A Soldier's Return

Melissa had enough - enough traipsing across the country - enough of being second to the ocean. Deciding to restart her life Melissa returned home with her daughter. Life was once again looking up - yeah Cody was still an absentee father but that was okay Melissa was happy and Skye was thriving. Things were good - until a morning jog brings her past barreling into her - quite literally I might add. Melissa knows Eli won't be staying and she has been down this road before - She has no intentions of letting her heart be broken once again. Eli has always had eyes for Melissa but back then it was not meant to be and now that opportunity has presented once again - it can not be. The fact he will be her superior is only one of the many reasons. She has a daughter and he has a past. This is a sweet romance that occasionally tugs at the heartstrings Perfect for a winter indoors read - would go well with a fire and a glass of wine #AsoldiersReturn #NetGalley

So happy to return to Brambleberry House for another heartwarming story. It's been several years since RaeAnne Thayne has treated us to a story set in this magical place but this story makes the wait well worth it. She's given us a wonderful story in A Soldier's return so grab your favorite beverage, a cozy blanket, and a copy of this book for a wonderful relaxing read. Melissa and Eli's story is one you don't want to miss. I highly recommend it.

I loved going back to Brambleberry House! Even if you haven't read the other stories that took place there, you will still enjoy this book! There are a couple nuances that you might miss but that wont ruin the story for you. I found the war background of Eli, the new doctor who has come back to fill in for his father who recently had surgery, to be very realistic. The horrors that our men and women of the military see and experience stay with them for a long time and it's hard to deal with. Eli, an army doctor, carries with him that last experience of a bombing that changed him and it's hard to let go of those images. He is suddenly in Oregon, at his father's family practice for a short stint and I'm sure it's hard to "put on a happy face", even though he does a good job of it! Melissa is a nurse at his father's practice but they actually knew each other in high school, just different grades. Melissa is divorced and has a wonderful, bright daughter now named Skye and I fell in love with her! She was just what Eli needed! Skye was actually my favorite character! Skye and the two dogs were so fun! They brought a lot of life to the story. I enjoyed the journey that Eli and Melissa took to arrive at their HEA. Melissa also had a lot of issues to deal with. I think this book is a great book to read at the beginning of the new year! One filled with hope, faith and love!