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Finding the Way Home
Dawn Henderson is twenty two years old, a new graduate of Arizona State University. After growing up in Stokes, California, she was forced to move to Yuma, Arizona to complete her high school, and college at ASU. She majored as a Financial Advisor and then made her way back to her childhood home in Southern California. She found a place to live in a casita in Poway, California and a job working for CMS Financial in Mira Mesa. She reconnects with her older brother, Mike Henderson, and her cousins Jana Garcia who is now married to Rex Conrad with a baby, Chante and her cousin, Gabe Garcia who has a new girlfriend, Nadia. After reconnecting with her family, Dawn searches for her long lost childhood love, Salvador Romero, and finds him.
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2023
1 person want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 28, 2025
Compelling yet complex narrative
With a cover that hints at passionate romance, my expectations for this story were set high. However, the story began with introducing me to Dawn, a teenager grappling with the loss of a close friend to a drug overdose. This choice seems to be misaligned with the genre; the reliance on deep childhood memories attempts to create a connection, but this approach didn’t work for me for this particular genre.
Ideally, I would prefer starting this read with Dawn's adult perspective, interweaving her past experiences with her long-lost love through well-placed flashbacks. That being said, once the story progressed, I was captivated by its lyrical prose and heartfelt moments, particularly when Dawn discovers that Salvador, her high school crush, is still alive. The emotional depth in this revelation is beautifully rendered, reminding us of the power of love and nostalgia.
Despite some initial reservations, the latter half of the book showcases Cantrell's skill in weaving a touching love story. If you enjoy romantic tales that delve into themes of deep attachment and rediscovery, "Finding the Way Home" is certainly worth a read.
With a cover that hints at passionate romance, my expectations for this story were set high. However, the story began with introducing me to Dawn, a teenager grappling with the loss of a close friend to a drug overdose. This choice seems to be misaligned with the genre; the reliance on deep childhood memories attempts to create a connection, but this approach didn’t work for me for this particular genre.
Ideally, I would prefer starting this read with Dawn's adult perspective, interweaving her past experiences with her long-lost love through well-placed flashbacks. That being said, once the story progressed, I was captivated by its lyrical prose and heartfelt moments, particularly when Dawn discovers that Salvador, her high school crush, is still alive. The emotional depth in this revelation is beautifully rendered, reminding us of the power of love and nostalgia.
Despite some initial reservations, the latter half of the book showcases Cantrell's skill in weaving a touching love story. If you enjoy romantic tales that delve into themes of deep attachment and rediscovery, "Finding the Way Home" is certainly worth a read.
December 26, 2024
The story explores:
- the bonds of friendship,
- the harsh realities of adolescence,
- nostalgia.
This is achieved through rich, dense characters and realistic world-building. Let's go into the details now:
At the heart of the novel, Dawn Henderson is a shy protagonist who reflects on her early, "life-building" years in vibrant border-town California. Dawn’s emo persona contrasts with her bubbly cousin, Jana Garcia. I enjoyed the nuances in their character dynamics.
The emotional weight of friendships lost to time is felt deeply, especially through Dawn’s memories of Salvador Romero. Romero is a talented artist but he is tragically claimed by addiction.
In terms of settings, the house in Miramar, "the honey-suckle-filled yard", and the backdrop of Naval jets facilitate immersion and is a good mirror of the characters’ lives.
Plot-wise, the book balances past and present in a smart way, weaving poignant moments like childhood innocence with the grim realities of growing up in a community... plagued by drugs and loss.
If you want to explore your own connections to home and the passage of time through an entertaining read, this is it.
- the bonds of friendship,
- the harsh realities of adolescence,
- nostalgia.
This is achieved through rich, dense characters and realistic world-building. Let's go into the details now:
At the heart of the novel, Dawn Henderson is a shy protagonist who reflects on her early, "life-building" years in vibrant border-town California. Dawn’s emo persona contrasts with her bubbly cousin, Jana Garcia. I enjoyed the nuances in their character dynamics.
The emotional weight of friendships lost to time is felt deeply, especially through Dawn’s memories of Salvador Romero. Romero is a talented artist but he is tragically claimed by addiction.
In terms of settings, the house in Miramar, "the honey-suckle-filled yard", and the backdrop of Naval jets facilitate immersion and is a good mirror of the characters’ lives.
Plot-wise, the book balances past and present in a smart way, weaving poignant moments like childhood innocence with the grim realities of growing up in a community... plagued by drugs and loss.
If you want to explore your own connections to home and the passage of time through an entertaining read, this is it.
March 31, 2025
The start of this book needs work. It gives you information about the character Dawn that you need to have. But it does so in a way that makes you wonder who the narrator is. The descriptions sound more like their coming from some omnipresent observer, instead of a character. This made it hard to get immersed. It does get better, though, when the narration moves to the characters talking to each other. This allowed me to know more about who the characters are and immersed me in their stories. There are more problems when the author shifts from what seems to be Dawn’s perspective to a broader perspective, like what other non-perspective characters might be experiencing. Again, this causes a loss of immersion. The book continues this way. The story itself is worth telling. Immersion is good, but then the author slips into something like biographical descriptions, and it becomes like reading nonfiction for a while, which is only good if the story is actually true. Overall, this book has some good romance and drama in it. But the writing really needs a lot of work.
October 30, 2025
Melissa Cantrell’s Finding the Way Home is a tender but emotionally charged portrait of a young woman navigating the uncertain terrain between the past she remembers and the future she hopes to build. At twenty-two, Dawn Henderson has done everything “right”—finished college, built a promising new career in finance, and returned to Southern California to rebuild her life. Yet the stability she seeks begins not in her job or new home, but in her determination to reconnect with the people—and the feelings—she left behind.
Cantrell roots the story in the intimacy of family and community: gatherings with cousins, the easy warmth of siblings reunited, and the small comforts that come from familiar landscapes. These quieter moments give the novel its heart, grounding Dawn in a world that feels recognizable and lived-in. Readers who enjoy coming-home narratives will appreciate how the story captures the nostalgia, awkwardness, and relief of trying to fit back into a life once paused.
The strongest thread is Dawn’s search for Salvador Romero, her childhood love whose artistic tenderness once brought her safety and wonder. Their reconnection is layered with unease—memories that don’t align, unanswered questions, and the shadow of drug use complicating the reunion. Cantrell moves the story fluidly between present-day and school-age flashbacks, painting a vivid emotional history: playground alliances, bullying, youthful crushes, and the invisible wounds children carry into adulthood. Some scenes evoke the sharp realism of Stephen King’s depictions of childhood—raw, unsettling, and hauntingly memorable.
While several reviewers highlight the book’s warmth and hopeful spirit, others note its darker undercurrents, including depictions of domestic violence and emotional instability. It is not a straightforward romance, nor does it promise tidy resolutions. Instead, it explores obsession, betrayal, and the painful limits of idealized memories.
Ultimately, Finding the Way Home is a heartfelt, sometimes unsettling coming-of-age story about the power—and danger—of trying to reclaim the past. Its sincere voice, rich atmosphere, and emotional complexity make it a compelling read for anyone drawn to stories of family, first love, and the long journey toward self-understanding.
Cantrell roots the story in the intimacy of family and community: gatherings with cousins, the easy warmth of siblings reunited, and the small comforts that come from familiar landscapes. These quieter moments give the novel its heart, grounding Dawn in a world that feels recognizable and lived-in. Readers who enjoy coming-home narratives will appreciate how the story captures the nostalgia, awkwardness, and relief of trying to fit back into a life once paused.
The strongest thread is Dawn’s search for Salvador Romero, her childhood love whose artistic tenderness once brought her safety and wonder. Their reconnection is layered with unease—memories that don’t align, unanswered questions, and the shadow of drug use complicating the reunion. Cantrell moves the story fluidly between present-day and school-age flashbacks, painting a vivid emotional history: playground alliances, bullying, youthful crushes, and the invisible wounds children carry into adulthood. Some scenes evoke the sharp realism of Stephen King’s depictions of childhood—raw, unsettling, and hauntingly memorable.
While several reviewers highlight the book’s warmth and hopeful spirit, others note its darker undercurrents, including depictions of domestic violence and emotional instability. It is not a straightforward romance, nor does it promise tidy resolutions. Instead, it explores obsession, betrayal, and the painful limits of idealized memories.
Ultimately, Finding the Way Home is a heartfelt, sometimes unsettling coming-of-age story about the power—and danger—of trying to reclaim the past. Its sincere voice, rich atmosphere, and emotional complexity make it a compelling read for anyone drawn to stories of family, first love, and the long journey toward self-understanding.
December 18, 2025
In Finding the Way Home, Melissa Cantrell offers a poignant and grounded coming-of-age narrative that explores the magnetic pull of one's roots. The story follows Dawn Henderson, a twenty-two-year-old recent graduate who, after being uprooted to Arizona during her teenage years, feels an undeniable calling to return to her childhood home in Southern California. Cantrell captures the specific anxiety of early adulthood—that transitional space where one is expected to build a future while still feeling deeply tethered to the ghosts of the past.
The novel excels in its portrayal of family dynamics and the comfort of shared history. As Dawn settles into a new life in Poway and begins a career as a financial advisor, the narrative focuses heavily on her efforts to reintegrate into her family circle, including her brother Mike and her cousins. These relationships provide the emotional backbone of the book, illustrating how home is often defined more by people than by geography. The search for her childhood sweetheart, Salvador Romero, adds a layer of romantic longing to the plot, serving as a catalyst for Dawn to confront whether the happiness she remembers from her youth can actually be reclaimed in the present.
While the story is rich in atmosphere and sincerity, the writing style occasionally leans into a biographical or observant tone that can create a sense of distance between the reader and the protagonist. Some early sections feel almost like a nonfiction account of Dawn’s life, which may slow the immersion for readers looking for a more immediate, internal perspective. However, this clinical edge is balanced by the author's ability to tackle heavy themes, including the darker realities of drug loss and domestic tension, which add a necessary weight to what could have been a standard romance.
Ultimately, Finding the Way Home is a heartfelt exploration of second chances and self-discovery. It is a story for anyone who has ever wondered if you can truly go back to where you started, or if the "home" we seek is something we have to build for ourselves as adults. Cantrell’s work serves as a gentle reminder that while the journey toward self-understanding is often circular, the person who arrives back at the beginning is never quite the same as the one who left.
The novel excels in its portrayal of family dynamics and the comfort of shared history. As Dawn settles into a new life in Poway and begins a career as a financial advisor, the narrative focuses heavily on her efforts to reintegrate into her family circle, including her brother Mike and her cousins. These relationships provide the emotional backbone of the book, illustrating how home is often defined more by people than by geography. The search for her childhood sweetheart, Salvador Romero, adds a layer of romantic longing to the plot, serving as a catalyst for Dawn to confront whether the happiness she remembers from her youth can actually be reclaimed in the present.
While the story is rich in atmosphere and sincerity, the writing style occasionally leans into a biographical or observant tone that can create a sense of distance between the reader and the protagonist. Some early sections feel almost like a nonfiction account of Dawn’s life, which may slow the immersion for readers looking for a more immediate, internal perspective. However, this clinical edge is balanced by the author's ability to tackle heavy themes, including the darker realities of drug loss and domestic tension, which add a necessary weight to what could have been a standard romance.
Ultimately, Finding the Way Home is a heartfelt exploration of second chances and self-discovery. It is a story for anyone who has ever wondered if you can truly go back to where you started, or if the "home" we seek is something we have to build for ourselves as adults. Cantrell’s work serves as a gentle reminder that while the journey toward self-understanding is often circular, the person who arrives back at the beginning is never quite the same as the one who left.
May 6, 2025
Dawn Henderson's journey is one many of us can relate to navigating the complexities of early adulthood, finding her footing after graduation, and the undeniable pull of home. Forced to leave her childhood in Stokes, California, Dawn's return after college in Arizona sets the stage for a heartwarming exploration of family, belonging, and the enduring power of first love.
Author introduces us to a vibrant cast of characters, from her supportive older brother to her newly married cousin and the intriguing new girlfriend in the family circle. These familial connections provide a rich tapestry against which Dawn embarks on a personal quest: to reconnect with Salvador Romero, her long lost childhood sweetheart.
What unfolds is more than just a simple romance. It's a tender exploration of how the past shapes our present and the courage it takes to pursue what our hearts truly desire. As Dawn settles into her new life in Poway and her career in Mira Mesa, the rekindling of this old flame promises both sweet nostalgia and the potential for a brand new chapter. If you enjoy stories about finding your place, the comfort of family, and the hopeful anticipation of second chances, this is a book to add to your reading list. It feels like catching up with an old friend and rooting for their happiness.
Author introduces us to a vibrant cast of characters, from her supportive older brother to her newly married cousin and the intriguing new girlfriend in the family circle. These familial connections provide a rich tapestry against which Dawn embarks on a personal quest: to reconnect with Salvador Romero, her long lost childhood sweetheart.
What unfolds is more than just a simple romance. It's a tender exploration of how the past shapes our present and the courage it takes to pursue what our hearts truly desire. As Dawn settles into her new life in Poway and her career in Mira Mesa, the rekindling of this old flame promises both sweet nostalgia and the potential for a brand new chapter. If you enjoy stories about finding your place, the comfort of family, and the hopeful anticipation of second chances, this is a book to add to your reading list. It feels like catching up with an old friend and rooting for their happiness.
December 2, 2024
"Finding the Way Home" is a masterfully crafted tale about love, familial ties, and self-discovery. After graduating from college, Dawn Henderson sets out to return to her Southern California roots. As she juggles finding a new career, getting back in touch with loved ones, and looking for Salvador Romero, her childhood sweetheart, her will to start over is admirable. Depth and tenderness are added by the story's poignant examination of family dynamics, from her brother Mike to her cousins Jana, Chante, and Gabe.
Dawn's search for Salvador inspires hope and nostalgia by demonstrating that love is resilient in the face of time and distance. Her story is poignant and relevant, capturing the common desire for a sense of home and belonging. Readers are drawn into Dawn's world by the detailed descriptions of the environment, which includes everything from Poway's attractiveness to the rigors of a finance job.
The essence of navigating life's changes with fortitude and love is encapsulated in this book. Finding the Way Home is ideal for readers who enjoy poignant modern fiction because it serves as a reminder that the people and places that are most important will always lead us back, no matter how far we travel. An inspiring and touching book!
Dawn's search for Salvador inspires hope and nostalgia by demonstrating that love is resilient in the face of time and distance. Her story is poignant and relevant, capturing the common desire for a sense of home and belonging. Readers are drawn into Dawn's world by the detailed descriptions of the environment, which includes everything from Poway's attractiveness to the rigors of a finance job.
The essence of navigating life's changes with fortitude and love is encapsulated in this book. Finding the Way Home is ideal for readers who enjoy poignant modern fiction because it serves as a reminder that the people and places that are most important will always lead us back, no matter how far we travel. An inspiring and touching book!
July 1, 2025
Melissa Cantrell’s novel took me by surprise in the best way. The opening chapters linger on Dawn’s post‑college drift—those sticky months when you’re home again, job in hand, yet still wondering who you are. Cantrell nails that restless head‑space, then flips the lens to childhood flashbacks that feel so vivid you can almost smell playground asphalt baking in the sun. The back‑and‑forth structure shouldn’t work, but it does: each memory colors the present, letting you watch Dawn’s rose‑tinted recollection of Salvador rub against the uneasy reality of the man in front of her.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Southern California and the desert edges of Arizona come through in small, tactile details—graffiti‑scabbed rest stops, eucalyptus‑scented night air, the way coastal fog can blur your headlights and your judgment all at once. The romance thread is messy (sometimes frustratingly so), yet that messiness rings true for a twenty‑something still learning to read red flags. Even when I guessed where the plot might bend, the emotional payoff landed because the prose has a gentle, confessional rhythm that pulls you along. If you enjoy character‑driven stories that don’t shy away from darker edges, this one is worth checking out.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. Southern California and the desert edges of Arizona come through in small, tactile details—graffiti‑scabbed rest stops, eucalyptus‑scented night air, the way coastal fog can blur your headlights and your judgment all at once. The romance thread is messy (sometimes frustratingly so), yet that messiness rings true for a twenty‑something still learning to read red flags. Even when I guessed where the plot might bend, the emotional payoff landed because the prose has a gentle, confessional rhythm that pulls you along. If you enjoy character‑driven stories that don’t shy away from darker edges, this one is worth checking out.
November 13, 2025
“Finding the Way Home” by Melissa Cantrell is exactly the kind of beautiful, heartfelt read I needed right now. From the very first chapter, I was completely swept up in Elara’s journey—not just the physical journey across different places, but the profound emotional quest to truly understand what ‘home’ means after years of feeling adrift.
Cantrell has a wonderful, fluid writing style that perfectly captures complex family dynamics and the relatable struggles of self-discovery and belonging. The pacing is spot-on, making it impossible to put down; I flew through the pages, eager to see where Elara’s path would lead next.
What elevates this novel is how deeply and genuinely the characters are drawn. They are flawed and real, which makes their eventual growth and triumphs so much more impactful. If you're searching for a story that is both deeply moving and genuinely uplifting—a book that reminds you that sometimes the hardest path leads you right where you were meant to be—then you absolutely have to add this to your list. It’s a gorgeous exploration of connection, forgiveness, and finding your own roots. I finished it with a huge, happy sigh. Highly, highly recommended!
Cantrell has a wonderful, fluid writing style that perfectly captures complex family dynamics and the relatable struggles of self-discovery and belonging. The pacing is spot-on, making it impossible to put down; I flew through the pages, eager to see where Elara’s path would lead next.
What elevates this novel is how deeply and genuinely the characters are drawn. They are flawed and real, which makes their eventual growth and triumphs so much more impactful. If you're searching for a story that is both deeply moving and genuinely uplifting—a book that reminds you that sometimes the hardest path leads you right where you were meant to be—then you absolutely have to add this to your list. It’s a gorgeous exploration of connection, forgiveness, and finding your own roots. I finished it with a huge, happy sigh. Highly, highly recommended!
November 28, 2024
This was a really quick read for me simply because I could NOT put this book down. There is such a poetic and hypnotic style of writing and yet there was nothing light about this book. It's dark, so heed all the triggers. I loved the back and forth between present day and Dawn's elementary school days - the playground fights and classroom politics were super vivid and realistic. I could really see and feel the emotions - Sal giving Dawn the adorable drawings, Gloria "angel face" getting away with murder, kids ganging up on Marsha the adopted girl - just so much rich scene setting it was like a Stephen King novel as he's a master at writing child protagonists. The present day story was a little bit of a love triangle though this is not a romance (there's no HEA). Dawn ignores red flags from both love interests and sinks deeper and deeper into a waking nightmare. I was rooting for her to overcome everything. You will too!! Highly recommend this.
December 3, 2024
I really enjoyed my time with Finding The Way Home by Melissa Cantrell. From the early pages, I really connected with Dawn - her passion, her drive, and her wants - and enjoyed learning about her career to date. I got a strong impression that something wasn’t fulfilled for her, which is what led her on her journey to reconnect with Salvador.
At the heart of this book is the thought of growing up and losing touch, and the magic which our pasts can hold with those we love (or loved). I really liked Salvador’s tenderness and thoughtfulness, but could see how the complications of live got in the way of his and Dawn’s relationships. Life does get messy as we grow older, and this book captured this perfectly.
The writing style is emotionally charged and the word choices are well chosen for this sort of book. There is a tenderness to the writing, a sort of openness, and it reflects well on the story and the characters.
At the heart of this book is the thought of growing up and losing touch, and the magic which our pasts can hold with those we love (or loved). I really liked Salvador’s tenderness and thoughtfulness, but could see how the complications of live got in the way of his and Dawn’s relationships. Life does get messy as we grow older, and this book captured this perfectly.
The writing style is emotionally charged and the word choices are well chosen for this sort of book. There is a tenderness to the writing, a sort of openness, and it reflects well on the story and the characters.
March 14, 2025
This book was a rollercoaster full of surprises and unexpected twists. The first half of the novel started slow, but at the halfway point, it picked up speed and kept me hooked, turning the pages. There was a bit of a love triangle happening but it sizzled out quickly as we got to see the true colors of one of the MMC. It was a story about a girl trying to find and reconnect with her childhood love. When she finds him, there is something off. What happens next had me gasping! The “love scenes” are very explicit and satisfying for those who enjoy a spicy novel.
My favorite thing about this book was the author’s skill with description. She describes California in such detail that it feels like I was there. She painted a beautiful picture in my mind of the scenery, I felt like I was there even. Mind you, I have never been to California or Arizona, but I felt like I have after reading this novel. All in all, it was a good read with some stressful parts involving the two MMC.
My favorite thing about this book was the author’s skill with description. She describes California in such detail that it feels like I was there. She painted a beautiful picture in my mind of the scenery, I felt like I was there even. Mind you, I have never been to California or Arizona, but I felt like I have after reading this novel. All in all, it was a good read with some stressful parts involving the two MMC.
June 2, 2025
“Finding the Way Home” by Melissa Cantrell tells the story of Dawn, who moved from San Diego in her youth to Yuma, Arizona because her parents wanted her to grow up in a safer area. This is a very disturbing story that portrays domestic violence. After she graduates college, Dawn is employed as a financial advisor in the San Diego area. She wants to be closer to her cousins, but she also wants to reconnect with a childhood friend, Salvador Romero, a boy whom she has had a long-standing crush on. Dawn meets Salvador again and the two begin a relationship. There is a bit of back and forth as the story goes from the present to the past with Dawn recalling memories of her school days. Dawn is aware that Salvador has a history of using drugs, and she continues to see him when it is clear he still uses. She is puzzled that he does not share her memories of the past. This is a stark tale of childhood infatuation, obsession, and betrayal.
April 13, 2025
Coming back home after college—ugh, it’s such a weird, emotional rollercoaster, right? That’s the space this story lives in, and honestly, it captures those in-between moments pretty well. Dawn’s move back to SoCal feels familiar in a comforting way, especially with all the family reconnections and the whole “Hey, remember your childhood crush?” thing with Salvador. It’s sweet and warm, like a Sunday afternoon kind of read. But yeah, I won’t lie—some parts felt a bit too easy to predict. Like, I saw the plot twists coming a mile away. The characters are likable, for sure, but I kind of wanted more depth, more messiness maybe? Still, it’s got that cozy vibe that’s perfect if you just want something light and heart-hugging. If you’re craving drama or big emotional gut-punches, though, this might not totally hit the mark.
July 16, 2025
Finding the Way Home explores that strange limbo after college — when you’re technically grown up but still searching for identity. Dawn’s return to Southern California is filled with nostalgia, but it’s not just sweet memories. Melissa Cantrell writes with vivid detail, especially in childhood flashbacks that mirror the confusion and longing of the present. The pacing starts slow, but the emotional payoff is worth it. I appreciated the layered look at past trauma, complicated love, and how easy it is to misremember someone when nostalgia gets in the way. It’s not a romance in the traditional sense, and it’s not always comfortable — but it is honest.
January 17, 2025
This is an interesting and complex story about coming of age, self-discovery, love, and all its complications. Dawn's determination to start over and overcome the trials of intricate and ultimately abusive relationships is admirable. At the heart of Dawn's quest there is a deep hankering to belong and find happiness through whatever challenges life might present her with.
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