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Copper Creek #1
Coming Home
Coming home is bittersweet for Adam Campbell. His mother has cancer, but for some reason doesn’t want him there. One of his brothers welcomes him home with open arms, another treats him like dirt.
Then there’s Lily, the girl who left Adam at the altar twelve years ago. The girl who broke his heart. Adam left and didn’t look back after that happened, but being home stirs up all those old feelings.
Secrets will be revealed, including the horrifying truth about why Lily stood him up, and that she didn’t abandon Adam. Adam abandoned her.
Coming Home is the first book in the Copper Creek series. Set in the fictional small New Zealand town of Copper Creek, the series will explore the dark secrets the town holds, including the secrets held tight by members of the Campbell family.
Then there’s Lily, the girl who left Adam at the altar twelve years ago. The girl who broke his heart. Adam left and didn’t look back after that happened, but being home stirs up all those old feelings.
Secrets will be revealed, including the horrifying truth about why Lily stood him up, and that she didn’t abandon Adam. Adam abandoned her.
Coming Home is the first book in the Copper Creek series. Set in the fictional small New Zealand town of Copper Creek, the series will explore the dark secrets the town holds, including the secrets held tight by members of the Campbell family.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
2296 people are currently reading
2089 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Smith
24 books164 followersWendy Smith published as Ariadne Wayne for three years before deciding she didn’t want to be someone else all the time. She’s an Apple Books and Nook bestselling author, whose book In the End, written as Ariadne Wayne, was named one of Apple’s best books of 2017. All her stories come with a quirky sense of humour, and she cries over everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
November 24, 2022
Is it a fetish or unfulfilled desire of some writers about reuniting with their ex they dated a decade ago that they write stories like this? Because these kind of stories with such a huge time jump are fucking unrealistic and pathetic. Second chance is not going back to someone after a decade long separation. Because that's not a separation. That's a fucking different LIFE altogether. A lot of things change during 12 years. Hell, the world changes in just 2 years, let alone 12 years. We went through a pandemic in just 2 years, We went from chord phones to apple watch in 12 years..
You get the drift.
So the "love of your life" doesn't show up at the altar, and you just pick up and leave. I mean, wouldn't you atleast wonder why she just DISAPPEARED like that?
You'll believe she cheated on you when you were almost at the POINT OF MARRIAGE? This is serious trust issues. Why were you even marrying her if you don't trust her? I mean, in real life you would try to contact her and ask for an explanation. Hell, if I disappeared on my wedding day my boyfriend will break all hell lose and search for me...file a police complaint for missing person first because that's suspicious disappearance.
And for 12 FUCKING YEARS YOU COULDN'T GIVE A TIME OF YOUR DAY TO FIND A CLOSURE? And you immediately went and slept with another woman because you were oh so heartbroken and jilted? Give me a break. I think you secretly wanted an out and you took the first opportunity that came and stick your dick out.
Men like these are disgusting. I don't understand the appeal of romance stories written on them. Just keep them away and let them find their ever afters separately. Because there's no redemption and second chance after 12 fucking years. There's nothing to be "remade" here. He has FUCKING GIRLFRIEND NOW. WHAT SECOND CHANCE HERE? That ship has already sailed. Move the fuck on. There's no HEA in this kind of relationship. The past is too big with a huge gaping wound between them to be ever fulfilled. It's a recipe for bad mental health and toxicity.
And OFCOURSE the h is a celibate for 12 years. OF- FUCKING- COURSE.
Not worth it.
You get the drift.
So the "love of your life" doesn't show up at the altar, and you just pick up and leave. I mean, wouldn't you atleast wonder why she just DISAPPEARED like that?
You'll believe she cheated on you when you were almost at the POINT OF MARRIAGE? This is serious trust issues. Why were you even marrying her if you don't trust her? I mean, in real life you would try to contact her and ask for an explanation. Hell, if I disappeared on my wedding day my boyfriend will break all hell lose and search for me...file a police complaint for missing person first because that's suspicious disappearance.
And for 12 FUCKING YEARS YOU COULDN'T GIVE A TIME OF YOUR DAY TO FIND A CLOSURE? And you immediately went and slept with another woman because you were oh so heartbroken and jilted? Give me a break. I think you secretly wanted an out and you took the first opportunity that came and stick your dick out.
Men like these are disgusting. I don't understand the appeal of romance stories written on them. Just keep them away and let them find their ever afters separately. Because there's no redemption and second chance after 12 fucking years. There's nothing to be "remade" here. He has FUCKING GIRLFRIEND NOW. WHAT SECOND CHANCE HERE? That ship has already sailed. Move the fuck on. There's no HEA in this kind of relationship. The past is too big with a huge gaping wound between them to be ever fulfilled. It's a recipe for bad mental health and toxicity.
And OFCOURSE the h is a celibate for 12 years. OF- FUCKING- COURSE.
Not worth it.
March 8, 2021
A second chance romance with a difference
H and h separate when h does not turn up for their wedding; he thinks she ran away with someone else but she was locked by her psycho mum
The main villain was H's mum who conspired to keep them apart
h's story is heartbreaking and she suffers a lot and I loved her and her son
H; I despised. He was a weak character who ran away like a sniveling little boy and never suffered an iota for his behavior.
I just cannot get over certain parts of his book; like when he decides to sleep with someone else about some months after leaving his town; at that time, h is still trapped in her mum's basement
I applaud the author for writing such emotional scenes but these are the same scenes which make me realise that his actions were unforgiveable
This is one of those books where I tell myself; just be happy the h is happy. After all she suffered if she wants to spend her time with the nematode H, well, she deserves her HEA whichever way she wants
H and his parents were the real culprits; the mother was manipulative while the father and H were weak men
H and h separate when h does not turn up for their wedding; he thinks she ran away with someone else but she was locked by her psycho mum
The main villain was H's mum who conspired to keep them apart
h's story is heartbreaking and she suffers a lot and I loved her and her son
H; I despised. He was a weak character who ran away like a sniveling little boy and never suffered an iota for his behavior.
I just cannot get over certain parts of his book; like when he decides to sleep with someone else about some months after leaving his town; at that time, h is still trapped in her mum's basement
I applaud the author for writing such emotional scenes but these are the same scenes which make me realise that his actions were unforgiveable
This is one of those books where I tell myself; just be happy the h is happy. After all she suffered if she wants to spend her time with the nematode H, well, she deserves her HEA whichever way she wants
H and his parents were the real culprits; the mother was manipulative while the father and H were weak men
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 22, 2018
Coming Home by Wendy Smith is book One in the Copper Creek series. This is the story of Adam and Lily.
Adam and Lily where young but knew they loved each other an wanted to marry. Adam was hurt when Lily disappeared and didn't show for their wedding...so he up and left town.
Lily didn't want to miss her wedding but her mom when nuts and 'kidnapped' her leaving her in the basement with just barely enough food and water. This went on for months until a heath issue made her mom take her to the hospital. Now almost 12 years later Adam is back both still with the misunderstanding that the other changed their mind and didn't want the other. But there is another secret to be revealed that Adam didn't know about.
Good Read!
Adam and Lily where young but knew they loved each other an wanted to marry. Adam was hurt when Lily disappeared and didn't show for their wedding...so he up and left town.
Lily didn't want to miss her wedding but her mom when nuts and 'kidnapped' her leaving her in the basement with just barely enough food and water. This went on for months until a heath issue made her mom take her to the hospital. Now almost 12 years later Adam is back both still with the misunderstanding that the other changed their mind and didn't want the other. But there is another secret to be revealed that Adam didn't know about.
Good Read!
June 27, 2023
DNF at 47%.
This book is trash and yet I continued to skim until he finally knew that it was his fault. But there's insufficient groveling and the heroine just seems to be ready to move on with no issues. Ugh.
I hate the "hero" in this book. And I don't understand this book.
I suppose he did look for her but him leaving town and getting together with another girl pretty quickly and not returning for 12 years is assholery.
The heroine is the martyr who has stayed pure for him for 12 years while she raises their child alone and his family treats her like trash.
This is melodramatic and bad.
This book is trash and yet I continued to skim until he finally knew that it was his fault. But there's insufficient groveling and the heroine just seems to be ready to move on with no issues. Ugh.
I hate the "hero" in this book. And I don't understand this book.
I suppose he did look for her but him leaving town and getting together with another girl pretty quickly and not returning for 12 years is assholery.
The heroine is the martyr who has stayed pure for him for 12 years while she raises their child alone and his family treats her like trash.
This is melodramatic and bad.
July 31, 2023
3.5 stars. Good start to a series. Lots of miscommunication and a controlling freak of the H’s mom conspire to keep the H in the dark about the impact of his life choices. The story is good and kept me turning the pages. I couldn’t help but think that the angst potential was at 11, but the actual angst was actually reading at more like 5.5.
June 1, 2017
Amazing...a must read!
Lily is struggling to make ends meet. As a single mom with a child that is developmentally challenged Lily is not dealt an easy hand. Her child gets constantly bullied and she finds herself often singled out in the small town of Cooper Creek. She finds herself torn apart again when out of nowhere Adam comes back into her life, a man she was suppose to marry but was made impossible by her mothers ruthless actions. With time Lily and Adam become closer again and old wounds start to heal while lies surface that tore them apart in the first place. Stronger than ever Adam is determined to not only support Lily but also Max and create a happily ever after.
This book is all about how true love can conquer and the good and bad people deal with within their families. The story of Lily and Adam is gut wrenching at times but also shows how strong people can be during harsh times and family differences. I can only recommend this book and I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series.
Lily is struggling to make ends meet. As a single mom with a child that is developmentally challenged Lily is not dealt an easy hand. Her child gets constantly bullied and she finds herself often singled out in the small town of Cooper Creek. She finds herself torn apart again when out of nowhere Adam comes back into her life, a man she was suppose to marry but was made impossible by her mothers ruthless actions. With time Lily and Adam become closer again and old wounds start to heal while lies surface that tore them apart in the first place. Stronger than ever Adam is determined to not only support Lily but also Max and create a happily ever after.
This book is all about how true love can conquer and the good and bad people deal with within their families. The story of Lily and Adam is gut wrenching at times but also shows how strong people can be during harsh times and family differences. I can only recommend this book and I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series.
December 31, 2021
This plot was exaggerated. for 12 years he didn't know anything about why his girlfriend left him at the altar and he did nothing to get answers. also, his whole family kept his son's life a secret. yeah, right....
January 28, 2022
.
Heavy and light. Emotionally-charged and bittersweet second-chance. It broke my heart but the author also mended and healed it. Actually, it was Max who healed me. My sweetest boy. ❤️
Although I anticipated the moment when the truth comes to light in H Adam's eyes, it was still painful to read. I hurt for his and h Lily's past, for what they've lost, for the horrific things that happened to h, and most of all I hurt for Max. 😞
I want to do some serious bodily harm to the grandparents but when I think of Max and his view of the world, I pause and think again.. and I realize that Adam's talk with his parents and his decision to cut them off from his little family are enough. Hate takes too much energy.
H's 12 yrs away is just way too long for my liking. 🙁
Anwy it's sweet and I'm happy that they finally get to live the life they've dreamed of when they were young. ❤️
H: 3 stars
h: 5 stars
H/h as a couple: 4 stars
Side characters: 4 stars
Story: 5 stars
Execution: 4 stars
〰️
Heavy and light. Emotionally-charged and bittersweet second-chance. It broke my heart but the author also mended and healed it. Actually, it was Max who healed me. My sweetest boy. ❤️
Although I anticipated the moment when the truth comes to light in H Adam's eyes, it was still painful to read. I hurt for his and h Lily's past, for what they've lost, for the horrific things that happened to h, and most of all I hurt for Max. 😞
I want to do some serious bodily harm to the grandparents but when I think of Max and his view of the world, I pause and think again.. and I realize that Adam's talk with his parents and his decision to cut them off from his little family are enough. Hate takes too much energy.
H's 12 yrs away is just way too long for my liking. 🙁
Anwy it's sweet and I'm happy that they finally get to live the life they've dreamed of when they were young. ❤️
H: 3 stars
h: 5 stars
H/h as a couple: 4 stars
Side characters: 4 stars
Story: 5 stars
Execution: 4 stars
〰️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2024
Another book that would have been better off as a thriller or horror story than a romance.
After his little brother finally get in touch with him, the H comes home after about 8 or 10 years, and is both dying to see the h and reluctant. While he's been gone, his mother who has gone the extra mile to give Medea a run for her money on Bad Mommy stakes, isolates him further from his father and four brothers. Four brothers and not one ponies up to tell him the truth, the truth that the whole town knew...that instead of running away this poor little drab of an h was imrpisoned by her mother for six months.
They end up together surprisingly quick, okay this is a romance so not that surprising. Little angst left and not much comeuppance for the horrible mother and the equally horrible father who weakly stood by and let his wife ruin one of his son's life.
I've skimmed the others and they seem to be a little low energy as well.
After his little brother finally get in touch with him, the H comes home after about 8 or 10 years, and is both dying to see the h and reluctant. While he's been gone, his mother who has gone the extra mile to give Medea a run for her money on Bad Mommy stakes, isolates him further from his father and four brothers. Four brothers and not one ponies up to tell him the truth, the truth that the whole town knew...that instead of running away this poor little drab of an h was imrpisoned by her mother for six months.
They end up together surprisingly quick, okay this is a romance so not that surprising. Little angst left and not much comeuppance for the horrible mother and the equally horrible father who weakly stood by and let his wife ruin one of his son's life.
I've skimmed the others and they seem to be a little low energy as well.
September 28, 2020
SO HEARTWARMING
I loved this book! In the beginning I wasn't quite sure what was going on but as I continued to read it starts to come together. What starts as a teen love story gone bad gets alot worse before it gets better. Adam and Lily are high school sweethearts and have their whole lives planed out until the day they'd planned to get married then things go horribly wrong. Lily's mother is not quite mentally stable but has never hurt anyone. She has suffered from some mental health issues that required her to take medication and as you probably know it takes time for a Doctor to figure out the right dosage so it's kind of trial and error. Anyway, on what's supposed to be one of the happiest days of Lily's life turns out to be the most horrific or so she thinks. Adam waits for Lily to show up to marry him but she doesn't show up and after he looks for her to get answers but doesn't find her he can't take the disappointment and heartache so he takes off. The manipulation from both of their parents is so disturbing if it were me I don't think I could be so forgiving. When Adam gets a call from his youngest brother telling him his mother has cancer and may not live much longer he comes home after being gone for 12 years he'd always kept Lily deep in his heart. Lily has had a very difficult life to say the least but she has Max so Adam never left her heart or mind. When things start to unravel and is revealed it blew me away. Lily's mother turns out to be a psycho. Max is this adorable little boy who steals your heart right from the start. He is the true star of this story. As Adam and Lily start getting to know each other again their chemistry starts to reignite but Lily won't let her guard down. At times my heart was breaking for little Max and Lilly. Her struggles were heartbreaking. I was so touched by this story I can't wait to find out more about the rest of Adam's brothers. His brothers stepped up to be there for Lily and Max when Adam wasn't there. At times my heart was overflowing. I laughed and I cried. I loved every minute of it. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
September 13, 2020
This book has everything I am a sucker for: woman left behind, second chance at love, ex-military man, cute kid, and a big family (with the potential for more books for those family members). Even though I’m in the middle of reading an 11 book series that I’ve been looking forward to, when I came across this book I dropped my list and bought this book.
There are so many things I liked about this story, starting with how the book began. Reading the synopsis, you learn Lily left Adam at the altar, which of course broke his heart. He then left New Zealand and joined the Army in the US, staying away for 12 years. Usually in this type of situation, an author would drag out the big reason for her not showing up to the wedding, milking the suspense in every single chapter, until the big reveal a good way through the book. Instead, the book opens with reason why Lily wasn’t able to be at her wedding.
Another way this book is unique, is that even though Adam feels he was the one wronged, he doesn’t spend his years away bitter and resentful. He tries to move on, but isn’t drowning in the past. When he finally runs into Lily, he isn’t rude to her, or show his anger. Instead, he sees that she’s struggling, and just wants to help her.
I don’t want to just fix her car. I want to fix us.
I found how this second chance was handled completely refreshing. While both Lily and Adam are hurt, they don’t let that drive their emotions. Yes, they have conflict. Yes, Lily is a little hesitant to let Adam close. But Adam is kind and patient, and works to win Lily back. Lily isn’t completely cynical and suspicious of Adam’s intentions. Instead of quickly jumping back into bed together, they repair their relationship at a realistic pace.
Adam’s family also added extra depth to the story. How each brother did what they could to support Lily and her son was sweet to read. I’m looking forward to reading more about each of Adam’s four brothers!
Finally, it isn’t often that I don’t see a plot twist coming - I’ve read so many books, there really isn’t that much that surprises me anymore. But the reason why Adam’s mother worked so hard to keep him away from Lily did! It isn’t often I despise a character so much, but his mother was awful.
This book is well written and enjoyable to read - although the story was heartbreaking at times. The characters were compelling and likeable, the dialog was good. I really liked how the story was laid out - from revealing the event that split the couple up right at the beginning, to waiting until the 50 percent point to have Adam discover the truth, and the pacing of them getting back together and finally finding their happy-ever-after. Coming Home was definitely worth getting sidetracked for!
There are so many things I liked about this story, starting with how the book began. Reading the synopsis, you learn Lily left Adam at the altar, which of course broke his heart. He then left New Zealand and joined the Army in the US, staying away for 12 years. Usually in this type of situation, an author would drag out the big reason for her not showing up to the wedding, milking the suspense in every single chapter, until the big reveal a good way through the book. Instead, the book opens with reason why Lily wasn’t able to be at her wedding.
Another way this book is unique, is that even though Adam feels he was the one wronged, he doesn’t spend his years away bitter and resentful. He tries to move on, but isn’t drowning in the past. When he finally runs into Lily, he isn’t rude to her, or show his anger. Instead, he sees that she’s struggling, and just wants to help her.
I don’t want to just fix her car. I want to fix us.
