Quintal’s Return is the perfect combination of romance and mystery, set on the picturesque island of Pitcairn. Nadine Christian introduces us to sisters Jen and Kate as they arrive at their mother's birthplace to run Bounty’s Retreat, the luxury hotel on the island. While adjusting to island life, Kate is quickly wrapped up in a complicated romance with a confirmed bachelor called Bryce. Unfortunately, someone is trying to sabotage Bounty’s Retreat and cold hard jealousy is at the root of the sabotage. While it took some time to get started, the drama and the passion of Quintal’s Return heats up quickly and doesn’t stop until the last word on the last page.

Nadine Christian did such a wonderful job painting a tropical paradise in Pitcairn Island. From her words you can just see the beautifully isolated island with colorful locals, smell the frangipani blossoms, and feel the sticky heat of the island. Quintal’s Return provides a wealth of characters including the laid back and friendly sister, Jen, and the devious yet beautiful Celia. From the moment you meet Celia, you know she’s up to no good. What I loved most about Christian’s writing was how brilliantly she illustrated the internal struggle both Bryce and Kate had over their feelings for one another. Try as they might to minimize the seriousness of the relationship, the drama and danger that surrounds them makes it virtually impossible. Eventually they learn what we all must: the heart wants what the heart wants.

The Quintal sisters are heading back to the island of their ancestors after having grown up in New Zealand. Pitcairn Island is a quaint place that hopes to benefit from the tourism that the new hotel might bring in. Kate and Jen land up on the island, hoping to make a success of the hotel. The warmth of the Pitcairn islanders is heartening. But, the going doesn't seem to be as smooth as they expected it to be. To make matters complicated, Kate falls head over heels for Bryce, a man with a past that refuses to go away. Will rivalry and jealousy destroy whatever Kate holds dear?

Quintal's Return by Nadine Christian is a romantic read for those of us who enjoy the Mills and Boon kind of romances. Bryce is the handsome hunk who makes Kate go weak at the knees. Celia also feels the same. But Bryce has moved on and wishes for Celia to do the same. Is Celia going to take it lying down? Apart from the love angle, the book also showcases the Pitcairn culture and community. The way in which the whole community pitches in to make the hotel a success and also to restore the Quintal home speaks volume about the simple living and high thinking approach to life of the islanders. Is this really going to be the place that the sisters will finally call home? Bryce and Kate might have had a bad start, but their relationship evolves beautifully over time. A book worth reading when one is craving for that hint of romance along with some strawberries and cream.

Quintal's Return (The Bounty's Return series) by Nadine Christian is a romantic fiction peppered with a mystery angle. Kate Quintal and her sister Jen are hired to run a new luxury hotel on Pitcairn Island. It is a new job but when they get there, Kate meets the handsome Bryce and falls in love with him. Bryce has just got out of a relationship with Cecelia. Both of them are happy together. Life is sailing smoothly for them with their contented love life and jobs when they find that everything is not as right as they would want it to be. Who is sabotaging their lives and careers? Will they be able to steer back their lives and careers on the right track again?

The book makes a good read with its well developed characters, a good plot, and a smart villain. The backdrop of Pitcairn Island lends the theme an exotic vibe and it is enhanced by the wonderfully descriptive scenes. The ocean, the waves, the sea breeze, and the frangipani blossoms add to the romantic setting of the story. The peace of the island and the lives of the characters gives a serenity to the tale. The jolt comes in the form of the villain who makes the story more gripping and emotional.

The story and settings are unique and the book is fast paced. The suspense angle keeps readers glued to the pages till the very end. The genuineness in the theme and characters make it a refreshing story. One of the best romantic fictions I have read in recent times. It is a combination of good writing and an original theme.