Review: A Soldier's Return by RaeAnne Thayne

A Soldier's Return (The Women of Brambleberry House #4) by RaeAnne Thayne
Publication Date: January 15th 2019 by Harlequin Special Edition
Pages: 224
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

About the book:

The Women of Brambleberry House are back!

Returning home to Cannon Beach and living in Brambleberry House, a place where good things seemed destined to happen, had brought Melissa Fielding and her young daughter such joy. Perhaps it was no accident when the single mom “bumped” into Eli Sanderson, and discovered the handsome doctor was also back in town. The ex-soldier was still so captivating, but also more guarded. Was now the time to put old ghosts to rest?

My Thoughts:

Dr. Eli Sanderson is back home to help cover his father’s medical practice while elder Dr. Sanderson recovers from surgery. Eli’s been off serving his country, and he’s determined to get back to it after a tragic event fills him with guilt and a sense of obligation.  Working with Melissa Fielding, his high school crush, and now father’s office nurse is a tempting distraction, but since he’s not staying on permanent, he doesn’t want to risk any heartache. 

Melissa Fielding is back in Cannon Beach, her childhood home, with her seven-year-old daughter, Skye. After years following her husband (now ex) while he chased the next great surfing spot she’s determined to put down roots and live a stable life with her daughter.  Her attraction to Eli, Dr. Sanderson’s sexy son, is hard to ignore, especially working together, but she’s done pining after men who aren’t content to stay put and raise a family.  Her daughter needs love and stability, and so does she, but “the Heart wants what it wants” for both Eli and Melissa.  

Working medical emergencies together that seem to pop-up afterhours gives Eli a glimpse into doctoring in a small town and makes him fall for Melissa even harder.  Melissa’s admiration and respect for Eli only grows seeing him in action, and she hopes that Eli will change his mind not only to stay for her, but for all the good he could do for the town. 

Both Eli and Melissa were tender-hearted, relatable characters, trying to do the right thing.  Eli was so sweet caring for his father and for Melissa and her daughter, Skye, and I knew he’d be an excellent family man if he’d only allow himself the “luxury” of staying home. He had to figure out that not all good has to be done while in service or in another country.  Melissa was also a sweetheart, and a selfless mother trying to provide her daughter the stability she had growing up.  

Eli and Melissa had a sweet, slow-burn kind of romance since they were all about putting the breaks on things, but there were a few moments of heated passion!  RaeAnne Thayne excels at writing sweet, low-drama romances with a great cast of secondary characters, and a strong family vibe.  I loved the setting of Cannon Beach, Oregon as I just visited this past September (I included a couple of pics).  It’s a beautiful, quaint coastal town with gorgeous green forests that spill out onto the sea, and I think Ms. Thayne brought it to life through her vivid descriptions!

4 Suns