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Return to Hardscrabble Road
“Atmospheric, intense, and beautiful.”
—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah “Classic Southern gothic meets classic George Weinstein in this rip-roaring adventure. Buckle up for a wild ride with old friends and hang on tight.”
—Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of The Woman with the Cure and Mrs. Poe ROGER “BUD” MACLEOD AND HIS TWO BROTHERS return to the ramshackle home of their youth, on emergency leave from the military after the
murder of their reviled father. Instead of having the festive reunion they’d planned
with Mama and their sister, the three soldiers are flung into a series of violent
confrontations with old and new rivals plus double Papa’s siblings. In their
way, Harvey and Rutha MacLeod are even more brutal than Papa, hellbent on
claiming the legacy they believe he left for them and willing to run over anybody
in their way. Picking up where the critically acclaimed Hardscrabble Road left off, Return to
Hardscrabble Road delves even deeper into Roger’s growth from tormented boy to
determined young man at the crossroads of everything he loves and fears. This
time, he doesn’t merely have to survive—he must save his whole misbegotten
family without sacrificing his soul.
“George Weinstein has nailed it again, and his rambunctious crowd entertains with his fine writing and sharp eye for detail. You will love this book.” —Philip Lee Williams, member, Georgia Writers Hall of Fame “Weinstein creates characters we long to know more about. This is his talent, his gift to us all. This novel, along with Hardscrabble Road , will stay with you a long time.”
—Renea Winchester, internationally acclaimed author of Outbound Train
George Weinstein is the author of the beloved Southern Gothic historical novel Hardscrabble Road ; its sequel, Return to Hardscrabble Road ; a novel of forgotten US history, The Five Destinies of Carlos Moreno ; women’s fiction about reinvention titled The Caretaker ; the sassy, small-town, amateur-sleuth murder mystery Aftermath ; and a kidnapping thriller with a dude in distress and a chromesthetic damsel riding to his rescue, Watch What You Say , among other works. His website is GeorgeWeinstein.com, and he can be found on Facebook (@george.weinstein.5), Instagram (@georgeweinsteinga), and TikTok (@georgeweinstein). George is also the executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club (AtlantaWritersClub.org) and has helped thousands of writers on their quest for publication through the club and its twice-yearly Atlanta Writers Conference (AtlantaWritersConference.com), which he has managed since its creation in 2008.
—Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author of Surviving Savannah “Classic Southern gothic meets classic George Weinstein in this rip-roaring adventure. Buckle up for a wild ride with old friends and hang on tight.”
—Lynn Cullen, bestselling author of The Woman with the Cure and Mrs. Poe ROGER “BUD” MACLEOD AND HIS TWO BROTHERS return to the ramshackle home of their youth, on emergency leave from the military after the
murder of their reviled father. Instead of having the festive reunion they’d planned
with Mama and their sister, the three soldiers are flung into a series of violent
confrontations with old and new rivals plus double Papa’s siblings. In their
way, Harvey and Rutha MacLeod are even more brutal than Papa, hellbent on
claiming the legacy they believe he left for them and willing to run over anybody
in their way. Picking up where the critically acclaimed Hardscrabble Road left off, Return to
Hardscrabble Road delves even deeper into Roger’s growth from tormented boy to
determined young man at the crossroads of everything he loves and fears. This
time, he doesn’t merely have to survive—he must save his whole misbegotten
family without sacrificing his soul.
“George Weinstein has nailed it again, and his rambunctious crowd entertains with his fine writing and sharp eye for detail. You will love this book.” —Philip Lee Williams, member, Georgia Writers Hall of Fame “Weinstein creates characters we long to know more about. This is his talent, his gift to us all. This novel, along with Hardscrabble Road , will stay with you a long time.”
—Renea Winchester, internationally acclaimed author of Outbound Train
George Weinstein is the author of the beloved Southern Gothic historical novel Hardscrabble Road ; its sequel, Return to Hardscrabble Road ; a novel of forgotten US history, The Five Destinies of Carlos Moreno ; women’s fiction about reinvention titled The Caretaker ; the sassy, small-town, amateur-sleuth murder mystery Aftermath ; and a kidnapping thriller with a dude in distress and a chromesthetic damsel riding to his rescue, Watch What You Say , among other works. His website is GeorgeWeinstein.com, and he can be found on Facebook (@george.weinstein.5), Instagram (@georgeweinsteinga), and TikTok (@georgeweinstein). George is also the executive director of the Atlanta Writers Club (AtlantaWritersClub.org) and has helped thousands of writers on their quest for publication through the club and its twice-yearly Atlanta Writers Conference (AtlantaWritersConference.com), which he has managed since its creation in 2008.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
93 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
George Weinstein
12 books63 followersGeorge Weinstein is the author of the Southern historical novel Hardscrabble Road, its sequel Return to Hardscrabble Road, the kidnapping thriller Watch What You Say, the amateur-sleuth murder mystery Aftermath, the novel of forgotten US history The Five Destinies of Carlos Moreno, and the contemporary relationship drama The Caretaker, as well as the children's adventure book Jake and the Tiger Flight.
He has always written: by six years old, he had written a collection of superhero plays for his stuffed animals to act out, to entertain his brother and sister. And, his family will attest, he loved telling lies as a youth, even when there was no penalty for telling the truth, just to see what he could get away with and for how long. So, it’s little wonder he now writes fiction.
His work has been published in the Atlanta press and in regional and national anthologies, including A Cup of Comfort for Writers. His first novel, the children’s motivational adventure Jake and the Tiger Flight, was written for the nonprofit Tiger Flight Foundation, which is dedicated to the mission of leading the young to become the “Pilot in Command” of their lives. He wishes that there had been such an organization in Laurel, Maryland, where he misspent his youth.
George is the current Executive Director of the Atlanta Writers Club (AWC) and has twice-served as President. Since 2008, he has directed the twice-yearly Atlanta Writers Conference for the AWC, bringing in acquisition editors and literary agents to help members understand the business of writing and achieve their dreams of publication. The AWC was established in 1914. George was established only a few years later; he has a self-portrait in his attic that looks like hell.
He lives with his wife, her two daughters, and their cats in Marietta, GA.
He has always written: by six years old, he had written a collection of superhero plays for his stuffed animals to act out, to entertain his brother and sister. And, his family will attest, he loved telling lies as a youth, even when there was no penalty for telling the truth, just to see what he could get away with and for how long. So, it’s little wonder he now writes fiction.
His work has been published in the Atlanta press and in regional and national anthologies, including A Cup of Comfort for Writers. His first novel, the children’s motivational adventure Jake and the Tiger Flight, was written for the nonprofit Tiger Flight Foundation, which is dedicated to the mission of leading the young to become the “Pilot in Command” of their lives. He wishes that there had been such an organization in Laurel, Maryland, where he misspent his youth.
George is the current Executive Director of the Atlanta Writers Club (AWC) and has twice-served as President. Since 2008, he has directed the twice-yearly Atlanta Writers Conference for the AWC, bringing in acquisition editors and literary agents to help members understand the business of writing and achieve their dreams of publication. The AWC was established in 1914. George was established only a few years later; he has a self-portrait in his attic that looks like hell.
He lives with his wife, her two daughters, and their cats in Marietta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 4, 2023
Returns are not always Rewarding
I thoroughly enjoyed Weinstein’s original Hardscrabble. The sequel was enjoyable as well but seemed forced and cliche in several chapters. The original characters although unlucky and hard pressed were lovable. In “Return” it seemed Weinstein wanted the Disney ending.
I think the reader relates more to real life hardships then story book endings!
I thoroughly enjoyed Weinstein’s original Hardscrabble. The sequel was enjoyable as well but seemed forced and cliche in several chapters. The original characters although unlucky and hard pressed were lovable. In “Return” it seemed Weinstein wanted the Disney ending.
I think the reader relates more to real life hardships then story book endings!
March 29, 2024
A great sequel to the first Hardsrabble road book. This is not as dark as the first book told with more humour and written like a thriller mystery as the boys try to discover what happened to their father. Each chapter ends leaving you hanging to know more.
The language is also subtly more grown up, Roger having spent time on the forces.
This is a southern history novel written by someone who was brought up there so it feels very authentic. This one is not quite such a heart rendering tale as the first but it’s still full of emotion, physical violence and wisdom. Highly recommend and look forward to reading some of his other books
The language is also subtly more grown up, Roger having spent time on the forces.
This is a southern history novel written by someone who was brought up there so it feels very authentic. This one is not quite such a heart rendering tale as the first but it’s still full of emotion, physical violence and wisdom. Highly recommend and look forward to reading some of his other books
December 6, 2022
Return To Hardscrabble Road by George Weinstein is a southern-based coming-of-age novel. This is the sequel to the critically acclaimed Hardscrabble Road, picking up where the first book left off. George Weinstein interweaves themes of hope, redemption, loss, revenge, heartache, and family into a beautifully southern gothic story. When you open the pages of Return To Hardscrabble Road, prepare yourself for a wild ride, an intense journey, and memorable wisdom found along the way. By intricately combining these themes, Return To Hardscrabble Road is an unforgettable reminder of what it feels like to grow up and make your own way in the world while navigating everything you leave behind in the innocence of your youth.
This story captivated me from start to finish. While putting together the pieces from the first book, Hardscrabble Road, I immediately fell in love with the characters and their conflict-resolution faced as I poured over the pages. This book left me reeling with engaging characters, memorable dialogue, and a fascinating narrative. With exciting plot twists and compelling details, Weinstein’s writing left me able to put myself in the story.
Due to the themes and setting of this novel, the story may not be for everyone. George Weinstein covers many complex topics but has a quality in his writing that allows for a relatable and engaging story that audiences everywhere can appreciate. However, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quality narrative about family, loss, and redemption. Due to the content, this book is mesmerizing and intriguing. If you are looking for something that is heartfelt and has a great story, grabs a copy of Return To Hardscrabble Road.
This story captivated me from start to finish. While putting together the pieces from the first book, Hardscrabble Road, I immediately fell in love with the characters and their conflict-resolution faced as I poured over the pages. This book left me reeling with engaging characters, memorable dialogue, and a fascinating narrative. With exciting plot twists and compelling details, Weinstein’s writing left me able to put myself in the story.
Due to the themes and setting of this novel, the story may not be for everyone. George Weinstein covers many complex topics but has a quality in his writing that allows for a relatable and engaging story that audiences everywhere can appreciate. However, I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a quality narrative about family, loss, and redemption. Due to the content, this book is mesmerizing and intriguing. If you are looking for something that is heartfelt and has a great story, grabs a copy of Return To Hardscrabble Road.
October 30, 2022
Even more satisfying!
I loved Hardscrabble Road, but it's "return" was more light and hopeful than the original!
Mr. Weinstein has a glorious knack for embedding beautiful prose and life-changing philosophy into an action-packed plot. In Return to Hardscrabble Road, this was even more apparent than in the original!
I am an aspiring writer and
would love to talk with you, George, about getting published.
Thanks for this sequel. It was delightfully satisfying to find out "Roger (Bud) and company's" fate!
I loved Hardscrabble Road, but it's "return" was more light and hopeful than the original!
Mr. Weinstein has a glorious knack for embedding beautiful prose and life-changing philosophy into an action-packed plot. In Return to Hardscrabble Road, this was even more apparent than in the original!
I am an aspiring writer and
would love to talk with you, George, about getting published.
Thanks for this sequel. It was delightfully satisfying to find out "Roger (Bud) and company's" fate!
January 3, 2023
You don’t need to have read Weinstein’s “Hardscrabble Road” to thoroughly enjoy “Return to Hardscrabble Road,” but I bet you’ll want to read it after you read “Return.” Both give readers two of the things they want most from the time they invest in a novel: a wonderful story and a glimpse into a place and time they had not known before, in this case a tale of love and heroism emerging from a backdrop of poverty, ignorance, and violence. “Return to Hardscrabble Road” is another noteworthy achievement by this gifted storyteller.
May 19, 2023
The second part to two of the finest books I’ve ever read. I loved this one just as much. It is different, more hopeful maybe, while being just as riveting through every single page. I would read fifty more of these! Hardscrabble road will always have a special place in my heart.
March 24, 2023
Our book club has been lucky enough to have George Weinstein visit to discuss all of the books he has written, and this one is scheduled for us to talk about tomorrow night. I had really hoped to re-read the original Hardscrabble Road before delving into the sequel, but alas, time got away from me. Thankfully I remembered enough from the previous book for this one to make sense.
His writing style has become even more polished over the years, and I am a sucker for descriptive sentences. The story moved quickly and was well told about the family as they are all older and the difficult times they still all face.
Each chapter had some kind of cliffhanger at the end, and I was pleased to see in the Author's Note that he mentioned that. The book is emotionally charged, deals with a lot of difficult subjects and continues the growth of the MacLeod family.
The timeframe in which it takes place reminds us of the racial divide, with diners for colored people. The dialect was well done through and through. The small town in South Georgia is poverty stricken, and we are reminded of how lucky we are for how much we have. And being from Georgia, it was fun to see places mentioned which I know of well - Colquitt County, Bainbridge, Albany and more.
I'm still going to try to get a quick re-read in of the original if possible, and look forward to what I'm sure will be a great discussion.
His writing style has become even more polished over the years, and I am a sucker for descriptive sentences. The story moved quickly and was well told about the family as they are all older and the difficult times they still all face.
Each chapter had some kind of cliffhanger at the end, and I was pleased to see in the Author's Note that he mentioned that. The book is emotionally charged, deals with a lot of difficult subjects and continues the growth of the MacLeod family.
The timeframe in which it takes place reminds us of the racial divide, with diners for colored people. The dialect was well done through and through. The small town in South Georgia is poverty stricken, and we are reminded of how lucky we are for how much we have. And being from Georgia, it was fun to see places mentioned which I know of well - Colquitt County, Bainbridge, Albany and more.
I'm still going to try to get a quick re-read in of the original if possible, and look forward to what I'm sure will be a great discussion.
December 27, 2024
I finished this book in one day and throughly enjoyed it. I was so glad to see Roger MacLeod growing up and learning to overcome the obstacles of an abusive childhood. I felt that this book was a better balanced than "Hardscrabble Road".
I thought the pacing was better as well. Even though the amount of trouble one could get into in such a short time was a little unbelievable, the story was very engaging.
I thought it interesting that Roger never resolved his conflict with his father(s), but he did with his mother. Being a mother myself made it hard for me to overlook her behavior towards her children.
Highly recommend this book to those who want a peek at the past and how it feels to be poor.
I thought the pacing was better as well. Even though the amount of trouble one could get into in such a short time was a little unbelievable, the story was very engaging.
I thought it interesting that Roger never resolved his conflict with his father(s), but he did with his mother. Being a mother myself made it hard for me to overlook her behavior towards her children.
Highly recommend this book to those who want a peek at the past and how it feels to be poor.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
In RETURN TO HARDSCRABBLE ROAD, author George Weinstein captures wonderfully the zeitgeist of the “hardscrabble” Deep South in the immediate aftermath of WWII. The novel is populated with a plethora of colorful characters: rough-around-the-edges soldiers returning to where they grew up (in southern Georgia), moonshiners, revenuers, soothsayers, and just plain bad folks. There’s plenty of action as three brothers seek revenge for a beating their sister took, but in the end, the story ends with a gentle touch. RETURN TO HARDSCRABBLE ROAD carries you off to a different time in a different place with a protagonist you can root for. It’s a truly engrossing read.
December 8, 2023
Maybe a bit too much
Like many other readers, I suspect, I didn’t enjoy the sequel as much as the original. As a southerner by birth and education—I bleed red and black!—I had difficulty getting my head around the parental cruelty, abject poverty, and general family dysfunction in the original, all of which were amplified beyond my comprehension in the sequel. In the South Georgia I know parents don’t eat before children and fathers don’t threaten their families with firearms on an hourly basis. Maybe I’ve read too much Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings to properly relate to South Georgia…
Like many other readers, I suspect, I didn’t enjoy the sequel as much as the original. As a southerner by birth and education—I bleed red and black!—I had difficulty getting my head around the parental cruelty, abject poverty, and general family dysfunction in the original, all of which were amplified beyond my comprehension in the sequel. In the South Georgia I know parents don’t eat before children and fathers don’t threaten their families with firearms on an hourly basis. Maybe I’ve read too much Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings to properly relate to South Georgia…
April 21, 2023
Some returns are the only way forward. If you thoroughly enjoyed Hardscrabble Road, you’ll be delighted to discover there is more in store for the MacLeod Brothers. This time around, a good bit of the trouble is of their own rowdy making, which is fitting, now that they are no longer helplessly storm-tossed by the machinations of their elders. This engaging and fast-paced sequel is a record of Bud the child becoming Roger the man, as he tussles his way out of the past and into a hopeful future with as much spirit and elan as he can muster.
