“Return To Me: A House Divided” is the story of Ethan Salmanaire who had a rough childhood. While still young, he meets Melodia Procaccini Licciardello and eventually they get married and have children of their own. Along the way, they open their home to several children who were either abandoned or abused. Theirs is a complicated story filled with secrets, strained family relationships, and personal struggles.

This novel is a combination of literary fiction and family drama that explores the complexities of loyalty, love, and legacy. The writing is rich with detail: “The excitement is her voice traveled like a breeze in a meadow through Giovanni’s hair, more so in a concerning manner;” while the narrative emphasizes the themes of reconciliation and personal growth, painting a portrait of a family struggling to heal in the midst of external and internal conflicts. The topics of reconciliation and self-discovery are handled with sensitivity, encouraging readers to reflect on their own relationships.

Ethan and Melodia’s journey is poignant and insightful and told through multiple perspectives, allowing readers to experience the chaos and conflicting loyalties each character faces. The characters are richly developed, with their individual struggles making them relatable and real. The pacing is steady, with tension building as the family confronts their shared history.

Overall, “Return to Me: A House Divided” is a thought provoking and heartfelt tale about the power of family ties and the resilience needed to mend them. Focused on the power of love and the enduring bonds of family, it is recommended for readers interested in the complexities of human relationships, particularly siblings and blended families.

“The empty cups shimmered in the sunlight that seeped through the window as we spoke at the table. It was unsettling, unreal. Expecting nothing was new to me because, for the first time, all the administrators of oppression were gone.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.