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A review by parklandmom
The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ & 1/2 (4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars)
Read: June 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #30 of 50, “A book you pre-ordered” AND EOW’s “a brand new release” for the “read anytime in 2024” option
Book #61 of 2024: Though I have other books by this author on my Kindle, this was my first time reading her work. This is her newest novel and one I had pre-ordered for six months.
This is a very moving book. It encompasses the traumatic loss of a best friend, self-harm, serious familial issues, therapy, and more. Current day is interspersed with the journal of a lighthouse keeper’s teenage daughter (Abbie) who is a light keeper herself in every way that matters.
We mainly hear from Laney throughout the novel, but there are also a few chapters from the perspective of Jason. He was from her past but he becomes part of her life again. It all weaves together so well.
I loved how Laney and her Nana grew in their newfound relationship. The strength and fortitude of Nana is admirable. This reminded me of my own grandmas whom I was very close to.
The relationship between Laney and Jason has a smaller role in the story but it is so sweet and loving. Jason is an incredible man of strength and honour that women desire to be with in their heart of hearts. Watching their relationship grow is a thing of beauty.
The novel emphasizes the importance of taking the time to heal from pain, to communicate honestly, hope, and the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not limited to others because forgiving ourselves is usually the hardest of all. The scars we incur along the way are a part of the healing process but not an anchor to the past mistakes and trauma.
I really like the prefaces to each chapter. Some are from Laney’s journal, some from Abbie’s, etc. I especially love the Scripture verses that Nana sent to Laney in in the years prior to their meeting. I also highlighted 10 different areas within the book. Beautiful and thought-provoking language plays a significant part in this novel.
A reader learns so much about lighthouses from this novel. It is very educational. The fortitude and dedication it took to do that job is truly remarkable.
I am disappointed that there isn’t a mention of Jason’s faith decision as there was with Laney, unless I somehow missed it? Also, the use of the word, “ingenuine” early in the book was strange for me. It is not an accepted word in the dictionary so I wondered why “disingenuous” wasn’t used.
This novel truly wraps you up into life on coastal Maine—past and present—with the ugly and the beautiful parts of life. It is all tied together with God as the steady, unflinching, and true light through it all.
Read: June 2024
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: CNL’s #30 of 50, “A book you pre-ordered” AND EOW’s “a brand new release” for the “read anytime in 2024” option
Book #61 of 2024: Though I have other books by this author on my Kindle, this was my first time reading her work. This is her newest novel and one I had pre-ordered for six months.
This is a very moving book. It encompasses the traumatic loss of a best friend, self-harm, serious familial issues, therapy, and more. Current day is interspersed with the journal of a lighthouse keeper’s teenage daughter (Abbie) who is a light keeper herself in every way that matters.
We mainly hear from Laney throughout the novel, but there are also a few chapters from the perspective of Jason. He was from her past but he becomes part of her life again. It all weaves together so well.
I loved how Laney and her Nana grew in their newfound relationship. The strength and fortitude of Nana is admirable. This reminded me of my own grandmas whom I was very close to.
The relationship between Laney and Jason has a smaller role in the story but it is so sweet and loving. Jason is an incredible man of strength and honour that women desire to be with in their heart of hearts. Watching their relationship grow is a thing of beauty.
The novel emphasizes the importance of taking the time to heal from pain, to communicate honestly, hope, and the importance of forgiveness. Forgiveness is not limited to others because forgiving ourselves is usually the hardest of all. The scars we incur along the way are a part of the healing process but not an anchor to the past mistakes and trauma.
I really like the prefaces to each chapter. Some are from Laney’s journal, some from Abbie’s, etc. I especially love the Scripture verses that Nana sent to Laney in in the years prior to their meeting. I also highlighted 10 different areas within the book. Beautiful and thought-provoking language plays a significant part in this novel.
A reader learns so much about lighthouses from this novel. It is very educational. The fortitude and dedication it took to do that job is truly remarkable.
I am disappointed that there isn’t a mention of Jason’s faith decision as there was with Laney, unless I somehow missed it? Also, the use of the word, “ingenuine” early in the book was strange for me. It is not an accepted word in the dictionary so I wondered why “disingenuous” wasn’t used.
This novel truly wraps you up into life on coastal Maine—past and present—with the ugly and the beautiful parts of life. It is all tied together with God as the steady, unflinching, and true light through it all.