Heading Home: A Novel

Renee Riva
David C. Cook (2010)
ISBN 9781434767769
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (05/10)

 

A.J. Degulio and her rather large family moved to Italy when she was ten-years-old.  Now, eight years later, she is returning to the place she has always considered her home - Indian Island.  She intends to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine as well as something (or rather someone) else, namely Danny Morgan, an old friend who has been taking care of the dog she had to leave behind all those years ago.  However, there is a flaw in her plans.  She is considering taking vows and becoming a nun, while Danny is on the path to becoming a Baptist preacher.  Faced with the decision of whether they should serve God or seek personal gratification, A.J. and Danny search their hearts and hope they make the right choice.

“Heading Home” is the third book by Renee Riva featuring A.J. Degulio.  Told in the first person, the story moves quickly and allows the reader to experience a great deal of insight into A.J.’s character.  This book is very entertaining.  It seems that whatever can go wrong does - but in a fun and humorous way.  Reading this book makes me want to go back and read the previous two stories.  I am certain A.J.’s earlier life was just as exciting and adventurous as her life as a young adult seems to be.

The target audience for this book is female teenagers and young adults.  Younger girls would probably be more interested in the earlier books (when A.J. was closer to their age) but will be enticed to continue with the series.  There are many references to religion (which is obvious due to the nun and preacher aspects) but the author does not try to preach morals or suggest that one denomination is better than another.  She does an excellent job of demonstrating when a person should be willing to compromise and when she should remain steadfast and accept nothing less than achieving her goals to the fullest.

“Heading Home” is a fun book featuring lovable characters that just cannot seem to live normal lives.  I enjoyed sharing their adventures and feeling as if I belonged to their large and loving family.  It was fun to share some laughs and some surprises along the way.

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