Last One Home by Debbie Macomber---A Review

SYNOPSIS:

Growing up, Cassie Carter and her sisters, Karen and Nichole, were incredibly close -- until one fateful event drove them apart. After high school, Cassie ran away from home to marry the wrong man, throwing away a college scholarship and breaking her parents’ hearts. To make matters worse, Cassie had always been their father’s favorite -- a sentiment that weighed heavily on her sisters and made Cassie’s actions even harder to bear.

Now thirty-one, Cassie is back in Washington, living in Seattle with her daughter and hoping to leave her past behind. After ending a difficult marriage, Cassie is back on her own two feet, the pieces of her life slowly but surely coming together. Despite the strides Cassie’s made, she hasn’t been able to make peace with her sisters. Karen, the oldest, is a busy wife and mother, balancing her career with raising her two children. And Nichole, the youngest, is a stay-at-home mom whose husband indulges her every whim. Then one day, Cassie receives a letter from Karen, offering what Cassie thinks may be a chance to reconcile. And as Cassie opens herself up to new possibilities -- making amends with her sisters, finding love once more -- she realizes the power of compassion, and the promise of a fresh start.

FROM MY MIND'S EYE:

Debbie Macomber has another hit with this touching story of three sisters and her insights into the  Carter family dynamics!  All families struggle with growing pains and there is something about being that middle child that can be bothersome.

Macomber shares her keen insights into this middle child of the Carter family, Cassie.   Macomber's writing is smooth and easy to read.   Her storyline flows flawlessly.   In Last One Home, we get to view the mistakes made by family....a rebellious teenager, parents who try to persuade her it's not true love, sisters who resent the hurt the middle child brought to their parents.   Finally as Cassie lives with the consequences of her rash and youthful decisions, she realizes she needs to leave her abusive home situation and make a life on her own for her and her daughter.  

Cassie's growth and maturity is reflected in the pages of this story, as are her sister's.    This maturing leads to a hesitant reunion and a cautious reconciliation between the three sisters.   The married sisters have issues in their marriages and Cassie meets the man of her dreams through her work with Habitat for Humanity.   However, the romance between Cassie and her gruff boss with Habitat for Humanity, Steve Brody, moves way too fast for Cassie's comfort level.   After years of abuse and estrangement from her sisters, she needs to take it slow and make certain her needs are met and her life is stable.    The romance takes a back seat to that and for me something was lost in the translation from a burning attraction to taking it at Cassie's  cautious pace, albeit, a wise decision on her character's part.

Lots of reminders about family dynamics, the power of love and forgiveness, family values, regrets, life lessons and information about Habitat for Humanity, an awesome organization that helps families in need of stability.

It was an easy read, heartwarming, and satisfying.    I rated this five winks...a little different from Macomber, but refreshing nonetheless.

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I received a copy of this book from the author or their representative in exchange for an honest review.