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A Husband Returned
The Civil War is over, allowing Nathan Fairchild to finally return home to the family ranch and his waiting wife. Theirs was never a love match, but he is resigned to resuming the life he once knew. He spent his months on the trail preparing himself for his homecoming, expecting anything except to find that he’s been declared dead, and his wife has turned to another man for comfort.
Mariah Fairchild tried to go on after losing Nathan. His miraculous return jumbles her world and reignites the unrequited love she has always felt for him. Still, she has changed and so has life in Texas. Sorting through the complications—threats to the ranch, secrets from their time apart, and learning a new intimacy—tries the very fabric of their marriage until one final blow nearly destroys everything.
OUT OF PRINT
REPUBLISHED WITH REVISIONS AS LOVING MARIAH
Mariah Fairchild tried to go on after losing Nathan. His miraculous return jumbles her world and reignites the unrequited love she has always felt for him. Still, she has changed and so has life in Texas. Sorting through the complications—threats to the ranch, secrets from their time apart, and learning a new intimacy—tries the very fabric of their marriage until one final blow nearly destroys everything.
OUT OF PRINT
REPUBLISHED WITH REVISIONS AS LOVING MARIAH
- GenresMarriageHistorical
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
21 people want to read
About the author
Wynne Roman
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 25, 2019
Simply amazing….
What a great start to a great series. Husband Returned is a wonderfully written historical romance, the first in the Men of Wicked Sorrow series. Wynne Roman did it again. And I talk from the bottom of my heart, since I must admit that historical romances are not my cup of tea. However, Ms Roman managed to totally turn the tables on me in this one.
If you are looking for a strong, resilient heroine, a calm force, full of love and determination, then you are going to love Mariah. Of course, you have to accept the fact that she lives in a time when women didn’t have a lot of liberties, but that doesn’t change the fact that she comes out as a strong person, even when she struggles with her insecurities (which are really justified through her experiences). Through it all, she doesn’t give up and always tries her best for herself and the ones she loves. And Nathan is who she loves the most, even when he doesn’t seem to feel the same.
Nathan, I had a lot of trouble to like at first, but I knew he would do something to manage to redeem himself somehow. Otherwise, he would have never been worthy of such an amazing woman as Mariah. His inner struggles and being inside his head helped me in this direction, but he did some things that tested my patience and I wanted to smack him on the head from time to time. In the end, however, he managed to worm himself into my heart.
Now, there are some sensitive themes in the book, but are given in such a way that not only help with the plot, but actually make the hero and heroine more real to me. And the hot scenes are really…scandalously hot (don’t forget the time frame, guys!). Also, I can’t not mention Gabriel – the man Mariah came close to when she thought she lost Nathan forever. He seems so amazing and I can’t wait to learn more about him in the next book.
All in all, it was a great read that really made me rethink my view on historicals. That itself speaks volumes to me. So, 5 well-worthy stars from me and congratulations to Wynne Roman for managing once again to…rock my world (even if it wasn’t through her amazing Wycked Obsession rockstar series).
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
What a great start to a great series. Husband Returned is a wonderfully written historical romance, the first in the Men of Wicked Sorrow series. Wynne Roman did it again. And I talk from the bottom of my heart, since I must admit that historical romances are not my cup of tea. However, Ms Roman managed to totally turn the tables on me in this one.
If you are looking for a strong, resilient heroine, a calm force, full of love and determination, then you are going to love Mariah. Of course, you have to accept the fact that she lives in a time when women didn’t have a lot of liberties, but that doesn’t change the fact that she comes out as a strong person, even when she struggles with her insecurities (which are really justified through her experiences). Through it all, she doesn’t give up and always tries her best for herself and the ones she loves. And Nathan is who she loves the most, even when he doesn’t seem to feel the same.
Nathan, I had a lot of trouble to like at first, but I knew he would do something to manage to redeem himself somehow. Otherwise, he would have never been worthy of such an amazing woman as Mariah. His inner struggles and being inside his head helped me in this direction, but he did some things that tested my patience and I wanted to smack him on the head from time to time. In the end, however, he managed to worm himself into my heart.
Now, there are some sensitive themes in the book, but are given in such a way that not only help with the plot, but actually make the hero and heroine more real to me. And the hot scenes are really…scandalously hot (don’t forget the time frame, guys!). Also, I can’t not mention Gabriel – the man Mariah came close to when she thought she lost Nathan forever. He seems so amazing and I can’t wait to learn more about him in the next book.
All in all, it was a great read that really made me rethink my view on historicals. That itself speaks volumes to me. So, 5 well-worthy stars from me and congratulations to Wynne Roman for managing once again to…rock my world (even if it wasn’t through her amazing Wycked Obsession rockstar series).
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
November 24, 2019
Wynne Roman gives readers a touching and quality historical romance in A Husband Returned, book one in her Men of Wicked Sorrow series, that hit all the marks for a great story!
This author can be applauded for how she constructed her initial less than flattering introduction of her lead Nathan and how she was able to turn him around into an outstanding hero. With very clear examples Ms. Roman demonstrated why both her heroine and her audience could not only accept but embrace Nathan in this role. Nathan went from questionable hero standing to being firmly footed in heroic territory as this writer seamlessly guided her readers in discovering who he really was. Mariah was a heroine whose traits of strength, kindness and devotion kept her from being inconsequential as her inner beauty constantly surpassed her outer beauty. She was truly admirable in her ability to see beyond others often less exemplary behaviors, always reaching for the best in people without coming off as a doormat or unattainable and saintly. A fine job was done by this writer in showing the pain this couple experienced together and apart as she grew their love to a well deserved happily ever after.
Ms. Roman excelled in depicting, in subtle yet impactful ways, the devastation of one America's most difficult times as her characters gathered up the pieces of their lives and reconstructed them just like the name of the period her story took place in. This writer was able to relay the anguish and ambiguity of the aftermath of the Civil War in war ravaged Texas with kindness and sensitivity even while not shying away from the harshness of the times and the lives it left in shambles. This story moved quickly with lots of revelations and well placed confrontations. What stood out in this work is that other than her hero's return nothing was miraculous. Lots of effort was put into deciphering feelings and recognizing missteps in a past riddled with them and it was done honestly and believably. Wynne Roman's A Husband Returned took command of the pages from the start and brought insight, passion and excellent storytelling together for a poignant and memorable read.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
This author can be applauded for how she constructed her initial less than flattering introduction of her lead Nathan and how she was able to turn him around into an outstanding hero. With very clear examples Ms. Roman demonstrated why both her heroine and her audience could not only accept but embrace Nathan in this role. Nathan went from questionable hero standing to being firmly footed in heroic territory as this writer seamlessly guided her readers in discovering who he really was. Mariah was a heroine whose traits of strength, kindness and devotion kept her from being inconsequential as her inner beauty constantly surpassed her outer beauty. She was truly admirable in her ability to see beyond others often less exemplary behaviors, always reaching for the best in people without coming off as a doormat or unattainable and saintly. A fine job was done by this writer in showing the pain this couple experienced together and apart as she grew their love to a well deserved happily ever after.
Ms. Roman excelled in depicting, in subtle yet impactful ways, the devastation of one America's most difficult times as her characters gathered up the pieces of their lives and reconstructed them just like the name of the period her story took place in. This writer was able to relay the anguish and ambiguity of the aftermath of the Civil War in war ravaged Texas with kindness and sensitivity even while not shying away from the harshness of the times and the lives it left in shambles. This story moved quickly with lots of revelations and well placed confrontations. What stood out in this work is that other than her hero's return nothing was miraculous. Lots of effort was put into deciphering feelings and recognizing missteps in a past riddled with them and it was done honestly and believably. Wynne Roman's A Husband Returned took command of the pages from the start and brought insight, passion and excellent storytelling together for a poignant and memorable read.
*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
November 28, 2019
Wynne Roman has reawakened my love for Historical Romance with A Husband Returned!
My mother got me started on this genre at a young age...Perhaps too young by today's standards, but nonetheless, I spent my youth and early teenage years curled up with Julie Garwood, Jude Deveraux, Cassie Edward's and Johanna Lindsay every chance I got. I'm totally smitten with A Husband Returned and have officially carved Wynne Roman into the number one spot on my Favorite Historical Romance Author list!
Wynne's striking talent, her novel artistry, had the entire emotional gamut coursing through me from page one until the very end and I'm so thankful for having the priceless opportunity to read this book which did hit very close to home with me personally. I don't think I've ever highlighted more lines and written more notes in another book as I did with this one.
It would be a horrible shame for you to miss out on this wonderful story! Believe me, you have to BUY A Husband Returned! You'll be glad you did!
Thank you for pouring yourself into Nathan and Mariah's story and congratulations on your masterpiece, Wynne! I love it! I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book in the series!
My mother got me started on this genre at a young age...Perhaps too young by today's standards, but nonetheless, I spent my youth and early teenage years curled up with Julie Garwood, Jude Deveraux, Cassie Edward's and Johanna Lindsay every chance I got. I'm totally smitten with A Husband Returned and have officially carved Wynne Roman into the number one spot on my Favorite Historical Romance Author list!
Wynne's striking talent, her novel artistry, had the entire emotional gamut coursing through me from page one until the very end and I'm so thankful for having the priceless opportunity to read this book which did hit very close to home with me personally. I don't think I've ever highlighted more lines and written more notes in another book as I did with this one.
It would be a horrible shame for you to miss out on this wonderful story! Believe me, you have to BUY A Husband Returned! You'll be glad you did!
Thank you for pouring yourself into Nathan and Mariah's story and congratulations on your masterpiece, Wynne! I love it! I CANNOT WAIT to read the next book in the series!
November 26, 2019
Wow
I absolutely loved this book. Wynne is my favorite author and I adore her rock stars. She did an excellent job with a historical romance. I cried at the beginning, but I knew Wynne would redeem the bad boy. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my review
I absolutely loved this book. Wynne is my favorite author and I adore her rock stars. She did an excellent job with a historical romance. I cried at the beginning, but I knew Wynne would redeem the bad boy. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I was given an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my review
November 26, 2019
I read books. Period. I'll read anything. Any subject. Any author. Anything that even remotely peaks my interest. So imagine my surprise to hear that one of my favorite "rock star author's" was writing a historical romance book. As you might expect ,it peaked my interest. She didn't disappoint .
Now I didn't start out liking Nathan, at alllll! Matter of fact I thought he was an a$$hole! Grade A #1 ahole. I think he earned that title. But,he grew on me. Mostly because of the writing style of Ms. Roman. She has the ability to take a character,who you will NOT like and turn him/or her, into a character you wouldn't mind chatting with . She makes you wait for that moment though lol. I was halfway through before I stopped yelling at him. And when Mariah finally found her voice, I may have yelled "About Time Woman"! Lol.
If your old enough or smart enough to have found the early EARLY romance books,the ones with Fabio on the covers,(yes those. Google him) then you'll enjoy this one. It's reminiscent of those lifetime ago books.
Now I didn't start out liking Nathan, at alllll! Matter of fact I thought he was an a$$hole! Grade A #1 ahole. I think he earned that title. But,he grew on me. Mostly because of the writing style of Ms. Roman. She has the ability to take a character,who you will NOT like and turn him/or her, into a character you wouldn't mind chatting with . She makes you wait for that moment though lol. I was halfway through before I stopped yelling at him. And when Mariah finally found her voice, I may have yelled "About Time Woman"! Lol.
If your old enough or smart enough to have found the early EARLY romance books,the ones with Fabio on the covers,(yes those. Google him) then you'll enjoy this one. It's reminiscent of those lifetime ago books.
December 23, 2019
Prologue is the wedding then the book starts with the heroine believing the Hero is dead.
During separation both with others.
The heroine seeks comfort in a friend about the Hero mentioned camp whores of the army, though not sex and then when he is injured and loses his memory he suffers amnesia and starts something with another woman where he is nursed back to health before returning home when his memory returns.
The Hero does mention he when his memory returned he wasn't intimate again with the other woman.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Unpleasant sex scene when they first get married between the Hero and heroine as she fulfils her 'duty'.
HEA.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
During separation both with others.
The heroine seeks comfort in a friend about the Hero mentioned camp whores of the army, though not sex and then when he is injured and loses his memory he suffers amnesia and starts something with another woman where he is nursed back to health before returning home when his memory returns.
The Hero does mention he when his memory returned he wasn't intimate again with the other woman.
No intimate scenes other than the Hero and heroine.
Unpleasant sex scene when they first get married between the Hero and heroine as she fulfils her 'duty'.
HEA.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2019
I really enjoy Wynne's novels, so I was anxious to read the first book in her new series. I don't read many historical romances, however I knew I had to read this, just because Wynne wrote it. I wasn't disappointed!
Set in Texas, in the 1860's, this is the story of Mariah Carpenter and Nathan Fairchild. Mariah grew up loving Nathan, but to Nathan, Mariah was simply a neighbor. Forced into an arranged marriage by Nathan's father, shortly after Nathan's fiancé was tragically killed, their relationship seemed doomed. But the tragic circumstances of the Civil War, changed the course of everything.
Wynne did a terrific job of maintaining the integrity of the era in which the story is set, with some excellent character development showing that the human story and the challenges life brings, transcends time. That is what kept me glued to the story.
I highly recommend this book, and look forward to seeing where the series leads.
Set in Texas, in the 1860's, this is the story of Mariah Carpenter and Nathan Fairchild. Mariah grew up loving Nathan, but to Nathan, Mariah was simply a neighbor. Forced into an arranged marriage by Nathan's father, shortly after Nathan's fiancé was tragically killed, their relationship seemed doomed. But the tragic circumstances of the Civil War, changed the course of everything.
Wynne did a terrific job of maintaining the integrity of the era in which the story is set, with some excellent character development showing that the human story and the challenges life brings, transcends time. That is what kept me glued to the story.
I highly recommend this book, and look forward to seeing where the series leads.
November 26, 2019
I absolutely adored this story! Mariah and Nathan made me feel a myriad of emotions... their journey, while ending happily, started out a bit rocky. Mariah is a strong Texas woman who handles everything thrown her way and Nathan is the lucky guy who gets to do life with her. There’s conflict that is met with maturity and emotions that are handled appropriately - nothing about this book is annoying. Oh, and I can’t forget, Wynne can write a love scene like no other!! HOT. I cannot wait to read the rest of the Men of Wicked Sorrow! 5 stars!
November 29, 2019
This book is a must read, even if you don't usually read Historical Romances!
It had been years since I had read a historical romance, but because I love everything Wynne Roman writes, I had to read this one. The story brings a lot of emotions out and I found myself reading several chapters again and again, until I really started to love Mariah and Nathan! Their story really is a true love story, second chances and never, ever giving up on what your heart wants! Do yourself a favor, read this book, you won't be disappointed.
It had been years since I had read a historical romance, but because I love everything Wynne Roman writes, I had to read this one. The story brings a lot of emotions out and I found myself reading several chapters again and again, until I really started to love Mariah and Nathan! Their story really is a true love story, second chances and never, ever giving up on what your heart wants! Do yourself a favor, read this book, you won't be disappointed.
December 23, 2019
This was horrible. The hero's redemption arc was not believable, nor very convincing. I just didn't see the change in him, even until the end, I feel like he just settled for Mariah and decided since he was stuck with her, that it would make his life better just to love her.
He spent a lot of the book thinking about his childhood sweetheart and his other "what could have been" romance with Gwen. Sorry, but I wouldn't want someone like that.
Mariah was spineless and just accepted everything about him and anything he did to her. I don't even know why she loved him. Even near the end, when she supposedly starts standing up for herself, it wasn't even that much. He apologized a bit and she forgave him immediately.
She should have just stayed with Gabriel.
He spent a lot of the book thinking about his childhood sweetheart and his other "what could have been" romance with Gwen. Sorry, but I wouldn't want someone like that.
Mariah was spineless and just accepted everything about him and anything he did to her. I don't even know why she loved him. Even near the end, when she supposedly starts standing up for herself, it wasn't even that much. He apologized a bit and she forgave him immediately.
She should have just stayed with Gabriel.
December 1, 2019
Can not tell you enough how much I enjoyed this book. I love all of Wynne Romans books and even though this is not a genre I read much of anymore I was quickly sucked in to the story. I stayed on the edge of my seat until the very end.
December 18, 2019
I’ll start by saying that I don’t normally read historicals. I really enjoyed this story. I kept trying to figure out how Nathan was going to redeem himself. It was a hard fought battle but in the end, totally believable and I loved how they got their HEA.
December 26, 2019
4.5 stars
January 2, 2020
An enjoyable read
April 8, 2020
Great story
I love the civil war period. This is a great story after the war and reuniting and finding love. Couldn’t put it down
I love the civil war period. This is a great story after the war and reuniting and finding love. Couldn’t put it down
December 28, 2020
A misogynistic “hero” too caught up in his past love with his dead fiancée, and too consumed with a current possible love, while neglecting and abusing the beautiful wife he has waiting for him. He was forced into marrying her after the death of his fiancée. But, he never cared for her and ignored her for the four months before he left for the war. The whole time, he essentially treated her like a whore. He would have sex with her each night, “screw her,” in his parlance, then go play with the “guys.” He went to war fighting on side of the Confederacy.
He is gone four years, the last in which he had been captured and sent to prison, and he loses his memory. His wife is told that he is dead, so thinks she is a widow. And, after mourning him for a long time, she finally attempts to move on... when he returns. Mind you, he doesn’t want to come back. He has found another new love, one he cares for far more than his beautiful, kind wife.
He treats her like crap the whole time, then last 15% decides he really loves her. Hateful man. Not a hero.
He is gone four years, the last in which he had been captured and sent to prison, and he loses his memory. His wife is told that he is dead, so thinks she is a widow. And, after mourning him for a long time, she finally attempts to move on... when he returns. Mind you, he doesn’t want to come back. He has found another new love, one he cares for far more than his beautiful, kind wife.
He treats her like crap the whole time, then last 15% decides he really loves her. Hateful man. Not a hero.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews