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Return To Me
Eighteen-year-old Sadie Stark, raised by the governor of Pennsylvania, has the world on a string. She doesn't need the mother who left her any more than she needs the fiance who promises to change. What she needs is to finish college, and keep her wits about her.
When war-bound James Pasko returns her stolen clutch, and shows her what's missing in her life, she gains the courage to search for the truth about her past.
What Sadie uncovers rattles her to the core. But James' steadfast love gives her hope for the future--for the first time--even as the war tears them apart.
When James disappears over enemy lines and Sadie makes a startling discovery, she must decide to follow in the footsteps of the mother who gave her away, or face a life of hardship like she's never known.
When war-bound James Pasko returns her stolen clutch, and shows her what's missing in her life, she gains the courage to search for the truth about her past.
What Sadie uncovers rattles her to the core. But James' steadfast love gives her hope for the future--for the first time--even as the war tears them apart.
When James disappears over enemy lines and Sadie makes a startling discovery, she must decide to follow in the footsteps of the mother who gave her away, or face a life of hardship like she's never known.
380 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2015
3 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Carolyn Menke
2 books170 followersCarolyn Menke is the author of RETURN TO ME (September 2015) and its prequel, I'M YOURS (December 2015). A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Carolyn is a professional blogger, creative writing teacher, and award-winning flash fiction writer. She enjoys horseback riding and geocaching with her husband, three daughters, and goldendoodle.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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September 3, 2015This was a very good, well written book, almost as if she wrote this book from her own experience. I truly enjoyed this book and could barely put it down when I had to. I haven't read a book this interesting in a long time. It brings out all the horror and heartbreak of war wondering if your one true love will come home from war at all, let alone in one piece. Carolyn did a great job bringing all this to light showing all the emotions they all went through. If you choose to read this book I promise you will not be disappointed. It is a very good book showing a lot of emotion and heartbreak like you don't read very often. I felt like I was part of all the things that were going on. Make this book one of your next reads, you will be glad you did! I received this book in exchange for an honest review and this is my honest review. Purchase this book and enjoy.
September 5, 2015
Everyone assumed that Sadie would marry her longtime boyfriend Henry. That is, everyone except Sadie. And James. When James and Sadie’s paths cross for a second time, they cannot deny the attraction between them. They have one magnificent day and night together before he deploys. While Sadie tries to break up with Henry and prepare for a life with James, James finds himself in enemy territory, counting the days until he returns to his true love.
If you liked The Notebook, you’ll love Return to Me. It’s a beautiful love story, spanning 30 years. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride that you never want to end. I was hooked from the beginning, and craving more at the end. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Menke.
If you liked The Notebook, you’ll love Return to Me. It’s a beautiful love story, spanning 30 years. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride that you never want to end. I was hooked from the beginning, and craving more at the end. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Menke.
September 11, 2015
This book is simply beautiful in so many ways: the prose, the emotions, the relationships, the sentiments, the over-arching story. Carolyn Menke oozes talent and I found myself lost in her story, only surfacing to get more tissues for the final chapters. Even after I turned the last page, my mind dwelled on how I wished this story was more than fiction. It feels too authentic and raw not to be real. I'm eager to read the forthcoming novella about Sadie's mother, and anything else published by this author (may there be many more stories to come).
September 13, 2015
Carolyn Menke's debut novel does not disappoint! Full of emotional depth and poignant prose, this beautifully written historical romance will stay with you well after the final page. Although you'll be happily transported into the 1940s, this tale is classic and timeless. You'll root for Sadie through every twist and turn and feel her every heartbreak! I am anxious to read Menke's soon-to-be released companion novella, I'm Yours, next! Keep watching this talented author!
September 13, 2015
Menke's novel is a beautiful story with strong characters that leap right off the page and into your heart. Her writing is rich with details of the 1940s and the issues women faced as their greatest loves were shipped off to war, and the emotional aftermath they leave behind. This love story will leave you in tears, but in my opinion, most of the good ones do. I look forward to reading more of Menke's work in the future! I really enjoyed this very much.
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October 12, 2015I thought this novel would be a tender historical romance, and it was that but it was also much more. Sadie's struggles on the home front while the man she loves is away at the war ventured into serious historical significance for women. I'm glad the novel went that direction in terms of the dilemmas she faced. It made Sadie ultimately a much deeper character, and a more interesting arc of character growth than I expected in a WWII romance. I really enjoyed it!
September 1, 2015
Amazing book! I loved Sadie's journey. I cried at her defeats and cheered her triumphs. The love story is so honest, and the hero is every woman's dream guy. The ending is satisfying with just enough of a twist. I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves women's fiction.
September 21, 2015
For those of you old enough to remember what it was like back in the 40's, 50's and even into the 60's you will remember what happened to those who had babies out of wed lock. They were shunned and ofttimes sent off to homes for unwed mothers to have their child then be forced to give them up for adoption or attempt to keep the child. It was not easy! I had a couple of friends this happened to--most gave up the baby-one or two kept them. In the 40's (when this book takes place) and into the 50's there were wars going on and men-boyfriends and husbands didn't always make it home.
I was born in 1950 and I was adopted at about the age of 5 months into a loving home with wonderful parents and a totally accepting extended family. I was told young that I was adopted. I am not sure to this day if the story I was told was the truth and like Sadie and then her daughter I have often wanted to know--but like Sadie's daughter-never want to hurt the mother who brought me up. Maybe someday I will try and find my birth mother--but no rush. What I am getting to here--if you do adopt a child please let them know as soon as possible-hiding it will only cause heartache in the long run.
This story of true love will certainly tug at your heart strings as well as bring tears to your eyes--and yes smiles to your face as well. This author deserves accolades for writing a novel that captures the times and the fears of that age (and beyond) and capturing the attention that didn't quit until the last page was turned.
Return To Me
I was born in 1950 and I was adopted at about the age of 5 months into a loving home with wonderful parents and a totally accepting extended family. I was told young that I was adopted. I am not sure to this day if the story I was told was the truth and like Sadie and then her daughter I have often wanted to know--but like Sadie's daughter-never want to hurt the mother who brought me up. Maybe someday I will try and find my birth mother--but no rush. What I am getting to here--if you do adopt a child please let them know as soon as possible-hiding it will only cause heartache in the long run.
This story of true love will certainly tug at your heart strings as well as bring tears to your eyes--and yes smiles to your face as well. This author deserves accolades for writing a novel that captures the times and the fears of that age (and beyond) and capturing the attention that didn't quit until the last page was turned.
Return To Me
October 1, 2015
I love nothing more than a good love story. Some of my favorite movies were books turned to movies. I especially love the cliff hanger opening, you know what I am talking about when that opening scene is the current day and then they leave you hanging. Suddenly you are whisked back in time to their story, all while you wonder who were these people you just met. Carolyn Menke does just that to us in Return to Me. She opens in 1972, you meet two characters, you wonder why one of them is there and then you're back in 1942.
I don't want to give too much away about the book, but there is a bit of a love triangle. I found myself constantly battling with the Sadie on which way should she go. Should she fight for what she knows is love or should she marry the other because it is the smart choice and what her family wants. Will either be the right decision? Will either last? Is her love coming into her life fate's way of showing her the right choice?
Just as she makes her decision the worst happens, it is 1942 of course and off to war someone goes. Twists are thrown in Sadie's family and even her own life. While we are waiting to find out if the one fighting in the war makes it home in time Sadie is left to make the decision of a lifetime. The decision her mother had to make years before. Will she follow in her mother's footsteps or will she carve her own path and decide on a different route?
I loved the book and couldn't put it down. Every time I went to put it down it was like watching a television show and having to wait for next week to find out what is going to happen. It was an amazing love story with a great twist of a different kind of love.
I don't want to give too much away about the book, but there is a bit of a love triangle. I found myself constantly battling with the Sadie on which way should she go. Should she fight for what she knows is love or should she marry the other because it is the smart choice and what her family wants. Will either be the right decision? Will either last? Is her love coming into her life fate's way of showing her the right choice?
Just as she makes her decision the worst happens, it is 1942 of course and off to war someone goes. Twists are thrown in Sadie's family and even her own life. While we are waiting to find out if the one fighting in the war makes it home in time Sadie is left to make the decision of a lifetime. The decision her mother had to make years before. Will she follow in her mother's footsteps or will she carve her own path and decide on a different route?
I loved the book and couldn't put it down. Every time I went to put it down it was like watching a television show and having to wait for next week to find out what is going to happen. It was an amazing love story with a great twist of a different kind of love.
September 14, 2015
World War II is my favorite era of all times. It is nearly impossible for me to pass up reading anything from that time frame.
Return to Me is a different style of writing than what I am use to. It almost seemed like I was reading James’s journal. The two main characters took turns telling their points of views of the happenings of their lives. I loved this style. It was wonderful to hear how Sadie perceived a certain series of events or what had happen while James was gone to war and then hear James perspective on the same set of events and what he was experiencing in war. There were times throughout the book that I felt sorry for them both, but through it all I kept cheering for them to find their happy ending.
I struggled with Sadie’s relationship with her fiancé. The same fiancé that was a drunk, that he took advantage of Sadie’s connections with the Governor, and the same fiancé that kept pushing Sadie into situations that she was not comfortable with. While I understood that times were different, women were expected to act a certain way, I was thrilled with how Sadie repeatedly stood up to him. She was nice, tactful, but persistent on what she wanted in life and what she was willing to give up.
Return to Me is a great sweet story. The setting, the storyline, and the characters are exactly what I was hoping for when I picked up the book. I recommend checking it out.
Return to Me is a different style of writing than what I am use to. It almost seemed like I was reading James’s journal. The two main characters took turns telling their points of views of the happenings of their lives. I loved this style. It was wonderful to hear how Sadie perceived a certain series of events or what had happen while James was gone to war and then hear James perspective on the same set of events and what he was experiencing in war. There were times throughout the book that I felt sorry for them both, but through it all I kept cheering for them to find their happy ending.
I struggled with Sadie’s relationship with her fiancé. The same fiancé that was a drunk, that he took advantage of Sadie’s connections with the Governor, and the same fiancé that kept pushing Sadie into situations that she was not comfortable with. While I understood that times were different, women were expected to act a certain way, I was thrilled with how Sadie repeatedly stood up to him. She was nice, tactful, but persistent on what she wanted in life and what she was willing to give up.
Return to Me is a great sweet story. The setting, the storyline, and the characters are exactly what I was hoping for when I picked up the book. I recommend checking it out.
November 18, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
Return to Me by Carolyn Menke is a historical romance, taking place in America during World War II. On the way to basic training, James Pasko has an encounter that will forever change his life. Sadie Stark never expected to see the young boy who found her hiding on the train ever again, but when he shows up to return her purse, a romance is instantly rekindled. Sadie breaks off her relationship with her fiancé and actively pursues one with James, he just as keen as her, even helping her track down her long lost mother. However, when James is shipped out, and then reported missing behind enemy lines, will Sadie be able to cope with the unexpected challenges that are staring her in the face?
Return to Me by Carolyn Menke takes us on a journey of how far a person is willing to go for love in the time of war. I loved the love at first sight theme between James and Sadie, and I also liked how she was willing to stand up to her family to protect their relationship. This certainly wasn’t the norm at the time for well-off young ladies, but I admired Sadie’s gumption. The underlying story about Sadie’s mom was nicely mimicked by Sadie’s own situation, and it was interesting to read how she overcame all the obstacles put in her way. Return to Me is certainly one of those novels you want to curl up with on a rainy day, hoping everything works out for Sadie and James.
Return to Me by Carolyn Menke is a historical romance, taking place in America during World War II. On the way to basic training, James Pasko has an encounter that will forever change his life. Sadie Stark never expected to see the young boy who found her hiding on the train ever again, but when he shows up to return her purse, a romance is instantly rekindled. Sadie breaks off her relationship with her fiancé and actively pursues one with James, he just as keen as her, even helping her track down her long lost mother. However, when James is shipped out, and then reported missing behind enemy lines, will Sadie be able to cope with the unexpected challenges that are staring her in the face?
Return to Me by Carolyn Menke takes us on a journey of how far a person is willing to go for love in the time of war. I loved the love at first sight theme between James and Sadie, and I also liked how she was willing to stand up to her family to protect their relationship. This certainly wasn’t the norm at the time for well-off young ladies, but I admired Sadie’s gumption. The underlying story about Sadie’s mom was nicely mimicked by Sadie’s own situation, and it was interesting to read how she overcame all the obstacles put in her way. Return to Me is certainly one of those novels you want to curl up with on a rainy day, hoping everything works out for Sadie and James.
September 22, 2015
World War II and love - what else do you need for a book that will keep you reading? The time period is extremely attractive because of the numerous changes our world was going through. Relationships were more about ending up with a significant other who your family approved of and wives were expected to be meek and reserved. Sadie is my favorite part of this book because she is not quite meek or reserved. She doesn't seem to have a problem stating how she feels and I find that to be 'outside of the box' for this time period thus, I consider her a trailblazer for generations of women to come!
The book does remind me a bit of Pearl Harbor but it wasn't a cheesy, kissy-face romance like that movie. The fear of whether James would return from war was always in the back of my mind throughout the book. The thirty year timeline that the book follows keeps your mind flowing from decade to decade. I love the evolution of the characters and Sadie's sense of womanhood as she accepts her past so that she can live in the present and for the future!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
The book does remind me a bit of Pearl Harbor but it wasn't a cheesy, kissy-face romance like that movie. The fear of whether James would return from war was always in the back of my mind throughout the book. The thirty year timeline that the book follows keeps your mind flowing from decade to decade. I love the evolution of the characters and Sadie's sense of womanhood as she accepts her past so that she can live in the present and for the future!
I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.
September 30, 2015
While I love reading many kinds of books, Historical Fiction is my favorite genre. I especially love stories during the WWII era. This wonderful story fit the bill perfectly. Carolyn Menke did a great job introducing & developing each character, it feels like you know them.
Return to Me is a love story set during the turbulent wartime years of the 1940’s. The author tells the story through the two main characters, Sadie & James. Every other chapter is told from each of their points of view. Their chance meeting ~ their whirlwind romance ~ their love letters … you will be drawn into their story (and be glad to know them).
I like learning how life was so different then as compared to now (especially for woman). They had to be so strong. I can’t imagine having to be separated from my spouse/loved one for so long. The not-knowing of his safety would have driven me crazy. They call them the Greatest Generation for a reason …
So, as in all good love stories, we don’t find out until near the end if James & Sadie’s relationship will survive the war torn years apart … and I’m not going to spoil it for you. I highly recommend you get this book … I loved it :)
Return to Me is a love story set during the turbulent wartime years of the 1940’s. The author tells the story through the two main characters, Sadie & James. Every other chapter is told from each of their points of view. Their chance meeting ~ their whirlwind romance ~ their love letters … you will be drawn into their story (and be glad to know them).
I like learning how life was so different then as compared to now (especially for woman). They had to be so strong. I can’t imagine having to be separated from my spouse/loved one for so long. The not-knowing of his safety would have driven me crazy. They call them the Greatest Generation for a reason …
So, as in all good love stories, we don’t find out until near the end if James & Sadie’s relationship will survive the war torn years apart … and I’m not going to spoil it for you. I highly recommend you get this book … I loved it :)
September 16, 2015
The very beginning of the book leaves you in suspense with an item and a name, but nothing more and then we are taken back 30 years to another time, another era.
I will tell you, right there, I was ready to finish this book in one sitting just to find out the significance of all of that right there (and no, I am not telling you the item or the name.)
Within the first handful of chapters, I could see the movie Pearl Harbor with the romance, the war, the men. After a few more chapters, the song Whiskey Lullabye was playing as I watch Ricky Schroeder come home after being away at war.
You had a pretty good idea where we were headed as soon as you hopped on the train and locked eyes, although there were secrets. Destiny.
I really enjoy reading about times past but at the same time, there is no way I would have survived. Sadie’s “fiance” needed a swift kick in the rear right out the door. And frankly, her stuck up aunt and uncle could go with him!
James, a man in a uniform, enough said!
I really enjoyed this book and will be keeping it on my Kindle to enjoy again.
I will tell you, right there, I was ready to finish this book in one sitting just to find out the significance of all of that right there (and no, I am not telling you the item or the name.)
Within the first handful of chapters, I could see the movie Pearl Harbor with the romance, the war, the men. After a few more chapters, the song Whiskey Lullabye was playing as I watch Ricky Schroeder come home after being away at war.
You had a pretty good idea where we were headed as soon as you hopped on the train and locked eyes, although there were secrets. Destiny.
I really enjoy reading about times past but at the same time, there is no way I would have survived. Sadie’s “fiance” needed a swift kick in the rear right out the door. And frankly, her stuck up aunt and uncle could go with him!
James, a man in a uniform, enough said!
I really enjoyed this book and will be keeping it on my Kindle to enjoy again.
September 17, 2015
I am a huge fan of historical fiction and romance novels. When I find a book that combines the two, I get excited. Return to Me by Carolyn Menke did just that. It excited me and took me back in time, but not so far back I couldn’t picture things.
Set briefly in 1972 - two chapters, Menke’s book is set mostly in the 1940s as the US is shipping troops overseas for World War II. While I grew up in an era that didn’t see people my age shipped off to war, I remember the heartbreak as my children’s friends signed up for the military after 9/11.
Sadie is a student at Byrn Mawr when she meets James as he is heading to basic training at Fort Dix. Many things plot against the two of them from Sadie’s aunt wanting her to marry someone else to James’s service to the country to the disparities in their upbringing. They have one night together prior to his deployment and, as one would anticipate nowadays, they make love. The following life events make the novel amazing.
I highly recommend you put yourself in either Sadie’s or James’s shoes as you read Return to Me.
Set briefly in 1972 - two chapters, Menke’s book is set mostly in the 1940s as the US is shipping troops overseas for World War II. While I grew up in an era that didn’t see people my age shipped off to war, I remember the heartbreak as my children’s friends signed up for the military after 9/11.
Sadie is a student at Byrn Mawr when she meets James as he is heading to basic training at Fort Dix. Many things plot against the two of them from Sadie’s aunt wanting her to marry someone else to James’s service to the country to the disparities in their upbringing. They have one night together prior to his deployment and, as one would anticipate nowadays, they make love. The following life events make the novel amazing.
I highly recommend you put yourself in either Sadie’s or James’s shoes as you read Return to Me.
September 23, 2015
I am not one to read War time era books but the cover of this just had me wanting to know more, and I am glad that I signed up to tour this book.
This is a love story spanning 3o years and its about two people whose path cross but having the odds stacked against them each time of having a relationship. Sadie is set to marry Henry her long time boyfriend but when she and James share a night together she realises that it is James she wants to be with. However, James is being deployed out to war and all he can think about is Sadie and getting back to her in one piece.
The story is so full of emotions that you are really sucked in to the lives of the characters during this era, an era where men going to war had a huge uncertainly as to whether or not they would make it home.
This was a great love story and it reminded me so so much of The Notebook (which I loved) this is definitely one I would read again, and one I would recommend if you love a good love story and like this era.
4 stars
This is a love story spanning 3o years and its about two people whose path cross but having the odds stacked against them each time of having a relationship. Sadie is set to marry Henry her long time boyfriend but when she and James share a night together she realises that it is James she wants to be with. However, James is being deployed out to war and all he can think about is Sadie and getting back to her in one piece.
The story is so full of emotions that you are really sucked in to the lives of the characters during this era, an era where men going to war had a huge uncertainly as to whether or not they would make it home.
This was a great love story and it reminded me so so much of The Notebook (which I loved) this is definitely one I would read again, and one I would recommend if you love a good love story and like this era.
4 stars
September 28, 2015
I'm not usually a romance fan but it was easy to get swept along by this moving tale of love spanning the decades including the World War II. The characters are believable and engaging, even though I found Sadie occasionally quite frustrating, constrained as she is in a world where feminism barely raised its head. The theme of return is strong in the book, as is the idea that life is precious and incredibly brief. The effects of the choices we make truly echo down the years and life continues to test us.
A chance meeting throws Sadie and soldier James Pasko together just as he is going off to fight. Despite the fact that she is already promised to the thoroughly dislikable Henry, the die has been cast and Sadie's life will never be the same.
Without spoiling the ending, Sadie's story mirrors that of the mother who gave her away as history seems to repeat itself.
If you are looking for a romance to escape into on a chilly autumn evening and you love stories from the 1940's, you will adore "Return to Me".
4 out of 5 stars.
A chance meeting throws Sadie and soldier James Pasko together just as he is going off to fight. Despite the fact that she is already promised to the thoroughly dislikable Henry, the die has been cast and Sadie's life will never be the same.
Without spoiling the ending, Sadie's story mirrors that of the mother who gave her away as history seems to repeat itself.
If you are looking for a romance to escape into on a chilly autumn evening and you love stories from the 1940's, you will adore "Return to Me".
4 out of 5 stars.
October 22, 2015
Return To Me is a study of war-time love and loss, told from both a female and male perspective. I like that. The author wrote the combat scenes and poker scenes so well I felt like I was in the crashing bomber or on the flight deck right alongside her character. I also think the author did an excellent job highlighting the plight of young women and men, on the home front as well as in combat, during and after the war. It was a lot to tackle, and she excelled. The mention of the black crackle lighter was a nice touch. I bought my best man and groomsmen Zippo knives as gifts for being in my wedding, but I didn’t know about the Zippo black crackle lighter from the 1940s until I began reading Return To Me. I really admire the way the author incorporated this and other items from that period in her plot, which kept me guessing until the end. I’m looking forward to her next book.
September 15, 2015
A new book from a new to me Author, I am so happy I signed up for the tour for this book. The cover made me want to read the book, the synopsis completely drew me in. World War II has always been a subject that absolutely fascinated me. Whether it's a book during that era, a movie about the war (Pearl Harbor is one of my absolute favorite movies) or anything, I can hardly pass it up.
I loved being able to read from both James and Sadie's points of view. I felt this book was very well written, ALMOST as if the author wrote it out of her own experience. This is a wonderful love story spanning the time of 30 years. Through out the book, I kept thinking, "What movie does this book make me think of?" Then it hit me.... So if you like The Notebook, you will love Return to Me! Absolutely fantastic book!
I loved being able to read from both James and Sadie's points of view. I felt this book was very well written, ALMOST as if the author wrote it out of her own experience. This is a wonderful love story spanning the time of 30 years. Through out the book, I kept thinking, "What movie does this book make me think of?" Then it hit me.... So if you like The Notebook, you will love Return to Me! Absolutely fantastic book!
May 23, 2016
Carolyn Menke's debut novel is going to be a hard one to follow. Gentle romance abounds in Return To Me. Sadie is the embodiment of a strong young woman who, although used to the finer things in life is willing to risk it all to follow her heart.
The 1940's was not a time where women were as free as they are now. It was especially hard for a woman in Sadie's situation. Sadie by all accounts should have simply followed the path chosen for her. But, how could we fall in love with her if she took the easy way in life? What fun is the easy way?
Another interesting aspect is the dual narrator. You don't often see this style of writing well done, but Menke excels.
This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
The 1940's was not a time where women were as free as they are now. It was especially hard for a woman in Sadie's situation. Sadie by all accounts should have simply followed the path chosen for her. But, how could we fall in love with her if she took the easy way in life? What fun is the easy way?
Another interesting aspect is the dual narrator. You don't often see this style of writing well done, but Menke excels.
This book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2016
This was a beautifully written, elegantly crafted debut novel from a very talented new author. I love historical fiction, although I am not normally drawn to works set in the WWII era. This book just drew me it. It was so delightful, romantic, and poignant that I really enjoyed reading it. I didn't want it to end - I wanted to savor it, in fact.
I loved the characters of Sadie and James. I loved the conflict and the heartache associated with soldiers going off to war. It was brilliantly done, and I'm was so happy to see the Ms. Menke wrote a prequel called "I'm Yours", which is the story of Sadie's mother. I bought it right away and look forward to reading it soon. Nicely done, Ms. Menke!
I loved the characters of Sadie and James. I loved the conflict and the heartache associated with soldiers going off to war. It was brilliantly done, and I'm was so happy to see the Ms. Menke wrote a prequel called "I'm Yours", which is the story of Sadie's mother. I bought it right away and look forward to reading it soon. Nicely done, Ms. Menke!
October 2, 2015
I LOVE anything WWII related so it was a no brainer that this book would be added to my book shelf to read and it will be staying there to lend out to friends. When I picked up this book I was excited to read it. As I started reading I was soon hooked with the love story between Sadie and James (who is heading off to war.) I was also intrigued with what would then happen to Henry (her current boyfriend/fiancée.) This book is worth a read if you love a good old-fashioned love story that spans a war! I would highly recommend this book to others around me!
May 18, 2016
I'm not sure why I requested this book because I don't like war era books at all usually but I do love out of wedlock period pieces because that struggle with society wishes and personal conflict fascinate me and that must be why I requested the arc to begin with. I'm glad I did. Return to Me by Carolyn Menke was a good book, the first I've read by this author. There are some areas that lag and a few areas I almost gave up, but I finished it. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.
November 20, 2015
Amazing book!! A romantic historical fiction set back in WWII era. I was hooked the moment I picked up the book. It was well written and made me laugh and cry many times along the way. I highly recommend reading this one.
December 16, 2015
I love this book. The characters are very relatable, and the story keeps the reader's interest. The ending of the book, which I won't give away, is truly memorable.
January 2, 2016
This book was such a great read! The eternal love between the characters was heartwarming and made for a wonderful story with surprises around every corner!
February 16, 2016
Nicely done!
April 13, 2017
Her beautiful story is written with elegance and grace. You quickly feel like you know the characters inside and out. Return to Me insights love, fear and anger wrapped into a romantic adventure. This finely layered novel makes you anxiously await the authors next masterpiece.
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