Return to McCall

by Patricia Evans

Overwhelmed by sudden fame, Lily Larimer retreats from LA and returns to McCall, the last place she’s felt truly happy, even if that means seeing her ex, Sam, who seems to have found exactly what she wanted in life. Hoping to get her future back on track, Lily isn’t looking for romance—not until she meets Alex, the gorgeous Cuban dance instructor at Lake Haven, Sam’s newly opened lesbian retreat.

Sam Draper, McCall’s chief of police, and her wife, Sara, are ready to start their family, but their plans go awry when Sara experiences fertility issues. Summer heats up as they open Lake Haven, but cracks soon start to emerge with the realization that what they want most, a family, might be just out of reach.

As the secret evil lurking just beneath the surface of their sleepy little lake town emerges, all four women discover that sometimes happiness comes when you least expect it.

234 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2023

About the author

Patricia Evans is currently writing your new favorite novel in her hand-built tiny house, nestled deep in the forest, where she’s surrounded by a bevy of raccoons and a sleepy brown bear named Waddles.
She travels to Ireland and Scotland several times a year in search of the perfect whiskey and cigar combination and spends most of her time trying to ignore the characters from her books that boss her around as she writes by the fire.

This author also writes under the pen names Patricia Evans Jordan and Patricia Evans Cox.

Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Netgyrl (Laura) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars - we’ll written, low angst romance

Right off the bat, you should know that this is the second book set in McCall and I did not read the first book. That being said it wasn’t hard to get oriented in in this story with the existing romantic pair (Sam/Sara) and the other secondary characters. In Return to McCall we still get quite at bit of Sam and Sara. Sam is Chief of Police and Sara is a professional chef and restauranteur. They are very cute and loving couple, and at the beginning of this book they’ve already been together and married five years. The new romance in this one is between Alex who we are introduced, as being a Cuban dance instructor and Lily an author.

I think the book is well written, and the characters all are interesting and likable. However, they’re all a bit too perfect. Both Sam and Alex are tall, handsome butch, lesbians. Very chivalrous, thoughtful, and romantic. Sara is always cooking. She’s caring and empathetic. The only person that seemed real was Lily. She was on the verge of having a breakdown and needed to escape her life and re-center her self.

One of the things that kept me interested in the story was a side plot that involved a under cover police operation to take down some very bad guys. Sorry, I’m trying to be vague so it’s not too spoilery.

I think this book would be perfect for when you’re in the mood to read about some great people doing great things in a great way 100% of the time. You just want every thing to turn out and a happily ever after with very little to worry about.

Did I like it enough to go back and read the first book? Yes 100%. I would love to see how Sam and Sara got together. I think based on the clues given in this book that their story would be quite fun to read.

I was given this ARC, by the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review.

Shelved: sapphic romance, cops or criminals, chef, leads are too perfect, butch/femme

[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the title and as you begin the story you realize this is a sequel as the characters already have familiarity with each other. It took me a few minutes of searching to find the original is written under the name of Patricia Evans Jordan. It covers the romance of Sam Draper and Sara who are now married in this book. Sam is the Chief of Police in the small town of McCall, Idaho. Sara and she are also running a cabin retreat on their lakefront property.

The three main storylines deal with; Moxie a teen in the foster system who comes to stay with the Drapers, Lily a popular romance writer and friend of the couple comes to take a break from her overwhelming L.A. life finding possible romance, and lastly a police sting operation for human trafficking. The story all takes place in just a couple of weeks so the action moves along quickly. There is time for plenty of steamy moments especially for the new couple.

I enjoyed the characters and their caring interaction with each other as friends, lovers and family. I found transitions between scenes to be abrupt. A new scene begins and I wasn’t always clear if it is something happening simultaneously, later or even the next day. It was different style of writing. Also a few diatribes took me out of the story briefly. For example one about the overuse of medication for children. I’m not saying it wasn’t correct information, it just felt out of place to the storyline. I put it down to the character’s passion for her work.

Sam and Lily’s person Alex, are very tall, strong butch. To the point they can be misgendered. If you enjoy the butch/femme stories this will appeal to you. The author gives time to side characters and lets them have moments to shine in the story as well. Overall a strong book and I will look for more from the author whether it is set in McCall or somewhere else.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange for a review.

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lily is a writer who needs a break so she returns to McCall after many years away to breathe this is home to her. While there she meets Alex who is working at the local lesbian retreat as they grow closer Lily is reunited with her ex Sam and her wife Sara who have their own story of trying to have a baby they are characters from previous book I didn’t read but I felt I know their characters without having to read the first book but I’m am going to get it anyway. As all four women story progress Sam befriends a young teen Moxie who hasn’t had a great life since being in foster care and tumble on something more sinister that’s happening on the lake. I enjoy this read nice twist and turns the romance was good enjoy all the characters can’t wait to read more from this author.


I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Plot Twist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sequel was worth the wait! Patricia Evans did not disappointment. Lily returned to McCall to escape LA after being away for years. She connects with Alex who works at a lesbian retreat. This story also included Sam and Sara from the first book (McCall). I enjoyed the intrigue/secrets in the small town along with the romance/chemistry between Lily and Alex. Highly recommend as this novel was a quick, enjoyable read!

Thank you NetGally and Bold Strokes Books for this ARC

[Alice M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realised when I started this book it was a sequel so went and read first book before this one. Really enjoyed both books. Good to see the MCs (Sam and Sara) from McCall quite prominent in this book too. Was nice to see Lily meeting someone after Sam. A bit of mystery and suspense to add to the romance just rounds it off nicely.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evans has two strong well-developed main characters. The secondary characters are less well developed perhaps because most of them were key characters in the first book of this series, “McCall” (2018). However, it is not necessary to have read the first book in the series to enjoy this book because Evans does a credible job of introducing the secondary characters to new readers.

This book is well written, and the pacing is so good that readers will not want to set it down.

The book is not without its flaws though. The ending seemed rushed, and it would have been nice to have been present when Sam took Moxie shopping as well as other plotlines that had been cut short.

If you read only one book this spring, this would be a good choice.

My thanks to Bold Stroke Books for an eArc.

[Patty Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story. The relationship between Lily and Alex was really sweet and romantic. There was some drama and angst in there relationship, but not enough to bog the story down. I liked that the author also added characters from her previous book and gave an update on what was happening in their lives as well. I didn't know that this was part of a series, but you can still read it as a standalone book. Sam and Sara were such good supporting characters that sometimes I felt this was more there story than Lily's.. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family and I look forward to what's next from this author.

[TJ Phillips]

The first chapter comes off like a crap B-rated Lifetime crime movie. I’m out.

[Amelia.S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Evans’s Return to McCall is a deeply felt story about love, healing, and the unexpected ways life circles back to where we began. Through Lily Larimer’s retreat from fame to the small town she once called home, Evans captures the emotional whiplash of success, heartbreak, and rediscovery with graceful authenticity. What begins as a journey to escape the noise of Los Angeles becomes a tender exploration of what it means to truly belong.

The novel’s strength lies in its tapestry of relationships each one rich with conflict and compassion. Lily’s growing bond with Alex, the passionate dance instructor at Lake Haven, radiates both tension and tenderness, while Sam and Sara’s struggle to build a family brings an added layer of realism and depth. Evans portrays queer love and community not as backdrops, but as living, breathing forces that shape every moment of her characters’ lives.

Set against the tranquil yet mysterious shores of McCall, the story blends emotional intimacy with quiet suspense, reminding readers that peace often hides beneath the ripples of chaos. Return to McCall is more than a love story it’s an ode to resilience, chosen family, and the healing that comes when we allow our hearts to open again.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Suarez and Lilly Larimar both end up hiding at a camp in McCall Idaho for different reasons. They've found a safe haven there with friends Sam and Sara and are figuring out what they want for their future. Sparks fly when they meet but a dangerous man may block their road to happiness.
This was a fun book with lots of linked storylines. I really liked the characters and may need to pick up the first book in this series as Sam and Sara were definitely a great couple. All of the supporting characters in this small town added a little something to the story and I liked them all. I really loved Moxie and her story really drew me in to this book. Though this is a series I didn't have any issues following the plot here and I think it can be read as a standalone. I will say that the romance between Lilly and Alex is a little too insta love for me, though they have some great conversations and have a lot of things in common, the L word is thrown out just two weeks after their initial meeting. I had not read anything by this author but would pick up future books as this one was an entertaining read.

[Bee Sherrard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time to revisit ‘McCall’ where we first met Sam and Sara Draper in ‘Passport to Love’. Now Ms Evans takes us back to not only check in all the happenings since our last visit but to introduce us to a few new characters.
Lily used to live in McCall but left to try her luck writing romance novels and now after the last book in the series she’s writing Lily feels overwhelmed with all the attention. She decides to travel back to ‘McCall’ to see if she can find the solitude she needs. Luckily friends Sam and Sara have a place to stay. ‘Lake Haven’ is a retreat where couples can go to relax.
‘Lake Haven’ has grown so much that now they offer dancing lessons, and that’s how we meet Alex. Alex is in McCall for the same reason others are, a quieter life, at least for the summer.
Another new character is ‘Moxie’ a young girl who's in foster care and while moving her to a new house she takes her chance to run away. So with a really good plot, great characters, Ms Evans has given a story we all can enjoy. Very, very nice read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel book to Ms. Evans book, "McCall". It was great to continue reading about the lives of Sara and Sam as well as Jennifer, Murphy, Mary, and Lily. I liked the new characters Moxie and Alex. Their addition is wonderful to increase the "butch" population in McCall.

The story line deals with the issue of foster and sex trafficking. The author has done a great job of weaving these two issues throughout the story.

One topic I got tired of reading about was the long, very descriptive sex scenes. I am most certainly not a prude, but it seemed ro be too much. I wish to point out that a good story doesn't need a lot of sex to sell the book. Unfortunately, it seems that a lot of authors are feeling the need to go this route.

Finally, I don't know if the author was trying to leave two topics hanging on purpose: 1. Moxie's friend status and 2. will there be more adaption or options available for foster children. These two issues certainly merit a 3rd book.

I rate this book 4.5 out of 5.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sequel but I haven’t read the previous book. Glad to say, it really doesn’t matter. This is stand alone and once you realise that we’re meant to know some of the characters and their back story, you just go with the flow. And it flows really well. It’s well written, adeptly plotted, and the characters are developed beautifully. Alex and Lily are the key couple in this book. Lily is a writer having panic attacks and questioning her life decisions. She returns to McCall to a retreat owned by Sam and Sara. Sam is Lily’s ex and welcomes her to the retreat. Lily shares a cabin with Alex who is a dance teacher…

Add in plenty of angst, a few confusions and misunderstandings, and a plot about gangsters and corruption and you have a very entertaining story. I’ll be looking out the previous book and no doubt enjoying a relaxing, delightful read.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley

[Derralyn Monahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished ✔️ Return to McCall by Patricia Evans

4 ⭐️’s
Kindle Unlimited: No
Loved this book overall
It takes about law enforcement
Truly enjoyed the characters overall
This book held my attention throughout the whole book
The book is beautifully & brilliantly written
Yes, I’d recommend this book

#DeesReading #DeesRecs #DeesBookRecommendations #BookNerds #BookNerdProblems #BookNerdsUnited #BookProblems #BookProblems101 #BookNerds101 #Bookworms #BookwormProblems #BooksOfFacebook #DeeTheBookReviewer #DeesReadOfTheDay #DeesBookOfTheDay #DeesBookReviewsOfTheDay #BookReviewer #NewToMeAuthor #Patricia Evans #ReadOfTheDay #BookOfTheDay #ReturnToMcCall #NetGalley

[Valerie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book is set in a lesbian retreat and there are references to and descriptions of specifics relating to genders as well as some explicit sexual scenes (I am unable to comment on credibility as this is not my sexual preference). That said, I thought the scenes were romantic, tender and loving. The police plotline threaded throughout and linked to Moxie's personal story was interesting, and I enjoyed how this related to Sam and Sarah. I have signed up to follow this author after this excellent read.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and it shows. It's not a bad thing but it did take me a little while to get into the book, to get to know the characters and to care about what happened to them. I'm sure if you have read the first book, this will take less time so I do recommend reading the first book first.

Once I got a hang of who was who and the mysterious evil was starting to be uncovered I got really involved and was curious how everything would unfold.

An ARC was provided to me via Netgalley in return of an honest review.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

well done, Patricia. This book was well written and amazing read, Great character with some drama as well as a bit of angst. I recommend. 4.5 stars


Thank you, Bold Strokes Books, and NetGalley

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent.

I loved Return to McCall. So good. Loved the story. Love the characters. Yes. We could do with continued visits back to McCall.