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The Return
SOMETIMES THE HARDEST PATH TO WALK IS THE ONE THAT LEADS YOU HOME
After college, Phillip Fisher shook the dust of Antioch, Indiana from his dress shoes and took off for Indianapolis. For the eldest of the three Fisher men, a business career promised stability and a fruitful future...until unemployment and exhausted resources force him back home. He returns to Antioch to find his father's declining health, a family farm in disrepair, and heavy doses of resentment from his brother Aaron. A repentant Phillip pays regular visits to Sundae Afternoon, the sweets and sundry shop run by Mila Thomas. Sundae Afternoon and the Thomas Grocery Market are staples of Antioch, just like the Fisher farm. A less than steady peace exists between the families, but Phillip always intrigued Mila. She admires his attempts to break free; at the same time, his return speaks of a noble, caring man. But what happens once the farm is restored? What happens when Phillip is called back to Indianapolis? Mila’s roots are firmly grounded, and Phillip might leave all over again. Is returning home and the discovery of an extraordinary love, enough to bring them together forever?
81 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2018
4 people want to read
About the author
Marianne Evans
53 books87 followersMarianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
Her Christian women’s fiction debut, Devotion, earned the prestigious Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home.
Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 28, 2019
This book kept me up reading at bedtime it had an excellent hook, story line, and the characters the details are so there. You can envision the actions happening right in front of you while your reading.
I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next and how Phillip was going to solve the next difficulty. It is relatable as the main character (Phillip) leaves thinking that he can find something better than the small town and learns that all he needs and wants is in the small town he left. It takes him losing his job to really see what he wants and what is important in life. He also learns who will always be there for him. I think many kids/high school/college graduates think a big town is going to be better is a very common occurrence in life or society now a days. Everyone thinks that those jobs will be better and the money is going to be so much more. However, sometimes just slowing down and accepting what you have is the more in life. Phillip did just that and accepted the consequences of his actions the hurt others felt. He admitted and owned up to them. Allowing others to share their hurt made him realize life is about more than money. It's about others too, that others can be hurt by your choices. This book did an excellent job of letting all the characters express themselves without taking away from the main character. I especially like how all the emotion was written between the two oldest brothers. I look forward to a sequel to learn more about Phillip and Mia's life. As well as the other Thomas sister's interest in Phillips brother.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next and how Phillip was going to solve the next difficulty. It is relatable as the main character (Phillip) leaves thinking that he can find something better than the small town and learns that all he needs and wants is in the small town he left. It takes him losing his job to really see what he wants and what is important in life. He also learns who will always be there for him. I think many kids/high school/college graduates think a big town is going to be better is a very common occurrence in life or society now a days. Everyone thinks that those jobs will be better and the money is going to be so much more. However, sometimes just slowing down and accepting what you have is the more in life. Phillip did just that and accepted the consequences of his actions the hurt others felt. He admitted and owned up to them. Allowing others to share their hurt made him realize life is about more than money. It's about others too, that others can be hurt by your choices. This book did an excellent job of letting all the characters express themselves without taking away from the main character. I especially like how all the emotion was written between the two oldest brothers. I look forward to a sequel to learn more about Phillip and Mia's life. As well as the other Thomas sister's interest in Phillips brother.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2018
The Return
Fisher Men of Antioch Book 1
By: Marianne Evans
A story of hope, belonging and redemption
Marianne has delivered a powerful message with Philip’s story in the pages that will have you keep turning them, one by one, in awe of the hope, belonging, and redemption it entails.
Have you had a time where you felt you didn’t belong, a time you wanted to try something new way out of your comfort zone? I think we all have. Some of us seek comfort and help from family and friends, some hide from it while others run away. Away from those they love, from the hometown they have known all their lives. Away from their faith and God too. You see, that’s what Philip had done.
Philip had it all, an inseparable bond with his younger brothers, parents who adored him, strong faith in God, the family farm and so much more. All in a small town community he adored. Until the day he felt he didn’t belong. And that’s when he left it all. All behind for the big city, big dreams, the corporate world.
And then even that all came crashing down on him!
Philip had a choice, sulk in all the bad happenings around him or return to what he once had...his family. His family he still loved.
Join me in reading Philip’s story to see how this page turner brings Philip to his knees to make the biggest decision of his life. Will he overcome or will he fail yet again?
The message is powerful, the message will show you how God’s unconditional love for you and me never wavers!
Fisher Men of Antioch Book 1
By: Marianne Evans
A story of hope, belonging and redemption
Marianne has delivered a powerful message with Philip’s story in the pages that will have you keep turning them, one by one, in awe of the hope, belonging, and redemption it entails.
Have you had a time where you felt you didn’t belong, a time you wanted to try something new way out of your comfort zone? I think we all have. Some of us seek comfort and help from family and friends, some hide from it while others run away. Away from those they love, from the hometown they have known all their lives. Away from their faith and God too. You see, that’s what Philip had done.
Philip had it all, an inseparable bond with his younger brothers, parents who adored him, strong faith in God, the family farm and so much more. All in a small town community he adored. Until the day he felt he didn’t belong. And that’s when he left it all. All behind for the big city, big dreams, the corporate world.
And then even that all came crashing down on him!
Philip had a choice, sulk in all the bad happenings around him or return to what he once had...his family. His family he still loved.
Join me in reading Philip’s story to see how this page turner brings Philip to his knees to make the biggest decision of his life. Will he overcome or will he fail yet again?
The message is powerful, the message will show you how God’s unconditional love for you and me never wavers!
October 19, 2018
There’s no place like home!!
What an endearing, warm-your-heart-and-spirit story to launch Marianne Evans’ three book series, The Fishermen of Antioch! As an avid reader/lover of all this extraordinary author’s books to date, I found The Return absolutely delightful and engaging throughout. Marianne’s gift of tantalizing the senses and transporting the reader into her stories is something that makes her books especially intriguing. The Return is a modern “prodigal son” story about three brothers…Phillip, Aaron, and Ben Fisher…and their journey through conflict, forgiveness, and healing on the family farm. In the midst of it all, Phillip finds himself captivated by Mila, owner of the local ice cream shop, and daughter of a prominent grocer who carries the Fisher family’s produce. Will his interest in Mila be returned? I highly recommend this sweet, inspirational read that highlights the power of love, forgiveness, trust, redemption, and second chances.
What an endearing, warm-your-heart-and-spirit story to launch Marianne Evans’ three book series, The Fishermen of Antioch! As an avid reader/lover of all this extraordinary author’s books to date, I found The Return absolutely delightful and engaging throughout. Marianne’s gift of tantalizing the senses and transporting the reader into her stories is something that makes her books especially intriguing. The Return is a modern “prodigal son” story about three brothers…Phillip, Aaron, and Ben Fisher…and their journey through conflict, forgiveness, and healing on the family farm. In the midst of it all, Phillip finds himself captivated by Mila, owner of the local ice cream shop, and daughter of a prominent grocer who carries the Fisher family’s produce. Will his interest in Mila be returned? I highly recommend this sweet, inspirational read that highlights the power of love, forgiveness, trust, redemption, and second chances.
October 24, 2018
Marianne Evans writes stories that seep in and minister to our souls.
There are times we do things we think others won’t forgive. Or we can’t forgive our self for. Times ones we are close to who do things we feel are wrong and, in our forgiveness, we find ourselves putting up walls.
Return by Marianne Evans eloquently addresses both these biblical principles.
Phillip, the prodigal son returns home asking for forgiveness and offering to help with the farm he ran from years ago. The family extends forgiveness but need him to earn their trust.
Aaron feels animosity towards his brother for deserting him when he needed his strength the most
.
Mila is the one person willing to fully open her heart and show Phillip GODs love and still be blunt and truthful with him.
Can the fences truly be mended, and the family brought back together, or will the world win out?
Join me in absorbing these 5-star lessons of Return.
There are times we do things we think others won’t forgive. Or we can’t forgive our self for. Times ones we are close to who do things we feel are wrong and, in our forgiveness, we find ourselves putting up walls.
Return by Marianne Evans eloquently addresses both these biblical principles.
Phillip, the prodigal son returns home asking for forgiveness and offering to help with the farm he ran from years ago. The family extends forgiveness but need him to earn their trust.
Aaron feels animosity towards his brother for deserting him when he needed his strength the most
.
Mila is the one person willing to fully open her heart and show Phillip GODs love and still be blunt and truthful with him.
Can the fences truly be mended, and the family brought back together, or will the world win out?
Join me in absorbing these 5-star lessons of Return.
January 22, 2019
Sometimes a person has to leave home in order to appreciate it, and that’s exactly what happens to Phillip Fisher, eldest son of a large farming family in Antioch, Indiana.
In this sweet novella told mostly in Phillip’s point of view and some in the heroine, Mila’s, viewpoint, the author presents a trope on the Prodigal Son. Phillip comes home after being let go from his financial planning job, only to realize that home really is where he left his heart. Finding it again cost him a right to the jaw, some shaky footwork with the local men of influence, and plenty of make peace work with the woman he left behind.
Contentment triumphs fly-by-night opportunities for success, and this short little bite of story will touch your inner love bug.
In this sweet novella told mostly in Phillip’s point of view and some in the heroine, Mila’s, viewpoint, the author presents a trope on the Prodigal Son. Phillip comes home after being let go from his financial planning job, only to realize that home really is where he left his heart. Finding it again cost him a right to the jaw, some shaky footwork with the local men of influence, and plenty of make peace work with the woman he left behind.
Contentment triumphs fly-by-night opportunities for success, and this short little bite of story will touch your inner love bug.
October 12, 2018
The return
Philip returns home after being gone a few years. His parents welcome him back with open arms. His brother Aaron is not so welcoming. He is ever going to forgive Phillip.
When the book started out when Philip returned it brought tears to my eyes. Parents are always glad to see their children return home. I enjoyed Phillip and also Mila that owned the ice cream shop. She was not sure about trusting Philip but really trying. This is book 1 in a new series, I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an complementary copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
Philip returns home after being gone a few years. His parents welcome him back with open arms. His brother Aaron is not so welcoming. He is ever going to forgive Phillip.
When the book started out when Philip returned it brought tears to my eyes. Parents are always glad to see their children return home. I enjoyed Phillip and also Mila that owned the ice cream shop. She was not sure about trusting Philip but really trying. This is book 1 in a new series, I am looking forward to the next book.
I received an complementary copy of the book from the author for an honest review.
October 19, 2018
Modern Day Retelling of the Prodigal Son
This was a beautiful love story about second chances and the return of the prodigal son.
I loved the storyline and the amazing character.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance with a strong inspirational message.
This was a beautiful love story about second chances and the return of the prodigal son.
I loved the storyline and the amazing character.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romance with a strong inspirational message.
January 26, 2019
Very well written story of the prodigal son. I could feel the emotions jump off the page. The characters are fleshed out and their interactions ring true. Highly recommend. I received a copy for review. Opinions are my own.
February 16, 2019
I got this book for an honest review. I must say this is my first book of Marianne Evans, and this book is a good one.
January 27, 2019
Book one in the Fisher Men of Antioch . Well written book by Marianne Evans. Great characters. I really like Phillip Fisher. Very strong character. Growing up in Indiana on a farm decides he wants more out of life. Leaves home to make a career for himself. But things didn't work out as plan when he lost his job. Phillip decides to go back home and make amends with the family and go back where he feels where he belongs. But the path back home is usually not a very easy road. Leaving family behind, brother Aaron shows him with a punch to his face how he feels about the oldest son just waltzing back into their lives. There is a bit of a old romance from the pass can that fire be rekindled/ Wonderful book. Looking forward to book 2 in the series.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews