Home

Ginny Yttrup puts together a novel so compelling, so intriguing, it's very hard to put down. I stayed up till nearly 3:00 AM to finish the book. Her characters are honest, and they all have a voice of their own. One of the quirks of this book that makes it work is the fact that several of the characters are authors and one of the main characters is trying to meet a deadline for her book, but she's having a hard time getting words to paper.

Melanie describes herself as a pantser type author--one who writes by the seat of her pants, but she's having a hard time with her new novel.

Valerie is a therapist who has a lake cabin that she uses for refuge and offers it to Melanie.

Craig is Melanie's husband and a builder whose business had dropped off during the recession.

Jill and Marcos are Melanie's and Craig's next-door neighbors and dearest friends. Jill is having a bit of trouble with obsession and with nightmares.

Melanie takes Valerie up on her offer of the lake cabin, and Jill eventually comes to visit Melanie, needing the mental break from daily life.

The tagline for the book should be "Sometimes you just have to run away from home to find out where home really is."

This is a five star book, two thumbs up, and a new novel to read.

My thanks to Barbour Publishing/Shiloh Run Press for allowing me to read and review this book.

Fans of contemporary Christian fiction focused on married couples will enjoy this touching, insightful book!
Uniquely written from the first person point of view of 4 people--2 different couples--giving an upfront and personal look into their struggles. As they seek solutions to problems they are facing, revealing underlying spiritual and emotional issues, it felt quite therapeutic to see how they resolved their conflicts. The main character, Melanie, is an author and her work in progress becomes part of the story as well, adding a special sideline to her life. I wanted to say a few choice words at times to her husband, Craig!
A look at the many different sides to grief, and how God allows difficult circumstances to get our attention, meeting us in our brokenness, was one key spiritual theme; searching for peace and a place of belonging, defining home, was another prominent one.
A well-written contemporary with a lot of depth. Recommend! 4.5 stars

Home features a very compelling story, told in a unique way. I really liked said story, but what I liked more was the style, and the way the whole book was organized. It's written with multiple POVs which were executed pretty well. I loved the look into Melanie's writing which spoke more about he character. Overall, an enjoyable read for any fan of Christian-fiction and romance.

I really should know better than to start reading a book so close to bedtime....

This book has several intertwined stories within the story, including sympathetic treatment of unprocessed grief, family secrets and the stigma of mental illness. Other reviewers have provided synopses, and I won't repeat their efforts, other than to highly recommend this book, and I will be looking forward to reading other titles by this author.

This is my first book by Ginny & it won't be my last. I adored every character. Home tells of a story of our journey to find a place in our own lives to call home. It really hit close to home for me coming out of a season of dryness. Melanie, Jill, Marcos & Craig were all such amazing examples of what struggle looks like when we don't go to God first.

I throughly enjoyed seeing Melanie go through her struggle through her character Chloe. It just felt like the Holy Spirit was taking her through her struggles in a way that would impact her the most. It allowed for God to meet Melanie where she could handle all of her pent up life! Which we know God will meet us right where we are in our struggles.

I gave 4 stars because I wanted to see more character development & the story line for them flushed out more. I wanted to see Jill's progress in more detail. Giving us a glimpse into the heart of her struggle. Just glad to find another Christian author who isn't writing romance novels!

Shout out to Serena for calling a spade a spade! Hope she gets her own book!

Home by Ginny Yttrup is a novel about a novelist who escapes into her own stories. Melanie is working on her sixteenth novel but all is not going well. She needs to escape in order to finish it. She decides she needs to physically get away and retreats to a friend's lake house. She gets very engrossed in her writing and encounters psychologist Dr. Elliot Hammond. Will he be able to assist Mel in answering the questions that will lead her to health along with her character Chloe? Melanie's husband has his own problems with his business being way down due to the recession and knowing if he can make the mortgage payment on the house he and Melanie designed and built together. Craig feels like he is carrying his burdens alone and tempted by a beautiful client. Will he be able to resist the temptation? Will he and Melanie find their way back to God together or ill they go their separate ways? Their friends and next door neighbors, Jill and Marcos are also dealing with serious issues that could affect their marriage and future together.
I found the story to move slowly and at one point almost didn't finish it. I did finish and am glad I did; the loose ends do come together in logical conclusions. At times I wanted to shake Mel as she emotionally checked out of her marriage and real life. I felt bad for Craig as he a lot on his shoulders. No spoiler but the ending redeemed the book for me.
I received an advanced reader copy fro the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review

