Return to Hope Creek

Hope Creek

by Alyssa J. Montgomery

When two old flames come back to their home town, sparks are bound to ignite. A rural romance from USA Today bestselling author Alyssa J. Montgomery.

A horrific car accident ended Stella Simpson’s career and relationship. When a family friend offers her a new opportunity in the rural community where she grew up, it seems like the perfect place to escape, heal and begin the next phase of her life. Until she discovers that the man who broke her heart ten years ago has also returned to Hope Creek.

Mitchell Scott had fame and fortune as one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks. But wealth and celebrity can’t bring happiness, and he’s glad to give it all up to return to the one place that always brought him peace. Encountering Stella again so long after the messy end to their relationship is a complication he doesn’t need — but one he finds himself wanting.

As each tries to build a new life, they are drawn to each other, and find that their chemistry is just as strong as it ever was. But can they overcome the pain of the past betrayal and learn to trust each other again?

Genres: Romance

480 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

About the author

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Alyssa enjoys writing pacy, passionate contemporary romance novels and her favourites involve some plot twists. She also writes medieval romance under the pen name Alyssa James.
Alyssa still has a busy private practice where she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist - mainly with children with developmental disorders, literacy difficulties and autism. She has also been a professional pianist and worked for Qantas Airways as an International Flight Attendant.
Alyssa lives with her husband and three children in New South Wales, Australia on a five acre property. They have a menagerie of animals and also enjoy occasional visits from deer, wallabies, echidna and the daily morning singing of numerous varieties of native birds.
Spare time is fairly limited with three children, however dinner parties with friends, gardening and playing tennis or saddling up the horses and going for a trail ride, are favourite activities.

Reviews

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good rural romance and this one ticks all of the boxes, fabulous setting, wonderful characters, a fabulous caring community and lots of emotion as we get to know Stella Simpson and Mitchell Scott, can returning to Hope Creek give them a second chance at the love and happiness they deserve?

Stella has been at the top of her career in tennis for a while now but a terrible accident has seen her have to retire and she makes a decision to go back home, home to her foster parents and sisters, when she is offered a share in ownership of the neighbour farm, Hope Farm she jumps at the chance, it is time to heal and start her new life but she soon learns that her partner will be none other than the man who broke her heart years before.

Mitchell has been playing NFL in The States for years and is the best quarterback in the game, but as time goes by he realises that it is time to make a new life for him and his ten year old son Kade, his life was turned upside down ten years ago and when his aunt Liz offers him a share in the family farm he of course takes it but soon finds out who his partner is in the venture, Stella the woman who has always owned his heart.

Will Stella and Mitchell settle on a truce in their joint ownership, how are they going to ignore the chemistry and spark that ignites whenever they are together, their lives had been torn apart ten years before but for them to even think about a future they must first open up about the truth from the past to find a future.

This is a beautiful story, I loved it and it is so well written I felt all the pain and happiness that Stella and Mitchell had gone through as MS. Montgomery bought them to life on the pages, this is one that I highly recommend and I am looking forward to at least a couple more stories from Hope Creek.

My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victoria, Australia. Stella Simpson was a high ranking ATP tennis player, when she was in involved in a career ending car accident, after months of doing rehab, she secretly returns home to Hope Creek.

Stella was raised by her foster parents Jim and Margaret Richardson and along with her two sisters Morgan and Callie. When Liz Connor their next door neighbour offers Stella some land, she wants to use it to help the community and underprivileged children and had no idea it comes with a catch.

Mitchell Scott was one of the Americas best and highest paid NFL’s quarterbacks, he makes the choice to retire at his peak, to raise his son Kade. He loved the summers he spent staying with his aunt Liz in Australia, he wants a stress free and simpler life for them both.

Stella and Mitch dated as teenagers and their relationship ended badly, seeing her again brings back all the memories and feelings from the past and Stella hasn’t forgiven him.

Stella has been through a lot, she doesn’t trust men and especially Mitch and despite the chemistry between them.

I really enjoyed reading Return to Hope Creek by Alyssa J. Montgomery, I liked the characters including Stella, Mitch, Kade, Liz, Jim, Margaret, Blue, Morgan, Callie and can understand why the novel won a ruby award. The narrative includes relevant topics, such as body image, first love, heart break, second chances and you don’t need to be biologically related to raise, bond and love a child and four stars from me.

I’m keen to read Sharing Forever in Hope Creek and this time it’s about Stella’s foster sister Callie.

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four and a half stars
When a horrific car accident occurs it changes Stella Simpson’s life dramatically. She not only loses one leg below the knee plus having internal injuries that take away one ovary. It is the end of her no 1 professional tennis career. That disappears along with the relationship with her fiancé /coach who has betrayed her. Stella heads back to her foster parents, Jim and Marg. Hope creek seems the perfect place to hide and heal. And when an opportunity to buy half of a property arose it sparked an idea to form of a tennis camp to help underprivileged kids.
What she doesn’t know is that Mitchell Scott, who broke her heart ten years before, has also moved to Hope Creek along with his son Kade. And thanks to Liz, a romance novelist, he has bought the other half of the property. Mitch is no longer married to Deanna, Kade’s mother who is still in America where Mitch had for years been a famous American football quarterback.
But Stella is not prepared to risk her heart again. Can Stella and Mitch put the past behind them and coexist especially when the chemistry between them seems as strong as it was years earlier? And when Mitch’s vindictive ex-wife turns up how will that affect everything?
This is a story filled with characters that endear themselves to the reader. As well as Stella, Mitch and Kade there are Jim and Marg, Callie and Morgan Stella’s foster sisters, Blue and Aunt Liz with her matchmaking. It is filled with warmth, family, misunderstandings and betrayal. I loved the sense of community as it rallies to protect Stella from unwanted media attention.
A tad predictable in some ways but certainly packed with heart stopping action towards the end. I really enjoyed the setting, the Aussie lingo, and the characters. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who likes rural fiction and a good story.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Hope Creek is a beautiful rural romance by Alyssa J. Montgomery that gives two people a second chance at love. World tennis champion Stella Simpson's career ended when she was involved in a car accident, so she decided to come home to Hope Creek. However, unbeknownst to Stella, her childhood sweetheart Mitchell Scott also returns to Hope Creek with his son to live. Will Mitchell Scott and Stella Simpson get a second chance at love? The readers of Return to Hope Creek will continue to follow Mitchell Scott and Stella Simpson to discover what happened.

Reading Return to Hope Creek, I will start learning about the problems professional sports stars can encounter when trying to combine professional and personal life. I enjoy the way Alyssa J. Montgomery highlighted the dangers of not securing old mine shafts in case people accidentally fall in. Alyssa J. Montgomery also helped me to understand greed and power in the professional sports arena.

I love how Alyssa J. Montgomery portrayed her characters and their interaction throughout this book. Return to Hope Creek is well-written and researched. I like Alyssa J. Montgomery's description of her settings of Return to Hope Creek, which allowed me to imagine being part of the book's plot.

Thank you to the author for my free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Hope Creek by Alyssa J Montgomery is a romance taking place in Australia between two world class athletes: Mitchell Scott, an American football star, and Stella Simpson, former world number-one tennis star. Stella had had a very bad day, one that ended in a car chase and crash precipitated by the driver’s attempt to get ahead of paparazzi. Her injuries included the loss of an ovary and the loss of one foot, amputated below the knee. She had now returned to her home town in hopes of, not only recovery, but of opening a tennis facility aimed at under privileged youth. A family friend, Liz, had visited her when she was in rehab and offered to sell her half of her property. Stella jumped at the chance and was thrilled until she returned to Hope Creek to discover that the other half had been sold to her high school/college boyfriend. Things had not ended well with them and she was disconcerted to discover Liz’s hoax, allowing her to believe that she (Liz) would be keeping the other half. To make things worse, Mitch was there with his son, Kade, whose conception was what had broken them apart years before.

This was a complicated romance with both carrying so much baggage to work through before they could even be friends. She and Mitch had come to an agreement and Stella moved into the cottage on the property as planned. He first visitor was Kade and he was a charming little boy. They quickly became friends, which surprised her but she went with it. Stella was a former foster child and her “parents” lived here in Hope Creek and were thrilled to have her home. Mitch’s parents were politicians and probably only had him for appearance’ sake. He had lived here with his aunt Liz summers and most of high school. The story of their breakup was convoluted but it became clearer they had been manipulated as they talked to one another. Mitch was a good guy and he loved his son. How much was to be proven as the story progressed. This was a good book with sympathetic characters and a decent storyline. Thanks Ms Montgomery, for writing a compelling romance.

I was invited to read Return to Hope Creek by Escape Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #EscapePublishing #AlyssaJMontgomery #ReturnToHopeCreek

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Escape Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.5 stars.
A story about second chances, pain, healing, and life after the limelight and success, “Return to Hope Creek”, by Alyssa J. Montgomery, features characters that have gone through a lot and are seeking for the warmth of a welcoming community.
I loved how Mitch’s and Stella passion, connection and chemistry were still so strong after ten years of separation and all the hurt.
I also appreciated that they were honest with each other while they tried to rebuild trust, even if some misunderstandings lingered perhaps for too long.
Mitch is a great hero, a strong man not afraid of showing vulnerability and emotion. Mitch’s and adorable Kade relationship is wonderful. His drive to make a home in Hope Creek, Australia, for his son is compelling.
I liked Stella as a heroine who doesn’t want to be a role model for anyone and doesn’t want to act according to other people rules or expectations; and it was refreshing that perhaps all she wants now is to have a family of her own…
“I don’t want to be held up as an example and I don’t want people to think that if I’m not achieving something, I’m not happy”, Stella confesses.
I also liked how Stella’s issues and disability were depicted, the problems and obstacles shown realistically.
I loved that despite their achievements and success they both are grounded, down-to-earth people.
I enjoyed that their projects and co-ownership evolved from apparently irreconcilable, conflicting interests to some giving in from both and harmony with fairness.
The supporting characters are great and the community atmosphere too.
Liz meddling was fun in general but sometimes it was annoying.
I liked the story, plot and characters and their interactions, although I think the story was too long.
I found some parts were too idyllic and some characters, like the ex-wife, too caricatured.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know a book is well written when you have tears in your eyes as early in as Chapter 2! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stella Simpson and Mitchell Scott have returned to Hope Creek, the rural community of their childhood, to heal and forge a new future paths after the end of their sporting careers. Mitchell’s matchmaking Aunt is determined to get the two back together after a very messy and heartbreaking relationship many years ago.

The forced proximity between Stella and Mitch has them reflecting on their past relationship. They are both wishing for a future together but insecurities, especially from Stella, make them doubt that getting back together would work and neither wants to be hurt again.

The storyline was fast paced and gave just enough background for context without going into full detail causing the story to lose its momentum which I found refreshing. I must admit that I don’t normally enjoy a miscommunication trope but given the miscommunication occurred through deception, lies and manipulation by other parties, I appreciated how it was weaved into the storyline in this instance.

I just felt the ending was a little rushed. I would have like just a little bit more to unfold around Mitch and Stella and maybe just a little bit more of a grand gesture around their future. But otherwise, this story was very well written and brings out all the feels for the reader and makes the characters very relatable. I would certainly purchase a copy and recommend it to others as a great holiday read.

Thank you to Netgalley, Escape Publishing and Alyssa J. Montgomery for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Shelagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Return To Hope Creek is technically an Australian small town romance, it is also about two former athletes who retired at the top of their respective games and about second chances for them both. Stella Simpson has achieved all she could have ever hoped as the world number one women’s tennis player and was ready to retire after winning the French Open when a car crash just after the match left her with one foot amputated. Mitchell Scott was regarded as the world’s best American NFL quarterback when he retired to raise his ten year-old son, the product of a one-night-stand he has no recollection of. Despite marrying Kade’s mother when she turned up pregnant, that relationship never worked and they are divorced when the story opens. Mitch and Stella are both back in Hope Creek to get their lives in order but neither counted on the sparks that keep flying beteen them. Both thought they’d left their attraction behind when they broke up ten years earlier. I loved the small town vibe of this story with the community and family rallying round to protect and nurture Stella and Mitch. The characters are all well drawn and relateable and I particularly liked Mitch’s Aunt Liz, a meddling romance writer determined to ensure a real-life happy ever after for him and Stella, his first love. This story exudes warmth but there are also sexual undertones aplenty. I enjoyed reading it.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is such a pleasure for me to read a book about second chances. Return to Hope Creek had everything in it to fulfill what I like in second chance book.
Stella was a world-class tennis player. One day her life changed that day and going back to Hope Creek was where she decided to restart her life.
Mitchell was a top-notch football player but for him there were circumstances that happened, and he returned to Hope Creek for a change in his life.
Stella and Mitchell had a past and being in Hope Creek brough back a lot of feelings, hopes, dreams and a way to begin a life they both wanted.
The chemistry between them was so deep and true that I was able to feel it as I was reading.
The author made everything so real, and this made me like all – well almost all the characters in the book.
Thank you NetGalley, Alyssa J. Montgomery and Escape Publishing for the copy of Return to Hope Creek. This is my personal review.

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read a story set close to home. I don't know if I could stand to live that far out of town but it's a nice place to visit.
Stella's tennis career is over due to an accident. Mitchell's football career is over by choice. These two teen sweethearts have been through so much before being torn apart.
Is there a second chance for them, so much history, lies and deceit to get past to seek the truth.
The townfolk were enjoyable, it takes a village and despite knowing each other's business they would all be there in a pinch for each other.
This was such a beautiful romance, I couldn't put it down.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of Return to Hope Creek, published by Escape Publishing

I loved this book, a wonderful contemporary romance. It's a real feel good, down home, honest people kind of book. Great characters that are well described, and likeable. I enjoyed the setting. The story moved along at a good pace. I liked the plot.
I love when an author has me so engaged with the characters that I can cry with them, laugh with them and hurt with them
This is the first novel I've read by Alyssa J. Montgomery, but not the last.

[Melissa Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read with characters who are giving the right amount of emotion needed in the book.

Stella is a past tennis champ who suffered more than she deserved. Mitch has suffered his own share of problems also. When both of them see each other again, they are unsure of what the past and future could mean to them both.

I loved the characters and how they needed to be portrayed in the story.

Thanks to #netgalley, the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book.

[Karen Roma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Hope Creek, is a second chance romance with two strong and determined lead characters and a bevy of side characters too. A story filled with angst, history, misconception, and deception; this book certainly has plenty to keep the reader intrigued.

The storyline is well paced and doesn’t overwhelm readers with in-depth background but does provide enough information to complement the plot. I did feel the ending was a hurried, but overall, this was a good story.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed my visit to Hope Creek. Two former lovers and athletes reunite in this small town in Australia. The word differences are amusing. Sweet and sad back stories. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary. There are two more sisters. I wonder if we will be getting their searches for a significant other eventually.

[Cathleen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a messy break up the last person Stella Simpson wants to run in to in her rural community is
Mitchell Scott. After all, he's made a big deal of his life. And what has Stella done? Had a shocking accident that ended her career. But love has a way of sneaking up, even if Scot and Stella don't want it to.

Another delightful warm-hearted read. Couldn't put it down.

[Eris]

This is a good book. The two main characters are Stella and Mitch. They have known each other for all their lives. They dated in high school. They broke up in college. They both return to their hometown, several years later. There still an attraction. They start to date. They each have issues but together they work the issues out and fall in love.

[Alie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Hope Creek - Alyssa J Montgomery

“Return to Hope Creek” is an original take on an Australian Romance based in Victoria. Alyssa used thoughtful and emotive back stories to provide you with a genuine connection to the characters involved. This narrative depicts the lives of two childhood friends, navigating sporting triumphs, personal struggles, healing, and the pursuit of new beginnings..


Alyssa crafted the main characters, Stella and Mitch, with palpable chemistry and deep bond, showcasing the complexities of honesty and trust—qualities that are both earned and tested throughout their journey. It was a pleasure to delve into a story centred around second chances.


While the ending may have felt slightly rushed and the miscommunication went for longer then I felt necessary, it does not overshadow the overall quality of the story and maintains a well-paced rhythm, providing just enough background information to enrich the plot without overwhelming readers. Overall, "Return to Hope Creek" delivers a satisfying tale of resilience and love in the picturesque Australian countryside.

Forced Proximity ∘ Second Chance ∘ Miscommunication ∘ Single Father ∘ Small Town∘ Australian Romance ∘ Friends to Lovers


Happy Reading,

Alie

Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Aesthetic: 🎾🏈🦿💔❤️‍🩹🇦🇺🐐👦🏻💕
Spice: 🌶

[Emmie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Hope creek was such a fun and emotional second chance romance that I found myself not wanting to put down! It was addictive and a really gripping story with characters who were so easy to like and root for!

I really liked how these characters came back together and while there was some miscommunication it was quickly dealt with and all made sense in the end. They have both been through so much in their lives that you just want them to have their happily ever after!

I'm definitely going to be picking more of this author's work up in the future!

[Clare Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful rural romance, full of strong believable characters that stay with you long after you've read the last page. I loved my time in Hope Creek, and am looking forward to book two in the series.

[Maddi Girling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book filled with so much emotions. Another bonus is it’s based in Australia. Really enjoyed the book and would like to see another one to see what’s next.

[Ilaria Andreotti · Rating 2 out of 5]

bella trama ma la storia è troppo veloce, la prevedibilità non rovina l'emozione ma onestamente l'uso della terza persona rende tutto impersonale.