Return to Glory by Sara Arden

• Title:  Return to Glory
• Series:  Home to Glory, #1
• Author:  Sara Arden
• Genre:  Contemporary/ Small town Romance
• Published:  August 2014 – Harlequin HQN
• Source:  Publisher

Synopsis:  In Glory, Kansas, the best bakery in three counties not only brings together ingredients for sweet treats, but is the place where—through the powerful mix of friendship, community and a well-stocked kitchen—a wounded hero can forge a forever kind of love. 

Back in the hometown he left behind five years ago, Jack McConnell has returned battle-scarred and feeling like half a man. But Betsy Lewis only sees the hero who once saved her life and set her heart on fire. Now she’s burning to save him in return. She’ll use every trick she’s got up her sleeve, from her generous natural assets to her talent for baking, to coax Jack out from the bottom of his whiskey bottle. 

At first, Jack responds to Betsy like any red-blooded man would. He’s always denied his attraction to the innocent girl he used to know, but he’s returned to find Betsy’s grown into a full-on woman with strength enough for both of them. Until Jack realizes the only way to conquer his demons and be worthy of the hero’s mantle she’s pinned to his shoulders is to save Betsy one last time—from himself.  (publisher)

My take:  Betsy has been in love with Jack, her brother’s best friend, since she was a young girl. When he comes home wounded from war she’s determined to make him well again using any means that will work. Jack is determined to make her see that he’s not the man for her.

Sara Arden’s descriptions of the wounded warrior, Jack, seemed completely believable. I also bought into the way Betsy felt about him both when she thought they had a future and when she didn’t. The heartache was palpable. Their story is an emotional one that is further charged by their feelings for each other. Be prepared for some very spicy scenes!

The town of Glory is intriguing. Arden hints at the occupations of a few former military that I can only imagine will figure into future books of the Home to Glory series. It’s a charming town where the citizens have each others’ back. I look forward to my next visit to Glory, Kansas. Recommended to fans of contemporary, small town Romance.