapter as a grownup that hadn't yet grown up. I have run across some Jaxton's in my life and recognized that haughty attitude that is associated with very insecure people that have no concept of grace & who look inward, rather than toward others. Bless his heart he didn't know how to be sympathetic toward or considerate of anyone. He had nowhere to go but UP and he did. The author brought him into reality and made him into a man of compassion that learned to see the worth of others, God's way, not the world's way.

About 1/3 done...Although I don't care for the h's self -righteous attitude, and rudeness towards the H, this story is interesting and well-paced. The H is evolving, but I sympathize with his anger,at all the crap he's getting from people who supposedly are more balanced in their outlooks. But so far, so good.

Finished. This was a very good story, and the romance was realistic. The protagonists weren't perfect, but they felt more believable that way. I liked how the H viewed life at the end, and it was enjoyable watching them build their dream--- literally and figuratively.

After reading this book, I have to ask a few questions . . . What is a "tarn"? I looked up definitions all over the place and none fit, the most common definition being "a small mountain lake". This word was used over and over, with the meaning being unclear. The next question is when it was written as compared to "The Ultimate Gift", having a similar story line. I loved the grandpa, it was clean, inspirational, but somewhat implausible....

The process of overcoming the emotional problems of growing up in a negative environment is very sensitively handled by Staci Stallings. It is a painful process, but presented in a step by step process that helped the reader grow with the characters in the story. Well written and enjoyable read. I would recommend this book to anyone.

I haven't read any of Staci Stallings books in a year or so although I've always liked this author, I happened to run Across this book on kindle umlimited and downloaded it. I think this is the best book I've read of hers. I LOVED it. It was such an emotional and powerful book. It definitely has Christian elements but I think anyone who is drawn to themes of personal growth and forgiveness could enjoy it. Several parts made me cry I was so touched, I read nonstop and would put this high on my list of favorites books, And the romance was certainly swoon worthy!

I read an interview by Staci Stallings about the writing of the " The Long Way Home" and the rejections she received.
All I can say is that those people were crazy.
This is an awe aspiring novel about love , forgiveness and finding your way home.
The characters were rich and believable, the descriptions of the scenes inspiring and most of all this book was a tear jerker.
Staci, you have hit the ball out of the park with this book and I am honored to be one chosen to review it

There is no doubt that Staci Stallings is a great writer. I have read several of her books and there hasn't been one yet I haven't enjoyed. This one actually made me cry in certain parts. She has a very comfortable reading style. Her characters are always well-developed and the stories flow well and are easy to read. I would recommend this story to readers as well.

This was a beautiful story. I cried, but they were good tears. Everything in this book points to what really matters in life --- God and people. The story wove it's way beautifully from Jax's self-absorption and misguided idea of what life is about to finding life's real purpose and a deep love for Ami and those around him. It was beautiful.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and got very involved with the characters. I found myself almost praying for Jaxton !! There are lessons about what is important in life, themes for forgiveness and just a good love story. This is the first book I have read of Staci Stallings and I would recommend this book to others and hope to read more from Staci !

Sometimes you don't realize what you have until its gone. A grandson forced to go to his maternal grandfather's because of his near death finds out some truths about himself and his grandpa which are similar but the grandson has an opportunity to make a difference and not end up like his grandpa. I cried and felt some connection with the characters. In the end love overcame.

A young woman who has suffered loss and worked hard for what little she does have. A young man who has grown up with everything given to him except for kindness and compassion. Sparks fly when the two come together and their worlds collide. Great book that has such a powerful message.

Upon first impression, Jaxton Anderson is a character you'll love to hate. His city-bred arrogance and selfishness gets under the skin of the reader as well as character, Ami Martin. In his eyes, Ami is just some attractive but obstinate country girl, quite unlike the more sophisticated girls he undoubtedly knows in the city. In fact, the sooner he fulfills the mission his father sent him on, the sooner he can leave hicksville and head back to the real action that he's missing out on. Were it not for the author's ability to allows us to know what he is feeling in honest and direct ways so that we can feel the nausea he feels when he is confronted by his own sin and depravity, we would continue to dislike him. However, his charms win over more than just Ami in this romance.
Jaxton's best laid plans are waylaid when he meets his grandfather again after many years. Finding him in an old and decrepit house does much to convince him that there is no gold mine waiting here. But the "gold" is not in wealth or riches, but strength of character as Jaxton slowly learns. His grandfather stands for trust, compassion, and genuine love for his fellow neighbour. Will Jaxton stick around long enough to learn the wisdom his grandfather has to share? Will he learn that love and friendship can define a family more than blood and inheritance? That personal character is more valuable than earthly possessions? Will good old fashioned hard work alongside the lovely and determined Ami Martin break down the defenses of his heart so he can experience true love and a deep faith?
Staci Stallings writes with a wit and humour possessed by few. Her characters are strong, likable and easy to relate to. They inspire the reader to strive for more in our own lives. The wisdom and noble compassion of the grandfather remind us of the desire we have for a wise grandfatherly figure like Mr. S. in our own lives. The dreams shared by Ami are ones which make the reader reconsider whether we are dreaming big enough for with God all things are possible.
This author has many beautifully created phrases and descriptive images that remind one of a chocolate wafer you want to savor and taste over and over. For example:
"Heaven wrapped around him for a moment as his gaze traveled through the trees right into the arms of God Himself, and an undeniable peace filled the room." (The Long Way Home, pg. 234)
I would have liked to have seen full reconciliation between Mr. Snyder (the grandfather) and his own children, but perhaps that would have crossed the line from believable into contrived. Clearly, this novel shows that sometimes the choices we make are wrong or too late and we can only hope to make things right on the other side in heaven.
This delightful and spunky novel will have you reading from cover to cover. I had shivers of delight rolling up my spine several times as I devoured page after page. This novel leaves you sighing and reliving the love story in your mind. Surely Staci Stallings is one of the leading authors of inspirational romance today!

This was a perfect love story I enjoyed reading it very much
So Heart warming so real it made me Laugh and it made
Me cry reviews can not be high enough for this one
A faithful reader Lina shared November 25 2014

I have loved every book I have read written by Stacie Stallings. She writes in such a way you can put yourself in her characters positions and know exactly how they feel. You will not be disappointed with this read.

Beautiful story...excellent writing. Ran across a few spelling errors that need to be edited, but they in no way hindered my enjoyment of the book. She dealt beautifully with some very important life lessons. Loved it!

A lovely Christ-chick romance with great messages. I needed to be reminded about throwing fish back! I always come away from reading a Staci Stallings book thoroughly entertained, uplifted and thought provoked by some message or reminder about how to live the life I have been given.

I can't say enough good things about this book! I loved it! I love the characters and the story line. It is a great reminder of what is important in life and how God can do the amazing when the impossible presents itself.

Beautiful story...excellent writing. Ran across a few spelling errors that need to be edited, but they in no way hindered my enjoyment of the book. She dealt beautifully with some very important life lessons. Loved it!

A lovely Christ-chick romance with great messages. I needed to be reminded about throwing fish back! I always come away from reading a Staci Stallings book thoroughly entertained, uplifted and thought provoked by some message or reminder about how to live the life I have been given.

I can't say enough good things about this book! I loved it! I love the characters and the story line. It is a great reminder of what is important in life and how God can do the amazing when the impossible presents itself.

What a fantastic story. Amazing how patience and love an turn things around. You will hate Jax to start but as the story evolves so does he and by the end you'll just love him right along with most of the rest of the characters.