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When Love Comes Home

(Small Town Hearts #2)

H.C. Bentley (Goodreads Author)

4.34 · Rating details · 32 ratings · 24 reviews

The summer before she left for college, Kari Nelson had the world in the palm of her hand. She was on her way out of her small hometown and out from under the thumbs of her controlling parents. But more importantly, she was in love for the first time.

That summer would change her life forever.

Years after returning home unexpectedly, Kari is no longer a naive and hopeful t ...more

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Paperback, 1st Edition, 251 pages

Published November 5th 2016 by H.C. Bentley

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· 32 ratings · 24 reviews

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Start your review of When Love Comes Home (Small Town Hearts #2)

Dec 18, 2016 InD'tale Magazine rated it liked it

Shelves: 2016-holiday-issue, genre-contemporary, rating-3-star, steam-2

Using tropes of second chances, moving back home and meeting one’s first love, can’t exactly be qualified as original, yet the author did a pretty good job of making the story interesting either way.

Read full review in the 2016 December issue of InD'tale Magazine. ...more

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Feb 12, 2017 Luv rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: baby-child-pregnancy, second-chance, series, bentley-h-c

I wanted to love this book because IMHO it doesn't get any better than a second chance/secret baby theme. I'm confused by all the five star ratings. YMMV but I was disappointed at the lack of emotion between the couple. I might as well have been reading a math textbook. No fireworks, no angst, no drama. Bleah, boring! I just never clicked with this author's writing style.

For second chance fans- years of separation 11
no cheating
what drove them apart- life, college, her parents had a hand but thi ...more

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Nov 02, 2016 Jacquie rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

When Love Comes Home by H.C. Bentley is the perfect title for the perfect second chance love story between Kari and Marc! It has it ALL....a sweet but sassy heroine, a strong but sensitive, smokin' hot Alpha hero, and just the right amount of angst to make your heart swoop and soar!

Kari is Lynn's BFF (from Her Last Love, Book 1 in the Small Town Hearts series, but you don't HAVE to read it first as they can be read as standalones) It was awesome getting reacquainted with Lynn and Carter, catchin ...more

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Mar 22, 2017 Linda Rea rated it it was amazing

Kari and Marc just spent the last night before going away to separate colleges on the opposite sides of the country but they will write and stuff but ten years have passed and nothing. One day after Marc came back to town he sees Kari standing on the sidewalk and he can't believe it after all this time her she is. But Kari isn't really ready to tell Marc he is a dad to s ten year old but after a little bit she does tell him. This story tells how they both navigate the relationship with only the ...more

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Nov 05, 2016 Stacy Aube rated it it was amazing

I received and voluntary reviewed an ARC of this book. This book was read and reviewed by Stacy Aube for Cutting Muse Blog Review.

This is a very touching story. I had a big smile on my face from emotional situations. Marc and Kari met one summer only to lose touch for years. So much has changed in that time. So when the couple reunite does the couple stand a chance or has to much changed?

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Dec 06, 2016 Elizabeth Horbaczek rated it really liked it

when love comes home
EH
elizabeth horbaczek

Reply|
Today, 12:46 PM
Estella Robinson (christinmealways@gmail.com)
This book was given to me for an honest review.

4 stars

This is my first time reading this author and I have to say I really enjoyed the book. It is definitely a second chance novel and I thought it was going to be one that it would take me getting into but I was wrong. I loved how it opened and what they saw in each other at the beginning. It was said a lot of times in the story that there when love comes home
EH
elizabeth horbaczek

Reply|
Today, 12:46 PM
Estella Robinson (christinmealways@gmail.com)
This book was given to me for an honest review.

4 stars

This is my first time reading this author and I have to say I really enjoyed the book. It is definitely a second chance novel and I thought it was going to be one that it would take me getting into but I was wrong. I loved how it opened and what they saw in each other at the beginning. It was said a lot of times in the story that there were a lot of grown up decisions in this book and that I could see right away. Being young and in love, parents think they do the correct things for their kids, so when circumstances arosed their were adults making decisions without them knowing. Life always takes unexpected journey's but for Kari and Marc, I think they had to travel their rode harder than ever. A decade is along time to not see the person that you fell in love with and not know what happened, and even worse not know what to do when secrets can't be kept hidden anymore.

Kari was a strong woman in this book. What she had to endure by herself, just sucked. She had to pick up pieces after a failed marriage and her parents not supporting her. I loved how strong she became throughout this book and when Marc came back into the picture how soft she still was. Your first love is the hardest to get over, even after ten years. When you love, you will always love and for that it is always hard to overcome. I actually enjoyed the awkward interaction between Kari and Marc at first, it made them more human. It is something that would really happen. Kari shows being strong and protective aren't always the worse things to be. Marc is a handful. He has been gone for a decade, but his dad falls ill he decides its time to come back. Seeing Kari he knows that he missed out on something. Their interaction at first is hard, but eventually eases throughout the story. Seeing them fall in love again was pretty unique and they just had to let their walls fall to see how much they both needed each other. There is a lot of dynamics that go on in this book. There is always an ex that shows up and the underlying secret that makes this whole story unique. Everyone plays a part in this book and it is always nice to see that happen in a book.

This is my first time reading this author, but I have to say I loved this book. I just wished that there we was a epilogue for it. I wanted more at the end. I love to see a finished story and I feel I'm missing out on their future. The book is good I just wish there was more. ...more

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Oct 19, 2016 Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Kari Nelson left her small town life and overbearing parents behind, armed with a mapped out future full of happiness, budding romance, and a future with a man she thought would be her forever love, but life had other plans for both of them and took them down other paths. Her path involving a failed marriage, a divorce, a young daughter to care for, a flourishing business, and moving back home. Returning home wasn't always in her plans, but now that her and her daughter have settled she can't im Kari Nelson left her small town life and overbearing parents behind, armed with a mapped out future full of happiness, budding romance, and a future with a man she thought would be her forever love, but life had other plans for both of them and took them down other paths. Her path involving a failed marriage, a divorce, a young daughter to care for, a flourishing business, and moving back home. Returning home wasn't always in her plans, but now that her and her daughter have settled she can't imagine living anywhere else, but it also means that she has to worry about facing the man she loved all those years ago, and him discovering the secret she has harbored for so many years...

Returning home to care for his ailing father and take over the family business wasn't always a plan that Marc Eaddens had, but it's becoming a reality he must now face. He never expected that being home again would also bring him a second chance at love, but the minute Kari wanders back into his life again, he can't help but wish that it is fate putting them back in one another's path's again. But Kari comes armed with a secret, one that is certain to impact both of their lives, and possibly ruin their second chance at happiness...

I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed making a return visit to this series and having the opportunity to get myself acquainted with another pair of Ms. Bentley's endearing characters, the minute I started this moving story I was hooked!! If ever there were two characters meant for one another it was these two, it just happen to take them a little longer than expected to discover their happily ever after, and of course a little help from fate intervening to make it happen. This story is destined to score a special place in your heart, the story line is rich with emotion, that will have you smiling one moment and reaching for a tissue the next!! If you are looking for a heartwarming read sure to tug on your heart strings and leave you with a smile, then look no further, this is the perfect read for you!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title. ...more

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Nov 02, 2016 Tiffany Readz rated it really liked it

Shelves: stand-alone-romance, series-romance

Safe Romance

As a lover of angst, When Love Comes Home didn't fill that role, however was a nice romance with everything in its place. As the second book of the series, it read well as a stand alone and if anything made me a curious about the characters in the first book.

Kari and Marc are long lost loves reuniting after ten years with a surprise daughter in the mix. I liked that H.C. Bentley let the kid thing out of the bag right in the blurb, so there wasn't a lot of him-hawing about that situat ...more

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Nov 05, 2016 Morgan Terry rated it it was amazing

Shelves: h-c-bentley

H. C. Bentley has quickly become an author I strongly recommend you be on the lookout for. I definitely had my grabby hands out for When Love Comes Home, and diving through the pages, you’ll see why! It’s crazy how much this book got to me. My heart aflutter with Marc and warm with Kari mixed with the more aching parts, my poor heart was run through the gamut of emotions and I’d gladly take it back for seconds!

From the beginning, the chemistry is on fire with Kari and Marc but when they both le ...more

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Nov 07, 2016 Stacey rated it really liked it

This was my second read by H C Bentley, after reading the first in this series - Her Last Love. I was looking forward to reading more about all of the characters, but the story in this one is from Kari's POV.

We already know from reading #1 that Kari is quite happy living in her little town with the company of her best friends (Lynn & Bethany) and her daughter Jenna. She also owns the local cafe so she leads quite a busy fulfilled life.

Her life was plodding along at quite an even pace until some ...more

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Nov 09, 2016 Tina Todd shobe rated it it was amazing

When Love Comes Home is book 2 in the Small Town Hearts Trilogy but can be read as a stand alone. In fact I haven't read the first book but plan to after heart warming feeling I got reading this book. I want to get to know all the characters better.

I love how the author portrays the characters, their thoughts and feelings. They are very well developed.

Neither Kari nor Marc's lives took them down the paths that they thought they would and now both are back living in their home town. Kari and her ...more

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Nov 05, 2016 2OCC Reviews rated it really liked it

Shelves: marie

4 Stars

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

H. C. Bentley has written a heartwarming book of young love that was lost and of a story of how Marc and Kari came back together 10 years later. Falling in love the summer before they both left for different colleges was not something either of them planned. But after promises of love and staying in touch, things did not work out.

Kari finds herself pregnant and has the baby and after marriage to another man, finds herse ...more

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Oct 01, 2016 Vicki rated it it was amazing

A heartwarming story of lost and found love.

This story is a slow burn and the you really feel the emotions as you get further into the story, I have spent the entire time reading this book with a smile plastered on my face, from the moment you pick up this book all the emotions and memories of book one come flooding back to you as if you've literally just finished reading it, now if you haven't read Her Last Love I would highly recommend it.

This book focuses on Kari and Marc and my what a stor ...more

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Oct 18, 2016 Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review) rated it it was amazing

When Love Comes Home is the second book in Small Town Hearts Trilogy. This book is amazing. Marc and Kari may be my favorite couple. Marc and Kari were young and in love, but fate just wasn't in the cards for them at that time. Flash forward 11 years and now Kari is a mother, still living her the same small town she grew up in. Marc is back as well to tend to his ailing father and run the family business. But Kari has a secret, one that will effect Marc's life as well.

I love Marc's character in ...more

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Nov 05, 2016 Brianna at Renee Entress's Blog rated it really liked it

4 Stars!

Sweet. Safe. Easy. Steamy. Those are the four words I would use to describe this series. I am a lover of these type of romances... low on drama and more of romance. This trope in romance is a guilty addiction of mine and I just love it.

H.C. Bentley is a brand new author to me and one I will look for in the future, especially the last book in this series. This author gave me a nice, second chance romance that had me swooning and squirming in my seat. I laughed, smiled, swooned, and smiled ...more

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Nov 04, 2016 wendy Shelton(obsessedbybooks) rated it it was amazing

Kari wanted her own life, a new start so she left her small town to do just that but what she had planned in her head wasn't exactly how things went. A divorce, a young daughter and a growing business wasn't the worst but having to go back home well that just wasn't in her plans, but now that her and her daughter have made somewhat of home in her home town she doesn't see herself anywhere else, but being home has consequences when you are hiding a secret. Marc is home to help his sick father and ...more

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Nov 05, 2016 Amy Crull rated it really liked it

This was such a sweet book. Marc and Kari had a beautiful relationship but things changed when Marc left for college. Kari got a big surprise while Marc went out to chase his dreams. Fast forward 10 years later, Kari's life isn't like she planned but she wouldn't change it for anything. But things change in a blink of an eye, the past comes back. She has lots of things to tell him including something huge. Marc has a lot to deal with. He's coming back home to help his dad and then sees his high ...more

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Nov 04, 2016 Amazeballs Book Addicts rated it really liked it

When Love Come Home is book two in the Small Town Hearts Trilogy. Each book covers a different couple so it can be read as a standalone.

Kari is a really down to earth relatable character. She had all her plans planned out but things happened and it didn't turn out they way she had planned. She's now a single mom. She's been married and divorced. She seems to have her stuff together. She's not one of those characters that are flaky and a mess.
Marc was a boy she loved one summer. They planned to ...more

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Nov 06, 2016 Judy Miracle rated it it was amazing

HC Bentley is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. After reading Her Last Love i couldn't wait to dive into When Love Comes Home.

This is Kari's story. Kari left town leaving behind the small town life and her overbearing parents. This like Her Last Love is a second chance romance. Kari and Mac were lovers and after 10 years reunite. After Kari has had a failed marriage, divorce and a daughter she returns home. Marc is also returning back home to care for his father and oversee the family ...more

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Nov 30, 2016 Spunky N Sassy rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-star, lindsey-reviewed

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 4.0

~~~~~~~~~~Lindsey's ★★★★ Review~~~~~~~~~~

I love stories that are about a homecoming. There is sadness, there is laughter, and there is romance. This book made me feel all warm and fuzzy at the end. If you want a really good read, then this book is for you. ...more

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Apr 03, 2017 Lori Hammons rated it it was amazing

Marc and Kari were kept apart by outside influences. When Marc moves back to the small town they met in, a big surprise awaits him. I love how learning of the surprise was dealt with, and how Marc and Kari deal with their relationship. I am hoping the outside influences will be confronted in the next book in the series, as those parties need to be taken down a peg.

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Apr 03, 2017 Kari Holloway rated it really liked it

Her second book is just as well crafted as her first. H.C. Bentley does a fantastic job bringing reality to the tale with her real world experience. I don't want to give spoilers away, but it was great.
...more

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Nicole rated it really liked it
Aug 05, 2017

Abbie rated it liked it
Feb 10, 2020

Apr 12, 2017 BethAnn Redd rated it it was amazing

Kari and Marc's story is sweet and beautiful ... the book is well written and thoughtful. Very well crafted feelings and just as good as the first. ...more

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Esmeralda Teitsma rated it really liked it
Jun 03, 2020

Liz rated it really liked it
Jan 27, 2018

Misty Ashcraft rated it it was amazing
Feb 28, 2018

Sandra rated it liked it
Jun 26, 2017

ha'lle williams rated it it was amazing
May 29, 2017

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About H.C. Bentley

H.C. Bentley

186 followers

There's just something about a small town that makes relationships interesting, whether they are romances, long-running feuds, or life-long friendships. These are the relationships H.C. Bentley enjoys discovering and exploring. Well that, and the fact she just loves a good happily ever after or second chance story.

When she's not writing, H.C. works as a cataloging librarian at her county library. ...more