Review of Returned to the Bay

[Laney K]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Returned to the Bay" by Hannah Westley.]

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3 out of 5 stars

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Returned to the Bay by Hannah Westley tells the story of two women: Hattie and Eden. Hattie was born on Holland Island in the Chesapeake Bay. The island is in danger due to erosion and the higher sea level. Many people are leaving, and she wishes for a more fulfilling and eventful life on the mainland. However, she meets a young oysterman and falls in love. Hattie's granddaughter, Eden, has her story told as well. Her story takes place 65 years after the events of Hattie's story. Eden is curious about the island and wishes to learn more about where her grandmother grew up.

I enjoyed the dual storylines of both Hattie and Eden. It was cool to see the similarities between the two stories and the differences in the island after two new generations had been born. Hattie's version of the island was a place people were fleeing from due to the island's erosion. Only a few oystermen remained to work the land. In Eden's time, the island was uninhabited, though there are a few who hold the island's legacy dear.

The progression of the book did contain a few minor plot twists, but overall, I thought the story was predictable. From the start, I anticipated the ending. While this is not always a bad thing, I was hoping to be wrong in some regard about the ending. This was my least favorite part of the novel. The book could also use additional proofreading as there were a number of errors throughout it.

I rate this book 3 out of 5 stars. I am taking off stars due to the number of errors and the plot's predictability. I thought it was a cute romance novel. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the island. However, it did not stand out in my mind. I believe that romance and historical fiction fans would enjoy this book best. It does not contain explicit sexual content or much strong language, making it suitable for both teens and adults. It is a quick read; it would be perfect to read in an afternoon.

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Returned to the Bay
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[Williams Jaden]

Returned to the Bay by Hannah Westley follows the lives of two women, Hattie and her granddaughter Eden. Hattie, born on Holland Island in the Chesapeake Bay, longs for a more fulfilling life as the island faces destruction from erosion. She falls in love with a young oysterman, but decades later, Eden, 65 years later, becomes curious about her grandmother's past and the island's history. The novel explores themes of family, love, and the impact of time and environmental change.

[Nati Jiniya]

Thank you for this beautiful review! The book sounds interesting and unique, I'd love to give it a try. I don't have much experince with this genre, so it would be adventurous.