November 29, 2022
Weinstein brings the reader back to Hardscrabble Road to find Roger (Bud) home on leave from the service after his father’s death. He and his brothers try and solve other family members’ problems only to make those problems worse.
Return to Hardscrabble Road is as gritty and authentic as the original. If you have not read Hardscrabble Road, do so. If you have, this is one return that is well worth it.
Return to Hardscrabble Road is as gritty and authentic as the original. If you have not read Hardscrabble Road, do so. If you have, this is one return that is well worth it.
March 4, 2023
Read the original first! It's just as beautiful as the sequel. The story of Roger "Bud" and his family is a history lesson of the era in the South, but written like a musical score with incredibly emotional rises and falls. One minute you'll feel horror and sadness, then some dry humor gets tossed in, and you can't help but laugh. I'm blown away by the writing, the flow and the entire story. I love it!
April 3, 2023
Loved both Hardscrabble Road stories
After reading the first book and wanting to hug young Bud and be his friend, I was so happy to see the sequel! I loved the first book more, but it was equally as fun to have the adventure of the three brothers back together.
I'd recommend this to anybody wanting to feel like being a part of struggles I've heard from my older family members.
After reading the first book and wanting to hug young Bud and be his friend, I was so happy to see the sequel! I loved the first book more, but it was equally as fun to have the adventure of the three brothers back together.
I'd recommend this to anybody wanting to feel like being a part of struggles I've heard from my older family members.
October 10, 2023
Ridiculous story
I enjoyed the first book “Hardscrabble Road” and so couldn’t wait to read this sequel. Almost seems that a different writer was involved as the book had a different vibe. The story was a bit ridiculous with all of the offshoot tales within one family. Not even close to being believable or realistic. You’ll feel silly for wasting your time reading it like I did.
I enjoyed the first book “Hardscrabble Road” and so couldn’t wait to read this sequel. Almost seems that a different writer was involved as the book had a different vibe. The story was a bit ridiculous with all of the offshoot tales within one family. Not even close to being believable or realistic. You’ll feel silly for wasting your time reading it like I did.
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March 2, 2023Very much enjoyed this book and hated to see it end.
This book was very entertaining, full of stories about the old days, and funny, sad, and inspiring all at the same time! Loved it, even more than the first Hardscrabble Road.
This book was very entertaining, full of stories about the old days, and funny, sad, and inspiring all at the same time! Loved it, even more than the first Hardscrabble Road.
September 23, 2023
Hardscrabble Road
I truly enjoyed reading Hardscrabble Road and Return to Hardscrabble Road. The people and the situations that they found themselves in was exciting yet heartbreaking. I wish that there were more to read. Life, hard times, and overcoming them.
I truly enjoyed reading Hardscrabble Road and Return to Hardscrabble Road. The people and the situations that they found themselves in was exciting yet heartbreaking. I wish that there were more to read. Life, hard times, and overcoming them.
March 16, 2023
Love,Love,Love
Loved this, it took me back. Made me remember so many things of my childhood.
Laughed, cried, and really thought about it!
Still wish it would go on!
Loved this, it took me back. Made me remember so many things of my childhood.
Laughed, cried, and really thought about it!
Still wish it would go on!
April 9, 2023
Excellent
Absolutely loved this!! I was so excited to this because the first book was so good. I want more from this author.
Absolutely loved this!! I was so excited to this because the first book was so good. I want more from this author.
May 7, 2023
Loved seeing Bud and his brothers grow-up and the hopeful ending. Very enjoyable read.
May 13, 2023
great book.
Never stopped being interesting. Absolutely brilliant stuff that a is unpredictable and humerus as well as exciting enjoyable in a lot of ways. One messed up family
Never stopped being interesting. Absolutely brilliant stuff that a is unpredictable and humerus as well as exciting enjoyable in a lot of ways. One messed up family
August 21, 2023
Sorry this one didn’t cut it for me. I wanted the boys to go on and have happy lives, not a weekend comedy. It felt like a quick not thought out story.
January 24, 2025
first on better
First Hardscrabble was the best. This needed more to exceed or meet that standard. Keep working George your style is great.
First Hardscrabble was the best. This needed more to exceed or meet that standard. Keep working George your style is great.
July 29, 2025
I thought this book was even better than the first one. Very enjoyable read!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews