Return to Me by Kelly Moran – a Review

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Description:
With every beat of the heart comes a memory of what could have been…

Ten years ago, Cole Covington was just another rich kid who got everything he wanted—including young and trusting Mia Galdon. Then one night everything changed, and two hearts were shattered. Cole buried his guilt in the military, where love was just part of the past. Now Cole has come back home, emotionally damaged, guarded, and unprepared for what’s waiting for him…

At the urging of Cole’s sister, Mia has returned to the Covington family’s coastal home in Wilmington as a private nurse to help Cole recover. With her uncertain personal life at a crossroad, Mia doesn’t have the luxury of saying no to the job. And she soon finds out that the attraction is still alive. So are memories of betrayal. But Mia will discover more than the power of resilience. She’ll discover a secret Cole has held for years, one that will force them to confront the past and give new meaning to letting go, forgiveness, and a future worth fighting for.

Review:

Return to Me by Kelly Moran is the 1^st book in her new Covington Cove series. I decided to read this book, as I usually enjoy these sweet romances in small towns, as well as being family oriented. I am so glad I did, as Return to Me was a fantastic read, and much more than a just sweet romance.

Our heroes in this story are Mia Galdon and Cole Covington. They were young lovers 10 years before, but they were on the different sides of the track. Mia was the daughter of the Covington maid, and Cole was the younger son of the wealthy and powerful Covingtons. Though they were in love, Cole shattered Mia’s heart without an explanation. Cole eventually joins the military, to get away from his guilt and his parents. In the present time, Cole is now emotionally, and physically damaged by the war, and has become a recluse in the family home he bought. He refuses to see anyone, with only the housekeeper to help him.

Lacey Covington is Cole’s sister, and in her desperation, she reaches out to Mia, even though it’s been 10 years. Mia is a nurse, who is currently looking for a job, and her financial situation is getting difficult, since she takes care of her sister, Ginny, who as downs syndrome. Lacey begs her to come to Covington Cove to become his caretaker and help Cole. Mia wants nothing to do with Cole, but because Lacey makes her an offer she can’t refuse, paying in full Ginny’s tuition at the home she has been staying in, Mia accepts.

Without giving out spoilers, what follows is a wonderful emotional heartwarming story of two people that must get past the damaging memories of the past, the betrayals, and move to the equally damaging present of war, tragedy, and emotional turmoil. But most important, Mia must find a way to get Cole out of his war terrors, and bring him back to his health. Cole has always loved Mia, will he tell her the truth of why he broke up with her? Can Mia trust her heart to Cole again? Will Mia be able to come face to face with Cole’s parents, who treated her like trash?

Kelly Moran has created some wonderful characters; Mia was a fabulous heroine, who was smart, savvy, funny, dedicated and strong; Cole made a fabulous hero, as he not only was a hunk, but his love for Mia tugged on our hearts; Lacey, was a wonderful sister to Cole, and turned out to be a super friend to Mia. I can’t wait to find what is in store for Lacey in the next Covington Cove book. Return to Me is a wonderful story that blends a sweet romance, family dynamics, healing, with heart wrenching emotions throughout, which will stay with you for a while. Great book by Kelly Moran that is not to be missed.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher