Return to the Island

Amherst Island #3

by Kate Hewitt

What would her life look like without her beloved island in it? Where would she go? Ellen had come back here—to the place she felt she belonged—thinking she would stay here. But was it home… or just a place to hide?

1918, Canada : The First World War is over and those who have been fighting in Europe are heading for home, forever changed. Amongst the lost, the damaged and the broken, is former nurse Ellen Copley ; who finds herself returning—not to her house in Glasgow, but to her childhood home on Amherst Island.

There, she feels sure, in the warm embrace of the McCafferty family, with her beloved Aunt Rose and her cousins, she will feel safe and loved. She will be able to escape the ghosts of the past and her loss, and find peace.

But the island is a changed place too. The war has affected life the world over, and Aunt Rose is struggling to keep their small farmstead going. The family’s only hope is asking their neighbours, the Lymans, to help. But Jed Lyman is a broken man, both physically and emotionally, and his once-adoring brother Lucas is now more distant than ever.

And as Ellen fights to save the farm, she has to what makes somewhere a home? And—when help comes from an unexpected place—she wonders, has the man she’s destined to love been waiting for her out there all along?

This is the third novel in the unmissable Amherst Island series following the life of Ellen Copley from her humble beginnings in Scotland to the brutal battlefields of the First World War, and ultimately her return to beautiful Amherst Island. Perfect for fans of The Oceans Between Us , The Orphan Sisters , and Rhys Bowen’s The Victory Garden.

Readers love Return to the Island :
“ Omg … This book was so good. I cried when the family suffered . I laughed with them in good times. I rooted for them through hard times. This book has so much happening, but for me the book was mainly about growing UP and finding out where you belong.” Goodreads Reviewer

“I could not wait to read this… and I was not disappointed! … Wonderful .” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

“I did not read the first two books… but it didn’t matter a bit, this book is fine to read as a standalone… Brought the time post-war vividly to life . All the physical and psychological issues that people had to deal with… A beautifully crafted book and a real thinker .” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

“ Ellen is such a realistic character and the island an arresting setting that you just keep reading… Hewitt brings to life an engaging cast of characters and shows family both as a place of love and conflict.” Goodreads Reviewer

“ Wonderful … Everything may not end the way it’s expected but the endings are wonderful.” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

“Reading this book brought the time post-war vividly to life… A beautifully crafted book and a real thinker .” NetGalley Reviewer, 5 stars

“A brilliant , well told love story.” Karen Loves Reading , 5 stars

“I loved it! … Captured my heart.” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

“I loved following Ellen’s life… This book is Kate at her best .” Goodreads Reviewer, 5 stars

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Romance

268 pages, Paperback

Published January 12, 2021

About the author

Kate is the USA Today-bsetselling author of many books of both historical and contemporary fiction. Under the name Katharine Swartz, she is the author of the Tales from Goswell books, a series of time-slip novels set in the village of Goswell.

She likes to read women's fiction, mystery and thrillers, as well as historical novels. She particularly enjoys reading about well-drawn characters and avoids high-concept plots.

Having lived in both New York City and a tiny village on the windswept northwest coast of England, she now resides in a market town in Wales with her husband, five children, and two Golden Retrievers.

Reviews

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of Kate Hewitt’s books, but the Amherst Island series, following the life of orphan Ellen Copley as she’s immigrated from Scotland to Canada, grown up on Amherst Island with her aunt and uncle, and had adventures and heartbreak in the early 1900’s, is a special favorite. In book three, RETURN TO THE ISLAND, Ellen has just returned home to Amherst Island after serving as a nurse for several years in France during World War One. Previous to that, she attended art school in Glasgow. Things have changed on the island. Jed, her childhood crush, is dealing with the effects of the war and a strained marriage. Peter, her cousin, is suffering after fighting in the war as well. Ellen throughout the series has had to ask herself where her heart truly lies… with Jed or Lukas, and I liked the way that was resolved. With the farm in trouble, Aunt Rose, Caro and Ellen come up with a resourceful idea to save it, with Lukas’s help. I enjoyed the side plot Caro got in this one. This is such a heartwarming historical romance series that I love reading.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Copley’s return to Amherst Island after the terrible days of the war, when she was nursing on the front line in France, saw her relax at last. The peace of the island had always called her and along with her Aunt Rose, her cousins and the Lyman’s on the next property, she hoped she was where she was meant to be at last. But things had changed since she’d been away. Uncle Dyle had passed away; her cousin Peter, along with Jed and Lucas Lyman – as well as most of the island’s young men – had been on the front line. Some had physical injuries, some had emotional injuries. Ellen knew the war had changed them all…

Aunt Rose was struggling to keep the farm going and between her and Ellen, they tried to find a solution. With help from an unexpected source, it seemed they might be able to put off the inevitable. But what would happen after that? And with more, ongoing troubles on the island, Ellen despaired, taking on more and more of the responsibility. What would be the outcome for this strong, resilient young woman who had seen far more than her fair share of troubles since she was a child?

Return to the Island is the 3rd and final in the Amherst Island trilogy by Kate Hewitt, and once again I loved it! Amherst Island, on the banks of Lake Ontario in Canada certainly captured my heart – I’d love to visit and see it as Ellen saw it. The beauty of the island drew many to its shores, while the devastation of WWI took away from the island (and the rest of the world) A thoroughly enjoyable read, I’d recommend beginning with #1 when Ellen was only 12 years old. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

[Tahera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the Island is the 3rd and final book in the Amherst Island trilogy. It did take me a while to get around to reading this book after reading the first two books so close together. What can I say? The book was such a satisfying end to the series and it warmed my heart to see Ellen Copley finally realising what and who are her true place/ home and love. This series is kind of a homage by the author Kate Hewitt to the Anne Of Green Gables series which she loves and which I love too and I loved how she used the essence of the AOGG books to create her own Anne in Ellen Copley and her journey towards finding her own place in the world. I got introduced to Kate Hewitt's writing with her Far Horizons trilogy and after reading this trilogy I can say that I am a fan now.

My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture and the author Kate Hewitt for the e-Arc of the book.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫

[linda hole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and the last book in the amherts Island trilogy. Omg what a way to finish a beautiful trilogy. This book was so good. I cried when the family suffered. I laughed with them in good times. I rooted for them through hard times. This book has so much happening, but for Me the book was mainly about growing UP and finding out where you belong.
Thank you to netgalley for letting me read this e arc in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
An interesting historical romance, featuring a compelling heroine who is stronger and much worthier than she thinks, “Return to the Island”, by Kate Hewitt (Bookouture) takes place in the beautiful setting of Amherst Island, Canada.
The focus is more on the heroine’s quest, the need for a home, family and belonging, than on romance, but Ellen is such a realistic character and the island an arresting setting that you just keep reading about what living in the turbulent post-WWI period.
Hewitt brings to life an engaging cast of characters and shows family both as a place of love and conflict, also addressing themes of physical and psychological war wounds, poverty and disease.
Ellen is a strong woman with some very human insecurities and fears. Hewitt does a good job describing her love for Amerhest Island and the McCafferty family.
I liked the romance, a tender and very slow friends-to-lovers relationship, with a super attentive and considerate hero, although the uncertainty about the romantic interest remains until the end.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Island is the third and last book in the Amherst Island series by Kate Hewitt, Now that the war is over, Ellen is back on the island, the only place she has ever truly called home. She is really not sure what direction her life is going to go, but she knows the island is the only place she has ever felt like she belonged. War has ravished most of the world and Ellen soon finds it has touched her island as well. Her Aunt Rose along with the island’s other residents, are trying to make ends meet and keep their farms afloat. On top of all of this, some of the men who also returned to the island, like her friend, Jed and cousin, Peter have been affected the most by the war and they are having a tough time forgetting all they have been through on the front lines.

With Ellen’s help can the family prosper once more? To make ends meet they take on a new opportunity in hopes that they do not lose the farm. But, in doing so, new opportunities arise for Ellen. Is Amherst Island what makes a home? Or is it the people you truly love with your whole heart and soul?

I just can’t even express how much I have LOVED this series and in a way, I am really sad that this was the last book, although I am also happy with how it ended. I loved catching up with Ellen as she makes her way through the world trying to find her place with all the trials and tribulations she has gone through. Ellen is a strong character even though at times it may not seem that way. But, through it all Ellen symbolizes hope for herself and the future.

Hewitt brings to life Amherst Island in such a way that really makes me wish I was there, taking in the farm and the beautiful scenery. I have such a love of history and how places looked during the early 1900’s and Hewitt really brings this time period to life. I really wished I could have seen it and all of its beauty.

I highly recommend reading the Amherst Island trilogy and I know you will fall in love with all of the characters the way I have. This is a moving story about life, love and family.

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not wait to read this final book in the trilogy and I was not disappointed!

Ellen returns home to her beloved Amherst Island but so much has changed. The war has affected the lives of everyone and also the economy.

What will happen to ellen, the McCaffertys and the Lymans? All of my questions were answered in a wonderful conclusion to the story

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own..

Merged review:

I could not wait to read this final book in the trilogy and I was not disappointed!

Ellen returns home to her beloved Amherst Island but so much has changed. The war has affected the lives of everyone and also the economy.

What will happen to ellen, the McCaffertys and the Lymans? All of my questions were answered in a wonderful conclusion to the story

Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own..

[GREGORY · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book as the previous 2 has kept my wife enjoying every page. We are on to book 5 and although the series is 6, this one is my last. She will have to carry on without me if she reads #6. Kate Hewitt knows how to keep her readers enthralled with her heroin Ellen, but I guess the baton will be passed to a daughter or son to complete this saga.

[Nicola “Shortbookthyme” · Rating 4 out of 5]

♥️Family ♥️Belonging ♥️Romance♥️Self Worth♥️
Return to the Island is the last book in the Amherst Island trilogy. While I think it can be read as a standalone, I wish I had read the previous books. I think knowing the characters and how they relate to each other would have made as big difference in my review.
With that said, Ellen’s lack of confidence in herself started to frustrate me to no end! Loved Aunt Rose....I’m sure she played in a big part in the previous books.
I need to read the previous books!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Donna McEachran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I hadn't realised that this was part 3 of a series and was a little hesitant to read it once Iearnt that. I was worried the story wouldn't make sense and there would be gaps in my understanding, meaning I wouldn't enjoy the book. Nothing could be further from the truth. The author gives enough background to make this an enjoyable stand alone book. I found Ellen a little naive for someone who had done as much as she had but still endearing. I will go back and read the other books purely for my own enjoyment.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit apprehensive jumping into this book, as it's the third in a series that follows the heroine from childhood to adulthood. I thought for sure it wasn't going to work, and I'd have to start from the beginning to enjoy the story. However, I was certainly wrong about that! While I think more enjoyment would be had if you've read all three, it's still a great read even if you start at the end like me. There's so much sorrow in the story but also great hope for the future, and I felt many emotions while reading. It's difficult to comprehend sometimes what it must have been like to have so many men you've grown up with either die in the war or come back with serious wounds, both physical and emotional. Kate Hewitt did an amazing job showing all sides of that experience, and it was a story I won't soon forget.

World War I is over, but the loss it has caused has been devastating. Ellen Copley has returned home to Amherst Island after spending the last seven years abroad, first studying to be an artist and then enlisting as a nurse during the war. She's seen horrible things, lost a man she loved, and has returned to a home that is barely hanging on in the terrible economic aftermath of the war. Desperate to help save her family's farm, she fights to think of a way, and it comes from an unlikely source - a childhood friend, Lucas Lyman. While she gives his idea a try, she finds herself more often in the presence of Lucas' brother, Jed, whom she had once thought she loved. Now married but estranged from his wife and missing an arm due to a war injury, he is bitter and cold. However, in desperate times, it can warm the hardest of hearts. Not only does Jed begin to heal, but he helps Ellen and her family heal as well. Ellen struggles to keep the farm and the family going, and in the midst of it all, she gets the opportunity to make a life for herself elsewhere. But will it be enough of a draw to take her away from those she loves the most?

Ellen was a strong, dedicated woman, a heroine I loved reading about very much. She had gone through so much during the war and still managed to come out of it a better person than she had been before. She put others ahead of herself from the very beginning of the story, although it was hard at times to watch as she did it too often. The fact that her family had adopted her in to it, after her parents' death, made everything harder when she had to help them make decisions. Resentments flared, and at times she began to doubt herself and her path in life. I was so glad when people came along to help her, particularly Lucas and Jed. It was hard at times to see how the romance aspect of this story would turn out, but in the end it didn't disappoint. I was glad to see how things resolved, and Ellen received the happy ending she so greatly deserved.

Now that I know how the story ends, I probably won't be going back to read how it all began, knowing the heartache that would follow. However, I am definitely intrigued by Kate Hewitt and will certainly seek out more books by her in the future.

**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Island by Kate Hewitt is the third in the Amherst Island trilogy about Ellen Copley, a little immigrant girl from Scotland that finally found her home in this book. Ellen had traveled the world: she had gone to art school in Glasgow; she had fallen in love, only to lose him when the Titanic sunk; she had been a war nurse in France during the World War; now she was back to Amherst Island, the only home she had ever known with the McCaffertys. Uncle Dyle had died and Peter at come home from the war a changed man. The farm was doing even worse than before and Aunt Rose was nearly out of hope. Lucas, the son of the neighbor had come up with an idea: make the farmhouse into a guest house and have Ellen teach drawing and painting. People would come and stay a week, he was sure of it. To get it started he convinced his boss's wife and her sisters to come as the first guests. It was a success and they recommended them to others. Maybe this could work, after all.

Ellen has been a great character, all along. She has meet, and loved, so many people but continued to function on her own, mostly independently. It was a terrible time between the men who had been damaged and those who had never come home at all. She kept her head down and forged ahead and this is her story. Things happened to her and to the family: some good, some not. She never gave up hope for the future and the future never let her down. There was always something or someone. This was a terrific story, encompassing many of the issues of the day into a cohesive knot of time. I loved it. I am sorry to see it over. I recommend it.

I was invited to read Return to the Island by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #returntotheisland

[wellreadtraveler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to the Island is the third book in the Amherst Island series.
*Dreams of the Island
*Orphan island
You don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one, but they really are so good I think you should.
The war is over and Ellen has returned to her family farm on Amherst Island. She was gone for 7 years and finds herself overwhelmed by the state of things back home. She simply cannot do everything on her own. Thankfully she has her childhood friend Lucas who has an idea he thinks can turn things around. Ellen finds herself spending a lot of time with Jed, Lucas brother and an old love of hers. Injured in the war Jed is bitter and distant. Over time Jed helps Ellen with the family farm and without realizing it Ellen helps Jed heal his physical and emotional wounds. Ellen has spent so much time putting others before herself but now she’s ready to make herself happy.
I like the authors writing and storytelling, using a strong independent female as the lead. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!

[Shirley McAllister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen's Decision

In this third book of the Amherst Island series Ellen returns to the Island giving up a house and a teaching position at the Glasgow Art school in Scotland after losing her fiancee in the sinking of the Titanic.

There are so many changes after the war. So many young men returned with either physical or mental conditions. She saw much of it during her time as a nurse during the war. Her friend Jed with the loss of an arm and cousin Peter with shell shock worry her upon her return to the Island. She wonders does she still have feelings for Jed, and does his brother still have feelings for her? She worries about Rose losing the farm and she helps Rose try and keep the farm, but they all know it is a losing battle.

After a long illness with the flu she goes on a trip to New York upon an invitation from a friend. While there she is offered a teaching job . She ponders on what her future will be. Should she take the teaching job in New York or the teaching job in Scotland? Is there any place where she feels she really belongs?

This is the story of Ellen and the other members of the McCaffrey family finding their way into the world and sadly leaving the island behind.

I know you will enjoy this book as much as I did. It has been a wonderful series and I hate to see it end.

Thanks to Kate Hewitt, Bookouture, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy for an honest review.

[Monica Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not read the first two books in this trilogy but it didn't matter a bit, this book is fine to read as a standalone.

Ellen returns to Amherst Island, an island off Canada, which contains her aunt Rose and some cousins, as well as neighbours Jed and Lucas (although Lucas is mostly working on the mainland). This is the place where Ellen has always felt at home, so after WWI ends, she finds herself back there. She has a house in Glasgow but the heart knows what it wants. Ellen used to study art and she is a talented artist, but spending the war mostly in France, as a nurse, has changed her and she doesn't want anything to do with her art. Of course, the war has changed lots of others around her, her friend and neighbour Jed has lost an arm, her cousin Peter has PTSD and the economy isn't doing well which means that everyone has to work wherever they can find work.

I have to say that reading this book brought the time post-war vividly to life. All the physical and psychological issues that people had to deal with. Of course, it was worse for those who had been on the ground, so to speak, but staying behind and managing a farm without men to work it, wouldn't have been easy either.

Just a beautifully crafted book and a real thinker.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to the Island is the very needed island finish Amherst Island Trilogy by Kate Hewitt. WWI is over but not without losses, causalities, and the influenza that came too as well the many changes that all the world had. Ellen Copley, the nurse who as a young girl found her home in Amherst Island returns there. You can go home again with is what Ellen learns but it has its changes too.

There Ellen finds a place of welcome even with it conflicts, and a sense of confidence that she has struggled with since a child. Many may want a sure-footed always strong character but the author has written a more genuine one in Ellen. Showing her growth so that now that Ellen is old and wise enough to follow her heart making the conclusion fitting. While the ending is not going to be where I would have liked to see it, it was extremely realistic that life would change. I can say the “who” Ellen finds love with is exactly who I had always thought it should be. Yes, she is old and wise enough now.

Read now the entire Amherst Island series, it is a marvelous read.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well thought out novel based on Ellen and her experience as an orphan, artist, WW1 nurse and islander. Ellen returns to the island she loves following her service in WW1 to heal and realizes the impact on the young men's mental state, physical state and lives. As she tries to get the farm back in the green she discovers her lost love of being an artist. Through the connections made with the latest adventure she departs to New York to experience what the other half experiences. This adventure allows her to really understand herself and the direction her life will go. Self discovery, healing and love are the themes in the novel, amongst so many other. The book offers the look at the good change and bring as well as it releases you enabling freedom and new adventures. Ellen's journey reflects so many wonderful discoveries and growth within everyone showing what life can provide when you let go of what holds you back.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A search to belong

The one thing about this series that i appreciate is the reality of complicating emotions. It's not one of those typical ho-hum romances where everything falls neatly into place. In this book, Ellen returns from the war to Amherst Island. The war has changed so many people, and she is no different. She feels lost and doesn't know where she belongs. She spends a month in New York City, which she enjoys but is uncertain whether she belongs there. Her Aunt Rose plans to sell Jasper Lane, which has always felt like home to Ellen, but she knows it's the right thing to do. At least in the end, it works out for her.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book telling the life of Ellen Copley and her family and friends. I’ve really enjoyed all three books and this final book tied up all the loose ends. I’ve never been to Canada but Amherst Island sounds beautiful. Lots of things happen to Ellen during the trilogy starting with the death of her Mum and being taken to a new country and then getting abandoned by her Dad. Ellen also ends up in France during World War 1 as a nurse. Ellen moves around a lot but where will her heart make her want to settle. I recommend this trilogy they are fab reads.

[Kaitlyn Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, I still like Ellen’s character but the story is getting a little repetitive. She’s still torn as to where or with whom she belongs. She exhausts herself working for her family on the farm. She falls seriously ill. Her feelings for Jed and Lucas are still all jumbled. She’s offered new opportunities and meets another man in New York. There’s a happy ending but I find it a little unsatisfactory after being drawn out across three books. The narration can be repetitive of Ellen’s history but I was still engrossed enough to read it in an afternoon.

[Gary David Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 and

I have really enjoyed this series of 3 books. They are crammed with so much adventure,heartbreak , growing up and feeling. It goes from being a child faced with sorrow at her mother's death and disappointment with her father. Her life goes in many different directions .She finally finds what was missing. But since her art meant so much to her why did she always fight it?

[Kim Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good continuation

I'm loving this series and this one didn't disappoint. I'm so happy Ellen is finding her place and she's found love, which she always had.

Great detail about the Great War and how these young people suffered when it was over. You can't just go back to life as it was. And using multiple characters and different situations to show this is brilliant.

Now onto the next installment....

[Susan Ajaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series of three books by Late Hewitt has been a joy to read. The struggled of a young girl who's life seems to always in turmoil as she seeks to find out where her life truly belongs.

Follow a young girls heart as life seems to always be on the brink of uncertainty and near despair. There are three books in the series. Be sure to find them all!

[Adair Sissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Satisfied

What a joy it was to follow Ellen from a young girl growing up, through a world war, to life afterwards always searching for a home and a place to belong. Through much soul searching she finally is brave enough to find home and place where she is satisfied she's finally home.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie has such a way of bringing the characters and places to life, you can literally visualise the previous Amherst island. As Ellen carries on her journey through and after the war she gets to go to New York only to return home to find everything chsnging. These books are a great read about friendships family love and loss and new beginnings!!! Take a chance you won't be dissapointed

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical romance

I fee enjoyed reading this book. It felt like you were in the thick of things during World War 1 and the things soldiers had to go through with fighting and the nurses and doctors had to endure. I liked that it had twists and turns too. I would recommend this book to any one who enjoys reading historical romance books.

[Mary Sue Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Series

Return to the Island is the 3 rd book in the series. Ellen returns to the island after WW1 ends. She needs the solitude and her family. Now she must decide what to do with the rest of her life. at 28 she feels like she is on the shelf and will never marry.

[Chris Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book - set in 1918 Canada a gripping read - couldn't put it down. Greats twists and turns and as with all good books - a brilliant ending. Looking forward to Kate Hewitt's next book!

[Claire Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read all three books in four days - absolutely amazing trilogy. The character growth was amazing and I loved all the detailed descriptions of what life was like during the time (early 20th century). Highly recommend!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful life story/love story

I'm so glad this was not a one off. Following Ellen through her uncertainty was inspiring. I don't know if there really is an Amherst Island, but I enjoyed it none the less.