Good read. Underlying theme-depression. Wish Me Homeby Kay Bratt (Goodreads Author) 4.24 � Rating Details   1,261 Ratings   137 ReviewsIn her first work of contemporary women?s fiction, bestselling author Kay Bratt draws on her own life experiences to create a raw, yet inescapably warm, novel about friendship and a wary heart?s unexpected capacity to love.A hungry, stray dog is the last thing Cara Butter needs. Stranded in Georgia with only her backpack and a few dwindling dollars, she already has too much baggage. Like her twin sister, Hana, who has broken Cara?s heart one too many times. After a lifetime of family troubles, and bouncing from one foster home to another, Cara decides to leave it all behind and strike out alone¥on foot.Cara sets off to Florida to see the home of her literary hero, Ernest Hemingway, accompanied only by Hemi, the stray dog who proves to be the perfect travel companion. But the harrowing trip takes unexpected turns as strangers become friends who make her question everything, and Cara finds that as the journey unfolds, so does her life¥in ways she could never imagine.Kindle Edition, 302 pagesPublished March 21st 2017 by Lake Union PublishingMore Details...edit detailsGet a copy:Kindle Unlimited $0.00AmazonStores LibrariesOr buy for 1.99

"Wish Me Home" was a lovely story from the start. It was well-paced and had great characters, a good plot line and dogs. I especially adored Hemi, the stray dog who became Cara's close companion and protector. He was the novel's star and the first one to open Cara's heart.

As the reader follows Cara's journey they learn why Cara has run away and from her reminisces discover that she has a twin, Hana. From an early age, the two girls were in the foster care system and were bounced around from one unhappy home to another until they were old enough the leave. Hana has a stronger personality, is rebellious and tends to get the sisters into trouble.

I loved the people and dogs who lived at Kadley House in Key West. In their own way, they changed Cara's life forever. Their welcome, friendliness, kindness and warmth provided a balm to Cara's soul that she truly needed.

The author did a great job tackling sensitive topics including depression, foster care and the long-term effects negative experiences can have on people, dysfunctional families, animal welfare and homelessness.

Overall, "Wish Me Home" was a heartfelt, poignant read, spoilt only by the ending which felt rushed compared to the rest of the novel. ( )

My Review of “Wish Me Home” by Kay Bratt

Kudos to Kay Bratt, Author of “Wish Me Home” for writing such an emotional, and heartwarming, sensitive and enjoyable novel. The Genres of this novel are Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, and Women’s Fiction.

Kay Bratt describes her colorful characters as flawed, complex , complicated and for the most part likable. Cara and Hana are twin sisters that have been brought up in a negligent foster system for the most part. Issues such as betrayal and trust seem to be a large part of their lives. Hana seems to be the lead controlling twin, but does suffer from bouts of depression.

After a traumatic situation, Cara finds herself on the road with hopes of seeing Hemingway’s home, one of her favorite authors. After her car breaks down, she is traveling with very little cash, and determination she will walk the hundreds of miles. A homeless dog is following Cara. The last thing Cara need is anything else alive to take care of, but she becomes attached and names the dog Hemi, short for Hemingway.

Symbolically Cara’s physical journey turns into and emotional journey as she stumbles upon good and giving people for the most part that ask for nothing in return for their kindness. When Cara and Hana were little their one wish was to “Wish Me Home”. More than anything Cara wants a home and to be loved.

Is it possible for Cara to let herself find a home and love? Is it possible for Cara to be able to make her own decisions?

I appreciate that Kay Bratt brings up such significant topics in today’s society such as mental illness, depression, the foster system, adoption, and seeking professional help when it is needed. I love that the author uses the example of working with animals to get their perfect home as well. This is such a wonderful book that I highly recommend to readers of Women’s Fiction and Contemporary Fiction. This is the first novel that I have read by Kay Bratt, and I look forward to reading more of her novels. ( )

Moving!

I was moved to tears. It's a sad story that a lot of people may be able to relate to. Growing up in the foster care system is like playing Russian roulette--you might get lucky and stay in a good home for a while or you might be stuck in a bad home. The twins were dealt an awful hand. I really love how Cara grew into her own person when she set out on her own. Hemi made a wonderful companion during her journey. Everyone has feelings. Even pets! I think Hemi's loyalty and love helped Cara in so many ways. ( )