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Return to Nam #5
The Return
They say love will set you free, but do the orphans of war ever really experience that freedom?
Ambitious and dedicated, Jackie Coles is the shining success story of a once abandoned child.
But as her 40th year approaches, the realisation that something is missing in her life is overwhelming. How can someone who has everything lead such an empty life?
Rescue pilot, Jeff Hunter, fell in love with Jackie the first time they met. Years later, a chance meeting brings all those same feelings flooding back.
When Jackie’s stepfather falls ill, she makes him a promise that she will return to the country of her birth and meet the family who abandoned her as a baby. But what will she find in Vietnam? The answer to her loneliness? A truth she never knew she was searching for?
And what about Jeff? He’s more than perfect and falling in love with him is far too easy.
But what if Jackie’s trip back to Vietnam threatens to destroy every chance at happiness with Jeff? Will she have to choose who she can love and who she can’t? Or will Jeff make that choice for her?
An emotional story of discovery, loss and second chances.
Book 5 is Jackie and Jeff’s story in this award-winning series.
Ambitious and dedicated, Jackie Coles is the shining success story of a once abandoned child.
But as her 40th year approaches, the realisation that something is missing in her life is overwhelming. How can someone who has everything lead such an empty life?
Rescue pilot, Jeff Hunter, fell in love with Jackie the first time they met. Years later, a chance meeting brings all those same feelings flooding back.
When Jackie’s stepfather falls ill, she makes him a promise that she will return to the country of her birth and meet the family who abandoned her as a baby. But what will she find in Vietnam? The answer to her loneliness? A truth she never knew she was searching for?
And what about Jeff? He’s more than perfect and falling in love with him is far too easy.
But what if Jackie’s trip back to Vietnam threatens to destroy every chance at happiness with Jeff? Will she have to choose who she can love and who she can’t? Or will Jeff make that choice for her?
An emotional story of discovery, loss and second chances.
Book 5 is Jackie and Jeff’s story in this award-winning series.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 25, 2022
I’ve just wiped the last of my tears as I read the final page… what a fitting ending to a series of five books. Wrapping up the story of Jackie, Frankie and Terry and Jeff… I was a little worried it wasn’t to be a happy ending.
Carole you didn’t disappoint. Jackie’s story had the twists and turns, highs and lows that you bring to life through your written word. Loved this story.
Carole you didn’t disappoint. Jackie’s story had the twists and turns, highs and lows that you bring to life through your written word. Loved this story.
July 1, 2022
Absolutely the best series of books I have read since I got my kindle....some 536 books ago. As I said earlier these books brought a wealth of memories to this old soldier. I served as an infantry advisor to the Vietnamese infantry in the province of Phouc Tuy where much of the action in this series takes place. I was there in 1964 just before the Aussies and Kiwi's arrived.. I have physically been to all the places identified in this continuing story and the author has accurately described them all. Reading this series made me relive my time there. It made me feel as though I was part of the story that she wrote so eloquently. I enjoyed every page of every book. I particularly like the last book and the description of Saigon and the Mekong Delta as I was stationed in that area ( Can Th0) during my first advisory tour in 1963.
Thank you very much, Mrs Brungar, for this marvelous tale.
Thank you very much, Mrs Brungar, for this marvelous tale.
April 10, 2022
Another brilliant read by Carole Brungar. Its one of those stories you want to know what happens next but don't want it to end. Hopefully Carole has another book in her about these characters that are also in the earlier books . Loved it !
April 17, 2022
The Return to Nam series has been one of the best series I've read. I couldn't believe it when I looked it up that it had been 4 years since I read The Nam Legacy, I can still feel the impact of that first novel, still, remember the characters who became so real to me I felt like I actually knew them. I can still remember how realistic the scenes in Vietnam were, the trials Jack & Terry and their mates went through to fight for a cause they didn't really understand.
And now 4 years later we get Jackie's story, Jack's daughter from his time in Vietnam, and the final book in this highly recommended series, a fitting and emotional end to all that has come to pass.
Carole Brungar has managed to do it again, to create another highly emotional journey that takes Jackie (and us the reader) on a journey of self-discovery as she fulfils a promise to Terry (one of my favourite characters from this series), the only father she's ever known. Set nearly 33 years after she was rescued from a Vietnamese orphanage and taken to New Zealand, Jackie reluctantly makes plans to return to Vietnam for the first time and to try to track down the family and the history that she left behind.
Jackie's relationship with her adoptive father Terry and her stepmother Frankie, whose love story we got to experience in The Nam Shadow was so wonderfully powerful, the love between them was so strong. Jackie was so lucky to have had Terry in her life, and she knew how lucky she was both to have had him as her father and to have been rescued from what her life could have been as an orphan during wartime, and Terry felt the same, their father/daughter relationship was something to be jealous of, from the moment of her rescue, both of their lives were changed for the better.
Jackie was a highly-strung, but very likeable character, her past trauma has formed who she has become and she holds herself to high expectations and doesn't really do social engagements or relationships. When she bumps into Jeff, an old friend from her student days, things Jackie thought she was happy with in her life are about to be questioned. I loved Jeff, oh to meet a guy who feels about me the way Jeff feels about Jackie (swoon). They are both married to their jobs, but I held out hope throughout that they would work things out, especially knowing how long Jeff had been in love with Jackie.
Jackie's return to Vietnam was extremely hard for her, she was lucky she had Frankie to go with her and support her through her journey. I enjoyed rediscovering the places I first experienced with Frankie in The Nam Shadow when she was a war photographer, it was a little like I was taking a walk down memory lane with her as she showed Jackie the places that meant something to her and Terry and remembered the people and experiences she'd lived through. Jackie was averse to meeting her mother's relatives, finding out she had half-sisters and aunts and cousins didn't mean anything to her when she set out on her journey. It's amazing what actually meeting people and discovering another culture can do to change our entire perspective on our life, as Jackie discovers on her journey.
Jackie's trip to Vietnam heralds many changes and she makes some major decisions that will affect both her future and her future with Jeff. For someone who assesses every tiny thing in her life before she makes a decision, meeting up with Jeff again and returning to Vietnam, changes Jackie in big ways.
This was a wonderful ending to this series, I wish it could keep going, I have loved the way Carole Brungar has managed to weave the many characters from the different novels so as they are so intertwined and turn up unexpectedly in each book. I highly recommend this novel and the preceding novels in this series and though you can read it as a standalone, you will get the full feeling for this series if you read it from the beginning.
Oh, and you will need tissues just like you will in each novel.
And now 4 years later we get Jackie's story, Jack's daughter from his time in Vietnam, and the final book in this highly recommended series, a fitting and emotional end to all that has come to pass.
Carole Brungar has managed to do it again, to create another highly emotional journey that takes Jackie (and us the reader) on a journey of self-discovery as she fulfils a promise to Terry (one of my favourite characters from this series), the only father she's ever known. Set nearly 33 years after she was rescued from a Vietnamese orphanage and taken to New Zealand, Jackie reluctantly makes plans to return to Vietnam for the first time and to try to track down the family and the history that she left behind.
Jackie's relationship with her adoptive father Terry and her stepmother Frankie, whose love story we got to experience in The Nam Shadow was so wonderfully powerful, the love between them was so strong. Jackie was so lucky to have had Terry in her life, and she knew how lucky she was both to have had him as her father and to have been rescued from what her life could have been as an orphan during wartime, and Terry felt the same, their father/daughter relationship was something to be jealous of, from the moment of her rescue, both of their lives were changed for the better.
Jackie was a highly-strung, but very likeable character, her past trauma has formed who she has become and she holds herself to high expectations and doesn't really do social engagements or relationships. When she bumps into Jeff, an old friend from her student days, things Jackie thought she was happy with in her life are about to be questioned. I loved Jeff, oh to meet a guy who feels about me the way Jeff feels about Jackie (swoon). They are both married to their jobs, but I held out hope throughout that they would work things out, especially knowing how long Jeff had been in love with Jackie.
Jackie's return to Vietnam was extremely hard for her, she was lucky she had Frankie to go with her and support her through her journey. I enjoyed rediscovering the places I first experienced with Frankie in The Nam Shadow when she was a war photographer, it was a little like I was taking a walk down memory lane with her as she showed Jackie the places that meant something to her and Terry and remembered the people and experiences she'd lived through. Jackie was averse to meeting her mother's relatives, finding out she had half-sisters and aunts and cousins didn't mean anything to her when she set out on her journey. It's amazing what actually meeting people and discovering another culture can do to change our entire perspective on our life, as Jackie discovers on her journey.
Jackie's trip to Vietnam heralds many changes and she makes some major decisions that will affect both her future and her future with Jeff. For someone who assesses every tiny thing in her life before she makes a decision, meeting up with Jeff again and returning to Vietnam, changes Jackie in big ways.
This was a wonderful ending to this series, I wish it could keep going, I have loved the way Carole Brungar has managed to weave the many characters from the different novels so as they are so intertwined and turn up unexpectedly in each book. I highly recommend this novel and the preceding novels in this series and though you can read it as a standalone, you will get the full feeling for this series if you read it from the beginning.
Oh, and you will need tissues just like you will in each novel.
August 11, 2022
Thanks for another enjoyable read. Couldn't put it down! :-)
April 14, 2022
I loved the first three books in the Return to Nam series, so I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of The Return.
I wasn’t disappointed. I immediately settled into the story and was mesmerized from start to finish, loving the authors first-person voice, knowledge of her topic, and attention to detail.
With a cast of interesting characters and scenes where you’re plunged into the action from the get-go, the author has penned another excellent book, this time with Jackie, a Vietnam war orphan, in the leading role.
Of course, we knew about the existence of Jackie from the first three books in the series, and I was intrigued as to how the author would paint her. The realistic portrayal of her character was one of the many things I loved about this story. She’s tough, articulate, and elegant, and while she can be resentful at times, her reasons for being so are valid.
It was wonderful to be reacquainted with characters from the first three books in the series, including Frankie, (a personal favorite) Terry, and Evelyn. Also, Jeff is a solid and steadfast addition to the colorful cast of characters that have been written with respect and care at the authors hands.
Add charming descriptions of Jackie’s home, Foxton Beach, and modern-day Vietnam, and The Return is a great read. So get those tissues out. You’re going to need them.
And the epilog? Perfect!
I wasn’t disappointed. I immediately settled into the story and was mesmerized from start to finish, loving the authors first-person voice, knowledge of her topic, and attention to detail.
With a cast of interesting characters and scenes where you’re plunged into the action from the get-go, the author has penned another excellent book, this time with Jackie, a Vietnam war orphan, in the leading role.
Of course, we knew about the existence of Jackie from the first three books in the series, and I was intrigued as to how the author would paint her. The realistic portrayal of her character was one of the many things I loved about this story. She’s tough, articulate, and elegant, and while she can be resentful at times, her reasons for being so are valid.
It was wonderful to be reacquainted with characters from the first three books in the series, including Frankie, (a personal favorite) Terry, and Evelyn. Also, Jeff is a solid and steadfast addition to the colorful cast of characters that have been written with respect and care at the authors hands.
Add charming descriptions of Jackie’s home, Foxton Beach, and modern-day Vietnam, and The Return is a great read. So get those tissues out. You’re going to need them.
And the epilog? Perfect!
April 4, 2022
I am an advanced reader of this wonderful piece of writing and I can highly recommend that you too read 'The Return'! I have read all of Carole Brungar's Vietnam related books (more than once!) and the stories that have led up to 'The Return' also flows through to this story and subtly ties in some loose ends for those of us who have followed this journey - yet it doesn't overpower or dictate that you need to have done this which makes it a great individual read as well! The characters are beautifully crafted and include 'real' personality traits and behaviours. There are fierce emotional reactions, fear based worries and honest modern day relationships.
'The Return' is a truly beautiful story that emphasizes and reminds us, I think, that culture is very much a part of each of us even if we decide it doesn't matter, and things that happened in the past are not always as we have judged them to be. We all have hidden links to people and places.
'The Return' is a truly beautiful story that emphasizes and reminds us, I think, that culture is very much a part of each of us even if we decide it doesn't matter, and things that happened in the past are not always as we have judged them to be. We all have hidden links to people and places.
April 27, 2022
This was the first book I had read by this author, and being the 5th book in a series probably wasn’t the best place to start!
The Return tells the story of Jacqui, who was adopted from Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam war. All grown up, she likes life to be under control, and with her own successful business it is, until she bumps into an old uni friend again.
This leads to romance, but also healing and growth as she goes back to her past. I really enjoyed the part of the story set in Vietnam - the author does a fantastic job bringing the sights, sounds, and even smells of Vietnam to life on the page.
I also appreciated learning more about the Vietnam war, and the long term effects it had on the soldiers, others who served, and those in Vietnam itself.
This book does read well as a stand alone, but I can clearly see that for those who have read the rest of the series it would be a very satisfying conclusion.
The Return tells the story of Jacqui, who was adopted from Vietnam at the end of the Vietnam war. All grown up, she likes life to be under control, and with her own successful business it is, until she bumps into an old uni friend again.
This leads to romance, but also healing and growth as she goes back to her past. I really enjoyed the part of the story set in Vietnam - the author does a fantastic job bringing the sights, sounds, and even smells of Vietnam to life on the page.
I also appreciated learning more about the Vietnam war, and the long term effects it had on the soldiers, others who served, and those in Vietnam itself.
This book does read well as a stand alone, but I can clearly see that for those who have read the rest of the series it would be a very satisfying conclusion.
May 30, 2022
Jackie’s journey is one of self-discovery, self-sacrifice, love and understanding. This is the third book in the series that I have read and while it could be read as a standalone, it is easier to understand how the characters all link together if you’ve read previous books in the series.
For me, the story has a slow start but really kicks into gear when our author takes us back to Vietnam and paints vivid pictures with words – Carole Brungar’s love of the country and its people shine through.
It is the only one of the series that brought tears to my eyes at least twice. When an author can draw you in emotionally, they’ve done their job. Thank you for a great read - highly recommend it.
For me, the story has a slow start but really kicks into gear when our author takes us back to Vietnam and paints vivid pictures with words – Carole Brungar’s love of the country and its people shine through.
It is the only one of the series that brought tears to my eyes at least twice. When an author can draw you in emotionally, they’ve done their job. Thank you for a great read - highly recommend it.
April 24, 2022
I love the Nam series and the authors ability to take the reader on a journey of discovery. The highs the lows, the tears the laughter. The Return is a beautifully crafted novel, and one I couldn’t put down, at the same time not wishing the story to end. The characters in the Nam Series are like old friends you can imagine sitting down for a chat with.
The Return captures Jackie’s journey so poignantly as she navigates the past in search of a family, she didn’t know existed let alone one that she needed. Carole Brunger has penned another beautiful story of love, loss and the importance of family.
The Return captures Jackie’s journey so poignantly as she navigates the past in search of a family, she didn’t know existed let alone one that she needed. Carole Brunger has penned another beautiful story of love, loss and the importance of family.
May 12, 2022
As a Vietnam Veteran of 6 years ‘in country’, this has been a truly healing experience.
I went to Vietnam as an 18 year old neophyte. I came back to the USA, 6 years later, an old man.
I spent 2 1/2 years as a gunner on a helicopter gunship, then as a civilian contractor for an additional 3 1/2 years.
With no desire to return to a completely different Vietnam, this series has brought me some semblance of closure. Thank you, Carole, for your healing words.
Don Johnson
Oklahoma
USA
I went to Vietnam as an 18 year old neophyte. I came back to the USA, 6 years later, an old man.
I spent 2 1/2 years as a gunner on a helicopter gunship, then as a civilian contractor for an additional 3 1/2 years.
With no desire to return to a completely different Vietnam, this series has brought me some semblance of closure. Thank you, Carole, for your healing words.
Don Johnson
Oklahoma
USA
April 15, 2022
I fell in love with ever character in this series
And following Jackie in her return home to learn about her Heritage was a roller coaster of emotions
It had me crying and laughing.
I loved every minute of it and seeing old friends return was one of the best parts learning how their story’s continued.
Definitely a must read.
And following Jackie in her return home to learn about her Heritage was a roller coaster of emotions
It had me crying and laughing.
I loved every minute of it and seeing old friends return was one of the best parts learning how their story’s continued.
Definitely a must read.
April 13, 2022
This was an amazing story, so real and so captivating. I did not want to stop reading it but also being so real I wanted it to go on and on. It is a book I will not forget. Definitely an incredible story!
Read
March 23, 2023MWSA Review
The Return, an incredible story of one woman’s search for love, by Carole Brungar is book five in her Nam book series. Author Brungar draws the reader into the life of dynamic business woman Jackie Coles, an orphan saved during the fall of Saigon. Jackie is adopted by veterans Terry and Evelyn even though she was told that fellow veteran Jack Coles was her birthfather.
When Jackie’s stepfather Terry falls ill, she fears losing the only father she has known. During his illness, the two talk and reminisce. Terry encourages Jackie to return to Vietnam and seek out her mother’s family. “It will help you discover who you are,” Terry insists. Jackie promises she will go to Vietnam and meet the family who abandoned her as a baby. Will she discover a truth she never knew she was searching for? As Jackie approaches age 40, she is overwhelmed by the feeling that something is missing from her life. Will leaving a new and budding relationship with rescue pilot Jeff Hunter be compromised by her traveling to Vietnam?
After Terry’s death, Jackie convinces Frankie to accompany her to the country of her birth. While in Vietnam, Frankie divulges that Jack Coles is not Jackie’s birth father, but the man who saved her, raised her, and loved her, Terry, is her birth father. He loved her, she loved him, and they spoke of their love for each other. If only she had known the truth.
Jackie's trip to Vietnam brings changes to her life in unanticipated ways. She makes a major decision that may affect both her future, and her future with Jeff.
Well-developed characters and a great story line draw the reader into the life of Jackie Coles.
Review by Nancy Panko (March 2023)
The Return, an incredible story of one woman’s search for love, by Carole Brungar is book five in her Nam book series. Author Brungar draws the reader into the life of dynamic business woman Jackie Coles, an orphan saved during the fall of Saigon. Jackie is adopted by veterans Terry and Evelyn even though she was told that fellow veteran Jack Coles was her birthfather.
When Jackie’s stepfather Terry falls ill, she fears losing the only father she has known. During his illness, the two talk and reminisce. Terry encourages Jackie to return to Vietnam and seek out her mother’s family. “It will help you discover who you are,” Terry insists. Jackie promises she will go to Vietnam and meet the family who abandoned her as a baby. Will she discover a truth she never knew she was searching for? As Jackie approaches age 40, she is overwhelmed by the feeling that something is missing from her life. Will leaving a new and budding relationship with rescue pilot Jeff Hunter be compromised by her traveling to Vietnam?
After Terry’s death, Jackie convinces Frankie to accompany her to the country of her birth. While in Vietnam, Frankie divulges that Jack Coles is not Jackie’s birth father, but the man who saved her, raised her, and loved her, Terry, is her birth father. He loved her, she loved him, and they spoke of their love for each other. If only she had known the truth.
Jackie's trip to Vietnam brings changes to her life in unanticipated ways. She makes a major decision that may affect both her future, and her future with Jeff.
Well-developed characters and a great story line draw the reader into the life of Jackie Coles.
Review by Nancy Panko (March 2023)
October 17, 2022
Delightful as always
What an emotional end to a great series of stories. This book does a remarkable job of bringing the characters, their life stories and their love to a beautiful conclusion. I am sorry to say goodbye to people I have come to love. Well done, ma'am.
What an emotional end to a great series of stories. This book does a remarkable job of bringing the characters, their life stories and their love to a beautiful conclusion. I am sorry to say goodbye to people I have come to love. Well done, ma'am.
July 25, 2023
This book brought all the characters into it but was still a stand alone story in itself.
This five book series was very good.
I learned many things about Vietnam, that war, and New Zealand (where the characters
mostly resided).
This five book series was very good.
I learned many things about Vietnam, that war, and New Zealand (where the characters
mostly resided).
September 29, 2022
Another stunning novel. You took me with you on this journey with Jackie. Tissues at the ready folks it's a tear jerker and my favof the series. Hoping for another please
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews