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Shades of Autumn: Contemporary Christian Fiction
Can the beauty and charm of the Scottish Highlands set her free from the lies of her past?
Lorna Campbell flees her abusive husband and her life in London for the refuge of Braid Hope, a Christian outdoor centre in the Scottish Highlands. When the owner’s family learns of her plight, her stay is extended, complete with a part-time job and a place to stay. But even surrounded by beauty, friendship and faith, memories of her marriage and fears of an unknown future plague her. Is her new life enough, or will her husband, with all his wealth and promises, lure her back?
Graeme McAlpine, outdoor enthusiast and owner of Braid Hope, has vowed never to fall for a guest again. But as soon as Lorna Campbell steps into the Centre, he knows he’s in trouble. He is increasingly drawn to his secretive new guest, and intent on getting to know her. When he finally discovers her story, he enters a heart-wrenching struggle that has repercussions for more than just himself.
Amidst shades of autumn, can there be a happily ever after? Or will winter’s chill descend on shattered dreams?
Lorna Campbell flees her abusive husband and her life in London for the refuge of Braid Hope, a Christian outdoor centre in the Scottish Highlands. When the owner’s family learns of her plight, her stay is extended, complete with a part-time job and a place to stay. But even surrounded by beauty, friendship and faith, memories of her marriage and fears of an unknown future plague her. Is her new life enough, or will her husband, with all his wealth and promises, lure her back?
Graeme McAlpine, outdoor enthusiast and owner of Braid Hope, has vowed never to fall for a guest again. But as soon as Lorna Campbell steps into the Centre, he knows he’s in trouble. He is increasingly drawn to his secretive new guest, and intent on getting to know her. When he finally discovers her story, he enters a heart-wrenching struggle that has repercussions for more than just himself.
Amidst shades of autumn, can there be a happily ever after? Or will winter’s chill descend on shattered dreams?
- GenresChristian FictionFiction
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2024
3 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Johnston
10 books107 followersI can remember the exact day when my love of writing started, not the date, but the day. I was in primary 3 at school (age 7), and our teacher was checking over our Monday morning diary updates. She expressed deep frustration at how little we were all writing, and encouraged us all to write more. And so my school writing went from sentences to pages and my love of writing began.
But as you grow up first loves get forgotten and the creative writing gave way to the serious writing of exams and university study; followed by the world of the 9-5, the mortgage and the family. Until connecting with family friend Byron Easterling and his mantra of Dream Big Dream Often, caused me to dig deep in search of the dreams of childhood and that love of writing.
Dreams are often forgotten or overlooked - but they are still there. So as Byron says 'Dream Big Dream Often'.
But as you grow up first loves get forgotten and the creative writing gave way to the serious writing of exams and university study; followed by the world of the 9-5, the mortgage and the family. Until connecting with family friend Byron Easterling and his mantra of Dream Big Dream Often, caused me to dig deep in search of the dreams of childhood and that love of writing.
Dreams are often forgotten or overlooked - but they are still there. So as Byron says 'Dream Big Dream Often'.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 28, 2024
I really enjoyed this book from Caroline Johnston.
She explores the ins and outs of realistic issues all set in the beautiful Scottish highlands. Definitely worth checking out.
She explores the ins and outs of realistic issues all set in the beautiful Scottish highlands. Definitely worth checking out.
September 3, 2024
Shades of Autumn is a beautifully written novel set in the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. The story follows Lorna as she flees London and her abusive husband for a time away at Braid Hope, a Christian outdoors centre. Lorna's struggles with her emotions and her faith really bring the reader into the story, leaving you rooting for her, hoping for her healing. Whilst in the Highlands, Lorna makes friends with the owner of Braid Hope, Graeme, and his family. Through their love, friendship and kindness, Lorna begins to blossom. Yet her struggle to understand what the future holds for her leaves her with the difficult decision - will she stay in her Scottish fairytale, or return to her husband who has promised her that he has changed.
The author has written this book in a wonderfully sensitive way, exploring difficult emotions and the anguish they can bring. The description of the setting of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands transports you there and the aspects of faith and conversations wrestling with God's plans are woven through, bringing hope.
The author has written this book in a wonderfully sensitive way, exploring difficult emotions and the anguish they can bring. The description of the setting of the breathtaking Scottish Highlands transports you there and the aspects of faith and conversations wrestling with God's plans are woven through, bringing hope.
