From New York Times bestselling author Penelope Ward, comes a new standalone novel.
It was the summer of my life.
I’d met the guy of my dreams.
Unfortunately, he was the son of my uppity employer¿and very much off-limits.
But Gavin was a rebel. He knew his mother would disown him if she found out about us; in his eyes, we just had to be careful.
He never treated me as his mother did-like hired … did-like hired help.
Instead, Gavin put me on a pedestal and loved me harder than I’d ever been loved in my life.
What a summer it was.
Until it all ended-badly.
I was never supposed to see Gavin again.
That didn’t stop me from thinking about him every day for ten years.
I knew little about his life now, just that he was an entrepreneur living an ocean away.
When a twist of fate had me working again in the very place our love affair started a decade earlier, I knew it was only a matter of time before I might see him again.
But I wasn’t prepared.
What if he hated me?
What if he loved someone else now?
I wasn’t prepared for all the unknowns.
And most of all, I wasn¿t prepared for today to be the day he came back.
more
3.75 stars
One magical summer, Raven Donatacci and Gavin Masterson had the best time of their young lives. Things were not meant to be when they were pulled apart and left their hearts in pieces. Years went by and neither of them thought they would ever see each other again. When a situation brought them back together, old wound reopened and they had to face the truth or forever suffer the consequences.
I have to say Part One of the book was dated. I loved both of them then and it was lovely seeing their beginnings but the plot lines had every cliches there could be for the trope. Thankfully, I liked Part Two much better. It was a slow burn, but the angst helped propel the story.
Gavin was such a nice guy. I liked how he was considerate without letting people walk all over him. I admired Raven’s sacrifices but sometimes I just wanted to slap her face for her to wake her up. My favorite character was actually a secondary one. The character evolved and made me cared and changed my opinion.
The Day He Came Back is a story of love and sacrifices. It would appeal to readers who enjoy second chance romance with a significant time gap.
Note 1: If you plan to read this, avoid reading the blurb because it says too much.
Note 2: The bath scene was my favorite
“The Day He Came Back” is a fantastic read, it is told in dual POV and gives you all the back history that you need to know what has happened and why. The characters are great, what can I say about Gavin Masterson except besides being a hunk, he is a kind, gentle, loving person that knows exactly what he wants. Raven is the girl from the other side of the bridge, her life has not always been easy, but she has made the best of it. There are other characters in the book that I disliked from the moment they were introduced, some that I fell in love with later, some not so much. Gavin is the oldest son of a very rich, affluent family and Raven is the daughter of their maid. This is not only a forbidden romance but also a second chance at love.
This book will give you all the feels, I laughed, cried, swooned, wanted to choke someone and yet I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
This is a heartbreaking but beautiful love story and I highly recommend it to all romance lovers!!
Penelope Ward truly has a gift when it comes to writing beautiful and emotionally crafted stories. The Day He Came Back is no exception as it is a extraordinary second chance romance that utterly consumed me. Gavin and Raven’s story captivated my heart as their story is filled with angst, intense moments, complicated feelings and misunderstandings. Ms. Ward brings out the best in these two characters and their love story is also sweet and tender which makes their chemistry shine brighter than ever. The love between Gavin and Lily is unparalleled, undeniable and they are everything I desire in a romance novel. The more I read this book, the deeper I fell in love with it.
The Day He Came Back is still lingering in my mind, heart and soul. It’s a touching, five star plus must read that I highly recommend.
I love these characters SO HARD. Man, Raven is the type of girl I would have loved to have been in college. The fact that she knows Jiu-Jitsu, made me love her harder. A girl from “the other side of the tracks,” knew she would never fit into someone like Gavin’s world. Gavin’s family (mainly his mother) considered her “the help” and would never approve of her son getting involved with her. The way he immediately connected to her made me love him more. Their connection was so deep. And the emotional choice Raven had to make…. would it all matter the day he came back?
I have to say, this book may be my favorite by Penelope Ward. The story. The concept. The flow. Everything about it just screamed at me to devour it. I love the way this story played out. It felt real and it was a very raw in the emotional sense. Raven, being a worker plus on the wrong side of the tracks. Gavin, the rich boy whos mother wants to control it all, but is nothing like the stereotype. These two together is purely explosive and makes your heart melt then break as it all plays out. As fate has a cruel twist, they are thrusted back together in a very unexpected way. Those feelings lingering. But my mind is blown at how it all played out. The draw these two have to each other was stunning. I found myself enveloped in the world that Ward had created with these two. There are some interesting ups and downs that keep you on your toes, but it ended up being such a stunning second chance romance that will have you swoon.
Overall, I could not put this book down. Once I started, I could not stop. The build of the characters to the flow of the story. How it all played out in the long run, melted me in so many ways. Love knows no bounds, especially when it comes to Gavin and Raven. If you are a fan of Ward’s work, The Day He Came Back will blow you away and have you wanting a Gavin for yourself!
Another amazing story from an amazing author ! I swear she makes my heart melt more and more with every book!
I love the second chance romance genre and seriously couldn’t put this book down.
Gavin and Raven are so different from one another, but yet so perfect for together.
Can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!
I don’t think you can ever go wrong with a book by this author and she’s definitely one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this second chance romance and it was a good well written story that will definitely pull on some of your heartstrings.
Raven and Gavin meet for the first time when she works as a maid to help out her mother but also to earn some of her own money. The more time they spend with each other, the more feelings start to show but Gavin’s mother has his future all planned out for him and won’t have any distractions. When Gavin has to leave for London to start his new life, there’s something holding him back but Raven will have to make a difficult choice that will change their lives forever…
Now ten years later, everything has changed and Gavin comes back to a place he never thought he’d see again and to take care of business for his dying father. When he learns Raven is still around, feelings he surpressed seem to come rushing back and although things have changed, there’s still something lingering between them. Will Raven finally reveal the secrets that has burden her?… And will they finally have a second chance of love?…
I’m a long-time, dedicated Penelope Ward reader. But I have to say I wasn’t ready for the heart turmoil I experienced with this book. Let’s be honest, we know she can twist us up in the most perfect way. But Gavin…oh Gavin. He wore his heart on his sleeve. He’s a good bean – honorable, loyal, and tender-hearted. Really, he’s stinking amazing. Raven is so much brasher, though still kind-hearted, yet still so perfectly matched to him. There is no way they couldn’t have fallen for each other. And to see how his heart breaks – why it breaks – is nothing short of total annihilation.
I fully expected Gavin to a different person when we first met him and again when he came back. But Ward gave us a steadfast character who so easily stole our hearts. He is what he is, and that’s pretty amazing. I can’t blame Raven for falling so quickly, even if her heart repeatedly tried to stay out of it. Long story short, I see them as a modern day Romeo and Juliet.
The beauty of Raven is not what she looked like, but her ability to stay even keel in situations while still trying to see the best in people. And to steal Gavin’s words…she really is the glue to holding people and families together. Much like Gavin, she is honorable, loyal, and will do the right thing even when it entails self-sacrifice.
This book was everything I wanted it to be and more. No ridiculous drama with the perfect amount of angst. Throw in some plot twists, character arcs (I’m talking about you, Weldon!), and beautiful story development, and you won’t be able to read the pages fast enough. Make sure your kindle is fully charged before you dive in!!
“I’d never dreamed that today–a random Wednesday–would be the day he came back.”
Raven has yet to meet the golden boy of the Masterson household, where she and mother work. But when he came home from college and she faced him for the first time, sparks flew. Those sparks would have to remain out of sight by Mrs. Masterson, though, because she had plans for her son, and those plans did not include a romance with *sniffs and looks down her nose* the housekeeper’s daughter, a girl from the wrong side of town.
But Gavin’s nothing like his uptight, snootier than snooty mother. He takes one look at the gorgeous, sweet Raven, and it’s all over for him. Can he keep their relationship a secret from his snobby mother? Or will she make their (Raven’s) lives miserable?
Heartfelt. That was the first word that came to mind as I was reading The Day He Came Back. Gavin and Raven’s story is absolutely heartfelt. Gavin isn’t the alpha jerk that’s so prevalent (and beloved) in romances, but he’s got a huge heart. And that heart belongs only to Raven, who is such a wonderful heroine. She’s strong, the kind of strong I love most in heroines. She made the most sacrificial decision she could have, and suffered for 10 years because of it. But she made it because she was that strong. Sigh…I’m still swooning because I loved Gavin and Raven together. If you like your romances with large doses of heart, then this one that should be on your Kindle, right now!
ARC via author. Also purchased a digital copy via Amazon.
The new one from Penelope Ward is an emotional second chance romance. Do not miss this Cinderella retelling with her unique brand of angst and steamy perfection!!! The twists and turns will keep you guessing, and her words will keep you FEELING!!!
Penelope Ward raises the bar again, each book gets better and better and her books are awesome to begin with. Raven and Gavin are a great couple, each strong independent characters. Together they are passionate whose love burns bright. This is a classic story of guy meets girl from the “wrong” social circle. Of course life happens and they separate but get a second chance. Gavin always knew what and who he wanted, given that second chance he doesn’t hesitate. Raven may not have been prepared for the day he came back but … read the story to find out the rest, you’ll love it. One of the best second chance romances!
I have a few authors that I will practically drop everything in order to read their newest releases. Penelope Ward is one of these authors.
Fortunately I was provided with an opportunity to read her latest release a little bit before everyone else. I consider myself lucky.
The Day He Came Back was a book that once I got started, I didn’t want to put it down. Gavin Masterson was a great character – a total book boyfriend to say the least. He does not act the way one might expect a wealthy, popular and good looking character too. Now his younger brother Weldon did indeed fit the stereotype expected. Gavin has come home for the summer from college, before going off to law school in the fall. He encounters Raven working in his parents home and is immediately taken by her; her strong nature.
Raven is younger than Gavin and working the summer with her mother, Renata, who is the Masterson’s housekeeper. Raven is an independent woman who was raised by her single mother. Finances are a bit tight and Raven is working with her mother to help ends meet. She meets Gavin upon his return home for the summer and pretty much immediately develops a crush. Gavin is impressed by Raven’s honest, outspoken nature.
This story follows a storyline that can be somewhat predictable. But it still works and is highly entertaining. A beautifully written story about first love and the sacrifices one might need to make. A highly recommended story.
Gavin and Raven are from two different worlds, with Raven’s mother being the hired help for Gavin’s rich family. When they meet in their early twenties, the attraction is immediate and a whirlwind affair quickly ensues. Forced apart for the next ten years, sparks fly when they are unexpectedly reunited in this fabulous second chance love story.
Penelope is a master of telling the story of a dysfunctional family and of love that never dies. The side characters were intriguing and I would love to hear more of their stories. There were some heavy situations, but they were handled in a way that didn’t overpower the story with sadness. The pace was flawless, the love was real, and there couldn’t have been a more perfect happily ever after.
Gah! This is everything I love about a PW book! And more! It’s sexy, witty, charming, funny and angst ridden. I loved every last word.
**“What other truths have you bent?”
“I’m pretending I’m okay being your friend right now, when all I want to do is taste your lips.”
A great second chance romance with a hero that is sexy and super sweet (despite his evil mother!). I love it when the guy is genuine and down to earth, who can also be the alpha at all the right times. .
Raven and Gavin are sure to make your heart flutter, ache and then rejoice all in one sitting. #RavinForever
This book was angsty, slow burn perfection and I enjoyed every single minute I spent reading it! It was a second chance romance that was really well-written and had me really rooting for Gavin and Raven. I love stories where there is one person from the other side of town, where they come from different worlds, and this book was no exception. Fantastic read!
The Day He Came Back by Penelope Ward is an angsty, beautiful, sizzling 2nd chance romance that has fantastic main characters, awesome plot and those FEELS. This story is about true love , heartache, 2nd chance romance, sacrifices, passion, forbidden love, forgiveness , healing, happiness and true love. This is a story that starts off in the past then jumps 10 years into the present.
Gavin and Raven are complex and unique main characters. You can feel who they are – you can literally see them take shape as the story is on going. You feel their struggles, strengths, weaknesses, pain and happiness. I enjoyed getting to know what made each of them tick.
Without giving anything away, this is a classic Penelope Ward romance. Full of feels, angst, twists, turns, romance and HEA. I enjoyed the characters and the turns this romance took. I will admit that this read was a bit of a slow start before becoming a sizzling read but wow it was just what I was looking for. I can’t wait to read the next book by Ms. Ward.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *******
When you read a book in one sitting, you know you’re onto something pretty special!
These characters were so relatable. The way they are written, you feel what they feel, every up and down, their sadness, happiness, loss… it’s beautifully written. I loved seeing the growth in the characters over 10 years and felt invested in their lives. I also loved the supporting characters too, not so much Gavin’s mother but his father made up for that.
I laughed, I cried, I cheered, I got frustrated, I yelled at the imaginary people. I highly recommend this book. Another fantastic story by Penelope Ward. You won’t regret reading it!
Wow!! This one wrecked me!! The Day He Came Back is Penelope Ward’s newest epic second chance romance. I didn’t actually read the synopsis, I don’t need to with Penelope. I know that once I open one of her books I will not want to put it down. And this one was no different except I devoured it faster than usual. I had to know what was going to happen next. I don’t want to spoil anything so I will TRY to make this fast.
Ten years. It has been ten years since the summer they fell in love. It has been ten years since she broke his heart. It was the hardest thing she had to do but it was the only way. And now he was back. And she was in his family home. Taking care of his father as his day nurse. A man who she would do anything for even if that meant dealing with the awkwardness of being in the same home with her one and only love. It was only a month. It should be easy, right?
No! Not easy.
Gavin didn’t think he would ever see her again. Raven knocked him on his ass the minute he saw her ten years ago and she has done it again. In his dad’s room. It was a shock to see her there. To have those feelings come back with a vengeance. He was over her. So why did he feel this way? Towards the one girl who broke his heart. He was happy that his father was happy in her presence but this was going to be a long ass month. Especially whenever he looked her she had sadness in her eyes. Why? What has she been through in last ten years to make her lose her spirit?
Gavin and Raven’s relationship was intense from the very beginning. Then it was complicated. Through it all you could feel their connection. Laugh at their banter. Love their passion. That’s really all I can say. Except…it gave me all the feels!!! I got frustrated. I cried. I got angry. I cried again. I swooned. I got hot and bothered. I cried again. It’s one big emotional rollercoaster. One I couldn’t get enough of.
Overall…it’s an epic story! I loved it so much!! The characters. The writing. The story. I loved it all.
Quotes:
“If you hear me playing music out loud, listen. You’ll know it’s for you.”
“Oh my God.” She blushed. “You’re crazy.”
“Maybe.” I winked.
“Can I tell you a secret?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re the most beautiful girl in the world.”
“Who needs television with the kind of drama going on in this house, eh?”
4.5 stars
Raven and Gavin are from opposite sides of town. She works for his household and though Gavin is intrigued by Raven, his mother would never approve of him pursuing one of the help. They were doomed from the start, because young relationships don’t stay secret, but neither is prepared for facing the other in the present. Ten years later, and Gavin returns home unexpectedly. He never imagined he’d find Raven in his father’s house again, nor did she expect to find him home suddenly. Ten years later, and the heartache feels just as fresh, the secrets too close to the surface to allow them to ignore their pasts.
I loved seeing both the past and present between Raven and Gavin. Their past was a little on the predictable side, thanks to Gavin’s mother, but the way their past played out in the present was unexpected and sweet. Raven’s return to the Masterson employment added a heartwarming thread as well, and I loved the care she showed to Mr. M as well as what we learn about him throughout.
Their present was not as predictable and they had a lot of uncomfortable pieces to deal with as they confront not only their past but what is unfinished between them. It was quickly clear that the feelings each had been harboring for the last 10 years were not as finished as either would have anyone believe and facing each other again has brought it all to the surface.
I loved the arch of the side characters, particularly Raven’s best friend, Marni, and Gavin’s brother, Weldon. These two know secrets about Raven and Gavin’s past and though they protect what they know, they also use it to push Raven and Gavin in pivotal moments.
This is a second chance standalone with deep connections between the past and present. It is full of tension and drama, family expectations and illusions, and the real life implications of interference and preconceptions.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Penelope Ward has done it again with her latest release The Day He Came Back, a second-chance romance. She is without a doubt a favorite author of mine.
The book opens up with a heart grabbing prologue. The author gave us incredible main characters with Gavin and Raven, gave them a storyline that had my heart pounding with anticipation, an epic love story that spanned 10 years. There were some interesting secondary characters some good as gold and some so very shady but they all just enriched the story. We are gifted a fabulous epilogue that was everything I wanted the end to be!!
I have always loved how descriptive the authors writing is in all her books. But in The Day He Came Back I could feel it, the descriptions are so vivid I could close my eyes and see what she was trying to express to the reader. Whether it is the landscape, clothing, facial features, or laughing, dancing I could feel and see it.
Loved this story so much!!