Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
In my twenties, I flew to Alaska determined to change the world. I returned home devastated, filled with fear and the kind of heartache it takes years to overcome.

Now, sixteen years later, as I hurl through the sky on the wings of heartbreak and despair, I’m desperately trying to hold myself together. Not just because of why I’m flying back, but because I know he’ll be waiting.

John Jennings — the man who made me realize I could fly without my feet ever leaving the ground.

The promise I returned to keep will change our lives irrevocably.

We’ve been separated for years by more than air; there’s a secret that stands between us.

Only the time has come to reveal it.

334 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2020

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Tracey Jerald

34 books1,258 followers
Want to keep up with Tracey?

www.traceyjerald.com

For more outstanding romance reads, follow Foreword PR

Please direct all inquiries to my personal email - authortraceyjerald@gmail.com for a faster response

To sign up for her newsletter, go to: smarturl.it/TraceyJerald_News

Tracey Jerald knew she was meant to be a writer when she would re-write the ending of books in her head on her bike when she was a young girl growing up in southern Connecticut. It wasn’t long before she was typing alternate endings and extended epilogues “just for fun.” 
After college in Florida, where she obtained a degree in Criminal Justice swearing she saw things she’ll never quite believe and never entirely forget, Tracey traded the world of law and order for IT. Her work for a global internet startup transferred her to Northern Virginia where she met her husband in what many call their own happily ever after. They have one son. 
When she’s not busy with her family or writing, Tracey can be found in her home in north Florida drinking coffee, reading, training for a runDisney event, or feeding her addiction to HGTV. 
To follow Tracey, go to her website at http://www.traceyjerald.com. While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for up to date release information!


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
116 (61%)
4 stars
44 (23%)
3 stars
24 (12%)
2 stars
3 (1%)
1 star
3 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
Profile Image for Ana Vizentim.
447 reviews23 followers
August 23, 2020
4.5 Lumberjack Stars

What a beautifil second chance story!!!
I really loved it!!!
This book gave me all the feelings.
It's a heart-wrenchingly beautiful story!!!!
Profile Image for KDRBCK.
6,301 reviews46 followers
May 30, 2020
Return by Air by Tracey Jerald is a full length, stand-alone romance that gave me all the feels. It's a heart-wrenchingly beautiful story that had me in tears more than one time.
Return by Air is a excellent written, gripping story with characters I fell in insta-like with.
Kara and Jennings are both good people, they do the best they can.
The single mom and the successful bachelor share a past that's about to have some big surprises for them. I connected very easily with the characters, it's a lovely story, a slow burn I greatly enjoyed reading.
An emotional read, beautifully thought out, beautifully written and beautifully told.
Profile Image for Franci Neill.
2,116 reviews91 followers
June 14, 2020
5 Her Secret Is Finally Revealed Stars!!

One thing I’ve come to love about Ms. Jerald’s writing is all the feels she evokes with her stories. This first book in her new series is no different. From the very first page I was emotionally tied to the story. Kara’s life is upended by a surprise pregnancy and she has to alter her plans on the drop of a dime because the people who are supposed to love her unequivocally prove just how callous they are so Kara turns to the one person that she’s always been able to count on…her brother Dean.

When we next see Kara, it’s as she’s returning to the place where her life changed all those years ago and having to face her past. This story is perfectly written by allowing the characters to have all the feelings they should have with how their lives change with the events that brought them all together again.

This book is so well developed with an attention to detail that allowed me to sink into their world and feel their love, frustration, anger, and overwhelming friendship that truly guides who each of these people are. We get a beautifully written second chance love story that wasn’t easy but so worth the fight to get where they end up. Jennings and Kara are perfect together and their love truly allows them to forgive what’s happened all those years ago thanks to the help of those around them.

If you’re looking for a book that will take you away to a land that is stunning in it’s beauty showing us that love really can solve so many problems, then look no further than this newest book from this amazing author!
Profile Image for Ashley Hampton.
482 reviews21 followers
June 2, 2020
Wow! Just WOW! Tracey Jerald truly showcases her brilliance through her stories and her characters, and Kara and Jennings story is no different. Return By Air was an experience I will never forget. As I am sure I’ve mentioned in recent reviews I’ve did for this author, I am going to reiterate it again, she digs deep into an original story line and makes sure we get an in-depth view of the world she has created.

Kara and Jennings story was full of emotion, and I felt every bit. This emotional standalone left us with no pages left unturned. The development was so fine tuned that by the time I was done, I felt as if I had lived their lives. The plot or plots were perfectly executed and not over done. The dialogue was done with so much maturity it made for an even better look into their heads. Given the storyline, there was great banter that I didn’t even see coming. The chemistry was life like. Jerald did an excellent job of showcasing the buildup between the two.

I enjoyed these characters immensely. They were humble and mature. They handled things with great care and it did not go unnoticed. Overall, this was a fantastic story. I can’t wait for Jeralds future work.
610 reviews16 followers
June 1, 2020
Oh wow , this story has just fed my heart and soul.
My emotions ricocheted off of each other throughout the whole read . Sadness, heartbreak, regret, laughter, loyalty , and love is what you will find in the story , and you will feel every one of those emotions alongside the characters.

Get ready to lose yourself in Kara and Jenning's story . A love story that's takes sixteen years to come to fruition..

This story blew me away , it is a 100% must read
Profile Image for Sue.
1,214 reviews
June 5, 2020
Where to begin and what can I say? Return by Air is a stand alone second chance romance. It is a beautifully written story that definitely has ALL of the feels. Kara and Jennings will suck you into their story and won’t let go. I loved it.
Profile Image for Angie Harvey.
721 reviews5 followers
June 16, 2020
This book moved me in so many ways! If it hadn't been done once (and only once) before I would have thought that it was in ways I didn't think possible. This was definitely a top 10 read OF ALL TIME!

I have known Tracey for years now and never had the chance to read any of her work. I am kicking myself from here in PA to LA right now for not having made the time! There was something really profound about this book and I think that's why it moved me so much. I really love when an author can captivate me from beginning to end, and boy did Tracey do that!

From the moment we meet Kara I knew this book was going to be special. The insane amount of hurt she went through and then how Dean swept her off her feet like no brother I know did, was amazing. It was the perfect way to start a book like this. A book filled with hurt, life, excitement, new chapters, and rebirth. All of those things encompassed this book. The story of Kara and Jennings, but also Jennings and Kevin, really were profound in those ways!

Kara is the most amazing mother to Kevin, but I started out with SOOOO many questions. Jennings got the biggest slap to the face OF HIS LIFE at the very beginning of this book. Between all of these things there was mass confusion and a butt load of emotions. I am a VERY emotional reader, and there was no exception to this book. I was in tears more times that I'd like to admit, but for so many reasons. There were some truly devastating moments, but also some that were so darn joyous. I was smiling, laughing, crying, angry; I mean every emotion in the book, IT WAS THERE! All of these things made for such an epic story. Especially the rebirth part. I truly felt that Kara and Jennings both truly found themselves in this book. And in some ways, so did Kevin.

With this of course brings DESPERATION to see what comes next in this series! I loved how Tracey ended this book, but I definitely can't wait to see what happens with their equally amazing group of friends!
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,261 reviews96 followers
June 17, 2020
"Return By Air by Tracey Jerold is the first book in her new Glacier Adventure series.This book took me through a mountain of emotions. Heartbreak and devastation give way to an amazing second chance love of a lifetime. Kara and Jennings met in Alaska and years later, meet there again. Only they hope the outcome will be much different the second time around.
Tracey Jerold is quickly becoming one of my one click authors. Her writing is tremendous and her books are one of a kind. I can’t wait to enjoy whatever she comes up with next❤️" ~Carole



"I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. This story is breathtaking and we readerers are just along for the ride. This is a second chance story for Kara Malone and John Jennings. They were once torn apart, but 16 years later a different kind of grief brings them together. John finds that he has a son, Kevin whose role is pivotal to bringing Kara and John back into each other's lives. The attraction is still there but all of the characters need to learn to trust again, in order to move forward. There are achingly real and intense realities that required attention, there are heart gripping swoony moments and gestures, with so much love intertwined. I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait for more of the series.

""Magic isn't in flight. It's returning to your wishes you made upon the stars by getting close to them in the air."" ~ Jennings " ~Cindy
Profile Image for Heather (AllTheJuicyBits).
251 reviews8 followers
June 15, 2020
Return By Air was a little sadder than I had anticipated - but it made me sad in all the good ways! A love story that spans 16 years, there was plenty of fodder to make me cry! Kara and Jennings' story is kind of an epic tale. Their summer love affair in Alaska when they are in their early 20's ends with Jennings pushing Kara away due to his fear of abandonment. Kara is left on her own to deal with the consequences of their affair - a pregnancy resulting in their son, Kevin. Though she tries for many years, she is never able to contact Jennings to let him know about his son. And so Kara moves on - or at least she thought she had.

With the unwavering support of her brother, Dean, and his loving husband, Jed, she is able to give Kevin a wonderful, happy life. But a tragic accident leads her back to Alaska to grieve the death of one of Jennings' closest friends - Jed - the same Jed who is married to Kara's brother. Though Jed obviously knew about Kevin's existence, Kara had sworn him to secrecy - he was not allowed to tell Jennings about Kevin. Kara felt like she had tried enough and needed to let Jennings go. As a compromise, Kara agreed that should anything terrible ever happen to Jed, she would bring Kevin to Alaska and introduce him to Jennings. Kara agreed reluctantly - even though she NEVER thought she would ever have to go through with it.

Though he could have had no way of predicting his own death, Jed Smith sets things up so that Kevin and Kara spend the summer following his death in Alaska. Jennings, who is there to grieve for his friend, realizes immediately what he has missed out on for the past 16 years. The story is not only that of Kara and Jennings re-discovering each other and falling in love again, but it's also the story of a son finding a father, and a man finding a family and a love he never thought he would ever have. The story had all the feels. A soaring love story stretching from one end of North America to the other, encompassing both romantic love and the love of family - whether that family is by blood or by choice. Absolutely recommended!
June 10, 2020
I'll fly away with Jennings any day!
I absolutely adored this story and the gaggle of side characters that I HOPE HOPE HOPE get to shine in their own stories!
This book had me in all the feels, straight from the top! We follow Kara and Jennings...two lost souls that didn't know what they had been missing after they were torn apart and lived for years without each other and what could have been. When they reunite due to unforeseen circumstances, they learn so much about who the other is, has become and what will forever bond them for eternity. Their journey back to one another is one of sweet fairytales, but not without struggle, heartache, and looking back at so many what if's. It's laced with fear, hope, love, faith and plenty of 'I told you so" moments that make you chuckle.
I haven't read a book that has brought me to tears in a while, this one gave me a good cry in all the best ways. The true bonds of love and family are very strong in this heartfelt story.
I love that this story solely focused on them years later when they were older and wiser, vs. a love story of a couple in their 20's. You can really understand the growth and maturity of the characters. Kara is amazing woman and her relationship/banter with Kevin is like a glimpse into my future that I'm looking forward too. Jennings is everything the gruff, manly man, cocky pilot you think he is but with a strong dose of sensitivity and weakness for his loved ones mixed evenly in that make him a great hero for the story.
This is an all around well put together, beautifully spoken book that is a need to be experienced. I will reiterate that, this book needs to be experienced, much like all of Tracey's books.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,294 reviews24 followers
June 17, 2020
Firstly do not start reading this later in the evening like I did or you will be up until 2.30am because you HAVE to finish it there is no putting it down!!! I went through a lot of emotions reading this book, there were times I flipped between hating then loving Jennings and Kara oh wow women has been through so much since she had last seen Jennings 16 years earlier including recently losing her brother Dean. Secrets are revealed after Kara and Kevin along with Maris meet up with the Lumberjacks (such a great group of guys, at times wise and others like big kids lol) to say goodbye to Jed Maris's sister, Kara's brother-in-law as well as the glue that held the Lumberjacks together after all these years. I would have loved to have gotten to know Dean and Jed as they sounded like amazing men and a couple of cared for each other and family especially Kara and Kevin. I can not wait to read the next book in this series and I hope it has the same amount of laughs, sadness, adventure, love and feeling of family!
Profile Image for Cindy Fong.
1,766 reviews
June 14, 2020
I wish I could give this more than 5 stars. This story is breathtaking and we readerers are just along for the ride. This is a second chance story for Kara Malone and John Jennings. They were once torn apart, but 16 years later a different kind of grief brings them together. John finds that he has a son, Kevin whose role is pivotal to bringing Kara and John back into each other's lives. The attraction is still there but all of the characters need to learn to trust again, in order to move forward. There are achingly real and intense realities that required attention, there are heart gripping swoony moments and gestures, with so much love intertwined. I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait for more of the series.

"Magic isn't in flight. It's returning to your wishes you made upon the stars by getting close to them in the air." ~ Jennings
1,665 reviews70 followers
June 15, 2020
When I think back about the books that have affected me this is definitely one of them. The emotions are all over the place. I feel like my emotions have been right through the coals. Jennings and Kara have a unique story that you must read. This is not a easy one step romance with the happily ever after; it is a fought over romance story that pushes you through every single limit you can think of. The emotions are there; the angst is real. I’ve cried over this book for my own personal reasons. Tracy has weaved such a magical story with Kara and Jennings that you know that love isn’t simply a clean easy emotion; it is full of anger, hatred, humor, laughter and giggles and above all faith in one another. This is another book that I will have to get a hardcover copy of!!!
33 reviews
June 15, 2020
The author did it again! Her books always take you on a emotional ride and this book is no exception. A excellent story about a young couple who had a great summer together. They go their separate ways, however their union created a son. Kara’s attempts to notify Jennings about his child does not work. Move forward 15 years and due to a tragic accident they are brought together again. This is a awesome story about how Jennings handles finding out he has a son he missed out of raising and ultimately realizing he was always in love with his sons mother. A book so worth reading!
Profile Image for Ri.
5,090 reviews7 followers
June 21, 2020
4 stars

This author is always guaranteed to write a story that is poignant and can make me feel all the emotions. This was a great second chance. This author is gifted in how she takes pen to paper.

The reason it doesn't rank higher was I truly never accepted her reasons in not contacting Jennings after she finally knew where he was. Especially, as she is all about giving her son everything. It just didn't resonate. Regardless, if I just ignored that and instead just focused on the rebuilding of this amazing love story then it was great. This book had the emotional feelings of the Amaryllis series. I can't wait to see what is next.
Profile Image for AmyLynn.
740 reviews18 followers
June 16, 2020
Another absolutely stunning story by Tracey Jerald. This is a breathtakingly beautiful story about Kara and Jennings. My emotions ran wild with this one. I went through all the feels; sadness, heartbreak, regret, family drama, loyalty, love and lots of laughter. The love that they share is a beautiful thing. I was so engrossed in this story and shed so many tears. Keep tissues handy. Jennings is so swoon worthy. I adore this book.
Profile Image for Stacie.
1,348 reviews137 followers
June 16, 2020
Many thanks to the author and Foreward PR for an advance copy of this book. It should be no secret to any of you that I love Tracey and her work. She's an amazing author and all around wonderful person. Her latest series, Glacier Adventures, starts tomorrow with Kara and Jennings in Return by Air. I wasn't sure how to feel after leaving behind the Freeman family last year but as usual, I was worrying for nothing.

RBA is a second chance romance story. Reunited after 15 years at a memorial service, sparks fly and old feelings resurface between Kara and Jennings. Secrets are revealed and Kara and Jennings know that nothing is the same and yet everything is all at the same time.

The story gripped me from the very beginning. Full of witty banter, deep emotions and set in beautiful Alaska, I was hooked. Descriptions of lumberjack shows certainly helped with all of that as well. As usual, I'm shying away from spoilers so I won't go into the plot but the characters Tracey has created for this trilogy are honest and gripping and fiercely love one another. Found family is once again a theme and I love the relationships that are represented here.

I think I read the book in one sitting, so engrossed, I couldn't even find the time to yell at Tracey like I usually do. Grab your tissues, your blankets and get settled. You're going to love it.
Profile Image for Isabel Debono.
802 reviews12 followers
June 13, 2020
This book for me had all the feels
The writing was excellent and the story captured my heart from the beginning.
The characters of Kara and Jennings were well written, I felt as if I knew them.
This story was engrossing, the characters delightful.
Slow burn romance that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster.
Must read... but bring the tissues.
I received an ARC but voluntarily chose to review
90 reviews15 followers
June 12, 2020
Return by Air is a beautiful love story based on a heart wrenching tragedy. This book had my emotions all over the place, from sad to happy. Jennings and Kara make a perfect couple but it took sixteen years to make that union a reality.

I enjoyed all the characters and the storyline was magical.

Tracey Jerald is a master at taking a symbol, such as the title of the book and spreading it throughout a story so you understand the meaning.

Bravo!!
Profile Image for Bonnie.
971 reviews
June 22, 2020
Tracey Jerald has become one of favorite authors, and I am thrilled she has come out with a new series. Return by Air had everything I've come to expect from Tracey, romance, hot sex, and intense feels. Keeping tissues handy is highly encouraged.
Profile Image for Kimhe Rockchicks.
1,160 reviews58 followers
Read
July 3, 2020
Not only being one of my favourite author's she knows how to let you escape from reality and takes her storytelling to a whole new level. Bringing heart and soul into every romance.
Return by Air is no exception. You are taken on an emotional journey filled with heartache, tenderness, laughter, good times and bad as you follow Jennings and Kara (and Kevin) as they get a second chance to fight for their HEA.
There is never a dry eye for me as I turn the pages of her books and become a part of her amazing world.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
609 reviews
June 15, 2020
This is a must read! It is a beautiful amazing second chance story that will pull you right in. The characters and their chemistry are amazing. This is a stand-alone so it can be read alone.
1,019 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2020
Five stars not enough!

Of my gosh! What a story! One of the most touching story line ever. As much as I read this story will always be one I remember.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,040 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2020
Return by Air

When family is reconnected by a horrible event. Losing one family member is hard enough, two at the same time is almost unbearable. When friends gather at these most difficult times, sometimes things that have been hidden for years come to light. This story will open your eyes to a beautiful story, two amazing brothers who are reaching from beyond their graves, or maybe reaching down from the heavens. A truly beautiful story of a 2nd chance love, new love, eye opening! Loved it so much!❤️
Profile Image for Christina Rybka.
1,081 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2020
The book has all the feels

Kara left Alaska sixteen years ago with a secret. She is back with her secret and ready to face Jenning the man she loved and has not gotten over. Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing book.
Profile Image for Dawn Hurst.
384 reviews13 followers
June 3, 2020
Wow, author Tracey Jerald takes me on such an emotional ride with each book she writes. Return by Air is a second chance romance, one of my favorite genres, and so beautifully written with characters meant to love.
Kara, our female lead, is a character so close in heart to so many. A woman who gives up on her own dreams to do what needs to be done. She's a woman with boundaries, acceptance issues due to "family" circumstances, a woman who tends to others while burying her own feelings and need to release them. She's a character you can't help but to love because either you are her or you know her.
Jennings, yum... This hero really is the complete package! As he's given a life alternating shock during an unexpected time in his life, he grabs hold and takes charge of correcting wrongs to the benefit of all involved. He's the guy we'd all want, the guy we'd all hope to find in a second chance relationship!
Their story is sad but beautiful, it's about mishaps and getting things right and about a journey that never really ended but rather was paused for a long while.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.