The Homecoming - Robyn Carr

The Homecoming by Robyn Carr
Series: Thunder Point #6
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Source/Format: Netgalley (Thanks Harlequin!) || e-galley

[I received this book for review from the publisher. This in no way affects the thoughts expressed in my review.]

At the age of nineteen, Seth Sileski had everything. A superb athlete and scholar, handsome and popular, he was the pride of Thunder Point. Destined for greatness, he lost it all in a terrible accident that put an end to his professional football career when it had barely begun. The people in his hometown have never forgotten what might have been. 

Seth has come to terms with the turns his life has taken. But now he's been presented with an opportunity to return home and show his father—and the people of Thunder Point—he's become a better, humbler version of his former self. 

Winning over his father isn't the only challenge. Seth must also find a way to convince his childhood neighbor and best friend, Iris McKinley, to forgive him for breaking her heart. With his homecoming, will Seth be able to convince the town, his family and especially Iris that he's finally ready to be the man who will make them all proud? (from Goodreads)

Just after I’d read The Promise, I got The Homecoming for review. I tried to resist it for a couple of days, but finally caved on a random Friday and decided to read it. I kid you not – I devoured that baby from start to finish, without stopping for anything. The novel had a potent combination that worked its magic on me: a fantastic couple to root for + familiar & beloved faces that made appearances + Thunder Point. 

Seth’s recently returned to Thunder Point to take over as Sheriff. While he’s been in and out of town over the years to visit his mother, he’s decided to take on a more permanent role. It’s clear that he really cares about Thunder Point and the people in it, but he’s also back for two other reasons: to make things right with his father, and to make things right with Iris. Honestly, it was not at all hard for Seth to win me over. He’s funny (and capable of laughing at himself), he’s loyal, he’s smart, and he’s dedicated to his job and his family. Really, he’s just an adult version of the boy next door, and I found myself utterly charmed. 

Iris, on the other hand, has stayed in Thunder Point and works at the high school as a guidance counselor. I love that she chose to dedicate her life to doing something good for others, and that she takes her role very seriously. She’s a smart lady, and reads people very well. I do love that she’s also a bit of a spaz, very forthright about what she thinks, and can also deck a grown man properly. (Seriously, that bit made me laugh!) But Iris has a good heart, if one that has been broken severely before… by one Seth Sileski.

Yes, Seth broke Iris’ heart when they were both still teenagers in high school. And I’ve got to tell you, the how of the situation was really surprising! Make no mistake, I was just as angry at Seth as Iris was for a time. But the thing is, people do make mistakes, and the best they can do is try to make up for them. Witnessing Seth make up for his mistake because he cared about Iris was really heart-warming, and wonderful, and eventually, like Iris, I found myself realizing that Seth Sileski was most definitely still the love of her life.

Clearly, this romance was So. Damn. Good. But it’s also not the only plot arc in The Homecoming! There’s also the matter of Seth’s relationship with his family, and some very serious issues that pop up in the town involving the kids and teens. I liked that these things all felt like an authentic addition to the story, and an integral part of settling readers into the small town of Thunder Point. It made me feel like I was immersed completely in this town and its residents all over again, and nothing could be better.

By the time I finished The Homecoming, I really could not keep the grin off of my face. I honestly just love this place & these characters so very much, and will basically read anything that comes out involving Thunder Point. I’m eager to get my hands on the next one already!