Coming Home

Home Sweet Home #1

by Ellie Peat

My best friend is back. After fifteen years of no visits, phone calls, or even a text, and Scott Brandonson is back.
And he’s standing in my bakery!

When he walks through my bakery doors looking better than ever, with his broad shoulders and bright blue eyes, and his charming smile, it’s all I can do not to throw myself into his arms.

And then my name comes out of that oh-so kissable mouth.

The crush I had back in high school when I tagged along during his exploits? The crush fated to never go anywhere? The crush that might have taken me thousands of hours and hundreds of romcoms to get over?

Well, it’s back. And my resistance to his charm is out the door like my day-old cupcakes.

Despite the hours we spend together in and out of my bakery, and the way he looks at me as though I’m the only woman in the world, I can’t let him get close.

He isn’t staying. And I can’t survive Scott walking away for a second time.

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2024

Reviews

[C.Y. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book radiated pure joy, captivating me from start to finish. Scott and Lauren's love story, a testament to second chances, was truly uplifting. Their small town romance, blossoming from childhood friendship, warmed my heart. The supporting cast, particularly Scott's best friend Jake, added depth and excitement, leaving me eager to see if Jake's journey will unfold next.

I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[bruna oliveira ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this romcom, I didn't expect it to captivate me so much. But I would like to see more engaging characters (who I hope will make it into the next book).
I really liked the detailed descriptions, they gave the story a boost and left no loose ends. Will Scott and Lauren appear in the second book as well? It would be cool if so.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scott Brandonson walked away but now he’s back in her Bakery come Coffee shop Buns and Beans.She can’t let him in ,no sir because he’s not staying so it wouldn’t be fair to her no matter what it means . She can’t put herself through that again ,no matter how much she wants him to be hers show that he cares .she knows it cannot be…. Her best friend from childhood but her feelings grow stronger even though he has to go soon and can stay no longer…. But I wonder if she knows how he came to be here she’d have more of his feelings for her clearer. “Why did you never ask her out?” “By the time I figured out she wasn’t just the daughter of Mom and Dad’s friend, I also figured out that I wasn’t going to stay in Iron Creek. Lauren Somers isn’t the type to follow me to the city.” You see all the time back when. He was secretly wanting to finish with Olivia and ask Lauren out. That’s what should have occurred ,it’s absurd ,what a waste. He’s feeling chaste. He couldn’t care less about his dad but Lauren was another fish altogether. Remembering the Hodag Country thing almost made his heart sing. Well it’s clear that they both think of one another dear , they just need to tell each other as soon as they’re near. Well affairs of the heart and two star crossed would be lovers,if they decide to take a chance for a romantic dance for two. This book was written very well and it does compel.

[Iyeda Okisai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well I just felt like I left a Hallmark movie screening which is different but not bad…..

One I wanted more I feel like the story need more meat and it's not from a lucking plot no no no but I just think the story could do with more explanations like the post card story perfect flash back moment for the couple during house hunting.

Two, I loved the innocence of the story even with just kissing it was very swoon worthy. I loved it.

The side character stories better be coming up especially but not limited to Jake and Melody cause I feel like that is a dramatic story waiting to unfold.

Three…. It was such a feel good story and I loved that they fell back into rythm with each other after all that time and it was perfect to watch them fumble around each other.

I would have loved to hear more about the mom even if just for a few pages she was such a fleeting character but I would have loved that, she is part of Scotts' story.

Honestly I enjoyed it ligh heartedness and how cute romcommy it felt.

Well done.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I read the blurb for this book, I couldn't wait to read it. Unfortunately, it fell flat.

Firstly, an age difference of three years or more in high school is great. No guy is going to be interested in someone that much younger than him and they are definitely not going to be pulling stunts together, like the one in the book. (Sorry folks, you are gonna' have to read the book to find out what I am talkin' about!)

Secondly, there wasn't enough push back from Scott's friends when he finally returns home after almost 14 years of radio silence. And why didn't they try to find a way to contact him during that time? Lauren's father managed to stay in touch with Scott's mother, so there was obviously a way.

I felt the mild language and implied sex was unnecessary, especially the part about 'christening' EVERY room in their new house.

The clincher for me was the poor editing. Between the grammatical errors, punctuation and sentences that just didn't make sense, it became distracting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a first book by this author I loved it. I knew right away where the book was set by some of the areas referenced and some of the things the area is known for. I loved the redemptive arc that this story had in Scott's character. He went from being someone you didn't want to like to someone you for cheering for by the end. I also loved how the people all rallied around and welcomed him back even though he left them all behind. I also enjoyed watching him finally come to terms with his feelings towards Lauren and watching them fall in love. I enjoy closed door romances because it gives you the hit of what they are doing without the graphic details. I can't wait to see more from this group of friends and really want to see if Jake and Melody end up together or not. I would also like to see Trent get his second chance at love as well. If you love sweet, closed door romance I highly recommend that you run and pick up this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming Home was a cute closed door romcom. I was quickly invested in the story and liked both watching the relationship unfold as well as the mystery to what was happening in the town and waiting to see how it was going to be fixed.

I do wish the book had more closure about the town, but I’m hoping there will be another book that touches on another love story and follows the towns story too.

I had two odors with the story - first that the third act breakup then need for grand gesture didn’t really make sense to me ( why did Scott need a big gesture?). Second, the book could use some editing for grammar - there were enough typos to distract me while reading and it felt ironic given one of the friends teachers English.

I was given a free copy of the book; I’m leaving a voluntarily, honest review.

[bookgirl1021 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this book based on the title. Being from Wisconsin, we all know what and where "Up North" is. This story follows Scott as he returns to his hometown following his father's death. He also returns to see if Lauren, his "one that got away", is still there and what her life has become. Would she still be as interested in him as she was 15 years ago when he left? Like many towns up north, he finds his hometown to be dying, what he hadn't expected is that his father may have played a role in its demise. This book is a bit of a second chance romance as well as a mystery as Scott unravels his father's past. It's a good start to this series and I look forward to reading the remainder of the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandra Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story. Scott and Lauren together is a match made in heaven. I would have liked to know how Scott did with the town and if he told the townspeople what his father did. And to see if he would buy back most of the town and have the mine open up again and the businesses come back. The friendship of the other characters that surrounded the both of them was bittersweet.

There were some grammatical errors that I have seen throughout the entire book. Some misspellings and other errors like Lauren talking but somewhere in there it says another character's name. Some of the errors get distracting and it's hard to concentrate on the story line when there are so many.

Overall it is a nice, cozy book to read.

[Sheri Bolinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by how fast this book flew by. I was so engrossed in the story it was over before I knew it! I absolutely loved Lauren and Scott in this emotional, wonderful read. Both of these two were so amazing and all I wanted the whole book was for them to get their HEA. The secondary characters, Trent, Jake, Melody, Elizabeth, and Olivia, added so much texture to the story. I hope they each get their own HEAs also! Can't leave out Georgia, Scott's assistant, either. She had her finger on the pulse of all things Scott!! She was extraordinary! The only downside to this book is that i want to know what happens next. I want more Lauren and Scott!! They were just that great!

[Natalie Reads Alot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Coming Home by: Ellie Peat

Pages: 259

Genre: romcom

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was so cute! I loved the small town romance. I love the friends to lover trope as well. I appreciate the authors closed door romance as well. Leaves us to wonder and imagine but without unnecessary details. This is the first in the series and first book I’ve read from this author but I def plan on reading the next book in the series! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren had stayed in her hometown, now running the local bakery and still looking after her dad. After spending years getting over her high-school crush who left and never came back. Except here he was stood in her bakery. Scott couldn't get away quick enough, and coming back isn't what he wants. Now with his dad's passing he was about to see the only person he regrets leaving behind. This is a sweet story about finally admitting past feelings and hoping it's not to later.. This easy to read story with characters you connect easily with is hopefully the first in this series

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute story with fun characters. I enjoyed the setting as well and could imagine the small town described throughout the book. I particularly enjoyed the close connection the characters had with one another. It felt like the way things worked out was a little too easy. The resolution at the end could be expanded upon as everything was wrapped up quite quickly. Overall, I definitely enjoyed this book and recommend it, as well as the author. I look forward to reading more by Ellie Peat.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Coming Home is really a sweet and light romantic tale of childhood friends and I loved all the hometown feels as someone who grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone's business. It did feel a bit brief and some of the events felt glossed over, but if you are looking for a nice, sweet and breezy summer romance, this is your book. The bakery/ coffee shop is called Beans & Buns! too cute!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Loved the bakery setting, great story telling and wirting, charming characters, emotion, humor and the friends to more, slow burn romance. I couldn't put it down and had to keep turning pages to see what would happen next. The storyline was so enjoyable and entertaining. An excellent, feel good read. I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got so wrapped up in this story

Sometimes you find an author writes a book that you can actually see it in your mind's eye. This is that kind of a book. The characters were so well written And you felt like you got to know them personally. The storyline was 1 that I think sometimes might happen in real life. Anyway the author touched my heart with this book. I hope you enjoy it as well.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming Home is Book 1 in Up North Series by Ellie Peat. I thought that Coming Home was a wonderful rom/com with great characters. I felt that the author took just the right amount to give background but the story did not drag. I thought the author handled death of a parent and sister with dignity. I am looking forward to reading book 2 and seeing what happens next. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a realistic feel to it. Father is a piece of poop, son goes off to college, and mother leaves husband. Makes you feel for the main character, as he left everything and everyone behind for 15 years...

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. BOOKSIREN

[Candice Nair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small town romance is one of the best troupes. This was a good read of childhood friends to lovers and dealing with childhood trauma.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable book. Lauren really had it bad for Scott. It was a beautiful story with these two that had be forget about real life. It was a great story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great read. I enjoyed this closed-door romance. It's definitely something I'd typically read about. I adore romance and enjoyed it from the first page to the last.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bamidele Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming Home by Ellie Peat is a sweet, small-town friends-to-lovers romance filled with charm, humor, and heartfelt emotion. When Scott returns to Lauren’s life after fifteen years, old sparks reignite, leading to a tender second-chance love story. Warm, witty, and impossible to put down.

[Suze82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

home of the heart

Scott and Lauren were always meant to be together but sometimes life gets in the way, so I enjoyed reading about them finally making their love real.

[Amber Upton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute and heartwarming story; a very quick read! My eyes were full of happy tears at the end. Reading this is like the equivalent of watching a Hallmark movie, when you just want to enjoy something lighthearted and fun.

Thanks to BookSirens for the free advance review copy!

[Romance Read Along · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect for anyone who loves Hallmark movies. A small town cozy closed door romance.

Not too much drama barely any angst just a loveable small town. The favorite son returns from the big city to settle his father's estate. He reconnects with old friends and finally connects with his childhood crush.

[Ana]

[ARC review- I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily]

DNF - 25%

I just didn’t manage to get into the story. There are too many characters to keep track of in the small town, introduced in a single chapter. The conversations feel very unnatural and most don’t even provide relevant information to the reader. We get way too much information about how old and broken everything in town is, there’s no need to get into so much detail about it.