What do you think?
Rate this book
Return to Walhalla
When financier Penny Ruskin returns to Walhalla, South Carolina, she has one purpose—to settle her grandmother's estate and sell the Victorian house she grew up in. Not an easy task with the downturned economy. When she loses her job in the state capital, what other choice does she have but to stay in Walhalla until she finds work? She can only hope it won't take long.
Walhalla is Tommy McAllister's life. Between his family's feed-and-seed store and the bank he's vice president of, he's stretched thin trying to survive the recession. But when a girl he hasn't seen since high school breezes back into town, he's ready to push himself even further to help her feel at home and convince her to stay. He reaches out to Penny, but the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a small town that holds painful memories—one dark secret in particular.
The town matchmaker and bank manager, Miss Betty, a motherless teen Emma who lives down the lane from Penny, and the church ladies of Walhalla's First Baptist add both heartwarming and challenging moments to Penny's life.
With the past dogging Penny's steps, dredging up painful memories she's tried to outrun, relatives threaten the future she has begun to hope for...But somewhere deep inside her, a spark of hope remains. Tommy isn't the only one praying for a miracle.
Written for the General Market (G) (I) : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational nature.
Walhalla is Tommy McAllister's life. Between his family's feed-and-seed store and the bank he's vice president of, he's stretched thin trying to survive the recession. But when a girl he hasn't seen since high school breezes back into town, he's ready to push himself even further to help her feel at home and convince her to stay. He reaches out to Penny, but the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a small town that holds painful memories—one dark secret in particular.
The town matchmaker and bank manager, Miss Betty, a motherless teen Emma who lives down the lane from Penny, and the church ladies of Walhalla's First Baptist add both heartwarming and challenging moments to Penny's life.
With the past dogging Penny's steps, dredging up painful memories she's tried to outrun, relatives threaten the future she has begun to hope for...But somewhere deep inside her, a spark of hope remains. Tommy isn't the only one praying for a miracle.
Written for the General Market (G) (I) : Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational nature.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
245 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2018
93 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 5, 2018
This was my first time reading this author and I really enjoyed the book. It was a sweet, clean read that had great characters and setting. I love small town settings with all of their quirky residents and everybody sticking their nose in to your business. I also love Victorian houses and one is featured prominently in this book. There is quite a bit of humor in this story along with a HEA ending and a fair share of angst. My only criticism is that one of the scripture quotes supposedly came from the late grandmother's old bible but it wasn't a King James version quote. For a woman in the Bible Belt and that age I don't think she would have used any other edition and definitely not a New International version. Other wise I think the religious aspect was handled well and not too "preachy". Will definitely be looking for more of this author's books.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
June 18, 2018
I didn't think I'd like this book when I saw it. I guess it was because I thought it was just a romance book, but it's much more than that. The main character, Penny, has a lot of emotional baggage from her past. She made a serious mistake as a senior in high school and it still affected every area of her life since then. But her parents and grandmother had made sure she knew Christ. Because of that, she knew she'd been forgiven, but guilt, shame and fear affected her daily. Sounds like a lot of Christians today too. Thankfully, the author shows us that Jesus wants to free us from all that guilt, shame and fear as well as forgive us, and Penny eventually learns how. The author also visits some other serious issues with other characters, showing how Jesus helps us through them. She does all this while keeping you glued to the story from the very beginning, right to the end. Loved it!
March 26, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.
I love small towns, and I love to read stories set in small towns. Quirky characters, a comforting ambiance, and easy friendships draw me into these appealing settings. A huge Victorian house, almost a character in itself, completes the perfection. Return to Walhalla is an exquisite example of my favorite kind of story, with the small-town setting enhancing its loveliness.
But Penny doesn’t agree. She’d much rather be in a big city. Her painful secret twists her memories of Walhalla and its charms into dark chasms of misery, and avoidance is her only defence. When she’s forced to return in order to settle her beloved grandmother’s estate, her faith is stretched as her plans for a quick settlement fall apart.
Tommy is a worthy hero with secrets of his own but a loving family and strong support system. His uncertainties endeared him to me, and I cheered him on in his quest to help Penny, one way or another.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story of faith, love, and forgiveness. Its characters linger in my memory like a delicious, tall glass of sweet tea. Return to Walhalla earns five stars. Highly recommended.
I love small towns, and I love to read stories set in small towns. Quirky characters, a comforting ambiance, and easy friendships draw me into these appealing settings. A huge Victorian house, almost a character in itself, completes the perfection. Return to Walhalla is an exquisite example of my favorite kind of story, with the small-town setting enhancing its loveliness.
But Penny doesn’t agree. She’d much rather be in a big city. Her painful secret twists her memories of Walhalla and its charms into dark chasms of misery, and avoidance is her only defence. When she’s forced to return in order to settle her beloved grandmother’s estate, her faith is stretched as her plans for a quick settlement fall apart.
Tommy is a worthy hero with secrets of his own but a loving family and strong support system. His uncertainties endeared him to me, and I cheered him on in his quest to help Penny, one way or another.
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet story of faith, love, and forgiveness. Its characters linger in my memory like a delicious, tall glass of sweet tea. Return to Walhalla earns five stars. Highly recommended.
March 16, 2018
RETURN TO WALHALLA by Laura Hodges Poole is a sweet inspirational romance about two young people who get to know each other in a small South Carolina town when the woman, Penny, comes back from Columbia to deal with her grandmother’s house and property after her grandmother is no longer alive. Tommy, the young male hero, is in charge of both the bank and the feed and seed store in town.
This story is very real in depicting small town life and the good changes that occur in Penny once she stays in Walhalla are a pleasure to read. The inspirational aspects of this story are top notch and were, for me, the best part of the book. Most of the characters were good people whose desires to live good lives added to the pleasure of reading this eBook. I recommend it highly for a story full of light and life!
This story is very real in depicting small town life and the good changes that occur in Penny once she stays in Walhalla are a pleasure to read. The inspirational aspects of this story are top notch and were, for me, the best part of the book. Most of the characters were good people whose desires to live good lives added to the pleasure of reading this eBook. I recommend it highly for a story full of light and life!
April 25, 2018
Penny comes back to Walhalla after being in Columbia, to deal with her grandmother’s house and property after her grandmother is no longer alive. She doesn’t want to stay but she losses her job at the capital. She has no choice but to stay.
Tommy is the VP of the bank and helps run the family’s feed and seed store. Walhalla is what he lives for. He loves his town. He tries to help Penny feel at home.
Everyone in the town wants Tommy and Penny together.
Things seem to always get in the way as Penny tries to make the B & B.
I liked the story as it is from where I live. We have a lot of small towns here in SC and one reason why I love it here. Some might say the book is a little preachy but over all the book is great and hope some questions are answered down the road.
Tommy is the VP of the bank and helps run the family’s feed and seed store. Walhalla is what he lives for. He loves his town. He tries to help Penny feel at home.
Everyone in the town wants Tommy and Penny together.
Things seem to always get in the way as Penny tries to make the B & B.
I liked the story as it is from where I live. We have a lot of small towns here in SC and one reason why I love it here. Some might say the book is a little preachy but over all the book is great and hope some questions are answered down the road.
March 20, 2018
This is the first book I’ve read by Laura Hodges Poole and I must say, I really enjoyed this clean read. If you’re looking for a book with faith as the focal point, then you need to grab this book. I just love a small town setting and Walhalla, South Carolina sure fits that. You will love Miss Betty and her matchmaking. I love some suspense in my books and we get that by wondering why does Penny dislike returning to Walhanna? I love the connection between Penny and Emma also. Overall, this is a really good book that have you smiling when you reach the end.
April 6, 2018
Heartwarming story about forgiveness.
I loved this heartwarming story about Penny returning to her hometown with no intentions of staying but settle her Grandmother's affairs.
She is welcomed back to town and meets Tommy,an old classmate and sparks fly.
This a story of forgiveness, second chances and letting God take the helm.
The storyline was intriguing and the characters engaging amidst the setting of small town South Carolina.
This book is recommended for Christian romance lovers.
I loved this heartwarming story about Penny returning to her hometown with no intentions of staying but settle her Grandmother's affairs.
She is welcomed back to town and meets Tommy,an old classmate and sparks fly.
This a story of forgiveness, second chances and letting God take the helm.
The storyline was intriguing and the characters engaging amidst the setting of small town South Carolina.
This book is recommended for Christian romance lovers.
April 24, 2018
Wonderful story! I laughed and fussed, out loud while reading this book. It was such a believable story and the characters where written so, I felt like I knew them. I highly recommend this book if you love a good clean story.
July 17, 2020
Living not far from from Walhalla, I knew I wanted to read this book. It languished in my Kindle for quite a while, but I really enjoyed it when I finally got set to it. Makes me want to take a Saturday drive on over there!
November 3, 2023
Love this story!
I could not believe my eyes knowing this story is based in a town that I actually lived in! The story resonated in my heart as the old, lovely homes in town were foremost in my mind, as Pennys Grandmothers house came to a visual. Penny had escaped after graduation to the big city to work and did not ever enjoy going back to Walhalla. The thought was a bad idea in her mind until she inherited her grandmas house. Penny had many ups and downs as her dream of a Bed & Breakfast in the huge old home came to fruition. Not only that but many of her dreams were realized that she could be happy in this town after all!
The research of the area and small town helped to make this book a wonderful, sweet read!
I could not believe my eyes knowing this story is based in a town that I actually lived in! The story resonated in my heart as the old, lovely homes in town were foremost in my mind, as Pennys Grandmothers house came to a visual. Penny had escaped after graduation to the big city to work and did not ever enjoy going back to Walhalla. The thought was a bad idea in her mind until she inherited her grandmas house. Penny had many ups and downs as her dream of a Bed & Breakfast in the huge old home came to fruition. Not only that but many of her dreams were realized that she could be happy in this town after all!
The research of the area and small town helped to make this book a wonderful, sweet read!
June 5, 2018
Walhalla, SC. No one was at the Oconee Citizens Bank when Penny Ruskin (granddaughter, account mgr.) arrived.
Betty “Ms. Betty� Patterson (60+, bank mgr.) takes a long lunch because of the First Baptist Church woman’s group meeting.
The headstone had been set in place next to Grandpa’s.
Grandma Georgia Ruskin’s house would need to be put her estate up for sale, liquidate the CD’s & money market accounts, & then Penny could go back home to her job at Ridgewood Financial in Columbia, SC. (capital).
Tommy McAllister, (son, Oconee Citizens Bank VP) was part owner & worked at the Feed-&-Seed.
He loaded Mr. Calhoun’s pickup bed with feed.
Brad Landers was his top salesman.
Ms. Betty finally met with Penny.
The paper work was signed but things don’t move very fast in the financial world.
Jacob Calhoun (90) who used to play bridge with Georgia introduced himself to Penny.
Ms. Betty (town matchmaker) invited Penny to bingo, church & she was trying her best to hook her up with Tommy.
Tina (supervisor/BFF) called Penny to give her the heartbreaking news.
Her job at Ridgewood Financial no longer existed.
The severance package wasn’t much.
Emma Johnson (HS Sr. neighbor) introduced herself.
Her calico cat Patches had probably run off.
She lived with Will Johnson (father).
Mrs. June McAllister (mother, retired nurse) came to check his vitals.
Well maybe life in Walhalla, SC. would not be so bad after all.
(Seneca town). Tommy would like to open a place like Tractor Supply.
1 day he took Penny with him to show her.
She would like to open a B&B.
Mark Thompson (BB&T closing agent) called to give Penny some more bad news.
Great-Uncle Jeremiah (Georgia’s brother) the co-owner of the estate was nowhere to be found.
Daniel Roberts (Georgia’s attorney) informed Penny he had died yrs. ago.
What happened to Ms. Betty?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written religious oriented romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; ARC; Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolina’s; Firefly Southern Fiction; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Betty “Ms. Betty� Patterson (60+, bank mgr.) takes a long lunch because of the First Baptist Church woman’s group meeting.
The headstone had been set in place next to Grandpa’s.
Grandma Georgia Ruskin’s house would need to be put her estate up for sale, liquidate the CD’s & money market accounts, & then Penny could go back home to her job at Ridgewood Financial in Columbia, SC. (capital).
Tommy McAllister, (son, Oconee Citizens Bank VP) was part owner & worked at the Feed-&-Seed.
He loaded Mr. Calhoun’s pickup bed with feed.
Brad Landers was his top salesman.
Ms. Betty finally met with Penny.
The paper work was signed but things don’t move very fast in the financial world.
Jacob Calhoun (90) who used to play bridge with Georgia introduced himself to Penny.
Ms. Betty (town matchmaker) invited Penny to bingo, church & she was trying her best to hook her up with Tommy.
Tina (supervisor/BFF) called Penny to give her the heartbreaking news.
Her job at Ridgewood Financial no longer existed.
The severance package wasn’t much.
Emma Johnson (HS Sr. neighbor) introduced herself.
Her calico cat Patches had probably run off.
She lived with Will Johnson (father).
Mrs. June McAllister (mother, retired nurse) came to check his vitals.
Well maybe life in Walhalla, SC. would not be so bad after all.
(Seneca town). Tommy would like to open a place like Tractor Supply.
1 day he took Penny with him to show her.
She would like to open a B&B.
Mark Thompson (BB&T closing agent) called to give Penny some more bad news.
Great-Uncle Jeremiah (Georgia’s brother) the co-owner of the estate was nowhere to be found.
Daniel Roberts (Georgia’s attorney) informed Penny he had died yrs. ago.
What happened to Ms. Betty?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written religious oriented romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; ARC; Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolina’s; Firefly Southern Fiction; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
March 12, 2018
I am torn on this one. I liked the base story. But the book seems preachy to me. And there are parts of the book that felt unfinished. Why did Sue Ann think she was in the right? Why was the estate lawyer so inactive? And why, why, why? I have more questions than the book offered answers. If I take the book at face value it is a good clean story on forgiveness. But really wanted to smack the main characters. Who has that much time to wallow?
I picked this book up for review. I admit it was the big house on the cover that drew me in. Would love to own that house!
I picked this book up for review. I admit it was the big house on the cover that drew me in. Would love to own that house!
November 13, 2021
Too religious for me. And repetitive in adjectives and descriptions, it was distracting. When I read I like to forget I’m reading and just get caught up in the story but this book kept reminding me I was reading a book. Their relationship was weird. Also, the book was dramatic in ways I couldn’t understand, like she laughed until she cried at what I thought would deserve a polite chuckle at most. And multiple times, someone cried for something that wasn’t that sad. I just never felt anything the whole book. I was just trying to finish it as fast as I could so I could move on.
March 28, 2018
Small-town romance at its best! Return to Walhalla is as charming as its setting. A sweet romance with twists and turns, enough conflict to keep the pages turning, quirky secondary characters, and a beautiful story of faith make this book one you don't want to miss. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Poole.
March 30, 2018
This is a wonderful well written love story. Hiding your past never pays off as it will hound you until you confess; This drives the story. Most of the characters are quite lovable. Loved the town of Walhalla and the people living there. Highly recommend.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. The opinions are my own.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. The opinions are my own.
April 25, 2018
This is a fun small town romance. Penny finds herself confused about whether to stay in Walhalla. She finds love with Tommy, but Tommy refuses to give his heart away to another woman who won't stay in Walhalla. This story made me laugh at points and want to pull my hair out at others, at points it will even confuse you with who actually owns the house, and the embarrassment of unknown relatives.
June 11, 2018
I was blessed with a free copy of this book, and I have chosen of my own volition to share this review with you!
A sweet romantic read. A young woman returns home, after the death of a loved one. She is confronted with her past, and she must make decisions about her future. Does she have a future in this town, or is it time to move on?
A sweet romantic read. A young woman returns home, after the death of a loved one. She is confronted with her past, and she must make decisions about her future. Does she have a future in this town, or is it time to move on?
April 4, 2018
This charming and clean romance had characters that you felt you knew. Even the secondary characters (both nice and not-so-nice) were realistic and left an impression. Very enjoyable read! The plot was somewhat predictable yet still satisfying for the romantic at heart.
April 11, 2018
She returns to live in her grandmother's house. With some help she wants to turn into a bed and breakfast but one thing after another gets in her way. An inspirational read on not giving up, forgiveness- not only of someone else but yourself, and second chances.
April 25, 2018
Beautiful
This is a wonderful story of healing and forgiveness. Penny came home to bury her grandmother, but list he job and had to move back permanently. Tommy knew her barely but he wanted her to stay. She had emotional wounds that needed healing.
This is a wonderful story of healing and forgiveness. Penny came home to bury her grandmother, but list he job and had to move back permanently. Tommy knew her barely but he wanted her to stay. She had emotional wounds that needed healing.
May 7, 2018
An interesting story with twist and turn plot, enjoyable characters and believable resolution. Enjoyed the Walhalla, South Carolina setting, a German community with settlers from Bavaria where Walhalla is located. Themes of faith, family, and forgiveness. Love conquers.
June 9, 2018
Very comforting and hopeful book
I enjoyed reading this book it is a very sweet love story with the characters trusting in God and their faith to see them through day to day life,and, harder life decisions. I found it uplifting. And, very hopeful
I enjoyed reading this book it is a very sweet love story with the characters trusting in God and their faith to see them through day to day life,and, harder life decisions. I found it uplifting. And, very hopeful
November 26, 2018
Loved it!
It was a wonderful story mixed in with the area. I have been to Walhalla a few times. A beautiful place. It was nice reading about it and all the references to Clemson. My husband grew up in Anderson. We're huge Clemson fans.
It was a wonderful story mixed in with the area. I have been to Walhalla a few times. A beautiful place. It was nice reading about it and all the references to Clemson. My husband grew up in Anderson. We're huge Clemson fans.
July 28, 2019
Heartwarming
Very much enjoyed this story. While it was frustrating that the two main characters seem to keep missing the point in their relationship it made sense in the end. Trust in Him and he will give you the delights of your heart.
Very much enjoyed this story. While it was frustrating that the two main characters seem to keep missing the point in their relationship it made sense in the end. Trust in Him and he will give you the delights of your heart.
September 3, 2019
Merry Christmas
A wonderful story of Gods grace. Not until Christmas are the house issues resolved and the couple able to move on in God’s grace. A tender story of home and family :)
A wonderful story of Gods grace. Not until Christmas are the house issues resolved and the couple able to move on in God’s grace. A tender story of home and family :)
February 18, 2020
Very well written story that makes you feel like you are there watching it unfold. Faith in God and following Him isn't always as easy as we would hope but, as in this story, He knows best. I recommend this book to anyone who wants clean, wholesome, realistic reading.
May 29, 2020
Wow, what an emotional ride. She’ll stay in the Walhalla; no, she must return to Columbia; she has a part time job in Walhalla, she has a full time job in Columbia. I understand the reasons she was on the fence, but this one took me on quite the ride.
July 5, 2020
A beautiful love story.
This book was about growing up with grandma and living in a home one day will be yours. A lot of turns and twist but will have to let you read to see what happens. To good to put down.
This book was about growing up with grandma and living in a home one day will be yours. A lot of turns and twist but will have to let you read to see what happens. To good to put down.
May 8, 2018
Feel good book
The book was a lot predictable but a good read. Miss Betty was not a favorite of mine. Not a fan of town gossips.
The book was a lot predictable but a good read. Miss Betty was not a favorite of mine. Not a fan of town gossips.
May 16, 2018
Loved it!
It’s has some of my favorite elements: small town, beautiful old house, mystery in the attic, church ladies, faith, healing hearts, and a happy ending.
It’s has some of my favorite elements: small town, beautiful old house, mystery in the attic, church ladies, faith, healing hearts, and a happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.