Return to Destiny
RETURN TO DESTINY in this novel by USA Today bestselling author Toni Blake which proves it’s never too late to come back home.
Cara Collins thought her first love would last forever. But when Tyler broke her heart and left town the very next day, her world crumbled – adding another crippling loss in a long line of them. Ten years later, though, she’s worked to build a life for herself centered on her hometown of Destiny, Ohio – the community that has never let her down. When an autumn day leads her on a mission to rent donkeys for a community event, she has no idea she’s made a wrong turn until she’s suddenly face to face with the boy who once abandoned her – all grown up now, sexy as sin, and bearing no resemblance to a donkey whatsoever.
Tyler Fleet never planned to come home to Destiny, but when his career as an NFL quarterback fell apart before he ever got to prove his talent on the field, the lake house he built outside his hometown seems as good a place as any to lick his wounds. He never dreamed the girl he reluctantly left behind would come walking back into his life by accident, nor did he expect her to help him discover a new purpose in life by cajoling him to take over as the coach for his old high school football team.
Now leaves aren’t the only thing falling in Destiny – Tyler has fallen for Cara all over again. It’s becoming a season of miracles – both on the gridiron and behind closed doors. But after his hasty departure all those years ago, can Tyler ever regain her trust? And can Cara count on him to stay this time, or will he always be lured by a bigger life than the one their small town has to offer?
Read a Preview of Return to Destiny
A Note from Toni
This book is a direct response to all the many readers who have, over the years, asked me to write another story set in the fictional town of Destiny. It’s very gratifying to know that so many people have loved the Destiny series as much as I have loved writing it.
I truly thought the series had concluded with Christmas in Destiny, and I can’t count the number of times I told people I had no plans to write future Destiny books. But fate - or destiny, you might say - has a way of surprising us sometimes. And after having to take a long writing break after losing both of my parents, I realized I wanted to go back to Destiny as a gift to the readers who have stuck with me and supported me throughout my career.
And it was kind of like riding a bike. I was nervous at first - would it feel the same? Would I remember how all these characters talk and interact with each other, and would their personalities come back to me? But almost from the very first line of the book, the writing was almost effortless.
My sincere hope is that this book, while shorter in length than the previous ones, lives up to your hopes and expectations, and that it delivered everything you have loved about visiting Destiny in the past.
Reviews for Return to Destiny
“Reading Return to Destiny was like being wrapped in a warm hug. All the hallmarks of this beloved series are present in Return to Destiny; heart-tugging emotion, humor, solid friendships, family dynamics, second chances, and a sense of community that never gets old. Once again, I found myself laughing out loud, shedding tears, and sighing with happy delight. Blake's characters always find a way to touch my heart. If you're a fan of the earlier Destiny books, you'll love this return to favorite people and places with a brand new romance at the center. But, if you've never read the Destiny books, jump right in with Cara's and Tyler's journey in Return to Destiny. Let them be your welcome. My guess is that once you visit, the other stories won't be far behind.” ~PJ Audensmore, The Romance Dish
“A great cozy hometown feel, a sense of family and community, and a sweet romance.” ~Under the Covers Book Blog
“Coming back to Destiny and getting an update on all the characters we know and love was just what we needed. I was a little nervous about how Cara and Tyler would fit into the already so well built storylines, but Toni did not disappoint. Their love story is another great one that you do not want to miss.” ~Christine C, a reader
“Reading this book was like coming home again in many ways. This title in Toni Blake's Destiny series is much like her other books: A great love story, wonderful characters that find their way home and a real feeling of community. She hit another one out of the park. You will enjoy this quick read on a lazy summer afternoon or at the beach. Please don't let this be the last book in the Destiny series!” ~nlsas, a reader
“Toni Blake wrote another wonderful story and I give this book 5 stars!!!” ~Cynthia A., a reader