The Return

by Angela Hartley

Receiving news of his father's sudden death, Antonio returns to Tenerife, the island of his birth, to support his mother and sisters and to arrange his father’s funeral. Having been away from the island for the majority of his adult life, Antonio is concerned what welcome awaits him. And with restaurants to run in London, he's anxious to get home to his businesses as well as to his new wife, Charlotte.

Things, though, do not go to plan. Antonio soon discovers, as his father’s executor, there are matters to which he needs to attend before he’s able to return home. In doing so, Antonio is faced with challenges he had never imagined. Skeletons and secrets are unearthed, with each revelation forcing him to question his own life and the direction it has taken over recent years. Decisions need to be taken that will have life-changing effects on him and the rest of his family.

The Return is a heart-warming story of love and family dynamics and the search for acceptance and inner peace, all set on the beautiful island of Tenerife.

327 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

Reviews

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Return by Angela Hartley is a beautifully written and emotionally rich story about family, loss, and self-discovery. Antonio’s journey back to Tenerife feels deeply human torn between duty, love, and the weight of family secrets. Hartley paints the island and its people with warmth and realism, making every scene vivid and heartfelt. As Antonio unravels hidden truths, readers are reminded how the past can shape who we become. A touching and reflective read that lingers long after the last page.

[Catherine Pafford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Return is a heartfelt and beautifully written story that captures the complexities of family, loss, and rediscovering one’s roots. Angela Hartley delivers a moving narrative filled with emotion, warmth, and engaging twists as Antonio uncovers long-buried secrets in Tenerife. With vivid atmosphere and deeply human characters, this novel is a touching exploration of love, identity, and the healing power of coming home.