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Decent first novel with complex characters and a compelling plot. Some parts seemed trite and predictable, but the author also reaches some original and thoughtful insight. A little preachy at times -- (Christian fiction) Sarah Graham is broke and broken and heads to the small upstate NY mountain town of Jonah (example of preachy aspect) to pick up what her father has willed her after his death. They have long been estranged since he ruined their family in her childhood. However, his will has conditions: she must live in Jonah for 6 mos. before she can claim the cash. This helps her heal despite her attempts to keep everyone at arm's length. Quick, light read. ( )

It's hard to give a good review of a book when I really didn't like the main character. For about 330 of 350 pages, she was the most unpleasant person, certainly not someone I cared about. She was a touch better at the end, but there were few resolutions, and the ending was unsatisfying. I expected Sarah to turn to the Lord much earlier in the book, to give me a chance to learn to like her, but that didn't happen. Perhaps there is a sequel? ( )

From the back cover: Sarah Graham is living life hard and fast - and she is flat broke. When her estranged father dies, she travels to the tiny mountain hamlet of Jonah, New York, to claim her inheritance. Once there, however, she learns that her plans for the future - and her memories of the past - are about to change forever.

I loved the way this is written. Sarah's point of view is presented in first person. Each chapter changes to another character's point of view but they are presented in third person. Sarah reminds me of the parable of the prodigal son. She wants life her way and no one can tell her how to live it. She is embittered and, like many people, substitutes everything available in the place of love and forgiveness. When she meets the people of Jonah, she begins to discover what true Christianity looks like.

I enjoyed the book and would like to read more by Christa Parrish. My main complaint is the abruptness of the ending. When I read the last sentence, I expected to turn the page to the next chapter. Not all books need a feel-good ending, but this one left me feeling as if the story hadn't finished.

HOME ANOTHER WAY. Parrish, Christa.
NCLA Review -Sarah Graham believed her parents had died in a car accident when she was a toddler. Her grandmother was raising her but showed her little love or affection. Sarah learns the truth at twelve; her father had murdered her mother and was in jail. Thinking she was unlovable, Sarah became a selfish, self-destructive person. Then she receives notification that her father has died. One of the stipulations of receiving her inheritance is that she must live in small town Jonah for six months. Sarah learns a lot from the people of the town and eventually comes to find herself, a secret from the past and the Lord. Rating: 4 —VJ Bethany House 2008, 350p, paper, 9780764205231, $13.99 [FIC] ( )