I found how this second chance was handled completely refreshing. While both Lily and Adam are hurt, they don’t let that drive their emotions. Yes, they have conflict. Yes, Lily is a little hesitant to let Adam close. But Adam is kind and patient, and works to win Lily back. Lily isn’t completely cynical and suspicious of Adam’s intentions. Instead of quickly jumping back into bed together, they repair their relationship at a realistic pace.
Adam’s family also added extra depth to the story. How each brother did what they could to support Lily and her son was sweet to read. I’m looking forward to reading more about each of Adam’s four brothers!
Finally, it isn’t often that I don’t see a plot twist coming - I’ve read so many books, there really isn’t that much that surprises me anymore. But the reason why Adam’s mother worked so hard to keep him away from Lily did! It isn’t often I despise a character so much, but his mother was awful.
This book is well written and enjoyable to read - although the story was heartbreaking at times. The characters were compelling and likeable, the dialog was good. I really liked how the story was laid out - from revealing the event that split the couple up right at the beginning, to waiting until the 50 percent point to have Adam discover the truth, and the pacing of them getting back together and finally finding their happy-ever-after. Coming Home was definitely worth getting sidetracked for!
August 22, 2017
2.5 Stars
This story was little different for me, not because of the plot or characters, but because of the writing. I noticed the few books I've read from Kiwi author's have the same style. It not bad, but different from American or European authors.
In this particular story, I found myself very frustrated in the first half, the situation was frustrating, could have been resolved easily instead of having the drama for so many years. The characters actions were annoying. The second half was just ok, but I lost a little interest. The conflict was resolved halfway through, and then the second half was just all too good to be true, I kept waiting for something else to happen but nothing else did.
I might try the next book in the series, because this wasn't bad, but it's just not the kind of book that will make an impact on me.
This story was little different for me, not because of the plot or characters, but because of the writing. I noticed the few books I've read from Kiwi author's have the same style. It not bad, but different from American or European authors.
In this particular story, I found myself very frustrated in the first half, the situation was frustrating, could have been resolved easily instead of having the drama for so many years. The characters actions were annoying. The second half was just ok, but I lost a little interest. The conflict was resolved halfway through, and then the second half was just all too good to be true, I kept waiting for something else to happen but nothing else did.
I might try the next book in the series, because this wasn't bad, but it's just not the kind of book that will make an impact on me.
January 3, 2018
Coming Home is a sweet and yet sad tale of two people torn apart and both believing the worst of the other.
What would you do if you could not get to the love of your life? What would you do if you were kept a prisoner not of your making? What would you do if the walls were keeping you trapped?
What would you do if the love of your life didn't appear at the most important time in your life? What would you do when you realise not everything is as it seems? What would you do when you realise you have been lied to all your life?
Wendy has written a story that is full of lies and sadness, deceit and treachery but there is also room for hope and forgiveness and a second chance.
I look forward to the next instalment.
What would you do if you could not get to the love of your life? What would you do if you were kept a prisoner not of your making? What would you do if the walls were keeping you trapped?
What would you do if the love of your life didn't appear at the most important time in your life? What would you do when you realise not everything is as it seems? What would you do when you realise you have been lied to all your life?
Wendy has written a story that is full of lies and sadness, deceit and treachery but there is also room for hope and forgiveness and a second chance.
I look forward to the next instalment.
January 12, 2018
While this was an easy read from start to finish it just didn't make a good book for a few reasons. First the main character abandons his reasoning for his homecoming within a few short chapters and that issue is never resolved. Second the author never allows you to know the characters. You have a vague sense of connection with them but never get the details to make you care for them. Third there's a lot of foreshadowing to something that's not really a secret and that doesn't need foreshadowing. Overall it was a let down. All this being said it's not my style book so if you're looking for an easy read that boarders on smut you'll love it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 29, 2020
I don’t think I have ever read a book that was set in New Zealand and now that I have I would have to say that I hope this author writes more because the place and her descriptions of it have created a beautiful picture in my mind.
Anyway location aside, I would have to say that if you are looking for a great second chance romance, this this will tick all your boxes. Although I wasn’t sure how they were going to get over the fact that despite everything that Adam and Lily were to each other first time around, she jilted him at the altar! I mean that has to smart a bit!
Lily didn’t just skip out on Adam she skipped town and eventually Adam followed suit and headed overseas, nursing a heart that had been completely shattered by the woman he worshiped. It was over a decade later before he set foot back in his home town, news of his ailing mother bringing him home but it was Lily that occupied his mind, after all what if he had to see her again, how would he react?
I got his apprehension but I think he had allowed it to build into something it wasn’t and had spent too long dwelling on what had happened, he needed to move past it and coming home was the perfect time to confront and overcome those fears but when he sees Lily he is shocked to see that the once vibrant girl he knew is a fleeting shadow of herself, her sallow complexion and gaunt frame giving him cause for concern for his onetime love.
Over the course of the first few days in town they seem to see each other on and off as they both endeavour to go about they own business but despite what they have been through, they are each other’s business and Adam can’t stand by and do nothing, his conscious won’t let him.
I liked Adam he was a good guy, he wanted so much to forget the pain Lily caused him but once he opens the can of worms and discovers exactly what is not only going on now but what really happened all those years ago, everything he thought he knew is turned upside down. Why would people he loved and who he thought loved him tell such lies, why would they do everything they could to keep him and Lily apart?
There was so much subterfuge, so much deceit that enticed such anger and anguish, this element of the book was simply superb.
He may have allowed her to slip through his fingers once but this time, with everything laid out before him, he knows that he will never find anyone to measure up to the woman that has held his heart from half way around the world, the girl that may have left him on that day but that he has never really let go of and this time, wild horses wouldn’t be able to get him from her side, she is his and he is determined to make sure that he gets to keep her this time.
There is a lot to Lily, she has been through the mill, and rather than the villain of the piece as I thought she was going to be initially I actually grew to like who she really was. He life had been far from easy and much like Adam she knew who the man for her was, she just never believed that she would see him again.
There is so much going on that it is impossible to summarize it all and not give too much away but what I can say is the story is fabulous and you will find little hidden gems all the way through, I know I did.
I look forward to seeing what this author has lined up next.
Anyway location aside, I would have to say that if you are looking for a great second chance romance, this this will tick all your boxes. Although I wasn’t sure how they were going to get over the fact that despite everything that Adam and Lily were to each other first time around, she jilted him at the altar! I mean that has to smart a bit!
Lily didn’t just skip out on Adam she skipped town and eventually Adam followed suit and headed overseas, nursing a heart that had been completely shattered by the woman he worshiped. It was over a decade later before he set foot back in his home town, news of his ailing mother bringing him home but it was Lily that occupied his mind, after all what if he had to see her again, how would he react?
I got his apprehension but I think he had allowed it to build into something it wasn’t and had spent too long dwelling on what had happened, he needed to move past it and coming home was the perfect time to confront and overcome those fears but when he sees Lily he is shocked to see that the once vibrant girl he knew is a fleeting shadow of herself, her sallow complexion and gaunt frame giving him cause for concern for his onetime love.
Over the course of the first few days in town they seem to see each other on and off as they both endeavour to go about they own business but despite what they have been through, they are each other’s business and Adam can’t stand by and do nothing, his conscious won’t let him.
I liked Adam he was a good guy, he wanted so much to forget the pain Lily caused him but once he opens the can of worms and discovers exactly what is not only going on now but what really happened all those years ago, everything he thought he knew is turned upside down. Why would people he loved and who he thought loved him tell such lies, why would they do everything they could to keep him and Lily apart?
There was so much subterfuge, so much deceit that enticed such anger and anguish, this element of the book was simply superb.
He may have allowed her to slip through his fingers once but this time, with everything laid out before him, he knows that he will never find anyone to measure up to the woman that has held his heart from half way around the world, the girl that may have left him on that day but that he has never really let go of and this time, wild horses wouldn’t be able to get him from her side, she is his and he is determined to make sure that he gets to keep her this time.
There is a lot to Lily, she has been through the mill, and rather than the villain of the piece as I thought she was going to be initially I actually grew to like who she really was. He life had been far from easy and much like Adam she knew who the man for her was, she just never believed that she would see him again.
There is so much going on that it is impossible to summarize it all and not give too much away but what I can say is the story is fabulous and you will find little hidden gems all the way through, I know I did.
I look forward to seeing what this author has lined up next.
April 18, 2018
Review by: Melanie
(4 stars)
Twelve years ago, Adam left Copper Creek, New Zealand and went back to his native USA. He left because as far as he knew, his fiancé, Lily, had left him at the alter and vanished. Unwilling to stay, Adam went to the states and ended up enlisting in the Army. Something that 12 years later finds him having left the army and suffering from PTSD. When he gets a call informing him his mum has cancer. He feels it’s finally time to go “home” and see his family.
However, he doesn’t quite get the warm welcome he was expecting. Out of his 4 brothers; Drew, Corey, Owen and James, it seems only the youngest brother, James, is happy to see him as he last saw Adam when he was just 6 years old and doesn’t really remember any of what happened. Drew lives in the city so isn’t around for the reunion and Corey is up in the mountains doing his thing. His brother Owen though, gives him quite a frosty reception, and while he knows he’s been gone a long time, Adam can’t quite understand the hostility. Then… he sees Lily.
Lily can’t believe Adam is standing in front of her after all this time. After her mother took her and imprisoned Lily the night before her wedding to Adam, it took 6 months for her to be rescued. When she was finally rescued, it was to find Adam gone with no way to find him and his mother, a woman who had never liked her, telling her that Adam was gone. Now here he was, 12 years later, standing in front of her and she has no clue what to do. Believing he abandoned her, she walks away, leaving the two with emotions and memories running wild. What follows is a series of events with Adam and Lily finding out about some truths, some misunderstandings, a family betrayal and discovering whether their love for each other is still there after all this time.
Coming Home is my first read from Wendy Smith and I’m so glad I thought to try her out. I’m looking forward to reading more about this family of brothers and seeing what’s going to happen in the little town of Copper Creek. I give Coming Home 4 stars.
(4 stars)
Twelve years ago, Adam left Copper Creek, New Zealand and went back to his native USA. He left because as far as he knew, his fiancé, Lily, had left him at the alter and vanished. Unwilling to stay, Adam went to the states and ended up enlisting in the Army. Something that 12 years later finds him having left the army and suffering from PTSD. When he gets a call informing him his mum has cancer. He feels it’s finally time to go “home” and see his family.
However, he doesn’t quite get the warm welcome he was expecting. Out of his 4 brothers; Drew, Corey, Owen and James, it seems only the youngest brother, James, is happy to see him as he last saw Adam when he was just 6 years old and doesn’t really remember any of what happened. Drew lives in the city so isn’t around for the reunion and Corey is up in the mountains doing his thing. His brother Owen though, gives him quite a frosty reception, and while he knows he’s been gone a long time, Adam can’t quite understand the hostility. Then… he sees Lily.
Lily can’t believe Adam is standing in front of her after all this time. After her mother took her and imprisoned Lily the night before her wedding to Adam, it took 6 months for her to be rescued. When she was finally rescued, it was to find Adam gone with no way to find him and his mother, a woman who had never liked her, telling her that Adam was gone. Now here he was, 12 years later, standing in front of her and she has no clue what to do. Believing he abandoned her, she walks away, leaving the two with emotions and memories running wild. What follows is a series of events with Adam and Lily finding out about some truths, some misunderstandings, a family betrayal and discovering whether their love for each other is still there after all this time.
Coming Home is my first read from Wendy Smith and I’m so glad I thought to try her out. I’m looking forward to reading more about this family of brothers and seeing what’s going to happen in the little town of Copper Creek. I give Coming Home 4 stars.
February 14, 2017
It was an interesting read but I just couldn't get over the family relationships. The mom was vindictive and took it out on her son, which I had a hard time with. With the brothers, you felt the love but not much of a relationship. The story had a great foundation but I felt it needed a bit more in the family aspect of this story.
July 17, 2018
Mega mega angst.
I have reread this book and added a star.
Great secondary characters.
Lots of misunderstandings, manipulation and plots.
Heartbreaking second chance.
I have reread this book and added a star.
Great secondary characters.
Lots of misunderstandings, manipulation and plots.
Heartbreaking second chance.
March 21, 2017
DNF @ 50% these characters are like robots no feeling or depth at all. The story had promise but the lack of depth just made it horrible to try & read.
August 25, 2025
I don't have much to say when it comes to Lily and Adam's story. I loved it. Pure and simple. It was sweet, sad, and unexpected. They deserved to be happy, and I hope they will continue to be happy. I hate that they were separated because of jealousy and control! It angered me, but they got together in the end. That's all that matters
December 25, 2019
I'm a sucker for second chance romances and this one did not disappoint. Adam and Lilly were high school sweethearts who planned to get married but things happen or I should say some people get in the way of that happening causing Adam to leave town and Lilly to figure life out on her own. Both are broken and feel betrayed by the other but are still going on with life the best they know how. Fast forward twelve years and Adam is brought back home due to a family issue and that's when all the secrets are revealed. This book has love, loss, a secret or two and lots of family drama to keep you page turning until the end. My only problem with the book is I would have liked to get a little more closure with Adams Family, I felt like that was kinda left hanging without any real resolve but this is a series so maybe it will be in book two. This book appears to be a standalone with the second book being about another brother.
October 16, 2017
Reunited childhood sweethearts, lies, Secrets
Full length, easily sweet romance with reunited loves Adam and Lily. They were 18 and about to be married when her mother drugged and held her as a prisoner for 6 months in the basement and lied about where Lily has been. Adam's mother was the worst also, she got told lies and ran Adam out of town and kept him away for 12 , with lies. And Lily really needed Adam there with her for their child that had obstacles in his path that wanted him gone. Told in both p.o.v. This takes place in New Zealand and their words are a bit different to counties.
Full length, easily sweet romance with reunited loves Adam and Lily. They were 18 and about to be married when her mother drugged and held her as a prisoner for 6 months in the basement and lied about where Lily has been. Adam's mother was the worst also, she got told lies and ran Adam out of town and kept him away for 12 , with lies. And Lily really needed Adam there with her for their child that had obstacles in his path that wanted him gone. Told in both p.o.v. This takes place in New Zealand and their words are a bit different to counties.
March 12, 2019
This book pulled at heartstrings
This book touched me in all the right places, I've read quite a few second chance rance books but none have touched me as this one did. My heart broke for Lilly and all the hardships she had to endure at the hands of people who should have protected and loved her. And Adam, bless his heart. A boy who comes back a man and unravels the events of his and Lilly's pasts to find the lies and deceit kept him from a life of love and happiness. This story is heartwrenching, heartwarming and just plain old full of heart. Can't wait to one click the next book.
This book touched me in all the right places, I've read quite a few second chance rance books but none have touched me as this one did. My heart broke for Lilly and all the hardships she had to endure at the hands of people who should have protected and loved her. And Adam, bless his heart. A boy who comes back a man and unravels the events of his and Lilly's pasts to find the lies and deceit kept him from a life of love and happiness. This story is heartwrenching, heartwarming and just plain old full of heart. Can't wait to one click the next book.
May 25, 2018
Good!
This was the first book that I've read by this author and I'm glad I downloaded it. It was a second chance romance with a loot of family secrets in the mix. I loved Adam and his brothers...his mother not so much. I was shouting at the kindle on many occasions telling them all to grow balls and give her a piece of her own medicine. I was heartbroken for Lilly, and reading about a special needs child when you have one always melts my heart. I like when authors think out the box and include subjects like this because any awareness is amazing. I look forward to book 2.
This was the first book that I've read by this author and I'm glad I downloaded it. It was a second chance romance with a loot of family secrets in the mix. I loved Adam and his brothers...his mother not so much. I was shouting at the kindle on many occasions telling them all to grow balls and give her a piece of her own medicine. I was heartbroken for Lilly, and reading about a special needs child when you have one always melts my heart. I like when authors think out the box and include subjects like this because any awareness is amazing. I look forward to book 2.
September 10, 2017
Great Second Chance Romance
This was my first time reading from this author and I'm blown away! Great character development and I'm craving so much more from this series! I really enjoy second chance romance and this story is amazing! It's so much more than just a second chance at love. The author has drawn me in with the development of supporting characters. I'm excited to read more about the H's brothers.
This was my first time reading from this author and I'm blown away! Great character development and I'm craving so much more from this series! I really enjoy second chance romance and this story is amazing! It's so much more than just a second chance at love. The author has drawn me in with the development of supporting characters. I'm excited to read more about the H's brothers.
November 16, 2020
An amazing love story
Omg, what a roller coaster of emotions you go through when you read their romance.
This book is so well written that I felt like I was reading a true story. The characters were so realistic, their story just drew me in. I couldn’t bear to put it down. The heartache, the joys, the sorrows all roll into one amazing story that I am so glad I took a chance on.
Omg, what a roller coaster of emotions you go through when you read their romance.
This book is so well written that I felt like I was reading a true story. The characters were so realistic, their story just drew me in. I couldn’t bear to put it down. The heartache, the joys, the sorrows all roll into one amazing story that I am so glad I took a chance on.
March 30, 2022
I like my heroines with a bit more spunk and attitude. It felt like Lily just basically shrugged her shoulders and let the past decade go. Even though she was basically starving, barely getting by and had to raise a kid all on her own. Not enough angst for me.
March 16, 2021
There’s a good storyline, but the execution wasn’t solid enough for me. Not to mention the suspension of disbelief required to make the story plausible when it comes to the reasons for Adam and Lily remaining apart. Adam got stood up at the altar on his wedding day by Lily and left town afterwards, never glancing back and now it’s 12 years later when he finally returns home. Lily never left Copper Creek, but figured Adam wouldn’t ever be crossing paths with her again. So when they meet up, I had expected that halt right before a train wreck with a gamut of emotions. So many moments were anticlimactic for me but didn’t have to be. Lily was a very nice and kind person, but she was way too sweet even towards a man whom she believed had abandoned her after everything she went through. And Adam wasn’t nearly as bitter as he seemed while he was away when interacting with her initially despite the grudge and heartbreak. I thought there would be a lot more antagonism from pent up emotions before the truth came out, but it was rather mellow. Everything between them was so much more toned down than what I had hoped and their conversations really didn’t have much intensity when hashing things out. The actual writing style was just fine, but the story fell flat.
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