Home to Chicory Lane

 

Judging by its description, Home to Chicory Lane by Deborah Raney is not the type of book I would normally choose to read, and even as I start writing this blog post, I'm not sure if I'm going to stick with it. I expect it to be kind of corny predictability, with not a lot of intrigue, but I'm willing to be proven wrong – I guess.

Audrey and Grant Whitman are about to open the Chicory Inn when their daughter, Landyn, shows up unexpectedly at their door with an U-Haul packed with all her belongings. Landyn’s marriage is in disarray and she has nowhere else to go. To follow his dream to be a professional artist, her husband, Chase, has made some decisions about their lives without consulting Landyn. She strongly objects to Chase’s choices and leaves him to go home to her parents.

Landyn’s sudden appearance is not good timing for Audrey and Grant since they are expecting their first guests at the inn in a few days. Three weeks go by and Landyn is still not going back to Chase. Her parents grow frustrated and want her to gain control over her life. The truth is, Landyn is at a crossroads and she doesn’t know which direction she should take. At this point, I am curious to see what Landyn does.

Told with much hokeyness, this is basically a story about a newlywed couple who aren’t managing their lives too well. Landyn and Chase must figure things out – and in a hurry, but life’s challenges and complications are getting in their way. We’re privy to their thought processes, and believe me, it doesn’t make for enjoyable reading. Much of this book is conversations about their situation, which can get monotonous and doesn’t do anything to advance its plot.

How far does someone go to support their spouse’s dreams is a major theme in this story as well as family strife, discerning God’s will and finding gratitude in difficult circumstances.

There are a few surprises in store for Landyn and Chase towards the end of the story, but nothing too compelling to say I was riveted. Home to Chicory Lane is the first book in a series. I don’t see myself continuing with this series.

It’s hard to find books to be enthusiastic about, which is why I'm constantly seeking recommendations for this blog. If you know of a book that would be a great topic for a future post, please e-mail at mariabookbanter@gmail.com.

 

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