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Return to Me

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Finding herself means losing everything she knows...

An empty-nested southern woman has her life turned on its head after an encounter with a young student from halfway around the world.

~A novella inspired by true events ~


Jill Edwards is just now learning the true definition of an empty nest. With her only child deployed in Iraq and her husband always gone on business, she finds herself often alone and awfully bored. Worse, it's getting harder and harder for Jill to relate to the other housewives of Faithville, the little Christian college town she calls home.

Luckily, salvation comes in September.

Every year, Jill gets her only glimpse outside of Faithville when Faithville University welcomes its international students. This year, when one of these students moves in across the street, she’s surprised to find herself unusually drawn to the intriguing, athletic young man from half a world away.

As their unusual friendship develops, Jill discovers parts unknown within her soul - wild desires never before entertained. Awakening her long dormant hunger for life seems to be exactly the thrill she needs, but she soon finds herself on a journey that not only challenges her faith, but life as she knows it.

Return to Me is inspired by true events observed and experienced by the author during a pivotal tenure in rural North Carolina.

117 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2015

112 people want to read

About the author

Taylor W. Law

1 book15 followers
Taylor W. Law works in the television world in New York City. Storytelling has always been a core part of his job, but the notion of writing a book had never really crossed his mind.

His interest in writing was sparked after casually sharing a story with his co-workers in the office cafeteria. He was encouraged to write it down, and since then, hasn’t stopped writing.

Taylor’s first romance novel, Return to Me, is scheduled to launch early October.

When Taylor is not working, he enjoys cooking up a storm in his kitchen or hopping on a train down to North Carolina for some quiet time.

A wise friend once told him: “A good story can heal a wounded past.”

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Pearl Angeli.
730 reviews976 followers
October 28, 2015
I was pleasantly surprised by how much this novel affected me and practically made my heart cry for what it's worth. I was moved and was definitely pulled into this unique, brilliantly done novel. I rarely read Adult fiction but this novel compelled me right from the start.

Return to Me paints a portrait of a small town named Faithville where a Christian College called Faithville University was built. Jill, a dedicated housewife of University staff Dave and the mother of Lena, thought her life was dull because of the simplicity of the place she's living in. A woman who is usually being left behind by her husband who constantly travels, she found it hard to stay and settle around because of her desire to go out and spread her wings. Until she met the young and handsome college lad named Sean, her perception about her life meaningfully changed...

A novel inspired by true events, this book has a melancholic tone and it deals with a strong subject matter that centers family dynamics. It's an unlikely story about marriage and infidelity-- one that breaks the readers' hearts and makes everyone realize the importance of keeping the family relationship stronger.

It was a nice experience for me getting into this book without any expectations because it surprised me in the end. It had my emotions wrapped around its fingers and it wrenched my heart because of the harsh reality of life. This heartfelt, captivating, and moving debut novel will definitely glue on my mind for a long time.

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(I was given a free copy of this book by Taylor W. Law in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!)

My review of this book is also found on my blog:

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Profile Image for Dianne.
6,818 reviews634 followers
November 15, 2015
Don't miss out on some great reading! From DEBUT Author, Taylor W. Law A chance to win 1 of 5 eCopies (Intl) OR 1 PRINT Copy (US)
http://tometender.blogspot.com/2015/11/taylor-w-laws-return-to-me-interview.html
Finding herself means losing everything she knows...
Click on Banner to Enter - Ends November 20, 2015


Salvation takes many forms. For Jill Edwards there was the journey through Hell to take and the uncertainty of the route she was taking. Was Jill condemning herself to a life of lies and guilt or was she finally freeing her soul to find what joys life can share? What has Sean done to her, freed her or become just another prison for her heart?

Welcome to Faithville, a small Christian college town where everyone knows everyone else and students come and go in a never ending cycle that gives comfort to many, while fueling discontent and deceit in others.

Debut author, Taylor W. Law is starting out at the top of my hidden gem pile with his must-read novel, Return to Me where one high profile woman suffers from an empty nest and an empty heart. Her daughter is grown, her husband is rarely home and the repetition of putting on a good front has finally worn Jill down. After a devastating discovery, she dares to live life on the edge when one college boy kindles a spark of life in her once dead soul. Follow her journey as she wars with her conscience, her heart and the mirror in front of her that dares to taunt her with a promise of better things to come. Will she break every vow and standard she has set for herself for a young man half her age or will she wither away to keep up appearances in a marriage that died long ago?

Do you like women’s fiction with no holds barred? Where the age difference barrier is smashed and becomes irrelevant? Where the hearts and thoughts are laid bare and you can’t help but feel for the characters? Jill can be almost childlike with her dreams of travel, of feeling free and enjoying life. When truths are revealed, Jill learns that love knows no bounds when it’s real, and there is no shame accepting love freely given, no matter how unlikely the source.
Keep your eye out for Taylor W. Law, his voice in the literary world is making some strong statements.

I received an ARC edition from Taylor W. Law in exchange for my honest review.

Coming soon!

For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

Profile Image for Mg ♥ The Bookishmedialite.
1,261 reviews319 followers
October 15, 2015
First off, I have to say that when I started reading this book I thought that this was not what I usually read, you see I love to read dark and erotic books so, I was a little nervous about it, but there was something in Jill Edwards that hooked me and made me keep reading. After finished it, I gave myself a round of applause because keep reading this book was the best decision I could make. I practically read it in about 3 or 4 hours, it is a short one and I could not put it down. Sleep was not neccesary when you are living vicariously through Jill, I identify myself with her in some ways and I needed to know what was going to happen to her and... him.

After my rant, I just can say: Welcome to Faithville, a small Christian college town where everyone knows everyone else and students come and go, some are happy about it, others not too much.

Taylor W. Law give us a story of friendship, courage, discovery of oneself and LOVE! Jill Edwards, is a strong woman who despites of what life throw to her, she never gave up, she learned how to dealt with all of it. There was some dilemma in specific, one that most women handle it by yelling or shouting. But Jill isn't. She put on a brave face and deal with it in the best possible way.

I was a little sceptical about the age difference but Sean, sweet Sean. Even though he only had a few lines on the book, he made me forget about everything and just focus on them, he definitely was Jill's knight in armor. He taught me that when there is real love nothing matters.

As for her husband Dave, *asshole* I hate him and his little secret, and of course I'm glad with what happened with them.

I admire Taylor for writing a story like this. It taught me a few things about life that I will never forget. Even though this was a simple book it was full of emotions, I ended crying like a baby. There were lots of words and phrases to ponder.

The last part was just a bit too fast for me. She left me wanting to know more about Jill and Sean!

As a debut novel, Taylor did it great and I am totally impressed and looking forward to read more of her work.
Profile Image for Daniel Eria.
29 reviews4 followers
October 12, 2015
What i like about the book is the main character, i admire Jill for being strong despite of what happened. I should have reacted the same way and should have made the same decision if i were in her shoes.The last part was just a bit too fast for me, i wanted to know more details about Lena's *****, you know what i mean if you already read it.

PS.
I want to see Sean! lol
Profile Image for ABYbliophile.
113 reviews13 followers
October 13, 2015
This debut novel written by Taylor Law, speaks of courage and strength to go on despite of the complicated problems and negative vibes that surrounds someone. I admire Taylor for writing a story like this. It made me feel sad and happy at the same time. It taught me a few things in life that I will never find out in some stories.

It’s a fast-paced book, and a well-written story. You’ll get hooked as soon as you start reading it.I must say that this book is worth reading and remembering. It has a promising plot that’ll touch every readers heart (especially women).

I love how the protagonist (Jill Edwards) handled the situation, on how she dealt with her moral problems as a butcher’s knife deals with the meat. She’s a bold and brave one. I feel like I am in Jill's shoes, I could feel that betrayal, that tight grip in my lungs, that sorrow in my heart... my blood is boiling inside my veins. Most women handle these kind of dilemmas by yelling or shouting or getting hysterical. But Jill isn't. She's suffered a great deal of heartbreak but then, she managed to put on a brave face.

As for her husband Dave, he portrayed his character well enough (and I’m still mad at him, right now *sigh*). I was crestfallen when I found out what happened to ****, and the events were happening rapidly (I told you that it’s a fast-paced book), that’s why there are no dull parts. And last but not the least, Sean. SEAN! I love Sean Teo! Even though he only had a few lines and appearances on the book, I’ll never 'ever' forget his character. He’s so sweet and charming, and I considered him as Jill’s savior. <3

There are lots of words, phrases, and sentences to ponder. This book is just amazing! The way Taylor wrote the story is simple but has an effective description. The way he used adjectives makes the story even more appealing and absorbing. Just like how he describe the coconut cream pies, jambalayas and lots of delicious recipes – makes my stomach rumble. There are also some sentences or let’s just say… some quotes that’ll make me stop cold. And he even used some Bible verses. I am totally impressed. :)


I am so grateful that Taylor Law gave me an ARC of his book. (thank you thank you!).

RETURN TO ME will be launched on October 15! You should read this! You’ll never regret it.

#ABYliophileMustRead

Check out my blog:
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https://abybliophileph.wordpress.com/...

