Her mother’s illness shook Carla's faith. Can God bring beauty from the ashes? Carla Braun has a good job, a comfortable apartment, and a church that keeps her busy, but nothing fills the void in her heart that aches for a family of her own. Returning to Cedar River after her mother receives a devastating diagnosis, she finds solace in her daily visits to Leyla’s Café. As her mother's health declines, an unexpected friendship blossoms with the café owner, Leyla, and overheard conversations draw her a quiet graphic designer who shares her passion for overseas missions. Could the Lord have a plan and a purpose for Carla's return home that she just can’t see? If you enjoy sweet Christian fiction about close family, restoration of hope, and finding love that’s worth the wait, “The Return Home” will touch your heart. Curvy main character | Coming home | Small town | Mother and daughter | Beauty for ashes | Little dog 24,000 words