The story told in this book is not a common one. The topic might be, as grief is a sentiment present in every stage of our lives, but the way the author approached to it was at least, refreshing.
I do believe that every story is created based in true experiences. Even if the story is not exactly true, it might have found its origin based in a random conversation or situation extracted from the writer's day to day life, one of those that remains questioning the same question again and again, just to find us working through different answers until finding the correct one.
The author worked well through the subject of grief, going through different characters and their own private grieving until all of them were able to put it behind, and follow on with their lives... finding the rest of their lives worth to live.
Well done!

I received a free ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley!

This book is honest and special. The story is told from the rotating perspectives of the four main characters -- each struggling with issues such as grief, mental illness, marital miscommunication and secrets, perimenopause, thoughts of infidelity, identity crises, and financial collapse. Although that might seem like a tough list of issues to wade through, the novel is highly readable and the characters are very relatable.

The messages of God and prayer are central to the story, but they are primarily addressed through one of the male characters and a female counselor to his wife. The concept of homesickness and loneliness as our longing to be together with God was an interesting one, especially at this particular point in my life, personally. However, the faith messages were not overwhelming or preachy.

I would have given this book five stars if not for the anxiety I was left with at the end, wondering where and how the main couple would (literally) land. I usually don't need neat little endings, but this story struck particularly close to home, and perhaps I had unrealistic expectations for a full resolution. Although not quite as powerfully, it struck me in the same way The Shack did.

Overall, I would sincerely recommend this book.

Love, love love this book! Fabulous book that is a real page turner. My first from this author and won't be the last. This book is about Melanie (an author) and her husband Craig. Also, their best friends who is also their neighbors, Jill and Marcos. Melanie has a deadline to meet on her current novel. She is struggling with something from her past. She goes to a cabin for a month in an attempt to finish her book and run from her problems. But, she is surprised with what is accomplished in her life there.
Jill is dealing with something traumatic from her past. Both women have supportive husbands, although Melanie is having marital difficulties. In the end, it is realized that you truly cannot run from your problems and that there really is no place like home.

Home by Ginny L. Yttrup is a thought provoking and compelling book. A book that is not a light read, yet there are some light moments in it. A book about characters who have very real and troubling problems to deal with, yet find the strength and faith in family and God to work through those problems. A book about home, a place we all long for and yet not necessarily in the sense of an actual place but something more. Yttrup masterfully touches on the multifaceted issue of grief and the oft misunderstood issue of mental illness weaving faith throughout the story. And the faith is in a God who is there, who is present to bring the struggling one home. Home is an amazing book that will resonate in the hearts of many a reader.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions are my own.

Avoidance, escape, temptation, coping, resolution - these all describe issues in this book. Ginny Yttrup brings a heartfelt book of showing how we try to avoid or escape from those hard, painful times in our lives. Learning to cope and resolve the issues in our life can sometimes be a very complex road to that resolution.

Melanie takes a break away from her husband and everyday life to work on a novel for which she has a deadline coming up and can’t seem to break her writer’s block. She finds through her writing that she has been suppressing grief in her life, and that when her characters resolve the issues she has created for them, that unconsciously, she has brought to the forefront of her mind, those issues of loss and grief that she has repressed for years, not only affecting her, but her husband and their marriage as well. Will she be able to acknowledge these, cope with them and bring a resolution that will take her back home?

Her friend and neighbor, Jill, also is facing a real challenge of PTSD and OCD in her life due to life experiences early in her childhood. Once she acknowledges that she needs to be able to talk to someone to help her through this time, she learns some surprising unknown things that have occurred in her life and that there really are ways she can overcome this illness. How will these affect her life at home?

This is an excellent book that was hard to read at times as it really made you think about issues in your own life and how they have affected your own life. This is the first book by this author that I have read and would highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

This novel is told from three major characters points of view. When we meet Melanie, she is on a deadline to complete her sixteenth book and it’s not going so well. Let’s just say she is blocked and blocked in a major way but she can’t afford to pay back her advance and wants the next payment upon completion of her manuscript to her publisher. Married for 20 something years, she is 49, menopausal, a mid-listed author and wife to Craig. Craig works independently in the building industry in the Sacramento area, and has taken quite the beating since the 2008 recession financially. They live in a huge home that was meant to be filled with children but sadly infertility took that dream away from them. They live next door to Jill, conveniently a freelance editor and Marco, and they have three young children who Craig and Mel are God parents to. Mel and Jill are part of a writing group in their neighbourhood and take great solace in the friendships they have there.

The first time we get to see Craig’s point of view, we learn that more than just taking a hit financially, Craig and Mel are going into the red each month and have been for a while. Even working every hour of the day he isn’t making enough to support them and has emotionally hidden away from telling Mel the truth. And there is a reason he hasn’t tried his hardest to tell Mel what’s really happening to them financially. Mel is an emotional Houdini, able to check out from anything that she doesn’t want to confront or know the truth about and has been doing so for probably twenty years or more. Craig describes being married to Mel as something he still wants, but its feeling like its more duty than joy; like they have lost sight of a shared dream and have simply drifted along in life.

Jill and Marco are happily married and appear to have it all. She is terrifically successful as an editor, working from home with the children with her at all times, making her the perfect woman. Except that Jill has a few quirks. Like her desire to clean the house from top to bottom every day, several times a day. Not to mention her need to check on the children numerous times a day and during the night too. And especially her need to check that items are working properly by turning things on and off a certain number of times to be sure, to still the quiet voice in her head telling her that her family are going to die and she’s going to lose it all. And there are the pesky nightmares that she suffers terribly from that her own mother simply waves off as unimportant. Marco has some minor worries concerning his father who seems to be losing short term memory but Marco worries more about his wife and the unseen battle she appears to be waging day and night.

Craig man’s up and tells Mel the truth of their financial reality, and predictably Mel pulls away emotionally. It doesn’t help that Craig has been tempted by Serena, a successful, gorgeous woman who he is building a house for. When he confesses that he made the mistake of having a picnic dinner with Serena rather than going to a networking event, Mel assumes the worst. She takes advantage of her friend, recent widow Valerie’s offer to go to Valerie’s lake house, which is three hours away, to concentrate on writing her manuscript for possibly a month, which is when the deadline looms.

Scattered through the story we as readers are engaged in are large portions of text for the manuscript that Mel is writing. We get to see her work through her personal issues via the written page, hinting that writing is possibly the cheapest and best form of therapy. We have the privilege of becoming involved in the story that Mel is writing and the emotional break throughs that she has as the characters weave their way through her words.

Through these varied friendships and activities Mel, Craig and Jill all face their inner and outer demons and grow gradually into a deeper understanding of God and their own faith. Wisdom is found through well timed phone conversations and time set apart in prayer at a Roman Catholic meditation pathway with the twelve stations of the cross. Good advice is sought and followed through from caring medical practitioners. Financial decisions are made and put into action despite the feelings of shame and failure attached to them. A manuscript that isn’t conforming to the standard formula starts to take shape, leading to a book with deeper meaning and a possible nightmare for the publicity department!

This story is one that tackles the issue of faith and trust. It is unabashedly Christian in outlook, but doesn’t suffer from the good two shoes characters or the twee “golly-gee’s” that so many earlier works of Christian fiction suffered under. Times of suffering are portrayed realistically and sympathetically. There are times when characters ask questions of God and a few portions where prayers are uttered by characters but there is no quoting Bible chapter and verse in a holier than thou manner. Very real words of doubt are expressed. The simple faith of a child is conveyed beautifully. The talk of faith, the struggle for trust in the One unseen is sensitively written.

At the end of every chapter is a quote relating to what is coming next from quotable people, not all necessarily Christian, but with some great words of wisdom. Yttrup writes about issues that people can relate to but it never feels as if she is preaching at you. The characters develop through the course of the story, moving forward emotionally in a positive manner. This is a skilfully written work of fiction that is as inspiring as it is entertaining.

Home by Ginny Yttrup tells the story of a tenuous marriage and the struggles they face individually and together. The author explores themes of sorrow and joy and living in a way that is fully present. At times, I found it really hard to read this book because the author wrote scenes so vividly, including some heated arguments that I felt too intensely. That being said, I loved this book overall and really appreciated how real the characters and their situations felt. I received a digital copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't know what I'd be in for when I met Melanie, a forty-nine-year-old, midlist author who emotionally checks out of life and her marriage, getting wrapped up in her fictional stories in Home, a novel by author Ginny L. Yttrup.

That is, I suspected I'd be in for something normal-but-fantastical like Stranger Than Fiction. So when I got into the novel and found it was pretty somber and wasn't fantastical, I didn't think I'd love it. I thought, "Oh, dear, so is this one of those melancholy stories where everybody's giving each other sad smiles while they're inwardly rehearsing all the ways their lives are unraveling or burning to ashes?"

Nothing against folks who do like melancholy novels, but I usually need comedy, thrilling twists, or something else more in contrast to balance it all out. Otherwise I feel like a book full of dry gloom is killing me softly.

But this novel, as it dug through dark, tough issues, softly gave me life, after while. Yes, I, a writer, tend to be partial to books and movies that get real about writers. But this novel gets real, period, in a way that isn't sparkling but is still engaging. Well, I can't say that I personally found the pages of Melanie's manuscript the most interesting, since I wasn't invested in her characters, but the manuscript's effect on Melanie is so key.

This is a beautifully written story that gave me a "God is here" experience that I don't get with all books. And, yes, I loved it.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.

Melanie Vander stepped out of her life a long time ago. Sure, she is still physically present in her home. Her husband Craig would say that she spends too much time in the world of the books she writes. Melanie doesn't see it that way. Her characters need her to bring them to life and that's all there is to it. When an opportunity to have a personal writing retreat arises, Melanie jumps at the chance. Her husband can just manage on his own for a while. Melanie is hoping to escape, but this writing retreat may end up being the voice that calls her home.

In the mean time Craig struggles to keep his construction business afloat. His wife may not realize how serious their situation is but he certainly does. When his beautiful new client not only shows interest but also offers a possible solution to his difficulties, Craig is suddenly at a cross-roads. His response may save or destroy his marriage.

Jill, Melanie's next door neighbour and friend, has her own troubles. Her obsessions and nightmares are growing steadily worse. Jill's husband Marcos is supportive, but will his support last once the truth behind Jill's behaviours comes out?

This book was compelling, saddening and encouraging by turns. It deals with mental illness, depression, grief and marriage difficulties- but it does it in such a way that the topics are not overwhelming. Each problem is addressed with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. Faith plays a prominent role in the story and is the crucial element that brings the conclusion about. I very much enjoyed this Home and would rate it a five out of five stars. I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing, Inc. in order to give an unbiased review.

As I followed the lives of the four main characters I experienced waves of emotions, each one going through their own struggles just like each of us. I got to know and understand the people in HOME and often thought that I wouldn't mind having neighbors like Jill and Marcos or Craig and Melanie. Their friendships were strong...stronger than Craig & Melanie's marriage it seemed. Marriage expert Craig didn't think there was anything wrong with his and Melanie's relationship...she, on the other hand, was tired of being alone even when they were together in the same house. Ginny really hits the nail on the head with how men and women view things differently...relationship is what it's all about. Relationship with our Lord and with each other. If only that word was truly understood it would make a difference in each of us.

Ginny's books always leave me thinking about what truths I've learned from reading them and how I can apply those truths in my own life. I haven't read a book of hers that I didn't like.

Home by Ginny L Yttrup is the story of Melanie and her husband, Craig. Melanie is a writer who is struggling with her next book with looming deadline fast approaching. Craig is a custom home builder who is struggling with their marriage and their lives. He has a beautiful client who makes him feel exciting and important in ways that have been lost with Melanie. Meanwhile, their best friend and next door neighbor, Jill, is in a deep struggle with memories which her mother claims never happened and the feeling as if she is losing her mind. With the help of a fellow writer, Valerie who is also a psychiatrist, Melanie and Jill face their demons and confront the truth they both have been running from. Will Craig give in to his desires? Will he walk away from his marriage? Will Melanie discover what is causing her writer’s block? Will she be able to finish this book on time? Will Jill figure out what is wrong? Will she truly lose her mind?
Home was a interesting book as there were three perspectives shown in the story. While Melanie and Craig were the main plotline, I enjoyed Jill’s story far better. It was much more interesting and gut wrenching as she learns the truth behind her “memories” and mental issues. I loved the insight into a writer’s writing methods. As a writer myself, I enjoyed seeing the rituals and patterns Melanie follows in order to write her story. I highly recommend Home for its drama and realistic portrayal of life’s struggles and the road back to a place of peace and contentment.

Home
is available on Amazon
in paperback and for the Kindle

This book moved me. I read it while on vacation and kept going back to read it during any down time. I was sad when it ended, and I found myself thinking about the characters for days after I finished reading it.

It was a book about being present in your life. It dealt with two women who were living each day with fear and anxiety over the past or the future. The book addressed the realities if letting go, grieving an unfilled expectation, and accepting the reality of your life, and finding joy in your present life. There were many profound statements in the book that rang true. The whole book felt true to form, character, and real life. The author nailed her portrayal of stress and troubles in relationships, especially a marriage and among family members. In the end, the solutions and abilities move forward came from the grace of God. Again, an important, eternal truth.

While I loved this book, there are a few things that I didn't enjoy. The book itself started really slow! If I hadn't been reading it for Net Galley, I might not have finished. It was difficult to get into. It was about half way through that the pace picked up.

It was written in first-person, present tense. Upon reflection, I understand why she did it. It connected the reader with the emotional struggles of the characters and helped the reader experience them "real-time." However, it is difficult to read this type of narrative, especially in a slower-paced book. That is one of the reasons, I think, the book seemed to drag at the beginning. (That and the fact that the book was not a book of action or external movement. It was a book about internal struggles.) Another problem with this type of narrative is that sometimes it was difficult for me to discern who's point of view I was reading. Though, for the most part, the author did an excellent job of changing just enough that I knew which character was narrating the story.

This is one of the (very) few present tense books that I’ve read and I fully enjoyed. With multiple points of view, a fascinating and unique plot, and nicely researched subplots, Home is a deeply emotional and enriching read.

Although Home is the first novel I’ve read by Ginny L. Yttrup, I consider myself a fan. I love her smooth writing style, fully developed characters and the spirituality she weaves throughout her storytelling. Most of all, I love the emotions she imprints on her readers’ hearts.

The relationship between Melanie and Craig is strained. Craig’s work and financial responsibilities keep him occupied, and Melanie is more invested in the ideal world within the novel she is writing than in reality. They both long for something…for the fullness, attentiveness, and closeness of their youthful years. I became fully invested in them and yearned for a good outcome.

I became enveloped in their neighbors’ story as well. Jill and Marcos deal with completely different concerns. Though this couple’s love is stable, a serious thorn in their lives must be addressed.

Dealing with loneliness, grief, deception, mental illness, and spiritual restoration, this story expertly addresses a variety of women’s issues and illuminates the path to healing…and home.


5 Stars

Cover: Love
Title: Love
Pages: 320
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
ISBN: 978-1634099554
First Lines: I run away. From conflict. From pain. From reality.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing (and NetGalley) and was under no obligation to post a review.

I cannot say enough good things about Home. It is a book that allows you to completely understand the characters and see their individual development. The book is so easy to relate to regardless of what age you are.

Home takes you into the life of two married couples. Craig and Melanie are in their late forties and they have grown apart in their marriage. They are unable to have children and since learning that, Melanie has closed off her emotions. Craig is dealing with a failing economy and the realization they are in over their heads in their house and they are going to have to sell their home to make it. Both Craig and Melanie have taken on the guilt of the situations they are in. Craig also finds himself tempted by a beautiful woman. Melanie, an author, escapes into her book and finds herself fascinated with a male character. In the midst of this, Melanie takes the advice of a friend and goes to a cabin so that she can finish her book. That separation wakes Craig up and begins to go to God for help. God leads him to pray for Melanie. As both Craig and Melanie begin to realize they have to confront their situation and grieve what they have never been able to have before they can make their way back to each other.

Jill and Marcos are another couple who are dealing with issues. Jill suffers from OCD and she has memories that plague her. Marcos has gently supported his wife but has urged her to seek help. When Jill's OCD behaviors become out of control and begin to impact her children, she seeks help. She also learns from her parents that her memories are not in vain and that there are secrets within her family.

The best part of this book really are the characters. Craig and Marcos really stood out to me. Marcos for his patience and his commitment to his marriage and family. Craig because he was able to recognize his weakness and reach out to his foundation for help. His secret place was inspiring. I recommend everyone read this book, it is that good. So well written. Bravo to Ginny L. Yttrup, this book is a winner.

This book was a story of your soul being lost and finding its way back home. It talks about the process of grieving and how it is as heartbreaking as it is healing. It was amazing watching the lost relationship of Craig and Melanie find its way back. I wasn't sure where this book was headed in the beginning, but by the time it was over it had me feeling a peace I didn't know I needed.

This book is real and raw and beautiful. It went where I never would have expected it to go. There's no predictability in this book which is fantastic! Love how the story within the story helps better understand the character writing it. The character development is great. Such depth. The characters are believable and feel things that everyone would feel. I loved how they all dealt with their emotions and many went through the stages of grief in their own way. The beginning of the book was a little bit of a struggle but stick with it and you'll be happy you did. The timeline was confusing when switching between character's point of view. At first this was really obvious but as the book progressed the chapter separations by character overlapped (in terms of parallel concurrent timing) a little less so the flow was better. Overall the book was great. I could see myself in the characters and the topics covered were ones I deal with myself. This book led to a lot of self exploration in ways similar to the characters in the book. I love when a fictional book has this sort of effect on me as a reader. It makes fiction seem more like nonfiction!
I received a hard copy of this book from Goodreads giveaways and a digital copy from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was truly an experience to read. I wasn't sure at first if I could keep all the characters straight. The author bounced back and forth between characters in a way that helped me start to connect with them. It's funny how we go through life and suddenly a memory, a sound or even a smell will give us a glimpse of a long forgotten memory. I loved how the author dug deep into relationships, mental disorders and self worth and wrote a story so compelling I couldn't put it down.

I easily identified with Jill. She starts having nightmares that she doesn't understand and they start to take over her life. Jill doesn't understand why she is having so much anxiety along with OCD. I was so upset when her mother felt no sympathy for her daughter. I sure know how that feels. What would it be like to learn a dark secret from your past? Could you confront those who held the secret from you? Jill's husband was a very understanding man and I loved his devotion to stand by his wife and help her seek answers.

Melanie was difficult to connect with for some reason until I started to know her deep hurt . She is a writer trying to finish a novel and is stuck trying to decide what direction to take it. I loved how the author used Melanie's book she was writing to tell Melanie's story. If that doesn't make sense, it will as you get to understand her better. Her husband Craig is also a good man but I think there were times he was discouraged by their marriage.

The story is very deep and emotional and deals with grief in a way that I found comforting. Each couple is looking for happiness and peace. Will they find the answers they are looking for? Will Jill have a breakthrough and be set free from the nightmares she has lived with? Can Melanie finally grieve for something she kept buried for so long? With strong characters and a story that captured the heart of family and marriage you won't be able to forget this story. It's time to find your home where you are happy and content.


"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."

Home is a touching book about an author and her husband who are struggling through some tough times in work and married life. I enjoyed that trust in God and letting go of control was a central theme in the story. I would recommend this book for those who struggle with grief or mental illness as well as for those who like books that center on the theme that God will provide.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this title.

Melanie Vander, author, and her contractor husband, Craig, are disconnected.  They live a grand life with many materials things, but they are not happy.  For Melanie it shows itself in her inability to write her next book.  For Craig, it stems from a down market for his construction company.  They need each other, but they continue to drift alone.
Neighbors Jill and Marcos provide another good storyline in this novel about finding one’s way home. Each person in the story much reach inside, reach to God, and grieve, regroup and grow.

pening line:
"I run away."

This is a relationship story about family, trust and love with a dash of prayer. Each character has their own struggles trying to find their way "home."
Melanie (writer) and Craig (contractor) are growing apart. Jill (editor working with Mel) and Marcos are working through possible illness. Not only was each couple going through issues but the characters in those relationships were also going through issues that they had to work our first in order to work on their marriage. The author does a great job writing about the struggles and how they overcome them.
There is another friend who is a therapist and one of the characters starts going to a therapist and the advice and help they give is really beneficial not only to the characters but to the reader.

Good, clean story.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

Another great book by Yttrup, What's on the surface that a person presents to the world is often misleading. The person that helps the most get to the root of problems is often the least likely person you'd expect. Be open to what people have to offer.

I love when an author gives her characters real struggles, with deep angst, and life-changing decisions throughout the novel. Melanie and Craig Vander face different choices out of the same tragedy that struck them years before. Will what they chose keep their marriage from the brink it is on or tear them apart?
To keep them financially afloat, Melanie desperately writes another novel and discovers timely truths through her characters. Her neighbor struggles with her own challenges. Will she and Melanie find ways to support each other?
From the first page I realized I was reading an above average book by a Christian author. The validity of the concerns, how she knit them into the story, and how each person concludes their situations excelled! This book can be read by non-Christians. Her use of scripture and faith naturally occur.
I can't wait to read another one of Ginny Yttrup's books!
I received 2 copies of this book, an ebook from NetGalley and the paperback from Barbour Publishing. I have written my honest opinion and review here.

This book was my introduction to Ginny Yttrup's writing and I was wowed for sure. I don't always enjoy first person narratives but quite a few books I've read recently are slowly turning my skittishness around. This book is one of those books. It's actually written in first person present tense with many scatterings of flashbacks and memories which was a very creative yet powerfully effective way to tell this particular story (as you can tell, I'm not a fan of present tense story, either, but this book was superbly written in the present tense).

The switching of first person narrative from Melanie, Craig (Melanie's husband), and Jill (Melanie's next-door neighbor, friend, and editor) took a few chapters to get used to. The first half of the book laid the groundwork for the powerful punch of the second half. I still wasn't sure if I felt comfortable with the topics covered - marriage strained by infertility, breakdown of the magic in romance/marriage after two decades, obsessive-compulsive disorder to name a few - but, at the halfway mark, I was hooked and couldn't put the book down. I had to race till the end to find out what happened.

The integration of faith and prayer was extremely well-executed, especially during the lowest of the low times in the characters' lives. I really appreciated the interweaving of Catholic presence and Protestant presence through the character of Craig. And the Epilogue really hit the nail on the head.

Craig is a hero. Broken, tempted, yet humble and willing to be faithful in all things. Melanie is an unlikely heroine - withdrawn, introverted, and living only in her fictional world of her books that she writes. Jill is interesting and her struggles with OCD and PTSD are so real. The unconditional love that her husband Marcos has for her is so tender and heartwarming. The characters come alive on the pages and pull the reader into their world.

This book was not a light-hearted easy reading kind of a book. It made me pause and think throughout the book - am I like Melanie? Do I run from things perceived as difficult? What does it mean to be a friend? What does "home" mean for me? Am I holding onto anything in my past, any unresolved grief, that is interfering with being fully engaged with here and now? This book is a must read.

I was given ARC of the book by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is a very well written piece of Christian literature. Home is really a fitting title as it deals with so many issues couples and families face. I will say at first I had a hard time relating to Melanie or Jill. As time went on, I felt their story and was crying through several chapters. Melanie is an author trying to reach a deadline. We slowly learn her story and why her husband is so distant from one another. Jill is dealing with a mental illness she doesn't even realize she has. Compelling and interesting. Glad I stuck with this book.

Title: Home
Author: Ginny L. Yttrup
Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Home" By Ginny L. Yttrup

My Thoughts....

This story was quite a well written read where the characters struggles were definitely ones that could be faced by just anyone you may know.

For Melanie and Craig were having some real hard times in their marriage where one could at one point or another not know to whom to feel more sorry for. Less not forget those neighbors who added quite a lot to the read. This is definitely one of those reads that will promote a lots of thoughts that will touch one just about on any level.

"Home" is of a real story of a 'family relationship, trust, romance, sadness, longing, love and less not forget a prayer' as each one of thee well developed characters will have their own struggles in trying to find there way home. Will these characters be able to overcome their struggles?

"Home" will definitely help one to understand more about relationships that are often faced in today's society.

Home is a thought provoking yet enjoyable book. It touches on the struggles many people face with finances, heartache, infertility, physical problems, loss, grief, mental illness, marriage problems and dealing with your everyday strengths and weaknesses plus and most importantly your faith in GOD - wow is that a lot to be dealing with. When all these things come upon you in your cross road of life where will you stand in your faith and life? who will you let guide you through these potholes? Who will you turn to? These major life potholes as the characters had to go through in Ginny Lyltrup's, and boy did they have major potholes to maneuver through, they had to make some major decisions regarding their lives in every single way. Will Melanie turn to GOD or to what or who isn't totally real? Will Craig turn what is all too real or turn to the CREATOR that can love him with all the love he has been needing?

I really enjoyed this book. It is a Christian novel. Melanie is the main character. She is a writer, trying to meet her deadline but she has writers block. Her personal life is also very strained. The story goes between Melanie and her husband Craig and their best friends Jill and Marcos. Melanie is running from grief. Jill is obsessed with grief-stress. These two couples could be your next door neighbors. They are very real and you are drawn into their worlds. You care about them and want things to work out for both of them. I read deep into the night to be sure "my friends " were going to be ok. I would definitely read another by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy for my honest review.

I enjoyed this story so much. I like how each character was given a chapter. I enjoyed the stories of each character and how they didn't always get what they wanted but got everything they needed. I read this book in one evening and came away with a loving feeling.

The emotional roller coaster each of these characters ride resonated deep within my own soul. You felt what they felt in this novel because Ginny made them all so real. I felt that I was, too, living the lives they were living, going through the hardships they were experiencing. In all honesty, for anyone that reads this, at least for me, the book will really resonate with you. We all experience grief, hardships, and anxiety.

This is my first book by Ginny Yttrup. I doubt it will be my last. She tackles some tough topics in this book as she weaves the stories of several characters into the pages. I found myself cheering on each one of them as the battle to face the issues they have been avoiding for years.

The characters were like-able and the book was easy to read and light despite the tough topics covered. This is the best type of Christian fiction!

The publisher provided an ARC through Netgalley. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts