If you are looking for a somewhat angsty, Hallmark movie style Christmas romance that also does a great job of highlighting the seriousness of post-partum depression, then Coming Home for Christmas is definitely worth picking up! This is a second-chance romance involving a woman who left her husband and two small children and disappeared for seven years. Now her husband has tracked her down to prove he is innocent of her suspected murder. Why did she leave and where has she been all this time? I initially wasn't sure how I was going to feel about this premise (especially being a mom of two little ones myself) but give it time, because you will fall for this family and root for their healing and reconciliation (even if some of the plot points are kind of over-the-top in terms of believability).

What I love about this book is that it highlights mental health and post-partum depression in a way that is both serious and helpful. Many women experience some degree of of this after having a baby but it is too rarely talked about. In this case, Elizabeth (the main character) has a very severe form of it including suicidal ideation and thoughts of harming her baby. (view spoiler) The narrative is clear that since medication alone did not help, she would probably have benefited from in-patient treatment and I love that this doesn't demonize her or her need for help in having good mental health. This is an important and under-discussed topic. The book also addresses disability and chronic illness in a way that is fantastic, celebrating the things that people experiencing these things bring to the table rather than perceiving them as burdens.

Ultimately, the rekindled romance is also very sweet and the progression of Elizabeth reconnecting with her children feels realistic. Sometimes these things happen to quickly when in reality, this is a trauma that would take time and therapy for a relationship to recover from. This book handles that incredibly well. Overall, I found this to be slightly dramatic for my taste, but mostly enjoyable and a book that handled important and sensitive topics very well. Obviously, content warnings for the things mentioned about including depression, suicidal ideation, thoughts of harming children, plus traumatic injury. I received an advance copy of this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This has to be one of my favorite books. I think I cried through 2/3 of the book. The story will just pull your heartstrings, oh how I felt so much empathy for Elizabeth. Once I started I couldn't stop reading I to absolutely know how it turned out. This book was so good, a perfect read to remind you of Christmas miracles.

If, like me, readers of the Haven Point series have been wondering about Luke and Elizabeth Hamilton – this is their book. Her disappearance several years earlier sparked many wild theories among locals, none that placed Luke in a positive light. When Elizabeth comes back to Haven Point she reveals what happened. Perhaps a bit far-fetched but Thayne gives readers a plausible story. This novel touches on depression (clinical and postpartum) and my heart went out to Elizabeth and the family she left behind.

Coming Home for Christmas is a story of forgiveness and courage – and love. Perfect themes for the season. Recommended to fans of the series, RaeAnne Thayne, and a good Christmas story.

Welcome back to Haven Point!

We finally have Luke & Elizabeth's story. I remember when the author had that little teaser in the last chapter of A Soldier's Secret and I kept thinking it was going to be complete torture having to wait for their story, but the time is finally here and it was so worth the wait!

I have loved all the Haven Point books, but this one was my favorite.

Oh the feels! Tissues will be needed.

If you've been following along with this series, then you would have already met Luke in The Cottages on Silver Beach. Luke has been under a cloud of suspicion with most of the people in Haven Point. Seven years ago, his wife disappeared and was never seen again. Most of the town thinks he murdered her, but he knows differently. He went to sleep one night and when he woke, she was gone. Seven years later and with the help of his sisters boyfriend, Luke finally has an address for his missing wife and just in time too. There's a new DA and she is out for Lukes blood. She plans to arrest him for the murder of his wife, even if she doesn't have the evidence to support it. Luke decides right then and there to go get his wife and drag her back to Haven Point to clear his name.

Elizabeth's story is a hard one. It deals with deep depression, postpartum, a tragic accident, and shame. It was heartbreaking to read. I want to keep this review spoiler free, and to do that, I cannot go into any more details. The reader should experience Elizabeth's story when she tells it.

This was such an emotional book, but it was also full of hope, forgiveness and love.

Coming Home for Christmas was well written, fast-paced and such a pleasure to read.

Missing for seven years. Can she go home again? You will enjoy her journey. A few tears will be shed along the way. Some are empathetic tears and others of joy. Another wonderful time spent in Haven Point. As a side note, I probably especially enjoyed reading about snow, ice and sledding when it is 100 degrees outside. Thinking cool! I look forward to my next visit to Haven Point.

I will leave review on Amazon on Sept 24, 2019

I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Coming Home for Christmas is book 10 in the Haven Point series. I have always enjoyed the books on this series, and wow this one certainly didn't disappoint. Such an amazing story, that pulled out so many emotions from me, that is what I look for in a book one that can touch so many of my emotions. We met Luke and Elizabeth in a earlier book and this book helped to bring that story to an amazing HEA. I would certainly recommend this book to everyone.

This is about a woman who felt lost in her family. she didn't think she was good enough for them. her kids and husband but one fatal car crash made her see and smell her kids and husband. she was worried that they had moved on. 7 years later Luke her husband see's her and brings her home hoping that over Christmas everything will be as it was before the accident all loving each other. I just got drawn into this story about how one turn of events brings on another. keep up the good work.

Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne. A heartwarming and hope filled Holiday story in the Haven Point Series. Good to revisit the town and the returning characters. Entertaining Christmas tale.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

I'm always delighted when RaeAnne Thayne gives me another opportunity to return to the fictional community of Haven Point. Coming Home for Christmas is delightful and I couldn't stop reading! This novel features a unique plot centered around Elizabeth's disappearance and 7-year absence from her husband Luke and their two children. I can only imagine how difficult it is to write a plausible novel involving a traumatic brain injury, and the author handles this tricky plot device with her usual warmth, humor and emotional writing. The Christmas aspects of the story, Luke's commitment and love for his family, and Elizabeth's courageous journey toward healing make for a satisfying read. Well done!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel. All opinions stated here are my own.

This is a moving story of love, compassion and forgiveness, and the fact that much of the story revolves around Christmas makes it that much better. I thought the author handled the subject of Elisabeth’s depression in a kind and thoughtful manner. At first, I wondered if Elizabeth’s storyline was quite far-fetched, but as I read on, I decided it worked well in this story. I liked all the characters in this story, especially Luke, and thought they fit in the storyline very well. It’s a different type of Christmas story, but one well worth reading.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Coming Home for Christmas is a very charming story. It brought up a few questions for me but overall, it was warm. I found I related to Elizabeth/Sonia with her depression, disabilities, and scars.
Now with my questions...I thought the accident and the seven-year absence a little far-fetched, although it is very necessary to the plot. Would police, emts, or the hospital not have further investigated Elizabeth's identity after the accident and not assumed she was married to the driver in the accident? Also, who paid her hospital bills? They had to be enormous.
I fell in love with the remainder of the story. Elizabeth's slow and tender relations with Luke were heartwarming. One can easily believe the emotions and hesitance of the children toward Elizabeth (after seven years.) Cassie, especially showed aggression being a pre-teen.

If I am correct (and I may not be) the next RaeAnne Thayne book will be about Megan (Luke's sister) and her new husband. I would wish, however, RaeAnne would continue the Mackenzie's story. I would like to hear of Elizabeth's acceptance by the townsfolk because they were quite mean to her at times. Perhaps, "Sonia's" friends could be included for a bit.
Maybe I sound too critical of a simple romance novel but I did actually like the story and found myself "cheering" for the Mackenzie family and RaeAnne

Elizabeth had been through a terrible ordeal trying to get back to her family. Luke is going to be charged with murder. Depression has been her life struggle. What will be the outcome? It is a filled with family and fun filled traditions. I loved it. I couldn't put it down.

Each of the books in the Haven Point series can be read as a stand-alone, but when you read it as a series, you can truly connect with the characters. Coming Home for Christmas is Book #10 in this series and we finally get to find out what happened to Elizabeth Hamilton, Luke's wife.

Depression is a subject that is very difficult to cover in a novel, but RaeAnne Thayne handled it with compassion and sincerity. This was a true Christmas story, showing the love and hope for a family and the people in the town of Haven's Point. This may be my favorite of all of RaeAnne Thayne's books. I smiled and I cried. Actually, I cried a lot. And the characters... ohmigosh! I loved the characters! Luke's children, especially his son, will warm your heart.

This is a must-read for the holidays.

Mercy, what a book. The story line was amazing. I will not spoil it by saying a thing about the plot only that you should read it.

Seven year ago Elizabeth Hamilton ran away from her husband and 2 children. She was suffering from major depression and was afraid of harming her children. Tragic circumstances kept Elizabeth from returning home. Now her husband Luke shows up demanding she come back. The DA is planning to arrest him and charge him with her murder. He has been under a cloud of suspicion, suspected of harming her and hiding her body.

This is a heartwarming story about a family finding love and trust again. It is a beautiful story that will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.

First I must say I read the earlier book in this series where Elizabeth went missing so I have been waiting for this one to find out what happened to her.
I had so much empathy for Luke how he had to put up with so many people thinking he was to blame for her disappearance, some even hinting at murder. And oh the kids losing their mother, just heart breaking.
RaeAnne Thayne writes with such compassion about the hardships that can happen in real life, and she did a wonderful job with this book that brought my emotions right to the surface and tears to my eyes, I felt this one right to my soul!

Luke Hamilton is going to be arrested for a murder he didn’t commit and he can prove it. All he has to do is get his wife to come back to town to prove she is still alive. The problem is she doesn’t look the same so it isn’t going to be easy to convince the DA that Elizabeth is still alive. He could care less why she left seven years ago he just wants his name cleared and for her to be gone from his life forever. The problem is when the truth comes out he is torn between his anger and the reality of what really happened.

I knew Luke’s story was going to be awesome and it didn’t disappoint. This is a roller coaster ride of emotions from the first page until the last. It is a journey of tears, sadness, pain and hurt but then there is healing and forgiveness. I loved this wonderful story about forgiveness, secrets, and regrets, new starts and even a happy ever after. RaeAnne Thayne writes such beautiful stories about real situations, where everything isn’t perfect all the time. The characters are a mess and sometimes don’t know what to do with that mess. The author tells a story that draws you in with such a well-written plot; the characters are people you would love to meet and the town a place you would love to live in. I can’t get enough of her hometown stories of romance, second chances and happy ever after! Ms. Thayne has the magic touch when it comes to writing stories that tug at your heart. I absolutely loved this book and will read it again and again! I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.

This book tugs on so many heart strings, but Author RaeAnne Thayne has a way of doing that! From Brambleberry House to Haven Point, journeys of discovery and reconnection lead to a path of understanding and, possibly, forgiveness. Luke and Elizabeth have lost so much time. Can they recover from the curveballs life has thrown them? I enjoyed Luke’s anger and openness, but mostly I enjoyed how integral the children were to the storyline. Their feelings mattered, and they were always treated with respect, love, and care. Sometimes things are out of our control. And sometimes we just mess up. This story deals with the aftermath. And there’s a lot to deal with. Read this book – it might inspire you to be a better person.

There are not enough words to express how much I enjoyed this book. I stayed up half the night reading it and was up early to finish it. This is a heartwarming romance that will lleave gou with the holiday spirit.
I highly recommend reading this book. It truly is z feel good story, oh you will laugh and cry,

Thank you Harlequin and Netgalley for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

I enjoyed going back to Haven Point. RaeAnne Thayne does such a great job combining romance & conflict and takes you through a myriad of emotions throughout the story. Her characters are like friends & I live the story right along with them. I enjoyed this reawakening of love between Luke & Elizabeth. The best part is the "happy ending" that she is famous for! Another WINNER....5 stars!!