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Emerald Creek #3
Return To You: A Small Town, Second Chance Romance
Two broken hearts. Ten years apart. Can one small town bring them back together?Ten years in the military might have changed me, but it didn’t change the reasons I left Emerald
Creek. Back in Vermont for a short visit to my family after a decade away, I’ll do everything to keep my stay
painless.
It will be short.
There will be no trips down memory lane.
There will be little to no reconnecting with locals.
One thing is I won’t run into the girl who broke my heart. She’s long gone, married away.
Or so I thought.
All it takes is a pulled muscle, a massage tent at the town fair, and some not-so-subtle
interventions from my friends for me to suddenly be alone with her—with me flat on my back on the
massage table and her kneading me like I’m a stranger. Like what we had back then meant nothing to her.
She won’t even talk to me? Fine. I’m ready to bolt anyway.
But when the townies engineer another close encounter and I find out what she’s trying to hide
from me, it’s Operation Get Her Back.
RETURN TO YOU is a swoony small-town romance packed with steamy moments, heartfelt connections, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. The third standalone in the Emerald Creek series is a dual POV romance with all the feels--and no cliffhanger.
Creek. Back in Vermont for a short visit to my family after a decade away, I’ll do everything to keep my stay
painless.
It will be short.
There will be no trips down memory lane.
There will be little to no reconnecting with locals.
One thing is I won’t run into the girl who broke my heart. She’s long gone, married away.
Or so I thought.
All it takes is a pulled muscle, a massage tent at the town fair, and some not-so-subtle
interventions from my friends for me to suddenly be alone with her—with me flat on my back on the
massage table and her kneading me like I’m a stranger. Like what we had back then meant nothing to her.
She won’t even talk to me? Fine. I’m ready to bolt anyway.
But when the townies engineer another close encounter and I find out what she’s trying to hide
from me, it’s Operation Get Her Back.
RETURN TO YOU is a swoony small-town romance packed with steamy moments, heartfelt connections, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after. The third standalone in the Emerald Creek series is a dual POV romance with all the feels--and no cliffhanger.
498 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2024
188 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Bella Rivers
38 books151 followersBella Rivers writes steamy small town romances with a guaranteed happily ever after, and themes of found family and forgiveness. Expect hot scenes, fierce love, and strong language!
A hopeless romantic, Bella is living her own second chance romance in the rolling hills of Vermont. When she’s not telling the stories of the characters populating her dreams, you can find her baking, hiking, skiing, or just hanging around her small town to soak in the happiness.
Her newsletter is where Bella shares progress on her writing as well as sneak peeks into upcoming books, the occasional recipe from her characters, and books from other writers she thinks her readers might like. Subscribe from her website, www.bellarivers.com.
You can also connect with Bella on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, all @bellariversauthor, or through the contact form on her website.
A hopeless romantic, Bella is living her own second chance romance in the rolling hills of Vermont. When she’s not telling the stories of the characters populating her dreams, you can find her baking, hiking, skiing, or just hanging around her small town to soak in the happiness.
Her newsletter is where Bella shares progress on her writing as well as sneak peeks into upcoming books, the occasional recipe from her characters, and books from other writers she thinks her readers might like. Subscribe from her website, www.bellarivers.com.
You can also connect with Bella on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, all @bellariversauthor, or through the contact form on her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 17, 2024
Grace and Ethan were torn apart 10 years ago, only to be unexpectedly reunited. This book follows their second chance journey.
I'm all for second-chance, small town spicy romances, but this didn't hit the mark for me.
I found the reader was held captive for the first 40% of the book, not knowing what the circumstances were that drove Grace and Ethan apart. I was left confused, and really wish there was a flashback chapter from each character POV so that I could understand their current-day perspective a bit better. I found a lot of pages were dedicated to rehashing the same feelings over and over - and as a reader, it got redundant quickly. I couldn't picture either Grace nor Ethan, as they were never really described to me. I couldn't picture the setting (although Grace's home and spa were well described). The cast of characters got confusing, and I found the constant referral of some in the past confused me even more. The book read a bit disjointed because of this.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I'm all for second-chance, small town spicy romances, but this didn't hit the mark for me.
I found the reader was held captive for the first 40% of the book, not knowing what the circumstances were that drove Grace and Ethan apart. I was left confused, and really wish there was a flashback chapter from each character POV so that I could understand their current-day perspective a bit better. I found a lot of pages were dedicated to rehashing the same feelings over and over - and as a reader, it got redundant quickly. I couldn't picture either Grace nor Ethan, as they were never really described to me. I couldn't picture the setting (although Grace's home and spa were well described). The cast of characters got confusing, and I found the constant referral of some in the past confused me even more. The book read a bit disjointed because of this.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2024
Second chance love stories are my absolute favorite of the romance tropes, so I was really looking forward to reading Return to You. Unfortunately, this one didn’t quite work for me.
I think the thing that landed wrong in this book is that we never quite get a full, clear picture of what went wrong between the hero and heroine. We know the hero is four years older than the heroine, and her feelings for the hero began when she was in her early teens. Then once she turned 18 the hero allowed his feelings to develop and they spent the summer having a clandestine affair. But then the hero’s younger brother had a car accident where the passenger died and the hero - for some not-quite-explained reason - blamed himself for it, and in the aftermath of that tragedy the hero and heroine broke up. Only it seemed like she thought he broke up with her, and he thought she broke up with him… Like I said, I found the whole thing about the past unclear and confusing.
Outside of that, I did like the storyline. The repetitive inner monologues of the hero and heroine got kind of repetitive, but I liked that once the hero decided he was still in love with the heroine, he was all in to persuade her to give him another chance. I’m a big fan of small town stories and this book had a whole chorus of side characters adding plenty of color to the story.
I do feel like the author gave the hero too much “character” though - he was a star hockey player in high school so when he came back they talked him into coaching at a clinic when the regular coach had to go out of town, he’s also a handy man capable of fixing all kinds of things like a stuck closet door or a hole in the roof caused by a tree that fell during a storm, and he’s got super computer skills that help him discover an international hacking scheme that wiped out the local high school’s student records which then turned into a government contract deal so he could get out of the military and stay in his home town with the heroine. It all seemed like a little TOO MUCH and towards the end I was kinda rolling my eyes at the unicorn the author turned the hero into.
I’m usually a big fan of small town stories, but I’m not sure I’m up to visiting Emerald Creek again. It took me over a week to get through this one, and I’m really looking for books that hold my interest and keep me more engaged than I think this author does.
* thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
I think the thing that landed wrong in this book is that we never quite get a full, clear picture of what went wrong between the hero and heroine. We know the hero is four years older than the heroine, and her feelings for the hero began when she was in her early teens. Then once she turned 18 the hero allowed his feelings to develop and they spent the summer having a clandestine affair. But then the hero’s younger brother had a car accident where the passenger died and the hero - for some not-quite-explained reason - blamed himself for it, and in the aftermath of that tragedy the hero and heroine broke up. Only it seemed like she thought he broke up with her, and he thought she broke up with him… Like I said, I found the whole thing about the past unclear and confusing.
Outside of that, I did like the storyline. The repetitive inner monologues of the hero and heroine got kind of repetitive, but I liked that once the hero decided he was still in love with the heroine, he was all in to persuade her to give him another chance. I’m a big fan of small town stories and this book had a whole chorus of side characters adding plenty of color to the story.
I do feel like the author gave the hero too much “character” though - he was a star hockey player in high school so when he came back they talked him into coaching at a clinic when the regular coach had to go out of town, he’s also a handy man capable of fixing all kinds of things like a stuck closet door or a hole in the roof caused by a tree that fell during a storm, and he’s got super computer skills that help him discover an international hacking scheme that wiped out the local high school’s student records which then turned into a government contract deal so he could get out of the military and stay in his home town with the heroine. It all seemed like a little TOO MUCH and towards the end I was kinda rolling my eyes at the unicorn the author turned the hero into.
I’m usually a big fan of small town stories, but I’m not sure I’m up to visiting Emerald Creek again. It took me over a week to get through this one, and I’m really looking for books that hold my interest and keep me more engaged than I think this author does.
* thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 16, 2024
This third book in the Emerald Creek Romance series is a second chance romance that picked up ten years after the couple originally parted ways. Unfortunately, I did not read books one and two of this series and so I did feel a little bit confused at times. I'm unsure if the main characters, Ethan and Grace, appeared at all in the first two books which might have cleared some of my confusion but I will say that I thoroughly enjoyed Ethan and Grace as a couple. Their love is so sweet and it is very obvious that they deeply care for one another.
As with any couple with a past, we watch while these two overcome some of the obstacles and misunderstandings that kept them apart for all of those years. They were both lost in their own versions of hurt surrounding their breakup and felt very insecure about moving forward. The reader just can't help but feel pulled into their sadness but the wonderful thing about Ethan and Grace is that despite those years of hurt feelings they were also able to pick up where their love left off.
Even though I was confused at times, I did really enjoy this story and I plan to read more by this author soon. Her ability to tell this hauntingly beautiful story has definitely made me a fan!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my thoughts.
As with any couple with a past, we watch while these two overcome some of the obstacles and misunderstandings that kept them apart for all of those years. They were both lost in their own versions of hurt surrounding their breakup and felt very insecure about moving forward. The reader just can't help but feel pulled into their sadness but the wonderful thing about Ethan and Grace is that despite those years of hurt feelings they were also able to pick up where their love left off.
Even though I was confused at times, I did really enjoy this story and I plan to read more by this author soon. Her ability to tell this hauntingly beautiful story has definitely made me a fan!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my thoughts.
June 10, 2024
As always, this instalment of the goings on in Emerald Creek did not disappoint.
Ethan King has returned to Emerald Creek for a visit. He thinks his old love is miles away in another state, making his visit easier for him.
Until he comes face to face with Grace! They thought they were the love of each other's lives, end game, forever. But what happened? Why did it all go to hell!!
Grace is a survivor. She is a strong, independent business owner, who loves her family, friends and hometown, and her cat! She's been through a lot but never lets it stop her.
Ethan ran away from his problems, his family, his friends, his town...and his girl. It's been ten years since he's been home for an extended time.
Now he has to prove himself to the girl he loves and talk to his family to find himself again.
This book deals with some real-life issues. It deals with self-discovery, letting go of the past, heartbreak. It made me laugh and it made me cry.
The soul-crushing, breath-stealing love that is felt in this story is real and beautiful.
"You telling me Emerald Creek was my home, and me not daring to answer that you're my home."
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ethan King has returned to Emerald Creek for a visit. He thinks his old love is miles away in another state, making his visit easier for him.
Until he comes face to face with Grace! They thought they were the love of each other's lives, end game, forever. But what happened? Why did it all go to hell!!
Grace is a survivor. She is a strong, independent business owner, who loves her family, friends and hometown, and her cat! She's been through a lot but never lets it stop her.
Ethan ran away from his problems, his family, his friends, his town...and his girl. It's been ten years since he's been home for an extended time.
Now he has to prove himself to the girl he loves and talk to his family to find himself again.
This book deals with some real-life issues. It deals with self-discovery, letting go of the past, heartbreak. It made me laugh and it made me cry.
The soul-crushing, breath-stealing love that is felt in this story is real and beautiful.
"You telling me Emerald Creek was my home, and me not daring to answer that you're my home."
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
Since "Never Let You Go" I wanted to know more about Grace and her story. And I'm so happy, that Bella Rivers gave that story to us - the readers.
Bella Rivers has this ability to tell a story in such a captivating way so you can't get enough and at the same time - don't want to stop reading. Ethan and Grace's story is not an exception. Their love has gone through a lot and their characters have changed so much through the years but if it wasn't for that, they wouldn't come out of their problems stronger than before.
From the very first page of the book, I felt like returning to home, because that's how cozy, sweet and beautiful Rivers' books are. I laughed with the characters, I felt their pain and loved the path they walked to get to the end.
I can't say anything else, except - you need to read it to understand what I'm talking about. Because I'm sure you'll feel all of Emerald Creek's characters like a family and the little town like your home too.
Bella Rivers has this ability to tell a story in such a captivating way so you can't get enough and at the same time - don't want to stop reading. Ethan and Grace's story is not an exception. Their love has gone through a lot and their characters have changed so much through the years but if it wasn't for that, they wouldn't come out of their problems stronger than before.
From the very first page of the book, I felt like returning to home, because that's how cozy, sweet and beautiful Rivers' books are. I laughed with the characters, I felt their pain and loved the path they walked to get to the end.
I can't say anything else, except - you need to read it to understand what I'm talking about. Because I'm sure you'll feel all of Emerald Creek's characters like a family and the little town like your home too.
June 7, 2024
Career Or Love?
Returning to Emerald Creek and the people there I find myself reading the story of Ethan and Grace. How it all started, what went amiss and how they got back together. What a wonderful story! How remarks can be misconstrued, resulting in terrible hurt and acts that were not meant to be. Or were they? As always, the past makes you into the person you are today, with all the good and the bad. Ms Rivers knows how to tell a tale where those everyday problems come to life and to make her characters realistic and believable. With humor, kindness and some hot steamy scenes. Loved it. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Returning to Emerald Creek and the people there I find myself reading the story of Ethan and Grace. How it all started, what went amiss and how they got back together. What a wonderful story! How remarks can be misconstrued, resulting in terrible hurt and acts that were not meant to be. Or were they? As always, the past makes you into the person you are today, with all the good and the bad. Ms Rivers knows how to tell a tale where those everyday problems come to life and to make her characters realistic and believable. With humor, kindness and some hot steamy scenes. Loved it. Highly recommended!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 14, 2024
Another beautifully written love story by Bella Rivers. Each book she writes gets better and better. Filled with amazing characters, settings, love and passion.
Ethan and Grace have a history that didn’t end well, several years have past and the hurt/pain is still there for both of them.
Ethan is back in town for a short time..he’s trying tonight some right some wrong with his family and does not plan on seeing Grace….until he does.
Love the townspeople, family and friends with their shenanigans and pushiness to get these two back together and see they were meant to be.
I felt so many emotions. While reading this book…Bella knows how to pull on your heartstrings and make you fall in love with these characters.
Ethan and Grace have a history that didn’t end well, several years have past and the hurt/pain is still there for both of them.
Ethan is back in town for a short time..he’s trying tonight some right some wrong with his family and does not plan on seeing Grace….until he does.
Love the townspeople, family and friends with their shenanigans and pushiness to get these two back together and see they were meant to be.
I felt so many emotions. While reading this book…Bella knows how to pull on your heartstrings and make you fall in love with these characters.
June 12, 2024
This book had my heart. These two broken people needed one another so much!!! I am still thinking about this book days later. I loved the writing and the characters were so heartwarming.
June 13, 2024
Another great book by Bella Rivers. Ethan comes back to his small town, Emerald Creek, and runs into Grace. Grace and Ethan fell in love 10 years ago before Ethan left for the military. Ethan is faced with many issues, reconnecting with his family, settling with his past but most of all, convincing Grace he never stopped loving her. Grace is a savvy business owner and a courageous woman and also never stopped loving Ethan. Can they put the past behind them and rekindle their everlasting love? Bella Rivers writes one of the best second chance romances that I highly recommend.
June 21, 2024
If small Town Romances are your favourite, then this series by Bella Rivers is FREAKING PERFECT, FULL OF WARMTH & A MUST READ.
I just love visiting Emerald Creek and feeling like I'm too part of the community and their gang of friends.
This one is about Ethan, Justin's elder brother and Grace, who's Chris' cousin.
I'd liked Grace right from that first book I read as she was so sweet for helping her cousin with little Sky.
Let me confess once again how much I enjoy the warmth of togetherness and people knowing everyone and also coming out in support when even the smallest thing happens because that's the beauty that if done properly makes me keep on coming back for more and in this book we are doing that for Grace when her beautiful spa and beauty space which was a rental is put up for sale by her landlord.
And if this huge headache wasn't enough, when she might have to completely revamp her business space if she shifts and let all the money she put in decor, go down the drain then there's her blast from the past that's just returned to their home town.
There's an unfinished story there obviously and feelings that are still dormant but Ethan King is Grace's weakness and always has been but too much has happened to let go of the past now.
Ugggh.... I was kinda pissed on these two brick-heads because of the misunderstandings that they let fester and do nothing about it and would rather ignore what's burning still beneath the surface as their feelings don't matter.
That was my only issue but that being said, OH MY.... THOSE LOVE NOTES that Ethan sends, The personalized Coffee Mug and the Harvest Hug delivered by Ethan especially for Grace. There are so many such small but meaningful moments that made my heart sing for Ethan King and if ever a guy should grovel and chase - that's how it should be done.
Ethan King could definitely give lessons here.
Another Heart-warming and Sweet and dramatic but also charming story from Emerald Creek is here. I'm so looking forward to more from this series.
Also, Ms. Rivers Where can I order a special gift with a magically induced spell from our beloved Cassandra? 🫣😉
Loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
💌 Small Town Romance
💌 Second Chance
💌 She runs her own spa and beauty business
💌 He's in the Air Force
💌 Swoony times 😍
💌 A crazy Cat 😅
💌 Friends that are family and family that's amazing
💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴💕
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏’𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.
I just love visiting Emerald Creek and feeling like I'm too part of the community and their gang of friends.
This one is about Ethan, Justin's elder brother and Grace, who's Chris' cousin.
I'd liked Grace right from that first book I read as she was so sweet for helping her cousin with little Sky.
Let me confess once again how much I enjoy the warmth of togetherness and people knowing everyone and also coming out in support when even the smallest thing happens because that's the beauty that if done properly makes me keep on coming back for more and in this book we are doing that for Grace when her beautiful spa and beauty space which was a rental is put up for sale by her landlord.
And if this huge headache wasn't enough, when she might have to completely revamp her business space if she shifts and let all the money she put in decor, go down the drain then there's her blast from the past that's just returned to their home town.
There's an unfinished story there obviously and feelings that are still dormant but Ethan King is Grace's weakness and always has been but too much has happened to let go of the past now.
Ugggh.... I was kinda pissed on these two brick-heads because of the misunderstandings that they let fester and do nothing about it and would rather ignore what's burning still beneath the surface as their feelings don't matter.
That was my only issue but that being said, OH MY.... THOSE LOVE NOTES that Ethan sends, The personalized Coffee Mug and the Harvest Hug delivered by Ethan especially for Grace. There are so many such small but meaningful moments that made my heart sing for Ethan King and if ever a guy should grovel and chase - that's how it should be done.
Ethan King could definitely give lessons here.
Another Heart-warming and Sweet and dramatic but also charming story from Emerald Creek is here. I'm so looking forward to more from this series.
Also, Ms. Rivers Where can I order a special gift with a magically induced spell from our beloved Cassandra? 🫣😉
Loved this one. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
🆆🅷🅰🆃 🆃🅾 🅻🅾🅾🅺 🅵🅾🆁🆆🅰🆁🅳 🆃🅾:
💌 Small Town Romance
💌 Second Chance
💌 She runs her own spa and beauty business
💌 He's in the Air Force
💌 Swoony times 😍
💌 A crazy Cat 😅
💌 Friends that are family and family that's amazing
💕🅵🅰🆅🅾🆄🆁🅸🆃🅴 🆀🆄🅾🆃🅴💕
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒏’𝒕 𝒂 𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑰 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑶𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔.
August 20, 2024
3,5*
This was my first book by this author and while this was a nice read, I wasn’t blow away. I’m a huge second chance romance fan and this should have been right up my ally, but after the initial draw something was missing for me. I have a few issues with Ethan. But my biggest one was he didn’t remember when his mom’s birthday was. As someone who loves Bdays and remembers everyone Bday, that was a big problem for me. It’s your mother from crying out load. OK rent over moving on…
Ethan and Grace story started over a decade ago. But one faithful accident later and it’s been 10 years since they haven spoken or seen each other. Ethan kept running from his home town and now is back even if it’s for a short while. He isn’t planning on staying but seeing Grace after all this time, shifts something in him and all he wants is making her his once again. Grace has moved on with her life since that fateful night or so she thinks. She’s fine with her job being the owner of a spa, having great friends and doing OK on her own. But when Ethan comes back, old feelings resurface and staying away from him proves to be impossible. She kept trying to keep things from escalating but their young love was buried somewhere deep, waiting for it to bloom again.
This story was full of ups and downs. At times it felt like too much was going on at once, but then we didn’t get a few understanding why he felt like he had to leave town 10 years ago or why they both thought that their relationship should end abruptly because of it.
I don’t know – the story had potential and I’m definitely giving this author another chance because I’m hoping me not being blow away right now is a me problem rather than the stories.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
This was my first book by this author and while this was a nice read, I wasn’t blow away. I’m a huge second chance romance fan and this should have been right up my ally, but after the initial draw something was missing for me. I have a few issues with Ethan. But my biggest one was he didn’t remember when his mom’s birthday was. As someone who loves Bdays and remembers everyone Bday, that was a big problem for me. It’s your mother from crying out load. OK rent over moving on…
Ethan and Grace story started over a decade ago. But one faithful accident later and it’s been 10 years since they haven spoken or seen each other. Ethan kept running from his home town and now is back even if it’s for a short while. He isn’t planning on staying but seeing Grace after all this time, shifts something in him and all he wants is making her his once again. Grace has moved on with her life since that fateful night or so she thinks. She’s fine with her job being the owner of a spa, having great friends and doing OK on her own. But when Ethan comes back, old feelings resurface and staying away from him proves to be impossible. She kept trying to keep things from escalating but their young love was buried somewhere deep, waiting for it to bloom again.
This story was full of ups and downs. At times it felt like too much was going on at once, but then we didn’t get a few understanding why he felt like he had to leave town 10 years ago or why they both thought that their relationship should end abruptly because of it.
I don’t know – the story had potential and I’m definitely giving this author another chance because I’m hoping me not being blow away right now is a me problem rather than the stories.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
July 6, 2024
She has always been his home. - Ethan returns to his hometown for what he thinks is his mom's birthday. It's not that occasion, but the day before his Gran's special day, who died when he was younger. That's only one painful memory that is dredged up during what is intended to be a short visit. He wants to get outta town to avoid any mention of "her", Grace, the one he chased away.
Grace is back home after a short-lived marriage with a painful outcome. Her ex is still a good friend, though. When she encounters Ethan, tongue-tied is only one way to describe her. Joyful, heartsick, eager, angry. Why did he have to come back?
This second in series is just as good as the first, which features Grace's cousin Christopher.
Ethan and Grace have loved each other since they were kids, but the age gap and family closeness made it tricky for them to date. Memories from their youth have Grace grabbing Ethan for her first kiss, coaxing him to be her first everything. One misguided night caused a ripple effect that changed everything for the young lovers, spurring him to leave without her. His return unlocks their hearts, giving the mature adults time to unleash the feelings they hid for so long. They will revel in the pleasure to be found in each other's arms. Rooted on by their loving families and community, the two will snatch the love they deserve. Emerald Creek, VT is filled with some of the best people the fictional world has to offer. I can't wait to return.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Grace is back home after a short-lived marriage with a painful outcome. Her ex is still a good friend, though. When she encounters Ethan, tongue-tied is only one way to describe her. Joyful, heartsick, eager, angry. Why did he have to come back?
This second in series is just as good as the first, which features Grace's cousin Christopher.
Ethan and Grace have loved each other since they were kids, but the age gap and family closeness made it tricky for them to date. Memories from their youth have Grace grabbing Ethan for her first kiss, coaxing him to be her first everything. One misguided night caused a ripple effect that changed everything for the young lovers, spurring him to leave without her. His return unlocks their hearts, giving the mature adults time to unleash the feelings they hid for so long. They will revel in the pleasure to be found in each other's arms. Rooted on by their loving families and community, the two will snatch the love they deserve. Emerald Creek, VT is filled with some of the best people the fictional world has to offer. I can't wait to return.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2024
I just finished reading Bella Rivers' Return To You and I have to say, it's a delightful small town romance that delivers on the promise of a second chance love story. The book follows Ethan, who returns to his hometown of Emerald Creek after a decade away, and his rekindled romance with his high school sweetheart, Grace. As someone who loves small town settings and second chance love stories, this book really hit the spot for me.
The narrative is well-paced, balancing the emotional journey of Ethan and Grace as they navigate their past and present feelings. Rivers does an excellent job of crafting relatable and sympathetic protagonists, allowing me as a reader to truly invest in their relationship. I found myself rooting for them to work things out and find their way back to each other.
The steamy love scenes are tastefully written, and the themes of forgiveness and found family add depth to the story. While the plot may follow a familiar second chance romance formula, Rivers' skilled storytelling elevates the narrative, making it a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read.
Overall, Return To You is a solid 4-star romance that fans of Bella Rivers' work, as well as readers who enjoy small town settings and second chance love stories, are sure to appreciate. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and emotional romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
The narrative is well-paced, balancing the emotional journey of Ethan and Grace as they navigate their past and present feelings. Rivers does an excellent job of crafting relatable and sympathetic protagonists, allowing me as a reader to truly invest in their relationship. I found myself rooting for them to work things out and find their way back to each other.
The steamy love scenes are tastefully written, and the themes of forgiveness and found family add depth to the story. While the plot may follow a familiar second chance romance formula, Rivers' skilled storytelling elevates the narrative, making it a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read.
Overall, Return To You is a solid 4-star romance that fans of Bella Rivers' work, as well as readers who enjoy small town settings and second chance love stories, are sure to appreciate. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and emotional romance that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
September 12, 2025
I swear to god there wasn't a book in this series that I didn't absolutely loved. Bella Rivers just knows how to grab me and not let go. From the moment Ethan stepped back into Emerald Creek, I was already lost. The vibes were everything. that cozy but messy kind of energy that makes you feel like you’re right there. Ethan. Oh my gosh. He was complicated, guilty, running from his past, but also so protective and intense that every scene with him had me melting. And Grace was absolute queen. Strong, independent, carrying her pain with dignity, but still soft and lovable. Loved her since the first book, loved her even more in her book. The way they clashed, pulled, resisted, and then fell right back, it was brutal, beautiful and addictive. The push and pull between them had me yelling at my Kindle one second and swooning the next. The townspeople, the friends, the family, everythins was coming back home. The writing was everything as usual, sharp, emotional, so easy to read but packed with feelings. I was laughing in one chapter, tearing up in the next, and smiling like a fool by the end. Honestly, Ethan and Grace were fire together. The chemistry was wild, but what got me most was how they healed each other. I couldn’t stop reading. Another comfort read, another hit. No hesitation, full five stars.
June 16, 2024
I absolutely loved Ethan and Grace! Despite ten years apart, they still have a connection, a spark between them, no matter how much she tries to deny it. It wasn’t the lack of love that parted them, but a series of mishaps and misunderstandings. They both have successful careers and are on the cusp of taking a new direction, but their personal lives are another matter. Ethan is the one who decides to take another chance to connect with Grace after he sees proof that Grace has never forgotten him or what they had together. His romantic gestures, his notes (some sweet, some naughty), are swoon-worthy and melted my heart. I enjoyed Grace’s gal pals, (the B**** Brigade), and their shenanigans. I appreciated how involved the townspeople are in each everyone’s lives, how protective many of them are of Grace and how they all set out to remind Ethan that he still has roots and a home in Emerald Creek. I even like the way Ethan sets out to befriend Grace’s cat then basically claims him. Their story had me laughing one moment, in tears the next or sighing heavily in frustration. When they finally opened their hearts to each again, let go of all the pain and hurt and took a leap of faith that they could make a future together, I couldn’t stop smiling.
This book tugged on my heartstrings and held my attention from the first page to the last. It is going on my keepers list and will be read again and again. I can’t wait to read Colton and Kiara’s story next, and hopefully read more about Grace and Ethan too. I would give this book much more than five stars if I could and it has my highest recommendation.
This book tugged on my heartstrings and held my attention from the first page to the last. It is going on my keepers list and will be read again and again. I can’t wait to read Colton and Kiara’s story next, and hopefully read more about Grace and Ethan too. I would give this book much more than five stars if I could and it has my highest recommendation.
June 12, 2024
Return to You is Captivating and Ready for You to Read
Everyone knows that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Although many years and many miles have separated them, neither Ethan nor Grace forgot the places they held in each other's heart.
The problem is neither of them thought to tell the other one because of misunderstandings, and the inability to get past what they thought to be true.
There's a saying that's attributed to both Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allan Poe, but I heard it from my grandmother, Mary Emma Oliver, so I'll give her credit. "Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see."
If Ethan and Grace had followed this advice, their fondness for each other would have blossomed into love a lot sooner than it did. But then there wouldn't be Return to You. And that would be a shame.
Bella Rivers has written another spellbinding story with Return to You. We get to read her well-crafted tale of the two Emerald Creek residents who each wandered around, looking for the same thing, and driving the rest of Emerald Creek crazy in the process.
You heard it and read it here first. And you can believe you need to get your copy of Return to You right away so you can stay caught up on the happenings in Emerald Creek before Book 4 is released.
Everyone knows that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Although many years and many miles have separated them, neither Ethan nor Grace forgot the places they held in each other's heart.
The problem is neither of them thought to tell the other one because of misunderstandings, and the inability to get past what they thought to be true.
There's a saying that's attributed to both Benjamin Franklin and Edgar Allan Poe, but I heard it from my grandmother, Mary Emma Oliver, so I'll give her credit. "Believe nothing you hear, and only half of what you see."
If Ethan and Grace had followed this advice, their fondness for each other would have blossomed into love a lot sooner than it did. But then there wouldn't be Return to You. And that would be a shame.
Bella Rivers has written another spellbinding story with Return to You. We get to read her well-crafted tale of the two Emerald Creek residents who each wandered around, looking for the same thing, and driving the rest of Emerald Creek crazy in the process.
You heard it and read it here first. And you can believe you need to get your copy of Return to You right away so you can stay caught up on the happenings in Emerald Creek before Book 4 is released.
October 17, 2025
Return to You by Bella Rivers is another book in the Emerald Creek book series by the author. I am unhappy to say the last for now, that I will review, but I hope there will be more in the future by the author soon! Return to You focuses on Ethan, a military man who left Emerald Creek 10 years ago and Grace who had gotten married to another man. Grace was briefly married and has some secrets about her marriage and past that she doesn't want Ethan to know. And on top of all this, Grace's building where she has her massage parlor is being sold out from underneath her! Ethan goes to see Grace unbeknownst to him, at the local fair and gets a massage from her. The book is well written as the author takes you on an emotional journey between Grace(who still loves Ethan) and Ethan who still also has feelings for Grace even though it pains him to admit this. What follows is 476 pages of pure bliss in a small town romance book and brings us back to Emerald Creek:) The story between Grace and Ethan is sweet and you find out what happened all those years ago and are so happy at the end of the book with the ending! I look forward to more in the Emerald Creek series soon!
June 16, 2024
Return To You, written by Bella Rivers, is a small town, second chance romance title.
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Grace (FMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Masseuse
Ethan (MMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Air Force
This second chance romance picks up ten years after the two main characters first fell in love. After some miscommunications and a lot of heartbreak, they find themselves back together through the help of their friends and family.
This title is a slow burn with a lot of drama going on throughout the book. There were issues with the FMC’s work place, natural disaster issues with the FMC’s house, and even had a computer hacking situation thrown in that the MMC was able to solve?!?!
No cheating or third act breakup, but there is a tiny bit of OW drama that is quickly shut down by the MMC.
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!
Format: NetGalley ebook
Genre: Contemporary fiction, Romance
Spice level:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Grace (FMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Masseuse
Ethan (MMC)⭐️⭐️⭐️
Air Force
This second chance romance picks up ten years after the two main characters first fell in love. After some miscommunications and a lot of heartbreak, they find themselves back together through the help of their friends and family.
This title is a slow burn with a lot of drama going on throughout the book. There were issues with the FMC’s work place, natural disaster issues with the FMC’s house, and even had a computer hacking situation thrown in that the MMC was able to solve?!?!
No cheating or third act breakup, but there is a tiny bit of OW drama that is quickly shut down by the MMC.
Overall score:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title!
June 18, 2024
Ethan and Grace has known each other since young, and when Grace turned 18, they started dating, albeit secretly. Unfortunate events happen and they end up breaking up due to a misunderstanding.
Ethan escapes from Emerald Creek and joins the Air Force and rarely returns to town. Ten years has passed but there are still misunderstandings to be cleared between them. One believes herself to be a “mistake” while the other thinks she has forgotten him by marrying another.
Finally, after many encounters where they try to avoid each other, Ethan finally discovers that he was not forgotten and seeks her out to find the truth.
The angst & the emotional scenes were so well written. I could not put down the book and finished it in almost one reading. The b*tch brigade and Game nights are just the best and makes me wish that I had something similar in my area too!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ethan escapes from Emerald Creek and joins the Air Force and rarely returns to town. Ten years has passed but there are still misunderstandings to be cleared between them. One believes herself to be a “mistake” while the other thinks she has forgotten him by marrying another.
Finally, after many encounters where they try to avoid each other, Ethan finally discovers that he was not forgotten and seeks her out to find the truth.
The angst & the emotional scenes were so well written. I could not put down the book and finished it in almost one reading. The b*tch brigade and Game nights are just the best and makes me wish that I had something similar in my area too!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2024
This series is good, predictable in some ways, small town, everybody knows everybody and everything. Here we have Grace Harper, who as a young girl developed a crush on Ethan King. Granted he is a few years older than Grace and tries not to make it obvious that she has his heart. Eventually they do get together when she's a little older and Ethan becomes her first lover. This is where misunderstanding comes in because people don't open their mouths and talk. Ten years later Ethan finds out why Grace is giving him the cold shoulder, he finally explains why he left, again all because of a lack of conversation. Grace is a torturous soul who can't except good things happening to her and always sees the worse case scenario. She sees everything as her fault. Ethan, poor Ethan, finally learns he has to get out of his head and open his mouth and say what he feels and wants with her. Plus make a decision about his Air Force career. Thankfully it finally happens!!!
June 9, 2024
This is what it's all about when it comes to someone's one true love! Ethan and Grace were *it* for each other, and despite all their years apart, they never lost that feeling of the other being their one and only. Of course, the miscommunications of young love and fighting caused so much strife and heartache, and then the miscommunication due to frustration and stubbornness as adults caused some disagreements, but, in the end, it all worked out.
I love this HEA book, and especially loved how the characters really cared for each other, even if what they thought the other needed to be happy didn't involve their own happiness.
The small town feel of Emerald Creek is so sweet! The community is quaint and adorable, and the residents are so charming and silly.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love this HEA book, and especially loved how the characters really cared for each other, even if what they thought the other needed to be happy didn't involve their own happiness.
The small town feel of Emerald Creek is so sweet! The community is quaint and adorable, and the residents are so charming and silly.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2024
This series remains strong. In the 2nd of the series I was wary because I wasn't sure that she would keep it up - I was wrong to be wary (as I found out after finishing it). Very wrong. Well she did it again. In fact I liked this one even better than the first two. Partially because I am a sucker for a second chance trope, but she does such a good job at building the characters.
While there is a through thread in the series by interconnected characters, you needn't have read the rest of the series - they do stand alone quite well I think (the cross references are there of course, but enough is explained for context if you haven't read them, but not so much that you feel like skipping ahead).
Well done.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While there is a through thread in the series by interconnected characters, you needn't have read the rest of the series - they do stand alone quite well I think (the cross references are there of course, but enough is explained for context if you haven't read them, but not so much that you feel like skipping ahead).
Well done.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 20, 2024
Ethan and Grace!! Their story, when they say the key to a relationship is communication it truly is!
Ethan the military man who has been gone for 10yrs after heartbreak comes home and feels he’s out of place. But little by little he is finding maybe he’s not so much out of place!
Grace has had her struggles and some rough ones at that! But she has her friends that have helped her through. But the she spent so many years upset over the love of her life thinking she meant nothing to him! Only to find out something completely different.
Sweet story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ethan the military man who has been gone for 10yrs after heartbreak comes home and feels he’s out of place. But little by little he is finding maybe he’s not so much out of place!
Grace has had her struggles and some rough ones at that! But she has her friends that have helped her through. But the she spent so many years upset over the love of her life thinking she meant nothing to him! Only to find out something completely different.
Sweet story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 21, 2024
Cute story:
I enjoyed this sweet, small town, second chance romance. I particularly loved the strong friendships and community spirit that once again shone through.
Ethan and Grace had to get over the past but I was glad that things worked out for them. However, Grace came across as rather needy and Ethan did most of the heavy lifting in their relationship.
Overall this was a story, yet I did find it to be rather long and quite the commitment at 449 pages. That being said, I look forward to hopefully continuing on with the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this sweet, small town, second chance romance. I particularly loved the strong friendships and community spirit that once again shone through.
Ethan and Grace had to get over the past but I was glad that things worked out for them. However, Grace came across as rather needy and Ethan did most of the heavy lifting in their relationship.
Overall this was a story, yet I did find it to be rather long and quite the commitment at 449 pages. That being said, I look forward to hopefully continuing on with the rest of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2024
This was a new to me author so I started this book, but stopped and went back to read the other two books because I was a little confused.
Imagine leaving the one you love for 10 years and you both thought the other broke up with them.
Although it’s not quite clear what the real reason was. You could still feel the pain.
I wish we did get more from the author on why and what happens.
There were a few questions I had but overall I did enjoy the book. It was relatable where you don’t know if career or love. Every real has ups and downs I did enjoy this authors books.
Can’t wait to see what else is to come by this author.
Imagine leaving the one you love for 10 years and you both thought the other broke up with them.
Although it’s not quite clear what the real reason was. You could still feel the pain.
I wish we did get more from the author on why and what happens.
There were a few questions I had but overall I did enjoy the book. It was relatable where you don’t know if career or love. Every real has ups and downs I did enjoy this authors books.
Can’t wait to see what else is to come by this author.
June 11, 2025
This is Ethan & Grace's story. They were sweethearts long ago and then something broke them up. Ten years later, military man Ethan returns to town determined to not take a trip down memory lane. But of course he ends up running into his old flame Grace. But when he gets a pulled muscle at the fair, it is Grace who has to massage him. Seeing her again makes him realize he never stopped loving her and he's determined to stay in town this time to win her back. This was a romantic second chance romance full of angst and yearning for those lost years. This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed it very much.
June 12, 2024
I loved Ethan and Grace! They were such compelling characters that have always had so much love for each other!
It was so fun to read about the little things that Ethan did to get back in Grace's good, well, graces. All of his romantic gestures were so swoon-worthy (and sometimes spicy) and I was rooting for these two every step of the way! And Grace with her mementos!! Seriously, these two had a special love that I enjoyed reading about.
Not to mention, the Emerald Creek gang is all back and as small-townish as ever! I love all the humor but I love how they look after one another even more. And don't think I didn't catch that attempt for Emma's redemption (IYKYK)! She's still on my list.
There was a bit of the miscommunication trope that I am not a big fan of, but I also didn't fully vibe with some of the ending. It felt too convenient for me.
But overall, Return To You is another great addition to Bella River's growing roster. I know I will be reading anything that she writes!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was so fun to read about the little things that Ethan did to get back in Grace's good, well, graces. All of his romantic gestures were so swoon-worthy (and sometimes spicy) and I was rooting for these two every step of the way! And Grace with her mementos!! Seriously, these two had a special love that I enjoyed reading about.
Not to mention, the Emerald Creek gang is all back and as small-townish as ever! I love all the humor but I love how they look after one another even more. And don't think I didn't catch that attempt for Emma's redemption (IYKYK)! She's still on my list.
There was a bit of the miscommunication trope that I am not a big fan of, but I also didn't fully vibe with some of the ending. It felt too convenient for me.
But overall, Return To You is another great addition to Bella River's growing roster. I know I will be reading anything that she writes!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2024
2.5 ⭐️
Gracie y Ethan fueron novios en su juventud hasta que un malentendido hace que terminenlas cosas, 10 años después se vuelven a ver y ella decide actuar como si fueran extraños.
Grace casi esta en sus treinta, pero tiene la mentalidad de una niña.
Ethan es un cobarde, se le hace mejor idea huir que hablar de las cosas
No entendí como todos en el pueblo querían juntarlos si pensaban que el estaba enamorado de la "novia" que murió.
El gato es un traidor por lo que hizo con la caja.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Gracie y Ethan fueron novios en su juventud hasta que un malentendido hace que terminenlas cosas, 10 años después se vuelven a ver y ella decide actuar como si fueran extraños.
Grace casi esta en sus treinta, pero tiene la mentalidad de una niña.
Ethan es un cobarde, se le hace mejor idea huir que hablar de las cosas
No entendí como todos en el pueblo querían juntarlos si pensaban que el estaba enamorado de la "novia" que murió.
El gato es un traidor por lo que hizo con la caja.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2024
Another wonderful read from Bella Rivers, this time featuring Ethan and Grace ten years on from their painful break-up. The writing is so powerful that I feel like I’m right there with the characters, feeling their nostalgia and pain and hoping that they somehow figure out what’s really important, cut through all their prejudices and misconceptions and start communicating with one another. Highly recommended.
I’m loving this Emerald Creek series and its diverse line-up of characters and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I’m loving this Emerald Creek series and its diverse line-up of characters and can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2024
Received as an ARC.
💜 Small town
💜 Second chance
💜 Meddling cat
💜 Nosy friends
💜 No third act breakup 🙌🏻
I always get excited when we have the chance to return to Emerald Creek and this was no exception. Once again Bella knocked it out of the park with this third instalment of the series where we finally get to read Ethan and Grace’s story. This is a heartbreaking tale of love and loss. I laughed, I cried, I felt it deep down in my soul and I eventually got put back together again by the end. Best book in the series so far? Quite possibly.
💜 Small town
💜 Second chance
💜 Meddling cat
💜 Nosy friends
💜 No third act breakup 🙌🏻
I always get excited when we have the chance to return to Emerald Creek and this was no exception. Once again Bella knocked it out of the park with this third instalment of the series where we finally get to read Ethan and Grace’s story. This is a heartbreaking tale of love and loss. I laughed, I cried, I felt it deep down in my soul and I eventually got put back together again by the end. Best book in the series so far? Quite possibly.
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