The Return Book Review

Hopeful, heart-wrenching, and bittersweet!

The Return sweeps you away to the small town of New Bern, North Carolina (Nicholas Sparks actual home town!!) and into the life of Trevor Benson, a young doctor and wounded war vet who inadvertently stumbles across a mystery and unexpectedly falls in love when he heads to his late grandfather’s home to regroup, refocus, heal and prepare to move on.

The characterization is well-developed with a wonderful cast of characters that are multilayered, strong, secretive, and endearing. It's been a long time since he dove into a mysterious plot and I think he handled it well. The plot is a tender tale full of life, love, heartache, healing, kindness, community, the intricacies of beekeeping, and a sliver of mystique.

Overall, The Return is an absorbing, charming, incredibly touching tale with a real undercurrent of heartbreak, loss, loneliness, and grief. I read it in one singular sitting. Even though in classic Sparks style it had me a little teary more than once, it also left me warmed, smiling, and extremely satisfied.


Reviewed by book lover: Brittany P. 

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