The Return

The Comeback #1

by Marcie Shumway

Superstar Cooper Hall is returning home to Maine. At 28, he’s burnt out from booze, women, and the one thing he has loved the most in his life….music. His hope is that some time in the small town where he was raised will give him perspective, and maybe some direction. What he hadn’t anticipated was the one person who could change it all, coming home too.
Avery Cyr had been happy with her life as the lead accountant for a management company. She lived two hours from where she grew up, allowing her to visit when she wanted, but far enough for her to be independent of the family name. That was, until a phone call brought her back for an extended visit - and a reunion that could change everything she thought she knew.
Can Cooper overcome the hurdles that have sent him back to his home town? Will he move back permanently, or is the call of fame too strong?
Is Avery truly happy in the life she has made for herself, away from her family? Does her heart have the strength for another encounter with the man that stole it so long ago, or will this time be what breaks her for all other relationships?

Genres: Second Chance

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2018

About the author

Marcie Shumway is a small-town girl, born and raised in Maine. She resides with her high school sweetheart on a family owned farm just miles from where she grew up. Her hubby and their four furbabies are her first loves, but they are followed closely by her writing, apple pie, and chocolate.

Marcie started writing short stories in middle school for her classmates to enjoy. They were always love stories with happy endings and spurred her dream of being a published author. Chasing that dream as an adult, she continues to write stories for her readers to love. An avid reader herself, Marcie thrives on the books of her favorite authors and when not writing, can be found curled up in her favorite spot with a good book in hand.

Reviews

[Lori Caprio Tate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful romance

A beautifully written book about love and family and perseverance. This is what romance is all about. I personally would have liked to see Cooper grovel a little more and Avery make him wait. But all in all it was well written and flowed perfectly.

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page to the end I was entranced with coppers and Averys love story! From pain and sorrow to hope and love! Theo journey was one that no matter what their hearts were going to end up back together! I love the small town romance and the family feel of it all!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story

Cooper & Avery's second chance is sweet & steamy. It's about forgiveness for yourself and others. It's about family - blood & not. I really enjoyed the characters and story set ups! The only thing keeping this from being a five star read for me was that the last few chapters were rather abrupt compared to the level of detail in the rest of the story. It felt rushed. But I really enjoyed the story overall! ☺

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance with a high school sweetheart who just happens to be a huge country music star? I'm in. I like reading the books that have a strong family element to them, and this one has that in just about every aspect in the book. And of course it has hot, spicy moments, as well. Loved it!

[Tammy Deighan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second change romance is always a good story. We read many different stories about it but
I have to say this author really had you from the beginning wanting to see how she finished it. The sadness and pain in the story I'm sure can be related by many people. The real life story line is one that really keeps you thinking. Cooper and Avery both have different stories and different backgrounds I think this is why it makes for a great story.

[Deirdre Stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved how Marcie Shumway wrote this story about Avery and Cooper. Two people going through life and trying to find themselves and live a life they could truly be happy with. This book had great characters and great story line.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Although I really wished that we could have learned more about Cooper and Avery's backstory other then Cooper left to pursue his dream being a country star and Avery was hurt. Otherwise it was a great story and I really loved it and hope that there will be more updates on them in following books.

[Samantha Waldow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance romance stories and this was a good one.  Avery and Cooper have a past. Cooper decides to come back home and take a break from his life. He didn't think he would see Avery so soon. Avery was back in town because her brother called to let her their dad wasn't doing well.  Can Avery get over the betrayal from before. Oooh i loved this story line. These 2 definitely have a great love.

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. I did feel that Avery forgave Cooper a little too quickly.

[Deborah Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely sweet read of a book. Burnt out, empty rock star . Needs break characters goes home. Runs into his former lover, who has moved out of town and moved on. Angsty, little. Few problems to overcome to hea. Recommended

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

The Return was a sweet story.

Cooper returns home after ten years away. There, he finds that his high school girlfriend- Avery-, who he never really got over, is back as well, as her father is sick. They work to figure out if they can reconnect and if they can trust each other again.

I liked the premise of The Return. I liked the characters, too, but I never really felt invested in them. I did like it enough that I will consider other books by Marcie Shumway.

[Joleen Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Childhood sweethearts are reconnected in their hometown. Separated when he left to pursue his career in music, they are now home and fighting their feelings. Their connection is still strong 10 years later and we see them trying to pick up where they left off. A father with cancer, a little brother in love with his girl and alcohol are all a part of this awesome book!!

[Sue Ouellet-Cofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not yet had the pleasure of reading anything by Marcie Shumway, but I am absolutely delighted that I took a chance on this sweet author from Maine (my home state). I chose this book to start because (1) it is the beginning of a new series, The Comeback series (2) Rockstars (3) takes place in Maine and (4) BT Urruela on the Cover? Enough said.

Cooper left Maine (as did all his bandmates) without a word to pursue his dream of being a music star. He left Avery behind with no explanation, no reason -- nothing. He left her in pieces, shattered and having to fight to live her life without him. Both come home after 10 years each for very different reasons and both will have to fight demons and past hurts in order to be in each other's orbits. Watching both their families and their friends to help them both fight for both each other and for others is an absolutely beautiful thing. I totally enjoyed reading about the close-knit community and familiar family names from my youth. The sexy, steamy parts doesn't hurt either. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper Hall walked away without a backwards glance to follow his dream. Years later a successful musician (on the surface) Copper has started to crash and burn, drinking to mask the emptiness. Cooper returns home to straighten up. Avery left home after Cooper broke her heart by leaving her behind, returning to help her sick father the last person she expects to see is Cooper. Crossing paths with Avery, he realizes that everything he lost and drinks to forget is Avery. Seeing a chance to be there for her, Cooper pushes back into to her life and heart. A great second chance romance with some really fun characters.

[Mary Fazzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book. Avery was wounded by Cooper over 10 years ago. When he walk away and never look back. So how they are back in the same town for different reasons but the love is still there for both of them but Avery knows what is to come and she doesn’t want to be hurt again by him. So avoiding and putting up the walls around her heart and paying attention to her dad’s needs and brother is all she can do. Will cooper get back into her heart where he belongs?

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy read about making a second chance romance turn into the forever that two people need. Cooper broke Avery’s heart years ago by leaving her behind without a word or warning. Now, they’re both back in town at the same time: Avery to help her family, and Cooper to reclaim his peace and the woman who owns his heart. Add in some angry band mates on his part, an unsupportive best friend on hers, and you’ve got some serious anger and drama to navigate. This series definitely has potential, and I would read the next book to see if that potential is fulfilled.

[Shasta Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply Mesmerizing!

I totally loved this book and the cover model, BT Urrella! This book was a second chance LOVE story with pain and grief. However, it offered so much more with true souls and true love. Kudos to the author for bringing Avery & Coopers love story to her audience.

[LS Kralicek · Rating 5 out of 5]

County love story

I love a good country music singer book. However, Cooper and Avery's story is so wonderful. The author has outdone herself. The book is not set in a traditional location for country music fans. I love how it is a second chance romance. Don't miss this one!

[Stacie McGlaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! I absolutely loved Cooper and Avery's story. It is so sweet, and they have so much love for each other. They were meant to be! I had never read any of Marcie's books before, and I am so glad I did! I cannot wait to read the next one. <3

[Cornelia (Corrie) Maston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper and Avery's story ,,, so sweet,,, I want an old farm house in Maine 😜

[Neisha Exeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a good read. A second chance at love is something most people wish to have. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Jennifer Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMazing 2nd chance love story between Cooper & Avery! Loved it!!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing love story... faith,hope,love, sorrow,pain,joy...this book has it all! I'm new to Marcie but look forward to more from her. 5 star read!!!

[Rose Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute story but... the time line in the beginning had so many jumps I was confused. She went home to find out her dads cancer may have came back the next chapter is Cooper's brother telling him it was back and he needed surgery and radiation. I feel that his temper was just ridiculous how easily he blew up.. Avery forgave him pretty dang quickly without even really talking it through just lots of sex. I feel like this book could have been a little longer and more in depth than it was. But over all it was a cute story.

[Lizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet second chance story that pulled on my heart strings. Cooper trying to get back his life and have a break to regroup and Avery moving back home to help care for her sick dad. Neither expected the other to be there. Cooper being there for Avery...swoony. Avery being able to rely on Cooper and the rest of the boys...swoony. An all round swoony book that I couldn't put down!! Can't wait to read more.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book!!!

I really enjoyed this book and getting to know the cast of characters in this series. Cooper may not ever be good enough for Avery...but her heart doesn't feel that way. Can't wait to read more in this series.

[Taylor Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy when it needed to be. Love story through and through. Easy read, all around exactly what I was looking for. Was enough to keep my attention through the entire thing, didn’t want to put it down.