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Lost Love's Return
For fans of Nicholas Sparks, Kristin Hannah, and Kate Quinn, comes a tale, that asks one important question, can love prevail from the battlefields of WWI Europe, to postwar Mississippi and into WWII?
In 1918, in a dramatic battlefield scene on the Western Front, young American soldier Peter Montgomery sustains a severe wound. He's transported to a British hospital, where he falls hard for Elizabeth, a young English nurse, and she for him. Upon his release, they engage in an intense love affair, forever changing both of their lives.
Separated and shipped home, Peter tries desperately to reconnect with Elizabeth, but the War and the Spanish flu epidemic have the world in turmoil. Despite his every effort, desperate and in great distress, he is unable to reconnect with her. And then, suddenly, all hope is gone.
For the next twenty-seven years, Peter stoically meets many challenges in his life: finding a way to make a living during the Depression; being a devoted father to his son, born eleven months after marriage to a woman he does not love.
This debut novel from Alfred Nicols takes you from the battlefields of Europe during WWI to postwar Mississippi and into WWII and begs one question. Will true love prevail?
In 1918, in a dramatic battlefield scene on the Western Front, young American soldier Peter Montgomery sustains a severe wound. He's transported to a British hospital, where he falls hard for Elizabeth, a young English nurse, and she for him. Upon his release, they engage in an intense love affair, forever changing both of their lives.
Separated and shipped home, Peter tries desperately to reconnect with Elizabeth, but the War and the Spanish flu epidemic have the world in turmoil. Despite his every effort, desperate and in great distress, he is unable to reconnect with her. And then, suddenly, all hope is gone.
For the next twenty-seven years, Peter stoically meets many challenges in his life: finding a way to make a living during the Depression; being a devoted father to his son, born eleven months after marriage to a woman he does not love.
This debut novel from Alfred Nicols takes you from the battlefields of Europe during WWI to postwar Mississippi and into WWII and begs one question. Will true love prevail?
294 pages, Paperback
First published June 8, 2021
435 people are currently reading
17.8k people want to read
About the author
Alfred Nicols
1Ìýbook133ÌýfollowersALFRED NICOLS received undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Mississippi. Following military service, he had a career as a lawyer, a state trial judge, and a federal judge.
He and his wife Mary live on rural acreage in Mississippi, where their two sons have second homes. "Lost Love's Return" and its 18 point reader guide were written to leave his children and grandchildren, maybe others, insight into issues in life and the value of family ties, even to imperfect people.
He and his wife Mary live on rural acreage in Mississippi, where their two sons have second homes. "Lost Love's Return" and its 18 point reader guide were written to leave his children and grandchildren, maybe others, insight into issues in life and the value of family ties, even to imperfect people.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
June 25, 2021
From the trenches of WWI to recovery in a military hospital in the suburbs of London and on to a small Mississippi town, this historical and captivating novel drops you into the lives of Peter and Elizabeth as they live through the emotional roller coaster of love lost.
The writing just flowed so easily and the story line was such that I read this book in less than 3 sittings!
A MUST for historical fiction fans!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to review this ARC.
The writing just flowed so easily and the story line was such that I read this book in less than 3 sittings!
A MUST for historical fiction fans!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to review this ARC.
April 15, 2021
Wow! I don’t usually enjoy novels set around war but I decided to give Alfred Nicol’s book a try after a friend recommended it to me. What an absolute gut punch! Of all the romance novels I’ve read this year, this has definitely been my favorite so far!! It’s rare to see a love triangle plot go so wrong and so, so right! Be ready to cry. If you’re anything like me, this book will move you to tears.
April 18, 2021
Lost Love's Return is a poignant love story that literally hits the reader in the heart and takes the reader on the journey of a lifetime, living through the joys and sorrows of Alfred Nicols characters that seem to draw you into their lives whether you realize it or not.
I must admit I am not usually a fan of stories where the lead characters are separated for years like they are in Lost Love's Return, but after reading the synopsis, I just had to give this book a chance, I am so very glad I did!
This book is one where you feel like you are living in the actual pages of the book, and Peter and Elizabeth quickly become family to you instead of just characters on paper pages - or electronic pages as the case may be. You get angry at many of the choices Peter makes, and some that Elizabeth does, because you know they belong together but there is really nothing they can do at the time (at least some of the time) but you still have to keep reading just to find out if they find their happily ever after.
For people that love Nicholas Sparks, they will love Alfred Nicols debut novel, Lost Love Return. This is a must-read for anyone that loves a classic style romance.
I must admit I am not usually a fan of stories where the lead characters are separated for years like they are in Lost Love's Return, but after reading the synopsis, I just had to give this book a chance, I am so very glad I did!
This book is one where you feel like you are living in the actual pages of the book, and Peter and Elizabeth quickly become family to you instead of just characters on paper pages - or electronic pages as the case may be. You get angry at many of the choices Peter makes, and some that Elizabeth does, because you know they belong together but there is really nothing they can do at the time (at least some of the time) but you still have to keep reading just to find out if they find their happily ever after.
For people that love Nicholas Sparks, they will love Alfred Nicols debut novel, Lost Love Return. This is a must-read for anyone that loves a classic style romance.
April 15, 2021
For anyone who has a place in their heart for a hopeless romantic in their life, a love of history, or has ever experienced heartbreak, we can confidently say you will love Lost Love's Return. The story follows the seemingly doomed romance of a heartbroken young man from a small town in Mississippi who enlists WW1 and falls in love with a military nurse who helps repair his injured leg. When the two are ultimately separated by the war the novel follows his struggle to lead a happy life in her absence and his long, long journey to eventually reconnect with his true love after falling being manipulated into a toxic relationship after the war. This book was very well written and engrossing. It also takes place along the eventful historical timeline of the years between the years of WW1 through the end of WW2. The author, Alfred Nicols, has described this book as a labor of love and, after reading Lost Love's Return, it’s clear his work paid off.
March 17, 2021
We could all use a little bit of hope right now, and a love story with the backdrop of WWI is the hope I needed. The book's accuracy in the setting and character descriptions, from the uniforms to the dialogue, is amazing and I'm sure must have taken a long time for the author to research. Perfect historical book to curl up with over the weekend!
December 19, 2021
(ENG)
Happy pub day #lostlovesreturn by Alfred Nicols!
It's such a lovely historical romantic story, I coudn't put it down, I had to read late at night and early in the morning too. Thanks for this opportunity @netgalley & @booksforwardpr.
It made me laugh, cry and question a lot of "important" things in life. What do you need in addition to be happy? Money? A big house? Success in your work? Or is it love? This book showed me, that nothing really matters, if you can't be with your significant other. Even if you have to wait decades for that to happen.
#QOTD: do you believe in long distance relationships? do they work out?
(HUN)
Imádnivalóan aranyos történelmi romantikus a 20. századból. Nem tudtam letenni, késő estig olvastam, majd másnap reggel korán kezdtem és egész délelőttöt az ágyban töltve olvastam.
Megnevettetett, sÃrtam rajta, elgondolkoztatott azon mi a fontos az életben. Mi kell ahhoz, hogy boldogok legyünk? Pénz? Nagy ház? Siker a karrierben? Érnek ezek bármit is a lelkitársad jelenléte nélkül? Ez a könyv megmutatta, hogy a igaz szerelemre néha évtizedeket is megéri várni.
Happy pub day #lostlovesreturn by Alfred Nicols!
It's such a lovely historical romantic story, I coudn't put it down, I had to read late at night and early in the morning too. Thanks for this opportunity @netgalley & @booksforwardpr.
It made me laugh, cry and question a lot of "important" things in life. What do you need in addition to be happy? Money? A big house? Success in your work? Or is it love? This book showed me, that nothing really matters, if you can't be with your significant other. Even if you have to wait decades for that to happen.
#QOTD: do you believe in long distance relationships? do they work out?
(HUN)
Imádnivalóan aranyos történelmi romantikus a 20. századból. Nem tudtam letenni, késő estig olvastam, majd másnap reggel korán kezdtem és egész délelőttöt az ágyban töltve olvastam.
Megnevettetett, sÃrtam rajta, elgondolkoztatott azon mi a fontos az életben. Mi kell ahhoz, hogy boldogok legyünk? Pénz? Nagy ház? Siker a karrierben? Érnek ezek bármit is a lelkitársad jelenléte nélkül? Ez a könyv megmutatta, hogy a igaz szerelemre néha évtizedeket is megéri várni.
March 6, 2022
Mr. Nicols delivers a moving and emotional historical drama with “Lost Love’s Return!�
Read full review in the
Read full review in the
April 15, 2021
As a total historical nerd and affirmed addict to period fiction, I was totally sucked into the world of Lost Love's Return! Set in America around the events of the first World War, Alfred Nicols has written a relentlessly captivating drama. The book does such a great job of describing just how different (though, in many ways similar) the world of early 20th century America was, and the gut-wrenching decisions people were forced to make as part of everyday life. The book follows protagonist Peter Montgomery, whose life is cleaved in two by his conscription to the “Great War.� As he embarks on his military journey, his life becomes fractured between a lost past and relentless future, as well as between two love interests that become the source of a heart-breaking romance. Ultimately, the story hinges on Peter’s efforts to seek out and reclaim his lost love over multiple continents over the course of nearly 50 years.
Totally compelling. Lost Love's Return will more than satisfy any fans of romance or historical fiction.
Totally compelling. Lost Love's Return will more than satisfy any fans of romance or historical fiction.
April 1, 2021
The book is a much-needed historical romance that picks us up and sweeps our hearts and senses into the story, traveling abroad and back through generations, carrying us through the powerful emotions of war, love, heartbreak, and joy. I bear witness to Nicols' efforts to be as true with detail as possible, knowing his painstaking period research, and his drawing on his own personal background in the story's locales. I highly recommend this book if you are involved in a book club, as he has a reader's guide available for those who wish to study the story in depth.
May 18, 2021
Now this one is not for scanning and shelving to gather dust and give the implication of being well read. This one will hold you and touch your sensibilities on every page...you will hate putting it on the shelf! Just start 5 pages. You're goners.
April 10, 2021
The themes are timeless and the characters are fascinating. It's a really good read!
April 16, 2021
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. I have not done a lot of fiction reading recently but once I began reading Lost Love's Return, I could not put it down. I’m not usually interested in history or historical fiction but this book sucked me right in. I was especially moved by the main character’s relationships and how different things were in America before people had things like the internet and TV to keep them occupied. I don’t usually like romance books that much but the drama of Peter lost love and the tension of his dysfunctional marriage got me hooked. Despite all the turmoil and drama, the book was a great break from the stress and real-world drama of the past year. This book kept me going and left me happy.
April 15, 2021
As a person who grew up in the small town south, I really loved the way this book illustrated Peter Montgomery's struggles. Thankfully, I never had to serve in war or live through the great depression! But I loved reading Lost Love's Return because I thought Peter’s story was so relatable in so many ways. The writing itself was also impressive and the plot was really well-paced. I ended up reading this book in two sittings! If you see this book and you’re from the south, or if you’re just a hopeless romantic, I heartily recommend it!
April 6, 2021
I have read this book from cover to cover and enjoyed not only the story, but all the historical references in it, too. Elizabeth and Peter will draw you in and forever be in your mind after reading this book. I highly recommend it!!!
April 14, 2021
When I began reading the book I thought it wasn't for me. Thankfully, I kept reading and loved the story, the characters, the southern flavor, and the historical background. I would recommend this book to friends.
April 14, 2021
Once I started reading it, I could not put it down. Such a simple but profound story of how true love prevails.
April 26, 2021
Awesome novel. Couldn’t put it down!
April 5, 2021
A World War II family generational epoch that spans decades and key elements of the story in London, throughout the U.K. and in America
This is the story of a man who lives his life according to the morals and values his parents instilled in him as a young man. It affects the lives of many others in positives ways, but unfortunately not his own nor a nurse who cared for him during the war. However, the end is fitting.
It's a love story with life lessons sprinkled throughout if the reader wants to delve more deeply into a book that has several layers of the novel.
I say to any reader between 15 and 95, read it!
This is the story of a man who lives his life according to the morals and values his parents instilled in him as a young man. It affects the lives of many others in positives ways, but unfortunately not his own nor a nurse who cared for him during the war. However, the end is fitting.
It's a love story with life lessons sprinkled throughout if the reader wants to delve more deeply into a book that has several layers of the novel.
I say to any reader between 15 and 95, read it!
April 8, 2021
Epic in its sweep yet local and personal. Those of a Southern heritage will especially appreciate the familiar characters and lovers of nonfiction will appreciate the context of history and war. My grandfather (who I never knew) fought in those same trenches of France in World War I and this novel makes me more aware of the sacrifice of all who did.
October 31, 2021
What an amazing love story! I have been trying to read this book for months and FINALLY had a moment to breathe and read this truly exceptional book. My husband and I read this at the same time and were both impressed by this Arthurs exceptional book. I usually read mystery books, but am so glad that I took the time to read this amazing story of love in a time of war and unrest.
April 19, 2021
Great story. Really appreciated the historical detail and research that gave it a more accurate feel. Superb dialogue between the characters.
April 26, 2021
This is a wonderful and historical fiction love story. Would love to bring it to my book club.
May 2, 2021
One of the sweetest love stories I have ever read!! Will definitely tug on your heart but such a sweet ending!
June 17, 2021
Great read with complex characters. I enjoyed the history and locations. This book is highly recommended for anyone looking for a compelling journey.
March 23, 2023
Peter leaves his small town of Glasper, Mississippi, to serve in World War I. He is wounded and sent to a military hospital near London. During his long stay he becomes close to a nurse, Elizabeth, and eventually they fall in love. He is shipped out before he has a chance to tell her that he is going and he holds onto a dream that one day they will be reunited.
This is a love story plain and simple. The characters are lovely. Mostly the story follows Peter who is a good man, trying to do the right thing but he was trapped in a loveless marriage. He never let go of his dream of seeing Elizabeth again.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Books Fluent for providing me a copy of this sweet love story.
This is a love story plain and simple. The characters are lovely. Mostly the story follows Peter who is a good man, trying to do the right thing but he was trapped in a loveless marriage. He never let go of his dream of seeing Elizabeth again.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Books Fluent for providing me a copy of this sweet love story.
July 7, 2021
This is a love story that began in WW1 when an American soldier was injured and placed in an English hospital. He fell in love with a nurse and they were eventually separated without him having time to let her know that he was being shipped home. All his efforts to contact her failed. He finally entered into and remained in a loveless marriage for many years. He finally was reunited with her during WW2 and their love for one another remained strong. This is not just a love story, but brings our many ways to live a life that you can say well lived. I would give it a 5 star rating.
June 25, 2021
Just finished this wonderful novel.. Lost Love’s Return checks all the boxes ...war,love found,love lost and found again,but maybe 30 years too late..Peter and Elizabeth are immediately likable and I was pulling for them throughout the book..! There are many lesson to be learned about faith and the value
Of family...You will love this book!
Of family...You will love this book!
May 18, 2021
I read this fantasizing story almost without putting it down. A lot of lessons are shared and meaningful. Must read.
May 5, 2021
Great read!
July 8, 2021
I began reading LOST LOVE’S RETURN by Alfred Nichols one night and found it so intriguing that I read ten chapters before bedtime. The next day it was very easy to pick up the flow of the story and finished reading the book in just a few hours. This is a very interesting and exciting book spiced with the emotions of sadness, romance, happiness, and humor.
The author’s very descriptive writing makes it easy to visualize each of the characters, the various scenes, and locations. In addition it arouses all the other human senses as different settings emerge. The decades spanned in the book were brilliantly interwoven with real life circumstances with which everyone can relate. One of the most interesting qualities of the book is its depiction of real life lessons and truths that readers will readily recognize and appreciate.
Lester Spell, Jr. D.V.M.
The author’s very descriptive writing makes it easy to visualize each of the characters, the various scenes, and locations. In addition it arouses all the other human senses as different settings emerge. The decades spanned in the book were brilliantly interwoven with real life circumstances with which everyone can relate. One of the most interesting qualities of the book is its depiction of real life lessons and truths that readers will readily recognize and appreciate.
Lester Spell, Jr. D.V.M.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
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