I REALLY wanted to love this book. After reading Missing Issac by the same author and LOVING that book I was hoping to be similarly ensnared in author, Valerie Fraser Luesse's story telling. But, Almost Home just seemed to fall short in the character department and took me far too long to get into.
Set in the 1940's as America has entered WWII and families are still getting back on their feet after the Great Depression, Luesse opens the book with the arrival of Anna and Jesse, a young couple seeking work in Alabama's factories and holding on to their marriage by a thread. Anna and Jesse choose to stay at Dolly's beautiful home, turned bed and breakfast as Dolly prays to make ends meet.
Friendships form and happy times do ensue, but I couldn't help but get a sour taste in my mouth from page one of Anna's character entrance, from complaining about her husband to not letting go of the Illinois farm and family I didn't think she would ever STOP complaining. Likely, this is the feeling Luesse is going for as Anna grows and matures in her place in Alabama, but I nearly put the book down waiting for the story to start and characters to come along that I actually enjoyed. Thankfully Dolly and Daisy made up for any animosity I felt toward Anna and while the book took awhile for the "good stuff" to start it was eventually heartwarming and sweet.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Set in the 1940's as America has entered WWII and families are still getting back on their feet after the Great Depression, Luesse opens the book with the arrival of Anna and Jesse, a young couple seeking work in Alabama's factories and holding on to their marriage by a thread. Anna and Jesse choose to stay at Dolly's beautiful home, turned bed and breakfast as Dolly prays to make ends meet.
Friendships form and happy times do ensue, but I couldn't help but get a sour taste in my mouth from page one of Anna's character entrance, from complaining about her husband to not letting go of the Illinois farm and family I didn't think she would ever STOP complaining. Likely, this is the feeling Luesse is going for as Anna grows and matures in her place in Alabama, but I nearly put the book down waiting for the story to start and characters to come along that I actually enjoyed. Thankfully Dolly and Daisy made up for any animosity I felt toward Anna and while the book took awhile for the "good stuff" to start it was eventually heartwarming and sweet.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.