“The Lady-Love Returns” is soppy! (7)
I believe the answer is:
maudlin
'soppy' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'the lady-love returns' is the wordplay.
'the lady' becomes 'maud' (**).
'love' becomes 'nil' (I've seen this before).
'returns' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'nil' reversed gives 'lin'.
'maud'+'lin'='MAUDLIN'
'is' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for maudlin that I've seen before include "Weepy (and intoxicated?)" , "Foolishly sentimental (often when drunk)" , "Sloppily sentimental, perhaps due to drink" , "lovey-dovey" , "Schmaltzy" .)