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Maplewood Sisters #2
Return to Maplewood
Some say you can't go home again...
Anna Delaney has spent her entire adult life spinning through nightclubs, kissing strangers, and fortifying her edgy, high-tech career. Benders and business meetings have been the Band-Aids on a deep wound for the confident, gorgeous redhead. But when Anna’s sister falls madly in love with Anna’s boss, the delicate bandages begin to unravel, and there is only one place left to turn.
Dutch McCree was born and raised in a tiny Arizona mining town, and his low-heel upbringing made him into the gruff, hardworking, and successful contractor he quickly became. After the passing of Dutch’s wife, his hard heart left space for only one girl: his young daughter. When a new project takes Dutch from Phoenix to Maplewood, Arizona, he meets potential client Kurt Cutler and Kurt’s recently promoted Co-President. Dutch is wooed by the chance to expand his business, but he finds he has a soft spot for the little mountain town. And maybe for something else, too.
Anna and Dutch each must come to terms with their own difficult pasts before they can find true happiness. Return to Maplewood is a story of redemption and a reminder that you can always go home
Anna Delaney has spent her entire adult life spinning through nightclubs, kissing strangers, and fortifying her edgy, high-tech career. Benders and business meetings have been the Band-Aids on a deep wound for the confident, gorgeous redhead. But when Anna’s sister falls madly in love with Anna’s boss, the delicate bandages begin to unravel, and there is only one place left to turn.
Dutch McCree was born and raised in a tiny Arizona mining town, and his low-heel upbringing made him into the gruff, hardworking, and successful contractor he quickly became. After the passing of Dutch’s wife, his hard heart left space for only one girl: his young daughter. When a new project takes Dutch from Phoenix to Maplewood, Arizona, he meets potential client Kurt Cutler and Kurt’s recently promoted Co-President. Dutch is wooed by the chance to expand his business, but he finds he has a soft spot for the little mountain town. And maybe for something else, too.
Anna and Dutch each must come to terms with their own difficult pasts before they can find true happiness. Return to Maplewood is a story of redemption and a reminder that you can always go home
- GenresContemporaryRomance
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2019
126 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bromke
56 books224 followersElizabeth Bromke writes women's fiction and heartwarming romance. In her stories, she weaves together family dynamics and the triumphs and trials of modern relationships. Echoes of the past flavor her books with nostalgia.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
Elizabeth lives in the mountains of Arizona. There, she enjoys walking, reading, and cooking with her husband, son, and their sweet Golden-mix, Winnie.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 15, 2019
I've wondered about Anna Delaney since reading Christmas in Maplewood Mountain. She's close with her sister, Mary, but obviously has something unrevealed issues that cause her to be distant at times. And wow, I was surprised at all this story disclosed!
Anna is a driven career woman who parties hard on the weekends, but sometimes a person needs to mask deep pain. Her first encounter with Dutch brings an instant allure, and he has secrets of his own. I love how these two characters collide in a tangle of attraction, with a tug-of-war of conflicting emotions. The battle to resolve past pains is strong, yet there is a gentleness that wafts throughout the story.
This delightfully charming mountain town is quickly capturing my heart, as are the people who dwell in it.
Content: mild+ romance (innuendo, kissing); mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Anna is a driven career woman who parties hard on the weekends, but sometimes a person needs to mask deep pain. Her first encounter with Dutch brings an instant allure, and he has secrets of his own. I love how these two characters collide in a tangle of attraction, with a tug-of-war of conflicting emotions. The battle to resolve past pains is strong, yet there is a gentleness that wafts throughout the story.
This delightfully charming mountain town is quickly capturing my heart, as are the people who dwell in it.
Content: mild+ romance (innuendo, kissing); mild language
*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
January 15, 2019
Anna Delaney has lived the party life since she was in college. The weekends were filled with dancing, drinking and hooking up. While in Vegas with her best friends, she realizes that there's something missing in her life. She's just not happy and decides to embark on a journey of self discovery.
Dutch McCree lost his wife 2 years ago and has been juggling his booming business and raising his daughter, CaitlinJo, ever since. He doesn't have time to entertain a new relationship nor does he want one. But when he meets Anna in her hometown of Maplewood, something awakens inside of him and has him rethinking a relationship.
But both Anna and Dutch are holding back. They both have things in their past that they need to come to terms with. Just when Dutch thinks they are making progress, Anna throws him a curve ball. Neither of them know what the future will hold, but they do know it's worth figuring out.
Will their pasts prove to be too much? Or will they be able to put it behind them and find their HEA?
It's been raining here (which it never does in Southern California), and curling up in my comfy chair to read was just what the doctor ordered. While listening to the rain outside, I found myself being transported to small town Maplewood. It was the perfect setting both in the book and real life. I really enjoyed getting to know Anna and Dutch. Both of them had things that they needed to overcome before they could move on to their HEA. It wasn't an easy road, especially for Anna. She has been holding on to past hurts for so long, and they weren't easy to deal with. But I loved seeing her pull her life together, get back on track and really strive to be the best person that she could be.
I only have one complaint... and I'm sure if you have been following my reviews over the years, you can probably guess what it is. The book just ended! I hate that! Haha. I know that this is a series and we'll probably get more of Anna, Dutch and CaitlinJo in the other books, but I found myself wanting just a little bit more from this one.
This is my first book by Ms. Bromke and I'm looking forward to reading more by her. I have to say that I'm a little curious about Bo's story.
And we know that my review really isn't complete without the casting. What do you think of these two?
Dutch McCree lost his wife 2 years ago and has been juggling his booming business and raising his daughter, CaitlinJo, ever since. He doesn't have time to entertain a new relationship nor does he want one. But when he meets Anna in her hometown of Maplewood, something awakens inside of him and has him rethinking a relationship.
But both Anna and Dutch are holding back. They both have things in their past that they need to come to terms with. Just when Dutch thinks they are making progress, Anna throws him a curve ball. Neither of them know what the future will hold, but they do know it's worth figuring out.
Will their pasts prove to be too much? Or will they be able to put it behind them and find their HEA?
It's been raining here (which it never does in Southern California), and curling up in my comfy chair to read was just what the doctor ordered. While listening to the rain outside, I found myself being transported to small town Maplewood. It was the perfect setting both in the book and real life. I really enjoyed getting to know Anna and Dutch. Both of them had things that they needed to overcome before they could move on to their HEA. It wasn't an easy road, especially for Anna. She has been holding on to past hurts for so long, and they weren't easy to deal with. But I loved seeing her pull her life together, get back on track and really strive to be the best person that she could be.
I only have one complaint... and I'm sure if you have been following my reviews over the years, you can probably guess what it is. The book just ended! I hate that! Haha. I know that this is a series and we'll probably get more of Anna, Dutch and CaitlinJo in the other books, but I found myself wanting just a little bit more from this one.
This is my first book by Ms. Bromke and I'm looking forward to reading more by her. I have to say that I'm a little curious about Bo's story.
And we know that my review really isn't complete without the casting. What do you think of these two?
January 19, 2019
I enjoyed reading Christmas on Maplewood Mountain and was excited to read a follow-up book about Anna. Anna is a strong-willed woman who is career oriented but on a path to self-destruction with her life of partying.
This book has many levels of emotions. I enjoyed Anna's story and the events from her past that shaped the person she became. In the first book, I thought she was a bit of a spoiled brat but found out that her situation was very different than I thought. It reminds me not to judge a character, just like the people I know. You never know the pain that they are carrying inside.
This book is a sweet romance. I thought Dutch was the perfect love interest for Anna. He has his own pain from his past but is willing to try to push past it. He has an adorable daughter. I wish that she could have shown up a little more in the book. :)
This book is one that leaves you with a sigh of contentment. There is kissing and innuendo.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book has many levels of emotions. I enjoyed Anna's story and the events from her past that shaped the person she became. In the first book, I thought she was a bit of a spoiled brat but found out that her situation was very different than I thought. It reminds me not to judge a character, just like the people I know. You never know the pain that they are carrying inside.
This book is a sweet romance. I thought Dutch was the perfect love interest for Anna. He has his own pain from his past but is willing to try to push past it. He has an adorable daughter. I wish that she could have shown up a little more in the book. :)
This book is one that leaves you with a sigh of contentment. There is kissing and innuendo.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
March 30, 2019
Return To Maplewood by Elizabeth Bromke is a delightful contemporary novel that continues the story of the Maplewood sisters, this time focusing on Anna.
Past hurts intrude on the present. A partying lifestyle and outlook are designed to protect hearts – but it is an empty and potentially dangerous way of life. Turning ones back on the party scene is not always a popular decision but it will bring freedom.
There is the theme of loss. We can never replace those who have gone before but life must continue, especially when children depend on you.
A delightful four year old charms not only the characters but the reader too.
Home is wherever your family is. Doing your own thing may feel like freedom but it is a lonely existence. The warmth that radiates from the heart of the novel encompasses the reader as well as the characters.
I am loving this Maplewood series. It is very warm and wholesome and delights my heart and soul. I cannot wait to read more.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Past hurts intrude on the present. A partying lifestyle and outlook are designed to protect hearts – but it is an empty and potentially dangerous way of life. Turning ones back on the party scene is not always a popular decision but it will bring freedom.
There is the theme of loss. We can never replace those who have gone before but life must continue, especially when children depend on you.
A delightful four year old charms not only the characters but the reader too.
Home is wherever your family is. Doing your own thing may feel like freedom but it is a lonely existence. The warmth that radiates from the heart of the novel encompasses the reader as well as the characters.
I am loving this Maplewood series. It is very warm and wholesome and delights my heart and soul. I cannot wait to read more.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
February 12, 2019
I would like to know what happened to the couples. Especially Anna and Dutch. I hope we hear more about them.
January 24, 2019
I really adored this book! I will say that I did love Christmas on Maplewood Mountain, but I was eager to hear more of Anna's story. This book does not disappoint! I feel like I learned so much more about Anna and really grew to like her character. I also just love Dutch McCree as well. He is a great counterpart to Anna in so many ways. I loved reading about their story! I can't wait to read more about this family and Maplewood!
February 9, 2019
This satisfying story is wrapped up in the most gorgeous descriptions of a small mountain town in Arizona. A clean romance with plenty of chemistry, Return to Maplewood features real, flawed characters who move past their short comings to find love and family. It's going to make you want to move to Arizona and find your own Dutch!
January 28, 2019
Another smashing success by Elizabeth Bromke! Most writers suffer from the dreaded sophomore slump, but not Bromke, she delivers a sophomore sensation! Just to clarify, romances are typically not my preferred genre, however, Bromke is making me a fan. She immediately pulls you into the story with her storytelling and pacing. Anna and Dutch are both strong willed people and have built walls to protect themselves from being vulnerable. Can they both open their hearts and love again? Bromke builds and maintains the tension between the two until the last chapter. You will not be disappointed!
January 21, 2019
Great book
The kind of book you don't want to end. It just felt good to break from life and read this book.
The kind of book you don't want to end. It just felt good to break from life and read this book.
February 10, 2019
☺☺☺☺☺
This is a nice clean romance. What i particularly liked was the depth of the characters: if they aren't you they're someone you know. Relatable and likeable and real.
This is a nice clean romance. What i particularly liked was the depth of the characters: if they aren't you they're someone you know. Relatable and likeable and real.
June 8, 2019
The main character, is at one time seemingly bratty and self centered, a wild child of around 30yrs old. She was interesting to read about, supposedly successful but soo unhappy. But throughout the book she seems to be looking for important answers. She cannot realize her true self or any happiness unless she finds answers to her own questions. She can only move forward in life when she accepts her real self and learns about forgiveness. A very good character that many of us can identify with. The plot kept me guessing and kept me turning the pages fast. Highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
July 31, 2019
I have just finished the third book in this series and plan on reading them all. It’s a nice series of clean romances. It really helps if you read them in order as they come but they can be read as a stand alone. It is the story of the second sister of the 4. She doesn’t think she’ll ever find love but it does come knocking on her door. But can she get him back after a first date blunder. You will probably dislike Anna from previous 2 books but her life changes a lot in this third book of the series. I would recommend them to anyone who likes a good clean romance/suspense novel. Try them, I do believe this series of books will delight you.
November 28, 2019
Time for the real Anna
Anna finally has reached her limit, of late night drinking, of meaningless hook ups, of being angry at every man. This life she was wasting has gone on long enough. Regardless of her private life, Anna has always maintained her hard work ethic. Her attention to detail, and her market sense has been recognized, and now she has the promotion she deserves, and is in control. Maybe it is time to be professional about her personal life as well.
Anna finally has reached her limit, of late night drinking, of meaningless hook ups, of being angry at every man. This life she was wasting has gone on long enough. Regardless of her private life, Anna has always maintained her hard work ethic. Her attention to detail, and her market sense has been recognized, and now she has the promotion she deserves, and is in control. Maybe it is time to be professional about her personal life as well.
May 24, 2020
This is Anna's story in Book 2 of Maplewood. I didn't like Anna at all in book 1 but in her story I started to like her. I don't really care for books about woman that stay locked in the past (in this case high school) and act out about past history. I really liked Dutch McCree and the way he handled Anna and all of her mess. Mary and Kurt showed back up in this book with a happy ending. The endings in Book 1 & Book 2 were abrupt which I didn't like.
May 2, 2019
I didn’t like Anna very much when I started this book, and almost quit reading it. She was self-centered, drinking, partying and hooking up with strangers every weekend. When she finally realized what she was doing and started changing her life, it was better. And when she met Dutch, even though I thought it was awkward, she was more likable.
July 17, 2019
Fantastic romantic story
Anna left her hometown of Maplewood to live in the city but soon found something missing in her life. As she kept herself busy at work she soon decided to return to her hometown and there she met Dutch, a single father of a young daughter. They must both come to terms with their own difficult past before they can begin to open their hearts.
Anna left her hometown of Maplewood to live in the city but soon found something missing in her life. As she kept herself busy at work she soon decided to return to her hometown and there she met Dutch, a single father of a young daughter. They must both come to terms with their own difficult past before they can begin to open their hearts.
August 14, 2019
Really enjoyed Anna’s story. She is a complicated woman for many reasons. I love reading about good things happening to people who have endured hardships in their past...even when it’s a twisty path to get there.
January 24, 2020
I enjoy the Maplewood stories...easy read, short chapters, good feeling story...enjoy
March 22, 2020
Maplewood
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were complex and interesting.
This is a good story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. The characters were complex and interesting.
July 4, 2020
Anna and Dutch
This book was a nice light read. Anna is president of a small company and Dutch has a construction company. At first they are like oil and water.
This book was a nice light read. Anna is president of a small company and Dutch has a construction company. At first they are like oil and water.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews