Proud and independent, thirteen-year-old orphan Wade Hunter doesn’t want a family. But when the town marshal catches him stealing, Wade’s given only two choices: Spend time in jail or become the marshal’s ward.Sadie Shaw, the marshal’s eldest daughter, doesn’t want another sibling. She has enough brothers and sisters, and she’s dismayed when her kindhearted pa brings home another lost child. It … child. It doesn’t help that this one is surly and arrogant. Worse, he thinks that because he’s older, he’s under no obligation to mind her household rules.
Wade and Sadie battle wills often as they grow into adulthood, burgeoning both their dislike for each other and their grudging respect. When faced with a problem that requires their unity, will they be able to set aside their differences, or will the strife they face only tear them apart for good?
Publisher’s Note: When He Returns is a standalone story in the Lost and Found in Thorndale series. It contains sexual scenes and adult punishment spanking. If that doesn’t appeal to you, please don’t buy this book.
more
YOU MUST LEARN NOT TO BE A LONE WOLF
I enjoyed this story, and it was one that got you in your “feels” as it takes the reader on an emotional roller-coaster ride. The story has a great cast of characters and plenty of angst and bitterness, but also love and compassion. This is an adult book that is a coming-of-age, enemies-to-lovers with domestic discipline and sex scenes. The story starts in Texas, 1891.
Marshall Clyde Shaw is a man who is kind, caring, and shows that compassion to others when he could very well be a bitter man. Losing his beloved wife, left caring for his daughters, Sadie and Ada, he shows he has enough love to pass around. He will bring in siblings, Grace and her twin brothers, Miles, and Luke, making them a family of six after they lose their parents. But he doesn’t stop there when orphan Wade Hunter is brought into his office after being caught stealing bread, Clyde shows him compassion and takes him home, adding him to the brood.
The first forty percent of the story is the relationship of the individuals in the Shaw family and their responsibilities over several years. Sadie is bitter at her lot in life, and it shows. But then false accusations are made, bitterness is prevalent, and there is a new line drawn in the sand. Before rifts are mending, tragedy will strike and shortly after that Wade will leave for California.
Five years will pass when Wade returns to the Shaw household. He is a man, and except for Ada, they are all grown adults. Sadie is still doing most of the household work, Ada is struggling in school, Grace is acting wanton, and the twins are busy working at the lumberyard. Will he be able to step up and make a difference? When a promise is broken, Wade will prove he was serious about consequences and will carry out his punishment.
“It’s only fair to warn you that I won’t accept disobedience from you. If you step out of line, there will be consequences. Depends on what you do. But I wouldn’t hesitate to turn you over my knee and tan your hide if you disobeyed me outright.”
There is unfinished business between Sadie and Wade. She must take the first step in seeking forgiveness. There is more to the relationship after he returns, they are both adults and the jealousy she harbored is no longer there. Could these two be falling in love? What would Clyde think of that?
There will be some open and honest discussions that help clear the air and mend some errors. But Sadie still has a chip on her shoulder and Wade will have to teach her that her bitterness is unfounded. There will be several spankings to set her straight.
“Keep your bottom in place to take your punishment like you deserve. By the time I’m done with you, you’re going to realize how pointless your jealousy is.”
The story ends with a happy and unexpected surprise, one that helps cement the legacy of Clyde Shaw. There are several spankings along with a few sex scenes.
Sweet, short, poignant domestic discipline romance in the old west
WHEN HE RETURNS has left me in a teary puddle as I finish this book, but I loved it! It is truly amazing that Ms. Smarts has written a bunch of different plots within the same series. However, they all share one thing and that is domestic discipline so if that’s not your thing, don’t read, review and then give it a low number of stars. Know what you’re getting into before you give a really good, poignant and coming-of-age story fewer than 4 stars. I think that I have read all of these books now. I just finished reviewing a later book in this series. I’ve had this one for a while and just hadn’t taken the time to get into it. So glad I took the time!
If you like short, sweet, deeply moving and somewhat steamy domestic discipline romances, try this one. I believe you will like it. Some good life lessons in it too…
I personally would read this book after reading Bringing Trouble Home and Taming Tori, but they can be read as standalones. Also, this book is meant for mature readers and it contains spanking the heroine. Wade and Sadie get off to a very rocky start when Sadie’s dad, the town marshal, decides to bring home another orphan to live with him, his two daughters and the three orphans he previously took in. On top of adding to Sadie’s work load this action also causes great resentment when Sadie finds out that Wade is being paid. When another tragedy occurs to further split them apart and Wade takes off, you are sure this must be the end, but then Wade returns to town and sparks start flying. You then wonder if Sadie and Wade will ever work things out. You will have to read this book for yourself to find out how this story ends.
I read an ARC copy of this book and I am freely giving my thoughts and opinions.
When He Returns – Amelia Smarts – Sadie took over caring for her father and little sister when her mother died shortly after she turned nine. When her father the local marshal adopts three orphans in quick succession, 12 year old Sadie does her best to manage four children and a house. When her dad brings home a 13 year old thief who needs a family named Wade, it takes a while for Sadie to see him as an ally. When her father is killed, there are a lot of unresolved conflicts that only get harder to manage when Wade leaves them to head further west. When Wade returns, Sadie’s predictable world is about to be set on its ear. Love all the characters in this series! Happy Reading!
I enjoyed Sadie and Wade’s love-hate relationship so much.
This story will pull all your heart strings. When Sadie’s father takes Wade in the two are instantly at odds, life has them growing apart but when they finally reunite everything falls into place.
Perfect HEA, can’t wait to read more from this series!
I feel like I read this type of book before…. I skipped a lot of chapters just to get to the end to see .
Realistic look at family life in the Old West.
This wasn’t quite what I expected, but it was very good nonetheless. Wade and Sadie had a lot more conflict than I would’ve thought could be overcome by time, but the author made us believe in their love by the time we get to their HEA. This story really draws in the entire family unit, and drives home the message of giving people a second chance to make things right.
I really enjoyed this book, it was a well written fast reading historical love story.
When He Returns
A Coming-of-Age Western Romance
By: Amelia Smarts
Narrated by: Matthew Keyes
Amelia Smarts book, When He Returns was just what I needed! I love historical western romance, and this one delivers it and so much more! Wade is a 14 year old boy, caught in some trouble. When the marshal brings him home to add him to his family, Wade is belligerent and will do anything to not fit in. Until he does. He becomes a productive family member, loved by all except the marshal’s daughter Sadie. Sadie is the his oldest and upon his wife’s death took over the household. And now, he keeps bringing home more children to take care of! She resents Wade and just when he thought things were getting better, a bitter betrayal occurs. Unable to ever hear the truth, tragedy strikes the house, and Wade leaves in his grief. Now 5 years later, he comes back to find his family in slight disarray and his feelings for Sadie much different. But does she return his affection? This story told in two separate periods, each with a different POV gives us that old time western feel. With the marshal, the old home, the loving home, I get that wonderfully warm Laura Ingalls Wilder feel, with a twist! Smarts weaves in that alpha male, and while the story is sweet, it does have those scenes that make you fired up and then melt. She includes not only wonderful main characters, but a supporting cast that you will fall in love with. From Clyde as the understanding father to Grace the lovable little girl, it’s hard not to feel like part of the family.
Narration by Matthew Keyes is perfect. He hones in on each character with a voice for each that brings out their personality. I love that he can go from a young child to an adult, from male to female with ease. I loved his performance and this is a story you will not want to miss.
https://adbl.co/2ZwHUJE
Truly liked this book. Characters and story realistic and a little sad. Enjoyable with a Happily Ever After.
Amelia Smarts has written a deeply compelling story of life in the 1800s and the power of courage, devotion, and family.
In 1891, small-town Texas isn’t where 13-year-old Wade Hunter wants to be, especially when he’s facing Clyde Shaw, marshal of Lebec, for stealing a loaf of bread. Clyde gives Wade a choice: spend the night in jail or go home with him. The decision’s easy. After all, it’s only for one night, right? But as Wade walks into the Shaw household, he’s shocked. What’s he gotten himself into? Five children, a dirty, too small cabin, and Clyde’s oldest daughter who despises him on sight? Wade’s never had a true family and certainly doesn’t want this one! His first thought is of escape. But Clyde has a purpose. Wade’s moody, angry, and arrogant, the very last thing Clyde’s oldest daughter, Sadie, wants or needs. She makes it her mission to drive him away. Despite Wade’s resistance and Sadie’s resentment, Wade eventually gets pulled in and finally feels he’s where he belongs. But appearances are often deceptive. After several years, unexpected betrayal rears its ugly head, ripping Wade apart. As if that wasn’t bad enough, tragedy soon follows. Unable to take any more, Wade thinks he doesn’t belong, never has. So he leaves and heads west. Five long years later, Wade returns to Lebec. He’s successful and has dreams. He can finally set things right for running away, leaving the others on their own. But is that really possible? What he finds isn’t what he expects. Are the Shaws willing to accept what he offers? Sadie appears as angry as ever. Wade has decisions to make, and none of them are easy. Is there a path to forgiveness? When the one thing Wade wants most seems to be denied, is he willing to give it up? Can he? One thing is certain. Wade’s going to have to prove that he’s here to stay and willing to do whatever it takes to win.
Amelia Smarts has written a beautiful story that’s shows just what being human is all about. That’s what hooked me from the first page. No one’s perfect. Everyone has flaws. Wade exhibits the consequences of cruelty, abuse, and misplaced anger toward a child. Clyde demonstrates the inherent beauty of acceptance, kindness, and love toward anyone who’ll accept it. He also shows that no one, regardless of age or intention, can anticipate the future. Sadie runs the gamut of nearly every emotion a human is capable of and what those emotions can drive a person to do. Grace, Miles, Luke, and Ada are examples of not only family devotion but also how taking someone for granted can nearly destroy them. I truly didn’t know what to expect from this book, but I found myself pulled into this family. This story is genuine in its portrayal of 1800s family life. The historical accuracy is 100% spot on. It’s very obvious Ms. Smarts has done her research. I loved this story! I can’t give When He Returns anything less five stars for its realism, unique characters, and, most of all, the irresistible storyline. Thank you, Ms. Smarts, for writing such a beautiful story.
One final note. Be an informed reader! This is an ADULT book. While there’s little explicit language, there are spanking and sexual scenes. If you don’t enjoy this genre, this may not be the book for you. There are book synopses and reviews available on Goodreads and all booksellers’ websites. Use these resources. DON’T LEAVE A NEGATIVE REVIEW WHEN YOU KNOW YOU WON’T ENJOY THE BOOK. It’s not fair to the author. She works very hard to provide a quality work product. If you know you’ll object to the book’s subject matter before you buy it, you’re doing yourself and the author an extreme disservice.
Thanks for reading my review and happy reading!
If you like romances with a healthy dose of cowboys, serious love, and some spanking, then you need to read Amelia Smarts. That is her specialty and each of her books is special.
As a teenager, Wade got caught stealing bread from a mercantile. The owner dragged him down to the sheriff, who ended up taking Wade home and raising him as his own child, along with his biological child as well as other children that he has adopted.
Sadie, the oldest child until Wade gets there, is the sheriff’s biological daughter. She has taken over all the duties that a mother would, running the house, taking care of the other children, cooking meals, so on and so forth. When Wade came in, he upset Sadie’s natural order, and she didn’t like him. That means she went out of her way to make him as miserable happens.
Eventually, Wade sneaks away in the middle of the night and goes out to make his way in the world and Sadie is left with several younger children that she has to continue to raise.
This is an enemies-to-lovers story. It takes a lot to get there, but it’s OK. I loved the journey. The story doesn’t always have to be about the ending, but about the journey instead. The book shows a whole lot of growth for all the characters and lets us fall in love with more than just the main characters. Amelia did a great job of pulling me in and leaving me happy.