The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli

The Way Back

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Way Back 

Series: Lights of Acadia #1 

Author: Heidi Chiavaroli 

Publisher: Hope Creek Publishers 

Release Date: June 18, 2024 

Genre: Dual Timeline Women's Fiction

Young love means everything . . . until it leaves you with nothing.

The summer before her senior year of high school, Laney Jacobs and her best friend jump from a six-story beachside cliff in an attempt to impress their boyfriends. Laney rose from the water. Her friend did not. 

Six years later, when Laney’s troubled mother’s memoir hits the bestseller list airing the family’s destructive secrets, Laney is forced to relive the trauma, this time in the public eye. To escape the scrutiny, she seeks shelter at her estranged grandmother’s seaside inn. But she can’t reconcile the loving woman with the heartless parent in her mother’s book. As she seeks answers, the boyfriend who once cost her a promising future reappears, stirring up both pain and hope. 

When her mother's vindictive fans threaten her grandmother's livelihood and the lighthouse Laney has come to love, she turns to the century-old words of a young lighthouse keeper to help her find the courage to move forward. But once truths from the past come to light and old love finds new beginnings, will Laney discover that forgiveness is the only way toward true healing?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

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About the Author

Heidi Chiavaroli (pronounced shev-uh-roli...sort of like Chevrolet and ravioli mushed together!) wrote her first story in third grade, titled I'd Cross the Desert for Milk. It wasn't until years later that she revisited writing, using her two small boys' nap times to pursue what she thought at the time was a foolish dream. Despite a long road to publication, she hasn't stopped writing since! Heidi writes women's fiction, combining her love of history and literature to write both split time stories and contemporary fiction. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her second Carol Award-winning novel, The Orchard House, is inspired by the lesser-known events in Louisa May Alcott's life and led her to write The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Wyatt, her standard poodle.

Connect with Heidi by visiting heidichiavaroli.com  to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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My Thoughts

The Way Back by Heidi Chiavaroli is the first book in the Lights of Acadia series.  I thought The Way Back was a moving and thought-provoking tale.  The story is told from Laney and Jason’s point-of-view.  We get to see how each one feels about a tragic event that occurred six years prior and how they are trying to move forward. Laney discovers the journal of Abby Burgess in her grandmother’s attic.  Laney reads the journal learning how Abby was taught to care for a lighthouse from her father and how she had to step up during a major storm.  I enjoyed learning about Abbey Burgess, and I appreciated the author’s note at the end.  The author addresses some tough topics in the story (grief, addiction, bipolar disorder, and cutting to name a few).  I wish there had been a mention of it in the blurb (a warning for those who might find the topics triggering). There is repetition of details (such as what happened to Laney’s friend in high school, how Laney’s mother was an addict) that was unnecessary.  I enjoyed the picturesque descriptions of Maine and the lighthouses.  There was some lovely scripture in the story.  I bookmarked several of the passages.  My favorite character was Laney’s grandmother, Charlotte.  She was a caring woman of deep faith.  The Way Back is a poignant tale about family, healing, love, faith, and hope.  

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Way Back, themed canvas tote bag, bath salts, 3 specialty teas, ocean-inspired candle, magnet, gel pen, notebook, and $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight June 19, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 26, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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The Way Back is available from Amazon*.  You can find Heidi Chiavaroli other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I'm sorry that I have been absent the last few days.  It turns out that I am allergic to zinc and magnesium.  My doctor recommended a supplement to help my joints.  Unfortunately, I had a bad reaction.  When I had my allergy tests (so long ago), these two items were not something they tested for (I am told it is rare--lucky me).  I will return tomorrow with The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander.   It is the first A Secret Bookcase Mystery. I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.  

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.  Thank you for supporting The Avid Reader. 

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli

 

Book Summary

2001

Abandoned by her own family, Taylor is determined not to mess up her chance at joining the home of her best friend, Victoria Bennett. But despite attending summer camp at Louisa May Alcott's historic Orchard House with Victoria and sharing dreams of becoming famous authors, Taylor struggles to fit in. As she enters college and begins dating, it feels like Taylor is finally finding her place and some stability . . . until Victoria's betrayal changes everything.

1865

While Louisa May Alcott is off traveling the world, Johanna Suhre accepts a job tending Louisa's aging parents and their home in Concord. Soon after arriving at Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft and, ignoring Louisa's words of caution, falls in love and accepts Nathan's proposal. But before long, Johanna experiences her husband's dark side, and she can't hide the bruises that appear.

2019

After receiving news of Lorraine Bennett's cancer diagnosis, Taylor knows she must return home to see her adoptive mother again. Now a successful author, Taylor is determined to spend little time in Concord. Yet she becomes drawn into the story of a woman who lived there centuries before. And through her story, Taylor may just find forgiveness and a place to belong.

My Thoughts

Th Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli is a fascinating historical novel.  It is a dual timeline story.  Taylor and Victoria are estranged sisters.  Victoria betrayed Taylor’s trust which caused Taylor to run away and not communicate with her family for the last sixteen years.  Taylor learns that her adoptive mother has cancer and returns home.  This is a chance to reconnect with her family and heal old wounds.  In 1865, Johanna Suhre has been corresponding with Louisa May Alcott regarding her brother, John who was nursed by the author.  Johanna wants to spread her wings and gets the offer to tend the Alcott house while Louisa travels as a companion to Europe.  At Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft.  She falls in love with the charming man and they marry.  Unfortunately, Johanna soon learns that there is another side to her husband.  I like how these two story lines tied together.  I thought The Orchard House was well-written with developed characters.  The book has gentle pacing which suits the story.  Louisa May Alcott along with her family, her writings, and Orchard House are prominently featured in past and present.  I could tell that that the author did her research for this novel as the historical information shined.  I enjoyed learning more about Louisa Mae Alcott and Orchard House. Heidi Chivaroli captured Louisa May Alcott.   The author tackled difficult topics in this time-slip novel.  Domestic abuse, insecurities regarding self-worth, feelings of not belonging, betrayal, and a cancer diagnose and treatment are some of the topics in the book.  Two sisters must find a way to overcome the past to become close again while dealing with betrayal and abuse.  Faith and God is woven into the story as well. Our characters go through some challenging times which draws them closer to each other and God.  The Orchard House is an engaging novel with a satisfying ending.  We see the importance of communication, forgiveness, faith, and to never give up hope.  Johanna and Louisa as well as Taylor and Victoria shared a connection.  The women may not always agree with each other, but they knew they could count on each other. I like how we get to know Louisa and Johanna through letters. It breaks up the dialogue and gives the novel another layer.  The Orchard House is a captivating time-slip novel with squabbling sisters, a heartless husband, long letters, an affluent author, an infirm mother, unflagging faith, and a faithful family.

The Orchard House is available from Amazon*.  You can find Heidi Chiavaroli's other novels here.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I hope that you enjoy The Orchard House as much as I did.  The images I used today include Orchard House, Louisa May Alcott at Orchard House, a postcard of staircase at Orchard House, Louisa May Alcott at her desk writing, and Louisa May Alcott reading.  I will be featuring Murder with a View by Diane Kelly next time.  It is the 3rd A House Flipper Mystery.  May you have an upbeat day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli

Welcome!  Heidi Chiavaroli began her writing journey thirteen years ago.  She combines her love of literature and history to craft split time novels.  Freedom's Ring, her debut novel, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist.  Freedom's Ring was also a Romantic times Top Pick.  She has also written The Edge of Mercy and The Hidden Side (both book on Kindle Unlimited)  Heidi likes to run, hike, and bake.  Lives in Massachusetts with her husband of sixteen years and her two sons.  Visit Heidi's website for more information about her, her books, to read her blog, sign up for her newsletter, view pictures from her research, or to download a book club kit for The Tea Chest.  You can follow Heidi on   Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Goodreads, Bookbub and Instagram.

The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli takes reader’s back in time to 1773 in Boston where Emma Malcolm’s father is the local customs agent and is fiercely loyal to the crown. Emma is betrothed to the repugnant and violent, Samuel Clarke.  Emma has fallen for printer’s apprentice, Noah Winslow who is one of the Liberty Boys (a patriot).  She aligns herself with the patriots cause and helps disguise Noah on the night of the Boston Tea Party.  The next morning, Samuel catches Emma with an incriminating evidence that would sentence Noah and the other men to death.  Samuel offers Emma a solution, but it means giving up the man she loves. 

Tea Chest in Boston Tea Party Museum

Lieutenant Hayley Ashworth has twenty days before she begins the intensive training to, hopefully, become the first female Navy SEAL.  She returns home to Medford, Massachusetts to visit her mother and get some closure.  Hayley encounters Ethan Gagnon, the man she loved and gave up for her military dream.  After a lifesaving measure, Ethan offers Hayley an item from his antique shop as a thank you.  She picks out a tea chest in which she finds a hidden historic document.  Hayley delves into the past with Ethan to learn more about the original owner and the document.  She makes some unexpected discoveries about the past and herself.  Two women, who are separated by time, must each find the strength to fight for freedom and what they will do for love.  

Tarring and Feathering

The Tea Chest by Heidi Chiavaroli is a split time novel.  It features two strong women from two different centuries.  Emma Malcolm is interested in politics despite being told it is unladylike and inappropriate.  While her father is loyal to the King in 1773 Boston, Emma sides with those who are against the tyranny of the crown with their endless taxes.  Emma has fallen for printer’s apprentice, Noah Winslow.  Unfortunately, her father has betrothed Emma to Samuel Clarke whose father is an importer.  Emma finds herself making a terrible choice if she wishes to protect those she loves.  Hayley Ashworth is in the Navy and will soon begin SEAL training.  She wants her mind clear for the upcoming rigorous training, so she journeys home to Medford, Massachusetts to talk with her mother (a drug addict).  Hayley runs into her old flame, Ethan which brings up feelings that she has buried for the last six years.  After being gifted an old tea chest, Hayley discovers a secret hidden within it that sends her searching for answers.  Hayley learns about the tea chest and so much more.  I enjoyed reading The Tea Chest.  It is a compelling novel featuring two women who must have strength if they are get through what lies ahead for them.  I thought The Tea Chest was well-written with developed characters.  The author captured the 1770s beautifully with the language, the clothing, and people’s attitudes.  Heidi Chiavaroli depicts the events that led up to the American Revolution.  We see people tired of the excessive taxes, tarring and feathering, the Boston Tea Party, and Bunker Hill.  It was a violent time and the author did not hold back.  Faith is interwoven into the story.  Emma is a woman of faith along with Noah, while Hayley still needs to find God.  I like how we are shown the importance of prayer and believing in God.  It is wonderful how the two sections came together into one complete story.  The Tea Chest is a riveting novel that will have staying up into the wee hours to finish it (prepare for book hangover the next day).  The Tea Chest has an unfeeling father, a tea chest, a reprobate husband-to-be, an intrepid printer’s apprentice, a round robin, and heroic women.

You can find The Tea Chest on Amazon* along with Heidi Chiavaroli's other historical novels.  For information on the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, visit this website.  If you would like more information about the role women plays during the Revolutionary War, take a look at this site.  Thank you for joining me today.  I am reviewing Two Steps Forward by Suzanne Woods Fisher tomorrow.  It is the final novel in The Deacon's Family series.  I hope you have creative day (creating things is good for the soul).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.