Return to the Outer Banks House

by Diann Ducharme

She was the spirited daughter of a North Carolina plantation owner, and he was a poor fisherman who she tutored on the porch of her family’s Nags Head cottage. When we last saw Abigail Sinclair and Ben Whimble at the close of The Outer Banks House, they’d overcome their differences in life stations and defied convention to begin their new life together.

But now it’s seven years later, and Return to the Outer Banks House finds the couple married and in hard times—riddled by poverty, miscarriages, and weakened family ties. The strong bonds that once held them together have eroded over time, and their marriage threatens to unravel, particularly when relationships from the past and ambitions for the future find their way into the mismatched couple’s present predicament.

Can their love survive? Or are the challenges they face insurmountable? Return to the Outer Banks House carries readers back to 1875 to answer these questions and explore the ebb and flow of a rocky marriage set against the enchanting North Carolina shoreline. Replete with history, intrigue, and plenty of maritime drama, it’s an evocative tale of struggle in the Reconstruction-era South.

Genres: Historical Fiction

370 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 10, 2014

About the author

Diann Ducharme holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Virginia and a master's degree in teaching from Virginia Commonwealth University. A native of Newport News, Virginia, she has vacationed on the Outer Banks of North Carolina all of her life and has used this intriguing setting as a backdrop for her writing. Ducharme's literary debut, The Outer Banks House, was published in 2010, her second novel Chasing Eternity in 2012, the follow-up to The Outer Banks House, Return to the Outer Banks House, in 2014, and the much-anticipated conclusion to the series, Home to the Outer Banks, in 2022. She currently resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband Sean, their children.

Reviews

[Melinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not surprised Ducharme delves into Abbey and Ben’s marital issues. Given their differing background and tragedy it’s no surprise they are experiencing issues. I did find their miscommunication a surprise, lots of assuming going on along with avoidance. Much hangs in the air with these two, most of which could be resolved with undivided attention and willingness. Once again Ben acts out of character – or maybe not given his last huge misstep in The Outer Banks, whatever his intentions he makes another surprising move. Expanding on Eliza makes sense given she’s the third party in this quasi triangle. Despite her nefarious and meddlesome ways Ben and Abbey would still be at an impasse. Eliza adds spunk to the narrative along with dimension.

The ending leads the reader to believe there will be another installment, I would be disappointed of Ducharme ends with Abbey and Ben in this very ambiguous state. A heartbreaking read but not a surprise given Abbey and Ben’s initial meet and greet.

[Jenny Q · Rating 3 out of 5]

I debated whether I should even write a review of this book, for I don't want to turn people off of reading it. It's very well written, with all of the historical ambiance of its predecessor. But I kind of wish I hadn't read this sequel. I loved the first book, The Outer Banks House, and I fell hard for the main characters of Ben and Abbie. They overcame tremendous differences and outside influences and received what I thought was a happily ever after at the end of that book, only it turns out that wasn't the case. I would rather have remembered them happy in their triumph of love over all than to see what became of them in this heartbreaking sequel.

Once again the vivid descriptions of the Outer Banks bring the setting to life and make it as much a part of the story as any of the characters, and the depictions of hard-scrabble island life add to the authenticity. But the story itself is just not what I had hoped for. While I'm sure it is quite realistic in the real world, where fairy-tale endings are not as commonplace as we would hope, I was so disappointed in the direction Ben and Abbie's marriage took and the final resolution of their problems. It left me feeling depressed and disillusioned. I guess I'm supposed to be satisfied with secondary character Eliza's seemingly happy ending, but I never really warmed to her, and so it was not balm enough.

But I don't want to hold my disappointment with the resolution of the story against what is a well-crafted novel since opinions like that are so subjective, thus I'm giving it a more neutral rating. I highly recommend you read the first book--it's wonderful. But if, like me, you are deeply satisfied with that book's ending, and you decide to read the sequel, prepare yourself for the unhappiness to come.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: I was chosen a first reads winner and received a free copy of Return to the Outer Banks House in the mail. That in no way affects the review that follows.

Let me begin by saying that I have not yet read the first book in this series, The Outer Banks House, and reading this second book definitely makes me want to read the first one! Its vivid sensory descriptions, period dialogue, historical southern settings, believable characterizations, etc. are all really well-written and entice the reader from the very first page. Return to the Outer Banks House continues the story of Abigail Sinclair, Ben Whimble, and Eliza Dickens -- seven years later, picking up in 1875. The novel is a first-person narrative, with chapters by each of the three characters, and is set in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Each chapter begins with a quotation from Moby Dick, a book which does feature into the story as the novel progresses.

Delighted to have read this -- thanks for the opportunity!

[Erin Peters · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the historical parts of this book, but I HATED the ending. All of this struggle in the book and in the end, it's like everyone just gives up!

[Madelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows the marriage of a man and woman from two different worlds. Each chapter tells the story of a different character. At times I found this rather tedious. It was heartbreaking but profound.

[The History Mom]

A sequel to The Outer Banks House, this book delves into the history of the Outer Banks even more, including the lifesaving stations along the coast. It's ultimately a sad tale and doesn't have the hopeful qualities found in the first book. But I enjoyed learning more about life in the late 1800s.

[Mary Yelton · Rating 5 out of 5]

You will beg for more

I fell in love with Ben and Abby. I felt like I was living their lives with them! My heart is heavy with the way it ended. As far as Eliza, I want to box her ears; No worse than that! You would love the book. Read it.

[Clara Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book but I like happy endings.

[Linda McCollum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book

Anyone who loves to read about history and the American people who lived in our remote islands, they will enjoy this book.

[maryellen thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the outer banks house

Not the ending I thought it would be, but good nonetheless. Stick with it and find out how the characters evolve.
Good summer read.

[Lynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to read this to find out how the story of Ben and Abigail ended. Not as I had hoped, which was disappointing.

[Gina Russel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing, well written characters

Her second book was as good as the first was. Strong characters with an interesting story about life on the Outer Banks. A satisfying ending.

[Barbara Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this one a little bit slow in the beginning but really liked it as it got going. Planning to read the third in the trilogy. Having a house in the Outer Banks this took on particular interest.

[Kathie Kuehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second of three books in this Outer Banks series. This book picks up in 1875, 7 years after Ben Whimble and Abby Sinclair married. The couple is now going through hard times marked by poverty and miscarriages. Their marriage is unraveling, in large part due to their very different backgrounds and the fact Ben and Amy cannot seem to communicate with each other. This lack of communication was the cause of frustration for me. Well written descriptions of the island of the Outer Banks, a place I have always to visit.

[Carole Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sequel to "Outer Banks House" that I had begged for in the last review. I must repent and take back what I said. I wish I could have stayed oblivious and allowed them to have an HEA and just imagined there life afterwards!

There is no HEA. This is real life people! They were an impossible couple that made it. Yes, they married, BUT real life comes in like a tidal wave. So many issues arise, can they really make it? I will not tell, but you must read the book to find out. I am glad that the author stuck with reality, that yes, this will be a hard marriage to keep, because they are both so different. He is an uneducated fisherman and she is a plantation owner's daughter who loves to read. They fell in love, but sometimes that love needs a lot of hard work.

All at the same time the South is recovering slowly from the Civil War. It's the reconstruction-era and its a brutal time in history. So much has changed and the people are having issues changing along with it. Hardtimes are everywhere, because the slaves are gone and the economy is slipping. It just adds to the intensity of the book with the main couple.

Oooooh Ben...you silly boy. He made me mad again, but again...he kinda sorta fixes it.

I did like Eliza more in this, which surprised me.

WHY IS THERE NEVER ANY COMMUNICATION!!!!! UGH! It drives me crazy, because in my relationship we do talk, so why can't other couples? Why just assume. You have no idea what the other person is thinking or feeling. GAH!

Anyways....

This was written brilliantly like the other one. However, I am just bummed, because I didn't except this couple to have SO many issues. Yes, some, but I felt like things just kept building and building and building to the point I had no hope for this couple.

In the end, the setting and the writing was lovely. Not as good as the first one, but still good! Again, the other did a wonderful job with the intensity. I had little hope for this couple. The ending was good and that is how I would have ended it. I totally recommend this to those that like historical fiction mixed with some romance and drama. However, you need to read the first one first. Out of five stars, I stamp this with 3 stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first book and fell in love with the characters. In this second installment, I enjoyed the realism of coping with differences in a marriage - all to be expected. However I was disappointed with the characters emotional and communication constipation and inability to come to a resolution. Adding Eliza's perspective gave a great outside view and added another flavor into the mix. As another reviewer said, I hope that Diann Ducharme plans on making this a trilogy as there are too many unresolved loose ends. Overall I enjoyed the excellent interlacing of history and literature (Moby Dick)into the storyline. Good read, I will be anxiously awaiting the next installment (hopefully).

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the first book in this series, but this sequel has the capacity to draw you into the lives of Abby, Ben and Eliza and evoke a vivid picture of their struggles to survive the extreme hardship and poverty of life on the Outer Banks of North Carolina in the late 1800s.
Well-written in the patois of this depressed area and the times, it is both interesting and heart-rending as you follow each character as he discovers and comes to terms with the path his life must follow.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won Return To The Outer Banks House from Goodreads.

The story takes place in 1875. Whales Head, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks.
Gutsy Eliza was my favorite character at the start of the story. Then I came to love Ben, Abby, and Asha. 1875 brings much tragedy, poverty, heartache, and love. Good book.

[Carol Stanley-Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

RECEIVED BOOK FREE THROUGH GOODREADS FIRST READS.

I wasn't sure about this book when i first started...but...the more i read, the more i couldn't put it down!

The Outer Banks before 'people' was very different than the one we see today. The story of Ben and Abigail is heartbreaking. Then throw in Eliza, well...I don't want to give away anything!!

It's a good historical, human interest story.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the first book The Outer Banks House. I think if I had the sequel would have made more sense. It was enjoyable. I love the Outer Banks and I love how the Moby Dick was incorporated into the story, but I wish I would have known the characters better by reading the first book. I would have understood the book better and I'm sure enjoyed it more

I won a copy of this book

[Donna Gregory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the Outer Banks House is The first book I won from 'GOODREADS FIRST READS. It was a little deep for me but serves as a reminder that not everyone lives happily ever after. Thanks for the opportunity to read and share reviews. It was/is a good book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads win, thank you for choosing me.

A historical fiction set in the late 1800s on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

The main characters, Eliza, Abigail and Ben are full of Strength, Guts, Grit, heart and kept me interested in their stories and not able to put the book down.

[Nicolle Gray · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author added a third narrator and it changed the flow of the book. It also ended very abruptly.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first book much more. This was an easy read - but just not much to it.

[Doug Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a series. I understand that a third book is in the writing.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never read the sequels to books unless there is a third- lesson learned

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was expecting a bit more cheeriness at the end after so many hard times. Maybe there will be more satisfaction in the future!

[Maureen Mayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please tell me there’s going to be another book because that ending made me so sad!