"Modern day relationship drama"

Massachusetts history teacher Daniel Cafferty proposes marriage to his girlfriend Olivia Halsey, but instead of joy she ends their relationship stating she does not want to marry. Daniel leaves heartbroken. Meanwhile, Olivia learns that her deceased parents' home that she now owns in Bishop, Rhode Island has been vandalized. Seeing an opportunity to escape, she flees for her hometown.

Olivia's two best friends, Lexie James and Claire Fitgerald join her from Illinois and Virginia respectively. The three women, though living widely differing lifestyles, are at crossroads in their relationships with men. Olivia questions whether saying no was the right thing; Lexie wonders why one night stands leave her lonely and empty; Claire questions whether her husband even cares. The past is all around them in Bishop, but it is the future each one must decide on.

Though at times having three adult women with varying relational issues to muddle through can seem overwhelming readers will appreciate this delightful contemporary tale. The story line mostly focuses on Olivia and to a degree Daniel, but also uses the subplots of Lexie and Claire to enhance the prime theme that relationships require communication, trust and work or they atrophy. Fans of modern day relationship dramas will enjoy COMING HOME with Dee Holmes who shows sometimes you can go home.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted November 25, 2003

Antiques lover Olivia Halsey adores second-hand goods, but is afraid of becoming a first-time bride. So she and her two best friends take a time-out on life to go home to Bishop, Rhode Island, where they'll all learn what to throw away-and what to treasure.

Summary

Olivia Halsey has never met a rummage sale she could pass up. But one-of-a-kind antiques at bargain prices are about the only thing she can stand to commit to. The sexy man she's involved with wants marriage, but Olivia keeps pushing him away. That's why she's going home to Bishop, Rhode Island. To put some distance between them-and to repair some damage that's been done to her childhood home.

Olivia's not the only one looking for a time-out. Her best friends Lexie and Claire, are heading to Bishop too-on the pretext of helping her fix up the house. A sexy television reporter, Lexie is ready for some soul searching. And the perfect Claire is tired of hiding her perfect family's faults. Coming home to Bishop will bring out the best and worst of their friendship, and the best and worst of themselves. If only they can learn to trust the good parts-and help Olivia recognize what to throw away and what to treasure...