Review: Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne
Haven Point Series Book Ten
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Hearts are lighter and wishes burn a little brighter at Christmas…

Elizabeth Hamilton has been lost. Trapped in a tangle of postpartum depression and grief after the death of her beloved parents, she couldn’t quite see the way back to her husband and their two beautiful kids…until a car accident stole away her memories and changed her life. And when she finally remembered the sound of little Cassie’s laugh, the baby powder smell of Bridger and the feel of her husband’s hand in hers, Elizabeth worried that they’d moved on without her. That she’d missed too much. That perhaps she wasn’t the right mother for her kids or wife for Luke, no matter how much she loved them.

But now, seven years later, Luke finds her in a nearby town and brings Elizabeth back home to the family she loves, just in time for Christmas. And being reunited with Luke and her children is better than anything Elizabeth could have imagined. As they all trim the tree and bake cookies, making new holiday memories, Elizabeth and Luke are drawn ever closer. Can the hurt of the past seven years be healed over the course of one Christmas season and bring the Hamiltons the gift of a new beginning?

Review:

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.