The Day He Came Back

I loved the premise and I loved how deep their love was. However, I did not think that preventative step Raven took was necessary to include in the story. I read romance to get away from real life, so that whole thing thrown in there just made me sad. It was kind of a let down, as I was picturing a different ending. Still an hea though so I can't complain too much.

THE DAY HE CAME BACK by Penelope Ward is a contemporary, new adult to adult stand alone, romance story line focusing on Gavin Masterson, and Raven, the daughter of the hired help. Told from dual first person perspectives (Gavin and Raven) spanning ten years in the life, THE DAY HE CAME BACK is a second chance story line that follows the forbidden summer romance between twenty-one year old Gavin Masterson, and Raven, the only daughter the Masterson’s housekeeper. Gavin Masterson was home for the summer, having returned from Oxford University in London England. Looking forward to a little rest and relaxation Gavin will come face to face with Raven, a woman his mother refuses to acknowledge or accept. A secret summer romance ensues but in the end Raven is forced to push Gavin out of her life, and in doing so destroys any chance at happiness for our story line couple. Fast forward ten years wherein Raven is, once again, employed by the Masterson family, but an employment that sees Raven assisting the family when they need it the most. Gavin’s mother Ruth is all about the money and Raven does not represent the wealth and power expected for her sons. Gavin knows his mother is a judgemental snob but he had no idea as to the extent of her vindictiveness, a vindictiveness that was about to destroy so many lives. Raven knew to get involved with Gavin could mean the loss of her mother’s job, but the heart wanted something more until Raven was forced to break the man that she loved, and in doing so broke her own heart. Coming face to face with Gavin ten years later meant facing the man with whom she was still in love but Raven would soon discover that Gavin had moved on with someone else. The relationship between Gavin and Raven is one of immediate attraction; a forbidden romance between two young people whose lives were about to spiral out of control. A decade would pass but the love would remain, a love that would be tested when the truth was revealed. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate. We are introduced to Raven’s best friend Marni; Gavin’s parents Ruth and Gunther Masterson as well as Gavin’s troubled brother Weldon; and Raven’s mother Renata. Here’s hoping the author has plans for Weldon Masterson, a man who has been battling so many demons for a very long time. THE DAY HE CAME BACK is a story of betrayal and revenge; wealth and discrimination; love and forgiveness; romance and love. The premise is emotional and captivating; the characters are colorful, energetic and broken; the romance is seductive, heart breaking and real. There are moments of angst and sorrow; happiness and love; acceptance and moving forward. THE DAY HE CAME BACK is an impassioned story of second chances and happily ever after.

*FOUR STARS* -ARC Provided by Author The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward was a moving second chance romance. Gavin comes from wealth and Raven is the housekeeper’s daughter. They have an instant connection when Gavin comes home from college for the summer. Gavin is so down to earth and connects with Raven whom everyone else treats as hired help. They are both so down to earth and caring for one another, but Gavin’s mother Ruth does not want them together. Raven’s mother Renata is stricken with an illness and needs medical assistance. Ruth exploits this and suddenly Raven breaks up with Gavin leaving him mad and heartbroken. Ten years later, they reconnect and still have the connection and love that they once had for one another. After many obstacles, they find their way back to each other. Love that this story is told from both sides and that Part one is the before and part 2 is the after of their story. Makes for flawless reading and understanding. 4 stars !!!