When two old flames come back to their home town, sparks are bound to ignite.
Return to Hope Creek was the 2025 Romantic Book of the Year for long contemporary romance. It is the first standalone rural romance story in the Hope Creek series by RUBY and ARRA Award-winning, USA Today bestselling author, Alyssa J. Montgomery.
A horrific car accident ended former world number-one Stella Simpson's tennis career and a betrayal ended her relationship with her fiance/coach. She returns to Hope Creek - the rural community where she grew up - in order to heal and begin the next phase of her life. Things become complicated when she discovers that Mitchell Scott, the man who broke her heart ten years ago, has also returned.
Mitchell seemingly had it all: fame and fortune as one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks and a beautiful family. But wealth and celebrity can't compensate for a loveless, toxic marriage and he's returned to Hope Creek because it's the one place that always brought him peace and happiness. He's set to do some healing of his own, but encountering Stella again after the messy end to their relationship is a complication he doesn't need.
As each tries to build a new life, they're drawn to each other and find their chemistry is still strong and compelling. When the press gets wind of their return to the rural community and descend on Hope Creek looking for a scoop, Mitchell's malicious ex-wife isn't far behind. Will she tear apart everything they've built, or will their love be stronger the second time around?