🏒 🥅 💗 “The Last Way Home” (Prince Edward Island Shores #2) (2022) 💗 🥅 🏒 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: Prince Edward Island Shores (Book #2)
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell (August 2, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 0800737385
ISBN-13: 978-0800737382
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“When Eli Ross left Prince Edward Island to join the NHL, he left a broken family behind. More than a decade later, he's broke and headed home to an uncertain welcome. He wants to make things right with the family he wronged, but his mom's business partner isn't making it easy. To top it off, the coaching job he's accepted turns out to be far more difficult than he anticipated.
For years, Violet Donaghy has put everything she had into making Eli's mom's ceramics shop a success, and she's not eager to forgive the man who hurt the family that's taken her in as one of their own. But when the kiln at the shop starts a fire that nearly destroys the studio, she'll need all the help she can get to save the business and their summer income.
Can these two strong-willed people come together to mend the broken pieces of the Ross family? Or will the ghosts of the past continue to haunt them?”
Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing a complimentary review copy through their Revell Reads program. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
For those who don’t know – this isn’t the author’s first series set in Prince Edward Island. And, that interesting fact is going to revolve around some characters that make their appearance in this book.
That said …
While I didn’t read the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, I do have it on my TBR stack. I had borrowed the books from the library back in 2019 when I saw her new release of A Glitter of Gold (Georgia Coast Romance). After skimming them – reading through them to get an idea if I liked them – I immediately had to get them. (I also have the GCR books as well)
However …
This is the second book of her Prince Edward Island Shores series. The first book, Beyond the Tides, introduced the Ross boys – Oliver, Levi, and wayward Eli.
As some events of the first book are mentioned here – I STRONGLY encourage readers to read that one first. And, given the connect to the Prince Edward Island Dreams series, I recommend reading that as well. Particularly, The Red Door Inn and Where Two Hearts Meet. Spoilers for the characters will be found in this book which also acts like an update.
Moving on to this series …
Readers are treated to ex-NHL player Eli Ross’ story. And, it is an interesting one as well. It isn’t a jolly light read, nor is it a heavy and dark read either. It is one that is a bit steeped in reality.
Don’t let the gorgeous and relaxing cover fool you, this book has some cautious themes to it:
🎲 Gambling addiction
🪦 Accidental death of child
🔥 Residential/Business fire
There are moments of humor that Johnson uses to off-set the seriousness of the other themes. One of those moments comes at the Red Door Inn with Eli eating Adam’s breakfast that Caden made.
Characters from the Prince Edward Island Dreams series that return:
🚪 Marie Carrington-Sloane
🚪 Seth Sloane
🍲 Caden Holt-Jacobs
🥞 Adam Jacobs
Characters from Beyond the Tides that return:
🎣 Oliver Ross
🛥️ Meg Whitaker
🎣 Walt Whitaker (his wife and Meg’s mom)
💗 Mama Potts (Oliver, Eli, and Levi’s mom)
Johnson introduces us to:
🏒 Eli Ross
🫖 Violet Donaghy (Mama Potts’ business partner)
🏒 STARS Hockey Team (13/14-year-old girls)
🏒 Mable Jean Huxley (recruits Eli to coach the girls’ hockey team)
💵 Tony Moynahan (a bookie)
💪🏻 Bobby Moynahan (Tony’s brother, obvious muscle)
A word of warning – this story is a bit hockey-centric, however the reader doesn’t have to be a fan of the sport or know that much about it.
Johnson starts the readers off with “Eli Ross had a black eye, a fractured wrist, and nothing else to his name” leaving us to wonder “what happened” to this man and how’d he end up so “broken”.
After 11 years, and broke (physically and financially), Eli Ross is back home. It’s not what he wants, but what he needs. He’s wondering if brother Oliver meant what he said about him not being welcome back. Yet, Oliver doesn’t stop him from staying either.
Eli runs into a woman who obviously knows him and it is later revealed to be Violet Donaghy – his mother’s business partner. And, at the end of chapter one, a fire destroys the shop and studio, injuring Mama Potts. It is Eli who rescues Violet.
Eli learns from Oliver that Violet filled a hole for the family – obviously the one Eli caused when he left.
Having nothing going on, except owing a HUGE gambling debt – Eli offers to help Violet. He’s curious about the reason she doesn’t drive – obviously something is upsetting her about it.
Meg offers Violet a place to stay. And, Eli soon realizes that Violet is like him – harboring their own secrets.
Eli is approached with a coaching offer – bantam league team. Turns out, it is a group of 13/14-year-old girls. Eli dismisses them and goes home. He can’t relate to girls, and he recruits Violet to help him. Violet has her own issues – trying to salvage some pottery to sell and get the store/studio back in order.
Eli is also visited by a bookie with a reminder of a debt. Violet asks why he returned. He was homeless and hungry – and he highlights the “fair-weather friends” who are there only in good times.
Eli decides to coach the girls as he helps Violet rebuild the business, which then takes them to Rustico where they meet up with Marie Sloane and Caden Jacobs.
Violet softens towards Eli and the two begin to get closer. Still, they have their secrets which are eventually revealed. Violet’s stems from a terrible accident when she was 16 that claimed the life of someone close to her.
Eli realizes Violet has to forgive herself and it is advice he is slow to take.
He reveals to her that his trouble is the result of his father. Violet encourages him to tell his brothers and mother and ask for their help. Eli is reluctant and wants to solve it himself. She is there to support Eli.
With their secrets revealed, except to those around them – Eli and Violet begin a slow romance.
An offer comes up that will help Eli, but it would force him to break a promise he’s made to not just his family – but Violet just as she reconnects with her past.
Infusing some elements of “danger” with romance, this kept my attention until the very end along with the lessons Johnson conveys about broken things being made beautiful again.
The short chapters helped me keep reading, often hours at a time. Johnson’s writing was real, vivid, and honest. This was one of those “easy to get into”, “hard to stay with it”, “can’t put it down now” types of reads. This was definitely a deeply emotional, thought-provoking, and sordid tale.
Johnson easily, if not disturbingly, conveyed the message of gambling addiction and the dangers. That is perhaps the most disturbing and least-liked element in the book for me. But, it is a “necessary evil” that Johnson tackles quite well. I do wish Eli had been more honest up front with his family. And, I LOVE how Mama Potts came in for the “kill” with a character towards the end. Wow! That sassy gal stole the show in that moment!
The story had some lag, non-lag, and some “wow” moments. But, it was definitely an enjoyable read.
Given the youth hockey team element, this had elements and “feels” of The Mighty Ducks franchise to it. I loved the first two movies () so, this was a fond re-visit of them.
The themes of forgiveness, second chances, and redemption were the highlights of the book. One of the quotes towards the end was moving, and definitely caused a few tears:
“Maybe God doesn’t always fix what’s shattered. But he can make something new and beautiful out of what’s been broken.”
Revell is a primarily Christian publisher, so readers should expect Christian faith themes in this. The themes are not overtly heavy and preachy, but definitely noticeable.
Fans of the author, as well as those who’ve read the Prince Edward Island Dreams series are sure to enjoy this read.
I’m definitely looking forward to Levi’s story next.
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
CONNECTED SERIES:
Series: Prince Edward Island Dreams (Book #1)
Paperback: 350 pages
Publisher: Revell (March 1, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN: 080072402X
ISBN-13: 978-0800724023
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“Marie Carrington is running from a host of bad memories. Broke and desperate, she's hoping to find safety and sanctuary on Prince Edward Island, where she reluctantly agrees to help decorate a renovated bed-and-breakfast before it opens for prime tourist season.
Seth Sloane didn't move three thousand miles to work on his uncle's B&B so he could babysit a woman with a taste for expensive antiques and a bewildering habit of jumping every time he brushes past her. He came to help restore the old Victorian--and to forget about the fiancée who broke his heart.
The only thing Marie and Seth agree on is that getting the Red Door Inn ready to open in just three months will take everything they've got. Can these two wounded souls find hope, healing, and perhaps a bit of romance on this beautiful island?
Step into the Red Door Inn, a lovely home away from home tucked along the north shore of fabled Prince Edward Island. It's a place where the wounded come to heal, the broken find forgiveness, and the lonely find a family. Won't you stay for the season?”
Publisher: Revell (October 18, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN: 080072450X
ISBN-13: 978-0800724504
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“In her kitchen at the Red Door Inn, executive chef Caden Holt is calm, collected, and competent. But when her boss asks her to show off their beautiful island to impress a visiting travel writer and save the inn, Caden is forced to face a world much bigger than her kitchen--and a man who makes her wish she was beautiful.
Journalist Adam Jacobs is on a forced sabbatical on Prince Edward Island. He's also on assignment to uncover a story. Instead he's falling in love with the island's red shores and Caden's sweets.
When Caden discovers Adam isn't who she thought he was, she realizes that the article he's writing could do more than ruin the inn's chances for survival--it might also break her heart.
Readers will discover hope for the hurting, joy for the broken, and romance for the lonely at the enchanting Red Door Inn.”
Publisher: Revell (July 4, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN: 0800724518
ISBN-13: 978-0800724511
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“Fifteen years after she left Prince Edward Island, Natalie O'Ryan had no plans to return. But when her fiancé, music producer Russell Jacobs, books their wedding in her hometown and schedules a summer at Rose's Red Door Inn, she sets out to put the finishing touches on the perfect wedding. But she can't possibly prepare for a run-in with Justin Kane--the best friend she left behind all those years ago after promising to stay.
Justin's never forgotten Natalie or the music career he always dreamed of pursuing. He'd been prepared to follow her off the island until his dad died and he was left to run the family dairy farm. He's done the best he can with the life that was thrust upon him--but with Natalie back in the picture, he begins to realize just how much joy he's been missing.
After Natalie's reception venue falls through, she must scramble to find an alternative, and the only option seems to be a barn on Justin's property. As they work together to get the dilapidated building ready for the party, Natalie and Justin discover the groundwork for forgiveness--and that there may be more than an old friendship between them.”
PREVIOUS BOOK IN THIS SERIES:
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Revell (August 3, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800737377
ISBN-13: 978-0800737375
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“When Meg Whitaker's father decides to sell the family's lobster-fishing business to her high school nemesis, she sets out to prove she should inherit it instead. Though she's never had any interest in running the small fleet--or even getting on a boat due to her persistent seasickness--she can't stand to see Oliver Ross take over. Not when he ruined her dreams for a science scholarship and an Ivy League education ten years ago.
Oliver isn't proud of what he did back then. Angry and broken by his father walking out on his family, he lashed out at Meg--an innocent bystander. But owning a respected fishing fleet on Prince Edward Island is the opportunity of a lifetime, and he's not about to walk away just because Meg wants him to.
Meg's father has the perfect solution: Oliver and Meg must work the business together, and at the end of the season, he'll decide who gets it. Along the way, they may discover that their stories are more similar than they thought . . . and their dreams aren't what they expected.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Liz Johnson is the New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen novels, including Beyond the Tides and Prince Edwards Island Dreams series. She makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona where she works in marketing, dotes on her nieces, and dreams of her next trip to the Canadian Maritimes. Learn more at https://www.lizjohnsonbooks.com/.
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