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Belleville Family #3
Return to Prior Park
In this third book in the series, the Belleville family begin to rebuild their shattered lives. Wrongly believing they are safe from the madman Alistair McGovern, he escapes from custody to attempt one final act of vengeance. In the aftermath of this final desperate act, each of them must come to terms with the events of the past.
Her marriage in tatters, Julia Belleville begins to question whether she can rebuild her relationship with her first love American surgeon Dr Philippe Duval, even as they both immerse themselves in the life of their daughter Pippa, who expects they will marry. Julia's elder brother Richard, determined to gain custody of his two sons, laments the failure of his marriage to Catherine, who has returned to England and is already looking elsewhere. Yet Richard too finds himself unexpectedly falling in love against his better judgement even as he confronts Philippe over his troubling behaviour.
Meanwhile, it is William and Alice who provide the stability of a settled family life. Yet they too are caught up in the unsettled lives of the people they love.
In this dramatic third instalment of the Belleville story, there are many twists and turns as the family rebuild their lives. Set against the backdrop of the world of the 1950s, the story takes readers from the countryside to Australia's great harbour city of Sydney, to London and to Derbyshire, and to New York.
But in the end, it is the sprawling Australian cattle station Prior Park that draws the Belleville family members back to their country origins time and again.
It is where their hearts belong.
Her marriage in tatters, Julia Belleville begins to question whether she can rebuild her relationship with her first love American surgeon Dr Philippe Duval, even as they both immerse themselves in the life of their daughter Pippa, who expects they will marry. Julia's elder brother Richard, determined to gain custody of his two sons, laments the failure of his marriage to Catherine, who has returned to England and is already looking elsewhere. Yet Richard too finds himself unexpectedly falling in love against his better judgement even as he confronts Philippe over his troubling behaviour.
Meanwhile, it is William and Alice who provide the stability of a settled family life. Yet they too are caught up in the unsettled lives of the people they love.
In this dramatic third instalment of the Belleville story, there are many twists and turns as the family rebuild their lives. Set against the backdrop of the world of the 1950s, the story takes readers from the countryside to Australia's great harbour city of Sydney, to London and to Derbyshire, and to New York.
But in the end, it is the sprawling Australian cattle station Prior Park that draws the Belleville family members back to their country origins time and again.
It is where their hearts belong.
401 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2019
3 people are currently reading
333 people want to read
About the author
J. Mary Masters
8 books41 followersI write family saga/romance books that focus on relationships - family, romantic, professional.
My books include the Belleville series – Julia's Story, To Love, Honour and Betray and Return to Prior Park and Heirs and Successors– the story of a wealthy Australian family, focusing on the three children - Richard, William and Julia. The fifth book in the series, Winds of Change was released in November 2025.
First Born Son is a companion book to Heirs and Successors. The book takes a key character - Dr Philippe Duval - and explores his life. In 2024, I released the sequel to First Born Son, the stunning Price to Pay
I love the characters I've created. I hope my readers do too.
Want to check out my books before you commit?
For FREE READING downloads go to: http://www.jmarymasters.com
My books include the Belleville series – Julia's Story, To Love, Honour and Betray and Return to Prior Park and Heirs and Successors– the story of a wealthy Australian family, focusing on the three children - Richard, William and Julia. The fifth book in the series, Winds of Change was released in November 2025.
First Born Son is a companion book to Heirs and Successors. The book takes a key character - Dr Philippe Duval - and explores his life. In 2024, I released the sequel to First Born Son, the stunning Price to Pay
I love the characters I've created. I hope my readers do too.
Want to check out my books before you commit?
For FREE READING downloads go to: http://www.jmarymasters.com
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 12, 2026
Queensland, 1958, the three adult Belleview children, Richard, William and Julia have just buried their mother Elizabeth and the family home Prior Park has been burnt to the ground and they have to rebuild their lives.
Richard Belleview's marriage to Catherine is over, she’s returned to England and taken their youngest son Anthony with her and he has no idea she’s chosen her next husband. Richard is a proud Australian, his children were born here and he wants full custody. At almost forty Richard is still a handsome man, he falls in love again and it's dangerous and has far reaching consequences.
William and Alice decide to build a smaller and more practical house, not on the scale of Prior Park. It will be much quicker and provide a stable base entire family and most of all their daughter Marianne.
Julia’s marriage to cheating James Fitzroy ended, he blames her and for having an illegitimate daughter Pippa Jensen with former American army officer Dr Philippe Duval, lying about it and he restricts her access to their son John.
Pippa is very hopeful her parents will eventually marry, her dad a neurosurgeon is working in Sydney and she’s happy living with her great aunt Edith for now and is keen to meet her cousins and especially Marianne.
Return to Prior Park (Belleville Family, #3) by J. Mary Masters explores relationships within the family, and those associated with them through business, the schools their children attend and other friendships.
Drama always seems to be a part of Richard and Julia’s world, and add in Philippe, the Clarke and Lester families and it gets very complicated and with lots of twists and turns.
A gripping historical saga about love, secrets, betrayal, resentment, infidelity, changes in women’s roles and unfortunately domestic violence. I’m keen to read the next book in the series Heirs and Successors and four and a half stars from me.
Richard Belleview's marriage to Catherine is over, she’s returned to England and taken their youngest son Anthony with her and he has no idea she’s chosen her next husband. Richard is a proud Australian, his children were born here and he wants full custody. At almost forty Richard is still a handsome man, he falls in love again and it's dangerous and has far reaching consequences.
William and Alice decide to build a smaller and more practical house, not on the scale of Prior Park. It will be much quicker and provide a stable base entire family and most of all their daughter Marianne.
Julia’s marriage to cheating James Fitzroy ended, he blames her and for having an illegitimate daughter Pippa Jensen with former American army officer Dr Philippe Duval, lying about it and he restricts her access to their son John.
Pippa is very hopeful her parents will eventually marry, her dad a neurosurgeon is working in Sydney and she’s happy living with her great aunt Edith for now and is keen to meet her cousins and especially Marianne.
Return to Prior Park (Belleville Family, #3) by J. Mary Masters explores relationships within the family, and those associated with them through business, the schools their children attend and other friendships.
Drama always seems to be a part of Richard and Julia’s world, and add in Philippe, the Clarke and Lester families and it gets very complicated and with lots of twists and turns.
A gripping historical saga about love, secrets, betrayal, resentment, infidelity, changes in women’s roles and unfortunately domestic violence. I’m keen to read the next book in the series Heirs and Successors and four and a half stars from me.
June 30, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Return to Prior Park is the third and final book in the Belleville family series, a collection of books that I have personally enjoyed from start to finish. In this dramatic final chapter, the Belleville family must rise above the challenges they have faced in life, to take stock and triumph over adversity. With matters of the heart, dangerous affairs, acts of pure revenge and a focus on gaining the upper hand over their troubled lives running through this tale, Return to Prior Park is an impressionable novel.
After plenty of requests from loyal followers of this series to pen a final chapter in the Belleville family series, J Mary Masters has answered the call and composed Return to Prior Park, the last issue in this series. It begins with quite a jolt, as the Belleville family simultaneously deal with rebuilding their fractured lives, along with a dangerous threat from the past. The drama and suspense runs deep as the whole family must contend with the fallout from a terrible act of revenge. It was interesting to view each character and their varied response to the issues as hand. Masters shows us that she really does know the intricacies of her characters inside and out, especially those returning players from previous issues of this series.
There is an undercurrent of romance that follows this historical novel and Masters turns up the heat just a notch in this particular installment of the series. Readers can expect to see caution thrown aside as the characters in Return to Prior Park indulge in some passionate, unexpected and risky dalliances. Masters fleshes this aspect of her story out well and the reader is left a little breathless by the turn of events!
Opening in early 1958, and closing in late 1960, Return to Prior Park chronicles the lives of Bellevilles and those who fall into step with this family unit through the swirling events of this novel. As always, the set locale base of this series and the Belleville family home, Prior Park, has a strong beating heart, shadowing the unfolding story. I really loved this aspect of the novel, along with the ever clear timeline direction of each novel. As with all three books in this series, Masters is careful and deliberate in ensuring her novel follows a clear direction. Each new chapter is headed by the respective month and year. The reader really knows where they stand while reading this series, thanks to these helpful directional signposts.
I know J Mary Masters has taken great strides to secure the authenticity of her novel so readers can best enjoy all this book has to offer. All details in this novel, especially the historical time place aspects have been meticulously researched and checked over to ensure they are as valid as possible. The figures in this novel and the events that spiral around them have been carefully verified, in order to achieve optimum reading pleasure.
There is plenty to enjoy in the closing chapter to this thoroughly entertaining series. I was pleased with the final results and the approach Masters was able to take in closing her novel, as well as the whole series off. Although I always feel a little sad when it comes to saying goodbye to a series, I am very keen to see where J Mary Masters travels next. I am sure we are in for a reading treat in the near future.
*I wish to thank the author, J Mary Masters, for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Return to Prior Park is book #93 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Return to Prior Park is the third and final book in the Belleville family series, a collection of books that I have personally enjoyed from start to finish. In this dramatic final chapter, the Belleville family must rise above the challenges they have faced in life, to take stock and triumph over adversity. With matters of the heart, dangerous affairs, acts of pure revenge and a focus on gaining the upper hand over their troubled lives running through this tale, Return to Prior Park is an impressionable novel.
After plenty of requests from loyal followers of this series to pen a final chapter in the Belleville family series, J Mary Masters has answered the call and composed Return to Prior Park, the last issue in this series. It begins with quite a jolt, as the Belleville family simultaneously deal with rebuilding their fractured lives, along with a dangerous threat from the past. The drama and suspense runs deep as the whole family must contend with the fallout from a terrible act of revenge. It was interesting to view each character and their varied response to the issues as hand. Masters shows us that she really does know the intricacies of her characters inside and out, especially those returning players from previous issues of this series.
There is an undercurrent of romance that follows this historical novel and Masters turns up the heat just a notch in this particular installment of the series. Readers can expect to see caution thrown aside as the characters in Return to Prior Park indulge in some passionate, unexpected and risky dalliances. Masters fleshes this aspect of her story out well and the reader is left a little breathless by the turn of events!
Opening in early 1958, and closing in late 1960, Return to Prior Park chronicles the lives of Bellevilles and those who fall into step with this family unit through the swirling events of this novel. As always, the set locale base of this series and the Belleville family home, Prior Park, has a strong beating heart, shadowing the unfolding story. I really loved this aspect of the novel, along with the ever clear timeline direction of each novel. As with all three books in this series, Masters is careful and deliberate in ensuring her novel follows a clear direction. Each new chapter is headed by the respective month and year. The reader really knows where they stand while reading this series, thanks to these helpful directional signposts.
I know J Mary Masters has taken great strides to secure the authenticity of her novel so readers can best enjoy all this book has to offer. All details in this novel, especially the historical time place aspects have been meticulously researched and checked over to ensure they are as valid as possible. The figures in this novel and the events that spiral around them have been carefully verified, in order to achieve optimum reading pleasure.
There is plenty to enjoy in the closing chapter to this thoroughly entertaining series. I was pleased with the final results and the approach Masters was able to take in closing her novel, as well as the whole series off. Although I always feel a little sad when it comes to saying goodbye to a series, I am very keen to see where J Mary Masters travels next. I am sure we are in for a reading treat in the near future.
*I wish to thank the author, J Mary Masters, for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Return to Prior Park is book #93 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
January 15, 2025
Big thanks to Judith for sending us a copy to read and review.
As most will know I have been reading and enjoying this series for the last few months.
My introduction was the most recent and latest in the series so this one I’ve just finished, catches me right up.
Although technically not in order I found knowing the future and the past really made me slow down and absorb this.
A new type of sensation.
The overriding theme is essentially picking up the pieces.
Julia is hopeful that she can rekindle the love she and Philippe shared in her youth.
Richard is adjusting to life as a newly divorced father and dealing with custody arrangements.
The children are busy welcoming their new cousin and creating lifelong memories.
Property acquisitions, pregnancy and betrayal also feature as the dramas and sagas follow like shadows.
Saddened that I have finished this series but am now eagerly awaiting any future instalments.
This is an fine example of a really good family saga.
As most will know I have been reading and enjoying this series for the last few months.
My introduction was the most recent and latest in the series so this one I’ve just finished, catches me right up.
Although technically not in order I found knowing the future and the past really made me slow down and absorb this.
A new type of sensation.
The overriding theme is essentially picking up the pieces.
Julia is hopeful that she can rekindle the love she and Philippe shared in her youth.
Richard is adjusting to life as a newly divorced father and dealing with custody arrangements.
The children are busy welcoming their new cousin and creating lifelong memories.
Property acquisitions, pregnancy and betrayal also feature as the dramas and sagas follow like shadows.
Saddened that I have finished this series but am now eagerly awaiting any future instalments.
This is an fine example of a really good family saga.
June 21, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the third and final book in this well written saga.
I enjoyed the city as a background for much of the book and the introduction of new characters worked without detracting from previous well established characters.
The story remained interesting throughout the saga and was a very easy read, the writing is somewhat formal and therefore lending more appeal to mature audiences but it fits in with the era of when the stories are set.
The book was very easy to slip into (essential when being constantly interrupted by a demanding toddler) and I fell into the story easily. Disappointed I've now finished with the Belleville family.
Recommended reading, well done. 😃
I enjoyed the city as a background for much of the book and the introduction of new characters worked without detracting from previous well established characters.
The story remained interesting throughout the saga and was a very easy read, the writing is somewhat formal and therefore lending more appeal to mature audiences but it fits in with the era of when the stories are set.
The book was very easy to slip into (essential when being constantly interrupted by a demanding toddler) and I fell into the story easily. Disappointed I've now finished with the Belleville family.
Recommended reading, well done. 😃
October 23, 2023
I really enjoyed the first two books. Book #3 was just one infidelity followed by another. For goodness sake, couldn’t they have expanded their business dealings and kept their hands off everyone. A bit too much really.
William is portrayed as boring but oh my goodness he’s the model man in the Belleville family and they should all be taking a leaf out of his book.
Richard is extremely fortunate that a horse riding accident happened- that death was expected, no surprises there.
Philippe wasn’t worth the wait quite frankly. This book ruined him.
Cousin John, now he’s lovely- why hasn’t he been assigned a love interest? Catherine was never interested in poor ole John.
Julia ex husband is a wet rag & I assume the son will be just the same. I’m not sure why he didn’t meet with a tidy accident, maybe in book #4.
Richards views on his son’s future is noteworthy, he obviously loves and respects his family, and his extended family. That is a lovely read.
I will read #4, but if those Belleville kids make a better go at their relationships.
William is portrayed as boring but oh my goodness he’s the model man in the Belleville family and they should all be taking a leaf out of his book.
Richard is extremely fortunate that a horse riding accident happened- that death was expected, no surprises there.
Philippe wasn’t worth the wait quite frankly. This book ruined him.
Cousin John, now he’s lovely- why hasn’t he been assigned a love interest? Catherine was never interested in poor ole John.
Julia ex husband is a wet rag & I assume the son will be just the same. I’m not sure why he didn’t meet with a tidy accident, maybe in book #4.
Richards views on his son’s future is noteworthy, he obviously loves and respects his family, and his extended family. That is a lovely read.
I will read #4, but if those Belleville kids make a better go at their relationships.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2022
I really enjoyed writing this book - I'm in love with my characters, especially Richard Belleville. I hope my readers get as much enjoyment from reading the book as I got from writing it. When I was writing the book, I had a special Spotify playlist that created the mood .... in this book there is more romance, and dare I say it, more sex scenes, than in previous books.
I enjoyed researching the historical aspects of this book - London in the late 1950s, New York too, and Sydney ...... to find out more of how I incorporated history into my books, go to my blog
https://judithmasters.wordpress.com
I enjoyed researching the historical aspects of this book - London in the late 1950s, New York too, and Sydney ...... to find out more of how I incorporated history into my books, go to my blog
https://judithmasters.wordpress.com
June 3, 2020
An excellent read. Good characters and good plot development
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews