What do you think?
Rate this book
The Edisto Trilogy #2
Return to Edisto
Return to Edisto Island in the rich, Lowcountry story of a young woman's difficult decision to run from threat and danger, changing the course of her well-ordered life and, in turn, the life of the young man who loved and lost her.
It was a long trip back to Edisto Island, South Carolina, and the beach house that shaped so much of Mary Helen Avery's early life. Now her mind flashed between anger and hurt over the difficult situation she'd left behind at the job she loved. Was she doing the right thing to leave? Should she have stayed to fight? She hoped at the quiet, beloved island she knew so well, she'd find the answers she needed and peace from all this turmoil.
J.T.'s heart took a familiar lurch when he saw the car with New Jersey plates parked at the Avery's beach house. Even after ten years, the memory of Mary Helen Avery still tormented him. Finding her on the porch weeping lit old fires he thought long dead. Was he a fool to hope for something more between them with all their problems of the past? Probably so, but if she stayed long enough, he'd find one more chance to try.
It was a long trip back to Edisto Island, South Carolina, and the beach house that shaped so much of Mary Helen Avery's early life. Now her mind flashed between anger and hurt over the difficult situation she'd left behind at the job she loved. Was she doing the right thing to leave? Should she have stayed to fight? She hoped at the quiet, beloved island she knew so well, she'd find the answers she needed and peace from all this turmoil.
J.T.'s heart took a familiar lurch when he saw the car with New Jersey plates parked at the Avery's beach house. Even after ten years, the memory of Mary Helen Avery still tormented him. Finding her on the porch weeping lit old fires he thought long dead. Was he a fool to hope for something more between them with all their problems of the past? Probably so, but if she stayed long enough, he'd find one more chance to try.
292 pages, Paperback
Published April 2, 2020
2 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 20, 2020
Return To Edisto by Lin Stepp is a delightful, heart-warming contemporary Christian novel. It is the second book in the Edisto Trilogy but can be read as a stand-alone.
The reader immediately feels at home with the characters in the novel. We can sense the chemistry between the two lead characters and there is a wonderful feeling of community. Edisto is the place where everyone knows your name, and love and care are the order of the day. Your private business is in the public domain but it is a small price to pay in exchange for the community spirit.
“The island is a good place for healing.” Edisto, with its small town charm, spreads a blanket of love and compassion over the hurting.
Sometimes life pulls us away from God. “You might be mad at Him right now… but it’s you that’s distanced yourself from Him.” We sometimes transfer our feelings about others onto God. “Don’t be assigning blame to God for things He didn’t do.” God’s character is love. He will never hurt or reject us. He is with us in the good and the bad times, we just need to seek Him. “It’s never too late to come back to God.” No matter where we’ve been, no matter what we’ve done, we will never be out of reach of the Father’s arms.
Church is important. We need to find a church where our relationship with God can grow. We need a warm and welcoming church that is Christ centred.
We make our plans but life intervenes. The best plan is to seek God and His will for our lives. “I count myself fortunate I … didn’t get what I thought I wanted.” God doesn’t always give us what we want. He gives us what we need.
I love my ‘visits’ to Edisto. Lin Stepp paints the landscape in such a way that I can ‘see’ my way throughout the novel – from the walk along the seashore to the seaside cottages – there is a vivid picture in my mind. I cannot wait for the final book in this wonderful trilogy.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The reader immediately feels at home with the characters in the novel. We can sense the chemistry between the two lead characters and there is a wonderful feeling of community. Edisto is the place where everyone knows your name, and love and care are the order of the day. Your private business is in the public domain but it is a small price to pay in exchange for the community spirit.
“The island is a good place for healing.” Edisto, with its small town charm, spreads a blanket of love and compassion over the hurting.
Sometimes life pulls us away from God. “You might be mad at Him right now… but it’s you that’s distanced yourself from Him.” We sometimes transfer our feelings about others onto God. “Don’t be assigning blame to God for things He didn’t do.” God’s character is love. He will never hurt or reject us. He is with us in the good and the bad times, we just need to seek Him. “It’s never too late to come back to God.” No matter where we’ve been, no matter what we’ve done, we will never be out of reach of the Father’s arms.
Church is important. We need to find a church where our relationship with God can grow. We need a warm and welcoming church that is Christ centred.
We make our plans but life intervenes. The best plan is to seek God and His will for our lives. “I count myself fortunate I … didn’t get what I thought I wanted.” God doesn’t always give us what we want. He gives us what we need.
I love my ‘visits’ to Edisto. Lin Stepp paints the landscape in such a way that I can ‘see’ my way throughout the novel – from the walk along the seashore to the seaside cottages – there is a vivid picture in my mind. I cannot wait for the final book in this wonderful trilogy.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
March 25, 2020
My Thoughts on Return to Edisto
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Ice Cold Bottled Cola
Characterization
Mary Helen Avery has returned to the beach house she loves to hide from an ugly situation in the city. She doesn’t want anyone to know she’s there, but what did she expect? She’s barely in town for minutes when it has spread that she’s there. Mary Helen loves the town of Edisto, but she despises old boyfriend, JT. And yet as she’s falling apart in the house, he walks right in and starts pushing all her buttons.
Mary Helen has to overcome her desire to be bigger than Edisto to find true happiness and has to overcome her belief that men can’t be trusted to stay true.
J.T. Mikell is the nice guy everyone likes. Well, maybe everyone except for Mary Helen. And even she used to love him. When she comes back from a corporate job to heal, J.T. makes sure he is there for her. With the help of the community, J.T. goes after Mary Helen like she’s the air he needs to breathe.
Unfortunately, J.T. is legitimately a nice guy. And he continues to “help” the one woman who has come between he and Mary Helen more than once. J.T. has to acknowledge his part in allowing the woman to set him up over and over before he can convince Mary Helen there’s nothing between them.
The Plot
The storyline of Mary Helen and J.T.’s romance revolves heavily around Edisto Beach and its inhabitants. I was amazed time and time again of how the elder members of this community shared every little detail about what was going on with this couple. I think part of the reason this was so prevalent to me is because I fully understand how small towns work.
The spiritual advancement of Juliette was woven into the story so well that it was simply a part of life. It wasn’t preachy or pushy, but real and about loving people.
Although this book was clearly a Christian romance, it also brought light to the importance of all ages and races in a community and what each has to offer. It also dealt with mental health on a very superficial level.
Sweet Home Alabama is my favorite movie. Return to Edisto has the same feel about it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. Opinions included in this review are mine and mine alone.
Suggested Beverage Pairing: Ice Cold Bottled Cola
Characterization
Mary Helen Avery has returned to the beach house she loves to hide from an ugly situation in the city. She doesn’t want anyone to know she’s there, but what did she expect? She’s barely in town for minutes when it has spread that she’s there. Mary Helen loves the town of Edisto, but she despises old boyfriend, JT. And yet as she’s falling apart in the house, he walks right in and starts pushing all her buttons.
Mary Helen has to overcome her desire to be bigger than Edisto to find true happiness and has to overcome her belief that men can’t be trusted to stay true.
J.T. Mikell is the nice guy everyone likes. Well, maybe everyone except for Mary Helen. And even she used to love him. When she comes back from a corporate job to heal, J.T. makes sure he is there for her. With the help of the community, J.T. goes after Mary Helen like she’s the air he needs to breathe.
Unfortunately, J.T. is legitimately a nice guy. And he continues to “help” the one woman who has come between he and Mary Helen more than once. J.T. has to acknowledge his part in allowing the woman to set him up over and over before he can convince Mary Helen there’s nothing between them.
The Plot
The storyline of Mary Helen and J.T.’s romance revolves heavily around Edisto Beach and its inhabitants. I was amazed time and time again of how the elder members of this community shared every little detail about what was going on with this couple. I think part of the reason this was so prevalent to me is because I fully understand how small towns work.
The spiritual advancement of Juliette was woven into the story so well that it was simply a part of life. It wasn’t preachy or pushy, but real and about loving people.
Although this book was clearly a Christian romance, it also brought light to the importance of all ages and races in a community and what each has to offer. It also dealt with mental health on a very superficial level.
Sweet Home Alabama is my favorite movie. Return to Edisto has the same feel about it.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. Opinions included in this review are mine and mine alone.
April 14, 2020
Return to Edisto, Book Two in author Lin Stepp’s The Edisto Trilogy is set in the low country of Edisto Island, South Carolina. Just reading the descriptive parts of this story makes me want to pack up, jump in the car and head south.
Kind of like Mary Helen Avery does in Return to Edisto except her reason for returning to the island of her youth is far from a chosen, pleasurable that I might choose. Mary Helen loves retail, graduated from college with a business degree in retail; this is her life. Eager to move forward in her career, she accepts a position that will require even more travel. When she meets with the executive with who she will be traveling, she is shocked, confused and somewhat angry. When her new boss gets unexpectedly handsy, Mary Helen resigns the position she loves so much, packs up her belongings and heads south.
J.T. loves the island, her people and even the hordes who visit every year; he’s not leaving, his roots are firmly planted. When he spies Mary Helen’s car parked at her parent’s beach house, he almost can’t believe it. Then he hears the heartbreaking sound of sobs coming from the back of the beach house; investigating he finds Mary Helen simply coming undone. Offering her pizza and a listening ear seems to erase the anger Mary Helen has carried toward him for more than a decade.
J.T. and Mary Helen begin spending time together and before they know it, those familiar sparks from their teenage years, erupt in more ways than one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
Kind of like Mary Helen Avery does in Return to Edisto except her reason for returning to the island of her youth is far from a chosen, pleasurable that I might choose. Mary Helen loves retail, graduated from college with a business degree in retail; this is her life. Eager to move forward in her career, she accepts a position that will require even more travel. When she meets with the executive with who she will be traveling, she is shocked, confused and somewhat angry. When her new boss gets unexpectedly handsy, Mary Helen resigns the position she loves so much, packs up her belongings and heads south.
J.T. loves the island, her people and even the hordes who visit every year; he’s not leaving, his roots are firmly planted. When he spies Mary Helen’s car parked at her parent’s beach house, he almost can’t believe it. Then he hears the heartbreaking sound of sobs coming from the back of the beach house; investigating he finds Mary Helen simply coming undone. Offering her pizza and a listening ear seems to erase the anger Mary Helen has carried toward him for more than a decade.
J.T. and Mary Helen begin spending time together and before they know it, those familiar sparks from their teenage years, erupt in more ways than one.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Just Read Tours and am not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
April 9, 2020
My Thoughts on Return to Edisto:
I loved return to Edisto! Mary Helen is a sweet girl who has dreams and goals. She also has an insane distrust of men ever since her dad died and a man betrayed her and her sister/mother’s trust. No matter that she is in love with a man and has been for years she can’t trust him. And because she can’t trust him any little thing that looks like him not being faithful tears them apart.
J.T. love Mary Helen and has since they were children. He would do anything to convince her of his love and get her to marry him. But even if she did he’s not going to leave Edisto and she’s not going to stay.
Mary Helen is between jobs right now after she left her position that she loved without notice. But she had to leave. That or compromise herself. And she didn’t turn him in because he’s happily married and in-laws to the family who owns the company. Can she ever find a place that she loves without a man ruining it?
While Mary Helen is back on Edisto she works for a sweet little shop that she helped in when she was younger. She fits back into life on the island like a glove. But can she forget her dreams? Can she let herself admit how much she loves the island and J.T.? But what about her love of her job and her dreams?
Such a great novel! I can’t recommend it enough. There is even a hint of mystery going on too! Go give it a read. Great author and I’ve loved everything I’ve read from her.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I loved return to Edisto! Mary Helen is a sweet girl who has dreams and goals. She also has an insane distrust of men ever since her dad died and a man betrayed her and her sister/mother’s trust. No matter that she is in love with a man and has been for years she can’t trust him. And because she can’t trust him any little thing that looks like him not being faithful tears them apart.
J.T. love Mary Helen and has since they were children. He would do anything to convince her of his love and get her to marry him. But even if she did he’s not going to leave Edisto and she’s not going to stay.
Mary Helen is between jobs right now after she left her position that she loved without notice. But she had to leave. That or compromise herself. And she didn’t turn him in because he’s happily married and in-laws to the family who owns the company. Can she ever find a place that she loves without a man ruining it?
While Mary Helen is back on Edisto she works for a sweet little shop that she helped in when she was younger. She fits back into life on the island like a glove. But can she forget her dreams? Can she let herself admit how much she loves the island and J.T.? But what about her love of her job and her dreams?
Such a great novel! I can’t recommend it enough. There is even a hint of mystery going on too! Go give it a read. Great author and I’ve loved everything I’ve read from her.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
March 30, 2020
Another heart-warming story from author Lin Stepp, Return to Edisto features a young woman who has no choice but to leave her much loved job due to an unpleasant experience with another employee. She packs up and runs to her safe place, the family beach house on Edisto Island. Her first encounter there is with the very man she ran from ten years ago and his sweet and caring demeanor tempts her to renew their relationship but old trust issues die hard.
I very much enjoyed this novel although there were times that Mary Helen tended to exasperate me no end. Her lack of trust and refusal to allow J.T. to explain himself got just a little bit old. And J.T. – was he just a little bit dense or oblivious to what was going on with Mary Helen’s old nemesis?
Return to Edisto is fun to read and has a strong message about trust and forgiveness. I look forward to reading more by this new-to-me author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
I very much enjoyed this novel although there were times that Mary Helen tended to exasperate me no end. Her lack of trust and refusal to allow J.T. to explain himself got just a little bit old. And J.T. – was he just a little bit dense or oblivious to what was going on with Mary Helen’s old nemesis?
Return to Edisto is fun to read and has a strong message about trust and forgiveness. I look forward to reading more by this new-to-me author.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
March 29, 2020
It felt so great to be back in Edisto! It's been quite some time since we've seen the Avery's! It's 2003 and the girls are all grown up, and all three women are living their own lives. In the first book the focus was on Claire, the suddenly widowed mother, trying to figure her life out with two little girls, Mary Helen and Suki, in the small costal town of Edisto.
Now it's Mary Helen's turn to run to the safe haven of Edisto after a very unfortunate event happens in her life. Hearing where everyone's lives have taken them since the first book was nostalgic, the author doing an incredible job of explaining the history of the characters and Edisto, so even if you didn't read the first book in the series (or just needed a refresher like myself) you never feel lost.
The book feels just as tranquil as Edisto and has a wonderful, laidback flow, like beautiful ocean waves lapping up on the shore, and you can't help but fall in love with every facet of this novel.
There is a hint of mystery in this novel that I felt was the perfect touch, adding just enough tension, and of course the love story was beautiful and natural, not feeling saccharin but realistic yet swoon-worthy at the same time.
I immensely enjoyed my Return to Edisto and hope Suki's story is released soon, as I can't wait to see Edisto through her adult eyes, and hear about her travels.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
Now it's Mary Helen's turn to run to the safe haven of Edisto after a very unfortunate event happens in her life. Hearing where everyone's lives have taken them since the first book was nostalgic, the author doing an incredible job of explaining the history of the characters and Edisto, so even if you didn't read the first book in the series (or just needed a refresher like myself) you never feel lost.
The book feels just as tranquil as Edisto and has a wonderful, laidback flow, like beautiful ocean waves lapping up on the shore, and you can't help but fall in love with every facet of this novel.
There is a hint of mystery in this novel that I felt was the perfect touch, adding just enough tension, and of course the love story was beautiful and natural, not feeling saccharin but realistic yet swoon-worthy at the same time.
I immensely enjoyed my Return to Edisto and hope Suki's story is released soon, as I can't wait to see Edisto through her adult eyes, and hear about her travels.
*I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions are completely honest, and my own.
March 24, 2020
Return to Edisto is the second book in a trilogy but since it takes place years after the first book, you won’t be lost if you pick this one up first. And since we’re all somewhat restricted from travel right now, what better way to visit a new place than through a book?
When Mary Helen Avery leaves her job, she returns to the place of her youth. Many of her friends remain on Edisto Island in South Carolina, including the boy she dated in high school and the woman who provided her first job. Returning home to heal until she finds a new position is just what she needs.
J.T. Mikell is the kind of guy you want in your corner. He’s persistent, committed, and speaks his mind. He’s stable and knows what he wants.
I am a little bothered by everyone telling Mary Helen she did the right thing with her job. Why did no one even suggest she report it? Sure, in fiction things work out for the best but in real life, if no one says anything, the perpetrator is still going to keep doing what he is doing since no one is any the wiser.
Other than that, this return to Edisto and characters from book one (Claire at Edisto) gives us a taste of island life, the friendships, the food, the small community dynamics, and much, much more.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
When Mary Helen Avery leaves her job, she returns to the place of her youth. Many of her friends remain on Edisto Island in South Carolina, including the boy she dated in high school and the woman who provided her first job. Returning home to heal until she finds a new position is just what she needs.
J.T. Mikell is the kind of guy you want in your corner. He’s persistent, committed, and speaks his mind. He’s stable and knows what he wants.
I am a little bothered by everyone telling Mary Helen she did the right thing with her job. Why did no one even suggest she report it? Sure, in fiction things work out for the best but in real life, if no one says anything, the perpetrator is still going to keep doing what he is doing since no one is any the wiser.
Other than that, this return to Edisto and characters from book one (Claire at Edisto) gives us a taste of island life, the friendships, the food, the small community dynamics, and much, much more.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
April 4, 2020
Creating strong, relatable characters and a rich sense of place are just two of the reasons I am drawn to Lin Stepp’s books. In this, her newest novel, Ms. Stepp has certainly not disappointed. Return to Edisto is the second in Stepp’s trilogy about the women of the Avery family and the warmth of Edisto Island, South Carolina.
Mary Helen Avery was a young girl when I first met her in Claire at Edisto. Now, she returns to the place that shaped her - not as an innocent child whose father has passed away, but as a young woman who left behind her job as a visual merchandiser after a painful experience. To Mary Helen, Edisto is where she can find peace and clarity - or will she?
J.T. Mikell and Mary Helen have “history.” J.T. hopes Mary Ellen’s return will last long enough to mend the rifts between them. Mary Helen hopes her return can be unencumbered. After all, she came back to the island to distance herself from pain, disappointment and to find peace.
Ms. Stepp offers the perfect blend of romance and mystery. The tension she creates between characters is palpable at every turn of the page. One can truly escape into the world of Edisto here. Her signature style will leave you feeling as though you’ve known Mary Helen all your life. She will have you not wanting to ever leave these people and this place. She’ll leave you wanting more. And the most exciting thing about that is that more is on the way! I simply cannot wait for the third in this trilogy to release!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for my honest review.
April 2, 2020
I tried and tried and tried to like this book, but I couldn't. I read the BARE MINIMUM I could for the review company I got this book from. And I did like some parts of the book.
I liked Mary Helen and J.T.'s romance, I liked how they were old flames, I liked how they got to know each other again. I enjoyed the ending, it was a cute ending, even if it was the only part I nearly almost loved.
What I disliked: #1 The reason Mary Helen returned to Edisto, her boss had made advances that he said came with her promotion, and he ran his hand up her leg... This was off-screen and she tells someone else about it.
If this had been a book I picked up for pleasure and I hadn't given my word to review it I wouldn't have read as much as I did ... I had planned on doing a spotlight but that didn't work out. And I'm glad it didn't since I wouldn't have known about content that I disagree with. Now, the boss did get in trouble, and it also came to light that he had tried to rape the girl who had the job before Mary Helen, and he likely would have raped/tried to rape her. She didn't go to anyone since the boss was married/claimed he'd say she was at fault/etc.
In the end, the boss did suffer consequences but I didn't appreciate how it was wrapped up.
#2 Wacky Winnie, umm, I didn't like her at all. And the fact she was killing dogs because they attacked turtles, why? The fact they blackmailed her into leaving Edisto was WRONG. I am sorry I disliked this book, I'm sorry I am likely to get removed from tours for this review but I don't NOT review books because they have questionable/bad content, I still give my review even if I don't read 100% instead of %80 of a book.
#3 Gracie kissing J.T. ummmmm............ Again why? I feel that the author tried too hard to cause bad things to happen to Mary Helen and it was not well done.
Like I said I liked the romance, I could have even been fine with the reason for Mary Helen's return to Edisto but the way it was described I disagree with.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book which I received from the author. All VIEWS expressed are only my HONEST opinion.
I liked Mary Helen and J.T.'s romance, I liked how they were old flames, I liked how they got to know each other again. I enjoyed the ending, it was a cute ending, even if it was the only part I nearly almost loved.
What I disliked: #1 The reason Mary Helen returned to Edisto, her boss had made advances that he said came with her promotion, and he ran his hand up her leg... This was off-screen and she tells someone else about it.
If this had been a book I picked up for pleasure and I hadn't given my word to review it I wouldn't have read as much as I did ... I had planned on doing a spotlight but that didn't work out. And I'm glad it didn't since I wouldn't have known about content that I disagree with. Now, the boss did get in trouble, and it also came to light that he had tried to rape the girl who had the job before Mary Helen, and he likely would have raped/tried to rape her. She didn't go to anyone since the boss was married/claimed he'd say she was at fault/etc.
In the end, the boss did suffer consequences but I didn't appreciate how it was wrapped up.
#2 Wacky Winnie, umm, I didn't like her at all. And the fact she was killing dogs because they attacked turtles, why? The fact they blackmailed her into leaving Edisto was WRONG. I am sorry I disliked this book, I'm sorry I am likely to get removed from tours for this review but I don't NOT review books because they have questionable/bad content, I still give my review even if I don't read 100% instead of %80 of a book.
#3 Gracie kissing J.T. ummmmm............ Again why? I feel that the author tried too hard to cause bad things to happen to Mary Helen and it was not well done.
Like I said I liked the romance, I could have even been fine with the reason for Mary Helen's return to Edisto but the way it was described I disagree with.
I VOLUNTARILY REVIEWED a COMPLIMENTARY copy of this book which I received from the author. All VIEWS expressed are only my HONEST opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 21, 2020This is my second book in the Edisto Island Trilogy ... The first was CLAIRE AT EDISTO and I am happy to say readers loved it... even when most all my previous novels are set in the Smoky Mountains near where I live. ... However, Edisto is our favorite beach spot to visit ... and I wanted to take readers to the place we love so much. ... CLAIRE AT EDISTO won the 2019 Best Book of the Year Award in Fiction: Romance in American BookFest's annual contest ... and I was so blessed to receive this honor.
Below is synopsis from the back of RETURN TO EDISTO to tell you more about this new story:
Return to Edisto Island in the rich, Lowcountry story of a young woman’s difficult decision to run from threat and danger, changing the course of her well-ordered life and, in turn, the life of the young man who loved and lost her.
It was a long trip back to Edisto Island, South Carolina, and the beach house that shaped so much of Mary Helen Avery’s early life. Now her mind flashed between anger and hurt over the difficult situation she’d left behind at the job she loved. Was she doing the right thing to leave? Should she have stayed to fight? She hoped at the quiet, beloved island she knew so well, she’d find the answers she needed and peace from all this turmoil.
J.T.’s heart took a familiar lurch when he saw the car with New Jersey plates parked at the Avery’s beach house. Even after ten years, the memory of Mary Helen Avery still tormented him. Finding her on the porch weeping lit old fires he thought long dead. Was he a fool to hope for something more between them with all their problems of the past? Probably so, but if she stayed long enough, he’d find one more chance to try.
Below is synopsis from the back of RETURN TO EDISTO to tell you more about this new story:
Return to Edisto Island in the rich, Lowcountry story of a young woman’s difficult decision to run from threat and danger, changing the course of her well-ordered life and, in turn, the life of the young man who loved and lost her.
It was a long trip back to Edisto Island, South Carolina, and the beach house that shaped so much of Mary Helen Avery’s early life. Now her mind flashed between anger and hurt over the difficult situation she’d left behind at the job she loved. Was she doing the right thing to leave? Should she have stayed to fight? She hoped at the quiet, beloved island she knew so well, she’d find the answers she needed and peace from all this turmoil.
J.T.’s heart took a familiar lurch when he saw the car with New Jersey plates parked at the Avery’s beach house. Even after ten years, the memory of Mary Helen Avery still tormented him. Finding her on the porch weeping lit old fires he thought long dead. Was he a fool to hope for something more between them with all their problems of the past? Probably so, but if she stayed long enough, he’d find one more chance to try.
May 12, 2021
Claire’s children have grown up, and this book is all about Mary Ellen, the feisty, take-no-crap, stubborn, and speaks-her-mind child from Claire at Edisto. First off, don’t let Mary Ellen’s spunk turn you off, because she’s a strong woman, but she’s got a soft inner core where many hurts and wounds can be found. By far, she is one of my fave heroines that I’ve come across in contemporary Christian romance.
I really enjoyed Mary Ellen’s character arc. She’s a driven woman who’s let her faith sit on the backburner while she’s climbed the corporate career ladder after leaving behind Edisto and her high school sweetheart J.T. after she caught him kissing Mary Ellen’s biggest rival Gracie.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-5Nx
I really enjoyed Mary Ellen’s character arc. She’s a driven woman who’s let her faith sit on the backburner while she’s climbed the corporate career ladder after leaving behind Edisto and her high school sweetheart J.T. after she caught him kissing Mary Ellen’s biggest rival Gracie.
Read more here: https://wp.me/p12iNR-5Nx
January 16, 2025
While the first book focused mainly on the mom, Claire, and the family’s move to Edisto, the second book focused on one of the daughters, Mary Helen. The author did a good job sprinkling in some of the backstory here and there, that you could actually read Return to Edisto without knowing the first story. Reading about life on Edisto sure makes me miss being there. I wish The Little Mermaid was a real shop (but I’m guessing it’s based on Little Otter Outfitters). Not sure why anyone would want to run off to NJ after escaping down to Edisto, but MH finally figured her life out in the final pages
April 13, 2020
I loved this book. I suggest reading Claire at Edisto first. It will make this one even more enjoyable. The characters were so ‘real’, as only Lin can do. Just wonderful. A good, clean read.
May 10, 2025
I enjoyed this story. I did think that the main female character was a little hung up on her insecurities with the main male character. It was nice reading about places in Edisto that I have actually visited.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews