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Return to Rustmere
After her career collapses, Briony returns to Rustmere - the quiet village she once couldn’t wait to escape.
But the homecoming is far from simple. Her family is struggling and the house is falling apart. Then a chance encounter with Jake, a childhood friend, reignites emotions she thought she’d left behind.
As Briony rebuilds her life, she takes a job at the local library—a cornerstone of the community now under threat from council cuts. Determined to save it, Briony discovers unexpected allies and a mysterious donor whose generosity could change everything.
Soon, old wounds surface, and both Briony and Jake must decide whether their relationship will survive memories of the past.
RETURN TO RUSTMERE by Jennie Rose Adams is a heartfelt story about second chances and finding love - and yourself - right where you started.
But the homecoming is far from simple. Her family is struggling and the house is falling apart. Then a chance encounter with Jake, a childhood friend, reignites emotions she thought she’d left behind.
As Briony rebuilds her life, she takes a job at the local library—a cornerstone of the community now under threat from council cuts. Determined to save it, Briony discovers unexpected allies and a mysterious donor whose generosity could change everything.
Soon, old wounds surface, and both Briony and Jake must decide whether their relationship will survive memories of the past.
RETURN TO RUSTMERE by Jennie Rose Adams is a heartfelt story about second chances and finding love - and yourself - right where you started.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
September 19, 2026
DELIGHTFUL! FROM START TO FINISH
Briony arrives back in her childhood home of Rustmere, after complications arise with her job and life in the city. But back home she finds her father has been seriously ill, her sister is not coping and there are problems within the community. So Briony rolls up her sleeves and gets to work trying to resolve the issues. But can little Miss Fixit succeed in helping those around her and also sort her own life out in the process?
This was a completely gorgeous read. It has it all: family, friendship, community spirit and a dreamy romance. There are a lovely ensemble of characters. I particularly liked the wise and endearing Miss Percival and Briony's effervescent friend: Rose.
As well as being written from Briony's POV, we also have an insight into the male main character: Jake. He is a childhood friend who has morphed into a gorgeous 'Greek God' of a man, who certainly gets Briony in a tizz. I became totally invested in their relationship, so much so that at one point I was almost shouting at my Kindle in frustration.
Return to Rustmere was funny, well written and a truly joyful read. It's an impressive start to a series. I'm so glad I read it at the start of the autumn. It's perfect for snuggling up and drifting away into Briony and Jake's workd.
Highly recommended for a beautiful bit of escapism. I loved my time spent in Rustmere and look forward to reading the other books.
Briony arrives back in her childhood home of Rustmere, after complications arise with her job and life in the city. But back home she finds her father has been seriously ill, her sister is not coping and there are problems within the community. So Briony rolls up her sleeves and gets to work trying to resolve the issues. But can little Miss Fixit succeed in helping those around her and also sort her own life out in the process?
This was a completely gorgeous read. It has it all: family, friendship, community spirit and a dreamy romance. There are a lovely ensemble of characters. I particularly liked the wise and endearing Miss Percival and Briony's effervescent friend: Rose.
As well as being written from Briony's POV, we also have an insight into the male main character: Jake. He is a childhood friend who has morphed into a gorgeous 'Greek God' of a man, who certainly gets Briony in a tizz. I became totally invested in their relationship, so much so that at one point I was almost shouting at my Kindle in frustration.
Return to Rustmere was funny, well written and a truly joyful read. It's an impressive start to a series. I'm so glad I read it at the start of the autumn. It's perfect for snuggling up and drifting away into Briony and Jake's workd.
Highly recommended for a beautiful bit of escapism. I loved my time spent in Rustmere and look forward to reading the other books.
December 16, 2025
Return to Rustmere is a warm, engaging story about coming home, starting over, and rediscovering what truly matters. After her career collapses, Briony’s return to the village she once longed to escape is filled with mixed emotions, unresolved memories, and unexpected opportunities.
The novel excels in its character development. Briony feels real and relatable as she navigates family struggles, a crumbling house, and the emotional weight of her past. Her reunion with Jake, a childhood friend, unfolds at a gentle pace, making their evolving relationship feel natural and sincere. The author avoids melodrama, allowing quiet moments and unspoken feelings to carry much of the emotional impact.
The storyline involving the local library is particularly effective. Briony’s determination to protect this vital community space adds heart and purpose to the narrative, while the mysterious donor introduces a subtle layer of intrigue without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
The novel excels in its character development. Briony feels real and relatable as she navigates family struggles, a crumbling house, and the emotional weight of her past. Her reunion with Jake, a childhood friend, unfolds at a gentle pace, making their evolving relationship feel natural and sincere. The author avoids melodrama, allowing quiet moments and unspoken feelings to carry much of the emotional impact.
The storyline involving the local library is particularly effective. Briony’s determination to protect this vital community space adds heart and purpose to the narrative, while the mysterious donor introduces a subtle layer of intrigue without overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews