The Long Road Back to You

by Buck Turner

They say it only takes a moment to fall in love with someone, but a lifetime to forget them!

From the author of The Keeper of Stars and A Thousand Distant Shores comes a stirring story that proves it’s never too late for love.

This emotionally charged read tells a once-in-a-lifetime story about love: In small-town Tennessee, eighteen-year-old Charlie Ross wagers a kiss from Anna Cochran, the most beautiful girl in town, and wins. Just as their budding romance begins to blossom, Charlie is drafted to fight in the Vietnam War.

Anna vows to wait for him, no matter how long it takes. But when Charlie is captured and later presumed dead, Anna is left picking up the pieces to her shattered world.

Eight years later, Charlie returns home. However, his homecoming is bittersweet when he learns Anna has moved on and married the man who left him for dead in the jungle.

Unwilling to give up on Anna, Charlie is determined to win her back. But is this truly the end of their story, or is there another chapter yet to be written?

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Book Club

318 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2025

About the author

Buck is a beloved storyteller, best known for his diverse writing style and subject matter. Author of the bestselling romance novels The Long Road Back To You and I'll Wait, Buck explores both the pleasure and the pain that come with finding that once-in-a-lifetime love, and the lengths we'll go to keep it.

As a graduate of Lincoln Memorial University, Buck holds a Fine Arts degree as well as an MBA. Having spent his childhood in East Tennessee, Buck focuses on what he knows best-the south, including its rich traditions, diverse characters, and religion. When he's not busy writing, Buck enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, fishing, drawing, and painting.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story! I really liked how it ended, better than I expected. Will have to read more of this author’s books. Agree with another person’s comments “they should make a movie out of this story.”

[Kennedy Madon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all the books I’ve read, this is by far my favorite! Everyone needs to read this book! ❤️ Just make sure to grab a tissue or two.

[Stacey Beane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin with this book? This book had me in a chokehold from the very beginning. This is a beautiful love story about young love that’s put through MANY trials & somehow it ends beautifully. I expected a different ending to be honest but overall I loved the ending! I felt every emotion in this book from laughter to anger to sadness. If you want a sweet sweet love story then I would HIGHLY recommend this book. Actually I would highly recommend this author!

[Ellen Bell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Buck Turner, writes such a great easy reading novel

[Julie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this story of love, war, tragedy and hope. It had me enthralled. The only downside of reading this Kindle edition book was the grammatical and spelling errors throughout.

[Willett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book. My only issue was my Kindle edition add so many typos, it made it hard to read at times.

[Rochelle Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way he combined his two books to make one. He brought Lincoln in as one of the main characters instead of just the story writer, and pulling Anna’s journals in as her part of the story was the perfect way of telling her side. I enjoyed the way it was done one day at a time telling the story of first Charlie and then Anna. Beautifully done Buck Turner, I knew you could seamlessly combine those two books!!

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and well written love story. It was hard to put this one down. It is an emotional read
That depicts true love, difficult times. Changes, and more. The ending was great and different than
I expected. This is a book worth reading and remembering for its tenderness and life changes.
Highly recommended.,

[Lori Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book for many reasons. The author’s writing is just beautiful, to say he has a way with words is putting it mildly. He is a gifted writer. The story is wonderful, I absolutely loved it. My husband is reading it right now and is also loving it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read in a long time. It is considered a romance, which I don’t usually read, but it was so much more, as well. Romance, war, joy, heart break. I cried more than once reading this wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It really brought back memories for me. My uncle served in the Viet Nam war and the references to that terrible time were very true. I was a teenager at the time and vividly recall those years. Really enjoy this author’s books, may he continue his writing career!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Vicki Mee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very touching love story book

[Hailey Birdwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Greenx3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s an enjoyable book with a little bit of a twist you kinda expect but then it fools you. Set in Vietnam and today. Great weekend or quick trip book. I read it in 2 days

[Lauryn Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book to make my eyes water. Beautifully written from the beginning to end. Through everything life throws, I hope everyone gets to have the love story like Charlie and Anna had.

[Carla Aultman · Rating 4 out of 5]

not what I would usually read, but it was quick and sweet.

[Donna Cougill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this is less than 12 hours and see why it's often compared to The Notebook. It needs to be a movie. I LOVED IT.

[Dianna Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book!

[Deb Ploof · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really couldn’t put it down! It drew me in and made me feel so “involved”. Very good - must read!

[Jennifer Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one and in my top reads! Another Buck Turner can’t put down and fall in love!

[Kat]

see other edition

[Debbie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through my tears, all I can say is beautiful, beautiful, beautiful story! This book is in the top three of my favorite books of all time, and I read a lot of books. Thank you, Buck Turner!🩷

[Kylie Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

🥹🥹🥹 I love old fashioned love stories

[doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book. I liked the characters and how the story flowed. It kept me interested. I liked the happy ending.

[Mary Louise Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best love story I have read in a long time.

[Regina Vanderhoof · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. Once again, it was very hard to put down. This is Buck Turner’s second book I have read and already checking on another.

[Doreen Gawron · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read!!

[Rhonda Millsaps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love this book!!

[Delia Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good love story.