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Silver Bay #1
Return to Silver Bay
Maggie wants to bury her past and move on.
Josh has other plans, and moving on without her isn't one of them.
Maggie Mitchell returns to her hometown of Silver Bay expecting to bury her father, her past, and move on. But when Josh Harden, her high school sweetheart, shows up, her world gets turned around.
Drawn to Josh, but afraid of their history, Maggie’s head tells her she can handle things alone, but her heart says otherwise.
Recognizing a second chance when he sees one, Josh is determined to win Maggie’s heart once more and show her that she can trust love and begin again.
Josh has other plans, and moving on without her isn't one of them.
Maggie Mitchell returns to her hometown of Silver Bay expecting to bury her father, her past, and move on. But when Josh Harden, her high school sweetheart, shows up, her world gets turned around.
Drawn to Josh, but afraid of their history, Maggie’s head tells her she can handle things alone, but her heart says otherwise.
Recognizing a second chance when he sees one, Josh is determined to win Maggie’s heart once more and show her that she can trust love and begin again.
252 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
About the author
Lara Van Hulzen
22 books435 followersI write books. I read almost all genres. I love sports, tea, books, and cookies. My faves are my Great Dane, my husband, & my 3 kids. (Not always in that order. :)
I'm an author with Tule Publishing. I am all about people and I love character driven stories. I love history and am a curious person who consistently wants to learn. I can't remember a time in my life where I wasn't writing or reading. I had journals as soon as I could write words. And I would get lost in books for hours as a kid. Stories and writing are how I process the world around me, what I see and experience as well as what I learn. I could talk books for hours and am happy to do so with anyone. I also love to sip tea and watch baseball.
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis
Happy Reading Everyone!
I'm an author with Tule Publishing. I am all about people and I love character driven stories. I love history and am a curious person who consistently wants to learn. I can't remember a time in my life where I wasn't writing or reading. I had journals as soon as I could write words. And I would get lost in books for hours as a kid. Stories and writing are how I process the world around me, what I see and experience as well as what I learn. I could talk books for hours and am happy to do so with anyone. I also love to sip tea and watch baseball.
"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." - C.S. Lewis
Happy Reading Everyone!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
March 16, 2016
3 - "I'm always here for you." Stars.
Return to Silver Bay was an easy-going read for me, I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it, but I enjoyed it well enough while I was reading it.
Maggie has returned to Silver Bay to clear out and sell her parents’ house, having lost her mother a few years previous, and not being close to her recently deceased father, there isn’t a huge amount of reason for her to keep the house. The same cannot be said for other people from her past though and when she sees Josh again, the guy who held her heart all those years ago, well it seems like no time has passed at all.
Too many secrets and no answers whatsoever.
This story had potential, there is a little bit of mystery thrown into the story-line, with Maggie and Josh’s reconnection rolling along with it, and although all the characters we are introduced to are pretty likeable and inoffensive, nothing really stood out about the book as a whole for me. It was enjoyably average.
One look from the man and she was lost. Or found…
The connection that I expected to be deep and true between the lead characters due to their pasts didn’t really feel that close for me, and some of their conversations and interactions came across as awkward and a little stilted, not the way you would expect two people that were that close to be around each other even if they have been apart for a few years, I just found the emotional aspect and feelings that I expected them to have between them, especially due to the way they parted to lacking any depth until the latter stages of the book.
"I think we’ve known each other way too long to worry about impressions."
The author does really set up the town and people of Silver Bay though, and I am interested to see where she takes us with Kate and then Drew's book in the future.
ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.
Return to Silver Bay was an easy-going read for me, I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it, but I enjoyed it well enough while I was reading it.
Maggie has returned to Silver Bay to clear out and sell her parents’ house, having lost her mother a few years previous, and not being close to her recently deceased father, there isn’t a huge amount of reason for her to keep the house. The same cannot be said for other people from her past though and when she sees Josh again, the guy who held her heart all those years ago, well it seems like no time has passed at all.
Too many secrets and no answers whatsoever.
This story had potential, there is a little bit of mystery thrown into the story-line, with Maggie and Josh’s reconnection rolling along with it, and although all the characters we are introduced to are pretty likeable and inoffensive, nothing really stood out about the book as a whole for me. It was enjoyably average.
One look from the man and she was lost. Or found…
The connection that I expected to be deep and true between the lead characters due to their pasts didn’t really feel that close for me, and some of their conversations and interactions came across as awkward and a little stilted, not the way you would expect two people that were that close to be around each other even if they have been apart for a few years, I just found the emotional aspect and feelings that I expected them to have between them, especially due to the way they parted to lacking any depth until the latter stages of the book.
"I think we’ve known each other way too long to worry about impressions."
The author does really set up the town and people of Silver Bay though, and I am interested to see where she takes us with Kate and then Drew's book in the future.
ARC generously provided by the publisher, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 29, 2016
One woman's journey to find her past, her true history, her place in the world, and the love of her life.
The story is filled with compassionate people, in tender scenes, while Maggie is on the journey of her lifetime, to discover who she really is, and where she came from.
There are lots of secrets, not only in Maggie's family. And as she is cleaning her parents' house, she is discovering evidence, that show, nothing in her past was quite what it looked like.
At the same time, she is rekindling the romance she once had with her high school boyfriend. Things ended up between them in an awkward way, and to see him again, is like no time has past. Josh is a very gentle soul, kind, and patience. He doesn't hide his feelings towards Maggie from anyone, and is willing to stand by her, and wait for her, to be ready for them.
I enjoyed the story. It is heartening and uplifting, the characters are filled with kindness and understanding. There's something very gentle about the story, that flows so smoothly without any angst or conflict. The story has a great opportunity for deep, stormy emotions and struggles, even friction between the friends. I think some of that could have been beneficial for the tale, giving the story some spice and depth. Because, as it is now, it has a lot of potential, but there's not much that stands out, to make it memorable.
But, if you are looking for a lovely, sweet, and clean story of a woman's journey in life, with loving and supportive friends, and a man who wants to make her his, this story is perfect for you
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The story is filled with compassionate people, in tender scenes, while Maggie is on the journey of her lifetime, to discover who she really is, and where she came from.
There are lots of secrets, not only in Maggie's family. And as she is cleaning her parents' house, she is discovering evidence, that show, nothing in her past was quite what it looked like.
At the same time, she is rekindling the romance she once had with her high school boyfriend. Things ended up between them in an awkward way, and to see him again, is like no time has past. Josh is a very gentle soul, kind, and patience. He doesn't hide his feelings towards Maggie from anyone, and is willing to stand by her, and wait for her, to be ready for them.
I enjoyed the story. It is heartening and uplifting, the characters are filled with kindness and understanding. There's something very gentle about the story, that flows so smoothly without any angst or conflict. The story has a great opportunity for deep, stormy emotions and struggles, even friction between the friends. I think some of that could have been beneficial for the tale, giving the story some spice and depth. Because, as it is now, it has a lot of potential, but there's not much that stands out, to make it memorable.
But, if you are looking for a lovely, sweet, and clean story of a woman's journey in life, with loving and supportive friends, and a man who wants to make her his, this story is perfect for you
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
March 2, 2016
An inspirational story about family secrets and first loves reconnecting.
Returning home to Silver Bay to prepare her family home for sale, Maggie Mitchell fights her emotions and the pull towards her high school boyfriend, Josh Harden. She thought being back in Silver Bay would tear her down again like her father did. Instead, she was reminded of the girl she used to be. The girl Josh saw when he looked at her. The girl she wanted to be again.
Even though Maggie left town shortly after the night her father burst into the school dance and made Maggie leave with him, Josh Never stopped loving her. There has only been one girl he could ever love and that girl was Maggie. How far will Josh go to convince Maggie to give him a second chance?
While going through her mother's things, Maggie comes across a stack of letters revealing a secret of her mother’s past. Maggie was adopted. She gets the surprise of her life when she finds out her biological mother lives in Silver Bay and is someone she already knows.
I enjoyed all of the facets of this story. Each character held an important part in the book without getting lost or making the book confusing. The characters were well defined and the plot moved along nicely.
Returning home to Silver Bay to prepare her family home for sale, Maggie Mitchell fights her emotions and the pull towards her high school boyfriend, Josh Harden. She thought being back in Silver Bay would tear her down again like her father did. Instead, she was reminded of the girl she used to be. The girl Josh saw when he looked at her. The girl she wanted to be again.
Even though Maggie left town shortly after the night her father burst into the school dance and made Maggie leave with him, Josh Never stopped loving her. There has only been one girl he could ever love and that girl was Maggie. How far will Josh go to convince Maggie to give him a second chance?
While going through her mother's things, Maggie comes across a stack of letters revealing a secret of her mother’s past. Maggie was adopted. She gets the surprise of her life when she finds out her biological mother lives in Silver Bay and is someone she already knows.
I enjoyed all of the facets of this story. Each character held an important part in the book without getting lost or making the book confusing. The characters were well defined and the plot moved along nicely.
March 24, 2016
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen is filled with sorrow, hope, love, and unexpected family secrets.
It took me a little while to figure out Maggie, why she left, and her history with Josh. At times it felt a bit too long though because I wanted to understand these characters better. Maggie is really struggling with a lot of things, and her past and family life plays a big role in this. She's never been able to move on or forget the harsh way she was treated by her father. This has affected her whole life - from where she lives to relationships she has (or doesn't have). Returning to Silver Bay is difficult for her for many reasons, and I really found myself hoping she could put the past to rest at last and move on. An unexpected family secret Maggie discovers casts more shadows and doubts, but at the same time explains a lot for Maggie. The friendships she has in Silver Bay and the comforting place pull at her, but does she have the strength to stay this time?
For me Maggie was an ok character and my feelings towards her are neutral. I liked Josh, the caring he shows Maggie, the hope he has, and the gentle way he pursues Maggie. I liked the secondary characters in Silver Bay and how they all embraced Maggie on her return.
Return to Silver Bay is along the lines of an inspirational romance. Despite Maggie's inner turmoil, there's no angst, no real conflict, and the story gently flows.
If you enjoy inspirational romances I'd recommend Return to Silver Bay.
It took me a little while to figure out Maggie, why she left, and her history with Josh. At times it felt a bit too long though because I wanted to understand these characters better. Maggie is really struggling with a lot of things, and her past and family life plays a big role in this. She's never been able to move on or forget the harsh way she was treated by her father. This has affected her whole life - from where she lives to relationships she has (or doesn't have). Returning to Silver Bay is difficult for her for many reasons, and I really found myself hoping she could put the past to rest at last and move on. An unexpected family secret Maggie discovers casts more shadows and doubts, but at the same time explains a lot for Maggie. The friendships she has in Silver Bay and the comforting place pull at her, but does she have the strength to stay this time?
For me Maggie was an ok character and my feelings towards her are neutral. I liked Josh, the caring he shows Maggie, the hope he has, and the gentle way he pursues Maggie. I liked the secondary characters in Silver Bay and how they all embraced Maggie on her return.
Return to Silver Bay is along the lines of an inspirational romance. Despite Maggie's inner turmoil, there's no angst, no real conflict, and the story gently flows.
If you enjoy inspirational romances I'd recommend Return to Silver Bay.
March 5, 2016
This is a love story that started out in high school but through no fault of their own did not end well. Now Maggie and Josh have a second chance. Will things turn out better for them.
Maggie has had a difficult childhood, after her father did something to embarrass her in high school Maggie leaves town. She is only back in town now, because both of her parents have passed away and she needs to do something with their belongings and the house.
Maggie returns and it is her birthday, her best friend and matchmaker from her high school days tries to push Maggie and Josh back together. It is a very nice love story with a few twists and turns. Part of the book made you laugh, parts made you sad but it was a great read.
Would highly recommend that you read this book I think you will be glad that you did.
Maggie has had a difficult childhood, after her father did something to embarrass her in high school Maggie leaves town. She is only back in town now, because both of her parents have passed away and she needs to do something with their belongings and the house.
Maggie returns and it is her birthday, her best friend and matchmaker from her high school days tries to push Maggie and Josh back together. It is a very nice love story with a few twists and turns. Part of the book made you laugh, parts made you sad but it was a great read.
Would highly recommend that you read this book I think you will be glad that you did.
September 9, 2017
Love finding new authors to read!
Maggie and Josh were high school sweethearts that split up after prom. Years later, Maggie is back in town to bury her mean controlling father and sell the house. She re- connects with her friends and her ex but will it be more?
This is the first book from this author I have read and it will not be the last. She writes so clearly and paints a vivid story. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
Maggie and Josh were high school sweethearts that split up after prom. Years later, Maggie is back in town to bury her mean controlling father and sell the house. She re- connects with her friends and her ex but will it be more?
This is the first book from this author I have read and it will not be the last. She writes so clearly and paints a vivid story. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
March 29, 2016
Return to Silver Bay is the first book I have read by Lara Van Hulzen. Since it is the first book in a series, there is the building of the supporting characters along with the sense of the community in Silver Bay. It is an engaging sweet romantic story of a young woman in search of her identity and self-worth. I found it particularly refreshing that she knows she must do this before she is ready for a committed loving relationship. I especially liked the contrast between the younger woman, who worried so about what people thought and the older, who knew to pay it no mind.
Solving a mystery of letters written to her late mother leads Maggie to deal with the past. Only in doing that is she able to move forward in her life. Maggie’s character goes through all the emotions that people have when going through the stages of grief, not for the recent loss but the loss of her mother. As for Josh, he is the perfect man every woman would want her daughter to find! He is an encouraging partner as she makes this journey.
The storyline has the characters giving gratitude to God. These are people I would want in my small town! Besides being heartwarming, Return to Silver Bay is inspiring and uplifting. While several events happen over the Christmas holidays, this is a story for any time of the year.
The publisher provided a copy for an honest review.
Solving a mystery of letters written to her late mother leads Maggie to deal with the past. Only in doing that is she able to move forward in her life. Maggie’s character goes through all the emotions that people have when going through the stages of grief, not for the recent loss but the loss of her mother. As for Josh, he is the perfect man every woman would want her daughter to find! He is an encouraging partner as she makes this journey.
The storyline has the characters giving gratitude to God. These are people I would want in my small town! Besides being heartwarming, Return to Silver Bay is inspiring and uplifting. While several events happen over the Christmas holidays, this is a story for any time of the year.
The publisher provided a copy for an honest review.
March 4, 2016
Return to Silver Bay Lara Van Hulzen
A Silver Bay Romance
Maggie Mitchell returns to her hometown of Silver Bay expecting to bury her father, her past, and move on. But when Josh Harden, her high school sweetheart, shows up, her world gets turned around.
Drawn to Josh, but afraid of their history, Maggie’s head tells her she can handle things alone, but her heart says otherwise.
Recognizing a second chance when he sees one, Josh is determined to win Maggie’s heart once more and show her that she can trust love and begin again.
this is Maggie and Josh's story.
Maggie and Josh where high school sweetheart.
Maggie was back in her hometown of Silver Bay.
Maggie and Josh see each other this time at Harvest carnival.
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen is a wonderful well written book.
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen is a 5 stars book.
I highly recommend reading.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lara Van Hulzen.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Silver Bay series
Book 1: Return to Silver Bay
Book 2: Loving Kate
Coming soon
Book 3: Saving Drew
Coming soon
A Silver Bay Romance
Maggie Mitchell returns to her hometown of Silver Bay expecting to bury her father, her past, and move on. But when Josh Harden, her high school sweetheart, shows up, her world gets turned around.
Drawn to Josh, but afraid of their history, Maggie’s head tells her she can handle things alone, but her heart says otherwise.
Recognizing a second chance when he sees one, Josh is determined to win Maggie’s heart once more and show her that she can trust love and begin again.
this is Maggie and Josh's story.
Maggie and Josh where high school sweetheart.
Maggie was back in her hometown of Silver Bay.
Maggie and Josh see each other this time at Harvest carnival.
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen is a wonderful well written book.
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen is a 5 stars book.
I highly recommend reading.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lara Van Hulzen.
Review copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Silver Bay series
Book 1: Return to Silver Bay
Book 2: Loving Kate
Coming soon
Book 3: Saving Drew
Coming soon
March 2, 2016
"Return to Silver Bay" by Lara Van Hulzen is book one in the "Silver Bay" series. This Maggie Mitchell and Josh Harden's story.
Josh and Maggie were sweethearts in high school, but due to circumstances things did not end well for them. Maggie had a difficult childhood and still struggles with issues from her past.
Maggie is back to take care of things since her father's death. During this time back home Maggie discovers some things that make her question everything she thought she knew about her life.
Maggie and Josh get reacquainted and they both still have feelings for each other. Will they be able to overcome the circumstances that tore them apart? Will the things Maggie discovered hold her back!
This is a sweet, clean, and inspirational story. Josh is so sweet and understanding with Maggie. I loved his character. The supporting characters are great too. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing for an honest review.
Josh and Maggie were sweethearts in high school, but due to circumstances things did not end well for them. Maggie had a difficult childhood and still struggles with issues from her past.
Maggie is back to take care of things since her father's death. During this time back home Maggie discovers some things that make her question everything she thought she knew about her life.
Maggie and Josh get reacquainted and they both still have feelings for each other. Will they be able to overcome the circumstances that tore them apart? Will the things Maggie discovered hold her back!
This is a sweet, clean, and inspirational story. Josh is so sweet and understanding with Maggie. I loved his character. The supporting characters are great too. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from Tule Publishing for an honest review.
March 7, 2016
If you like your books sweet, gentle, softly romantic and filled with hope then Return To Silver Bay might be just the book for you.
Although it is set on the Californian coast, which I have always associated with surfers and big waves, the feel here is more that of a small coastal village.
Maggie, who's in town briefly to sell her parents' home after her father's death, is welcomed back into the warm cocoon of friendship she knew as a teenager. And then there's Josh, who Maggie has loved for much of her life though her father had her convinced sh wasn't good enough for him. While the rediscovery of their love for each other is central to this book, there are a number of peripheral relationships which enrich the story.
Return To Silver Bay has a strong Christian flavour to it and if you're a Christian you'll appreciate that. I'm not, but didn't mind the references to God's love through the book. It's not over the top and it fits the context.
Lara van Hulzen has penned a good story. I enjoyed it and I hope you will too.
Although it is set on the Californian coast, which I have always associated with surfers and big waves, the feel here is more that of a small coastal village.
Maggie, who's in town briefly to sell her parents' home after her father's death, is welcomed back into the warm cocoon of friendship she knew as a teenager. And then there's Josh, who Maggie has loved for much of her life though her father had her convinced sh wasn't good enough for him. While the rediscovery of their love for each other is central to this book, there are a number of peripheral relationships which enrich the story.
Return To Silver Bay has a strong Christian flavour to it and if you're a Christian you'll appreciate that. I'm not, but didn't mind the references to God's love through the book. It's not over the top and it fits the context.
Lara van Hulzen has penned a good story. I enjoyed it and I hope you will too.
March 3, 2016
I absolutely loved this story. I mean like I couldn't put it down kinda loved it. This is a sweet love story that doesn't need detailed sex scenes to sell the story. Maggie is back in Silver Bay because her father has passed away. Now she has no family left having been an only child. Her plan is to sell the family home and return to her real life. Josh and Maggie were high school sweethearts. Her father saw to it that things between them ended badly. She is the only girl Josh has ever loved. When he sees Maggie again, he knows that this is still the case. He knows in his heart that they belong together. Can he woo her back into love with him before she heads out of Silver Bay? This story is about first loves, letting go of the past and letting yourself be loved for who you are. Great read. I can't wait for the next book Loving Kate. I am looking forward to reading this series.
August 3, 2022
I just…. Didn’t. I didn’t enjoy the plot line, there were a couple holes that seemed very obvious to me. I didn’t like the main character, Maggie. I didn’t like that this seemed to be a fairly religious story, which was not noted anywhere. I don’t mind when church is mentioned, or people praying for each other, but this was to a point where it was like the author was looking for places to put religion in. Also, everyone magically went to the same church lol. Okay. Honestly, there wasn’t much of a romance. I think I counted two or three kisses. It was a second chance romance, which I’m okay with, but it was literally because Maggie ran away for no reason and avoided her high school sweetheart for years. The plot honestly was very predictable too. I don’t hate it, but I didn’t like it at all.
March 3, 2016
Return to Silver Bay was a very sweet heartwarming story .
Maggie and Josh were high school sweethearts who's relationship ended on their Prom night , by the hands of Maggie's abusive Father.
Years later , Maggie returns home after her Father passes away and plans to sell her childhood home . She runs into Josh at the Carnival and old feelings resurface for them both , but Maggie is determined to return to her job and home in Seattle .
As she is cleaning the attic she comes across letters
Written to her mother which question if she is adopted...
Others in Silver Bay become important in helping her put the pieces together !
I loved how Maggie became friends with The "homeless woman of town Lady Gwenevyre". She opened her heart to her and others to see she was a good person
Maggie and Josh were high school sweethearts who's relationship ended on their Prom night , by the hands of Maggie's abusive Father.
Years later , Maggie returns home after her Father passes away and plans to sell her childhood home . She runs into Josh at the Carnival and old feelings resurface for them both , but Maggie is determined to return to her job and home in Seattle .
As she is cleaning the attic she comes across letters
Written to her mother which question if she is adopted...
Others in Silver Bay become important in helping her put the pieces together !
I loved how Maggie became friends with The "homeless woman of town Lady Gwenevyre". She opened her heart to her and others to see she was a good person
February 27, 2016
This is a sweet inspirational read that had my heart sighing. Maggie Mitchell had a childhood that no one should have to endure. She left Silver Bay to get out from under her emotionally abusive father and has never looked back. When she did that she also left high school sweetheart Josh Harden. Josh has never gotten over Maggie even though he understands why she left. Now that Maggie has returned to Silver Bay to bury her father and tie up his estate, Josh has no plans of letting her go. He's determined to convince her of all the wonderful things and people waiting for her right here in Silver Bay.
This is one I definitely recommend.
This is one I definitely recommend.
February 29, 2016
This was a very sweet and inspirational story. I loved Maggie and Josh. They were characters with real heart. Frankly, every character in the story did, from quirky misunderstood Gwen to Kate, Hannah, Paul, everyone.
This book tugged at my heart. Reading about the things Maggie went through while growing up considering how her father was towards her, her mother, and her friends, her strength was amazing. Then after the surprise discovery in her mom's belongings as she was cleaning out the house. Her whole world was turned upside down, and Josh was always there for her. I fell in love with all of the characters.
This book tugged at my heart. Reading about the things Maggie went through while growing up considering how her father was towards her, her mother, and her friends, her strength was amazing. Then after the surprise discovery in her mom's belongings as she was cleaning out the house. Her whole world was turned upside down, and Josh was always there for her. I fell in love with all of the characters.
March 1, 2016
Love a book that takes you back to high school days, football games ,the dances, young love, and this book does that as Maggie and Josh remember their teenage romance.
They are older now and Maggie is back in town and so is the carnival and good friend Hannah is going to drag Maggie there and make sure she bumps into Josh.
But will there be any chance for a renewed romance when Maggie finds a packet of letters in her Mom's old hope chest that has a secret that turns Maggie's life inside out and upside down.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review, I devoured the book and want to tell you more, but no read the book its great.
They are older now and Maggie is back in town and so is the carnival and good friend Hannah is going to drag Maggie there and make sure she bumps into Josh.
But will there be any chance for a renewed romance when Maggie finds a packet of letters in her Mom's old hope chest that has a secret that turns Maggie's life inside out and upside down.
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review, I devoured the book and want to tell you more, but no read the book its great.
March 9, 2016
A sweet romance centering around Maggie and Josh, high school sweethearts who get a second chance when Maggie comes home for her father's funeral. Planning on a visit to put her family home up for sale and put her past behind her, Maggie is surprised when Josh makes it clear he wants her in his life. Combine Josh's persistence with family secrets and old and new friends, and Maggie starts to wonder if Silver Bay may be home, after all.
A sweet romance and a sweet story that was enjoyable. There were a few things that seemed a bit coincidental, but they didn't detract from the story, but also pave the way for the rest of the series.
A sweet romance and a sweet story that was enjoyable. There were a few things that seemed a bit coincidental, but they didn't detract from the story, but also pave the way for the rest of the series.
March 30, 2016
Maggie returns to a hometown full of bad memories to pack up and sell her parents house. Her first night out in town she runs into her high school sweetheart Josh. He is determined things will be different with Maggie this time around. Maggie gets thrown a few curve balls as shefinds some old letters while packing. Mas she works through her pastor find her future, will she allow Josh to be part of her life again?
A sweet heartwarming story, that introduces the reader to the town of Silver Bay! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
A sweet heartwarming story, that introduces the reader to the town of Silver Bay! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!
July 29, 2016
2.75, this is a quick and easy read. There's a typical story line of a second chance 10 years, or so, later. Josh and Maggie were high school sweethearts, sort of. Because of issues with her father, Maggie left right after graduation. Actually, more like she ran and never looked back. Now, her father has died and she needs to take care of selling his house and closing the estate. With Maggie back in town for more than a day or two, Josh isn't going to waste any time in convincing Maggie to stay. It was OK.
June 6, 2017
I like second chance romances and this was that. I also enjoyed the suspense of the letters and the mystery of who the biological mother is. I found the lack of a steamy relationship between Maggie and Josh to detract a lot from the stars. Also I found it too religious for me. It was somewhat hokey and dull that the most that happened was a touch on the hand or a single kiss. I was turned off by the constant remarks about praying for each other and god watching over them. I rarely give below 5 stars but I couldn't justify it for this book.
April 1, 2016
Fantastic inspirational story! Loved getting to know Maggie's story and the people that made her who she was and who she was learning to be. Even though a few parts were predictable, they did not detract from the overall messages of love, friendship, the family we chose to be our family and the power of prayer.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect read for me after a stressful week.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was the perfect read for me after a stressful week.
February 28, 2016
An emotional book that takes you on a journey between Maggie and Josh. They knew each other in school and dated, then Maggie moved away. She returns after her fathers death to handle his property and runs into Josh. I enjoyed this story and the strength that Maggie showed as she dealt with the past and present that was thrown her way.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2016
Read/review for a honest opinion for Tule Publishing
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen a new to me author that I will be checking out more books by. I enjoyed everything about this book, the setting, characters, and storyline. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series and more books by this author. Return to Silver Bay is the first book in the Silver Bay series.
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen a new to me author that I will be checking out more books by. I enjoyed everything about this book, the setting, characters, and storyline. I'm looking forward to reading more in this series and more books by this author. Return to Silver Bay is the first book in the Silver Bay series.
March 4, 2016
Maggie returns to her hometown to face her past. Her past includes her first love, Josh. There are many secondary characters in this book that I hope get their own story. I found myself both laughing and crying. Lara Van Hulzen writes a story that is heartwarming and full of encouraging words. This is my first book to read of hers. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
March 23, 2016
Silver Bay was a place of bad memories for Maggie but she is back for her abusive father's funeral and to get his house ready to sell. She knows her long ago love, Josh, is there and hopes to avoid him and the pain of their lasttime together.
There is so much more in this touching story of broken dreams and miraculous events. The characters are well written with intersecting lives and stories.
There is so much more in this touching story of broken dreams and miraculous events. The characters are well written with intersecting lives and stories.
March 30, 2016
Return to Silver Bay by Lara Van Hulzen was a sweet surprise to read. It was somewhat different from what I had expected but a good surprise. It was, to me, full of surprises, not as easy to recognize as you would have thought, and it was nice in this genera to be surprised. It was filled with well rounded, well described characters and that made the story a good one. A pleasure to read.
April 29, 2016
Return to Silver Bay is a good clean book that I really enjoyed! This is the first book I have read by the author and wont be the last. Maggie and Josh seemed to have a lot of chemistry. I liked all of the little twists to the book it really kept me interested. I look forward to the rest of the series.
May 16, 2017
I really wanted to like this book but everything was just to easy. It was also very religious which was not listed, that I could find, on its synopsis and its not my type of genre. I could not seem to get the feel of any of the characters enough to like or dislike any of them.
April 1, 2016
Great read about rediscovering love. Nicely written, heartwarming story, likeable characters. A worthwhile read.
April 7, 2016
Lara Van Hulzen is one of my new favorite authors. I've enjoyed her books so far. This one wasn't my favorite, but I did like it. I'm going to be watching for her next book!
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