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The Burke Family #2
Return to Me
When Roxy Burke left home for Nashville, she swore she wouldn’t come back until she was a star. But it’s desperation that drives this prodigal back to her family, and no one is prepared for what happens next.Roxy has crashed and burned. She’s squandered an inheritance, lived a wild life, and wasted her talent. Desperate and ashamed, she now must return to her father and sister, neither of whom she’s talked to in seven years.Roxy’s father welcomes his daughter with love and tenderness. But his easy acceptance is hard on Roxy’s sister. After years of being the dutiful daughter, Elena feels resentment and anger toward her wayward sister.Even more problematic is the reaction of Roxy’s former boyfriend. Once a rebel, Wyatt has given his life to Christ and plans to enter the ministry. He and Elena are engaged, but Roxy’s return raises questions that could mean the end of Elena’s perfect future.The Burke family faces the return of the prodigal and must reach out for healing. Will they each be able to accept God’s grace?
272 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
42 people are currently reading
819 people want to read
About the author
Robin Lee Hatcher
130Ìýbooks2,971ÌýfollowersRobin Lee Hatcher is the author of over 90 novels and novellas with over five million copies of her books in print. She is known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love.ÌýHer numerous awards include the RITA® Award, Christy Award, Carol Award, HOLT Medallion, National Reader’s Choice Award, and the Faith, Hope & Love Reader’s Choice Award, and she is also the recipient of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards from both American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America®.ÌýWhen not writing, she enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, Bible art journaling, reading books that make her cry, watching romantic movies, and decorative planning. A mother and grandmother, Robin makes her home on the outskirts of Boise, sharing it with a demanding Papillon dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 18, 2011
Roxy Burke has messed up bad. With almost no goodbyes, she leaves her whole life in Boise for a new life in Nashville hoping to become the next big country star. Now, seven years later, she's squandered everything, especially her inheritance, and she's no country music star. She's had no contact with her family in Boise, but returning there is really the only choice that she has. Because of the lack of contact, Roxy is completely surprised when she finds that her older sister, Elena, is now engaged to Roxy's old boyfriend, Wyatt, and a wedding is about to take place.
Now, shift to the other side of the story. Elena can't believe all the attention that Roxy's getting now that she's home. She's the modern day prodigal son. She's completely messed up her life, while Elena has worked hard for everything she's ever gotten. Elena feels like no one's giving her any credit, and she's everything short of being flat out rude to her sister. And then, of course, she questions Wyatt if any of his former feelings for Roxy have returned now that she's back home.
I saw myself relating to Elena's feelings throughout this entire book. While there were times that I wanted to beat her upside the head, I knew she had to go through the phases that she did to come to a point of forgiveness. Robin is one of my favorite authors, and every time I read something by her, that book seems to become my new favorite! This book is no exception. I hope she continues with the series (A Carol for Christmas was the first), and maybe delve into Elena's future.
Now, shift to the other side of the story. Elena can't believe all the attention that Roxy's getting now that she's home. She's the modern day prodigal son. She's completely messed up her life, while Elena has worked hard for everything she's ever gotten. Elena feels like no one's giving her any credit, and she's everything short of being flat out rude to her sister. And then, of course, she questions Wyatt if any of his former feelings for Roxy have returned now that she's back home.
I saw myself relating to Elena's feelings throughout this entire book. While there were times that I wanted to beat her upside the head, I knew she had to go through the phases that she did to come to a point of forgiveness. Robin is one of my favorite authors, and every time I read something by her, that book seems to become my new favorite! This book is no exception. I hope she continues with the series (A Carol for Christmas was the first), and maybe delve into Elena's future.
March 9, 2018
Return to Me creatively retells the Biblical parable of the prodigal son, setting it in modern times. I appreciated the way the author grounded the story, spiritually-speaking. There was a bit too much mushiness for my personal taste, but readers who really enjoy romantic fiction will not find that to be the case. :-) Overall, a solid, well-paced story that makes you think about how you would react if you were the prodigal/the older sibling/the father in the story and challenges the reader to reorient her thinking to align with Scripture.
May 2, 2022
Roxy has reached rock bottom. No food. Rent overdue. Fired from her last job. After 7 years she only has one choice - to return home. But will they welcome her? Or turn her away, remind her of the hateful words she’d spewed as she left.
A retelling of the prodigal son. Even feeling sure of the outcome, the path Roxy and her family take to reach it are worth the read.
A retelling of the prodigal son. Even feeling sure of the outcome, the path Roxy and her family take to reach it are worth the read.
January 9, 2013
Robin Lee Hatcher does a double interpretation of 'Return to Me'. As two sisters learn about God's grace in dramatically different ways, the reader will identify with either one or both of these women!
March 27, 2008
Excellent story about a prodigal from the viewpoint of the "other brother(sister in this case)"
Read
July 18, 2016I loved telling this story of the prodigal daughter and her "perfect" sister. Both Roxy and Elena became very dear to me, and God revealed so much truth as I wrote.
December 24, 2022
Although not my absolute favorite Robin Lee Hatcher novel (that honor goes to Ribbon of Years), this story is high on the favorites list. It is a beautiful, heart-tugging story that moved me deeply. A modern-day retelling of The Prodigal Son parable, this time with daughters, "Return to Me" is the story of Roxy and Elena. Roxy is the younger sibling, the one who squanders away everything with wild living, while older sibling Elena walks the righteous path. Both women---not just the "sinner"----are in need of God's grace! As one who can easily struggle with "older brother" self-righteousness, I was cut to the quick by this story. I intend to share it with other "older brother-types" in my life. Awesome story!!
July 12, 2017
The prodigal daughter. Her perfect sister. One man they both love. This contemporary story of The Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32) explores the challenges facing each member of the family as the prodigal daughter returns to her hometown and her first love.
“Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.� - Matthew 11: 28-30
“Come unto Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.� - Matthew 11: 28-30
January 17, 2020
We have all read the account of the Prodigal Son in Luke chapter 15 in the Bible. Did we ever stop to really think about each part of it? Well, this book takes us through a modern-day versionof it. You get to experience what each person is thinking and feeling and how it affects each life. It is so important to remember God's grace, that it is for each of us. Very well done! I recommend it to everyone!
April 10, 2024
The story was heart breaking but in the end it was the grace of god that made it better. I’m not very religious and parts of this book are very religious. However, the characters religious beliefs seemed to heal their relationships with themselves and each other. In the end I could see why they relied on the grace of god to be better people???? I don’t know if I’m drinking the Gatorade but I’d be interested in other people’s ideas after reading the book.
March 1, 2022
Not badly written, but this read has too much of an ick factor for me to really enjoy it. The sisters have both had the same man at different points of their lives. Regardless of forgiveness, how will the family dynamic ever be normal? It's not the kind of thing that can be glazed over and forgotten. The ending is just not believable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book. The modern prodigal son, this time daughter, storyline was very well written.
It was also very interesting to see the relationship dynamics between Roxy, Wyatt and Elena. As I was reading the book, I genuinely had no idea how the book was going to end and who would Wyatt actually end up marrying.
I think that this book really showcases what grace truly is.
It was also very interesting to see the relationship dynamics between Roxy, Wyatt and Elena. As I was reading the book, I genuinely had no idea how the book was going to end and who would Wyatt actually end up marrying.
I think that this book really showcases what grace truly is.
May 17, 2024
Another great story from Ms. Hatcher
This story had a lot of life lessons and biblical lessons alike. I guess they go hand in hand. I don't want to give any spoilers, but this is a good read for young adults and older. There are references to hard living (nothing overly graphic, but not necessarily something I would want my young teen reading yet).
This story had a lot of life lessons and biblical lessons alike. I guess they go hand in hand. I don't want to give any spoilers, but this is a good read for young adults and older. There are references to hard living (nothing overly graphic, but not necessarily something I would want my young teen reading yet).
October 21, 2024
wonderful modernized prodigal story
Wonderful story, patterned after Luke 15 but also an all around stand alone story about grace. Well developed characters, great details allowed you to enter into the story and watch it play out. I knew it would end well, but I still had that edge of your seat feeling to discover how the end was painted.
Wonderful story, patterned after Luke 15 but also an all around stand alone story about grace. Well developed characters, great details allowed you to enter into the story and watch it play out. I knew it would end well, but I still had that edge of your seat feeling to discover how the end was painted.
July 25, 2017
Pretty good. Modern tale of the prodigal son/daughter.
January 21, 2018
A well told love story that will have the reader cheering on their favorite characters.
May 10, 2018
Great story.
May 11, 2018
Great author!
November 21, 2018
prodigal daughter and the older daughter/sister get grace
October 24, 2024
Heartfelt story
An amazing story of love, forgiveness, and grace which is only possible when God is in the midst of the healing process.