:)
Profile Image for bookishpoetess.
623 reviews75 followers
October 13, 2015
"To find happiness, you have to experience sadness. To feel true love, you have to experience heartbreak. To succeed, you have to experience failure. Be grateful for all thst had happened. Every moment in your life leading up to this one has done something for you, and you must be thankful for it…whether it first appeared good or bad. You are stronger noe for it, wiser, and most importantly, braver."

Taylor W. Law's debut novel is a story of love, friendship, and discovery of oneself.

Jill Edwards, a mother and a wife, struggles as she find the true meaning of life, love and friendship in her little town in Faithville. She thought it was the same summer like the former years until she found out that the neighboring house served as a student's dormitory will be a boy's dorm now. For four years, it had been a girl's dorm and this such turn of events awakened something inside her as she developed an attraction to an international student. She misses her daughter who is in Iraq and she found herself alone without her husband who conducts business trips. Her boredom got under her skin so she sought out friendship of Sean, the international student. And as the day progresses, she discovered that life should be enjoyed and experienced. And she found herself all over again, which she doesn't know she'd lost after giving everything to her husband and daughter.

What can I say? This darn book is so amazing! The writing is easily understood and the pacing is fast that I didn't even realize that it is nearly ending. I wanted to stop reading so I don't need to get in the ending but I needed to finish it because I want to know the ending! This is such a simple book that got me crying over some scenes and the feels! Oh, gods! There's so much feels about this book that I almost highlighted every word or sentence or paragraph. Simple words that will pinch everyone's heart. I just so love how the bible verses are inserted in the right place and how it shows the character's faith and belief in God. I like the food! Oh, gods! This book made me want a Jambalaya and a Coconut Cream Pie! Jill is such a fine cook and it made me drool!

Jill had so much on her plate that I don't know how she managed not to snapped earlier. I wanted to strangle Dave and Barbara! I just really hate them both. And Sean, oh my, Sean! He's so sweet and supportive and I am so happy for his success! And when I reached the ending, I just wanted more! It's so abrupt that I'm lost in it for several minutes and it won't sink in that it has ended. I want to know more about Jill and Sean! I love this book! I hope you'll do, too!
Profile Image for Dita.
1,178 reviews13 followers
October 16, 2015
"To find happiness, you have to experience sadness.
To feel true love you have to experience heartbreak."

Jill is a dedicated Wife and Mother, she'll do anything to be the perfect wife and mother,
she's just exist from day to day, but when Sean the young international student come to stay across the street,
she can't deny that she become alive around him, their friendship meant something for her,
but then life throw her something that rocked her life and turn it upside down.
What will happen to Jill? Will she end up with Sean? Well you have to read this book ;)

This is the story about a woman who trying to find herself,
a woman that despite what had happened to her still trying to find happiness,
a strong woman who never give up to chase what she wanted.

This book made me angry, cry, and smile. I enjoyed reading it.
I learn a lot from Jill. I learned that it's never too late to chase what you wanted, to chase your dreams,
and that we deserve to be happy.

For a debut book...this book is awesome, so many inspirational quotes from this book.
If you're looking for sweet short beautiful story.. i think you're gonna like this one.
Profile Image for Jordan • aClumsyReader.
17 reviews2 followers
February 5, 2019
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I'll be honest. Going into this book, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy it. Not because I didn't think the synopsis sounded promising, but because this book is pretty far out of my usual reading comfort-zone. It's an adult romance novel, set in a Christian town. All of those things are very unrelated to my usual reading habits ;). However, once I started reading, I was instantly pulling into this story. I really enjoyed reading from this main character's perspective. Jill has a very real narrative in a town of fake people. Although she finds comfort in her small town, she doesn't really fit in. And reading about a town that is likely similar to so many in the world from an almost cynical view was really refreshing. And as the story progresses, we start to see the people she believed to lack substance as human. I enjoyed that a lot. We also see how Jill's character grows (a lot) in a short amount of time. All because she met one guy, Sean. Their romance is swift but unusual. They offer each other more than a simple physical connection. And seeing the world as Sean sees it helps Jill realize that she has been living a dormant life. So she decides to make a change. However, while I won't spill any spoilers, I didn't see the twist at the end coming. Prepare a tissue!

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was a quick, fun, and romantic read that has a little wisdom in it too. Perfect for a rainy day or spare time at the beach! :)

*Disclaimer for younger readers: there is one semi-graphic sexual scene. While it's definitely not 50 Shades, it's still nice to have a heads up if that kind of thing makes you uncomfortable.
*Disclaimer related to religious content: this book is set in a Christian town. There is much mention of Christian values and the bible, as well as a few scripture quotes. Just another heads up in case religious-mentioning is not your cup of tea.
Profile Image for Lauren :) (Romance Novel Giveaways).
660 reviews407 followers
October 20, 2015
An excellent, emotional, enveloping story!
I read this in one sitting. I could not put it down! This book is SO well-written and it flows so smoothly that it completely kept my interest from beginning to end.
What intrigued me from the synopsis was that this story was inspired by real events. Seeing that expressly stated and keeping that in mind while I read gave this book a whole different flavor.
While I must admit, I was a little wary of where the story was headed when Jill first met her new neighbor, the subsequent sequence of events alleviated any hesitations I had about liking Jill or the story as a whole.
The supporting characters added some nice comic relief; nothing over-the-top, but just quirky things that I could easily see someone really saying if put in a similar situation.
This is just a very REAL book, one not overly embellished with obvious creative license. The totality of it seemed like something that could (and probably does) actually happen, and I absolutely loved it!
And thank goodness for the ending! I was VERY pleasantly surprised with the Happy For Now and would love to know more about what happened to Jill!!!!!
***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Rachel.
3 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2015
A thought provoking romance that examines faith, temptation and heart ache. Readers can emphasize with the characters as they are pulled into this story of rediscovering youth and living your dreams. A plot twist and almost happily ever afters make this a fun quick read.
Profile Image for Isabel.
806 reviews135 followers
February 3, 2017
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review


"To find happiness, you have to experience sadness. To feel true love you have to experience heartbreak."


I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I expected not to like it at all considering the religious elements in it since I am an atheist but I really enjoyed it.
This is not a book about love, friendship, family. This is about self-discovery and knowing where you belong in the world. I enjoyed reading about Jill's struggles and character development and I definitely connected with her.

I highly recommend this to anyone interested in these types of books.
1 review
Read
October 18, 2015
I was sent this wonderful novel to review from Mr. Law and I must say it was absolutely fabulous!
I was completely transfixed in this book; the only thing that would make it better is if I could climb inside and live in it!
It was a beautiful story and the plot kept me wanting more.
I absolutely recommend this book and it's now live! Go and buy it now!
2,308 reviews50 followers
October 15, 2015
This book drew me in from the first pages Taylor W Law has written a novel about what it's like to have an empty nest the loneliness the questioning what now.When Jill faces this issue the steps she takes will keep you turning the pages &cheering her on,Looking forward to Taylor's next book,
Profile Image for Laura Wonderchick.
1,653 reviews183 followers
October 18, 2015
A fun debut read that shows a great story about how women can be strong & change their path!
Profile Image for Jem.
20 reviews7 followers
December 23, 2015
I don't really know what the book is all about. I didn't read the blurb, simply because I want myself to get surprise on what's going to happen in the whole story.

Indeed, this book surprises me not only because some of the scenes are true to life events, but simply because this piece of art touches my heart. The characters are too realistic. Jill Edwards the whole time I'm reading this I can feel all her emotions, loneliness, heartache and happiness. She's one of the strongest characters I've read. And for Dave, darn, I don't know why he cheated. He has an "almost perfect" wife who only did is to be a good mother to their daughter and a good wife to him. Lastly Sean a handsome college student who made Jill feel and find the missing piece of her life. A man who helps her see the other side of the world. I can't put any word how good Sean is.


Return To Me is a heartwarming story, a story about family, marriageand infidelity. Reading this story without any expectation made the whole experience more exciting. This book will open your eyes to howhard the reality of life is and how important the bond with your family.

This work made me shed some tears, but manage to put a smile onmy face at the end.

Thank you Mr. Taylor Law for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review. And thank you for writing this great story of life and love.

4.5/5 stars
Profile Image for Amy Schexnider.
48 reviews14 followers
November 19, 2015
Debut book for this author and it was well executed.
The main character, especially if your my age, is relatable. Empty nest with a man you no longer are connected to is not fun.
Well written and original.
My only complaint is the believably of what happened. A hot, young guy and a middle aged woman?.....
Still, a solid 4 star because I read the entire book without skimming and that's a Herculean task in my book world.
I will keep this author in my sights and recommend this book.
I accidentally stumbled on this author through Instagram.
Profile Image for Michelle Barichello .
22 reviews7 followers
November 21, 2015
I wasn't sure how I felt about the romance happening in the first half of the book, but it was so intriguing that I couldn't put it down, and I'm glad I didn't because the surprises/twists that came were just what I needed to make me understand why this was happening and why I even wanted it to happen. Taylor W. Law does a great job of hooking you into the main character and the setting of this novel. It's a story that anyone who is stuck in a small town can appreciate. I look forward to more from this author!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews