The Color of Home is a Moving Debut Novel

 

Author Kit Tosello's debut novel, The Color of Home is a moving 1st person point of view story. When I first saw this cover, I wanted to live in the adorable white house. I'd probably change the door color to green, but I digress. I loved the lyrical cadence of her writing. 

Interior designer Audrey Needham returns to her Charity Falls, Oregon where she spent summers during her childhood to help her great-aunt and uncle move into assisted living. Going back brings up long dormant memories for Audrey about her father's passing.

The relationship between Audrey and her great-aunt Daisy was so sweet. They had a real love for one another. It was a beautifully crafted portrayal of a genuine, nurturing bond.

I used to want romance in ALL my stories. As I've gotten older, I'd like to think I've matured enough as a reader to not need romance in all my stories. Don't get me wrong, I still want (and enjoy) romance, but it's no longer a necessity. While there is some romance in The Color of Home it isn't the main plot of the story. 

I loved the cozy small-town community the author created with Charity Falls. I didn't want to leave this charming place and its delightful characters. I hope the author writes more stories set in Charity Falls.

I think I could have lived happily in the Sweet Reads bookstore the way the author describes it.  

The English major part of me was sighing in happiness at the multiple Jane Austen references. If you're a fan of Austen's work, you know Jane created memorable characters authors have been trying to emulate and unrealistic expectations of fictional men since 1811.

The story’s central theme is God’s redemption of brokenness, guiding us toward the life we were always meant to discover.

Overall, The Color of Home is a solid first novel by Kit Tosello. I'd give this book 4 stars. My deduction of a star is because I thought the ending was rushed and unsatisfactory. The melodic rhythm carries throughout the whole novel will have you engrossed in the story however the ending fell flat in my opinion. Has this ever happened to you? 

 

Because of the high caliber of Ms. Tosello's writing, I do want to read more stories by this author. I just hope the ending will be a little more enjoyable overall. 

Reading is an adventure,

Emilee

 

~~The Color of Home was provided to me by the publisher in return for my honest review.  I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~