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Back to Silver Ridge #4
Almost Home
When a retired soldier returns home and faces the woman who sent him running, he’s Almost Home.
I’ve been gone for a lifetime, but I’ve only lived half a life. Coming back to this small town after a career in Army special operations feels like entering another world, but there’s part of me that recognizes it’s home—or used to be. Sarah James has always been on my mind, even after she destroyed my world and sent me running. Turns out she’s back in our hometown too, and instead of keeping her distance, she ends up working in my office.
Before I can stop myself, all the old feelings resurface. With the chemistry and attraction comes the bitter reality of what we lost, but there’s something more here. After so many hard years of distance between me and Sarah, my family, and even this town, maybe I can learn to really come home.
***
Almost home is the fourth book in the Back to Silver Ridge Series and can be read as a standalone. It is a closed-door romance.
Catch the whole series!
Almost Perfect - Wyatt and Calla
Almost Real - Warrick and Sadie
Almost Sure - Julian and Quinn
Almost Home - Wilder and Sarah
Almost True - Maddie and Aidan
I’ve been gone for a lifetime, but I’ve only lived half a life. Coming back to this small town after a career in Army special operations feels like entering another world, but there’s part of me that recognizes it’s home—or used to be. Sarah James has always been on my mind, even after she destroyed my world and sent me running. Turns out she’s back in our hometown too, and instead of keeping her distance, she ends up working in my office.
Before I can stop myself, all the old feelings resurface. With the chemistry and attraction comes the bitter reality of what we lost, but there’s something more here. After so many hard years of distance between me and Sarah, my family, and even this town, maybe I can learn to really come home.
***
Almost home is the fourth book in the Back to Silver Ridge Series and can be read as a standalone. It is a closed-door romance.
Catch the whole series!
Almost Perfect - Wyatt and Calla
Almost Real - Warrick and Sadie
Almost Sure - Julian and Quinn
Almost Home - Wilder and Sarah
Almost True - Maddie and Aidan
354 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 14, 2022
95 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 14, 2022
There was much anticipation for this book! And it was just great! Almost Home is the fourth book in Claire Cain’s Back to Silver Ridge series. Wilder definitely deserved his own book and boy was it a story.
Wilder was such a complicated character and yet so wonderful! I loved getting to read about Wilder and learn more about him. He had been quite a mystery so it was interesting to read from his perspective. Wilder was struggling to find himself and reunite with his family. He had left and he was trying to find his way home. I loved Wilder’s tender hurt and his quietness. He cared deeply about those close to him but he didn’t always let others in. Wilder had to learn to let his guard down and hope for a better future.
Sarah was also a wonderful character. But she had so much that she needed to work through. I liked Sarah and it was fun to see her grow. Sarah had to learn to trust herself and how to fight for what she wanted. Sarah was a sweet character who was just trying her best.
Wilder and Sarah were such a cute couple. They had history so they had known each other for a long time. It was sweet to read about them reconnecting and learning how to love each other again. They had a lot to work through, but it was cool to see them overcome the past and their fears. I loved seeing Wilder with his family. His family is amazing and their interactions were a lot of fun! It was of course fun to see old characters again too!
Almost Home is a wonderful book! I think it may be my new favorite in the series. But that seems to change with each release, the books just keep on getting better and better! Almost Home is a closed door contemporary second chance romance. Since it is closed door I would recommend it to those at least 16 years and older.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Wilder was such a complicated character and yet so wonderful! I loved getting to read about Wilder and learn more about him. He had been quite a mystery so it was interesting to read from his perspective. Wilder was struggling to find himself and reunite with his family. He had left and he was trying to find his way home. I loved Wilder’s tender hurt and his quietness. He cared deeply about those close to him but he didn’t always let others in. Wilder had to learn to let his guard down and hope for a better future.
Sarah was also a wonderful character. But she had so much that she needed to work through. I liked Sarah and it was fun to see her grow. Sarah had to learn to trust herself and how to fight for what she wanted. Sarah was a sweet character who was just trying her best.
Wilder and Sarah were such a cute couple. They had history so they had known each other for a long time. It was sweet to read about them reconnecting and learning how to love each other again. They had a lot to work through, but it was cool to see them overcome the past and their fears. I loved seeing Wilder with his family. His family is amazing and their interactions were a lot of fun! It was of course fun to see old characters again too!
Almost Home is a wonderful book! I think it may be my new favorite in the series. But that seems to change with each release, the books just keep on getting better and better! Almost Home is a closed door contemporary second chance romance. Since it is closed door I would recommend it to those at least 16 years and older.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
March 16, 2024
Truthfully? I started with Warrick and Sadie’s book because it was a day I could read it for free. And I loved it. I read this book after Sarah’s reaction to him. The encounter on the day Wilder was in town on leave, Sarah goes white and speechless. I am talking about the middle, Saint brother Wilder. They all assumed that he was the one who hurt Sarah. So hurt one of the lunch ladies, and you hurt them all. It seems to be a mortal sin, for sure, these ladies are tight. But, Sarah James does reveal that it wasn't him that broke her heart. It was the other way around.
No one seemed to know the adult version of Wilder very well, all due to his time in the military. Not to mention that he had been gone for the last twenty years. Only coming home maybe a handful of times. He was running from what the ghost being in the town brought back to him. The sheer and utter pain of losing two of the most precious gifts ever. His brothers knew less about him than his military team. He formed long-lasting bonds with them. Now, with some of them, he will even be doing business with them.
Now, to even his surprise, Sarah will be temping with him. They both had to confront their past sooner than later. You see the temp agency only told her the job site name and address. They didn’t tell her the boss's name, otherwise Sarah might not have taken it. However, jobs have been harder to find. Sarah needed to meet her monthly expenses. So, no matter she would make it work.
I enjoyed the book overall. However, it had a lot of areas where it dragged for me. I know in Warrick’s book, there was a great deal of mental conversations that were going on with the two characters, and themselves. Yet, it was amusing in a lot of ways. With Sarah and Wilder, not so much. I do enjoy the friendships and seeing the growth in all the characters.
No one seemed to know the adult version of Wilder very well, all due to his time in the military. Not to mention that he had been gone for the last twenty years. Only coming home maybe a handful of times. He was running from what the ghost being in the town brought back to him. The sheer and utter pain of losing two of the most precious gifts ever. His brothers knew less about him than his military team. He formed long-lasting bonds with them. Now, with some of them, he will even be doing business with them.
Now, to even his surprise, Sarah will be temping with him. They both had to confront their past sooner than later. You see the temp agency only told her the job site name and address. They didn’t tell her the boss's name, otherwise Sarah might not have taken it. However, jobs have been harder to find. Sarah needed to meet her monthly expenses. So, no matter she would make it work.
I enjoyed the book overall. However, it had a lot of areas where it dragged for me. I know in Warrick’s book, there was a great deal of mental conversations that were going on with the two characters, and themselves. Yet, it was amusing in a lot of ways. With Sarah and Wilder, not so much. I do enjoy the friendships and seeing the growth in all the characters.
June 1, 2023
3/5⭐️
Okay I’ll start off with the fact that my rating is definitely biased. Why? Because I’m not a fan of second chance romance. That being said, this story was definitely lovely and sweet, but it was just not for me.
One of the aspects I really loved in this book was the conversations between the Saint brothers - that was very wholesome and it was great to see them talk it all out, and try to get past everything that had transpired.
I felt like a lot of things were just brushed over, whilst I was looking forward to an in depth discussion about said issues. The first being Sarah’s relationship with her parents - yes, it was mentioned a few times, but we never got to see what they said or how exactly horrible their behaviour was in the past and how it played a role in breaking apart Sarah and Wilder (yes it was mentioned but it wasn’t SHOWN). Next up, there were little details mentioned here and there and then it was casually forgotten later on - for instance the scar on Sarah that Wilder wanted to know about or Wilder’s past in general (yes things were narrated in passing but it would have been nice to see him discuss his trauma in a little bit more detail with Sarah).
I’m not saying it was a bad book, it just felt like a little bit of a letdown compared to the other books in the series, considering the amount of tension that was built up in the previous books about Wilder’s return.
Of course, Maddie’s introduction in this book was great and I’m looking forward to her book. And how could I possibly end this review without mentioning how happy I was with Julian’s cameo and how glad I was that at least one Saint brother didn’t hate him.
September 13, 2022
Oh my goodness, I am in LOVE with Wilder Saint! All the Saint brothers are fantastic, but Wilder’s got the quiet, thoughtful hero thing down. And do I love a former military man? I DO!
Wilder & Sarah are a second chance romance with some tragic history behind them (check the CW in the book). When they reconnect 20 years later, will they be able to try again? Wilder’s the kind of hero who's got everything in control, but holy cow, he’s also got this gigantic heart that’s right there ready to be shared as soon as he’s sure it’s safe. Love him so much. And Sarah’s so great, I love her growth & strength, especially in the face of this man who is ALL strength.
Hold my kleenex, because I did some major crying in this one, but it was so worth it in the end. These two have been through SO MUCH together, and the whole time I just wanted to hug them and comfort them and make them kiss already. And it’s definitely a slow burn as they confront their past to see if they can make a future, but you guys, I was cheering by the end! It’s heartbreaking and hopeful & I just love it.
Broody former military hero
Sweetheart heroine
Workplace romance
So. Much. Tension!!
The BEST second first kiss
Excellent brotherly love
The feels! Oh, my tender little heart!
An epilogue that will turn you into a puddle of goo
Closed door steam
Wilder & Sarah are a second chance romance with some tragic history behind them (check the CW in the book). When they reconnect 20 years later, will they be able to try again? Wilder’s the kind of hero who's got everything in control, but holy cow, he’s also got this gigantic heart that’s right there ready to be shared as soon as he’s sure it’s safe. Love him so much. And Sarah’s so great, I love her growth & strength, especially in the face of this man who is ALL strength.
Hold my kleenex, because I did some major crying in this one, but it was so worth it in the end. These two have been through SO MUCH together, and the whole time I just wanted to hug them and comfort them and make them kiss already. And it’s definitely a slow burn as they confront their past to see if they can make a future, but you guys, I was cheering by the end! It’s heartbreaking and hopeful & I just love it.
Broody former military hero
Sweetheart heroine
Workplace romance
So. Much. Tension!!
The BEST second first kiss
Excellent brotherly love
The feels! Oh, my tender little heart!
An epilogue that will turn you into a puddle of goo
Closed door steam
September 11, 2022
Sarah and Wilder have been side characters for quite a few books now, and I've been eagerly anticipating their story. It did not disappoint! The angst was off the charts - so much so that I did my grandma's trick of reading the ending to be sure it would all turn out ok before reading it chronologically. Have no fear, this maintains its "romance" designation and gives us a happy ending where the protagonists are their own worst problems but fix themselves with therapy and patience and really great dining. Silverton continues to be a cozy place to forget your worries and escape into fiction. For maximum enjoyment, read with access to guacamole so you can enjoy the ladies' nights right along with the girl gang.
June 1, 2025
Wilder and Sarah had a past together -- plenty of good times and the terrible ending to a love gone wrong at 17 years old. Their dreams and hearts were shattered as Sarah and her sister were pulled out of a life they loved. Twenty years later, Wilder and Sarah reconnected through an opening of a temporary job at Wilder's brand new Security Company. As days, weeks, and months blend together, their old love of the haunted past becomes a new stronger version of love and strength. Cain writes a truer version of love, mercy, redemption, and peace after tragedy breaks young love apart. Because this book is wonderfully written with light suspense and closed door events, I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
September 9, 2022
I love Claire Cain’s books. She has been an autobuy author for me ever since I first read her books. I have been so excited for this book and I am glad to say Almost Home did not disappoint.
Almost Home is the 4th book in Claire’s Back to Silver Ridge series. And we finally get to read what happened between Wilder and Sarah.
I love the second chance trope and there was just so much to enjoy about this book. I loved the depth to the characters, the growth and the story they had lived through.
This is not a light read, but there is so much depth and real emotions to this book. I love it when books don’t just gloss over the hard things in life.
This is a great book and if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet, you definitely need to read them all.
Almost Home is the 4th book in Claire’s Back to Silver Ridge series. And we finally get to read what happened between Wilder and Sarah.
I love the second chance trope and there was just so much to enjoy about this book. I loved the depth to the characters, the growth and the story they had lived through.
This is not a light read, but there is so much depth and real emotions to this book. I love it when books don’t just gloss over the hard things in life.
This is a great book and if you haven’t read the rest of the series yet, you definitely need to read them all.
Read
September 16, 2022My goodness! I have been waiting for Wilder’s book and It.Did.Not.Disappoint! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Wilder and Sarah literally had the second chance of all second chances. Their young love was tested in one of the worst ways possible. When coupled with their inexperience at adulting, their circumstances pushed them apart. The storyline was interesting as it spun out from that event and shaped them into the adults they became apart but ultimately brought them back together again.
I couldn’t help but cheer them on as they realized they never really fell out of love…so good to the very last word. I highly recommend!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wilder and Sarah literally had the second chance of all second chances. Their young love was tested in one of the worst ways possible. When coupled with their inexperience at adulting, their circumstances pushed them apart. The storyline was interesting as it spun out from that event and shaped them into the adults they became apart but ultimately brought them back together again.
I couldn’t help but cheer them on as they realized they never really fell out of love…so good to the very last word. I highly recommend!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 16, 2025
OOF. I was excited for this trope, but it fell flat.
Sarah and Wilder's past was super horrible and realistic, but it was brought up WAY too much, to the point where it felt like the only thing that was ever talked about.
Things felt cheesy, the held-at-gunpoint action scene near the end was weird and unrealistic, and the whole time I was left wanting more romance between the two.
Sarah and Wilder were just awkward around the each other for ages, and then they had kissing scenes. There was no good build up, no butterflies, no real content! :(
I do appreciate how Sarah apologized right in the beginning to Wilder for ghosting him all those years ago. Very good.
Sarah and Wilder's past was super horrible and realistic, but it was brought up WAY too much, to the point where it felt like the only thing that was ever talked about.
Things felt cheesy, the held-at-gunpoint action scene near the end was weird and unrealistic, and the whole time I was left wanting more romance between the two.
Sarah and Wilder were just awkward around the each other for ages, and then they had kissing scenes. There was no good build up, no butterflies, no real content! :(
I do appreciate how Sarah apologized right in the beginning to Wilder for ghosting him all those years ago. Very good.
September 2, 2022
Almost Home is a clean romance with limited coarse language and closed door intimate situations. The characters have a difficult history that created a 20-year divide. There is a lot of internal discussion from each POV, which I felt over explained the situation. Both Sarah and Wilder went over the same issues repeatedly without a lot of forward momentum. There is a minor subplot that plays well overall within the story. There is no cheating, no attempts to manipulate one another for gain, no love triangle. There is lots of heart and sweetness in the end.
September 14, 2022
This is the first book that I've read by Claire Cain, but the fourth in the series Back to Silver Ridge. This is the type of romance I prefer to read - a lot of sizzling moments, but not the descriptive scenes that go into detail about what happens in the bedroom. Both characters are dealing with past issues and learning to reconnect with each other. I found myself loving them both as well as the other characters in the story. I hope to find time to go back to Silver Ridge and read the previous books in this series.
September 23, 2022
Who doesn't love a tough, quiet, brooding man who is a marshmallow filled teddy bear inside? Or a woman who grows to be a confident, strong person?
In this book you will find said couple who experience great loss & heartache as seventeen year-olds, separate and find their way back to each other 20 years later.
Claire Cain has such a way of weaving a simple statement as that into a heartwarming, romantic story with loyal friends & family entwined along the way! She has become one of my favorite authors.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
In this book you will find said couple who experience great loss & heartache as seventeen year-olds, separate and find their way back to each other 20 years later.
Claire Cain has such a way of weaving a simple statement as that into a heartwarming, romantic story with loyal friends & family entwined along the way! She has become one of my favorite authors.
I received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
January 4, 2025
Wilder and Sarah went to school together and were boyfriend/girlfriend. That was until Sarah’s parents made her move away. Wilder dropped out of high school, got his GED and joined the Army.
Wilder is getting ready to retire from the Army and goes home to Silver Ridge. While there on a trip, he runs into Sarah.
Sarah moved back to Silver Ridge as she wanted to get away from her parents and wanted some closure on a few things. She ends up working at a temp firm and walks right into Wilders new business.
Broody retired military hero
Sweet romance
Brotherly love
Wilder is getting ready to retire from the Army and goes home to Silver Ridge. While there on a trip, he runs into Sarah.
Sarah moved back to Silver Ridge as she wanted to get away from her parents and wanted some closure on a few things. She ends up working at a temp firm and walks right into Wilders new business.
Broody retired military hero
Sweet romance
Brotherly love
September 14, 2022
What a dream to be back in this mountain town with these brothers. Wilder is all the swoon we hoped he’d be and more. Wilder and Sarah cautiously explore their past and future together with a bit of suspense, too. Claire builds their chemistry beautifully while also giving us a peek into the lives of the other Saint brothers’ lives. I can’t wait to read the next book and continue loving these characters.
September 15, 2022
Almost Home is a sweet, heartwarming, second chance romance for Sarah and Wilder. Start reading early in the day because you will not want to put this one down. Ms. Cain's excellent novel will have you feeling all the pain these two experience and then you get to see them grow and work past those issues. There is no way I can convey with my words, the emotions of this wonderful book. It is all there, the highs, the lows and more, waiting for you.
February 3, 2025
Coming Back From Heartbreak
There are so many ways to have your heart broken, and Wilder and Sarah had been through many of them, both as a couple and as individuals. It's hard dealing with past hurts and figuring out how to go forward, but this story does it in beautiful and real ways. Once again, family and friends play a big supporting role here. There's a twist I didn't see coming and an absolutely beautiful ending.
There are so many ways to have your heart broken, and Wilder and Sarah had been through many of them, both as a couple and as individuals. It's hard dealing with past hurts and figuring out how to go forward, but this story does it in beautiful and real ways. Once again, family and friends play a big supporting role here. There's a twist I didn't see coming and an absolutely beautiful ending.
September 11, 2022
Military retirement brought Wilder back home to put his life back together, and soon he’s face to face with his high school love.
A wonderfully well written love story, complete with loyal friendship, an unbreakable bond between brothers and enough intrigue to keep things interesting.
This series is simply marvelous and I cannot wait for the next one!
A wonderfully well written love story, complete with loyal friendship, an unbreakable bond between brothers and enough intrigue to keep things interesting.
This series is simply marvelous and I cannot wait for the next one!
July 12, 2024
perfect suspenseful second chance!
I normally don’t care for second chance novels, but I love Claire Cain’s other books so wanted to give this one a try. Totally worth it! Sarah and Wilder have such an intense history and I loved watching them reconnect, rebuilding the trust that had been broken before.
Note that this is fade to black and more angsty than her other books.
I normally don’t care for second chance novels, but I love Claire Cain’s other books so wanted to give this one a try. Totally worth it! Sarah and Wilder have such an intense history and I loved watching them reconnect, rebuilding the trust that had been broken before.
Note that this is fade to black and more angsty than her other books.
October 6, 2022
Claire Cain had me crying for Wilder and Sarah from the beginning. I really want to give her parents the benefit of the doubt but I’m sorry they really don’t deserve it. Twenty years is a long time to question and wonder and to miss out. I loved this one.
October 14, 2022
Realistic Romance/Boundaries
Claire’s development of her characters is truly amazing, that despite their circumstances you can relate.
Also, her “Clean with Steam” is truly that. You can feel the raw emotions and use your own imagination as far as you want it to go.
Claire’s development of her characters is truly amazing, that despite their circumstances you can relate.
Also, her “Clean with Steam” is truly that. You can feel the raw emotions and use your own imagination as far as you want it to go.
May 28, 2023
Always holding back
I enjoyed Wilder and Sarah's love story. They were both so scared to trust and fall for each other the 2nd time around. I'm glad they finally found their happily ever after. Full novel and no cliffhanger.
I enjoyed Wilder and Sarah's love story. They were both so scared to trust and fall for each other the 2nd time around. I'm glad they finally found their happily ever after. Full novel and no cliffhanger.
November 15, 2024
This is a nice story about Sarah and Wilder, but, seemed to drag at times. I think the going over the past got to be beat to death after a while. Not sure it serves a story to rehash something so many times.
September 5, 2022
Wilder and Sarah's story is so full of emotions, feelings, pain, akd love that will envelope you from the beginning wishing for them to break from their dark past and face a future together. Amazing
July 21, 2023
I loved this story. From the start, you feel emotionally attached to Wilder and Sarah. It was beautiful to see Wilder and Sarah emotionally and physically come home.
December 14, 2023
Good book! Well written.
May 12, 2024
Wilder & Sadie
Absolutely loved this one so much! Second chance done right! The love and restoration of this book was beautiful. Love Silver Ridge!
Absolutely loved this one so much! Second chance done right! The love and restoration of this book was beautiful. Love Silver Ridge!
November 11, 2025
Almost Home
Wilder and Sarah return to Silverton and try to untangle the past and the twenty years they have been apart.
Wilder and Sarah return to Silverton and try to untangle the past and the twenty years they have been apart.
May 11, 2024
I absolutely love Wilder & Sarah's heartachingly beautiful, second chance,sweet,caring, loving, swoony story!!
September 15, 2022
Absolutely loved loved loved Sarah and Wilder. By now I should be used to Claire’s slow burn stories but they get me everytime and I can’t get enough. Finding out in the end just what a soft heart and how emotional Wilder is? Swoon! Wrapping up the stories of the three brothers with such a wonderful epilogue- so satisfying. The only thing that would truly complete the circle would be finding a love for Jane. Can’t wait for Madeline and Aiden!
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January 25, 20254.5 easy
These two! Such history, such chemistry. Ms. Cain really did a beautiful job with portraying all of their pain, angst, genuine love, and healing in a healthy way. I love seeing a hero pursue therapy to work through things when words and feelings don’t come easily for him. The epilogue was perfection.
These two! Such history, such chemistry. Ms. Cain really did a beautiful job with portraying all of their pain, angst, genuine love, and healing in a healthy way. I love seeing a hero pursue therapy to work through things when words and feelings don’t come easily for him. The epilogue was perfection.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews