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Title:
Return to Me

Author:
Shannon McKenna

Published By:
Kensington Brava

ISBN:
0-7582-0560-0

Release Date:
June 2004

Format:
Print

Simon Riley is heading back to the town of LaRue. His uncle, Gus passed away five months ago and left him his house. Simon is assailed with memories especially of El (Ellen Kent). He remembers how he took her virginity and how he left town. Ellen owns a bed & breakfast. Simon is forced to rent a room there since the house is in disrepair. Ellen has grown up during the years he has been gone. She is more beautiful than he imagined unfortunately, she is also engaged to Brad. Simon is intent on searching for answers about Gus' death and he also wants Ellen.

The complexity of relationships forged in childhood come to the forefront as Simon's return jolts the town's occupants. Simon has never quite forgotten her. Simon is a sum of his life experiences; for the most part it hasn't been a great one. Simon is unable to fully trust in love; fear and doubt besets him. It is a hurdle he has to overcome if he is to find happiness with Ellen. Ellen has never forgotten her first love. Ellen embraces and accepts Simon for what he has been and more importantly, what he is now. She is satisfied with her decision and thoroughly in love with him. Among the secondary characters, Brad and Cora's story is a stand out; their past history haunts them too.

Ms. McKenna has written a complex storyline filled with highly charged erotic situations. It was surprisingly a very emotional book. Anguish, pain, joy, guilt and love are just some of the feelings expressed by the characters. She puts her characters through the wringer and thus draws the reader into the same vortex. The author has done a superb job in weaving the mystery, suspense and erotic elements together. The characters were fully realized and not one-dimensional creatures. Return to Me contains some of the most memorable characters this reviewer has come across. The pacing is right on target and the story slowly builds to a heartbreaking climax. It was a taunt, emotional and extremely satisfying read. The reviewer has read and loved Ms. McKenna's earlier books, Standing in the Shadows and Behind Closed Doors, this one ranks up there alongside the other two on my keeper shelf.

Reviewed by: Susan