An amazing story of love, forgiveness, and grace which is only possible when God is in the midst of the healing process.
April 18, 2025
Wonderful characters I could relate to.
April 1, 2024
God really brings hope and caring to others
The book was a good measure of a family’s relationship. The power of God to bring healing and love was really good.
The book was a good measure of a family’s relationship. The power of God to bring healing and love was really good.
April 28, 2021
Return to Me is a take on the biblical story of the prodigal son.
A few things I really liked about the book:
*It's a fast easy read.
*You get the stories perspective from many angles(father, older daughter, the younger prodigal daughter, the "boyfriend", the housekeep and more)
*Makes you wonder which of the main characters you might be more like, if you were in the story.
What I didn't like(thus only 3 stars):
*As great as the story read, I would have enjoyed to have more development between the last chapter and the epilogue. I guess that's where we get to make the story how we might imagine it.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone. I have found that there is actually a Book #1 to this(about the mother) that I am now looking forward to reading.
A few things I really liked about the book:
*It's a fast easy read.
*You get the stories perspective from many angles(father, older daughter, the younger prodigal daughter, the "boyfriend", the housekeep and more)
*Makes you wonder which of the main characters you might be more like, if you were in the story.
What I didn't like(thus only 3 stars):
*As great as the story read, I would have enjoyed to have more development between the last chapter and the epilogue. I guess that's where we get to make the story how we might imagine it.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone. I have found that there is actually a Book #1 to this(about the mother) that I am now looking forward to reading.
April 10, 2016
This was an enjoyable book that was a modern day version of the prodigal son story but this time with sisters. This book starts years after book #1, A Carol for Christmas. In that boo, Jonathan & Carol are young newlyweds struggling to see what God wants for the. Before the start of book #2, they have two daughters. This book picks up when the daughters are both young adults and Jonathan has been a widower for many years.
Roxy is the "prodigal" daughter. Like her mother, she has musical talent and wants to make it big in Nashville. She is rebellious & headstrong. After gaining the age that allows her control of an inheritance from her grandmother, she decides she is going to make her dreams come true, despite what her father & sister think. Her older sister, Elena, is more like her father and is a rule-follower and a hard worker. She is working for the family business and loves her job. Just as in the Biblical story, Roxy makes too many mistakes & squanders her inheritance. As she humbles herself and returns home, she wonders how her family will react.
The book is the story of what happens after Roxy returns home. Has she learned any lessons? What is she to do with her life now? Will her father welcome her home? What about Elena as the older, dutiful daughter?
It is an interesting story of relationships, forgiveness(& lack thereof), love and finding God's will in a confusing world. As in the author's other books that I have read, there are lessons for all of us about these themes. The only thing that I didn't care for in this book is that Elena's reaction and struggle with her sister's return seemed out of character with who she really was.
Roxy is the "prodigal" daughter. Like her mother, she has musical talent and wants to make it big in Nashville. She is rebellious & headstrong. After gaining the age that allows her control of an inheritance from her grandmother, she decides she is going to make her dreams come true, despite what her father & sister think. Her older sister, Elena, is more like her father and is a rule-follower and a hard worker. She is working for the family business and loves her job. Just as in the Biblical story, Roxy makes too many mistakes & squanders her inheritance. As she humbles herself and returns home, she wonders how her family will react.
The book is the story of what happens after Roxy returns home. Has she learned any lessons? What is she to do with her life now? Will her father welcome her home? What about Elena as the older, dutiful daughter?
It is an interesting story of relationships, forgiveness(& lack thereof), love and finding God's will in a confusing world. As in the author's other books that I have read, there are lessons for all of us about these themes. The only thing that I didn't care for in this book is that Elena's reaction and struggle with her sister's return seemed out of character with who she really was.
August 1, 2013
I quickly checked out this audio book from the library without researching it much. I like Robin Lee Hatcher and since it was about a girl trying to make it in Nashville (my area of the world) I thought I would give it a try. First, it was an audio book and I only had one hang up with the reader....I didn't like her voice when she tried to sound like a man reading the men's part. It made me cringe every time. But I stuck with it and loved the story...which is the main thing and maybe that was because it closely resembles the life story of a new friend.
Singer goes to Nashville to make it big in country music. I see that happen every day working in Nashville...plus I have a husband that is a songwriter, so it's his dream too.
I didn't catch it at first, but this is a story of the prodigal son, but using sisters. It really focuses more on the sister that stayed at home and her reactions to the open arm/forgive all attitude of receiving the prodigal sister home. I liked the insight I gained from this perceptive. I hate to admit it, but sometimes we Christians just aren't as forgiving as we should be.
Good story, kept me somewhat entertained throughout, kind of predictable, really focused on the internal struggles of a new Christian dealing with past sin and the unforgiving nature of more mature Christians regarding those sins.
Singer goes to Nashville to make it big in country music. I see that happen every day working in Nashville...plus I have a husband that is a songwriter, so it's his dream too.
I didn't catch it at first, but this is a story of the prodigal son, but using sisters. It really focuses more on the sister that stayed at home and her reactions to the open arm/forgive all attitude of receiving the prodigal sister home. I liked the insight I gained from this perceptive. I hate to admit it, but sometimes we Christians just aren't as forgiving as we should be.
Good story, kept me somewhat entertained throughout, kind of predictable, really focused on the internal struggles of a new Christian dealing with past sin and the unforgiving nature of more mature Christians regarding those sins.
August 18, 2014
I won this book through GoodReads First Read program.
As you can tell from almost all the reviews this is a modern day prodigal son story. In this case it involves two daughters. The oldest is a straight lace, follow the rules lady who stays home and works hard for the Burke Company which is owned by her father Jonathan. The youngest daughter, Roxy, takes her grandmother's inheritance and moves from Boise, Idaho to Nashville to become a famous country singer. Things don't go as she planned and she ends up broke and comes back to Idaho with her tail between her legs. Dad is happy to see his daughter return. The oldest sister....not so much.
Throw in the former boyfriend of the youngest who is now engaged to the oldest and you have a modern prodigal tale. Enjoyable read that hits on God's grace and the grace we need to show to others.
As you can tell from almost all the reviews this is a modern day prodigal son story. In this case it involves two daughters. The oldest is a straight lace, follow the rules lady who stays home and works hard for the Burke Company which is owned by her father Jonathan. The youngest daughter, Roxy, takes her grandmother's inheritance and moves from Boise, Idaho to Nashville to become a famous country singer. Things don't go as she planned and she ends up broke and comes back to Idaho with her tail between her legs. Dad is happy to see his daughter return. The oldest sister....not so much.
Throw in the former boyfriend of the youngest who is now engaged to the oldest and you have a modern prodigal tale. Enjoyable read that hits on God's grace and the grace we need to show to others.
March 25, 2010
Another story about the country music industry - which I LOVE. This one explores the dark side of the biz - what happens when you don't make it.
The message in this story really hit home with me. No, I've never tried to be a country music singer! I'm talking about the concept of grace - a concept that I struggle with. I could identify with Roxy's struggle to accept grace and Elena's struggle to give it. I also enjoyed Roxy's journey to Christ, as I've found myself asking a lot of the same questions that she did. The conflict between sisters Roxy and Elena was well written - I could feel the angst between them.
The message in this story really hit home with me. No, I've never tried to be a country music singer! I'm talking about the concept of grace - a concept that I struggle with. I could identify with Roxy's struggle to accept grace and Elena's struggle to give it. I also enjoyed Roxy's journey to Christ, as I've found myself asking a lot of the same questions that she did. The conflict between sisters Roxy and Elena was well written - I could feel the angst between them.
October 6, 2011
This is a retelling of the prodigal son, only it is about daughters. When you know the story, you follow along, knowing what is next; and in this case, it is still a great story. As far as Christian fiction goes, this one is more into the scriptures than some because it is a Biblical story, retold. In the Bible, you get the basic story. In this, you get people's thoughts and feelings from their different perspectives. If you've never really thought about the different people in this story, it's interesting to see it from each point of view.
May 13, 2014
I love when authors take a familiar Bible story and make me look at it in a totally different way... I searched high and low to get my hands on another copy of this book, read it when I borrowed from our local library. Ended up googling "Christian book with leaves on front cover" I think! Be prepared to want to read in one setting! If you live close to me, I will be happy to share, but I want it back!
January 18, 2016
Roxy Burke left her small town for Nashville to become a star. She becomes discouraged, then destitute and knows her only option is to go home. She has been gone 4 years and in that time has not had any contact with her father & sister. Her mother is deceased. Oh they have tried to contact her but she is too busy for them. When she returns home she is in for a big surprise. This book was somewhat different from ones I usually read, but it held my attention all the way through.
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