I have yet to read book one, but it seems No Place Like Home may be a story to fill in the "how did Fran come to stay" question (as it is implied this is a question in book 1). There is little plot to this story, furthering the feeling of additional information for book 1. However, I did enjoy it, especially the conversations between characters which seems to be the strength of this series judging from the prequels. But it isn't especially an animal friendly series unless you are a horse or religious mouse due to the taxidermy and hunting etc. that takes place.
