Return to Me

The Burke Family #2

by Robin Lee Hatcher

When Roxy Burke left home for Nashville, she swore she wouldn’t come back until she was a star. But it’s desperation that drives this prodigal back to her family, and no one is prepared for what happens next.Roxy has crashed and burned. She’s squandered an inheritance, lived a wild life, and wasted her talent. Desperate and ashamed, she now must return to her father and sister, neither of whom she’s talked to in seven years.Roxy’s father welcomes his daughter with love and tenderness. But his easy acceptance is hard on Roxy’s sister. After years of being the dutiful daughter, Elena feels resentment and anger toward her wayward sister.Even more problematic is the reaction of Roxy’s former boyfriend. Once a rebel, Wyatt has given his life to Christ and plans to enter the ministry. He and Elena are engaged, but Roxy’s return raises questions that could mean the end of Elena’s perfect future.The Burke family faces the return of the prodigal and must reach out for healing. Will they each be able to accept God’s grace?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Audiobook, Romance, Inspirational, Fiction, Christian Romance

272 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 95 novels and novellas with more than five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love. Her numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®. When not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.

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Reviews

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxy Burke has messed up bad. With almost no goodbyes, she leaves her whole life in Boise for a new life in Nashville hoping to become the next big country star. Now, seven years later, she's squandered everything, especially her inheritance, and she's no country music star. She's had no contact with her family in Boise, but returning there is really the only choice that she has. Because of the lack of contact, Roxy is completely surprised when she finds that her older sister, Elena, is now engaged to Roxy's old boyfriend, Wyatt, and a wedding is about to take place.

Now, shift to the other side of the story. Elena can't believe all the attention that Roxy's getting now that she's home. She's the modern day prodigal son. She's completely messed up her life, while Elena has worked hard for everything she's ever gotten. Elena feels like no one's giving her any credit, and she's everything short of being flat out rude to her sister. And then, of course, she questions Wyatt if any of his former feelings for Roxy have returned now that she's back home.

I saw myself relating to Elena's feelings throughout this entire book. While there were times that I wanted to beat her upside the head, I knew she had to go through the phases that she did to come to a point of forgiveness. Robin is one of my favorite authors, and every time I read something by her, that book seems to become my new favorite! This book is no exception. I hope she continues with the series (A Carol for Christmas was the first), and maybe delve into Elena's future.

[Alicia Ruggieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Me creatively retells the Biblical parable of the prodigal son, setting it in modern times. I appreciated the way the author grounded the story, spiritually-speaking. There was a bit too much mushiness for my personal taste, but readers who really enjoy romantic fiction will not find that to be the case. :-) Overall, a solid, well-paced story that makes you think about how you would react if you were the prodigal/the older sibling/the father in the story and challenges the reader to reorient her thinking to align with Scripture.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roxy has reached rock bottom. No food. Rent overdue. Fired from her last job. After 7 years she only has one choice - to return home. But will they welcome her? Or turn her away, remind her of the hateful words she’d spewed as she left.

A retelling of the prodigal son. Even feeling sure of the outcome, the path Roxy and her family take to reach it are worth the read.

[Rebbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Lee Hatcher does a double interpretation of 'Return to Me'. As two sisters learn about God's grace in dramatically different ways, the reader will identify with either one or both of these women!

[Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story about a prodigal from the viewpoint of the "other brother(sister in this case)"

[Robin Hatcher]

I loved telling this story of the prodigal daughter and her "perfect" sister. Both Roxy and Elena became very dear to me, and God revealed so much truth as I wrote.

[Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prodigal daughter. Her perfect sister. One man they both love. This contemporary story of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32) explores the challenges facing each member of the family as the prodigal daughter returns to her hometown and her first love.

“Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” - Matthew 11: 28-30

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although not my absolute favorite Robin Lee Hatcher novel (that honor goes to Ribbon of Years), this story is high on the favorites list. It is a beautiful, heart-tugging story that moved me deeply. A modern-day retelling of The Prodigal Son parable, this time with daughters, "Return to Me" is the story of Roxy and Elena. Roxy is the younger sibling, the one who squanders away everything with wild living, while older sibling Elena walks the righteous path. Both women---not just the "sinner"----are in need of God's grace! As one who can easily struggle with "older brother" self-righteousness, I was cut to the quick by this story. I intend to share it with other "older brother-types" in my life. Awesome story!!

[Milisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel delves into themes of grace, forgiveness, and the complexities of family dynamics. Through Roxy’s journey of redemption and Elena’s struggle with self-righteousness, readers are invited to reflect on their own perceptions of grace and judgment.

Hatcher’s storytelling is engaging, with well-developed characters and a plot that keeps readers invested. The narrative not only explores personal transformation but also emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and understanding within families.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have all read the account of the Prodigal Son in Luke chapter 15 in the Bible. Did we ever stop to really think about each part of it? Well, this book takes us through a modern-day versionof it. You get to experience what each person is thinking and feeling and how it affects each life. It is so important to remember God's grace, that it is for each of us. Very well done! I recommend it to everyone!

[Sue Chaisson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was heart breaking but in the end it was the grace of god that made it better. I’m not very religious and parts of this book are very religious. However, the characters religious beliefs seemed to heal their relationships with themselves and each other. In the end I could see why they relied on the grace of god to be better people???? I don’t know if I’m drinking the Gatorade but I’d be interested in other people’s ideas after reading the book.

[Debra Pease · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tear Jerker Alert

Most believers have experience of a prodigal or two in their life and we can undertake Elena may even have been like her. We forget Grace, forget to extend it even as we have received it ourselves from God. The same as forgiveness due to Christ sacrifice. Indulging a child more beautiful, talented or outgoing is wrong also and leads to all sorts of future heartache for that child. Yet even so God know all.
Great story.

[Maisie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not badly written, but this read has too much of an ick factor for me to really enjoy it. The sisters have both had the same man at different points of their lives. Regardless of forgiveness, how will the family dynamic ever be normal? It's not the kind of thing that can be glazed over and forgotten. The ending is just not believable.

[Ana Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The modern prodigal son, this time daughter, storyline was very well written.
It was also very interesting to see the relationship dynamics between Roxy, Wyatt and Elena. As I was reading the book, I genuinely had no idea how the book was going to end and who would Wyatt actually end up marrying.
I think that this book really showcases what grace truly is.

[Devon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story from Ms. Hatcher

This story had a lot of life lessons and biblical lessons alike. I guess they go hand in hand. I don't want to give any spoilers, but this is a good read for young adults and older. There are references to hard living (nothing overly graphic, but not necessarily something I would want my young teen reading yet).

[Lauri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful modernized prodigal story

Wonderful story, patterned after Luke 15 but also an all around stand alone story about grace. Well developed characters, great details allowed you to enter into the story and watch it play out. I knew it would end well, but I still had that edge of your seat feeling to discover how the end was painted.

[Margaret Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and moving retelling of the prodigal son, only this time a prodigal daughter. Hatcher's understanding of both the prodigal and the older sibling is deep and meaningful, and makes sense. Lots of good insights, and a few unexpected plot twists.

[Lisa Gaskins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Modern tale of the prodigal son/daughter.

[Susan Forsgren · Rating 3 out of 5]

A well told love story that will have the reader cheering on their favorite characters.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great author!

[Dianne Sidebottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

prodigal daughter and the older daughter/sister get grace

[Roni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story

An amazing story of love, forgiveness, and grace which is only possible when God is in the midst of the healing process.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful characters I could relate to.

[Letha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great rendition of the prodigal son, in this case, daughter.

[Karen McConaughey · Rating 5 out of 5]

God really brings hope and caring to others

The book was a good measure of a family’s relationship. The power of God to bring healing and love was really good.

[Marsha Johnson Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Return to Me is a take on the biblical story of the prodigal son.
A few things I really liked about the book:
*It's a fast easy read.
*You get the stories perspective from many angles(father, older daughter, the younger prodigal daughter, the "boyfriend", the housekeep and more)
*Makes you wonder which of the main characters you might be more like, if you were in the story.
What I didn't like(thus only 3 stars):
*As great as the story read, I would have enjoyed to have more development between the last chapter and the epilogue. I guess that's where we get to make the story how we might imagine it.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone. I have found that there is actually a Book #1 to this(about the mother) that I am now looking forward to reading.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book that was a modern day version of the prodigal son story but this time with sisters. This book starts years after book #1, A Carol for Christmas. In that boo, Jonathan & Carol are young newlyweds struggling to see what God wants for the. Before the start of book #2, they have two daughters. This book picks up when the daughters are both young adults and Jonathan has been a widower for many years.

Roxy is the "prodigal" daughter. Like her mother, she has musical talent and wants to make it big in Nashville. She is rebellious & headstrong. After gaining the age that allows her control of an inheritance from her grandmother, she decides she is going to make her dreams come true, despite what her father & sister think. Her older sister, Elena, is more like her father and is a rule-follower and a hard worker. She is working for the family business and loves her job. Just as in the Biblical story, Roxy makes too many mistakes & squanders her inheritance. As she humbles herself and returns home, she wonders how her family will react.

The book is the story of what happens after Roxy returns home. Has she learned any lessons? What is she to do with her life now? Will her father welcome her home? What about Elena as the older, dutiful daughter?

It is an interesting story of relationships, forgiveness(& lack thereof), love and finding God's will in a confusing world. As in the author's other books that I have read, there are lessons for all of us about these themes. The only thing that I didn't care for in this book is that Elena's reaction and struggle with her sister's return seemed out of character with who she really was.

[Deborah Boutwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quickly checked out this audio book from the library without researching it much. I like Robin Lee Hatcher and since it was about a girl trying to make it in Nashville (my area of the world) I thought I would give it a try. First, it was an audio book and I only had one hang up with the reader....I didn't like her voice when she tried to sound like a man reading the men's part. It made me cringe every time. But I stuck with it and loved the story...which is the main thing and maybe that was because it closely resembles the life story of a new friend.

Singer goes to Nashville to make it big in country music. I see that happen every day working in Nashville...plus I have a husband that is a songwriter, so it's his dream too.

I didn't catch it at first, but this is a story of the prodigal son, but using sisters. It really focuses more on the sister that stayed at home and her reactions to the open arm/forgive all attitude of receiving the prodigal sister home. I liked the insight I gained from this perceptive. I hate to admit it, but sometimes we Christians just aren't as forgiving as we should be.

Good story, kept me somewhat entertained throughout, kind of predictable, really focused on the internal struggles of a new Christian dealing with past sin and the unforgiving nature of more mature Christians regarding those sins.

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.

As you can tell from almost all the reviews this is a modern day prodigal son story. In this case it involves two daughters. The oldest is a straight lace, follow the rules lady who stays home and works hard for the Burke Company which is owned by her father Jonathan. The youngest daughter, Roxy, takes her grandmother's inheritance and moves from Boise, Idaho to Nashville to become a famous country singer. Things don't go as she planned and she ends up broke and comes back to Idaho with her tail between her legs. Dad is happy to see his daughter return. The oldest sister....not so much.

Throw in the former boyfriend of the youngest who is now engaged to the oldest and you have a modern prodigal tale. Enjoyable read that hits on God's grace and the grace we need to show to others.