Ann Whitely-Gillen

The introduction to our main character, James, is a sweetly sad time. Now in his mid 30’s he still has not gotten over his best friends’ death. He has kept the pain in his heart and has basically shut down his emotions, until he meets, a nurse(Rebecca), and a former veteran (Martin). He has to learn to let someone into his heart or he may lose what family he has left along with budding romance.

I have read this books about two times. Not because of how good it is, and it is good. It is because I had to refresh my memory, as I never connected the cover or title to this story. This story is like one of the better movies on Lifetime or Hallmark Channel. In fact my brain is somewhat convinced that I did see this one tv. To me that means the author did a good job of describing how the characters were feeling.

I wait awhile from writing a review because I want it to settle in my brain a little. So I waited and I don’t know why my mind just does not remember this story when I see the title or cover and I can not think of anything that would make it better. I do remember enjoying the story as it went. It just reminded me of a movie that I would see on tv and think “Oh I never saw this” and then halfway through I realized I did see it and keep watching. I am not sure if that is good or bad but it is what it is.

I think this fictional story would be good for anyone who has suffered loss and looking for nudge to healing there heart.… (meer)

Last Train to Omaha is author Ann Whitely-Gillen's debut novel revolving around a man named James Milligan who has deep emotional scars due to the loss of is best friend when he was just eighteen years old.
James is thirty something now, suffers from crippling anxiety attacks and has resolved to put an invisible wall between the world and himself in order to avoid more pain. His one solace is spending time in a veteran's hospital that his family founded. James always tries to be at the bedside of the dying patients so they will not pass away alone.

Enter nurse Rebecca Doyle who takes an interest in James and the two start an awkward courtship as a relationship begins to take form. Rebecca soon realizes James has issues, but she cannot help but want to be with him.
All of James' loved ones want to help him heal and move on with his life, but he seems to fight them at every turn.

Most of the time that I was reading Last Train to Omaha, I wanted to shake James and say "Snap out of it!". That man was so deeply scarred, he just could not move on with his life. It's two decades after he was traumatized and he has so much support around him, yet he refuses to open up, the pain is too strong. His best friend was killed in front of him and a big secret is revealed about this incident towards the latter part of the book. I felt like Ann Whitely-Gillen tapped into James' head very well. As I read, I could feel his anxiety coming right off the pages.

"He feels his heart rate escalate to an uncomfortable level. Anxiety has plagued him for so long that he forgets what it was like before it started so many years ago."
p.100, e-book version, Last Train to Omaha

Last Train to Omaha is one of those books that you kind of read slowly and think about later. There's an interesting cast of characters. I did find some of the story a bit slow going, like when vet Martin would reminisce about the war. But then again, some of the story had me hooked and I couldn't read fast enough. I think it's an impressive debut novel, well written, with a plot that draws you in and characters you can care about. I enjoyed it overall and I recommend reading this one if you enjoy stories about spiritual journeys, families, and healing. Bring some Kleenex! There are tear jerking moments here.

disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors, such as Last Train to Omaha, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. I received a free review copy from the author.… (meer)