Synopsis
Sweet Romance… Fresh off their whirlwind nuptials and unexpected, but joyous pregnancy, April and Hale Abercrombie are gleeful about their life together. But, while Hale is serving his country in Vietnam, he receives news of the loss of their newborn daughter.
Back home on leave, Hale can barely wait to hold his wife. Their reunion is passionate and their physical connection, strong and soothing. His embrace, his touch, and his love are just as perfect as April remembered. But nothing, not even Hale, can ease April’s heartache.
Hale stumbles through his attempts at convincing her that their future will be rich and full of wonder despite their loss. His good-hearted, but take-charge approach causes her to retreat. Even in grief, April recognizes Hale’s earnestness, yet she can’t help but distance herself from him. With only a short time before Hale must return to war, the couple begins to understand that hope starts with them—that the bliss they once knew will return only if they are willing to trust again.
Set on the beaches of the Outer Banks, Return to Love is the second book in the Endless Love series. Book one, Home Again, was named a finalist in the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
My Thoughts
At a time in history when women where just told to deal with it and move on, I found myself getting really angry at the insensitivity of the medical community and how they dealt with still-born children and the mothers. It was downright appalling and made me ill just to read about it. Thankfully in this story, an 'angel', named Nurse Peters, realizes there is a major flaw in the system and provided much needed sympathy, understanding and a caring attitude towards her patients, even risking her job to do so. Another 'angel' in this story is Martha. Her way of keeping April busy to try and get her back to a somewhat normal existence was absolutely awesome.
This book tackled a very tough issue and Ms. Shoop managed to write about it in a graceful and beautiful manner. With her vivid descriptions of the scenery and characters who are well developed, it was so easy to get drawn into this heartbreaking story. I fell in love with Hale and April in Home Again and this story made me love them even more. Their marriage was tested in this story and they made it through despite the odds. I can not wait to read the next installment of this beautiful series.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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About the Author
A Language Arts Coach with a Ph.D. in Reading Education, Kathleen lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
Kathleen has also written Love and Other Subjects, award winning After the Fog and her debut novel, The Last Letter, garnered multiple awards in 2011. The author's stories have also appeared in several of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Author Links
Also available
Endless Love series. Book one, Home Again
1969-- Set on the shores of the Albemarle Sound, April Harrington has fond memories of summers at her family home, Bliss. After her fairytale wedding disintegrates, it becomes her refuge—the one place where she can attempt to pull the unraveling threads of her life back together. Unbeknownst to April, the stately house has been neglected in recent years. The once-sturdy roof is leaking in a few dozen places, and the wharf is rotting. Nothing is the same as she remembers. Nothing except for Hale, a Viet Nam pilot who is haunted by a dreadful secret, and who is also her brother’s best friend, a brother killed in the conflict that is tearing the country apart.In Hale’s presence, April finds familiarity and solace. They share grief for a lost loved one, and from the comfort of Hale’s arms, passion blooms. Yet, April’s future is unresolved. Her wealthy, arrogant almost-bridegroom wants her back and the ghosts of Viet Nam are whispering to Hale. Can they find new love in an old treasured home, the kind of affection and trust that lasts forever?
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Home Again
Book Tour Dates
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY !!
Giveaway
THREE Lucky Winners will each receive a $15 Amazon Giftcard,
courtesy of author of Return to Love, Kathleen Shoop
Ending on Sunday 7th September at 11.59pm EST
Open Worldwide
Enter Below & Good Luck !!
My heart was breaking just reading your review, sounds like such an awesome read.
ReplyDeleteIt was amazing all the support April got, after all the negative she had encountered.
ReplyDelete