Maggie Davis inherited the stately Victorian-style manor in the small town of Tilden, Nebraska. Widowed at a young age, she was able to bring in some income by renting rooms for traveling guests. The joy of her life was her vivacious nine-year-old daughter, Jenna. Her outspoken, sometimes sarcastic, friend and neighbor, Lee, imparted daily advice. Doc and Anna Bouchard, as well as the Lehmans, offered support of a familial nature. When Noah Benjamin came to town and rented a room, he also became a part of Maggie’s close-knit group. Maggie always had the coffee pot on and some fresh-baked cookies for lively discussions around her kitchen table. In The Long Way Home: A Novel, written by D. L. Norris, a fascinating story unfolds.

Although this book is centered on a loving, harmonious group of like-minded individuals, there are also some unsavory characters. The greedy son of Doc and Anna, along with his ill-intentioned spouse, cause havoc in the town. A frequent non-paying guest also provides some discordant moments. There are also times of great grief, especially when the cause of death is questionable. The author has skillfully developed each character, and it is easy for the reader to imagine each one. Likewise, the town itself, along with its café and churches, is easy to imagine. The plot progresses smoothly, with some scenes from the past, as the style of writing flows well. Author D. L. Norris has penned an intriguing story in The Long Way Home. An intriguing read!

The Long Way Home by DL Norris delivers a story of loss, love, and strength through the life of Maggie as she takes over a Victorian manor where she lives with her young daughter. Maggie’s life is settled within this manor with plenty of interesting types to keep her company. As she grieves over the loss of her husband, her neighbor, a relative, and a handsome stranger become permanent residents of the manor. Maggie works to rebuild a life for her and her daughter while their lives are rife with tragedy, loss, and the unknown. The various people that enter her life include the kindred spirit she finds in Anna who also has lost her husband and whose son has his own plans for his mother’s well-being. As these characters rally around each other, Maggie faces the unexpected when she meets a stranger that captures her heart through a sweet and surprising connection.

The story weaves around the setting of the manor, which gives the characters a sense of home and comfort while also acting as a place that brings all these characters together as a family. At the center is the kitchen table which is a focus of several scenes that bring the characters together where they share and talk. This provides a genuine sense of family. The story blends some light suspense and sweet romance that balances out the dramatic elements and the grounded setting of the manor. The heart of the story explores this makeshift family as they come together through their various circumstances and loneliness, each searching for more and finding a home together. Each of the characters provides the story with plenty of the heart as their stories are woven into the life of this manor and has influences on Maggie’s journey. DL Norris uses gentle language that feels as inviting as the manor itself, which allows you to see these characters as real people and to step back into the 1950s so you can join their journeys full of heart and triumph. The Long Way Home is an endearing and sweet tale about love, healing, romance, family, and new beginnings set in the quaint location of a Victorian manor which brings to life the drama of starting over.