Finding Home Again

Written by Brenda Jackson

Narrated by Ron Butler

New from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson.

When Kaegan Chambray returned to Catalina Cove he knew there’d be no avoiding Bryce Witherspoon. The woman he thought he’d one day marry was, instead, the biggest heartbreak of his life.

Despite the animosity between them, staying away from each other is difficult, and when Bryce lets slip a devastating secret, Kaegan must accept he was the one in the wrong all those years ago.

But how can you earn forgiveness from someone who won’t forgive? Kaegan knows they both still feel a spark, but it will take more than attraction to convince Bryce. Now he must show her he’s the man who can give her the future they once dreamed of—if only she’d give love a second chance…

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Jan 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9780263300109

Brenda Jackson

Brenda Jackson is a New York Times bestselling author of more than one hundred romance titles. Brenda lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and divides her time between family, writing and traveling. Email Brenda at [e-mail] or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

Reviews for Finding Home Again

[scoutmomskf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Terrific story of second chances, friendship, and forgiveness. I have been waiting for this book ever since reading the first two in the series, Love in Catalina Cove and Forget Me Not. It was clear in both books that there is history between Bruce and Kaegan. The palpable animosity is only eclipsed by the sparks that are also there.Bryce and Kaegan, along with Vashti, were best friends growing up. After Vashti moved away, Bryce and Kaegan's friendship evolved into love, which lasted through high school and into college. But a misunderstanding split them apart, and they have spent the last ten years hating each other because of it. With Kaegan's recent return to Catalina Cove, seeing each other nearly every day only aggravates the feelings.I had to laugh and roll my eyes at Kaegan and Bryce. Though both insist that they detest each other and have moved on from their earlier relationship, it is evident to their friends (and the reader) that that is anything but the truth. As readers, we finally get the story of what drove the two apart. I must admit that though I sympathized somewhat with Kaegan, I leaned more toward Team Bryce on this issue. When Kaegan saw his girl in the arms of another man, he immediately jumped to the conclusion that she had betrayed him. Rather than confronting her and finding out the truth, he broke up with her in a cruel manner. When Bryce went to him to try to explain, he refused to listen and behaved even worse. Bryce was brokenhearted but also furious that he hadn't trusted her enough to even listen to what she had to say. That lack of trust crushed her.I enjoyed the rekindling of their relationship. Since Bryce and Kaegan shared the same group of friends, they saw each other frequently and the sniping at each other was a constant. I liked Vashti's attempts to get them past it and at least repair their friendship. The most recent party at Kaegan's house was pretty much the last straw for Bryce after Kaegan's most recent attack. When he made some snide comment a few days later about the wedding that Bryce attended, she finally unloaded on him. It was immensely satisfying to see Kaegan realize just how big a mistake he'd made and what an utter ass he was. He also finally admitted to himself that he still cared for her and that he wanted back in her life.Kaegan had a difficult task in front of him. He knows he has to earn back Bryce's trust before she risks her heart on him. He is patient and persistent. I loved watching him take the friendship road first. He works his way back into her life by offering to help her study for her real estate exam. There were some sweet scenes as he worked hard to keep his attraction under control and do what he can to help her. He's also a little devious as he finds ways to remind her of the good times in their past.Bryce is understandably wary of Kaegan's about-face. She is glad that he knows the truth and has admitted his stupidity, but she's not willing to risk her heart on him again. Bryce expresses her forgiveness, and agrees to see if they can be friends again, but insists that there will be nothing more. But try as she might, it is hard to deny the way he still makes her feel.I liked watching Kaegan and Bryce get to know the adult versions of each other. Both have changed. Bryce is more independent. Kaegan had been her focus before their breakup, and she now looks to herself for happiness and satisfaction. Kaegan is more confident in himself. He no longer has the insecurities of his childhood as the son on an abusive drunk and looked down on because of his heritage. I loved Kaegan's support of Bryce and his confidence in her professionally, especially when it came to the other agent he used. The attraction between them had also changed, and the heat between them was intense.It took Bryce a bit longer to realize the truth of her feelings, and when she did, it was almost too late. Unknown to both Kaegan and Bryce, there was someone who did not like their rekindled romance. My mind went to two people when the incidents began but quickly settled on one of them. The tension increased as this person became more resentful. I was glued to the pages as Bryce ends up in extreme danger. I loved the presence of mind that helped her escape and provided a very satisfying resolution. I liked Kaegan and Bryce's big moment at the end.One of the great things about this book was the depth of the friendships. I loved the give-and-take among the men as they gave Kaegan a hard time, but they were there for him when he needed them. Vashti's need to end the split between Kaegan and Bryce showed how much both meant to her. I loved seeing everyone come together at the end.I hope that this isn't the last of the Catalina Cove books. I love the location and the people. I'm also intrigued by the brief mention of a Madaris coming to the Cove, and wondering if there is going to be a crossover book. I can't wait to see what's in store for the future.