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The Long Way Home
Not yet published
Expected 7 May 26Rachel thought she’d buried her first love alongside her brother.
For the last four years, Rachel has spent her time becoming exactly who everyone needs her to be. The dependable daughter. The easy girlfriend. The strong survivor. The supportive best friend.
But when she walks into her best friend’s wedding and locks eyes with Rhett, her carefully constructed world starts to fracture.
Her brother’s best friend.
The one love she has never been able to forget.
The only person who has ever seen past the mask.
Rhett left town carrying guilt and a promise to protect her, convinced that walking away was the only way to keep her safe from the wreckage of his own broken family. But loving Rachel was never something he could outrun—and seeing her again makes one truth impossible to ignore: leaving was the greatest mistake of his life.
The Long Way Home tells the story of the invisible strings that bind us, the courage it takes to confront loss and the love that demands we risk everything to find our way back to the person we were always meant to be.
Choosing Rhett means dismantling the life Rachel built to survive.
Loving Rachel means risking the one person Rhett has never been able to lose.
Some loves don’t take the easy road. Some are worth taking the long way for.
For the last four years, Rachel has spent her time becoming exactly who everyone needs her to be. The dependable daughter. The easy girlfriend. The strong survivor. The supportive best friend.
But when she walks into her best friend’s wedding and locks eyes with Rhett, her carefully constructed world starts to fracture.
Her brother’s best friend.
The one love she has never been able to forget.
The only person who has ever seen past the mask.
Rhett left town carrying guilt and a promise to protect her, convinced that walking away was the only way to keep her safe from the wreckage of his own broken family. But loving Rachel was never something he could outrun—and seeing her again makes one truth impossible to ignore: leaving was the greatest mistake of his life.
The Long Way Home tells the story of the invisible strings that bind us, the courage it takes to confront loss and the love that demands we risk everything to find our way back to the person we were always meant to be.
Choosing Rhett means dismantling the life Rachel built to survive.
Loving Rachel means risking the one person Rhett has never been able to lose.
Some loves don’t take the easy road. Some are worth taking the long way for.
398 pages, Paperback
Expected publication May 7, 2026
3 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 12, 2026
Rachel has always been in love with her brother’s best friend, Rhett, whom she has known for over a decade. Their relationship took a significant turn one night in college, but tragic events put their actions and feelings on pause while Rachel and Rhett grieved the loss of someone important in their lives. To cope with the grief, Rhett left town while Rachel stayed behind, picking up the pieces for everyone around her. Rachel has tried to overcome her own grief by being the person everyone can depend on, pushing her emotions to the side.
On the night of her best friend and sister-in-law’s wedding, Rhett comes back into her life after four years of absence. All of her feelings from the last twelve years come flooding back as she’s reminded of how deeply she has always loved him. Rhett never stopped loving Rachel either and is finally ready to admit that leaving her behind was one of the greatest mistakes of his life.
Liv has done it again! The Long Way Home is such a beautiful story of grief, love, friendship, and self-discovery. The way Liv tells their story is breathtaking. You can truly feel the longing and the deep-rooted emotions Rachel and Rhett have for one another. I put off reading this book because I knew how much I would dread reaching the end of their story—the same way I felt when finishing Anderson and Margo’s story in Between the Waves.
The Long Way Home is the perfect continuation of Between the Waves. If you are just discovering Liv’s books, you must read Between the Waves. While the books in the Invisible Strings series can technically be read as standalones, you will miss so much if you skip the first book. Do yourself a favor and read them in order—you won’t regret it.
Now I will anxiously wait, on pins and needles, for the release of the other two books in the Invisible Strings series. I can only imagine how beautiful Lexi and Slone’s story will be.
Thank you Liv for an ARC read of The Long Way Home. I am so excited to see what else’s you put out into the world!
On the night of her best friend and sister-in-law’s wedding, Rhett comes back into her life after four years of absence. All of her feelings from the last twelve years come flooding back as she’s reminded of how deeply she has always loved him. Rhett never stopped loving Rachel either and is finally ready to admit that leaving her behind was one of the greatest mistakes of his life.
Liv has done it again! The Long Way Home is such a beautiful story of grief, love, friendship, and self-discovery. The way Liv tells their story is breathtaking. You can truly feel the longing and the deep-rooted emotions Rachel and Rhett have for one another. I put off reading this book because I knew how much I would dread reaching the end of their story—the same way I felt when finishing Anderson and Margo’s story in Between the Waves.
The Long Way Home is the perfect continuation of Between the Waves. If you are just discovering Liv’s books, you must read Between the Waves. While the books in the Invisible Strings series can technically be read as standalones, you will miss so much if you skip the first book. Do yourself a favor and read them in order—you won’t regret it.
Now I will anxiously wait, on pins and needles, for the release of the other two books in the Invisible Strings series. I can only imagine how beautiful Lexi and Slone’s story will be.
Thank you Liv for an ARC read of The Long Way Home. I am so excited to see what else’s you put out into the world!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t even know where to start with this review. This was the perfect continuation of Between the Waves, but you don’t need to read it first as this can be read as a stand alone. How does one come up with words to describe the feeling this book gave me?
We follow Rachel in the aftermath of losing her brother, and the unresolved feelings she’s always had towards his best friend. This story beautifully portrays grief (something Liv does so magically, like how can she take feelings and put them into words the way she does?) the heartache of feeling lost, losing yourself once you’ve lost someone who was such a vital part of your being. It made me want to hug my brothers and tell them how important their existence is (I am not a hugger)
Rhett (our sweet sweet man) is Josh’s best friend, in love with his best friends sister, and also wants nothing more than to protect her. The words out of this man’s mouth…the ways he shows up for Rachel…one of the best MMCs.
The prologue alone is a masterpiece, and the epilogue…let’s just say I read it 20 times in row and felt feelings I can’t explain in my chest every.single.time.
Watching these characters experience the pain they do, yet overcome it so beautifully and find not just each other, but THEMSELVES along the way.
My brain chemistry has been permanently altered. Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK! I’ve read it twice, and I’m already ready for a third. I LIVE in these characters world….I purposely read it slowly because I wasn’t ready to leave.
Liv-thank you for making me feel understood with your writing. There’s not a single author out there like you.
We follow Rachel in the aftermath of losing her brother, and the unresolved feelings she’s always had towards his best friend. This story beautifully portrays grief (something Liv does so magically, like how can she take feelings and put them into words the way she does?) the heartache of feeling lost, losing yourself once you’ve lost someone who was such a vital part of your being. It made me want to hug my brothers and tell them how important their existence is (I am not a hugger)
Rhett (our sweet sweet man) is Josh’s best friend, in love with his best friends sister, and also wants nothing more than to protect her. The words out of this man’s mouth…the ways he shows up for Rachel…one of the best MMCs.
The prologue alone is a masterpiece, and the epilogue…let’s just say I read it 20 times in row and felt feelings I can’t explain in my chest every.single.time.
Watching these characters experience the pain they do, yet overcome it so beautifully and find not just each other, but THEMSELVES along the way.
My brain chemistry has been permanently altered. Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK! I’ve read it twice, and I’m already ready for a third. I LIVE in these characters world….I purposely read it slowly because I wasn’t ready to leave.
Liv-thank you for making me feel understood with your writing. There’s not a single author out there like you.
March 9, 2026
You know how some authors just have a way with words that just make you feel exactly what a character is feeling? That is what Liv does with her Invisible Strings series- she makes you feel EVERYTHING.
Rachel and Rhett carry the memories and grief of losing Josh- Rachel’s brother and Rhett’s best friend. If you’ve read the first book ,Between The Waves, you get to see more of Margo and Josh from that story here. They are each on their own journey through grief and also rediscovering who they are outside of the way grief has changed them.
There is so much to love about this series. The friendships and found family are strong and just everything you’d want out of life. The self sacrifice of love and yearning keeps you wanting so much for the characters. I love that previous book characters are woven into Rhett and Rachel’s story too.
Like I said, Liv just has a way with words that makes you feel. Have tissues ready because if you’re a crier- you will not escape the tears, but you will fall in love with this group of friends.
-This is an ARC review.
Rachel and Rhett carry the memories and grief of losing Josh- Rachel’s brother and Rhett’s best friend. If you’ve read the first book ,Between The Waves, you get to see more of Margo and Josh from that story here. They are each on their own journey through grief and also rediscovering who they are outside of the way grief has changed them.
There is so much to love about this series. The friendships and found family are strong and just everything you’d want out of life. The self sacrifice of love and yearning keeps you wanting so much for the characters. I love that previous book characters are woven into Rhett and Rachel’s story too.
Like I said, Liv just has a way with words that makes you feel. Have tissues ready because if you’re a crier- you will not escape the tears, but you will fall in love with this group of friends.
-This is an ARC review.
March 23, 2026
How do you survive losing the one person who has been with you from the very beginning? Who shares your identity, who is a piece of who you are as a person? On top of losing them forever, you turn your emotions off, help everyone else around you rebuild their lives and make yourself smaller so no one sees that you are crumbling….
Liv Arnett takes us on an emotional journey with characters who are trying to figure out not only how to just survive after loss but find themselves and live again. Rachel and Rhett both suffering a loss of a person who was an integral part of who they are have to decide how to find themselves again and along the way decide if they were all along supposed to find each other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
“I wasn’t left behind. I was just taking the long way. Through loss and forgiveness. Through fear and love. Through everything that made me unrecognizable to myself and, somehow, reminded me exactly who I am. And now, here I am. Here we are. And this-this was always the long way home.”
Liv Arnett takes us on an emotional journey with characters who are trying to figure out not only how to just survive after loss but find themselves and live again. Rachel and Rhett both suffering a loss of a person who was an integral part of who they are have to decide how to find themselves again and along the way decide if they were all along supposed to find each other.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
“I wasn’t left behind. I was just taking the long way. Through loss and forgiveness. Through fear and love. Through everything that made me unrecognizable to myself and, somehow, reminded me exactly who I am. And now, here I am. Here we are. And this-this was always the long way home.”
March 16, 2026
Arc Review ⭐️ How do I even find the words to describe how this book made me feel? Liv, you write so beautifully.
The friendship between Rhett and Anderson was so special and it added such a meaningful layer to Rhett’s protectiveness over Rachel.
The relationship between Rachel and her brother Josh was so sweet. She looked up to him so much, which made his loss even more devastating. She became the rock for everyone else while quietly carrying her own pain. She spent so long feeing like she wasn’t enough so finally letting herself grieve and be loved through it was really special.
Every character touched by grief experienced it differently, and it felt so real and raw. Liv handled writing those emotions in such a thoughtful and meaningful way.
If you’ve ever experienced any kind of loss in your life or had a deep, close friendship, this book will truly break your heart… and then slowly piece it back together again. ♥️
The friendship between Rhett and Anderson was so special and it added such a meaningful layer to Rhett’s protectiveness over Rachel.
The relationship between Rachel and her brother Josh was so sweet. She looked up to him so much, which made his loss even more devastating. She became the rock for everyone else while quietly carrying her own pain. She spent so long feeing like she wasn’t enough so finally letting herself grieve and be loved through it was really special.
Every character touched by grief experienced it differently, and it felt so real and raw. Liv handled writing those emotions in such a thoughtful and meaningful way.
If you’ve ever experienced any kind of loss in your life or had a deep, close friendship, this book will truly break your heart… and then slowly piece it back together again. ♥️
March 19, 2026
ARC Review
There are books you enjoy, and then there are books that quietly take up space in your chest - The Long Way Home is this.
From the very first pages, Liv shows she has this rare ability to articulate the in-between moments between Rachel and Rhett…the glances, the pauses, the unspoken tensions…in a way that feels deeply human and so real. Nothing feels rushed or forced.
By the end of this book, you feel like you’re not just reading about this group of friends, but more like you know them. Their histories, their grief, their loyalty to one another.
I couldn’t turn the page fast enough to get to what I knew was FINALLY coming (especially Ben getting his lol).
By the end it felt less like finishing a story and more like leaving friends behind for a little bit. And that epilogue?? 😍
Do yourself a favour and read Between the Waves (1st book in the series). Then clear your schedule to read this one…and literally anything else Liv chooses to write in the future!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There are books you enjoy, and then there are books that quietly take up space in your chest - The Long Way Home is this.
From the very first pages, Liv shows she has this rare ability to articulate the in-between moments between Rachel and Rhett…the glances, the pauses, the unspoken tensions…in a way that feels deeply human and so real. Nothing feels rushed or forced.
By the end of this book, you feel like you’re not just reading about this group of friends, but more like you know them. Their histories, their grief, their loyalty to one another.
I couldn’t turn the page fast enough to get to what I knew was FINALLY coming (especially Ben getting his lol).
By the end it felt less like finishing a story and more like leaving friends behind for a little bit. And that epilogue?? 😍
Do yourself a favour and read Between the Waves (1st book in the series). Then clear your schedule to read this one…and literally anything else Liv chooses to write in the future!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
****ARC Reader Review*****
Liv has this gift, she captures the tiny, quiet moments between Rachel and Rhett in a way that feels so real it almost aches. The looks, the hesitations, the tension simmering just beneath the surface…she writes it with such honesty that nothing ever feels forced. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you slow down just to savor it.
By the time I reached the end, it didn’t feel like I’d simply followed a friend group through a story, it felt like I’d lived alongside them. Their grief, their history, their fierce loyalty…it all felt so genuine. And yes, I tore through the pages waiting for the moments I knew were coming.
Finishing this book felt less like closing a chapter and more like stepping away from people I wasn’t quite ready to leave. And that epilogue…honestly, I’m still thinking about it. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and also to read her other book Between the Waves!!!
Liv has this gift, she captures the tiny, quiet moments between Rachel and Rhett in a way that feels so real it almost aches. The looks, the hesitations, the tension simmering just beneath the surface…she writes it with such honesty that nothing ever feels forced. It’s the kind of storytelling that makes you slow down just to savor it.
By the time I reached the end, it didn’t feel like I’d simply followed a friend group through a story, it felt like I’d lived alongside them. Their grief, their history, their fierce loyalty…it all felt so genuine. And yes, I tore through the pages waiting for the moments I knew were coming.
Finishing this book felt less like closing a chapter and more like stepping away from people I wasn’t quite ready to leave. And that epilogue…honestly, I’m still thinking about it. I highly recommend everyone to read this book and also to read her other book Between the Waves!!!
March 10, 2026
Wow.. just wow. I have no words that feel adequate enough to describe my feelings for this story and its characters. While yes this is an interconnected series, you do not have to read Between the Waves for this story to make sense. It will give you a better knowledge of the side characters in this book but not necessary to read beforehand! You’ll get the most out of the books if you read them in order!!😭
I fell so hard for Rachel and Rhett’s story… very relatable and downright heartbreaking at times. Most of the book the emotions jumped off page and slapped me across the face! I already miss these characters so much!! Told in dual pov with flashbacks (which were some of my fav chapters! 🥹)! If you love contemporary romances with emotional depth and self discovery this one is for you!!!
I fell so hard for Rachel and Rhett’s story… very relatable and downright heartbreaking at times. Most of the book the emotions jumped off page and slapped me across the face! I already miss these characters so much!! Told in dual pov with flashbacks (which were some of my fav chapters! 🥹)! If you love contemporary romances with emotional depth and self discovery this one is for you!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I honestly don’t even know where to start. This book was, again, fantastic - a beautiful continuation of the Invisible String series.
These characters are so realistic, it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. Rhett & Rachel are both experiencing insurmountable grief - but through it find their way (back) to each other and also find themselves again. They both have such inspiring growth through the book!
I absolutely loved that we got to continue to keep up with Margo & Anderson throughout. AND the little breadcrumbs of characters in books to come!
Liv has such a beautiful way of making you feel everything - I laughed, I cried, I beat my Kindle in frustration. Ughhh if you aren’t reading Liv’s books, what are you doing!! Honestly. Some of the greatest writing I have ever read.
I am so thankful to Liv for this ARC!!
These characters are so realistic, it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. Rhett & Rachel are both experiencing insurmountable grief - but through it find their way (back) to each other and also find themselves again. They both have such inspiring growth through the book!
I absolutely loved that we got to continue to keep up with Margo & Anderson throughout. AND the little breadcrumbs of characters in books to come!
Liv has such a beautiful way of making you feel everything - I laughed, I cried, I beat my Kindle in frustration. Ughhh if you aren’t reading Liv’s books, what are you doing!! Honestly. Some of the greatest writing I have ever read.
I am so thankful to Liv for this ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is my first ARC, and can I just say, what a way to start.
Liv makes you feel like a friend, like you’re sitting down for dinner after years apart, catching up on everything in her life, past and present (or should I say Rhett and Rachel’s).
Liv doesn’t overcomplicate things, she just tells it like it is, and it works. The characters feel real, the story pulls you in, and the emotions are raw and honest without ever trying too hard. I found myself re-reading pages not because I was lost, but because I didn’t want the book to end. At one point, I jokingly told my husband, “Be like Rhett.” 🤣
That ending though? Perfection. Just like Rhett…and Anderson in Between The Waves, oh wait, and all the future characters of hers I already can’t wait to fully meet.
This is a MUST read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liv, thank YOU for this wonderful book.
Liv makes you feel like a friend, like you’re sitting down for dinner after years apart, catching up on everything in her life, past and present (or should I say Rhett and Rachel’s).
Liv doesn’t overcomplicate things, she just tells it like it is, and it works. The characters feel real, the story pulls you in, and the emotions are raw and honest without ever trying too hard. I found myself re-reading pages not because I was lost, but because I didn’t want the book to end. At one point, I jokingly told my husband, “Be like Rhett.” 🤣
That ending though? Perfection. Just like Rhett…and Anderson in Between The Waves, oh wait, and all the future characters of hers I already can’t wait to fully meet.
This is a MUST read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Liv, thank YOU for this wonderful book.
Review of advance copy
The Long Way Home is a slow burn friends-to-lovers that focuses on healing after loss and learning that not everyone is going to leave you. At its core, it’s about realizing you are lovable—to the right person.
Rhett and Rachel completely had me. The way Rhett sees her and wants her to understand her worth?? I was gone. He loves her like she’s everything—and makes sure she knows it.
The writing style added a lot of intensity to the emotional moments, especially in the quieter scenes, which made everything feel more impactful.
I’d say the emotional damage is around a 3/5, but it could hit harder if you’ve experienced loss or abandonment.
If you’re looking for something that hurts a little but ultimately leans into healing and choosing yourself, I’d definitely recommend this.
Rhett and Rachel completely had me. The way Rhett sees her and wants her to understand her worth?? I was gone. He loves her like she’s everything—and makes sure she knows it.
The writing style added a lot of intensity to the emotional moments, especially in the quieter scenes, which made everything feel more impactful.
I’d say the emotional damage is around a 3/5, but it could hit harder if you’ve experienced loss or abandonment.
If you’re looking for something that hurts a little but ultimately leans into healing and choosing yourself, I’d definitely recommend this.
March 21, 2026
I read The Long Way Home as part of an advanced reader copy from the author, and I was super excited to begin. After seeing an instagram video posted by Liv sharing a snippet of the book I knew I would enjoy this story. And boy was I HOOKED.
The bittersweet theme of love after grief added depth to the plot, with a terrible boyfriend spicing up the mix. My pearls were clutched every time Ben came onto the scene.
I found myself eager to continue reading, hence why I finished the book in less than 2 days, and despite it being a perfect standalone I am desperate to get my hands on the previous book (Between The Waves) and reading what Liv has next to publish!
The bittersweet theme of love after grief added depth to the plot, with a terrible boyfriend spicing up the mix. My pearls were clutched every time Ben came onto the scene.
I found myself eager to continue reading, hence why I finished the book in less than 2 days, and despite it being a perfect standalone I am desperate to get my hands on the previous book (Between The Waves) and reading what Liv has next to publish!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liv let me ask you something… are you a therapist?
Cause girl the way you hold our hands and walk us through grief and all the layers of emotions it brings is uncanny.
This was such a wholesome read, navigating everything between Rachel and Rhett.
Rhett dealing with his abandonment issues was captured and portrayed so perfectly anyone who’s gone through it (hello 👋🏼) relates instantly.
I was doing so well in this book, I’d kept the tears to a minimum and then I got to that last page (you know the one) and omg 😭💔
Cause girl the way you hold our hands and walk us through grief and all the layers of emotions it brings is uncanny.
This was such a wholesome read, navigating everything between Rachel and Rhett.
Rhett dealing with his abandonment issues was captured and portrayed so perfectly anyone who’s gone through it (hello 👋🏼) relates instantly.
I was doing so well in this book, I’d kept the tears to a minimum and then I got to that last page (you know the one) and omg 😭💔
Review of advance copy received from Author
Liv has done it again people! The Long Way Home is a beautifully written story exploring grief, losing and finding yourself, and accepting love.
The first book, Between the Waves was amazing, but this second book has my heart. As someone who has lost a brother and had to become what everyone else needed, I felt connected to Rachel in a deeper way. Her personal journey was amazing to be a part of. And don’t even get me started on Rhett🥵 this man is patient, steady, protective and hot af
The first book, Between the Waves was amazing, but this second book has my heart. As someone who has lost a brother and had to become what everyone else needed, I felt connected to Rachel in a deeper way. Her personal journey was amazing to be a part of. And don’t even get me started on Rhett🥵 this man is patient, steady, protective and hot af
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ugh ! I am so sad it’s over! The long way home takes you through all the feels right to the very end of the book. Some of the quotes in the book make you really think about life … and different situations you could be in or have been in. One point I was crying.. the next I was happy. Such a good book!! Highly recommend !! Can’t wait to read the next… liv you might be my favorite author ! :)
March 24, 2026
WHAT IF HES WRITTEN MINE ON MY UPPER THIGH!!!!!! Liv does it AGAIN. Another phenomenal romance book that dives into the complexities of grief, love, loss, friendships and found family. Rhett and Rachel are simply perfect together. Invisible string, nicknames, secret tattoos, AND brothers best friend!? Instantly hooked I’m obsessed
March 28, 2026
ARC - I LOVED THIS STORY. Rhett has my heart. Reading this while experiencing grief and loss personally made it hit a little harder. 😭 Rachel and Rhett are so good together. I will definitely continue this series to read every other characters back story. Great read!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have loved this entire series so far! I am so thankful that was one of the lucky ones to recieve an arc of this book. Looking forward to the next book.
March 27, 2026
Liv Arnett has given Rhett and Rachel the most beautiful story, completely validating both their ways of dealing with the grief of losing the closest person in their lives. My heart broke for both of them on multiple occasions, but I also welled with pride each time they had a breakthrough. Rhett is peak yearning and he’s knocked MANY men down my list of book-boyfriends. I’m once again in awe of Liv’s ability to discuss grief in such a way that it’s not too heavy, but still allow us to feel the loss her characters are experiencing. Another 10/10 experience, cannot recommend enough.
The extra note at the end will devastate you in the best possible way, you have been warned 🫶🏻
The extra note at the end will devastate you in the best possible way, you have been warned 🫶🏻
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews