Review: Welcome Home, Love, by Nicole O’Dell

The final novella in Rainbow’s End is “Welcome Home, Love” by Nicole O’Dell.

Hadley Parker was always the fat girl. But a year before her thirtieth birthday she got on the treadmill, determined to change herself. Now, at the beginning of her novella in Rainbow’s End, she’s accomplished a miracle on the outside, but she’s the same old Hadley on the inside: insecure and certain everyone knows she’s just a sham. She’s taking the summer off her job to participate in the geocaching event in Osage Beach. She’ll get comfortable with her new self if it’s the last thing she does.

Years before, Noah Spencer had turned away from Hadley, but he’s never forgotten her. Now the youth pastor in charge of the treasure hunt, he’s shocked to see the new Hadley back in Osage Beach. In fact, he’s so distracted he can barely get through the kick-off rally. But his excitement turns sour when he sees Hadley apparently accepting the charms of Brad Hopper, a known womanizer. Doesn’t Hadley know she’s worth far more?

In this novella, “Welcome Home, Love,” author Nicole O’Dell digs deep into the psyche of a woman adjusting to her new self and the attention–welcome and otherwise–that comes with it. This comes from someone who understands the difficulties of weight fluctuation–to read Nicole’s story, check here: Nicole O’Dell in a Fat Suit.

Nicole is no stranger to this blog. As one of her critique partners, I’ve reviewed many of her Young Adult novels and nonfiction books here. I’m thrilled to have collaborated with her on Rainbow’s End. It’s been a privilege and an honor!

Nicole O’Dell is the founder of Choose NOW Ministries, the host of Parent Talk and Teen Talk on Choose NOW Radio, and the author of a bunch of YA and adult fiction and non-fiction. Some of her books include the interactive Scenarios for Girls series, the Diamond Estates series, and the upcoming Hot Buttons series for parents. She’s also the mom of six kids, among them is a set of toddler triplets. Visit Nicole’s website to learn more and find links to all the fun social stuff.