Come Back to Me
Melissa Foster, 2011
Greenforge Books
316 pp.
ISBN-13: 9780984716517
Summary
Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she's never given the chance. Beau's helicopter crashes in the desert.
Tess struggles with the news of Beau's death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with a pregnancy that only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.
Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.
What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love. (From the publisher.)
Author Bio
Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of three International bestselling novels, Megan's Way, Chasing Amanda, and Come Back to Me. She has also been published in Indie Chicks, an anthology.
She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, and the World Literary Cafe (previously WoMen's Literary Cafe), a cross-promotional site for authors, reviewers, bloggers, and readers. Melissa is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan's Way.
Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child magazine and Women Business Owners magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod. (From the author's website.)
Book Reviews
Come Back To Me is passionate, romantic, and moving. A vivid story of loss and hope—a fine read for a wide audience.
Diane Donovan -Midwest Book Review
Foster's writing captures the complexity of life, and keeps you flipping the pages till the end—surprising you all the way through.
Kathleen Shoop - Author (The Last Letter)
A story of dark realities and faith in the future—validation of love and friendship—a love story with twists and turns that will keep you reading to the end.
Kaira Rouda - Author (Here, Home, Hope)
Discussion Questions
1. What was unique about the setting of the book and how did it enhance or take away from the story?
2. What specific themes did the author emphasize throughout the novel? What do you think he or she is trying to get across to the reader?
3. How do characters change or evolve throughout the course of the story? What events trigger such changes?
4. When Beau is unable to reach Tess to alert her to his safety, he makes the decision to surprise Tess, and requests that Kevin not tell her. Do you think that was a romantic or an unfair gesture?
5. Kevin is in a difficult position between knowing Tess is seeing Louie and wanting to be a supportive friend to Beau. Do you think he should have told Beau right away about Tess and Louie, or did he do the right thing by not being the barer of bad news?
6. Tess and Alice connect as friends outside of their work dealings, yet their personalities differ in many ways. List the differences and how you think it increased or decreased your likeability in them as separate characters, and their friendship together.
7. How does Come Back To Me change or enrich your view on death? Does the novel make you believe that there can be something positive following death?
8. Does Tess' attitude in dealing with grief reflect how people in life would deal with similar tragic events? If so, what aspects of her personality reflect this.
9. How does the change between Tess' story at home in the U.S. and Beau's story in Afghanistan increase tension? What features of the transition worked best for you?
(Questions kindly provided by author.)