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Forging America #1
Come Back
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
Note about Although the moral context of the story is old fashioned, Come Back contains violence, adult themes, and descriptions of physical intimacy. It is intended for mature readers.
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
Note about Although the moral context of the story is old fashioned, Come Back contains violence, adult themes, and descriptions of physical intimacy. It is intended for mature readers.
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2014
170 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Maygrove
13 books32 followersNamed one of Houston's 100 Creatives for 2014 by the Houston Press and mentioned in 'Who's Who Among Texas Authors'
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance author. When she's not busy caring for her tiny NICU patients, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance author. When she's not busy caring for her tiny NICU patients, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 28, 2018
So amazing
I loved this book. I could not out it down. The heroine is left behind when the wagon train she is on with her parents leaves without her. That scene was so heartbreaking. The moment she realized what had happened, she was panicked and afraid and desperate. I could feel it so much. Then that young woman then pulled up her boot strings and saved herself. She was alone for a whole year in the wilderness and made herself shelter, found her own food and all with a knife and canteen. The place though is a dumping ground for excess items that people have to leave behind because they are too heavy and the animals are not strong enough to carry at this point in the trail. She takes these things and makes a life for herself while waiting to be rescued. Or at least that's what you think. She believes she was left behind because she wasn't wanted and she just wanted to be left alone. But then a stranger is hurt and she finds him and he tries to rescue her. But she won't go. He comes back for her and saves her and then showcases him again. Finally she leaves with him to face the past. It's a wonderful journey. I don't want to spoil it either because I loved all the twists and turns it took. Seth was an amazing hero and Becca is now one of my favorite heroines. It's not passion filled scenes of anything like that. Just a romantic angsty story of a strong heroine who has been treated wrongly. The villain might not surprise you but the road getting there is worth the read. Safe.
I loved this book. I could not out it down. The heroine is left behind when the wagon train she is on with her parents leaves without her. That scene was so heartbreaking. The moment she realized what had happened, she was panicked and afraid and desperate. I could feel it so much. Then that young woman then pulled up her boot strings and saved herself. She was alone for a whole year in the wilderness and made herself shelter, found her own food and all with a knife and canteen. The place though is a dumping ground for excess items that people have to leave behind because they are too heavy and the animals are not strong enough to carry at this point in the trail. She takes these things and makes a life for herself while waiting to be rescued. Or at least that's what you think. She believes she was left behind because she wasn't wanted and she just wanted to be left alone. But then a stranger is hurt and she finds him and he tries to rescue her. But she won't go. He comes back for her and saves her and then showcases him again. Finally she leaves with him to face the past. It's a wonderful journey. I don't want to spoil it either because I loved all the twists and turns it took. Seth was an amazing hero and Becca is now one of my favorite heroines. It's not passion filled scenes of anything like that. Just a romantic angsty story of a strong heroine who has been treated wrongly. The villain might not surprise you but the road getting there is worth the read. Safe.
September 8, 2014
This was a great story. The female character was left by a wagon train in the middle of nowhere and she survived! Her determination and willpower were wonderful to read about. Then a stranger came into her area. Would he save her or harm her? The story is full of twist and surprises and does have a small amount of explicit sex, but the story is life and romance and survival. Well written. Highly recommend this book to all.
November 23, 2018
Only few books I give 5 stars and this is one
I rushed through some parts, yes .....but I like the books where H and h are separated from world....
And I liked the way their romance grew
I rushed through some parts, yes .....but I like the books where H and h are separated from world....
And I liked the way their romance grew
February 6, 2017
Rebecca Garvey is on a wagon train bound for California when she is inadvertently left behind in the wilderness of New Mexico Territory. She mistakenly believes that no one searched for her and, as days turn into months, she remains in the wilderness and fends for herself rather than attempting to make her way to a town. When she comes across an injured man, she’s compelled to help him, but in doing so she can no longer hide from the pain of her presumed abandonment.
Seth Emerson is battling demons of his own, but he becomes determined to reunite Rebecca with her family, along with the man to whom she’s betrothed. During the journey, affection turns to love between Seth and Rebecca, and they must both grapple with doing the right thing.
This is a quiet book with a slow-building romance; both Seth and Rebecca are stubborn in their misguided decisions regarding the course of their lives, and Ms. Maygrove beautifully handles their blossoming maturity. Grab a cup of tea and a blanket and settle in for a romance filled with grit, sweetness, and passion. You won’t be disappointed.
