The Way Home

by Heidi Chiavaroli

Two lost souls, one lighthouse journey . . . and an unforgettable search for the way home.

At eighteen, Scout Swift ran away from home with a charming swindler. Now, twelve years later, she’s ready to return to Maine to fulfill her late mother’s dream of visiting all the lighthouses in New England. Alone.

Or so she thinks.

Before leaving, Scout discovers a pregnant teenager hiding behind stacks of bird seed at her workplace. The desperate young woman begs to be taken along on Scout's trip. As they explore the coastal lighthouses, the two soon develop an unexpected bond.

Upon their arrival in Maine, Scout tries to reconcile with her estranged father and help her stubborn young friend find her family. But when Scout’s middle school crush attempts to help her heal old hurts, can she find the courage to explore the true meaning of home and healing, before she loses her chance at both?

The Way Home is the second book in the Lights of Acadia series by two-time Carol award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli. If you like romantic Women's Fiction, you'll love this thoughtful novel steeped in family secrets, second chances, and boundless compassion.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, Inspirational, Fiction, Christian

324 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2025

About the author

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Reviews

[Heidi Chiavaroli]

Each book I write has an origin story, and this book's inception (my fifteenth book!) began at Walmart.

Most of you know I spent a good chunk of the last decade employed by Walmart. At first, it was a way for me to help out with house renovation bills. I started in the Lawn & Garden Center. I will never forget that May night nearly nine years ago when my husband and young boys came into the Garden center. I put down my leaky hose, wiped my hands on my super-attractive blue smock, and nearly fell into the petunias when my husband told me that my agent had left a message on the home phone with news of a contract offer from my dream publishing house. Talk about a Cinderella moment! ♥️ Shortly after this, I moved to the pharmacy department and obtained my technician's license. Except for the night and weekend hours, I enjoyed this job. And, my imagination came alive.

You'll see some of Scout's experiences in the beginning chapters of The Way Home reflected in my own. But the pharmacy is just a springboard to a larger story. A story that will lead us to coastal Maine and back to the Beacon Bed and Breakfast. It's a story about forgiveness and healing and second-chance romance. It's a story about grace and compassion and humanity.

I sincerely hope you enjoy!

[Carrie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Chiavaroli never disappoints. She has quickly become a must-read author for me, and I'm pretty picky lol I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series (and highly recommend it), but you don't have to have read that book to enjoy this one. This story was a beautiful mix of the healing power of coming home, of forgiveness and also of the wonderful things God can surprise you with. I loved watching the friendship between Scout and the pregnant teen she feels called to help grow into a relationship neither of them expected, and proved to be one of those 'new beginnings' you never see coming in life. I also rooted for her and Zack from the second Zack appeared on the page. It was such a lovely journey, watching them find their way after being brought back together just when both of them needed it.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can so relate to Scout. I'm also a little OCD and a germophobe. She likes order and cleanliness. Her life, however, is quite a mess and she's doing the best she can. Her mom passed away years ago and she's estranged from her dad and friends. When a pregnant teenager needs assistance and Scout can focus less on her own issues and work toward helping a young woman in need, the healing begins.

Part of what I loved about this novel is the setting...Bar Harbor, Maine. I just returned from a trip there. It's so beautiful and to be able to visualize the lighthouses, Bar Harbor Inn, etc. mentioned in the novel just made it that much more enjoyable.

I'm hoping that a few characters in particular will get their own stories in the remaining books in the series.

Another fabulous story of brokenness and healing by the talented Heidi Chiavaroli. My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story of forgiveness and new beginnings. Though this is book 2 in the Lights of Acadia series, it can be read on its own. The characters from book 1 are side characters in this book, but you won't be lost if you read this one first (you just may get a couple of spoilers). Twelve years after Scout Swift left home, she finds herself with some unexpected vacation time and decides it's time to finish the quest she'd started with her mother to see all the lighthouses in New England. And maybe make peace with her past while she's at it. When she gets an unexpected passenger, it turns her world on its head in more ways than one. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of found family, fresh starts and second chance (of a sort) romance. While this book was heavy on the character development, there was an enjoyable plot line there as well - enough to keep this plot-driven reader turning pages and fully engaged. The characters were likable and relatable and their growth and development throughout the book was stellar. There were a few flashback chapters from the perspective of Scout's mom. I enjoyed having that perspective as well as it fed directly into Scout's current day struggles. With strong themes of forgiveness, this book had a solid faith thread as well. This book had me feeling ALL of the feelings and I found myself crying through a large chunk of the ending as the characters found their way through healing. All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I would heartily recommend it to fans of women's fiction, contemporary romance, character driven stories, and stories that tackle difficult subjects with grace. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Stephanie Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Heidi Chiavaroli

Another great book by Heidi. I can’t recommend her books enough. Real characters with real troubles and stories. I’ll keep reading every one I can get my hands on.

