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Forging America #1
Come Back
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
*Note about content: Although the moral context of the story is old fashioned, Come Back, contains violence, adult themes, and descriptions of physical intimacy. It is intended for mature readers.
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
*Note about content: Although the moral context of the story is old fashioned, Come Back, contains violence, adult themes, and descriptions of physical intimacy. It is intended for mature readers.
430 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2014
About the author
Melissa Maygrove
8 books22 followersNamed one of Houston's 100 Creatives for 2014 by the Houston Press and mentioned in 'Who's Who Among Texas Authors'
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance author. When she's not busy caring for her tiny NICU patients, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance author. When she's not busy caring for her tiny NICU patients, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
November 28, 2018
So amazing
I loved this book. I could not out it down. The heroine is left behind when the wagon train she is on with her parents leaves without her. That scene was so heartbreaking. The moment she realized what had happened, she was panicked and afraid and desperate. I could feel it so much. Then that young woman then pulled up her boot strings and saved herself. She was alone for a whole year in the wilderness and made herself shelter, found her own food and all with a knife and canteen. The place though is a dumping ground for excess items that people have to leave behind because they are too heavy and the animals are not strong enough to carry at this point in the trail. She takes these things and makes a life for herself while waiting to be rescued. Or at least that's what you think. She believes she was left behind because she wasn't wanted and she just wanted to be left alone. But then a stranger is hurt and she finds him and he tries to rescue her. But she won't go. He comes back for her and saves her and then showcases him again. Finally she leaves with him to face the past. It's a wonderful journey. I don't want to spoil it either because I loved all the twists and turns it took. Seth was an amazing hero and Becca is now one of my favorite heroines. It's not passion filled scenes of anything like that. Just a romantic angsty story of a strong heroine who has been treated wrongly. The villain might not surprise you but the road getting there is worth the read. Safe.
I loved this book. I could not out it down. The heroine is left behind when the wagon train she is on with her parents leaves without her. That scene was so heartbreaking. The moment she realized what had happened, she was panicked and afraid and desperate. I could feel it so much. Then that young woman then pulled up her boot strings and saved herself. She was alone for a whole year in the wilderness and made herself shelter, found her own food and all with a knife and canteen. The place though is a dumping ground for excess items that people have to leave behind because they are too heavy and the animals are not strong enough to carry at this point in the trail. She takes these things and makes a life for herself while waiting to be rescued. Or at least that's what you think. She believes she was left behind because she wasn't wanted and she just wanted to be left alone. But then a stranger is hurt and she finds him and he tries to rescue her. But she won't go. He comes back for her and saves her and then showcases him again. Finally she leaves with him to face the past. It's a wonderful journey. I don't want to spoil it either because I loved all the twists and turns it took. Seth was an amazing hero and Becca is now one of my favorite heroines. It's not passion filled scenes of anything like that. Just a romantic angsty story of a strong heroine who has been treated wrongly. The villain might not surprise you but the road getting there is worth the read. Safe.
September 8, 2014
This was a great story. The female character was left by a wagon train in the middle of nowhere and she survived! Her determination and willpower were wonderful to read about. Then a stranger came into her area. Would he save her or harm her? The story is full of twist and surprises and does have a small amount of explicit sex, but the story is life and romance and survival. Well written. Highly recommend this book to all.
November 23, 2018
Only few books I give 5 stars and this is one
I rushed through some parts, yes .....but I like the books where H and h are separated from world....
And I liked the way their romance grew
I rushed through some parts, yes .....but I like the books where H and h are separated from world....
And I liked the way their romance grew
February 6, 2017
Rebecca Garvey is on a wagon train bound for California when she is inadvertently left behind in the wilderness of New Mexico Territory. She mistakenly believes that no one searched for her and, as days turn into months, she remains in the wilderness and fends for herself rather than attempting to make her way to a town. When she comes across an injured man, she’s compelled to help him, but in doing so she can no longer hide from the pain of her presumed abandonment.
Seth Emerson is battling demons of his own, but he becomes determined to reunite Rebecca with her family, along with the man to whom she’s betrothed. During the journey, affection turns to love between Seth and Rebecca, and they must both grapple with doing the right thing.
This is a quiet book with a slow-building romance; both Seth and Rebecca are stubborn in their misguided decisions regarding the course of their lives, and Ms. Maygrove beautifully handles their blossoming maturity. Grab a cup of tea and a blanket and settle in for a romance filled with grit, sweetness, and passion. You won’t be disappointed.
Seth Emerson is battling demons of his own, but he becomes determined to reunite Rebecca with her family, along with the man to whom she’s betrothed. During the journey, affection turns to love between Seth and Rebecca, and they must both grapple with doing the right thing.
This is a quiet book with a slow-building romance; both Seth and Rebecca are stubborn in their misguided decisions regarding the course of their lives, and Ms. Maygrove beautifully handles their blossoming maturity. Grab a cup of tea and a blanket and settle in for a romance filled with grit, sweetness, and passion. You won’t be disappointed.
March 19, 2019
Very good romance, just a bit long
This is a very good romance, with a likable couple, but it just seemed a bit too long. There were so many pages devoted to their time in the cave and their time traveling. Much of that was kind of repetitive, since what they did every day was often very similar -- he hunted, she cooked and cleaned, they traveled in the wagon, ...
I did really like the story, and I understood how their experiences made them both feel unworthy and unlovable. It was sweet how they both worked to express their love, because they understood each other's insecurities.
One thing, I thought the mystery of who caused all of Rebecca's misery was pretty obvious. I figured out who it was pretty quickly.
This is a very good romance, with a likable couple, but it just seemed a bit too long. There were so many pages devoted to their time in the cave and their time traveling. Much of that was kind of repetitive, since what they did every day was often very similar -- he hunted, she cooked and cleaned, they traveled in the wagon, ...
I did really like the story, and I understood how their experiences made them both feel unworthy and unlovable. It was sweet how they both worked to express their love, because they understood each other's insecurities.
One thing, I thought the mystery of who caused all of Rebecca's misery was pretty obvious. I figured out who it was pretty quickly.
August 31, 2021
This turned out to be a very nice read. I saw this book being recommended by 2 different people and thought I should definitely give this one a go.
The story in the first few pages made me a little hesitant to continue reading, because it seemed to be taking a very predictable turn and that I might not get the strong heroine I was hoping for. However, as I kept reading, I was rewarded with genuine curiosity as to what would happen, the pacing was very good and I fell in love with the characters. I thought the author captured the scenes really well with her writing, with the descriptions for the settings being used convey the characters' emotions and all the descriptions which only added to the story and made it immersive, rather than detracting from it, which can sometimes happen.
The story in the first few pages made me a little hesitant to continue reading, because it seemed to be taking a very predictable turn and that I might not get the strong heroine I was hoping for. However, as I kept reading, I was rewarded with genuine curiosity as to what would happen, the pacing was very good and I fell in love with the characters. I thought the author captured the scenes really well with her writing, with the descriptions for the settings being used convey the characters' emotions and all the descriptions which only added to the story and made it immersive, rather than detracting from it, which can sometimes happen.
May 20, 2022
So Good!
I don't usually read Western romances (I am more a Bridgerton girl), but the idea of this story intrigued me. I was not disappointed. This was a story I had so much trouble putting down that I was up all night. The story of Seth and Rebecca absorbed me from the first page to the last They had so much to go through and still their love grew and flourished. I especially loved the way that they sustained each other in every circumstance, good or bad. I highly recommend this book - even if your usual fare takes place in ballrooms, not barn yards.
I don't usually read Western romances (I am more a Bridgerton girl), but the idea of this story intrigued me. I was not disappointed. This was a story I had so much trouble putting down that I was up all night. The story of Seth and Rebecca absorbed me from the first page to the last They had so much to go through and still their love grew and flourished. I especially loved the way that they sustained each other in every circumstance, good or bad. I highly recommend this book - even if your usual fare takes place in ballrooms, not barn yards.
July 20, 2021
A lovely romance
Oh I did love the hero in this story, unpretentious, caring, humble, I could go on. It took me a while to like the heroine though as I found her foolhardy at the beginning and couldn't appreciate the reasons for the unfolding o f the plot, but the story got better after that.
I would have loved it to go further than it did, but enjoyed it anyway.
Oh I did love the hero in this story, unpretentious, caring, humble, I could go on. It took me a while to like the heroine though as I found her foolhardy at the beginning and couldn't appreciate the reasons for the unfolding o f the plot, but the story got better after that.
I would have loved it to go further than it did, but enjoyed it anyway.
April 12, 2022
I loved every nail biting page. The author pulled me in from the first page and held me captive all day long. I hated to get up and go to work today because I wanted to spend the day reading the second book in the series. As soon as I finish this review I'm tucking myself in and reading until I fall asleep.
February 24, 2017
This was a good book but not exceptional. The book was well thought out and executed but it did go a bit slow at times. Not sure why the author had a 'mature audience' disclaimer on it. It was actually very tame compared to some books.
October 18, 2018
Great book
This was an excellent book. The story of Seth & Rebecca kept my interest the whole time. It gives a glimpse of the struggles people moving west went through with a different twist to it. Highly recommended
This was an excellent book. The story of Seth & Rebecca kept my interest the whole time. It gives a glimpse of the struggles people moving west went through with a different twist to it. Highly recommended
May 24, 2022
Historical Western Romance
I enjoyed “Come Back” very much. Rebecca is on a wagon 🚂 with her parents heading west to California. Along the way Rebecca is left behind. I won’t tell you anything else, because I would tell it all. Enjoy!!!!! I did!!!!!🤗
I enjoyed “Come Back” very much. Rebecca is on a wagon 🚂 with her parents heading west to California. Along the way Rebecca is left behind. I won’t tell you anything else, because I would tell it all. Enjoy!!!!! I did!!!!!🤗
September 25, 2022
Come Back
I loved this book. The characters were very interesting and beliveable. I figured out the bad guy earlier in the story but that didn't takeaway my enjoyment in the story as a whole because the book is so good. Can't wait to read the next two books in the series. 😍
I loved this book. The characters were very interesting and beliveable. I figured out the bad guy earlier in the story but that didn't takeaway my enjoyment in the story as a whole because the book is so good. Can't wait to read the next two books in the series. 😍
November 13, 2022
This was a good story but it felt too drawn out. That and the lack of communication with the leading female character was annoying. I get that she felt abandoned and she had a lack of trust but her tears and not communicating was frustrating.
August 24, 2017
Could have skipped the graphic sex.
July 16, 2020
I really did love this book. It took me about 6 hours of nonstop reading. The romance was very sweet. I like that there wasn't any unnecessary drama.
April 7, 2014
I give Melissa Maygrove's debut novel, Come Back, five stars.Her skilfully-crafted, error-free sentences carry the reader through the story at a rapid pace- no structural speed bumps.
She has created realistic characters whose flaws cause them to behave in such a manner as to keep the reader engaged. Becca begins her journey west as the typical, naive, young lady of her time; but after being left behind, she quickly learns some amazing survival skills. When Seth arrives on the scene, he exhibits some behavior that creates uncertainty within the reader as well as within Becca. Her healthy skepticism makes her keep Seth at arm's length for quite a while, but in time they develop trust and love as they work together to survive their long, dangerous trip on the Gila Trail.
Within the context of Becca and Seth's relationship, Melissa has included a few steamy scenes, but they grow naturally from the relationship and are handled with sensitivity.
I enjoyed both the historical period and the story. Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. Being a less than stellar student of history, I find that novels provide a painless lesson in history. I wholly suggest giving it a chance.
She has created realistic characters whose flaws cause them to behave in such a manner as to keep the reader engaged. Becca begins her journey west as the typical, naive, young lady of her time; but after being left behind, she quickly learns some amazing survival skills. When Seth arrives on the scene, he exhibits some behavior that creates uncertainty within the reader as well as within Becca. Her healthy skepticism makes her keep Seth at arm's length for quite a while, but in time they develop trust and love as they work together to survive their long, dangerous trip on the Gila Trail.
Within the context of Becca and Seth's relationship, Melissa has included a few steamy scenes, but they grow naturally from the relationship and are handled with sensitivity.
I enjoyed both the historical period and the story. Historical Romance is one of my favorite genres. Being a less than stellar student of history, I find that novels provide a painless lesson in history. I wholly suggest giving it a chance.
October 27, 2014
This story had so many emotions and heartache that was experience by Rebecca Garvey when she was abandoned by her parents, betrothed and the entire wagon train heading to California. The deceit of her so-called-friend Charlotte that set this event into motion. Living and surviving on her own, barely making it through her first winter, dodging Indians and wild animals, foraging for food and firewood, but most of all the feeling that no one wanted you. Then comes along Seth, dealing with is demons and pain for the past five years. Being thrown from his horse and rescued and tended to by Becca. It took so much for her to trust him and he feels compelled to take her to California, back to her parents and Nathan. The story covers so many struggles and even near death experiences as they make their long journey across the wildness. Will Becca find Nathan? Why did her parents and Nathan leave her behind? Can Seth make peace with his demons? Can they heal the pain of the past and find forgiveness and love?
June 19, 2014
Come Back tugs on the heart strings. Ms. Maygrove captured me with Becca and Seth. Characters make or break a story for me. I like strong females, and I like chivalrous guys. Good news, the book fit! Even though it adheres to the historical time frame where women were considered the weaker sex, Becca's determination and survival brought out that strength I look for in characters.
And I actually started crying at one point because it was such a heartbreakingly touching scene. Yep, Ms. Maygrove hooked into my feelings.
The book is a romance, so there were a few scenes that made me blush. It wasn't explicit, but it was hot. Ooh-la-la and suggestive waggling eyebrows.
But what I loved best was the surprise. It dropped my jaw and left me with that holy-cow feeling. Very well done.
Overall, if you're looking for a romantic read, I'd definitely recommend.
And I actually started crying at one point because it was such a heartbreakingly touching scene. Yep, Ms. Maygrove hooked into my feelings.
The book is a romance, so there were a few scenes that made me blush. It wasn't explicit, but it was hot. Ooh-la-la and suggestive waggling eyebrows.
But what I loved best was the surprise. It dropped my jaw and left me with that holy-cow feeling. Very well done.
Overall, if you're looking for a romantic read, I'd definitely recommend.
August 6, 2016
In Come Back, Maygrove demonstrates mastery rarely seen in a debut novel. The book becomes an experience for readers—almost as if we’re there, struggling on the Gila Trail alongside the characters. It’s obvious the author spent time studying this period, adding details here and there to enrich the text.
On that note, her steamier scenes are handled with great care—blending romance with realism. Becca and Seth grew to care for each other as friends before lovers, and that adds a great deal of depth to their interactions. They learn to face danger and hardship as a team.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this novel, and I am not a historical reader. I recommend giving it a chance. :)
On that note, her steamier scenes are handled with great care—blending romance with realism. Becca and Seth grew to care for each other as friends before lovers, and that adds a great deal of depth to their interactions. They learn to face danger and hardship as a team.
All in all, I truly enjoyed this novel, and I am not a historical reader. I recommend giving it a chance. :)
September 1, 2016
4.5 Stars!
Come Back is a wonderful old West romance which spins a yarn of loss, grief, gritted-teeth, and pushing through it all to survive. Heroine Becca is smart, kind, and honorable, and her hero Seth is the same ~ they’re two folks I’d go anywhere with on a wagon train! Their romance developed at a perfect pace, and I just loved how they loved each other (for me, they're just the right mix of sweet and sassy, as well as spicy!). Reading this took me back to those good old days when I was a kid watching Little House on the Prairie on TV. (Though this book is certainly sexier than Little House!) Come Back is a warm, uncomplicated pleasure in which good triumphs over adversity and evil. A lovely, satisfying read, and I look forward to more from this author.
Come Back is a wonderful old West romance which spins a yarn of loss, grief, gritted-teeth, and pushing through it all to survive. Heroine Becca is smart, kind, and honorable, and her hero Seth is the same ~ they’re two folks I’d go anywhere with on a wagon train! Their romance developed at a perfect pace, and I just loved how they loved each other (for me, they're just the right mix of sweet and sassy, as well as spicy!). Reading this took me back to those good old days when I was a kid watching Little House on the Prairie on TV. (Though this book is certainly sexier than Little House!) Come Back is a warm, uncomplicated pleasure in which good triumphs over adversity and evil. A lovely, satisfying read, and I look forward to more from this author.
July 26, 2015
Misguided family tribulations!!!
Melissa Maygrove is an exceptional story teller, to say the least!! I have read many books over the past but I have to say, this is one of the best I have had the privilege of reading. She tells of what it takes to work between husband and wife to keep a marriage together through all the trials and tribulations. Of also what it takes to keep the melding of struggles between the extended family's co-existence to meld with each other with togetherness. She also brought to the meaning of talking out differences and misunderstood happenstances, not keeping mum after friction begins.
Melissa Maygrove is an exceptional story teller, to say the least!! I have read many books over the past but I have to say, this is one of the best I have had the privilege of reading. She tells of what it takes to work between husband and wife to keep a marriage together through all the trials and tribulations. Of also what it takes to keep the melding of struggles between the extended family's co-existence to meld with each other with togetherness. She also brought to the meaning of talking out differences and misunderstood happenstances, not keeping mum after friction begins.
January 2, 2019
A story of great courage, resourcefulness, compassion & forgiveness.
Rebecca is a remarkable character so resilient but so much fear of rejection & abandonment. The details of what she endured, how she set herself up, the knowledge she gleaned & how she used things from her scavenging intriguing.
Seth's character was coloured by his false belief of failure to protect so but so strong, capable & honoured woman. True hero.
Caught up emotionally I felt her loneliness, anxiety, fear, joy & love. I finished at peace with Rebecca & Seth finally putting ghosts to rest & planning their HEA.
Rebecca is a remarkable character so resilient but so much fear of rejection & abandonment. The details of what she endured, how she set herself up, the knowledge she gleaned & how she used things from her scavenging intriguing.
Seth's character was coloured by his false belief of failure to protect so but so strong, capable & honoured woman. True hero.
Caught up emotionally I felt her loneliness, anxiety, fear, joy & love. I finished at peace with Rebecca & Seth finally putting ghosts to rest & planning their HEA.
July 11, 2015
Survival and love!
I was thrilled when I found this book again after letting go the first time I read the blurb. If this is the authors first book I can't wait for what else she has in stored for us. Every time I thought Seth and Beccas journey was getting easier for them something else happened that made me want to speed read it just to see what happened next. We find courage, desperation, love, drama, and healing with this two characters, this book was well written and just amazing.
I was thrilled when I found this book again after letting go the first time I read the blurb. If this is the authors first book I can't wait for what else she has in stored for us. Every time I thought Seth and Beccas journey was getting easier for them something else happened that made me want to speed read it just to see what happened next. We find courage, desperation, love, drama, and healing with this two characters, this book was well written and just amazing.
October 19, 2014
Book #5 of my Romancing the Tome project, results not to be released until all data has been collected and processed.
Mini-review: This could have been so much better, promising plot and characters but poor execution. A little too MUCH realism in some regards (we do not need to know every bathroom break, seriously). Deals with issues of rape and near-rape, several potential triggering scenes.
Mini-review: This could have been so much better, promising plot and characters but poor execution. A little too MUCH realism in some regards (we do not need to know every bathroom break, seriously). Deals with issues of rape and near-rape, several potential triggering scenes.
November 17, 2014
Wonderful Western Romance!
I loved the story line, so different from a lot of the others. All the characters were very well thought out, to each play their part in making this a book you wanted to keep reading. Great descriptions of the scenery, felt like you were there, struggling along with the heroine in the wilderness of the west. Loved the hero. Looking forward to the next book from this author. JudyE
I loved the story line, so different from a lot of the others. All the characters were very well thought out, to each play their part in making this a book you wanted to keep reading. Great descriptions of the scenery, felt like you were there, struggling along with the heroine in the wilderness of the west. Loved the hero. Looking forward to the next book from this author. JudyE
January 19, 2016
Ah,Sweet wonders of life
The first part of the book was unbelievable. I cannot understand how she could live in the winter without fire. The rest I could believe sorta !
The story was most fascinating, written in a very intriguing. way. Not one minute was boring. This story had the sweetest love making that I have ever read, tender as a rib bone that has baked tenderly and slowly for 12 hours. This author is new to me and I have the next book.
The first part of the book was unbelievable. I cannot understand how she could live in the winter without fire. The rest I could believe sorta !
The story was most fascinating, written in a very intriguing. way. Not one minute was boring. This story had the sweetest love making that I have ever read, tender as a rib bone that has baked tenderly and slowly for 12 hours. This author is new to me and I have the next book.
March 8, 2016
I loved the book but I would have liked all the pages down loaded.
The book was fairly easy to 'read even with half the pages gone but I would d have really enjoyed it so much more with the missing pages there, this was a lovely story line, with lots of twist and turns, I believe I will read t his one again when I can get the full download. This was a delightful story with a happy ending.
The book was fairly easy to 'read even with half the pages gone but I would d have really enjoyed it so much more with the missing pages there, this was a lovely story line, with lots of twist and turns, I believe I will read t his one again when I can get the full download. This was a delightful story with a happy ending.
May 22, 2014
I absolutely loved this romantic historical fiction novel by Melissa Maygrove. It had just the right amount of intrigue and heat. Maygrove developed characters I couldn't help but root for and a couple I just wanted to smack across the face. Filled with emotion and incredible story telling, you won't be disappointed by reading this book.
July 20, 2014
Historically accurate? Hmmmm, maybe. You cannot start a fire with eyeglasses - magnifying glass, yes, eyeglasses, no. Surviving a full year on her own? I just had to go with it and not get hung up on that. That's just soooo unlikely! A cave system with hot springs and a stream not far from the trail, but secret from all other humanity? Again, just go with it and enjoy the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews