The power of unlikely friendships to redeem from past mistakes and misfortune is the message at the heart of this book.
Beautifully written with skilful attention to detail. I enjoyed every moment of this book.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

I loved this book and look forward to reading more by the author. It was an unforgettable read with a powerful message following the story of Ruth, a single mum and he son DJ, and the unlikely friendships they make.

I have read a few books now who have a main character who has autism however none have taken the direction that Carmel Harrington has with Ruth being a parent and showing the effects it has on a mother and son relationship. She really does have a heart of gold even if she may unintentionally say or do the wrong thing from time to time and I was really hoping for a positive outcome for her and DJ. DJ is a pure delight too, he is very honest at times with certain things he struggles with in relation to his mum and their situation and this comes across well, he did seem a lot older than ten years old but I believe this is a consequence from the responsibilities he has in helping his mum.

Our little hidden gem that is our dear Tom, well what can I say I just wanted to reach in and pull him out of the book and give him the biggest hug and help him back on his feet. His story is a heartbreaking one that is delivered with such tenderness and care.

I was so immersed by this storyline, it is emotive and insightful with characters who are so well developed. There was such depth to this story with so many challenging issues tackled along the way the author raises awareness whilst creating a beautiful storyline that I didn’t want to end.

Ruth is a single mother who lives with her teen son DJ in a small apartment in Dublin. Ruths ex-husband and DJ's father is out of the picture. When her landlord all of a sudden evicts them out of their home, Ruth is desperate, where do they have to go now? After consulting the government housing office, they find out they can't be helped with getting a new home of their own soon because of the long waiting list, but that they will be temporary place in a small hotel that houses people in the same position as theirs. When they arrive at the hotel, they find out it is a rundown, shabby hotel, which also houses normal guests. The two are strictly divided by the even strick hotel manager. Ruth is secretly hiding her autism, she is only able to eat white foods. During the story, we learn more about her troubled past.


Tom is a man who had everything in his life as a doctor. A successfull practice, and a loving wife and a baby on the way. Then tragic struck his young family life, something he could not cope with well, and which landed him also homeless for years, on a bench in the park with his dog. He befriends DJ by accident after he tries to keep the boy out of trouble and along with his dog, Bette Davis, the trio become close and are soon surprised when Ruth comes upon a meeting of the group and she and Tom realize that he was the doctor that saw Ruth through her pregnancy. Both their lifes transform after they have met each other in their difficult circumstances.



I though this was a very good and surprising read. Altiough the situations of the main characters are difficult, this is not a depressing but a very positive and uplifting story. It is written so beautifully, I find it hard to explain what I like most about it; I think I go for the whole package. The characters are all amaziing and real, and the story just has so much heart!! Without further ado, I highly recommend reading this brilliant book!!

I gave this a good go a couple of times, but I am afraid that I now must admit defeat and give up. Nothing wrong with the book it's just not the right book for me.

'A Thousand Roads Home' is such a beautiful, powerful and special book that will take you on a journey with Tom, his dog, Ruth and her son from start to finish (and beyond).

I shall be recommending this book to many now, a real heart-warming story that absorbs and satisfies. Ruth and her son, DJ, find themselves homeless and struggle to keep on with normal life. They bump into Ruth's former doctor who has suffered awful trauma and loss and is sleeping rough. Together they find a life worth being there for, unconventional but rich in many ways. Perfect for the long winter nights.

A story about autism and homelessness.
It was really hard to relate to the characters and I found the story didn’t keep my interest.
Sorry this one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy. In return for an honest review! #Athousandroadshome #netgalley

Ruth Wilde has Asperger's syndrome she has struggled all her life to get what she wants. She now has a 10 year old son DJ, who is and always has been Ruth's world. They have a home, albeit rented, but it's a roof over their head. Until one day they are thrown into the black hole of social housing. Furthermore Tom is homeless. He lives on a park bench. Has been for a decade but this is his choice but no one knows the reasons why. Can they both escape homelessness? When their worlds collide and the demons are released can they overcome them?

I listened to an interview that author Cathy Bramley did with Carmel on YouTube and knew I must read her books. The way it was presented was that Carmel didn't airbrush life and that is what is important to me. Therefore I searched net-galley and found this book.

This book covers some very emotional and often hidden, unwritten about topics which are essential to be spoken about. This book really turns stereotypes, old beliefs and judements on their head to fit into modern society. Although this book is primarily about homelessness it also discusses other taboo topics such as; domestic abuse, death, judements, alcoholism, drugs, teenage pregnancies and disabilities. All of these topics are written with power and gusto in a book that challenges the perspectives given to us of homelessness.

This book is eloquently written with emotion, happiness, love and sorrow all mixed into one. The way Carmel writes about every aspect of homelessness from living in a squat, on the streets to living in a hotel ensures everyone's story is heard. Even those who have chosen to live the streets because the demons of indoors are too much. This all shows how much research has been put in to getting the homeless' story told.

The characters are all loveable in their own way. You can see they are all clawing at the pages for their story, thoughts, feelings and ideas to be heard. Although you never suspect the history behind Ruth and Tom to be as strong as it is. The progression in each character throughout the book is vast and so special. You feel like your there and celebrating their successes and cheering them on the whole time. Often with tears in your eyes.

It is a page turner throughout. You are left with unanswered questions at the end of each chapters that are answered with more information in the next chapter. This makes the book a page turner and keeps you wanting more.

The ending is so beautiful and really shows how things can change in a heartbeat with the right support, love and attitude. It really does the book justice and the last 2 chapters are extra special with the beautiful Christmas they all have showing off their new ideas, thoughts, feelings and lives. During these chapters Aisling and Kian have a sentence about their future when they are 86 years old. This is a beautiful addition looking into the future even if it is more than 50years away. It just answers that last question for the reader.

I normally do not like books that are not written in chronological order however for some reason, unexplainable to me, this book fitted perfectly like this for me. Whether it be the way it was written, the chapter headings, the different font I cannot explain. I just know this is the only book I've ever felt it works well for.

A Thousand Roads Home by Carmel Harrington

The story is about Ruth Wilde her son DJ and Doctor Tom. Ruth has issues and suddenly Ruth and her son are evicted by their landlord with no warning . She and DJ end up in emergency housing. Whilst out trying to find somewhere to live she helps a homeless man on the street. After the incident something about him seems familiar. DJ is out one night angry at the world he wants to kick back and a homeless man stops him doing any thing rash and makes him think about consequences. Ruth is fraught with worry as he doesn’t come home from school and it’s pitch black finding him in the park with the homeless man ’Doc’. Ruth scrutinises him then suddenly remembers who he is Doctor Tom Ogrady who helped in the past when she needed it most. Why is he sleeping on a park bench in winter? The book follows them and the roads they must follow to get home!

A very moving book and you will suffer every feeling with them from frustration, suffering, sadness and deep joy as you travel the road with them.

A must read book for everyone, it has some very prominent moments that will break your heart but will leave you thoughtful. A very surprising well written exceptionally beautiful book . Very well done Carmel!!!

Wow.... my heart!
What a book.

This book has saddened my heart, gladdened my heart, gave despair and dread. Hope and laughter!

The main character, Ruth has Espergers and shows that if you are determined enough you can, even though most others doubt you, or your a statistic that may dictate that you can’t....
Actually, you can.

I really liked her, with her oddities, her straight forwardness and kindness. But most of all her sheer determination.
Also, the great mother she strives to be to DJ.

I liked all the characters in this book and the deep, friendships that formed.

Tough situations made the friendships more meaningful.
The small acts of kindness meaning the world to recipient.

The relationship between a mother and boy was explored.
The ups and downs.
The worrying, the self doubt.
The deep love, the closeness and bond.

I love that the story swaps between Ruth and Dr Toms story.

Homelessness and money difficulty issues are explored. The difficulties, hardship and prejudices that can come along with these situations.

I would definitely recommend this book!

It is not often I give 5 stars. But on this occassion I really had no option.
The story just pulled me in and the characters were absolutely fascinating.
This was a heart warming story and I would definitely like to read more of this authors work.

A thought provoking book tackling many social issues, we as a society have almost become numb to. It is a quirky read with lovely sentiment. Great characters, in Ruth, DJ, and Dr. Tom and a their army of great friends. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thanks to netgalley for an arc in return for an honest opinion.

Really enjoyable read. Good characters and a Good story. Well worth a read. Think others will enjoy.

Finished it in one day, I kid you not....I simply couldn't put this book down.
I'm way too early on my review of the book which I hope doesn't get me into trouble but I just have to tell you about it.....
I love telling every one of the followers on here about the wonderful books I come across.....this one I hope you all put on your list to go out and buy because it is just brilliant....
I'm blown away by how Carmel tackled the subjects of homelessness and mental awareness in her book.
It made me so sad to think of how a person's circumstances can change so quickly and they can wake up one day with nothing only the shirt on their back.
My heart was just broke reading it...😭😭
Two such relevant subjects in today's world that do need to be highlighted.
Her characters Tom, Ruth and DJ, I adored
Bette Davis totally won me over...🐶💕
How did you come up with such wonderful characters Carmel, I have no idea....
If you love women's fiction then don't let this book go past you.....
Without a shadow of a doubt, my book of the year and nothing will come close before the year is out....simply outstanding...❤

What a amazing book to read, have given 5 stars as was hooked from start to finish, really made me stop and think about the homeless and the stories behind how they come to be living on the streets. Would definitely recommend this book.

There is absolutely nothing to dislike about this beautiful book, which has gone into my top 10 long list for this year. Ruth and her son DJ mean everything to each other. Ruth has Asperger's which brings many complications and she struggles to fit in with society. When they are unexpectedly made homeless, they find themselves in temporary accommodation, where the rules are the rules!

Dr Tom O'Grady is also homeless, and the reason why unfolds throughout the book. A blast from each other's past, he and Ruth form a strong friendship, which ultimately saves them both.

There are moments of real sadness but also complete hilarity in this book. The topic of homelessness is dealt with so sincerely, it really opens your eyes to how a turn in circumstance can have devastating consequences. The characters are fabulous, and I was so sorry to say goodbye to them when the book ended.

I didn’t read what this story is about before reading it because it is written by a favourite, trusted author. I knew I would be taken on an emotional journey, by relatable characters, with sometimes tragic stories, Despite the tears and poignancy, ultimately they would find hope and peace. I wasn’t disappointed,

Ruth is autistic. People find her different from them, and as often happens in such circumstances, they ridicule her. Even her parents constantly find fault, and when her mother feels she behaves unacceptably she is abusive to her.

A serendipitous meeting changes the course of Ruth’s life and brings her into contact with Tom. He helps her when she needs it most but then they lose touch. Ten years on Ruth and Tom are not where they want to be, but a chance meeting once again changes everything.

The characters are believable, not stereotypical, and you want them to find the happiness they deserve. This story explores autism and what it means for the individual and those closest to them. How it is so easy to be isolated when you appear different. Homelessness is also a prevalent theme. It could happen to anyone, and this is what makes this story disturbingly real.

The story has a powerful, uplifting ending, one you would like everyone in Ruth and Tom’s situation to benefit from. Reality sometimes is less kind, so if this story does nothing else, let it help you to look a little deeper into people who seem different or have fallen on hard times. They deserve compassion and respect, isn’t that what you would want if it were you?

I received a copy of this book from Harper Fiction via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A beautifully written story with a message to not judge a person by their appearance. It depicts homelessness and the problems it can cause. The impact of adult autism is also included in this thought provoking novel.

Carmel Harrington writes a novel about the precarious nature of life, being marginalised, whilst shining an all too relevant light on the contemporary plight of homelessness, rising not only in Ireland but in Britain too and rampant elsewhere globally. The book begins with Ruth Wilde escaping from Wexford with her baby to Dublin. In the present, Ruth has baked a minecraft birthday cake for her son, DJ, that doesn't come out quite as expected, but DJ doesn't care, he just appreciates his mother's good intentions. Soon after, their landlord, Seamus Kearns, evicts them, leaving them homeless, forced to turn to the council, where they are on the housing list. They are offered temporary emergency housing at the The Silver Sands Hotel, run by Erica, where there are a diverse cast of characters facing similar housing problems.

Tom O'Grady used to be a doctor in Wexford where he encountered a pregnant Ruth, after tragedy hit him, he left his home, and is now homeless in Dublin, a rough sleeper, accompanied by his devoted dog, Bette Davis. Ruth and DJ's life crosses paths with that of Tom, and bonds are forged that grow stronger. It is soon clear that Ruth, who likes routines and things just so, with her obsessions and love of white food is on the Autism spectrum, her current troubles increase her anxieties, but DJ is her focus as she tries to do her best for him. This is a story that takes in Ruth's past, her cruel and unsupportive mother and DJ's father, Dean, with the reader given insights into The SIlver Sands other residents, and the horrors faced by Tom and the homeless.

Harrington writes with humanity, hope and compassion about the invisible and judged communities of the homeless, the unexpected places where support can come from, mental health issues, and being the outsider in society. This is a eye opening story of our times, just this week there are news headlines about the rising death rates amongst the growing tide of the homeless. Highly recommended. Many thanks to HarperCollins for an ARC.