[Robyn Seitzler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean Adult Romance - and so much more!

Romance is not my preferred genre, but I sure do love a Heidi Chiavaroli book! Sure, the romance is there, but so are threads of very real-life issues. Handled in a discreet, yet open way, Ms. Chiavaroli makes you face the issues of unforgiveness and grief lingering in one’s own life and leads you toward light. A powerful and satisfying read!

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
The Way Home is a captivating story with so many elements I love: second chances, a scrapbook of memory making visits to lighthouses, a journey of faith, family secrets, helping others, romance, plot twists, and the difficult task of forgiveness. A beautiful story of coming home.

Scout Swift left home 12 years ago with a man who she thought would solve all her problems after her mother died and she felt betrayed by her father. She returns for a three week vacation with Reagan, a pregnant young teenager in tow to her hometown to complete a journey that she started with her Mom. She comes to realize how her leaving has impacted those she left behind.

Charlotte and Laney from The Way Back (which I adored) are part of The Way Home. Charlotte offers Scout and Reagan a place to stay at her B & B while they are in town.

Zack Garrison (Scout’s 12-year-old crush) has restored the lighthouse on the grounds of Charlotte’s B & B and is now working on the guest cottage where they are staying. He is a sweet handsome man, all grown up from the boy Scout remembers. Although he is angry with her when she arrives. Zack has a kind heart and helps others in town, especially an elderly woman, and never charges what he is worth. He gets some life-changing bad news from his parents, and his sweet dog is Atticus.

I loved the flashbacks with Scout's mom Lillian, it gives us a greater understanding of what Scout has been struggling with since her mom died.

“Never be afraid of loving, Scout. It’s the bravest thing you can do.”
“He is here with us, whether or not He answers our prayer how we want.”

I highly recommend the Lights of Acadia series for beautiful, redemptive stories. The Way Home and The Way Back are captivating! They can totally be read as standalones, but I recommend reading them both.

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kelly Bridgewater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Way Home by Heidi Chiavaroli is a delightful story about second chances. I love the idea of the main character, Scout, helping someone out on her journey to dealing with the issues from her past. Heidi returns to a familiar town with familiar characters if readers have read The Way Back. There is romance. Romance from a past crush into a reality that might become something deeper. Readers will enjoy watching the transformation of Scout and Zach as they have to learn to deal with things that hurt and how to move forward with their current life. Many readers will find some solace and peace with seeing these elements possibly reflected in their own lives. The videos from her dead mother really made me tear up. As someone who lost her father almost ten years ago, I would do anything to have my father speak to me through videos. Alongside the past transformation, Chiavoroli does speak on aspects of leaning more into God to help the healing, but it does not overshadow the storyline and come off as preachy. I believe any reader who is looking for a good story with transformative storytelling would enjoy this story.

I received a complimentary copy of The Way Back by Heidi Chivaroli but the opinions stated are all my own.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from Heidi Chiavaroli. Lighthouses, family drama, teenage angst, and lots of forgiveness. Heidi's books always give me hope.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Book 2 in this series was an incredibly poignant story I was entranced with and read in one sitting. It drew me in with the deep character development, the heartbreak and emotional struggles, and the healing power of God. Scout left her hometown in Maine for an exciting adventure which turned into heartbreak, shame and starting life over in Massachusetts. Now, 12 years later, she is returning to fulfill her mother's dream of visiting all the lighthouses in New England. A trip she plans to make alone - until she doesn't. With a pregnant teen in tow, the two make their way back to Maine and find uncertainty awaits. Zack, a talented handyman with dreams to take his work to the next level, has his own issues to work through. When he encounters Scout, he already has his mind made up about her due to her quick departure years ago. She left pain and heartache in her wake, and he is sure she's up to her old tricks. Can they untangle mistrust and support a pregnant teen all while working on their own emotional trials? I laughed and I cried, and I had to address some of my own struggles as I read this unbelievable novel. Heidi Chiavaroli weaves a beautiful story of heartache, pain and healing. A must-read for 2025!

My thanks to the author who gifted me a copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Perrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the way home is way more complicated that it needs to be, especially when you’re a lost soul. This is where Scout finds herself and her journey has some deep emotional scars, and she needs to extend grace to those that she has wronged. There were more plot twists than I could imagine but I always enjoy Heidi Chiavaroli’s warmth of story, especially since I haven’t read one of her novels recently. This was an incredibly easy novel to read, with such excellent flow and an ending that was completely unexpected. I really enjoyed the lighthouse tours that just added more dimension to the storyline.
This is book two in the Light of Acadia series but can definitely be read as a stand-alone novel. Heidi Chiavaroli is a Carol Award Winner and Christy Award Finalist. I have read several of her novels and would not hesitate to recommend any of them. Many of her novels are dual timelines, which I really enjoy.
I received an early e-copy from the author, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 255, Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

[Joan Arning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of forgiveness and healing for so many troubled people and is set in beautiful Maine! Scout is the main character. Her life fell apart as a teenager when her mother passed away. She ran away with the first guy who gave her attention but he took her money and left her stranded six hours later! I loved how 12 years later, Scout determines to revisit the city where she grew up. Your heart will go out to the pregnant teenager, Reagan, who has nowhere to go so she joins Scout on her trip. Scout and her dad have issues to work through. Scout's middle school crush has his own issues and is working on the lighthouse B&B where Scout wants to stay! God works in miraculous ways to change hearts when we turn to Him. I recommend The Way Home by Heidi Chiavaroli to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're struggling with forgiveness, this might be a hard book to read, because it's the theme of all of these characters' lives. Each of these characters face obstacles and situations that continually throw forgiveness back in their faces--will they (can they) forgive?

Scout had a lot to deal with when she was just 18-years-old, and her decisions impacted far more people than she could have imagined. When she decides to go home (12 years later), she knows she'll have to confront the consequences of her actions, and she knows it won't be easy. Every where she turns, however, she sees forgiveness, and it encourages her to consider the forgiveness she needs to give and receive.

Great characters. Beautiful setting. I'll definitely read more of Heidi's books in the future.

[MJSH · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Someone once told me the best way through hurt is helping someone else."

Scout and Zack's story was riddled with heartbreaks but still was uplifting and heart-warming. I really enjoyed watching Scout mature and transform as she persisted in honoring her deceased mother by visiting the lighthouses around Bar Harbor, Maine. She had to work through a lot of hurt, misunderstandings, and anger. Zack had a ton of anger and bitterness to work through as well. I loved being able to enjoy the lighthouse that Zack restored in the previous book and following along with his renovation of the guest cottage. Family dynamics caused so much angst and heartbreak for both Scout and Zack but their courage to take a step toward forgiveness was incredible.

If you enjoy sweet contemporary romance, you will enjoy this book.

[Leann Arave · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspirational beautiful story. I enjoyed all of the characters in this book. Scout left home many years ago after her mother passed away. She decides on a whim to finish the journey she had started with her mother. So back to Bar Harbor, Maine, she ventures. So many memories, so many regrets, so much resentment has built up in her 12 years of being gone. Can she learn to forgive? The hope, the fear and healing is so strong in the story, relying on those we love and God’s redeeming love make things unbearable, bearable. I love the forgiveness and goodness in this story. It is a beautiful and touching reminder of God’s love for all of us.

[Tara Heller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm usually not a contemporary fiction reader (I love historical fiction), but these books in the 'Lights of Acadia' series are so good. The story keeps me turning the pages, wondering what will happen next in the relationships of the characters. I loved this one as we got to drop in and get a different glimpse of the characters from 'The Way Back, ' the first book in the series. I love how these redemption stories are woven throughout with different character perspectives. Heid is one of my favorite authors and I look forward to more from this series.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story of second chances and hope. Scout Swift has lived a life away from the ones who love her, because she feels she failed. She finally returns to her childhood home burdened and hoping to make amends. When she opens her heart to a young teen who needs help, her healing journey begins. This story is filled with challenges, realizations, love, forgiveness, starting over, and so much more. Chiavaroli weaves a beautiful thread of faith and brilliant light throughout this heartfelt story. I purchased a copy. Opinions are my own.

[Debbie Waltz · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure coming back to the Lights of Arcadia series. At first, I wasn't quite sure how Scout's story would interact with Charlotte's. But it did so seamlessly. It's amazing how connected we are to each other if we allow ourselves to be, how one life can be affected by another in one single instant. I enjoyed how the descriptions swept me off to the lighthouses of Maine as opposed to where I really am reading to combat the heat of summer. The book was quite thought-provoking as well, making me question some things in my own life as well

[DianFlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I’m learning more about my dad than I ever knew. I’m learning more about myself, too. And it’s not all rainbows and unicorns."

The Way Home is a heart-wrenching, poignant story of several broken, dysfunctional families—who seek to help one another find wholeness and the ability to trust again. When unforgivable secrets are uncovered, both Scout Swift and her teenage crush, Zack Garrison, reluctantly begin to form a bond—but can two fractured souls fix one another?

Beautifully written, The Way Home, is a wonderful story of hurting people with major trust issues through no fault of their own . . . who must learn forgiveness and compassion by the grace of God.

[Lynn Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love Heidi's books. The Way Home was no exception. Scout's story is one of compassion, forgiveness, redemption, new beginnings, and second chances. Told in Chiavaroli's beautiful voice. Highly recommend all of Heidi's books!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a must read author for me. I loved reading Scout's story. Beautiful story about forgiveness and second chances. There are a lot of broken people in the story, but also faith and hope in tough times. It's a complete story in itself, but also a great sequel to the first book.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet hope filled story!

"Broken things can become whole."
"Never be afraid of loving...it's the bravest thing you can do."

Lessons and encouragement abound in this second book of the Lights of Acadia Series.
I am never disappointed when I read Heidi Chiavaroli's books!

[DM · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much! 4.5 stars

[Kriste · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Some former characters and some awesome new ones w/ a compelling story.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heidi is breaking my heart again. I can’t even list all the ways this book touched me. How many times I thought, “this is talking to me.” Scout and Zack and even Charlotte are all carrying a lot of pain. There is divorce and unfaithfulness and sex outside of marriage that has led to deep, lasting scars. But there is hope offered, healing beginning, lessons in love and forgiveness, and overall learning that life is messy. It’s a good book but not an easy one.

[RD · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Way Home is a powerful story of forgiveness and healing. After the death of her mother, Scout abandons her home and father, leaving unresolved issues. Hurt and pride keep her away for many years. When she finally finds her way home, she realizes that her actions have hurt many good people. It takes effort to repair those relationships but she finds that those friends are still willing to stand beside her. The story also deals with a runaway pregnant teen, Reagan, and a childhood crush, Zack (now all grown up). Scout's experiences with Reagan and Zack teach her about compassion, patience, and love. Her journey to forgiveness and finding her path forward is emotional and so very relatable.

I love the use of lighthouses in the story, pointing her way back home, both physically and spiritually. My favorite quote is from Scout's mother: "God speaks to us when we're still, Scout. I think that's why I like it out here. No matter what storm or chaos surrounds this light, it's sturdy and still." There is so much wisdom and insight in the beautifully crafted words of this book! I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this story. A positive review was not required. This is my opinion.

[PhyllisRBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars!!

We are all looking for family. Somewhere to belong…While at the same time, we catch ourselves wondering if we should cling to the family we already have. But it might cost us something…again.

It’s also hard to go back home when you ran away from it years ago. This is a beautiful story of redeeming relationships, forgiveness, and discovering the truth about things that you thought you knew. Our past experiences, however troubling, can push us toward strength we didn’t have. Strength that we can share with someone who needs it.

Again, Heidi Chiavaroli writes an endearing Christian women’s fiction story that is loaded with characters finding faith and hope. You don’t want to miss reading this series.

This book is suitable for teens and older with no inappropriate intimate scenes and no bad language. I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story about forgiveness and acceptance.