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Welcome Home
Seven years ago, Danielle divorced Joshua without any real explanation.
Since then, she has made strides to move forward and take care of herself in all the ways that matter to her. She's developed a healthy attitude toward food, changed her hair and nickname, earned a master's degree, and began work as a hospice social worker.
Joshua, however, has remained in his role as P.E. teacher at the same school and visits the same businesses he did when they were married, hoping that maybe she'll someday look for him.
They meet again on a blind date and discover that the spark between them is still there. Reconciliation is on both their minds, but first, they need to resolve not only their past, as Danielle shares her reason for leaving, but also their potential future, as Joshua shares that some parts of his life have actually changed.
Can they see beyond the pain of the past and into a new future together?
This short story originally appeared in Recipes for A Sweet Valentine's Day Anthology published by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books, released in February 2025. This ebook contains small edits and supplemental material from the author.
Since then, she has made strides to move forward and take care of herself in all the ways that matter to her. She's developed a healthy attitude toward food, changed her hair and nickname, earned a master's degree, and began work as a hospice social worker.
Joshua, however, has remained in his role as P.E. teacher at the same school and visits the same businesses he did when they were married, hoping that maybe she'll someday look for him.
They meet again on a blind date and discover that the spark between them is still there. Reconciliation is on both their minds, but first, they need to resolve not only their past, as Danielle shares her reason for leaving, but also their potential future, as Joshua shares that some parts of his life have actually changed.
Can they see beyond the pain of the past and into a new future together?
This short story originally appeared in Recipes for A Sweet Valentine's Day Anthology published by And You Press, an imprint of Nicole Frail Books, released in February 2025. This ebook contains small edits and supplemental material from the author.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2025
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91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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September 7, 2025
3⭐️ | clean romance | 15+
୨୧ ❝ I know how badly you wanted to be a father, to hold your babies in your arms, to watch first steps and see first teeth, to teach your daughter to throw a football and how to expect to be treated, to teach your son to fix a car and how to treat women ❞ ୨୧
꒰🎶꒱ иσω ρℓαуιиg: » Bring It On Home ⇾ Little Big Town «
🎶When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me🎶
(we’re going to ignore that I have tons of books to review, so I’m getting ahead with this short story since it’s easy 😘)
well, y’all, there isn’t much to unpackage in this short story. it’s all of 47 pages and probably took me fifteen minutes to read, but I gotta say, it was cute and wholesome. I did like that Dani very much regretted divorcing Josh, and that divorce doesn’t solve all your problems. and I did like that this was a strong message about family, foster care, and sticking together
I liked, even though this was very short, the author did take us on a roller coaster of emotions. Josh and Dani’s journeys and struggles were very real, and I felt for them and just wanted to give each of them a hug.
there are only two negatives: I didn’t like when Josh said that the unborn baby didn’t exist yet, because yes, the baby did, despite her not having left the womb yet, but that’s a small nitpick. also, this needs to be so much longer!!! 😭 I would’ve rated it higher if I had more substance and more moments between Dani and Josh
but can we also take a moment to admire that BEAUTIFUL cover?! I swear, if this was available in a paperback (alas, it’s not), I would buy it just so I can stare at that gorgeous cover all day long.
─────୨♡୧─────
content warning┆💍 ‧₊˚ ⋅.
➸Christian content:
a mention of ‘young adult things’ at a church
➸spiritual content:
none!
➸sexual content:
1 semi-detailed kiss (that leads to Josh kissing her neck and jawline and pressing her against a door)
2 neck kisses; 1 forehead kiss; 1 wrist kiss (and it makes Dani gasp); 1 cheek kiss; 1 below-the-earlobe kiss; 1 knuckle kiss
Dani undoes one of Josh’s buttons on his shirt and kisses him where the button was (presumably the hollow of his throat)
a mention of Dani liking how Josh would say her name while kissing her, and how his voice would get raspy when he walked in on her getting dressed (while they were married); Dani blushes when she recalls her wedding night with Josh; a mention of Dani and Josh having spent a lot of time with their mouths together when they were married;
a mention of a flash of desire in Josh’s eyes; a mention of physical attraction; a joking mention of Dani wanting Josh to ogle her; a teasing mention of Dani wanting to get her hands on Josh’s muscles; a mention of a hungry look in Josh’s eyes
a mention of Not wanting to do something Dani and Josh would regret before they establish if their relationship is truly over or if they want to start where they left off
➸language:
1 ‘oh my goodness’
➸drugs/alcohol/smoking:
none!
➸lgtbq+:
none!
➸magic/witchcraft:
none!
➸violence:
none!
➸other:
a mention of a character puking his guts out; Dani lost weight after her divorce because of depression; a mention of Josh going through dark times after the divorce; Dani is unable to carry a baby (and she feels awful about that)
➸possible triggers:
loss of a baby; divorce; mention of depression; foster care; past death of some family members
─────୨♡୧─────
quote┆👩🏻🍼 ‧₊˚ ⋅. (SPOILER)
➸ “How about this: you take the next few days to think about what it would mean to be in my life again. If you’re in, I’m all in. And if you’re in, I come with two kids: one grumpy teenagers who is mad at the world and one little girl who can’t remember any parent except me. We can have more - if you want to try - or can take more time if you want. If you’re in, then that means those decisions will be made together.”
୨୧ ❝ I know how badly you wanted to be a father, to hold your babies in your arms, to watch first steps and see first teeth, to teach your daughter to throw a football and how to expect to be treated, to teach your son to fix a car and how to treat women ❞ ୨୧
꒰🎶꒱ иσω ρℓαуιиg: » Bring It On Home ⇾ Little Big Town «
🎶When your long day is over
And you can barely drag your feet
The weight of the world is on your shoulders
I know what you need
Bring it on home to me🎶
(we’re going to ignore that I have tons of books to review, so I’m getting ahead with this short story since it’s easy 😘)
well, y’all, there isn’t much to unpackage in this short story. it’s all of 47 pages and probably took me fifteen minutes to read, but I gotta say, it was cute and wholesome. I did like that Dani very much regretted divorcing Josh, and that divorce doesn’t solve all your problems. and I did like that this was a strong message about family, foster care, and sticking together
I liked, even though this was very short, the author did take us on a roller coaster of emotions. Josh and Dani’s journeys and struggles were very real, and I felt for them and just wanted to give each of them a hug.
there are only two negatives: I didn’t like when Josh said that the unborn baby didn’t exist yet, because yes, the baby did, despite her not having left the womb yet, but that’s a small nitpick. also, this needs to be so much longer!!! 😭 I would’ve rated it higher if I had more substance and more moments between Dani and Josh
but can we also take a moment to admire that BEAUTIFUL cover?! I swear, if this was available in a paperback (alas, it’s not), I would buy it just so I can stare at that gorgeous cover all day long.
─────୨♡୧─────
content warning┆💍 ‧₊˚ ⋅.
➸Christian content:
a mention of ‘young adult things’ at a church
➸spiritual content:
none!
➸sexual content:
1 semi-detailed kiss (that leads to Josh kissing her neck and jawline and pressing her against a door)
2 neck kisses; 1 forehead kiss; 1 wrist kiss (and it makes Dani gasp); 1 cheek kiss; 1 below-the-earlobe kiss; 1 knuckle kiss
Dani undoes one of Josh’s buttons on his shirt and kisses him where the button was (presumably the hollow of his throat)
a mention of Dani liking how Josh would say her name while kissing her, and how his voice would get raspy when he walked in on her getting dressed (while they were married); Dani blushes when she recalls her wedding night with Josh; a mention of Dani and Josh having spent a lot of time with their mouths together when they were married;
a mention of a flash of desire in Josh’s eyes; a mention of physical attraction; a joking mention of Dani wanting Josh to ogle her; a teasing mention of Dani wanting to get her hands on Josh’s muscles; a mention of a hungry look in Josh’s eyes
a mention of Not wanting to do something Dani and Josh would regret before they establish if their relationship is truly over or if they want to start where they left off
➸language:
1 ‘oh my goodness’
➸drugs/alcohol/smoking:
none!
➸lgtbq+:
none!
➸magic/witchcraft:
none!
➸violence:
none!
➸other:
a mention of a character puking his guts out; Dani lost weight after her divorce because of depression; a mention of Josh going through dark times after the divorce; Dani is unable to carry a baby (and she feels awful about that)
➸possible triggers:
loss of a baby; divorce; mention of depression; foster care; past death of some family members
─────୨♡୧─────
quote┆👩🏻🍼 ‧₊˚ ⋅. (SPOILER)
➸ “How about this: you take the next few days to think about what it would mean to be in my life again. If you’re in, I’m all in. And if you’re in, I come with two kids: one grumpy teenagers who is mad at the world and one little girl who can’t remember any parent except me. We can have more - if you want to try - or can take more time if you want. If you’re in, then that means those decisions will be made together.”
December 9, 2025
Too short
I would have liked to learn more about them both. This was a short short story. Not a novella. I liked how they both grew during that time and worked on their issues. I just wish it hadn't been seven years.
I would have liked to learn more about them both. This was a short short story. Not a novella. I liked how they both grew during that time and worked on their issues. I just wish it hadn't been seven years.
August 11, 2025
Seven years after a painful, unexplained divorce, Danielle and Joshua unexpectedly reunite on a blind date. She's transformed her life—new career, new mindset, even a new name—while he's stayed rooted in their shared past, quietly hoping she’d return. As old sparks reignite, the two must confront the truth behind their separation and navigate the changes time has brought.
If you’re looking for something light, emotional, and full of second-chance romance, this short book delivers everything you need. Danielle and Joshua’s story felt honest and real—especially with how much character growth we see in such a small space. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, the atmosphere warm and reflective, and even though the plot is simple, it’s perfectly paced. I loved how we get just enough of their past and present to feel fully immersed. There’s no unnecessary drama, just a heartfelt reconnection that made me root for them. Definitely a lovely and satisfying read, perfect for when you want something quick but meaningful.
If you’re looking for something light, emotional, and full of second-chance romance, this short book delivers everything you need. Danielle and Joshua’s story felt honest and real—especially with how much character growth we see in such a small space. The writing is smooth and easy to follow, the atmosphere warm and reflective, and even though the plot is simple, it’s perfectly paced. I loved how we get just enough of their past and present to feel fully immersed. There’s no unnecessary drama, just a heartfelt reconnection that made me root for them. Definitely a lovely and satisfying read, perfect for when you want something quick but meaningful.
January 13, 2026
It's a book that leaves your heart warm ❤️🩹. It's a quick read. I really liked this story and its characters 🥰💖
April 29, 2025
The Short Story "Welcome Home" by Melissa Cate is the awesome and amazing love story of Valentine 's Day. This story tells about the heart felt story and heart break between a couple Danielle and Joshua. They have different background and Danielle Divorced her husband without a responsible reason.
After they met, and talked heart to heart. They can find the best way to solve their problem and forgiveness is the best way about their relationship. This story make me sad and laught together from the beginning to the end. I love the happy ending story. I enjoyed this sweet story.
I rate this collection sweet short story for Valentine 5/5 stars. I really recommend this book to read. Melissa is a smart writer to choose the words and sentences in this short story.
After they met, and talked heart to heart. They can find the best way to solve their problem and forgiveness is the best way about their relationship. This story make me sad and laught together from the beginning to the end. I love the happy ending story. I enjoyed this sweet story.
I rate this collection sweet short story for Valentine 5/5 stars. I really recommend this book to read. Melissa is a smart writer to choose the words and sentences in this short story.
April 16, 2025
This short story was packed with all the feels! I loved every moment and it was a great read to bring me off a bit of a hangover from a previous read that was sorta intense.
As someone who has suffered loss, I related to the MFC a lot. Sometimes all the dreams we have, God has other plans.
I love the growth we see in each character personally and then together. I love the supportive faith filled side characters too. Fellowship in hard times is always important.
I highly suggest this short story if you love short, great, love, and faith filled stories. ❤️
As someone who has suffered loss, I related to the MFC a lot. Sometimes all the dreams we have, God has other plans.
I love the growth we see in each character personally and then together. I love the supportive faith filled side characters too. Fellowship in hard times is always important.
I highly suggest this short story if you love short, great, love, and faith filled stories. ❤️
July 18, 2025
This was a very cute second chance romance short story! But it was unexpected and unlike any second chance romance I've read before. There's a ton packed into the 50 pages or so! And it is pretty well developed for a short story! But I could definitely see it making a really good full-length novel or movie as I would love to learn more about the characters and see the rest of their story! After meeting the author today, I was really excited to read this and I can't wait to read what she writes in the future!
August 4, 2025
This is a short, sweet story which starts out bittersweet. The story is about a couple who married young and divorced after a painful time in their lives. They meet again when friends set them up on a blind date, neither of them knowing about the other as both are using different names than in the past. Sweet that their love is rekindled starting with the blind date, each missing each other. They have both grown and changed since the divorce and they both reveal some surprises. I loved seeing how the story flowed and where it led them.
March 11, 2025
This was a good short read! It explores a second-chance romance between a couple who divorced following a rough period in their lives, but they meet again during a blind date and rekindle their love. At under fifty pages, I still felt there was enough here to connect to the characters and to explore the romance between them. As someone who doesn't read romance very often it was a nice, quick and easy jump into the genre!
February 25, 2026
Hope comes after Heartbreak
I thoroughly enjoyed this short romance. Reading stories where hope folks i heartbreak, especially with heartbreak that I can personally relate to is so incredibly encouraging. In such a short amount of pages I was taken from sadness to Joy, ask the while rooting for this couple that I had just come to know.
Beautifully written and an example that not every heartbreak lasts forever and mistakes CAN be reversed.
Thank you Melissa
I thoroughly enjoyed this short romance. Reading stories where hope folks i heartbreak, especially with heartbreak that I can personally relate to is so incredibly encouraging. In such a short amount of pages I was taken from sadness to Joy, ask the while rooting for this couple that I had just come to know.
Beautifully written and an example that not every heartbreak lasts forever and mistakes CAN be reversed.
Thank you Melissa
April 1, 2025
This was the sweetest read to cap off March! Thank you Melissa for gifting me a copy of this wonderful novella. This short story is a heady mix of topics including divorce, infant loss, second chances, and found family. Despite the length, you could see Dani and Josh as they had been and why the 7 years apart was difficult for them both. I'd love to read to more about where they end up.
April 22, 2025
A quick short story about Danielle, a social worker and Joshua, a teacher who were married but divorced seven years previously. They are brought together on a blind date and realise that they still have strong feelings for one another.
This heartwarming story is about forgiveness and second chances. It is a clean read.
This heartwarming story is about forgiveness and second chances. It is a clean read.
May 5, 2025
Very short!
I wish there was more! 😭 This story is so cute the plot twist is insane! I love how they never stopped loving each other! I do feel like she should have met the kids but it is very nice overall! She even kept his necklace 😊
I wish there was more! 😭 This story is so cute the plot twist is insane! I love how they never stopped loving each other! I do feel like she should have met the kids but it is very nice overall! She even kept his necklace 😊
February 2, 2026
Cute
It was a cute and sweet read. A bit was hard for me to believe so it kind of took me out of it. But it was a great short story with a lovely ending. This is the first I have read of Cate, I will be finding more!
It was a cute and sweet read. A bit was hard for me to believe so it kind of took me out of it. But it was a great short story with a lovely ending. This is the first I have read of Cate, I will be finding more!
March 15, 2026
This was just okay to me, not really a sweet romance, but more of a second chance romance. Some of this book made me cringe, but at 47 pages, very quick read and not surprised by the predictable plot.
March 15, 2025
Short cozy romance!
Enjoyed this super short cozy romance about a couple that fell apart after loss and find their way back together.
Enjoyed this super short cozy romance about a couple that fell apart after loss and find their way back together.
April 24, 2025
"Welcome Home" is such a sweet story of reconciliation and second chances. There's a little heartbreak and a lot of love. A nice, quick jolt of happy.
July 25, 2025
super cute little story
July 28, 2025
A love story about forgiveness and acceptance. Pain sometimes makes you decide to do the wrong thing. That’s when love steps in with forgiveness and shows you the error of your ways.
December 28, 2025
I wish this was longer! Loved the premise of it
January 1, 2026
This was a really, really emotional second chance love story. It really gives someone hope that just because something takes a break it doesn't mean it's forever.
January 30, 2026
Short but sweet second chance romance. Good happily ever after ending. Loved it.
Did not finish
February 2, 2026Didn’t finish…that’s on me. I didn’t think about the premise, and starting with divorce because of loss of a child was just way too upsetting!
The cover is STUNNING. Bravo to the artist!
The cover is STUNNING. Bravo to the artist!
February 20, 2026
Sweet
A short and sweet but very emotional. Some loves never end, but life is hard. But love often finds a way, even if takes years.
A short and sweet but very emotional. Some loves never end, but life is hard. But love often finds a way, even if takes years.
February 7, 2025
This was a delightful short story, packing a punch - full of character development and twists and turns. Don't let the length of this story lead you to believe that the characters will be fluffy or the romance rushed. This is a fabulous 2nd chance romance story, which gives credibility to the pacing of the romance. When Danielle allows herself to be set up on a blind date, she is surprised to find her ex-husband Joshua on the other side of the table. Wading through what tore them apart and dealing with the new things that could prevent them from getting back together brings an emotional roller-coaster seldom found in stories of this length. There were several twists in this tale that had me turning pages to see what happens next as well. Danielle and Joshua are both likable and relatable characters, which helped pull me in to their story and feel their heartbreak and hope. Though I spent the entirety of the story uncertain how things would go, the ending was wholly satisfactory. Though romance is not my preferred genre, this one read more like women's fiction, but still had a romance plotline as well, so I found it completely enjoyable in spite of my preferences. All in all, this was a fantastic short and sweet romance that I can easily recommend. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this story. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
April 25, 2025
It was good but the end was kinda crap and out of nowhere so I didn’t really like it because of the ending
June 21, 2025
💍❤️🩹🍽️
i am in the worst reading slump right now. needed something short and sweet to try and get out it, this was definitely that. picked it up on some “stuff your kindle day”, it’s equal parts heartfelt and heartwarming with a well done re-kindling concept.
i am in the worst reading slump right now. needed something short and sweet to try and get out it, this was definitely that. picked it up on some “stuff your kindle day”, it’s equal parts heartfelt and heartwarming with a well done re-kindling concept.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews