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Home to Texas #3
The Texas Hero's Homecoming
His final mission may be the most dangerous of all…to her heart.
Autumn Messina has finally put herself first and achieved her dream of becoming a teacher. She’s only sorry it’s come at the expense of having to sell the once thriving Messina Farm. Autumn loves her father and the farm, but she can’t do it all, and her brother has no plans to move back home. And then her brother’s best friend saunters back into her life even more handsome than she remembers and arrogantly full of plans and answers to questions she no longer wants to ask.
After exiting his special forces unit to return home to Last Stand, Sam Russell feels duty bound to help his best friend’s struggling family farm. He’s not expecting such fierce resistance in the form of a still-angry Autumn, who’s become even more beautiful and tempting in his years away.
Autumn doesn’t want his help, but Sam has never given up so easily. And what starts off as just doing his duty quickly becomes something much more personal.
Autumn Messina has finally put herself first and achieved her dream of becoming a teacher. She’s only sorry it’s come at the expense of having to sell the once thriving Messina Farm. Autumn loves her father and the farm, but she can’t do it all, and her brother has no plans to move back home. And then her brother’s best friend saunters back into her life even more handsome than she remembers and arrogantly full of plans and answers to questions she no longer wants to ask.
After exiting his special forces unit to return home to Last Stand, Sam Russell feels duty bound to help his best friend’s struggling family farm. He’s not expecting such fierce resistance in the form of a still-angry Autumn, who’s become even more beautiful and tempting in his years away.
Autumn doesn’t want his help, but Sam has never given up so easily. And what starts off as just doing his duty quickly becomes something much more personal.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2021
254 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Charlene Sands
494 books194 followersCharlene Sands is a USA Today Bestselling author writing over 50 contemporary and western historical romances. Her books have been honored with the National Readers' Choice Award, the Cataromance Reviewer’s Choice Award and she's a two time winner of the Booksellers Best Award. Her book, The Texas Renegade Returns, was voted Best HQ Desire of 2014.
She married her high school sweetheart and has a beautiful and growing family. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California beaches, bowling on a Valley Girls team, sipping delicious Mocha Lattes or going on “date” nights of dinner and a movie with her hero-like husband.
She married her high school sweetheart and has a beautiful and growing family. When not writing, she enjoys sunny California beaches, bowling on a Valley Girls team, sipping delicious Mocha Lattes or going on “date” nights of dinner and a movie with her hero-like husband.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 5, 2021
I received this arc of The Texas Hero’s Homecoming from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. This is the third book in the Home to Texas series by Charlene Sands. I’ve read all 3 books in the series and like the first two, really enjoyed this book. This is the story of Autumn Messina and Sam Russell. Sam has recently been discharged from the military and has returned home to Last Stand Texas. His best friend Joe Messina is still in the military and Sam goes on his behalf to his family’s farm to check on his father and sister. Autumn has always had a crush on her older brother’s friend Sam. Sam has always liked her too but he felt it was forbidden as he was much older and it’s his friend’s little sister. After he kissed her once in the past he said it was a mistake and she’s not forgiven him. She tries to keep her distance due to her pride and hurt feelings. She wants to resist letting Sam help but he is very persistent.
Autumn had been taking online college classes to become a teacher. Since she recently graduated, she is in her first year of teaching. She realizes that the farm is now too much for her and her dad to handle. He has begun to slow down. They make the painful decision to put it up for sale after the fall festival held at the farm. Sam sees the condition of the farm and the work that needs to be done and he starts coming out to help. He also helps Autumn plan the festival and takes it a step further by going to the veterans to ask for their help as well. Everyone wants the final fall festival to be one to remember, especially for Autumn’s dad. No one has let Joe know yet about the plan to sell the farm.
As Autumn and Sam and the others work to get everything ready for the big festival, they spend time together and share their thoughts. Autumn realizes she still has strong feelings for Sam but doesn’t want to act on it. She is afraid of being rejected again and she can’t take another heartbreak. Sam has realized he has strong feelings too but doesn’t believe himself good enough for Autumn.
The reader is provided a lot of angst and suspense in this book about whether or not the couple will allow their love to grow. I enjoyed the plot and the wonderful characters very much. It was fun to reconnect with the characters we met in the first two books too. I recommend this book and give it 5 stars.
Autumn had been taking online college classes to become a teacher. Since she recently graduated, she is in her first year of teaching. She realizes that the farm is now too much for her and her dad to handle. He has begun to slow down. They make the painful decision to put it up for sale after the fall festival held at the farm. Sam sees the condition of the farm and the work that needs to be done and he starts coming out to help. He also helps Autumn plan the festival and takes it a step further by going to the veterans to ask for their help as well. Everyone wants the final fall festival to be one to remember, especially for Autumn’s dad. No one has let Joe know yet about the plan to sell the farm.
As Autumn and Sam and the others work to get everything ready for the big festival, they spend time together and share their thoughts. Autumn realizes she still has strong feelings for Sam but doesn’t want to act on it. She is afraid of being rejected again and she can’t take another heartbreak. Sam has realized he has strong feelings too but doesn’t believe himself good enough for Autumn.
The reader is provided a lot of angst and suspense in this book about whether or not the couple will allow their love to grow. I enjoyed the plot and the wonderful characters very much. It was fun to reconnect with the characters we met in the first two books too. I recommend this book and give it 5 stars.
September 30, 2021
The Texas Hero’s Homecoming by Charlene Sands
Home to Texas, Book 3
His final mission may be the most dangerous of all…to her heart.
Autumn Messina has finally put herself first and achieved her dream of becoming a teacher. She’s only sorry it’s come at the expense of having to sell the once thriving Messina Farm. Autumn loves her father and the farm, but she can’t do it all, and her brother has no plans to move back home. And then her brother’s best friend saunters back into her life even more handsome than she remembers and arrogantly full of plans and answers to questions she no longer wants to ask.
After exiting his special forces unit to return home to Last Stand, Sam Russell feels duty bound to help his best friend’s struggling family farm. He’s not expecting such fierce resistance in the form of a still-angry Autumn, who’s become even more beautiful and tempting in his years away.
Autumn doesn’t want his help, but Sam has never given up so easily. And what starts off as just doing his duty quickly becomes something much more personal.
This is Autumn Messina and Sam Russell's story.
“Who’s there?” Autumn swiveled around, her eyes narrowing, pitchfork leveled and ready to pounce.
“It’s me, Sam.” She faltered back a step, blinking her eyes. “S-Sam?” “Yeah, it’s me. Hello, Autumn.”
“Put the pitchfork down and I’ll tell you. Man, are you always this jumpy?”
Sam Russell was on a mission. And it just might be riskier than the Ranger missions he’d carried out in Afghanistan.
His military instincts still with him, he wasn’t too sure of this outcome, but he’d give it his best shot.
There’d be a blockade of course, a force to be reckoned with. Didn’t all things worthwhile have to be hard won?
The Texas Hero’s Homecoming by Charlene Sands is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Charlene Sands.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Home to Texas, Book 3
His final mission may be the most dangerous of all…to her heart.
Autumn Messina has finally put herself first and achieved her dream of becoming a teacher. She’s only sorry it’s come at the expense of having to sell the once thriving Messina Farm. Autumn loves her father and the farm, but she can’t do it all, and her brother has no plans to move back home. And then her brother’s best friend saunters back into her life even more handsome than she remembers and arrogantly full of plans and answers to questions she no longer wants to ask.
After exiting his special forces unit to return home to Last Stand, Sam Russell feels duty bound to help his best friend’s struggling family farm. He’s not expecting such fierce resistance in the form of a still-angry Autumn, who’s become even more beautiful and tempting in his years away.
Autumn doesn’t want his help, but Sam has never given up so easily. And what starts off as just doing his duty quickly becomes something much more personal.
This is Autumn Messina and Sam Russell's story.
“Who’s there?” Autumn swiveled around, her eyes narrowing, pitchfork leveled and ready to pounce.
“It’s me, Sam.” She faltered back a step, blinking her eyes. “S-Sam?” “Yeah, it’s me. Hello, Autumn.”
“Put the pitchfork down and I’ll tell you. Man, are you always this jumpy?”
Sam Russell was on a mission. And it just might be riskier than the Ranger missions he’d carried out in Afghanistan.
His military instincts still with him, he wasn’t too sure of this outcome, but he’d give it his best shot.
There’d be a blockade of course, a force to be reckoned with. Didn’t all things worthwhile have to be hard won?
The Texas Hero’s Homecoming by Charlene Sands is a 4 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Charlene Sands.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 24, 2021
Autumn Messina has stayed behind and tried to keep the family farm alive while also going to college part time to become an elementary school teacher. She has finally started to work in her chosen field when she and her father realize that the farm may finally be a lost cause. Droughts, bad weather and bad prices are the causes of many small farms failing. And the Messina farm has had it all plus her father's health isn't what it used to be. Her older brother is serving in the Army and while he helps out financially, he isn't there day to day.
Sam Russell has returned back to Last Stand after serving in the Army special forces for 10 years. He served under Autumn's brother and has always been around the family farm. He is a man without a purpose and trying to adjust to civilian life. He starts coming around the Messina farm and wants to help out. But can Sam and Autumn realize that those feelings they both had way back in high school are really still there and might be true love?
This is a fast read and enjoyable. There isn't a lot of depth to it but again it is a novella. I would recommend it as a fast quick read for a week night or two.
I did receive a copy of this book in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
Sam Russell has returned back to Last Stand after serving in the Army special forces for 10 years. He served under Autumn's brother and has always been around the family farm. He is a man without a purpose and trying to adjust to civilian life. He starts coming around the Messina farm and wants to help out. But can Sam and Autumn realize that those feelings they both had way back in high school are really still there and might be true love?
This is a fast read and enjoyable. There isn't a lot of depth to it but again it is a novella. I would recommend it as a fast quick read for a week night or two.
I did receive a copy of this book in advance from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.
September 15, 2021
A sweet second chance at love.
When Sam Russell returns to Last Stand and discovers Messina Farm in disrepair, he vows to help them get back on track. He owes it to his best friend, Joe Messina, who saved his life, while serving in the army in Afghanistan. Joe’s sister, Autumn, doesn’t want Sam around. She doesn’t want his help. Sam is the man who broke her heart. Autumn just wants to sell the farm and be done with it. But first, she wants to hold one last Messina Farms Fall Festival. As Autumn and Sam work together, they find themselves getting close again. Will it be enough for love?
I found myself pulled into this story pretty quick. Sam, recently dumped by his fiance, wasn’t ready for a relationship, and Autumn just didn’t want one with Sam. So, it was fun to see how they overcame the hurt and found their way back together. It sure wasn’t an easy road for them. If you love a sweet romance, country life and family, you will enjoy this book.
When Sam Russell returns to Last Stand and discovers Messina Farm in disrepair, he vows to help them get back on track. He owes it to his best friend, Joe Messina, who saved his life, while serving in the army in Afghanistan. Joe’s sister, Autumn, doesn’t want Sam around. She doesn’t want his help. Sam is the man who broke her heart. Autumn just wants to sell the farm and be done with it. But first, she wants to hold one last Messina Farms Fall Festival. As Autumn and Sam work together, they find themselves getting close again. Will it be enough for love?
I found myself pulled into this story pretty quick. Sam, recently dumped by his fiance, wasn’t ready for a relationship, and Autumn just didn’t want one with Sam. So, it was fun to see how they overcame the hurt and found their way back together. It sure wasn’t an easy road for them. If you love a sweet romance, country life and family, you will enjoy this book.
September 30, 2021
Sam's best friend saved his life when they were in special forces. He feels like he an never repay him. When Sam leaves the special forces and ends up in his hometown he finds his friend's family farm failing. Autumn has struggled to work the family farm and study to become a teacher. Now that she is teaching it is ever harder to keep up with the farm. He father decides to get it ready to sell. They are just waiting to tell her brother the news. Mean while her brother's best friend, who broke her teenage heart when he did not share her feelings, has come to help. As much as she wants him gone it is nice to have a man there to help out. The more time they spend together things feel different to Autumn. Maybe he does care? What choice does Sam have? He can either act of his feelings for Autumn and betray his friend who saved his life or he can push her away. Good read.
October 1, 2021
Yall I did not read the first 2 books in this series but I can say I want to now. In this book the author has a way of making you feel like you are right there watching the whole thing play out. Defiantly a coming home story and finding yourself. Autumn has a feisty spirit, but an ol' soul who love, cares and feels deeply. You could feel her emotions through the pages in some parts of the book. Sam was a giver, yet he also felt he "owed" people and no one was exempt from that, he just wanted to make sure he showed the same honor he learned in the military. This book is a clean read and over all I really loved it, this book was a quick read and I think the only thing I left wanting more of is I hope that Joe gets his story told next. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 30, 2021
The Texas Hero's Homecoming, the third book in the Home to Texas Series by Charlene Sands is a sweet heartwarming romance. I understand Autumn Messina dilemma concerning her personal goal and holding on to the struggling family farm. Many of us have faced similar circumstances with family property. What most of us didn’t have was Sam Russell showing up to help us.
A slow building romance with neither Autumn nor Sam looking for love. Tied to it all is family, loyalty, and country living. Not without the ups and downs that come in life, you hope that Sam and Autumn can find a way to have it all.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A slow building romance with neither Autumn nor Sam looking for love. Tied to it all is family, loyalty, and country living. Not without the ups and downs that come in life, you hope that Sam and Autumn can find a way to have it all.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 1, 2021
This is a sweet romance about two people both hurting and not realising that they are perfect for one another
Autumn Messina is finally getting to live her life the way she wants and she knows selling the failing family farm will be the final act but first she wants to hold one final Fall Festival. Then things become complicated her brothers best friend Sam Russell returns from the special forces. he is the man who broke Autumn heart and she wants nothing to do with him no matter how gorgeous he is. Sam is suffering his own heart break after his engagement fell through but he is determined to save the farm after all he owes it to his best friend as he saved his life. As they work together feeling flare again can they have a future together You will have to read to see
Autumn Messina is finally getting to live her life the way she wants and she knows selling the failing family farm will be the final act but first she wants to hold one final Fall Festival. Then things become complicated her brothers best friend Sam Russell returns from the special forces. he is the man who broke Autumn heart and she wants nothing to do with him no matter how gorgeous he is. Sam is suffering his own heart break after his engagement fell through but he is determined to save the farm after all he owes it to his best friend as he saved his life. As they work together feeling flare again can they have a future together You will have to read to see
September 30, 2021
If you are looking for a sweet, heartwarming, second chance romance then this book is for you. Sam broke Autumn's heart and when he comes back to help her she wants nothing to do with him. Sam stays anyways and helps her. As they work together old feelings begin to resurface. There isn't always a smooth journey to the end. Great book from start to finish. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
Sweet story about love, family, troubles, and disappointments. The love Autumn had always felt for Sam resurges and slowly creeps up on him. It is a rocky road they travel with pitfalls and love bumps.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 6, 2021
The story of Autumn and Sam. She is selling the family farm so she can finally be a teacher. When Sam returns back from the military he wants to save the farm, so who will get their own way?
He is her brothers best friend, but does that put him off limits.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
He is her brothers best friend, but does that put him off limits.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
December 9, 2025
Unmoved
The characters in this book were interesting and credible . The story however, was mixed, some of it interesting but the relationship between Autumn and Sam was difficult to believe for me.
The characters in this book were interesting and credible . The story however, was mixed, some of it interesting but the relationship between Autumn and Sam was difficult to believe for me.
September 26, 2021
Excellent book! I believe it is number three in the series.
October 6, 2023
Quite formulaic but still sweet and clean.
October 22, 2023
Clean Country Romance
This is a sweet story about Sam, Autumn, and their obligations. The characters are well rounded and very likable with a great storyline.
This is a sweet story about Sam, Autumn, and their obligations. The characters are well rounded and very likable with a great storyline.
November 2, 2023
Decent read.
April 12, 2025
Vets
I loved all the patience and hard work, our vets deserve that much. Wonderful story, but like I said you have to have patience.
I loved all the patience and hard work, our vets deserve that much. Wonderful story, but like I said you have to have patience.
October 1, 2021
The hero comes back to Texas to help his best friend’s father and sister save the family’s farm.
This author writes a real heart warming read and this one is that , and it makes you want to see a romance really develop between Autumn and Sam.
So my recommendation is grab this one, let it take you to the farm for all the feel good feelings.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review in my own words.
This author writes a real heart warming read and this one is that , and it makes you want to see a romance really develop between Autumn and Sam.
So my recommendation is grab this one, let it take you to the farm for all the feel good feelings.
I was given an advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my review in my own words.
December 19, 2025
This is the third book in the Home to Texas series by Charlene Sands. Autumn Messina had to sell her family's Messina Farm to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. With her father aging and her brother unwilling to return home, Autumn is left the burden of letting go of her childhood farm in Last Stand, Texas. Sam Russell is her brother’s best friend and a retired special forces soldier, who returns to their hometown of Last Stand, Texas. Since Autumn's brother saved Sam's life, he feels indebted to Autumn's family Sam feels indebted to Autumn’s family and is determined to help restore the farm. But Autumn still harbors resentment from Sam when he left her behind years ago. Sam must prove himself and rekindle Autumn's trust to reignite their romance. But both must confront their past wounds and fears if they want to build something lasting. This heartfelt small-town romance about second chances, family loyalty, and the healing power of love is a great read. I really enjoyed this wonderful friends-to-lovers second chance romance novel.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews