Sarah Graham’s life is filled with tragedy. Her father was convicted of murdering her mother when Sarah was very young. Raised by her stern grandmother, she felt unloved and unwanted. She turned to music for comfort, learning to play the violin and even earning admission to the prestigious Juilliard School of Music.

An unplanned pregnancy, a  marriage of convenience, and the stillbirth of her daughter turns Sarah to a life of dissolution.

Then Sarah learns about the death of her father, who had been paroled after 17 years in prison. She travels to the small mountain town of Jonah, New York, to claim her inheritance. She is stunned to learn there is a stipulation—she must live in her father’s house in Jonah for six months to receive her father’s bequest. With no money and no choice, Sarah is forced to remain. She is hard and bitter, afraid to let anyone close to her, yet yearns for someone to love and accept her. Despite her efforts to stay aloof and isolated, Sarah comes to realize that the people of Jonah also have hurts and tragedies in their lives. Sarah is repulsed—and also attracted—by their deep Christian faith.

Surprising revealed secrets and an unexpected ending make HOME ANOTHER WAY a fresh read. The characters are well-developed, each with their own distinctive voice and mannerisms. I hope Christa Parrish is working on a sequel. I will certainly read with pleasure whatever she writes.

Reviewed by Marie DisBrow for The Road to Romance

June 1, 2009