May 23, 2024
I love finding new-to-me Christian Fiction authors and the latest new Author I have found is Caroline Johnston. Caroline Johnston’s latest release Shades of Autumn whisks you away to Scotland by way of London, telling you the story of Lorna, a wife escaping an abusive marriage to Braid Hope, an outdoor Christian center in the Scottish Highlands, owned by Graeme McAlpine. Being at Braid Hope was just what Lorna needed as she acclimated herself to the community to begin the healing process of finding herself again. As Lorna starts her healing journey, Graeme, his Mother, and his Sister become a support group to Lorna giving her friendship, pointing her to Jesus, and giving her a job. As Lorna is healing, the friendships with the McAlpine Family strengthen, especially her friendship with Graeme, as well as her relationship with God, that she starts questioning life and what she left behind.
I really love Shades of Autumn by Caroline Johnston and I am happy to find out that it’s part Ms. Johnston’s Braid Hope Series. Ms. Johnston’s writing swept me into the story from the get-go and the picturesque description of the Scottish Highlands made me wish I could purchase a one-way ticket to visit Scotland! I loved learning about Braid Hope and wished I could go there too! (I especially love the bookstore that Graeme and Lorna visited in the book!) I appreciate how the Shades of Autumn was paced and that everything didn’t get settled right away, but that the main characters–Lorna and Graeme–learned lessons, made mistakes, and had the freedom from others to make their choices–good or bad. My heart went out to Lorna and I was thankful that Lorna had a support group of friends that pointed her to Jesus and met her right where she was. I love the growth that Lorna made and could sympathize with her struggles and see how she made the choices she made. I sympathized with Graeme as his friendship with Lorna grew and he is finding it harder to walk the straight line between what he knows God wants and what his heart feels. If you are looking for a book that has picturesque places, characters with depth that do not have it all together but can point you to the One who does, with a powerful Message, then I highly recommend Shades of Autumn by Caroline Johnston! I love getting to know Lorna and Graeme and the rest of the Shades of Autumn characters and cannot wait to go to Braid Hope again!
Have you read Shades of Autumn? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank Caroline Johnston for giving me a copy of Shades of Autumn to review, for letting me be on the Shades of Autumn ARC Team, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
I really love Shades of Autumn by Caroline Johnston and I am happy to find out that it’s part Ms. Johnston’s Braid Hope Series. Ms. Johnston’s writing swept me into the story from the get-go and the picturesque description of the Scottish Highlands made me wish I could purchase a one-way ticket to visit Scotland! I loved learning about Braid Hope and wished I could go there too! (I especially love the bookstore that Graeme and Lorna visited in the book!) I appreciate how the Shades of Autumn was paced and that everything didn’t get settled right away, but that the main characters–Lorna and Graeme–learned lessons, made mistakes, and had the freedom from others to make their choices–good or bad. My heart went out to Lorna and I was thankful that Lorna had a support group of friends that pointed her to Jesus and met her right where she was. I love the growth that Lorna made and could sympathize with her struggles and see how she made the choices she made. I sympathized with Graeme as his friendship with Lorna grew and he is finding it harder to walk the straight line between what he knows God wants and what his heart feels. If you are looking for a book that has picturesque places, characters with depth that do not have it all together but can point you to the One who does, with a powerful Message, then I highly recommend Shades of Autumn by Caroline Johnston! I love getting to know Lorna and Graeme and the rest of the Shades of Autumn characters and cannot wait to go to Braid Hope again!
Have you read Shades of Autumn? What did you think of the book?
I would like to thank Caroline Johnston for giving me a copy of Shades of Autumn to review, for letting me be on the Shades of Autumn ARC Team, and giving me the information I needed for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My review is also Amazon and my blog, Leslie's Library Escape.
May 19, 2024
Lorna, a woman struggling in an abusive marriage, is given a six-weeks stay at Braid Hope, a Christian Center, by her friend, Kayana. Set in the beautiful highlands of Scotland, will Lorna find the healing and strength that she desires? The peace and beauty of Scotland will lead her into a new relationship with God and her faith that is beautiful to behold.
Graeme, who is the owner of Braid Hope and needs healing from his own trauma, finds himself drawn to this guest who stays to herself. Will their journeys of healing and faith lead to a relationship beyond guest and owner?
This story of hard things is handled with grace and care. The characters will grow to feel like your neighbors and friends and the descriptions of Glenmuir make you want to visit the beauty and tranquility of this small community.
I must admit coming from a background of abuse, that I was hesitant to read this book, but I am so glad that I did not let my fear stop me. The book is rich in faith, friendship, and healing and a definite 5 star read.
Graeme, who is the owner of Braid Hope and needs healing from his own trauma, finds himself drawn to this guest who stays to herself. Will their journeys of healing and faith lead to a relationship beyond guest and owner?
This story of hard things is handled with grace and care. The characters will grow to feel like your neighbors and friends and the descriptions of Glenmuir make you want to visit the beauty and tranquility of this small community.
I must admit coming from a background of abuse, that I was hesitant to read this book, but I am so glad that I did not let my fear stop me. The book is rich in faith, friendship, and healing and a definite 5 star read.
June 1, 2024
Tense and moving
I love this story and the main characters, especially Lorna and Graeme. Lorna I wanted to shake at times, and sympathise with Graeme when he struggled. It's a story of hope and healing, the power of prayer and friendships. Shades of Autumn kept me reading, willing on the characters. I'm thrilled with the satisfactory outcome as well, and I would love to read more about the others!
Shades of Autumn is not a particularly light read as such, but warm and helpful, making you want to reach out to others around you.
I love this story and the main characters, especially Lorna and Graeme. Lorna I wanted to shake at times, and sympathise with Graeme when he struggled. It's a story of hope and healing, the power of prayer and friendships. Shades of Autumn kept me reading, willing on the characters. I'm thrilled with the satisfactory outcome as well, and I would love to read more about the others!
Shades of Autumn is not a particularly light read as such, but warm and helpful, making you want to reach out to others around you.
May 23, 2024
Shades of Autumn
Great characters and a beautiful setting in the Scottish Highlands. Past trauma and ever present fear builds up tension as an abused wife seeks escape and healing. Fast pace leads to a happy ending. Christian romance at its best
Great characters and a beautiful setting in the Scottish Highlands. Past trauma and ever present fear builds up tension as an abused wife seeks escape and healing. Fast pace leads to a happy ending. Christian romance at its best
May 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this book and love Caroline’s detail and description, especially the scenery which makes you feel you are actually there. Loved the storyline which gripped me from the beginning.
May 23, 2024
A Beautiful Story of a Woman’s Journey to Safety
Lorna’s story paralleled too many real-life tales of battered women. I like how the author showed Lorna second guessing and justifying the abuse. It was wonderful to see Lorna’s growth, and frustrating to see her setbacks. Thank God for the friendships she formed at Braide Hope, the healing time spent in Creation can bring, God’s redemption of terrible situations, and men like Graeme who love unconditionally.
This was an excellent book.
Lorna’s story paralleled too many real-life tales of battered women. I like how the author showed Lorna second guessing and justifying the abuse. It was wonderful to see Lorna’s growth, and frustrating to see her setbacks. Thank God for the friendships she formed at Braide Hope, the healing time spent in Creation can bring, God’s redemption of terrible situations, and men like Graeme who love unconditionally.
This was an excellent book.
October 3, 2025
With its misty Highland hills and autumn leaves, Shades of Autumn by Caroline Johnston is the perfect cozy addition to a fall TBR.. The story does span one year, but both ends of the story take place in the fall. Taking place in the Scottish Highlands, the setting is full of beautiful imagery of fall in Scotland. It is certainly a cozy read!
The storyline follows Lorna, whose journey centers around her struggle with her abusive husband, and overcoming issues related to her trauma as she seeks healing. The author's dealing with this sensitive topic was done very well, and portrayed a realistic perspective on the many ways that abuse trauma can present. The abuse itself was told through flashbacks, and was mostly closed-door, focusing more on the effects than the abuse itself.