Seth Emerson is battling demons of his own, but he becomes determined to reunite Rebecca with her family, along with the man to whom she’s betrothed. During the journey, affection turns to love between Seth and Rebecca, and they must both grapple with doing the right thing.
This is a quiet book with a slow-building romance; both Seth and Rebecca are stubborn in their misguided decisions regarding the course of their lives, and Ms. Maygrove beautifully handles their blossoming maturity. Grab a cup of tea and a blanket and settle in for a romance filled with grit, sweetness, and passion. You won’t be disappointed.
March 19, 2019
Very good romance, just a bit long
This is a very good romance, with a likable couple, but it just seemed a bit too long. There were so many pages devoted to their time in the cave and their time traveling. Much of that was kind of repetitive, since what they did every day was often very similar -- he hunted, she cooked and cleaned, they traveled in the wagon, ...
I did really like the story, and I understood how their experiences made them both feel unworthy and unlovable. It was sweet how they both worked to express their love, because they understood each other's insecurities.
One thing, I thought the mystery of who caused all of Rebecca's misery was pretty obvious. I figured out who it was pretty quickly.
This is a very good romance, with a likable couple, but it just seemed a bit too long. There were so many pages devoted to their time in the cave and their time traveling. Much of that was kind of repetitive, since what they did every day was often very similar -- he hunted, she cooked and cleaned, they traveled in the wagon, ...
I did really like the story, and I understood how their experiences made them both feel unworthy and unlovable. It was sweet how they both worked to express their love, because they understood each other's insecurities.
One thing, I thought the mystery of who caused all of Rebecca's misery was pretty obvious. I figured out who it was pretty quickly.
July 23, 2025
Rebecca and Seth
Let’s start with what I liked and what made the story enjoyable:
I felt for Rebecca right away. She was strong willed and intelligent, naive and ready to step into womanhood. The juxtaposition of her sometimes child like reactions and the ability to survive alone made sense. Seth was also a great character. His back story was heart breaking and did make me want to learn more about his sister, which I look forward to doing in the next book.
The side characters added much to the story… for the most part and I liked the resolution between Nathan and Rebecca, Rebecca and her family and Seth with his. The story itself was good, parts dragged but that happens when covering a long period of time and having to deal with large problems along the way. And I loved meeting Hatchoq properly (since I read his story first instead of last, as it’s positioned in the series)
Now with what I didn’t like:
This is the second book I’ve read from this author and while I find the stories and characters enjoyable, the villains are down right cartoonish. This story’s villain was so over the top it was near impossible for me to really hate them. I also thought (spoiler alert) that the killing of an innocent man- just to further push the “evil” deed she did was completely unnecessary and did more harm than good. I do understand that it was there to show how mob justice and suspension can over rule even the purest of hearts, it still felt unneeded to reach to ends the author was going for. Like I said the entire reveal of the villainous plot and who was behind it, just felt ridiculous and cartoonish. It took away some of the enjoyment of the overall story and had me skimming those chapters ready for it to end, leading what could have been a 4 or 5 star book to the 3 I gave it.
Let’s start with what I liked and what made the story enjoyable:
I felt for Rebecca right away. She was strong willed and intelligent, naive and ready to step into womanhood. The juxtaposition of her sometimes child like reactions and the ability to survive alone made sense. Seth was also a great character. His back story was heart breaking and did make me want to learn more about his sister, which I look forward to doing in the next book.
The side characters added much to the story… for the most part and I liked the resolution between Nathan and Rebecca, Rebecca and her family and Seth with his. The story itself was good, parts dragged but that happens when covering a long period of time and having to deal with large problems along the way. And I loved meeting Hatchoq properly (since I read his story first instead of last, as it’s positioned in the series)
Now with what I didn’t like:
This is the second book I’ve read from this author and while I find the stories and characters enjoyable, the villains are down right cartoonish. This story’s villain was so over the top it was near impossible for me to really hate them. I also thought (spoiler alert) that the killing of an innocent man- just to further push the “evil” deed she did was completely unnecessary and did more harm than good. I do understand that it was there to show how mob justice and suspension can over rule even the purest of hearts, it still felt unneeded to reach to ends the author was going for. Like I said the entire reveal of the villainous plot and who was behind it, just felt ridiculous and cartoonish. It took away some of the enjoyment of the overall story and had me skimming those chapters ready for it to end, leading what could have been a 4 or 5 star book to the 3 I gave it.
December 14, 2023
Good Book
I fell in love with the characters although I felt 20 was too young for the depth of knowledge and level head Seth was. He left home at 15 (my own grandpa left at 13) but… I raised 4 boys & 4 daughters. No matter how well prepared they were for life at 20 they were still not level headed all the time. Seth was just too good to be true!
My own hubby & I married @18 & we became parents by 19. We were solid hard working people but we were kids raising a baby. Everyday was a struggle to make correct decisions for our baby & family. My sweet hubby never failed to do his best but he was not as perfect and self sacrificing as Seth. It’s hard to believe that a 20 yr old could keep his hands off of Becca for months! 😂 Alone months at that! Not unless he had physical issue!!!! I just think Seth should have been older …just my thoughts.
I felt there was a lot of action to keep you involved in the story. All in all I enjoyed the book but in my head I put Set around 30 because that’s what he acted like. 🤷♀️
I fell in love with the characters although I felt 20 was too young for the depth of knowledge and level head Seth was. He left home at 15 (my own grandpa left at 13) but… I raised 4 boys & 4 daughters. No matter how well prepared they were for life at 20 they were still not level headed all the time. Seth was just too good to be true!
My own hubby & I married @18 & we became parents by 19. We were solid hard working people but we were kids raising a baby. Everyday was a struggle to make correct decisions for our baby & family. My sweet hubby never failed to do his best but he was not as perfect and self sacrificing as Seth. It’s hard to believe that a 20 yr old could keep his hands off of Becca for months! 😂 Alone months at that! Not unless he had physical issue!!!! I just think Seth should have been older …just my thoughts.
I felt there was a lot of action to keep you involved in the story. All in all I enjoyed the book but in my head I put Set around 30 because that’s what he acted like. 🤷♀️
July 2, 2025
concerns and criticisms
Concerns: This writer took ample space to describe intimate encounters. You will have to skip through several pages several times to avoid her graphic depictions., (Skipping requires one to check a page here and there to get past scenes.)
Criticisms: The lack of explanation as to motivations was obvious in a large portion of the book. One is left wondering why did the characters act in such an inconsistent manner. I thought the character of Rebecca was childish in so many ways. I understand the patterns of individuals hurt deeply by life circumstances, but she appears to have 21st century adolescents in some situations.
The storyline does have some interesting turns and the writing was pleasant enough to finish the book. This just isn’t anything I would recommend.
Concerns: This writer took ample space to describe intimate encounters. You will have to skip through several pages several times to avoid her graphic depictions., (Skipping requires one to check a page here and there to get past scenes.)
Criticisms: The lack of explanation as to motivations was obvious in a large portion of the book. One is left wondering why did the characters act in such an inconsistent manner. I thought the character of Rebecca was childish in so many ways. I understand the patterns of individuals hurt deeply by life circumstances, but she appears to have 21st century adolescents in some situations.
The storyline does have some interesting turns and the writing was pleasant enough to finish the book. This just isn’t anything I would recommend.
August 31, 2021
This turned out to be a very nice read. I saw this book being recommended by 2 different people and thought I should definitely give this one a go.
The story in the first few pages made me a little hesitant to continue reading, because it seemed to be taking a very predictable turn and that I might not get the strong heroine I was hoping for. However, as I kept reading, I was rewarded with genuine curiosity as to what would happen, the pacing was very good and I fell in love with the characters. I thought the author captured the scenes really well with her writing, with the descriptions for the settings being used convey the characters' emotions and all the descriptions which only added to the story and made it immersive, rather than detracting from it, which can sometimes happen.
The story in the first few pages made me a little hesitant to continue reading, because it seemed to be taking a very predictable turn and that I might not get the strong heroine I was hoping for. However, as I kept reading, I was rewarded with genuine curiosity as to what would happen, the pacing was very good and I fell in love with the characters. I thought the author captured the scenes really well with her writing, with the descriptions for the settings being used convey the characters' emotions and all the descriptions which only added to the story and made it immersive, rather than detracting from it, which can sometimes happen.
May 20, 2022
So Good!
I don't usually read Western romances (I am more a Bridgerton girl), but the idea of this story intrigued me. I was not disappointed. This was a story I had so much trouble putting down that I was up all night. The story of Seth and Rebecca absorbed me from the first page to the last They had so much to go through and still their love grew and flourished. I especially loved the way that they sustained each other in every circumstance, good or bad. I highly recommend this book - even if your usual fare takes place in ballrooms, not barn yards.
I don't usually read Western romances (I am more a Bridgerton girl), but the idea of this story intrigued me. I was not disappointed. This was a story I had so much trouble putting down that I was up all night. The story of Seth and Rebecca absorbed me from the first page to the last They had so much to go through and still their love grew and flourished. I especially loved the way that they sustained each other in every circumstance, good or bad. I highly recommend this book - even if your usual fare takes place in ballrooms, not barn yards.
Read
February 18, 2024The main character gets separated from her wagon train in the first chapter and at one point sees a Native American scout. She says she doesn't know if he's "Apache or Sioux." She's in New Mexico territory, which yes, was actually Apache territory, so I guess one point to the author. However. Sioux territory was in the northern Midwest. There wasn't remotely any overlap. In fact there were what are now multiple states in between the two tribe's territories, that's how little chance of overlap there was.
DNFed there for the egregious historical error.
DNFed there for the egregious historical error.
July 20, 2021
A lovely romance
Oh I did love the hero in this story, unpretentious, caring, humble, I could go on. It took me a while to like the heroine though as I found her foolhardy at the beginning and couldn't appreciate the reasons for the unfolding o f the plot, but the story got better after that.
I would have loved it to go further than it did, but enjoyed it anyway.
Oh I did love the hero in this story, unpretentious, caring, humble, I could go on. It took me a while to like the heroine though as I found her foolhardy at the beginning and couldn't appreciate the reasons for the unfolding o f the plot, but the story got better after that.
I would have loved it to go further than it did, but enjoyed it anyway.
April 12, 2022
I loved every nail biting page. The author pulled me in from the first page and held me captive all day long. I hated to get up and go to work today because I wanted to spend the day reading the second book in the series. As soon as I finish this review I'm tucking myself in and reading until I fall asleep.
May 3, 2023
Loved this one! I was a bit worried because it starts off pretty rough. But I loved it! Rebecca and Seth were so sweet with each other. There was some miscommunication/hidden feelings but that is because she is still engaged. But I loved the adventure part of this story when they make their way to California.
This story focuses on rebuilding relationships and earning trust. I loved that Seth never gave up on her. Great start to the series.
Overall, a great sweet and spicy western romance with characters that don't give up on each other.
This story focuses on rebuilding relationships and earning trust. I loved that Seth never gave up on her. Great start to the series.
Overall, a great sweet and spicy western romance with characters that don't give up on each other.
July 4, 2025
Wonderful!
A most wonderful, rather unusual love story. I enjoy Ms. Maygrove’s beautiful tales of lives turned upside down, only to be righted by love. Love never fails! Some of the story seemed really far-fetched, but as with all fiction, I have to keep reminding myself that “anything” is possible in tales of fiction, including “and they lived happily ever after!”
A most wonderful, rather unusual love story. I enjoy Ms. Maygrove’s beautiful tales of lives turned upside down, only to be righted by love. Love never fails! Some of the story seemed really far-fetched, but as with all fiction, I have to keep reminding myself that “anything” is possible in tales of fiction, including “and they lived happily ever after!”
February 24, 2017
This was a good book but not exceptional. The book was well thought out and executed but it did go a bit slow at times. Not sure why the author had a 'mature audience' disclaimer on it. It was actually very tame compared to some books.
October 18, 2018
Great book
This was an excellent book. The story of Seth & Rebecca kept my interest the whole time. It gives a glimpse of the struggles people moving west went through with a different twist to it. Highly recommended
This was an excellent book. The story of Seth & Rebecca kept my interest the whole time. It gives a glimpse of the struggles people moving west went through with a different twist to it. Highly recommended
May 24, 2022
Historical Western Romance
I enjoyed “Come Back” very much. Rebecca is on a wagon 🚂 with her parents heading west to California. Along the way Rebecca is left behind. I won’t tell you anything else, because I would tell it all. Enjoy!!!!! I did!!!!!🤗
I enjoyed “Come Back” very much. Rebecca is on a wagon 🚂 with her parents heading west to California. Along the way Rebecca is left behind. I won’t tell you anything else, because I would tell it all. Enjoy!!!!! I did!!!!!🤗
September 25, 2022
Come Back
I loved this book. The characters were very interesting and beliveable. I figured out the bad guy earlier in the story but that didn't takeaway my enjoyment in the story as a whole because the book is so good. Can't wait to read the next two books in the series. 😍
I loved this book. The characters were very interesting and beliveable. I figured out the bad guy earlier in the story but that didn't takeaway my enjoyment in the story as a whole because the book is so good. Can't wait to read the next two books in the series. 😍
November 13, 2022
This was a good story but it felt too drawn out. That and the lack of communication with the leading female character was annoying. I get that she felt abandoned and she had a lack of trust but her tears and not communicating was frustrating.
June 23, 2025
Recommended read
I was totally drawn into this well written story. It was hard to put it down. The characters are strong, complex and intriguing. There are many twists, turns and surprises along the journey of this story. I totally enjoyed the book.
I was totally drawn into this well written story. It was hard to put it down. The characters are strong, complex and intriguing. There are many twists, turns and surprises along the journey of this story. I totally enjoyed the book.
August 19, 2025
Great story.
This was the best book that I have read in a long time. Would have to leave it to do other things but could hardly wait to get back to it. This author is very talented. Loved this story!
This was the best book that I have read in a long time. Would have to leave it to do other things but could hardly wait to get back to it. This author is very talented. Loved this story!
August 24, 2017
Could have skipped the graphic sex.
July 16, 2020
I really did love this book. It took me about 6 hours of nonstop reading. The romance was very sweet. I like that there wasn't any unnecessary drama.
August 12, 2023
Awesome
Really enjoyed this one and highly recommend. Not your typical western. Better and one of the best this far. Yep I read a lot
Really enjoyed this one and highly recommend. Not your typical western. Better and one of the best this far. Yep I read a lot
September 23, 2023
Solid story, for some reason it couldn't keep my interest. I skimmed through it.
March 26, 2025
Can’t get enough of cowboy romance
April 7, 2014
I give Melissa Maygrove's debut novel, Come Back, five stars.Her skilfully-crafted, error-free sentences carry the reader through the story at a rapid pace- no structural speed bumps.
She has created realistic characters whose flaws cause them to behave in such a manner as to keep the reader engaged. Becca begins her journey west as the typical, naive, young lady of her time; but after being left behind, she quickly learns some amazing survival skills. When Seth arrives on the scene, he exhibits some behavior that creates uncertainty within the reader as well as within Becca. Her healthy skepticism makes her keep Seth at arm's length for quite a while, but in time they develop trust and love as they work together to survive their long, dangerous trip on the Gila Trail.
Within the context of Becca and Seth's relationship, Melissa has included a few steamy scenes, but they grow naturally from the relationship and are handled with sensitivity.
I enjoyed both the historical period and the story. Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. Being a less than stellar student of history, I find that novels provide a painless lesson in history. I wholly suggest giving it a chance.
She has created realistic characters whose flaws cause them to behave in such a manner as to keep the reader engaged. Becca begins her journey west as the typical, naive, young lady of her time; but after being left behind, she quickly learns some amazing survival skills. When Seth arrives on the scene, he exhibits some behavior that creates uncertainty within the reader as well as within Becca. Her healthy skepticism makes her keep Seth at arm's length for quite a while, but in time they develop trust and love as they work together to survive their long, dangerous trip on the Gila Trail.
Within the context of Becca and Seth's relationship, Melissa has included a few steamy scenes, but they grow naturally from the relationship and are handled with sensitivity.
I enjoyed both the historical period and the story. Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. Being a less than stellar student of history, I find that novels provide a painless lesson in history. I wholly suggest giving it a chance.
December 5, 2024
This had a super interesting premise, but the non communication between the two really drove me nuts. They literally were traveling alone together for soooo long. I was screaming, JUST SAY SOMETHING ALREADY!
October 27, 2014
This story had so many emotions and heartache that was experience by Rebecca Garvey when she was abandoned by her parents, betrothed and the entire wagon train heading to California. The deceit of her so-called-friend Charlotte that set this event into motion. Living and surviving on her own, barely making it through her first winter, dodging Indians and wild animals, foraging for food and firewood, but most of all the feeling that no one wanted you. Then comes along Seth, dealing with is demons and pain for the past five years. Being thrown from his horse and rescued and tended to by Becca. It took so much for her to trust him and he feels compelled to take her to California, back to her parents and Nathan. The story covers so many struggles and even near death experiences as they make their long journey across the wildness. Will Becca find Nathan? Why did her parents and Nathan leave her behind? Can Seth make peace with his demons? Can they heal the pain of the past and find forgiveness and love?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews