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Unlikely Return: A Novel
Three men set out on a short vacation but instead find themselves on a harrowing journey-of-a-lifetime. If they make it, will they return to open arms? Or will they find their lives shattered beyond repair?
Ben, Stuart, and Paul are passengers on a three-day fishing trip. After their boat is sunk by a rogue wave, they wind up on a deserted island, where they fight to stay alive while hoping for rescue. They later discover that they share a common history—past relationships they wrecked, and seriously messed up decision-making when it comes to love.
Ben never expected to find the road back to his ex-wife, but the struggle to survive on the island gives him the courage to try to heal the damage he’s caused. Michelle, though, may have other plans—she’s being romanced by an amazing new guy in her life.
Stuart pretended for years that his broken engagement didn’t matter, but now he wonders if he’s had it wrong all along. He resolves to search for Jillian if he makes it back, but she doesn’t want to be found. She’s kept a life-changing secret for years and she’s not about to reveal it now.
Paul knows he’s been a fool. He pushed away the love of his life, but now the island threatens his very life. He yearns to go home and make it all up to Sarah, but he’s the least likely to return.
Three men set out on a short vacation but instead find themselves struggling to survive and challenged to change the trajectory of their lives - if they make it back home.
Readers are
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars. Couldn't put it down. This story starts with a bang and just keeps on going. I love books like this. Exciting from beginning to end. Wonderful details and beautifully described personalities. Relationships matter. This story does a wonderful job of driving that message home while taking you on a thrill ride adventure.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The next Nora Roberts! I am an avid reader and I loved Unlikely Return. I can't wait until her next book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intensely interesting. Couldn't put it down once started. Interesting interwoven character development. Never predictable. Do another for us.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very engaging! I could not put this book down. I loved the deep character development that also kept pace with the unfolding of the story. I highly recommend it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Captivating, inspiring story of the human spirit, ego, emotions, drive. I was enthralled from the first chapter. Nina does a masterful job of weaving in present day, flashbacks, internal monologue, and concurrent story lines in this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life is messy and beautiful. Drama, stress, love, acceptance, hurt, fear, surprise - So engaging. I found myself thinking about the story and characters and couldn't wait to get back to it. And I was rewarded with yet another twist or turn. I have referred this to several book clubs as it will bring deep discussions.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Story of Hope. The author tells a powerful story. I enjoyed the book in a way well beyond the usual thriller.
Ben, Stuart, and Paul are passengers on a three-day fishing trip. After their boat is sunk by a rogue wave, they wind up on a deserted island, where they fight to stay alive while hoping for rescue. They later discover that they share a common history—past relationships they wrecked, and seriously messed up decision-making when it comes to love.
Ben never expected to find the road back to his ex-wife, but the struggle to survive on the island gives him the courage to try to heal the damage he’s caused. Michelle, though, may have other plans—she’s being romanced by an amazing new guy in her life.
Stuart pretended for years that his broken engagement didn’t matter, but now he wonders if he’s had it wrong all along. He resolves to search for Jillian if he makes it back, but she doesn’t want to be found. She’s kept a life-changing secret for years and she’s not about to reveal it now.
Paul knows he’s been a fool. He pushed away the love of his life, but now the island threatens his very life. He yearns to go home and make it all up to Sarah, but he’s the least likely to return.
Three men set out on a short vacation but instead find themselves struggling to survive and challenged to change the trajectory of their lives - if they make it back home.
Readers are
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five stars. Couldn't put it down. This story starts with a bang and just keeps on going. I love books like this. Exciting from beginning to end. Wonderful details and beautifully described personalities. Relationships matter. This story does a wonderful job of driving that message home while taking you on a thrill ride adventure.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The next Nora Roberts! I am an avid reader and I loved Unlikely Return. I can't wait until her next book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Intensely interesting. Couldn't put it down once started. Interesting interwoven character development. Never predictable. Do another for us.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very engaging! I could not put this book down. I loved the deep character development that also kept pace with the unfolding of the story. I highly recommend it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Captivating, inspiring story of the human spirit, ego, emotions, drive. I was enthralled from the first chapter. Nina does a masterful job of weaving in present day, flashbacks, internal monologue, and concurrent story lines in this book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life is messy and beautiful. Drama, stress, love, acceptance, hurt, fear, surprise - So engaging. I found myself thinking about the story and characters and couldn't wait to get back to it. And I was rewarded with yet another twist or turn. I have referred this to several book clubs as it will bring deep discussions.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Story of Hope. The author tells a powerful story. I enjoyed the book in a way well beyond the usual thriller.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2020
238 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Nina Atwood
16 books19 followersNina Atwood is a licensed psychotherapist and an award-winning executive coach. A published self-help author for over two decades, Nina now writes fiction. Unlikely Return is her first novel, Free Fall her second, and About Roxanne her third. Her electrifying mystery/thriller series will launch in 2022. Get free fiction from Nina by visiting her website, ninaatwoodauthor.com/freenovella.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 4, 2020
This book fooled me. I thought it started out written very well, describing how a rogue wave develops and can suddenly overtake a boat or even a ship. I thought this would be a book about adventure, survival and the grueling difficulties of trying to survive on a desert island. I had no idea of how little of this made up the story. Instead, this seemed a book written for teenagers about men who seemed to be more concerned with their past mistakes in their love relationships and who mostly spoke in unrealistic ways.
“I want to prove I am worthy of her love.” Who talks like this? The way these lovesick guys think and talk about nothing but the love in their lives reminded me of a bunch of sob sisters. I wanted a story of survival more along the line of Kon Tiki, an old book that really described what it was like to be out in the middle of the ocean. Or a book that describes what it’s like to have no soap, no medication, to be eaten up by bugs. Instead, we have Jack, a walking encyclopedia of knowledge who knows exactly what to do in any situation and is the perfect leader. Luckily, spending so much time being on the water as owner of a fishing boat gave him all the time he ever needed to read and study like a university student on astronomy, botany, engineering, lifesaving techniques, shelter construction and naturally how to make a fire in only one day, no problem at all. I’d had as much as I could take of the infantile Tony character, completely phony and a caricature of a stupid guy who had been bullied and his idea of taking revenge because of his rage, spoken about on every page where he is mentioned. Such a silly plot line about this fool. I thought that maybe the author’s 12 year old son wrote it for her.
As you can guess by now, I did not like this book and when I got to Part Two addressing the women at home and their feelings about marriage and love I knew I had had enough of this silly book.
I’ve read too many good authors to waste my time with mediocre, lovesick plots. What began as a good premise quickly dissolved into a teenage type romance book.
“I want to prove I am worthy of her love.” Who talks like this? The way these lovesick guys think and talk about nothing but the love in their lives reminded me of a bunch of sob sisters. I wanted a story of survival more along the line of Kon Tiki, an old book that really described what it was like to be out in the middle of the ocean. Or a book that describes what it’s like to have no soap, no medication, to be eaten up by bugs. Instead, we have Jack, a walking encyclopedia of knowledge who knows exactly what to do in any situation and is the perfect leader. Luckily, spending so much time being on the water as owner of a fishing boat gave him all the time he ever needed to read and study like a university student on astronomy, botany, engineering, lifesaving techniques, shelter construction and naturally how to make a fire in only one day, no problem at all. I’d had as much as I could take of the infantile Tony character, completely phony and a caricature of a stupid guy who had been bullied and his idea of taking revenge because of his rage, spoken about on every page where he is mentioned. Such a silly plot line about this fool. I thought that maybe the author’s 12 year old son wrote it for her.
As you can guess by now, I did not like this book and when I got to Part Two addressing the women at home and their feelings about marriage and love I knew I had had enough of this silly book.
I’ve read too many good authors to waste my time with mediocre, lovesick plots. What began as a good premise quickly dissolved into a teenage type romance book.
August 17, 2020
Atwood’s enthralling latest is an engrossing account of four men’s harrowing journey-of-lifetime after a botched fishing trip leaves them stranded on a deserted island.
What was intended as a 3-day fishing expedition on the calm waters of the Pacific, turned into a long, exhaustive, and unnerving journey of survival on a deserted volcanic island for Ben, Stuart, and Paul. As the men become increasingly imperiled and destitute, they started executing desperate survival tactics in order to fend off hunger and dehydration. Days turn into weeks as they realize they have more in common than their botched-up fishing trip: lost in the intricacies of egotism and self-absorption, they have wrecked their past relationships badly. The harrowing expedition of the survival soon turns into a journey of self-discovery and renewal as they hope for a second chance at love.
Atwood creates an exhilarating account of her protagonists’ journey of survival: the detail — where the men ran into the rogue wave and their repeated attempts at navigating and stabilizing through the 100-feet high wave, their seemingly endless drifting in the open ocean, and the attempts at survival in the rough terrains of the volcanic island— are sketched with perception and skill.
The readers will root for Paul, Ben, Stuart, and Jack as they face hunger, dehydration, and death with courage and determination. Tony as the sole antagonist will draw little sympathy from the reader. Equally effective are Atwood's delicately woven themes of love, relationships, and soul-searching into the narrative.
Her understanding of the complicated framework of romantic and marital relationships and of the humanity’s ability to survive in the face of difficulties provides this story both authenticity and rationality. Her deft depiction of the intricacies of close relationships form a major portion of the narrative. She brilliantly conveys her characters’ weaknesses and uncertainties, and her portrayal of her characters’ renewal as people capable of steering their life in right direction makes for engrossing and, at times, stirring reading.
This is as much a fascinating, action-packed account of survival on the open seas and a deserted island as it’s a story of love, family ties, second chances, and self-discovery. Readers will delight in these men’s struggles to resolve their past mistakes in this deftly intertwined story of survival and self-discovery.
Lovers of literary fiction will be wise to pick this one.
This is a finely constructed and meticulously researched, emotionally accurate tale of survival and soul-searching.
What was intended as a 3-day fishing expedition on the calm waters of the Pacific, turned into a long, exhaustive, and unnerving journey of survival on a deserted volcanic island for Ben, Stuart, and Paul. As the men become increasingly imperiled and destitute, they started executing desperate survival tactics in order to fend off hunger and dehydration. Days turn into weeks as they realize they have more in common than their botched-up fishing trip: lost in the intricacies of egotism and self-absorption, they have wrecked their past relationships badly. The harrowing expedition of the survival soon turns into a journey of self-discovery and renewal as they hope for a second chance at love.
Atwood creates an exhilarating account of her protagonists’ journey of survival: the detail — where the men ran into the rogue wave and their repeated attempts at navigating and stabilizing through the 100-feet high wave, their seemingly endless drifting in the open ocean, and the attempts at survival in the rough terrains of the volcanic island— are sketched with perception and skill.
The readers will root for Paul, Ben, Stuart, and Jack as they face hunger, dehydration, and death with courage and determination. Tony as the sole antagonist will draw little sympathy from the reader. Equally effective are Atwood's delicately woven themes of love, relationships, and soul-searching into the narrative.
Her understanding of the complicated framework of romantic and marital relationships and of the humanity’s ability to survive in the face of difficulties provides this story both authenticity and rationality. Her deft depiction of the intricacies of close relationships form a major portion of the narrative. She brilliantly conveys her characters’ weaknesses and uncertainties, and her portrayal of her characters’ renewal as people capable of steering their life in right direction makes for engrossing and, at times, stirring reading.
This is as much a fascinating, action-packed account of survival on the open seas and a deserted island as it’s a story of love, family ties, second chances, and self-discovery. Readers will delight in these men’s struggles to resolve their past mistakes in this deftly intertwined story of survival and self-discovery.
Lovers of literary fiction will be wise to pick this one.
This is a finely constructed and meticulously researched, emotionally accurate tale of survival and soul-searching.
June 21, 2020
I loved this book.
Yes, it’s beautifully written, with can’t-put-it-down storytelling that kept me reading into the night. Vivid storytelling transported me to a small boat in trouble on the Pacific, and then to a boy’s bedroom as he trembled in fear.
And yes, it delivers evocative narrative by well-drawn characters. Characters who I cheered for, cringed with, and even cried a little about.
But what I remember most is how I felt while reading it. I felt I was there, conversing with four flawed humans as they resolved to survive and become better men. I felt their humility and courage as they faced difficult choices.
In the end, I was left with myself, as a reader, reflecting what I learned from these men- men who I felt I knew. How have I affected others in my life? And how can I also be a better person?
I can't wait for Nina Atwood's next one!
Yes, it’s beautifully written, with can’t-put-it-down storytelling that kept me reading into the night. Vivid storytelling transported me to a small boat in trouble on the Pacific, and then to a boy’s bedroom as he trembled in fear.
And yes, it delivers evocative narrative by well-drawn characters. Characters who I cheered for, cringed with, and even cried a little about.
But what I remember most is how I felt while reading it. I felt I was there, conversing with four flawed humans as they resolved to survive and become better men. I felt their humility and courage as they faced difficult choices.
In the end, I was left with myself, as a reader, reflecting what I learned from these men- men who I felt I knew. How have I affected others in my life? And how can I also be a better person?
I can't wait for Nina Atwood's next one!
July 4, 2020
At last a novelist who is equally comfortable creating male and female characters of real depth
I enjoyed this stunning page turner thoroughly and the shipwreck setting makes this novel ideally suited for beach reading. The author insists on getting the scientific details precisely right and fully understands the male interest in powerful motors and how things work . The constant surprises and shifts of perspective, moving from each of the principal characters - Ben, Paul and Stuart, my favorite - to their female counterparts , Michelle, Sarah and Jillian, respectively, each realistically drawn, relentlessly pull the reader along . The constant drive of the narrative stops only for interior character monologues that reveal an amazing degree of experience and insight into the complexities of life. Not wanting to introduce any spoilers, the surprises come throughout. You will enjoy the characters and feel enriched by what you learn about the challenges posed by their lives!
July 7, 2020
Atwood proves herself a master weaver threading the pain of the past and present into hoped-for futures that don’t turn out exactly as planned but is the stuff of real life. Lost at sea and a web of relationships that have confounded their lives, three very different guys struggle with daily survival waiting for a rescue from the nightmare of a wrecked ship and the relationships they fear they’ll never have the chance to put right. The story builds from meager expectations of a weekend fishing trip with strangers into the depths of relationships and survival. I wanted to hurry to the middle of the story so I could glimpse the future ahead of each character. Unexpected twists kept me turning pages as Atwood explored the age-old communication challenges of men and women attempting to live life together. I know it is a good read when I reach the end and wish for one more chapter.
August 3, 2021
This started out so great that when it unexplicably vanished from my Kindle app, I had to buy another copy so I could finish it. The premise was 3 strangers (men) who chartered a fishing boat near CA hit a rogue wave and capsized. They ended up eventually on a deserted, primitive island and had to learn to survive until and if they got rescued. I was fascinated by the survival part of the story. However, halfway through, they were rescued, and the rest of the book focused on the relationships with their women. To me, it just became like any other book at that point. That's why I removed one star. I would have much preferred to have at least 3/4 of the book focused on their attempts at survival.
October 31, 2021
Very good
When I first read th e summary of this book, my first thought was Gillian’s Island”. Oh Goody!, But surprisingly, this a good story. It a well thought out, well written story. 5 men, all with issues, stranded on a deserted island with nothing to do but survive and do the one thing men avoid above all, think. They actually talked about their relationships and their feelings. They put themselves in perspective with the greater reality. They saw their loves as people for the first time. Enlightening. Yes. Possible, oddly enough yes.
Other than the sideline and distractionof an unnecessary murder this is truly an outstanding story.
When I first read th e summary of this book, my first thought was Gillian’s Island”. Oh Goody!, But surprisingly, this a good story. It a well thought out, well written story. 5 men, all with issues, stranded on a deserted island with nothing to do but survive and do the one thing men avoid above all, think. They actually talked about their relationships and their feelings. They put themselves in perspective with the greater reality. They saw their loves as people for the first time. Enlightening. Yes. Possible, oddly enough yes.
Other than the sideline and distractionof an unnecessary murder this is truly an outstanding story.
June 12, 2020
A Story of Hope
When crisis hits a fishing boat, a captain, and its passengers, nothing is certain except nothing will ever be the same.
The author tells a powerful story of a drama triangle; victims, persecution and possible rescue. Her skill in the telling goes beyond the narrative of just what happened, but into the transformation into the characters inner lives, how they arrived at that crisis, and what it meant to those that learned and those that did not.
I enjoyed the book in a way well beyond the usual thriller.
When crisis hits a fishing boat, a captain, and its passengers, nothing is certain except nothing will ever be the same.
The author tells a powerful story of a drama triangle; victims, persecution and possible rescue. Her skill in the telling goes beyond the narrative of just what happened, but into the transformation into the characters inner lives, how they arrived at that crisis, and what it meant to those that learned and those that did not.
I enjoyed the book in a way well beyond the usual thriller.
November 15, 2020
Mushy
Really enjoyed the trials and obstacles they had to endure on the island, but when they got to sharing about relationships they had screwed up and were all feeling so sorry for themselves, I wanted to puke. Waa waa. The mid section of the book bored me to death reading about AA meetings and long drawn out counseling appointments. Got a little better when they were trying to make amends to the women they hurt, but I'm just glad to be done with the story.
Really enjoyed the trials and obstacles they had to endure on the island, but when they got to sharing about relationships they had screwed up and were all feeling so sorry for themselves, I wanted to puke. Waa waa. The mid section of the book bored me to death reading about AA meetings and long drawn out counseling appointments. Got a little better when they were trying to make amends to the women they hurt, but I'm just glad to be done with the story.
June 24, 2020
Nina has proven to be a really good story teller and this one keeps your attention. She gives you a diverse group of characters, gets you emotionally connected and moves you though the story to sustain your interest. I enjoy adding fictions to my reading list to be entertained by a story. This one did it for me.
June 24, 2020
Life is messy and beautiful. Drama, stress, love, acceptance, hurt, fear, surprise - So engaging. I found myself thinking about the story and characters and couldn't wait to get back to it. And I was rewarded with yet another twist or turn. I have referred this to several book clubs as it will bring deep discussions.
August 16, 2020
Disjointed Disappointing
I felt like the author couldn't decide what book to write and ended up with 5 into one. It is very sappy, emotional , lots of life's baggage worked out among how many characters 8-10 maybe 12. I did make it through till the end but don't recommend it even if it's free.
I felt like the author couldn't decide what book to write and ended up with 5 into one. It is very sappy, emotional , lots of life's baggage worked out among how many characters 8-10 maybe 12. I did make it through till the end but don't recommend it even if it's free.
May 16, 2021
Worth reading
I liked this book because of the way it was written. Everyone was represented, lots of points of view and emotions, except I wouldn't believe that Stuart's woman would just leave and not tell him about Sophie, that wasn't believable. Otherwise good book, I enjoyed it.
I liked this book because of the way it was written. Everyone was represented, lots of points of view and emotions, except I wouldn't believe that Stuart's woman would just leave and not tell him about Sophie, that wasn't believable. Otherwise good book, I enjoyed it.
January 28, 2022
compelling novel
This book starts off with three men setting off on a power boat for a fishing excursion. A rogue wave hits the boat, it capsizes, and the three men plus the two on the boat crew are cast into the Pacific Ocean . This book captures your heart and mind from the very first chapter. I commend this author on such a well written story from the men’s perspective.
This book starts off with three men setting off on a power boat for a fishing excursion. A rogue wave hits the boat, it capsizes, and the three men plus the two on the boat crew are cast into the Pacific Ocean . This book captures your heart and mind from the very first chapter. I commend this author on such a well written story from the men’s perspective.
June 25, 2020
What a great story. Unlikely Return grabbed me from the very start. I couldn't put the book down and plowed through it so quickly. Wonderful unexpected turns and deep character development. Such an enjoyable read.
January 24, 2021
A revealing adventure
Three men on a fishing trip wind up on a deserted island in the Pacific where they pool their knowledge to survive for many days. During that time they review their lives and start to reveal their emotions.
Three men on a fishing trip wind up on a deserted island in the Pacific where they pool their knowledge to survive for many days. During that time they review their lives and start to reveal their emotions.
April 3, 2021
Glad I read FreeFall first
I really wanted this book to be about the adventure that the men took... and it was, but almost in too predictable ways. It is a romantic story on most levels. Not what I expected. It would make a great Hallmark movie. I'm glad I read Free Fall first.
I really wanted this book to be about the adventure that the men took... and it was, but almost in too predictable ways. It is a romantic story on most levels. Not what I expected. It would make a great Hallmark movie. I'm glad I read Free Fall first.
June 19, 2021
Fantastic
I got lost in this book. It was like a was watching a movie. I loved all of the guys with the exception of Tony! I loved the I individual storylines. I recommend this book.
I got lost in this book. It was like a was watching a movie. I loved all of the guys with the exception of Tony! I loved the I individual storylines. I recommend this book.
September 21, 2023
A delightful read
A delightful read. I enjoyed the OC based nautical setting, the exciting boating episode mixed with relationship based romances and learning a little about myself at the same time.
A delightful read. I enjoyed the OC based nautical setting, the exciting boating episode mixed with relationship based romances and learning a little about myself at the same time.
June 24, 2020
So much fun
This book was fun, engaging and very entertaining read. The layout and flow of the story was very unique and kept me guessing. I can’t wait to read the next one.
This book was fun, engaging and very entertaining read. The layout and flow of the story was very unique and kept me guessing. I can’t wait to read the next one.
June 25, 2020
A story of intrigue, self reflection, courage and love. This novel has it all. Great character development. You will know these people intimately. Brilliant first effort by this author!
December 17, 2020
Started off good
If this was a movie, it would be a chick flick. This book is more about feelings, not about being stranded on an island.
If this was a movie, it would be a chick flick. This book is more about feelings, not about being stranded on an island.
December 27, 2020
I couldn't put
I couldn't put this book down. Great read with intense characters. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
I couldn't put this book down. Great read with intense characters. I can't wait to read the next book by this author.
February 2, 2021
This book is written in sections from several viewpoints. Keeps the reader going, wondering what is going to happen to ???? (Not giving it away)
February 7, 2021
From Marooned to Mills & Booned. Awful.
February 28, 2021
Disappointing
Skipped through most of it... just wasn't into the back stories which was pretty much the whole book. Definitely not what I thought it would be.
Skipped through most of it... just wasn't into the back stories which was pretty much the whole book. Definitely not what I thought it would be.
March 13, 2021
Shallow
Author doesn't seem to like men. Very surprised when I read that she is a Therapist. She is not very objective.
Author doesn't seem to like men. Very surprised when I read that she is a Therapist. She is not very objective.
August 14, 2021
Absolutely a good read!
Absolutely riveting. I could not put it down. Also, loved the ending for all the men. One of the best books I've read in a really long time.
Absolutely riveting. I could not put it down. Also, loved the ending for all the men. One of the best books I've read in a really long time.
January 31, 2022
A great read!
I couldn’t put this book down! Every page had me wanting more. I would highly suggest this book!
If you’re looking for a good read! Look no further!
I couldn’t put this book down! Every page had me wanting more. I would highly suggest this book!
If you’re looking for a good read! Look no further!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews