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Katama Bay #1
Return To Me
A Manhattan socialite who loses everything. The mother she's resented for over twenty years. A return to Martha's Vineyard, where healing can finally begin.
Janine Potter grew up on the other side of the tracks. Her mother, Nancy, struggled with just about everything: alcohol, men, money -- and Janine made a pledge to herself that she would never be like her.
At age nineteen, Janine met Jack Potter, the son of an oil tycoon, and never looked back. Her life became a series of cocktail parties and multi-million-dollar apartments all across the world and rubbing elbows with celebrities. Slowly, memory of her mother faded -- although the trauma never really did.
Fast-forward to the present. Janine is forty-three, with two beautiful daughters, a perfect apartment, a handsome husband who betrays her beyond her wildest dreams.
Soon, Janine is cast out from her picture-perfect life. She has nothing.
Her mother, Nancy, who's gone through trials and triumphs of her own over the previous twenty years, sees Janine's very public devastation as an opportunity to reach out to the daughter she's missed so desperately over the years.
"Come to Martha's Vineyard. Return to me. Let's heal together, after the shared trauma of our past."
Janine has nowhere else to turn. For the first time in twenty-five years, her mother is her only answer.
But the world that awaits her on Martha's Vineyard is beyond her wildest dreams. There are new friends, two step-sisters, beautiful ocean waters, and even a potential love interest -- a summer she'll never forget.
Can Janine and her mother find a way to heal the wounds of their past? Can Janine overcome the ultimate betrayal?
Dive into book one of The Katama Bay Series -- a heartwarming journey of motherly and sisterly love, healing, and promise for better days, all on the island of Martha's Vineyard, with its gorgeous ocean views, its endless summer days, and its bubbly cast of islanders.
For fans of Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, and Debbie Macomber.
Janine Potter grew up on the other side of the tracks. Her mother, Nancy, struggled with just about everything: alcohol, men, money -- and Janine made a pledge to herself that she would never be like her.
At age nineteen, Janine met Jack Potter, the son of an oil tycoon, and never looked back. Her life became a series of cocktail parties and multi-million-dollar apartments all across the world and rubbing elbows with celebrities. Slowly, memory of her mother faded -- although the trauma never really did.
Fast-forward to the present. Janine is forty-three, with two beautiful daughters, a perfect apartment, a handsome husband who betrays her beyond her wildest dreams.
Soon, Janine is cast out from her picture-perfect life. She has nothing.
Her mother, Nancy, who's gone through trials and triumphs of her own over the previous twenty years, sees Janine's very public devastation as an opportunity to reach out to the daughter she's missed so desperately over the years.
"Come to Martha's Vineyard. Return to me. Let's heal together, after the shared trauma of our past."
Janine has nowhere else to turn. For the first time in twenty-five years, her mother is her only answer.
But the world that awaits her on Martha's Vineyard is beyond her wildest dreams. There are new friends, two step-sisters, beautiful ocean waters, and even a potential love interest -- a summer she'll never forget.
Can Janine and her mother find a way to heal the wounds of their past? Can Janine overcome the ultimate betrayal?
Dive into book one of The Katama Bay Series -- a heartwarming journey of motherly and sisterly love, healing, and promise for better days, all on the island of Martha's Vineyard, with its gorgeous ocean views, its endless summer days, and its bubbly cast of islanders.
For fans of Susan Mallery, Jill Shalvis, and Debbie Macomber.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2021
862 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Katie Winters
122 books397 followersKatie writes women's fiction and clean, wholesome contemporary romance. She looks to everyday, real-life family issues to weave stories of heartfelt emotions, love and loss, and everything in between.
Come transport yourself to Martha's Vineyard: an island of vivid blue ocean, white sand, and a lively community of locals, who celebrate everything from the bright New England summers to the cold, yet cozy, snowcapped winters.
Join my newsletter for updates: https://bit.ly/30cqGnI
Come transport yourself to Martha's Vineyard: an island of vivid blue ocean, white sand, and a lively community of locals, who celebrate everything from the bright New England summers to the cold, yet cozy, snowcapped winters.
Join my newsletter for updates: https://bit.ly/30cqGnI
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 26, 2021
ARC for honest review with no compensation
Return to Me is book 1 in the new Katama Bay series by Katie Winters and a spinoff of her other series located in Martha's Vineyard!
Janine Potter came from the wrong side of the tracks and at 19 became a Manhattan Socialite when she married Jack Potter. She had it all...a loving husband, 2 beautiful daughters and never a need for money. When her oldest daughter, Maggie becomes engaged she throws the event of the year engagement party. What she doesn't even suspect is her husband of over 20 years is having an affair with her very best friend and she walks in on them together...devastation, despair hit her hard. When her estranged mother invites her to Martha's Vineyard with the hope of healing their past and maybe moving forward to a civil life between them, wishing for a loving relationship at best.
What happens next for Janine is creating new dreams, finding she has step-sisters, making new genuine friends, ocean views made for healing the soul, possibly finding a new love and so much more...can't wait for the next book in this series! !
Return to Me is book 1 in the new Katama Bay series by Katie Winters and a spinoff of her other series located in Martha's Vineyard!
Janine Potter came from the wrong side of the tracks and at 19 became a Manhattan Socialite when she married Jack Potter. She had it all...a loving husband, 2 beautiful daughters and never a need for money. When her oldest daughter, Maggie becomes engaged she throws the event of the year engagement party. What she doesn't even suspect is her husband of over 20 years is having an affair with her very best friend and she walks in on them together...devastation, despair hit her hard. When her estranged mother invites her to Martha's Vineyard with the hope of healing their past and maybe moving forward to a civil life between them, wishing for a loving relationship at best.
What happens next for Janine is creating new dreams, finding she has step-sisters, making new genuine friends, ocean views made for healing the soul, possibly finding a new love and so much more...can't wait for the next book in this series! !
March 21, 2021
In this first of the Katama Bay Series, Katie Winters focuses on the importance of family, forgiveness, second chances, and the belief that people really can change. After a betrayal by her wealthy husband and best friend in Manhattan, Janine retreats to Martha's Vineyard, where her mother Nancy lives. Her time here triggers a new beginning for both her and her mother. She learns about kindness and friendship and the importance of being strong through difficult times. I was really impressed by this book and zoomed through it, at the same time anticipating the next story in the series.
September 29, 2025
Jeg er ret vild med bøger der handler om at genopfinde sig selv. Ægteskabet er gået i stykker på grund af utro ægtemand. Spændende ny fremtid venter - og det samme gør læssevis af problemer. Og denne roman falder fint i tråd med ovenstående.
Janine har en utro ægtemand. Ja, han er grebet på fersk gerning midt under deres datters forlovelsesfest. Og for at sætte prikken over i'et, blev han grebet sammen med Janines allerbedste barndomsveninde - for åbent tæppe. Altså ALLE ved festen så det. Og det kommer i sladderbladene og på de sociale medier. Intet fejes ind under gulvtæppet. Janine er i total opløsning!
Ind fra siden, kommer der en invitation til at besøge hendes mor. Jeanine og Nancy har ikke noget forhold. Det døde for mange år siden, da Nancy pludselig forsvandt da Jeanine var 18 år. Nancy efterlod Jeanine uden penge og med en lejlighed hvor huslejen var forfalden. Hun var alkoholiker og kunne ikke holde på mænd eller jobs. Siden da, har Jeanine skabt sig et nyt liv, blandt de smukke og de rige. Ja altså, lige indtil ægtemanden tog sig en elskerinde!
