Joanna Walsh loves living in the small town of Hatlow, Texas where she was born and raised. She struggles day to day as she owns her own beauty salon along with a chicken farm where she can harvest and sell organic eggs. Even though the townspeople tend to roll their eyes over her businesses, Joanne loves what she does and tries to ignore them. But one night her life will have a sudden change as she drives her friend and neighbor, Clova Cherry to the hospital. Clova's son has been in a car accident due to driving drunk and he may never walk again. Clova can hardly keep it together since her one son maybe dying, she is practically broke and her other son, Dalton has left and never look back. Joanna decides to take it upon herself to get in touch with this prodigal son and hopes he will come to his mother's aid.

Dalton has traveled the world as a photographer and has been in the worse of situations. But the thought of returning to his childhood home brings back memories of a step-father who abused him and a life he has decided to forget about. He has no clue who this Joanna is who is calling him out the blue, but he decides for his brother's sake, he will visit Hatlow and see how bad his mother is. But when he finally meets Joanna, he starts off on the wrong foot. He can't remember her name and thinks his mother is pulling the wool over Joanna's eyes. Joanna on the other had thinks Dalton is very easy on the eyes, but other than that she can't wait for him to leave.

As Dalton revisits old friends and neighbors, he tries to befriend Joanna and help her with her chicken farm. He also thinks Joanna is an amazing woman and one that he wouldn't mind being more than friends with. Joanna loves her life as it is, even if she has no man or children in her life. But as Dalton grows on her, she begins to change her mind. But then one night, after a little too much drinking, their relationship goes into a direction both would never expect.

SWEET RETURN is a nice small town romance that takes place under the worst of circumstances. Dalton and Joanna are very stubborn people who don't give an inch with each other. The have paved their own way in the world and won't let anyone else tell them otherwise. Dalton comes across as a bit condescending and rude because of his present lifestyle and the abuse he had to deal with when he was younger. Joanna has to put up with a mother who always puts her two cents in when it comes to her daughter's life. Joanna tries to fool herself that she has a fulfilling life, but when Dalton's enters the picture, she realizes she needs more than just work to keep her going.

Anna Jeffrey is an excellent storyteller who writes about real people and everyday problems. Of course there is a happily ever after between Dalton and Joanna but it takes some time to get there and that path is one I recommend you take.