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Home Sweet Home
Ben Hughes, an outdoor adventurist looking for a change in life, accepts a job of a lifetime on a remote tropical island. The long cold winters in Colorado are getting old. He longs for the warm tropical breezes and the sandy beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Jenny Mason is tired of working day to day in the family restaurant, also looking for a new life. Graduating from college with a psychology degree, she too accepts an unusual job that takes her far away from home and family. In transit to the island of Kwajalein of the Marshall Islands, their transport plane goes down in a massive storm. Jenny and Ben, the two lone survivors adrift in a raft for days, eventually find themselves on a remote island. After only one week, the search and rescue mission was canceled. Upon hearing the news on the radio, they reluctantly accept their fate of living out the rest of their lives on an island they call paradise. An epic tale of survival, love, and family. And for something completely different. The Aether
- GenresRomance
746 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2013
66 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 14, 2023
Wow that was loooong!!
I’m really not sure how to rate this one.
I will say the story line, I loved.. in regards to it being stranded on a desert island theme, and I loved the characters, the setting etc.
However, I struggled through the first 50% due to the way it is written, there were so many parts that had been rewritten which was totally unnecessary, I also wasn’t a fan of the way this book was written, it wasn’t an easy read for me, I kept getting confused and had to reread parts which isn’t helpful when a book is already so long!
I also felt there was so much over use of words such as embarrassed, I found myself rolling my eyes every time I read that word.
But I did find that the second half of book wasn’t as bad, it was easier to read, it flowed better for me.
I also found this to be a very unrealistic story in terms of how easy they had it on the island.
One thing I loved was the fact that the author didn’t stop as soon as they were rescued, the book carried on right up to their deaths which was refreshing, so many times I’ll read a book and think you can’t stop there I need to know the rest of their lives.
So I’m struggling on how to rate this because on one hand I loved it, I know this story will stay with me a long time, I cried, smiled and laughed through this so it definitely got me but on the other hand this really needs so much editing, I’d love to revisit this story in the future but I’m not sure if I will, it took so long to read I’m not sure if I’d have to patience to read through the first half again without giving up, which is a real shame!
I do realise though that it can’t be easy to write a book, so I think for that reason I’m going to rate it 4 stars, as there is a chance I may attempt to read it again.
I’m really not sure how to rate this one.
I will say the story line, I loved.. in regards to it being stranded on a desert island theme, and I loved the characters, the setting etc.
However, I struggled through the first 50% due to the way it is written, there were so many parts that had been rewritten which was totally unnecessary, I also wasn’t a fan of the way this book was written, it wasn’t an easy read for me, I kept getting confused and had to reread parts which isn’t helpful when a book is already so long!
I also felt there was so much over use of words such as embarrassed, I found myself rolling my eyes every time I read that word.
But I did find that the second half of book wasn’t as bad, it was easier to read, it flowed better for me.
I also found this to be a very unrealistic story in terms of how easy they had it on the island.
One thing I loved was the fact that the author didn’t stop as soon as they were rescued, the book carried on right up to their deaths which was refreshing, so many times I’ll read a book and think you can’t stop there I need to know the rest of their lives.
So I’m struggling on how to rate this because on one hand I loved it, I know this story will stay with me a long time, I cried, smiled and laughed through this so it definitely got me but on the other hand this really needs so much editing, I’d love to revisit this story in the future but I’m not sure if I will, it took so long to read I’m not sure if I’d have to patience to read through the first half again without giving up, which is a real shame!
I do realise though that it can’t be easy to write a book, so I think for that reason I’m going to rate it 4 stars, as there is a chance I may attempt to read it again.
July 4, 2023
***2.5***
I wanted to like this book because it has a trope I’m absolutely loving at the moment - stranded on a deserted island.
The writing style felt juvenile to me. Very matter of fact if that makes sense. Like “I went to the beach. The beach was good” kind of vibe.
I just couldn’t get into it. The characters were very two dimensional as well. Felt no connection to them whatsoever
I wanted to like this book because it has a trope I’m absolutely loving at the moment - stranded on a deserted island.
The writing style felt juvenile to me. Very matter of fact if that makes sense. Like “I went to the beach. The beach was good” kind of vibe.
I just couldn’t get into it. The characters were very two dimensional as well. Felt no connection to them whatsoever
September 4, 2017
Disappointing
There might have been a good theme here, but I got so tired of the elementary writing, failure to use commas properly, and errors in grammar that I gave up and ejected the e-book into space!
There might have been a good theme here, but I got so tired of the elementary writing, failure to use commas properly, and errors in grammar that I gave up and ejected the e-book into space!
June 19, 2022
Promising
Let me say that I recommend this book. Not for its writing but for the story itself.
I am giving this book four stars. The story is wonderful and the detail is great. The potential is there for this to be amazing but the writing feels more like a rough draft.
Let me say that I recommend this book. Not for its writing but for the story itself.
I am giving this book four stars. The story is wonderful and the detail is great. The potential is there for this to be amazing but the writing feels more like a rough draft.
December 27, 2025
The best book I've read this year!
I've read over 100 Kindle books this year and this is by far the best I've read. It is long and the grammar shows a lack of proper proofing, but that is inconsequential. The story is tremendous. It is a longitudinal story of a couple and their children and grand children spanning over 50 years. Warning, the time line puts the ending of the book around 2050, but it doesn't portray a speculative future. Rather, just a strange quirk. I rarely cry at book endings, but this sucked me into wet eyes for at least the last 50 pages. Wow. I love survival camping. The story reminds me of the Blue Lagoon movie (and Swiss Family Robinson) but it is so much more. For the three days I was reading it I was remembering so many of my own camping trips, and each night I dreamt of being out survival camping. Imagine a long term Naked and Afraid episode. Wonderful!!!
I've read over 100 Kindle books this year and this is by far the best I've read. It is long and the grammar shows a lack of proper proofing, but that is inconsequential. The story is tremendous. It is a longitudinal story of a couple and their children and grand children spanning over 50 years. Warning, the time line puts the ending of the book around 2050, but it doesn't portray a speculative future. Rather, just a strange quirk. I rarely cry at book endings, but this sucked me into wet eyes for at least the last 50 pages. Wow. I love survival camping. The story reminds me of the Blue Lagoon movie (and Swiss Family Robinson) but it is so much more. For the three days I was reading it I was remembering so many of my own camping trips, and each night I dreamt of being out survival camping. Imagine a long term Naked and Afraid episode. Wonderful!!!
August 30, 2023
An amazing journey
I loved the tempo. There were some points that were unclear but they seemed personal. So I wondered if they were unclear because the author didn't know or because the POV would make it impolite to acknowledge. Like after the twins how did they prevent pregnancy. What was the nature of Jenny's surgery. They were young, why no more children in Colorado. $550,000 isn't grand money. Why did that make them rich? But those small questions amidst 700 pages of beautiful emotion and struggle feel arbitrary because they didn't detract from the enjoyment.
I loved the tempo. There were some points that were unclear but they seemed personal. So I wondered if they were unclear because the author didn't know or because the POV would make it impolite to acknowledge. Like after the twins how did they prevent pregnancy. What was the nature of Jenny's surgery. They were young, why no more children in Colorado. $550,000 isn't grand money. Why did that make them rich? But those small questions amidst 700 pages of beautiful emotion and struggle feel arbitrary because they didn't detract from the enjoyment.
October 17, 2025
Im a wreck
I usually don’t leave reviews but im compelled to leave one for this book… Im surprised it doesn’t have more reviews, even though I agree w the others about the editing, the story its beautiful. It felt like never ending at the first 3 chapters, BUT getting close to the end I was already feeling sad cause I had to say goodbye to this characters… the last 3 chapters were so difficult to read cause at that point I was tearing up so much, even now its difficult to write this as I just finished it and had a really good cry. I already miss these characters and I hope I will make this a yearly reading for me…
I usually don’t leave reviews but im compelled to leave one for this book… Im surprised it doesn’t have more reviews, even though I agree w the others about the editing, the story its beautiful. It felt like never ending at the first 3 chapters, BUT getting close to the end I was already feeling sad cause I had to say goodbye to this characters… the last 3 chapters were so difficult to read cause at that point I was tearing up so much, even now its difficult to write this as I just finished it and had a really good cry. I already miss these characters and I hope I will make this a yearly reading for me…
February 28, 2024
Best book I've read in a long time.
Not being a lover of tear jerkers, I still loved this 700 page book with the four emotional situations. It hit many of my hot spots like nudism, open charity, love of life and active equality just as a start. I really got into the life on the island and the active resolution of the many problems involved in staying strong in the face of adversity.
Not being a lover of tear jerkers, I still loved this 700 page book with the four emotional situations. It hit many of my hot spots like nudism, open charity, love of life and active equality just as a start. I really got into the life on the island and the active resolution of the many problems involved in staying strong in the face of adversity.
November 25, 2024
Fun and Interesting Survival Story
Disney look is story of two people lost on an island paradise, how they learn new skills, even have children. Plenty of hard work, still idyllic, a nice distraction. The poor editing takes some getting used to, otherwise fun to read as the couple learns to cope, and what happens later.
Disney look is story of two people lost on an island paradise, how they learn new skills, even have children. Plenty of hard work, still idyllic, a nice distraction. The poor editing takes some getting used to, otherwise fun to read as the couple learns to cope, and what happens later.
July 5, 2025
Goes on the reading list
Pretty good story of a couples life. It hits all the bases of what I like in a story. Adventure, love, hardship overcome and a little spooky-ness. The story would be excellent for young folks to anyone wanting a good yarn. Five stars because I would like to read it again. There is a list of books I enjoy and recommend to others, this is going on it.
Pretty good story of a couples life. It hits all the bases of what I like in a story. Adventure, love, hardship overcome and a little spooky-ness. The story would be excellent for young folks to anyone wanting a good yarn. Five stars because I would like to read it again. There is a list of books I enjoy and recommend to others, this is going on it.
March 30, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable
This is so well described that it could be made into a film. I loved the characters who were so real I felt their emotions. There are many wonderful scenes and experiences both on and off the island I wanted to be there with them. A really wonderful book 5*.
This is so well described that it could be made into a film. I loved the characters who were so real I felt their emotions. There are many wonderful scenes and experiences both on and off the island I wanted to be there with them. A really wonderful book 5*.
April 12, 2024
Great read.
Couldn't stop reading. The author draws you in with the characters and story. You become part of the story. It was hard to know the story and people weren't real.
Couldn't stop reading. The author draws you in with the characters and story. You become part of the story. It was hard to know the story and people weren't real.
August 16, 2024
This book had no business being as sad as it was. I was not prepared for that ending.
April 5, 2025
love this book
It’s long but well worth it! I have read it twice already!
I love that this book doesn’t skip details or is quick to end.
It’s long but well worth it! I have read it twice already!
I love that this book doesn’t skip details or is quick to end.
August 15, 2025
That was excellent!
Wow! Have not read a story like that in a long time. I can see how everyone would get sucked up into that adventure.
Wow! Have not read a story like that in a long time. I can see how everyone would get sucked up into that adventure.
December 27, 2024
As much as I enjoyed the first half of this tale, the parts of second half I can only describe as OVERWRITTEN. How many times do the twins have to turn in to so-called Amazon Girls doing stupid things like killing/cooking a koi pond fish and smashing a television because of the 'monster' on screen(it was Disney's "Beauty & The Beast" for crying out loud!)?, or must we read of the leading man's hatred for press and interviews? And I must point out that it took me two hours just to get through the last 10% of the book because the author kept tacking on one end scene after another, to the point where I felt like she had to keep reminding us that the two main characters were dead, and their children repeatedly interrogating one grandchild over what she saw or heard in the death and funeral scenes got to the point of aggravating. The author told a good story, but next time she might consider hiring an editor!
June 4, 2019
Always amazing
Read the book for a second time and still have tears 😭 running down my face. Can’t wait for more books by the author. Maybe even a teen romance to top this one maybe.
Read the book for a second time and still have tears 😭 running down my face. Can’t wait for more books by the author. Maybe even a teen romance to top this one maybe.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews