Shannon McKenna, Return to Me

Return to Me

Shannon McKenna

Kensington, Jun 2004, $14.00

ISBN: 0758205600

Seventeen years ago Simon Riley fled LaRue, Oregon because of his crazy uncle and a stable fire he caused to become a famous photojournalist. He finally comes home to learn what happened to Uncle Gus, who five months ago apparently committed suicide. However, the email Gus sent that same day to Simon sounded paranoid not suicidal as his uncle mentioned he has proof that will shock everyone. Simon wants to find out what Gus alluded to though returning hurts.

When Gus' house is not fit to stay in Simon takes a room at El Kent's B&B. She was his girlfriend when he left town and is angry with him for never returning for her. El treats Simon like a guest, not the person she always dreamed would come back for her. Simon is upset that she is engaged to Brad Mitchell as the attraction between him and El is still hot. She informs him that she never forgot him, but no longer lives for dreams. Neither realizes that the person who Gus was trying to expose is crazy and willing to kill again.

This is an interesting romantic suspense due to the strong attraction between the two lead protagonists and a wonderful mystery involving the hero's uncle as holding proof of something or was delusional. Simon can become irritating with his saying that he only causes trouble and his constant leaving, but readers will root for him and the courageous heroine to make it. Though the villain is so crazy he could not hide his insanity as he did for decades, fans will enjoy this you can come home for a second chance at love.

Harriet Klausner