The Road Back Home: A Second Chance Romance

This story is told from Ria's point of view. It is even sadder than the previous book. Ria could not catch a break. It was bad enough that she spent almost her ENTIRE life beating herself up about almost everything, yet, the only thing her family noticed about her was that she was "difficult". She was in pain and drinking long before the incident with David, and neither of her parents thought she needed help? It sounded like her sister Betsy was manipulative, but no one noticed? Admittedly, Ria made a major mistake, but for people to be upset because she left town, and then be equally upset because she came back was a bit much. Sanford and Ria's situationship seemed really off balance to me. I felt like it he was pulling her close to him in order to help her with one hand, and beating her down with the other. There was romance in the book, but there was so much drama and angst that the romance was negligible. There were a few light moments with Ria's son, but it felt more like he was supporting the adults. There was also a HEA, but it didn't lighten up this book. I was drawn into the story, and I have to say the writer provided all the anguish you could want, if that's your cup of tea. This was not a fun enjoyable read, but it will make you feel something. I would give it 3.5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received from the author.

This is a retelling of the heart gripping story originally told in The House That Love Built told from Ria's point of view. You get the whole story so even if you haven't read the prior book you will enjoy this one. It's a story of past pain and loss that tore a family apart and their struggle to forgive, rebuild, and love again. This is a wonderful story that is not to be missed. I highly recommend it.

ARC for honest review with no compensation The Road Back Home is book 5 in the Second Chances series by Jean Brashear and while it can be read as a standalone, reading the prior book House That Love Built will give more in-depth and a better understanding of these too stories. Ria Channing ran away from home six years ago after the death of her brother which she caused. Now after making a deathbed promise she is returning home with her 4 year old son, worn out from barely surviving life. She doesn’t expect forgiveness for her sins but hopes they will take care of her son...but the home life she left is not what she finds when she returns... Sandor Wolfe, sculptor owes Cleo (Ria’s mother) his career so he will do whatever it takes to protect her from all the heartache Ria caused her years before. What he doesn’t expect is the vulnerability of Ria and how she wants to repair all the damage she’s done. What an emotional story...tears, tragedy, pain, heartbreak, redemption and so much more...