1918 - Powell Springs, Oregon - Dr Jessica Layton had sworn to never return to Powell Springs, but she's traveling from New York to Seattle and stops off at her hometown for just a brief visit. Jessica was the daughter of the deceased physician of Powell Springs, and had left the small town years ago to study medicine in New York. She'd left behind the love of her life, Cole Braddock, the town's blacksmith, who is now involved with Amy, Jessica's sister. She would be here only for a few days and then on to Seattle where she had a research position waiting. Jessica knew she'd have to see Cole, but thought she'd be more prepared.

Amy was very close to becoming Cole's fiancee. She seemed to be a wonderful woman - pretty, sweet tempered, charming, and she didn't try Cole's patience, as Jess had. Amy turns out to be a rather complex character.

World War 1 was going on and most of the doctors and nurses had gone overseas. The town is waiting for Dr Pearson to arrive, but there is an influenza outbreak and they need a doctor now. The council asked Jessica to stay until Dr Pearson arrived. Jessica had no interest in practicing clinical medicine anymore, but agreed to stay on for a short time, delaying her trip to Seattle. And the story unfolds ---

Riley Braddock, an older brother of Cole's, had enlisted and was fighting in France. He'd left his wife, Susannah, behind to run the farm and hadn't seen her for 16 months.

Dr Pearson appeared to be a presentable young graduate, but had a big ego and many prejudices. He was also very condescending and insulting to Jessica.

Other secondary characters - Emmaline, whose husband had run off and left her with two kids. She takes up prostitution to earn a living. Adam Jacobsen, the minister, who is rather hard to like, has a few surprises in the storyline.

The war scenes, taking place on the battlefields of France, were well done, but it was such a small part of the storyline - I was hoping for more. The main characters were interesting, but not exciting. There were many different layers built into the storyline - perhaps too many. Home By Morning was a fast and easy read, but just lukewarm, and not one I would enthusiastically recommend. 3 stars. ( )