The Homecoming

Angela Santana
Dreams Publishing Co. (2006)
ISBN 0977093670
Reviewed by Mary Simmons for Reader Views (3/07)

“The Homecoming” by Angela Santana is the first installment in the Mt. Hope series.

It opens in April 1888 in Mt. Hope, Oregon, where newlywed Rachel Sterling has moved with her husband, Jared, to start their life together. They barely have a chance to begin when Jared has a fatal accident during a severe thunderstorm. Distraught and faced with making her way alone in a strange land, Rachel is forced to make tough decisions about her future. Her way is further complicated when her husband’s identical twin brother, Wade, and his five-year-old daughter, Sassy, show up unexpectedly. Through all of her struggles, Rachel’s Christian faith sustains her and she experiences many inspirational moments.

To add to the spiritual atmosphere of the novel, Santana includes a relevant scripture verse at the beginning of each chapter. This reminds readers of God’s presence in their own lives as well as in the lives of the characters, bringing us back to the reality that while “The Homecoming” is a work of fiction, God can work in our lives as he does in the pages of the novel. I was drawn to the characters and the challenges they faced, to the point where I was unable to put the book down until I reached the final page.

Santana’s storyline was compelling, at times heartbreaking and at others encouraging. She reminded me that through all of life’s trials, we must turn to God to carry us through. In those moments we are often overwhelmed and distance ourselves from the One Who can help us the most. Although the novel takes place in the 1880s, it is still very relevant to current experiences. The historical aspect takes a back seat to the characters and events that shape their lives. The setting and era serve as a backdrop for the plot with Santana subtly reminding the reader of these aspects through dated journal entries and letters and occasional historical references.

While reading “The Homecoming” I heard echoes of the works of Janette Oke, another strong female writer of faith-based serial literature. For those who are familiar with and enjoy her work, I believe it would be safe for me to recommend this novel. It follows in the same historical vein, highlighting the faith and life of a female character searching for light in a dark world.

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