Returning Home

Alder Creek #1

by Ginnie Carmichael

I swore I’d never move back to Alder Creek.

Not after losing Dad at sixteen, when grief turned every familiar corner into a reminder of what I’d lost. Not after building a successful career at one of Chicago’s top architecture firms.

But when Mom traded Colorado winters for Florida beaches, someone had to deal with our family home. Three weeks should be plenty. Renovate, sell, move on.

I definitely didn’t plan on Evan Spencer—my best friend’s handsome older brother and my secret high school crush. Back then, he was the star football player with a million-dollar smile. Now he runs the town’s most successful construction company alongside his sister.

When he offered to help renovate the house, I couldn’t say no. Not when he speaks about Dad with such genuine respect.

Between his quiet understanding, his adorable dog’s enthusiasm, and friendships that picked up right where they left off, Alder Creek is making me question every reason I had for leaving.

But I have a plan, and it doesn’t involve falling for my old crush or letting Alder Creek feel like home again.

Returning Home is the first novel in the Alder Creek series. It’s a cozy small-town romance with all the sizzling chemistry and none of the spice. Each book can be read on its own, but you’ll see familiar faces along the way.

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Contemporary, Ebooks

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2025

About the author

Ginnie Carmichael writes sweet small-town romance, the perfect blend of cozy and swoon-worthy. After years of traveling as a digital nomad, she’s now happily settled with her two cats, plenty of coffee, and endless love stories to tell.

When she’s not writing, she’s daydreaming new romances, curled up with a book, or unwinding with a cozy video game.

Reviews

[Gabrielle Carmichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan = the epitome of « if he wanted to he would »🥹😍

[Enya.reads.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐️

I loved ittttt 🥹

What a cute, cozy, swoon-worthy romance 💕 Evan is the ultimate book boyfriend (patient, open, caring, works in construction, owns a dog, perfect) and it’s so sweet watching Abby grow and realize where her happiness truly lies!

Every character was fleshed out, even the secondary ones. It was extremely easy to fall in love with the close knit Alder Creek community! Like, I want to live there too 🙈😂🥰

And one SOLID point : no miscommunication 😍😍😍

It would be a 5 ⭐️ if some typos and repetitions didn’t pull me out of my reading, but you know me; these things are my pet peeves and I’m very picky about it 🫠 Story and character wise : FIVE STARS.

**This book was given to me by the author as an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one of an amazing new series and I loved it! I loved the small town charm of Adler Creek. The story was interesting, entertaining, sweet and oh so swoony. The characters were heartwarming and wonderful, they really pull you into their lives and the story. I enjoyed this well written book and will absolutely read the next book in this series. Great read!.

[The Book Nerd's Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small town best friend's brother romance featuring two people who discover the beauty present in their hometown.

Abby is a successful architect living in Chicago that swore she would never move back to her hometown of Alder Creek, Colorado. Ever since her father died, the town is filled with too many painful memories. Now, she is back in town to renovate her childhood home to sell after her mother moves to Florida. Abby is grateful to see her best friends, Melissa and Emily again, but she doesn't expect to still feel butterflies when she runs into her high school crush, Evan Spencer. Abby has the three week renovation schedule planned out to a tee, and then it's out of Alder Creek for good. But as she works on renovating the house with Evan, she begins to reconsider. Maybe a quiet life in Alder Creek surrounded by the people that make her happiest is just what her life has been lacking all this time.

This is a sweet, small town romance that reads as though one is watching a Hallmark movie. Abby reluctantly returns to her hometown to restore her childhood home to sell, only to fall for Evan, the man who is helping her redo the house. She starts to admire the quaint vibe of the town and relishes in the time she gets to spend with her best friends that never left. It's closed door and the third act conflict is minimal, so very Hallmark-y, minus an overdramatic grand gesture (and I say this in a good way). It may not be the most in depth story, but it's pretty cute.

I honestly haven't read many best friend's brother romances, but I thought this book did it quite well. Abby and Emily are the best of friends, and Emily's brother is Evan, the love interest. I really enjoyed how all three of them interact with one another. Their friendship is rock solid and it's really fun seeing them all interact at family dinners and local football games.

My favorite part of this novel has got to be all the small moments that Abby and Evan share with one another. From their hiking trips to their kitchen endeavors, to them demolishing a wall together to taking Evan's dog, Scout, on walks, seeing the little things between these two was very cute and wholesome. I personally appreciate reading romances that are down-to-Earth and simplistic in realistic ways from time to time. They are a great reminder that finding your perfect person doesn't have to involve a movie perfect grand gesture but rather takes two people falling for one another bit by bit.

Another thing I particularly enjoyed is watching Abby learn to love her hometown again. Grief is a powerful force and it often clouds one's entire worldview. After the death of her father, Abby found living in Alder Creek to be too painful, so she moved to Chicago and buried herself in work. Ten years later, she sees things a little different and finds it easier to focus on the happy memories. Alder Creek is such a cozy small Colorado town, and it was fun getting to know the residents there. I'm glad to hear this is the start to a series, because some of the characters are really interesting and I would like to learn more about them.

Overall, "Returning Home" is a cozy, clean romance set in a small town that could be straight out of a Hallmark movie. I appreciate the realistic, down-to-Earth relationship that Abby and Evan share and the way these two coexist with one another so effortlessly. The little moments these two share are so precious and provide a great reminder that grand gestures aren't the only way to show someone your love. Alder Creek is adorable, and I enjoyed getting to know the residents of the town. I look forward to discovering Emily's happily ever after in book two if the opportunity presents itself!

[Leah Pretty Pistolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating:
5⭐️ 1🌶️

Tropes:
❤️Small town romance
❤️Best friends brother
❤️Closed door
❤️Home renovation
❤️Cozy vibes
❤️Dog sidekick

From the moment I started reading this book I was instantly hooked. The story, the characters, how this book is amazingly written, has me completely blown away. Now this book has me really wanting to get out of the city and visit one of my favourite small towns🫶❤️

Abigail, our amazing FMC has the biggest heart and a lot of drive! She's returning home to Adler Creek for the first time in many years since the passing of her father to fix up her childhood home to sell it. Abby goes for dinner at her best friend Emily's house and bumps into her best friend's brother, Evan. Evan is officially one of my new boyfriends and he has completely stolen my heart, his overall character in this book will definitely have you swooning for him. Emily and Evan happen to have a renovation company and their most recent job had to be put on hold and that's when Evan offers to help Abby! Right from the beginning of them working together there was a spark, and they're beautiful romance began. They both have been through a lot individually and don't want to hurt each other. Abby does end up asking for some space as she really likes Evan, but has a life for herself out in Chicago. Now, some serious decisions need to be made!

This is book one in the Alder Creek series was released June 2025, it is available on Amazon and KU! Book 2 in the series saving home will be released August 11, 2025!

Overall, I absolutely adore this book and loved everything about it and this small town romance will forever have a special place in my heart! I absolutely recommend reading this book and I can't wait for the release of saving home!

Thank you Ginnie for providing me this e-book and exchange for my review🫶❤️

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It's the story of two people who grew up together in a small mountain town. The boy was a star football player and the older brother of a girl who was best friends of this girl who was the brightest person in her class. They knew who each other were, but never had anything really to do with each other.

The girl's father died while she was in high school, and she was so upset without him in her life that as soon as she graduated she moved to Chicago where she went to university, graduating with honors and started a very successful career as an architect. After 10 years she has come home to take care of the family home now that her mother has decided to move to Florida.

There are a lot of things that happen when she returns to her old hometown, including rejoining her best friends and meeting up with this guy who was back home after sustaining a career ending injury and deciding to partner with his sister to take over the family construction business. These two young adults are Abby and Evan, and the chapters of the book alternate between the perspectives that each of them have on the developing situations. It's a great way to see how each of them respond to becoming better acquainted with each other.

There is so much that I could tell about what happens in the story, but suffice it to say that there is never a dull moment. Old friendships rekindle and new relationships develop, surprising Abby and Evan. You will probably have a hard time putting this book down as it keeps drawing you in to find out what happens next. You won't be disappointed.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning Home is the first book in the Alder Creek series. I believe that these can be read as standalone stories, but the characters for each book are introduced so you may get hooked! This clean romance is truly about coming home for the first time after years of avoiding facing the past.

Abby lost her dad at sixteen, and as soon as she could leave Alder Creek, she did and never looked back. She is now a successful architect in Chicago and has created a new life for herself. Her neat, tidy and organized life gets turned upside down when her mom decides to move to Florida and leave her the family home to deal with. Now she is back in her hometown having to deal with the ghosts of the past and grieve her father all over again.

Evan Spencer runs a successful construction company alongside his sister, who also happens to be Abby's best friend. He is the older brother that barely noticed her in high school and for sure did not know about her secret crush. Emily is all for keeping her in Alder Creek, so when Abby needs help with the renovations in her family home, she volunteers his help. Evan jumps at the chance to get to know the very beautiful and grown-up Abby.

Abby's very structured plans begin to unravel when she and Evan start growing closer. Along with that she is actually enjoying her time and the memories are no longer painful but begin to bring her happiness. Now she has to make the decision to stay or go back to Chicago to her lonely, uncomplicated life.

I loved these two together. This was a well told story with romance, friendship, and great characters. Even Evan's dog has a part in this storyline. Overall ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Pinal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Returning Home was a gentle, lightweight, feel-good, and well-balanced read for me. It's a story that has everything - second chances, healing past wounds, and finding your way back to people, memories, and parts of yourself you may have left behind.

I liked the premise of returning to a familiar place and being forced to confront unresolved and guarded emotions. The themes of family, forgiveness, and personal growth were clear and thoughtfully handled. The small-town setting added a comforting, cozy atmosphere, and the writing style was simple and easy to follow, making this a smooth, quick read.

Evan Spencer is a small‑town guy who has built his life after learning some hard life lessons. Abigail Griffin lives in the concrete jungle, running away from memories and grief. Both characters are struggling in their own ways, yet they are likable and easy to connect with. Scout fills an emotional gap and adds an extra layer to the story.

That said, I struggled to fully hook myself into the story. I wanted more. Some reactions and conversations felt predictable, and a few details felt slightly stretched. I wished for more complexity and depth to help me feel more invested.

The romance was sweet and light, but for me, it lacked rising intensity and tension. I wanted more vulnerability, more lingering moments, and stronger chemistry that would make me truly root for the relationship. Even so, the story does have its strengths - it's comforting, hopeful, and carries a positive message about facing the past in order to move forward.

Overall, it was a pleasant read.

[DreadQueen CinnamonRoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the best things in life aren't on the schedule.

This book was everything.

Small town vibes that you can immediately feel and are drawn into like a hug, this book feels like coming home to the place you've always wanted to be but may not have found yet. The moments of Abby slowly letting herself feel again after years of protecting herself were poignant and so visceral. Evan's strong but patient presence in her life, combined with his own lived experiences and emotional maturity, was so sweet. This is the kind of love story that you want to read over and over again.

The found family of this small town was perfectly crafted so that long-established relationships were solid and seamlessly woven into the story without needing much explaining. The narrative FLOWED and was not lacking in detail or expansion. I never left a chapter feeling unfinished or like something was missing.

I found myself giddy at certain parts, and my inner monologue was LOUD in all the best ways. By the end of the book, I was sad there weren't more pages because I didn't want it to end! I laughed, I cried, I saved a ton of "nuggets of wisdom" to my notes section because my heart went I NEEDED THAT.

I wish I could read it again for the first time.

