Review and Giveaway: Almost Home by Mariah Stewart

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: Ballantine Books (March 22, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0345520378
ISBN-13: 978-0345520371

Steffie Wyler, owner of the very popular ice cream parlor, One Scoop or Two, is living her dream - well, almost. Since she was little she had three goals in life: make ice cream every day, marry the coolest guy in town and live happily ever after. It's the "marry the coolest guy in town" that has eluded her but now that her high school crush, Wade McGregor is back in town maybe, just maybe that goal is reachable.

 In town for a wedding, Wade renews his acquaintance with Steffie getting her all starry eyed with her hopes up but once again he hightails it back to Texas where he has been living and working since college. Try as she might, Steffie tries to be complacent about it.

"She tried to keep a smile on her face and a positive attitude as they said good-bye, even until the door closed behind him and she turned the lock.

Then, from somewhere deep inside, a little voice whispered that some things never change. Wade would leave and get on with his life, and she'd still be here,  in St. Dennis, until next time."

Things in Wade's life, both personal and business wise have gone sour and now he is back. Again! But this time with some surprising new complications to consider. Will Wade finally see what is right in front of him? Will this be the time for Steffie and Wade to make a go of it once and for all?

What I like about this series is the recurring characters that feels like visiting with old friends and family. I like Stewart's emphasis on love, friendships and the complexities of family dynamics.There's something so engaging about all the interwoven family stories in the little town of St Dennis on the Chesapeake. Even though as a reader, you pretty much know all will work out in the end, it's a delightful journey getting there with the characters as they go through all of life's surprises, joys and heartaches.

Almost Home is the third book in the Chesapeake Diaries series by Mariah Stewart. Any of these stories can be read as a stand-alone but I would recommend you start with the first one just to get a feel for the little town and all the characters. I'm so invested in these characters now, I can't wait for the next one; Home Town Girl, the fourth in the series, will be released in July.

Last year I read and reviewed Coming Home the first book in the series, and Home Again, the second book. If you visit Mariah's web site and click on books, you can read excerpts from the first two. There are also links to contests. Happy browsing!

Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by Ballantine Books & TLC tours in exchange for my honest opinion.

The publisher is allowing me to give away one (1) copy of the book. US & Canada. Deadline for giveaway is May 27th at 5 PM (est). Be sure to include an e mail address in your comment. As always bonus entries are available by :

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