Graeme and his family, who run a retreat center near Glenmuir, provide a safe space for Lorna to escape and heal. Graeme has a history of falling for the wrong women, and we see his struggle with his attraction to Lorna while also feeling guilt for developing feelings for a married woman. While many Christian readers prefer not to read stories where married people are attracted to each other, I feel that the portrayal of their interactions is indicative of the complexity of the situation, and doesn't cross any boundaries. The struggle is very real, but ultimately, the way it plays out is respectful of marriage.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
-Light description of marital abuse/violence
-Trauma responses
-Attraction to a married person
I really enjoyed the overall story, the setting, and the characters. I was immersed straight into the story right away, and continued to be engaged through the end. There were a few parts that I felt myself skimming though, which were mostly related to skiing and outdoor sports - it's just not something I relate to and didn't impact the plot greatly. Yet the way the beauty of the area was described, was excellent and very immersive. At times, certain feelings or ideas were repeated so often that it pulled me out of the story. I'm all for intentional repetition if it's serving as a literary device, but this felt unnecessarily repetitive. That is just my personal take, and others might not notice.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and faith-filled story, perfect for curling up with on a crisp autumn day. The setting feels so cozy, and the relationships that develop between the female characters is really special. I appreciated how the journal scripture and the Braid Hope connection deepened the faith elements, with prayer and conversations with God woven naturally throughout. The characters did rely on prayer heavily, and you see conversations with God often.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars.
*Available on Kindle Unlimited
The storyline follows Lorna, whose journey centers around her struggle with her abusive husband, and overcoming issues related to her trauma as she seeks healing. The author's dealing with this sensitive topic was done very well, and portrayed a realistic perspective on the many ways that abuse trauma can present. The abuse itself was told through flashbacks, and was mostly closed-door, focusing more on the effects than the abuse itself.
Graeme and his family, who run a retreat center near Glenmuir, provide a safe space for Lorna to escape and heal. Graeme has a history of falling for the wrong women, and we see his struggle with his attraction to Lorna while also feeling guilt for developing feelings for a married woman. While many Christian readers prefer not to read stories where married people are attracted to each other, I feel that the portrayal of their interactions is indicative of the complexity of the situation, and doesn't cross any boundaries. The struggle is very real, but ultimately, the way it plays out is respectful of marriage.
⚠️ Content Warnings:
-Light description of marital abuse/violence
-Trauma responses
-Attraction to a married person
I really enjoyed the overall story, the setting, and the characters. I was immersed straight into the story right away, and continued to be engaged through the end. There were a few parts that I felt myself skimming though, which were mostly related to skiing and outdoor sports - it's just not something I relate to and didn't impact the plot greatly. Yet the way the beauty of the area was described, was excellent and very immersive. At times, certain feelings or ideas were repeated so often that it pulled me out of the story. I'm all for intentional repetition if it's serving as a literary device, but this felt unnecessarily repetitive. That is just my personal take, and others might not notice.
Overall, this was a heartfelt and faith-filled story, perfect for curling up with on a crisp autumn day. The setting feels so cozy, and the relationships that develop between the female characters is really special. I appreciated how the journal scripture and the Braid Hope connection deepened the faith elements, with prayer and conversations with God woven naturally throughout. The characters did rely on prayer heavily, and you see conversations with God often.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars.
*Available on Kindle Unlimited
September 2, 2024
Caroline Johnston is a new to me author participating in the 2024 International Reading Challenge. Shades of Autumn is a page turning fall read with realistic characters and beautiful Scottish highlands setting. This reader enjoyed how each chapter started with some verses from Psalm 18. Kayana is a wise friend, who suggested that Lorna Campbell worked through her insecurities by journaling to record her journey, experiences, and feelings. I enjoyed the mention of Rough Guides travel books and reference to romance writer Anne Perreault and her book Desire of the heart. As a retired high school English, Creative Writing, and Journalism teacher, I wished there had maybe a little less telling with shorter paragraphs and maybe some more dialog and action, but it was a difficult topic to cover in thoughtful way. Yes, there is harmony between nature and farming. The Lord is our rock and fortress even in difficult situations.
May 14, 2024
I have been following this author for awhile but this is the first book of hers I have read and may I say, I had no idea I was in for such a treat! I was inspired and reminded of the love and power of our Creator, all the while entertained and holding my breath, waiting for the hoped for outcome. What a journey! What a story!!
September 9, 2024
The beauty of the Scottish Highlands!
Tackling the traumatic subject of domestic abuse with sensitivity and grace, Ms Johnson has crafted a story as beautiful as the Scottish Highlands of it's setting. With the added buzz of adventure and outdoor pursuits and it's message of Christian faith and hope, this is a fantastic start to a brand new series. I can't wait for the next book!
Tackling the traumatic subject of domestic abuse with sensitivity and grace, Ms Johnson has crafted a story as beautiful as the Scottish Highlands of it's setting. With the added buzz of adventure and outdoor pursuits and it's message of Christian faith and hope, this is a fantastic start to a brand new series. I can't wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews