Another heart warmer

Definitely got me in the mood for Christmas. Loved seeing new faces and catching up with some kid friends. Luke has a heart of gold! No matter what happens, love conquers all. ( )

I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance by RayAnne Thayne. Elizabeth left home years ago on a snowy night when her postpartum depression was at its worst. Her husband Luke believes she abandoned the family and never looked back, leaving the town suspicious he had killed her. Now, seven years later, she returns, and it’s clear neither Luke nor Elizabeth understand what the other has truly been through while they’ve been parted. This was a lovely, sweet Christmas romance. I loved how much the family was included, the wonderful Christmas messages, and the way disability and TBI were such an integral part of the story. ( )

Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne is a charming second chance at love holiday romance. Although this newest release is the tenth installment in the Haven Point series, it can be read as a standalone.

For seven long, heartbreaking years, Luke Hamilton has feared the worst about his wife, Elizabeth. She disappeared without a trace and a cloud has been hanging over him due to some of the townspeople’s suspicions. A friend of his discovered her whereabouts several months earlier, but Luke decided to leave well enough alone. However, after learning a new DA is about to charge him for murder, Luke travels to Oregon to bring Elizabeth back to prove she is still alive. He remains extremely angry with her for abandoning him, their daughter Cassie and son Bridger but will he give her a chance to explain why she left?

Luke and his kids are relatively happy and they have a strong support system. He is a successful businessman despite the rumors that swirl around him about Elizabeth’s disappearance. Luke’s childhood was very dysfunctional so he prefers to look forward and let the past remain in the past. Despite his anger towards Elizabeth, he is surprised by both an unwelcome attraction and lingering feelings for her.

Elizabeth has not had an easy life since leaving Luke and their children. She has never stopped regretting her decision but she feels it is best not to return. Despite her reluctance to return to Haven Point, Elizabeth knows she has to do the right thing for Luke. She would love to have a relationship with Cassie and Bridger but she acquiesces when Luke insists on maintaining the status quo. Elizabeth still harbors deep emotions for Luke but she also plans to go back to the life she has created for herself.

Since Luke refuses to listen to Elizabeth’s explanation for her disappearance, he is absolutely stunned when he learns the truth at the DA’s office. Will his feelings toward her begin to soften now he knows her reasons for staying away? With Christmas fast approaching, will the magic of the season help reunite the estranged family?

Coming Home for Christmas is a heartwarming romance with a marvelous cast of characters. Luke’s anger and need to protect himself and their children from more pain is understandable. Elizabeth’s plight is very sympathetic although it is a little difficult to relate to some of her choices. RaeAnne Thayne brings this wonderful holiday romance to a heartfelt and uplifting conclusion. Old and new fans are sure to enjoy this engaging addition to the Haven Point series. ( )

Very good second chance story that deals with some hard subjects. Seven years earlier, Elizabeth walked out into the night and disappeared, leaving her husband and children behind. Luke has dealt with being a single father as best he could, but it hasn't been easy. The whispers around town of why Elizabeth left and what happened to her have only gotten worse. To complicate matters, Luke is about to be arrested and charged with her murder, even though there is no proof that she is dead. On the contrary, Luke has recently discovered that Elizabeth is alive and well, living in a town several hours away, so he goes to get her to clear his name.

I ached for both Luke and Elizabeth. At the time of her disappearance, Elizabeth was struggling with a double dose of depression. First was the pain she felt after the deaths of her parents. Added to that was the severe postpartum depression that Elizabeth experienced after the birth of her second child. Terrified that she would physically harm the baby, and convinced that they would all be better off without her, she left home. Though it didn't take her long to realize she'd made a mistake and turn around to go back, fate intervened. Elizabeth was involved in an accident that left her in a coma with extensive physical and mental injuries, including a loss of memory. It was several years before her memory began to return, and each memory added to the guilt she felt. She wants to go back, but worries about if it's the right thing for her family.

Luke has never forgotten Elizabeth and grieved for her every day. He does his best with his kids, though he occasionally exhibits moments of frustration and guilt, such as when it comes to doing his daughter Cassie's hair. He frequently blames himself for not seeing the depth of Elizabeth's problems thanks to his preoccupation with getting his business up and running. He faces the rumors and innuendos stoically and keeps on living his life. When a friend with the FBI tracks down Elizabeth, Luke is furious that she's been so close without letting anyone know. Now all he wants is to clear his name, get divorce papers signed, and try to move on with his life.

The first encounter between Luke and Elizabeth is an emotional roller coaster. She is stunned to find him at her door, demanding her immediate return to Haven Point. Even though she had planned to return soon, she feels unprepared to face everything now. Luke is so furious that he refuses to listen to Elizabeth's attempts to explain, wanting only to get it over with. He does all he can to keep her at an emotional distance. Though Luke's anger is understandable, I ached for Elizabeth when he refused to let her see the children.

It was satisfying to see Luke present Elizabeth to the DA and clear his name of her murder. I also liked seeing Luke's shock as he listened to everything Elizabeth had been through. I loved how he lost his anger and became willing to let her back in their lives. It wasn't all unicorns and rainbows, though. While Luke is ready to allow her to see and spend time with the kids, he is determined not to let her back into his heart. He was devastated when she left the first time and didn't want to go through it again if he allows himself to love her again. Elizabeth never stopped loving Luke and the children, but she is still convinced that they are better off without her.

Because the people of the town need to know that Elizabeth is alive, she and Luke must make public appearances together. There are some very emotional (and sometimes funny) scenes as Elizabeth reconnects with her friends and neighbors. There are also some painful scenes when Elizabeth spends time with Cassie and Bridger. Though Bridger comes around pretty quickly, Elizabeth's attempts to rebuild trust with Cassie do not go as smoothly. There are also some fantastic family scenes. I especially enjoyed the snowball fight and the promise it showed.

As Luke and Elizabeth spend time together, it becomes clear that their feelings for each other are still there. I enjoyed seeing them get to know each other as they are now. Elizabeth has trouble believing that Luke could forgive her enough to allow her back in their lives. It wasn't easy, but with honesty and love, both Luke and Elizabeth were able to see that they belonged together. I loved their big moment at the end as they were finally able to open their hearts fully again. The epilogue was terrific and honestly portrayed their progress and the challenges they still face. ( )

I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Coming Home For Christmas, by ReaAnne Thayne, became available at booksellers in September of 2019. Home is book 10 in Ms Thayne's Haven Point series. I was deeply moved by Luke & Elizabeth's story. I read straight through from start to finish. While not perfect, Home is a compelling tale of love, lost and found. Tragedy and rebirth. It's a perfect tale for Christmas time. Our couple have struggles, before & after reuniting. There are children involved so they tread lightly. I couldn't put myself in either of the characters place but I had a connection, much sympathy, and was glad to reach their HEA.

#ReaAnneThayne #Netgalley #HavenPoint #ComingHomeForChristmas #HarlequinBooks #ContemparyRomance ( )