**ARC READ - I received a free copy of this book, and am voluntarily leaving a review.**

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Alder Creek series, and what a great way to start. The book is like a homage to small towns and their way of living. The way the book is written speaks of everyday life, of moments, of conversations, of feelings. This story is about coming home, rebuilding, finding a sense of belonging. Abby fleed to the city once her dad passed away and became successful, she is back to fix and sell her childhood home, and that is how she reconnects to Evan, her best friend's older brother, and her HS crush. He is the book boyfriend we all want and comes with a cute dog. As they get rebuilding the house, their story begins. And here is where you have to go and read it... This is a feel good movie in a book!.

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

[Julianne Dombrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and sweet love story. Having a difficult past Abigail lost her dad when she was 16. Her mom decided to pack up and move to Florida. She moves to Chicago to create a new and better life. Well she has to return to her home in Colorado, mom needs her to get the house fixed and ready to sell. Then she runs into Evan her high school crush. Can she understand uproot and stay in Colorado or does she love her new life in Chicago. You have to read to find out! You will love this sweet story!.

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

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was different than my usual reads. I usually love the spice but this closed door romance has my heart! Seriously it’s giving upgraded hallmark vibes and feel good story!


Golden retriever MMC, great communication between characters and a happily ever after, there isn’t much more you could ask for in a small town romance.

Adler Creek has a special charm to it and I can’t wait to be back for Emily’s story!

[Rita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled a bit with this one because I find that I don’t at all relate to people with high power careers in big cities. I have never aspired to a 60 hour work week! That said I mostly liked the characters. I wish they had communicated better, especially at the end, because you know that airplane ticket was expensive and non refundable! That detail irked me, because it was avoidable. All in all this was a cookie cutter hallmark movie. I am glad we skipped the big city boyfriend part!

[Betty Starling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abby and Evan both left their small town, both retured with different experiences. But having has A little crush on one another young, They both fall when Abby returns for renovations at her homeplace. It is an interesting plot and realistic life scene. Very good read.

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

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not get enough of Abby and Evan’s story. These were two people dealing with very real losses and the emotions to go which them. These way they came together when they least expected to find love was just beautiful. Finding true acceptance and happiness is a priceless treasure.

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

[Rosi Armas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this story. Returning Home is a book about a girl returning home and falling in love with her best friend's bother. Its sweet and funny at the same time, it has a good feel to read, easy to get into the story to fall in love with the characters. I 💯 percent recommend this book.

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

[Shawn Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Ginnie Carmichael for the opportunity to read this book. It was so good. It was a very cozy romance. I was routing for Evan so much. Abby is the perfect FMC, she knows exactly what she wants. Her and Evan make the perfect couple. If you love small town, found family, cozy romance this book is for you. This was a 5 star read.

[KGillespie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story. I couldn’t put the book down because the chemistry between the characters were great. I did think there was repetitiveness about how Abby felt about her past. I would recommend this book to people if they like small town, closed door romance. I would read more by this author.

I received a copy of this book via Voracious Readers Only

[Danika Bellemare · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow! A big thank you @ginnie.carmichael for sending me a copy of Returning Home🏡! I LOVED reading this no spice romance where the book had such a big focus on the characters and their relationship and how it developes!

Book #2 of this series comes out August 11th!💗

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! I love these characters! Loved their meet cute after years! Great plot! I love how they came back together.

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

[Katheryn Bargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!

All the characters were easily relatable? You felt like you knew them all. Small town romance at its finest! Ill definitely be reading the next books in the series!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Homr

Loved it! If everyone could find love so easily... They just fit together from the beginning. I'm glad there wasn't no big break up and a todo getting back together.

[Donald Clymer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read for the most part, put we kept hearing Abby and Evan’s thoughts about their future over and over again in every chapter. Very repetitive.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️.75

Such a cute, cozy, clean small town romance read!

[Audrey Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book.The author brought the story to life with her character and scenery descriptions.My interest held until the last chapter.