Step into the heartfelt world of the Longing for Home series, where love, resilience, and the search for belonging weave a captivating tale! Written by Sarah M. Eden, this historical romance saga follows Katie Macauley, an Irish immigrant, as she navigates prejudice and passion in 19th-century Wyoming. With its rich characters and emotional depth, it’s a journey that tugs at the heartstrings.
Set in the divided town of Hope Springs, the series blends tender romance with the gritty realities of cultural conflict. Eden’s storytelling shines, making this a must-read for fans of clean, historical romance who crave stories of hope and redemption.
How Longing for Home Began
Sarah M. Eden, a USA Today bestselling author, crafted the Longing for Home series from her love for history and tender love stories. Inspired by the struggles of Irish immigrants during the Great Famine, Eden wanted to explore themes of reconciliation and community. Published in 2013, the series kicked off with Longing for Home, earning praise for its authentic characters and vivid historical backdrop.
Eden’s research-heavy approach, honed by her bachelor’s degree and library dives, brought 19th-century Wyoming to life. Her goal? To create a “proper romance” that’s passionate yet clean, appealing to readers who want emotional depth without steamy scenes.
The Heart of Longing for Home
The series spans seven books, with key titles shaping Katie Macauley’s journey. Longing for Home (2013) introduces Katie, a 26-year-old fleeing her past to work in Hope Springs, where anti-Irish sentiment sparks tension. She’s torn between two suitors—playful Tavish and steady Joseph—forming a love triangle that keeps readers guessing. Hope Springs (2014) deepens the conflict, with Katie sacrificing her dream of returning to Ireland to build a home amid rising violence.
Love Remains (2017), a Whitney Award winner, shifts to Tavish O’Connor, who cares for his blind brother, Finbarr, and finds hope through Cecily, an English tutor facing prejudice. Long Journey Home (2018) follows Maura O’Connor, a war widow, as she seeks a new start in Hope Springs. Themes of family, sacrifice, and overcoming prejudice shine, set against Wyoming’s harsh winters and vibrant Irish culture.
Eden’s style is warm and immersive, with witty dialogue and three-dimensional characters. The setting—Hope Springs’ dusty streets and tight-knit community—grounds the romance in a tangible world, making every heartbreak and triumph feel real.
Why Longing for Home Resonates
The Longing for Home series has carved a niche in historical romance, praised for its clean yet passionate storytelling. Fans adore Eden’s ability to balance humor, heartache, and hope, with reviews calling it “heart-wrenching” yet “funny.” Its exploration of prejudice remains timely, reflecting struggles of identity and acceptance. The series’ awards, like the 2017 Whitney for Love Remains, cement its literary impact.
Readers connect with Katie’s resilience and the O’Connor family’s warmth, making the series a comforting escape. Its lasting appeal lies in its universal message: home is where the heart finds peace, no matter the obstacles.
- First Book Published: 2013
- Number of Books: 7
- Notable Award: 2017 Whitney Award for Love Remains
- Genre: Historical Romance
Grab Longing for Home and dive into Sarah M. Eden’s enchanting world of romance and redemption!