The Returning

by Ann Tatlock

Book Overview

Andrea knew when she married John Sheldon that her love was not returned, but they both stayed in the marriage for their own reasons. Now John is returning home from a five-year stint in prison. Can John and Andrea mend the rifts that have torn their family apart?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764200062
• ISBN13: 9780764200069
• Release Date: February 2009
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 362 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Great story

This is the story of a father's alcoholism shattering a family that struggles to put the pieces back together when he returns from five years in prison. When Andrea married John Sheldon she knew she loved him more than he loved her. In his five-year absence Andrea and their three children have adapted to a life without him around. His impending return from prison becomes as strong as another character is the story. Andrea is hopeful that John's return will bring a second chance for a happy marriage. While in prison, John commits his life to Christ and struggles to keep his faith. Andrea is skeptical of John's conversion. Will their future hold a happier marriage than they've known? Once again, Tatlock has developed characters that will stay with you long after you finish this compelling book. A good read.

Never Disappointed

Want a read that will never disappoint? I don't worry with Tatlock's work; it's always worth the wait. In this Returning, he took a chance that doors might open or shut... forever. His wife was waiting for him to do something. Begin again? or for the first time? One daughter pushes him away but longs for him to come closer. She never dreamed the loser would be a savior. A boy-man showed him he could do something and not a minute too soon; the smallest girl just knew she needed him to love her. Ann Tatlock has returned with another thought-provoking story whose action lends itself to film. Rare writer--one of the best of our time.

THE RETURNING - Ann Tatlock does it again!

WOW. I absolutely loved THINGS WE ONCE HELD DEAR and EVERY SECRET THING, and now I can add THE RETURNING TO THE LIST. I think Tatlock has written 7 or 8 books, she won the Christy too. Crazy good work with I'LL WATCH THE MOON. And she's still got it! This is a must read. Realistic, smart, and full of hope - just like life.

Another great Tatlock read

At it's heart, The Returning is a book about a family shattered by a father's alcoholism, and the struggle to put the pieces back together when he returns from a 5-year prison sentence. As usual, author Ann Tatlock brings much more to the story. She doesn't write with rose-colored glasses, which is exactly why I enjoy reading her work.

A Captivating Novel

Returning, The is a character-driven story about some interesting people connected in a family unit. The man, an ex-convict, who became a Christian in prison, wants to turn his life around. He comes home to a wife who is going through the motions required for her to take care of her family while she fills her empty soul with romance novels. The teenage daughter is trouble waiting to happen, and her little sister is frightened by all she experiences. When the man returns to his family, only one person is whole emotionally - the young man with Down syndrome. The story evolves from the daily interactions of the members of this troubled family. The story teller takes us first inside one mind and then another. Although the events flow from the characters in their situation, it's surprising to read the twists and turns that develop naturally as the plot develops. There is nail-biting anxiety in this book. Even though there are clever hints of whatever is approaching, it is not possible to guess the events ahead of time. Ann Tatlock, an award-winning author, has developed her writing skills to the point that she has no wasted words. She paints her word pictures with broad strokes. All details are carefully selected to give the reader what is necessary to understand the story. Warning: it will keep you up at night, and it will keep you from working during the daytime. Once you place this beautiful book with its appealing cover in your hands, you will have to open it. After you read the first page, there is no way to put it down until you read the final page. The Returning is pure entertainment.