“Return to Me: Sharon Storrs’ Powerful Tribute to Family, Resilience, and the Silent Heroes of War”
What if the stories we never hear are the ones that define us the most? In Return to Me, debut author Sharon Storrs reveals the overlooked chapters of World War II history, not through the lens of a soldier or politician, but through the quiet strength of small-town families and the firm spirit of women who served. With remarkable authenticity, Storrs doesn’t just tell a story—she gives voice to the silenced, and brings personal legacy into the heart of historical fiction. The journey of this book began not on a battlefield, but in a moment of soul searching. Sharon, a retired teacher and mother of six, once sang professionally with her sisters. After stepping away from music, she found herself searching for purpose. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” she shared during a recent interview. That changed when a professor at BYU encouraged her to submit a paper to Reader’s Digest, praising her raw writing talent. Though she didn’t act on it right away, the moment sparked something. Years later, that spark would evolve into the soul-stirring pages of Return to Me.
At the heart of her inspiration was her Aunt Ruth—a real-life nurse who served in World War II. Sharon was struck by how little she truly knew about the war. Her curiosity turned into years of research, exposing not only major global events but also the untold sacrifices made by women on the front lines and families left behind. Ruth’s bravery became the foundation for one of the book’s central characters, a nurse whose wartime experiences reflect the true grit and compassion of the women who served during that era. “I wanted to touch on all five fronts of the war—the Pacific, China-Burma, North African, Soviet, and Italian—and also highlight the home front,” Sharon explained. The result is a sweeping narrative that is both intimate and expansive, seamlessly fusing historical facts with clear storytelling. It’s no surprise the novel reads like it was penned by a seasoned author. Every chapter reflects Sharon’s passion for accuracy and heart for humanity.
Return to Me begins in a humble town nestled between the Rocky Mountains—a place where everyone knows your name and waves as you pass. It’s here that the Roundy family becomes our window into a world grappling with change, sacrifice, and survival. From the birth of baby Samantha during a torrential storm to the whispered town gossip around a pot-bellied stove, Sharon immerses readers in the heartbeat of rural America. The birth scene, which feels both tender and chaotic, is rooted in Sharon’s own life—she was the baby in that story. The only fictional twist? “They didn’t hit a deer on the way to the hospital,” she admits with a laugh. Still, the dramatic urgency, the stubborn nurse who almost misses the delivery, and the warmth of family waiting back home are all true. Moments like these infuse the novel with emotional depth and realism that make it hard to put down. But the story doesn’t stay confined to domestic life. As the war rages on, the narrative expands to show its ripple effects—on the front lines and at home. Sharon skillfully explores the struggle of characters like Doug, a POW who leverages his fluency in German to serve his country in secret missions, even as he faces the trauma of captivity. His resilience and courage anchor the second half of the book, reminding readers of the quiet strength behind military heroism.
For Sharon, the most important theme isn’t just war, or even history—it’s family. “Love of family can get you through anything,” she said. That love pulses through every page, from the siblings giggling under makeshift tents to the women working tirelessly in factories while their husbands are away. In Sharon’s world, the home front isn’t a side story. It’s the main stage, and the people—especially the women—are every bit as heroic as the soldiers abroad. Ruth, both the character and the real woman who inspired her, stands tall in this narrative. She’s a nurse placed close to the front lines, tending to the wounded under the constant threat of bombings. Sharon intentionally wrote her as a strong, independent figure, reflective of the countless women whose contributions have been historically overlooked. “They were heroes too,” she said. And Return to Me ensures they won’t be forgotten.
Sharon’s historical knowledge is also rich with lesser-known truths. She brings in perspectives on figures like Churchill and Roosevelt, shedding light on their impact beyond the usual textbook narratives. “Do you realize that Roosevelt, Hitler, and Stalin all died within two weeks of each other?” she shared—a chilling fact she disclosed through her in-depth research. These moments of historical clarity blend seamlessly with the novel’s emotional arcs, giving readers both knowledge and heart. What makes Return to Me truly special is its authenticity. From family squabbles to the fear of delivering a baby during a storm, from the economic discussions around the Great Depression to the chilling reality of a child hit by a semi-truck outside a movie screening—every scene feels lived-in, remembered, and deeply felt. Sharon doesn’t write just to entertain. She writes to preserve.
As readers close the final pages of Return to Me, what lingers isn’t just the story of war or romance. It’s the sense of place, the faces of people who endured, and the warmth of a home that never gave up. It’s about the sacrifices made not only on battlefields but in classrooms, kitchens, and quiet corners of forgotten towns. Sharon Storrs has written more than a novel—she’s given us a legacy.