Det er en hyggelig fortælling. Begge kvinder er på vej igennem en sorgprocess. Jeanine på grund af det forliste ægteskab og Nancy på grund af hendes mands pludselig dødsfald. Ud over de to, er der også en stedsøster, som også er i sorg på grund af både faderens og ægtefællens dødsfald. Jo, der er meget sorg der skal behandles. Alligevel er det en feelgood roman. Kaster mig straks over nr. 2 i rækken.
Janine har en utro ægtemand. Ja, han er grebet på fersk gerning midt under deres datters forlovelsesfest. Og for at sætte prikken over i'et, blev han grebet sammen med Janines allerbedste barndomsveninde - for åbent tæppe. Altså ALLE ved festen så det. Og det kommer i sladderbladene og på de sociale medier. Intet fejes ind under gulvtæppet. Janine er i total opløsning!
Ind fra siden, kommer der en invitation til at besøge hendes mor. Jeanine og Nancy har ikke noget forhold. Det døde for mange år siden, da Nancy pludselig forsvandt da Jeanine var 18 år. Nancy efterlod Jeanine uden penge og med en lejlighed hvor huslejen var forfalden. Hun var alkoholiker og kunne ikke holde på mænd eller jobs. Siden da, har Jeanine skabt sig et nyt liv, blandt de smukke og de rige. Ja altså, lige indtil ægtemanden tog sig en elskerinde!
Det er en hyggelig fortælling. Begge kvinder er på vej igennem en sorgprocess. Jeanine på grund af det forliste ægteskab og Nancy på grund af hendes mands pludselig dødsfald. Ud over de to, er der også en stedsøster, som også er i sorg på grund af både faderens og ægtefællens dødsfald. Jo, der er meget sorg der skal behandles. Alligevel er det en feelgood roman. Kaster mig straks over nr. 2 i rækken.
March 16, 2022
This story seemed very contrived, but I enjoyed the setting and characters enough to purchase the second book in the series so I can follow the various plot lines.
Nancy Potter gave birth at the age of sixteen to Janine. As a single mother she could barely afford to put food on their table in Brooklyn. Nancy attracted the wrong kind of men, she battled depression and alcoholism. When Janine was nineteen Nancy left without telling her daughter where she was going. Fast forward 22 years later: Janine and Nancy both married super wealthy men. Jack cheated on Janine with her best friend Maxine (who also came from their Brooklyn neighborhood). Nancy's husband Neal is recently deceased. After not speaking all these years Nancy reaches out to Janine and invites her to come to Nantucket so she can escape the nastiness and gossip of her former "friends" in Manhattan. There are lots of happy coincidences - too numerous to mention - as the story unfolds that made me chuckle. But this is fiction and I was willing to go along with them enough to keep reading the entire book.
Nancy Potter gave birth at the age of sixteen to Janine. As a single mother she could barely afford to put food on their table in Brooklyn. Nancy attracted the wrong kind of men, she battled depression and alcoholism. When Janine was nineteen Nancy left without telling her daughter where she was going. Fast forward 22 years later: Janine and Nancy both married super wealthy men. Jack cheated on Janine with her best friend Maxine (who also came from their Brooklyn neighborhood). Nancy's husband Neal is recently deceased. After not speaking all these years Nancy reaches out to Janine and invites her to come to Nantucket so she can escape the nastiness and gossip of her former "friends" in Manhattan. There are lots of happy coincidences - too numerous to mention - as the story unfolds that made me chuckle. But this is fiction and I was willing to go along with them enough to keep reading the entire book.
April 4, 2021
This is the first book in the Katama Bay Series. I can’t wait to see where the next book goes. Wealthy Socialite Janine and her husband are hosting an upscale party to celebrate the engagement of their daughter Maggie. Betrayed by her husband and her best friend (or so she thought) Janine flees to Martha’s Vineyard to try to reconnect. Mother and daughter have been estranged for years. Janine’s mother Nancy, has rebuilt her life and is currently mourning the loss of her husband Neal
Janine is surprised by the life Nancy and Neal built in Martha’s Vineyard as well as by the beautiful Katama Bay Wellness Spa that has been a place of healing for so many
Will Janine and step sister Carmella be able to persuade Nancy and the step sister Elsa to reopen the spa? Can Janine rebuild the broken relationship with her mother?
Thank you to the author for an ARC. This review is my honest opinion
Janine is surprised by the life Nancy and Neal built in Martha’s Vineyard as well as by the beautiful Katama Bay Wellness Spa that has been a place of healing for so many
Will Janine and step sister Carmella be able to persuade Nancy and the step sister Elsa to reopen the spa? Can Janine rebuild the broken relationship with her mother?
Thank you to the author for an ARC. This review is my honest opinion
March 24, 2021
Grab your tissues and lock yourself away! This book had me ugly crying from the very first page...and I didn’t stop until after I closed the book. I don’t know how Katie Winters keeps turning out these incredible books—but she does! Return to me kicks off another new series, and you know it’s going to be spectacular.
This storyline is totally heart wrenching; the characters are incredibly layered in depth; the plot twists and turns definitely will have you reeling...and the lack of a clear cut HEA just makes it that much more painful. You really need to grab this book today!
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and can’t wait to see what happens next!)
This storyline is totally heart wrenching; the characters are incredibly layered in depth; the plot twists and turns definitely will have you reeling...and the lack of a clear cut HEA just makes it that much more painful. You really need to grab this book today!
(I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and can’t wait to see what happens next!)
November 10, 2023
This was a great start to what I feel is going to be another amazing series. Janine's character has been through so much. A rough childhood, a best friend who betrays her, and a husband who cheated on her. She is lost and feels she has nowhere to go. She ends up going to Katama Bay by her mother. This is where the book really pulls at the heart. I love Katie Winters books. She brings her characters to life, pulls you into their lives and emotions, and leaves you wanting more. I am so looking forward to read the rest of this series.
April 26, 2021
Another great start to a series that intertwines with Katie’s last 2!
Life hands us all crap at times, but as a socialite, Janine’s life crap was very public & as mist women do, she retreated to heal.
Go to Martha’s Vineyard, heal from a very public humiliation, mend your relationship with your mother, make new friends and just find yourself again!
You will love this story of family, the commitment & strength we gain from it all!
Life hands us all crap at times, but as a socialite, Janine’s life crap was very public & as mist women do, she retreated to heal.
Go to Martha’s Vineyard, heal from a very public humiliation, mend your relationship with your mother, make new friends and just find yourself again!
You will love this story of family, the commitment & strength we gain from it all!
November 11, 2024
4.5 stars
I can already tell this will be a binge read series for me. Hmm…wonder if I can cancel all plans this week to read?
After being humiliated in the worst way by two people she loved Janine decides to take a breather on Martha’s Vineyard with her estranged mom.
That right there should be enough to hook you.
I have been on a Katie Winters kick this year and am loving it. My suggestion, read the Vineyard Sunset series before this series.
I can already tell this will be a binge read series for me. Hmm…wonder if I can cancel all plans this week to read?
After being humiliated in the worst way by two people she loved Janine decides to take a breather on Martha’s Vineyard with her estranged mom.
That right there should be enough to hook you.
I have been on a Katie Winters kick this year and am loving it. My suggestion, read the Vineyard Sunset series before this series.
March 27, 2021
It is amazing how Katie Winters develop her characters to draw you into their story and makes you not want to stop reading. A great story that might give you a glimpse into what really matters and when you are down, UP is the only way to go! Loved the story and love how Katie Winters weaves her characters from other series into her present story? It is like seeing old friends!
October 24, 2022
Good Story
I loved this story. Women helping women. Instead of competing, standing together in a special place. Learning to remember the good times and keeping the little things close to your heart. Not forgetting the bad things but learning from them. And forgiving those who did hurtful things but also acknowledging shortcomings and forgiving yourself.
I loved this story. Women helping women. Instead of competing, standing together in a special place. Learning to remember the good times and keeping the little things close to your heart. Not forgetting the bad things but learning from them. And forgiving those who did hurtful things but also acknowledging shortcomings and forgiving yourself.
June 1, 2025
The book held promise of an interesting plot, but it was neither well-developed nor well-written. The editing also needed some work. Hard to believe the author is a "bestselling author." I won't waste my time on any more books in the series, even though I love a good beach read, which is what I was hoping for in this book.
March 25, 2021
Great start to a new series. I had no idea this was a tearjerker but wow! I love the new characters and of course set in the vineyard- so it’s just perfect. I really advise everyone to read this and all of Katie Winters books.
I received a free arc for an honest review.
I received a free arc for an honest review.
June 23, 2021
Good book.
Easy reading. This was a new author for me. The book was a nice beginning to a new series. I will be looking forward to seeing what comes next. No bad language. Easy to read.
Easy reading. This was a new author for me. The book was a nice beginning to a new series. I will be looking forward to seeing what comes next. No bad language. Easy to read.
April 19, 2022
This author is new to me. Even though the story was pretty predictable, it was a pleasure to read and it went fast. Sometimes that is just what you need. I will definitely check out other books in the series.
July 28, 2022
Captivating story of family,loss and rebirth
I grew up on Martha's Vineyard and Kate Winters captures the magic of Summer there. The story brings the full gamut of emotions to the reader and !eaves.them yearning for the.next book in the series.
I grew up on Martha's Vineyard and Kate Winters captures the magic of Summer there. The story brings the full gamut of emotions to the reader and !eaves.them yearning for the.next book in the series.
November 8, 2024
Wonderful read. If you love family stories you will love this.
I liked the way Janine and Nancy resolved their differences and grew closer as time went by. They are a perfect match for mother and daughter.
I liked the way Janine and Nancy resolved their differences and grew closer as time went by. They are a perfect match for mother and daughter.
March 23, 2021
A beautiful start to a new series. Janine returned to Martha’s Vineyard. It is time for Janine to focus on her future and her relationship with her mother. Her daughters were wonderful and assisted in the healing process. Looking forward to the next in this series. I received this arc for an honest review.
March 27, 2021
Not for me ! A bit too flat.
May 31, 2021
Return to Me
Great story! The plot thickens and the characters go through hard times but continue to make the best decision! They reopen the wellness spa!
Great story! The plot thickens and the characters go through hard times but continue to make the best decision! They reopen the wellness spa!
June 2, 2021
Great read!
I chose the rating because it was genuinely a good read and I felt comfortable with this family. We all need a good read!
I chose the rating because it was genuinely a good read and I felt comfortable with this family. We all need a good read!
June 24, 2021
The start of another great series by Katie Winters and I love how she brings in characters from her other series.
September 13, 2021
Great mother daughter story
Can a mother and daughter reconcile after 25 years apart? This story shows that they most certainly
can. A must read.
Can a mother and daughter reconcile after 25 years apart? This story shows that they most certainly
can. A must read.
October 12, 2021
Another great book in this Vineyard series. Love them all.
October 18, 2021
Katama Bay
I enjoyed the story of the Grim son girls and the Katama Bay Health Spa and Lodge. It is a beautifully written story of lives and loves lost and found.
I enjoyed the story of the Grim son girls and the Katama Bay Health Spa and Lodge. It is a beautifully written story of lives and loves lost and found.
October 25, 2021
Shows that no matter how down and out you are theres always hope to heal oneself
December 29, 2021
3.5 it started out as a page turner but ended up flat and predictable. Maybe it was just not for me.
February 6, 2022
Lovely book with a capturing plot. Interesting characters and wonder description of Martha Vineyard. Probably will never make it there myself so I enjoyed reading about it.
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May 5, 20229
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews