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His Secret Alaskan Family
A quest for forgiveness
Could lead to a new beginning
After fleeing Alaska ten years ago when his witness protection cover was blown, Deacon Shaw is back and determined to make amends to his ex-fiancée, Violet Drummond. But he’s shocked to meet Violet’s nine-year-old son, Chase—and to find out the boy is his! With a decade to make up for, Deacon longs to be a father, but Violet’s been raising their son alone for years and Chase is a stranger. Earning their trust won’t be easy, but if he succeeds, he could have everything he’s ever wanted…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Serenity Peak
Book 1: Her Alaskan Return
Book 2: An Alaskan Blessing
Book 3: His Secret Alaskan Family
Could lead to a new beginning
After fleeing Alaska ten years ago when his witness protection cover was blown, Deacon Shaw is back and determined to make amends to his ex-fiancée, Violet Drummond. But he’s shocked to meet Violet’s nine-year-old son, Chase—and to find out the boy is his! With a decade to make up for, Deacon longs to be a father, but Violet’s been raising their son alone for years and Chase is a stranger. Earning their trust won’t be easy, but if he succeeds, he could have everything he’s ever wanted…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Serenity Peak
Book 1: Her Alaskan Return
Book 2: An Alaskan Blessing
Book 3: His Secret Alaskan Family
- GenresContemporary Romance
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
15 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Belle Calhoune
95 books434 followersBelle Calhoune writes heartwarming, inspirational romance novels set in small, cozy towns. Married to her college sweetheart and living in southern Connecticut, she is the mother of two girls. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she is one of five children. Growing up across the street from a public library allowed her to become an avid reader who aspired to be a romance writer. When she isn't writing, she enjoys reading, spending time in Cape Cod, traveling and enjoying time with friends and family.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
Belle hopes her books will provide readers with inspiration, entertainment and an escape from day to day life.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 28, 2025
This book had a lot of drama. It was a good read.
January 21, 2025
HIS SECRET ALASKAN FAMILY by Belle Calhoune is third book in the Serenity Peak series. It’s the fabulous, heart-warming story of Deacon Shaw (who Violet knew as John) and Violet Drummond who fell deeply in love ten years ago. For reasons he couldn’t explain, John just disappeared breaking Violet’s heart. Now he’s come back to Serenity Peak to set things right by giving an explanation of why he left only to find some wonderful surprises himself.
Deacon had gone by the name John Darrow while in town the last time. Having witnessed multiple murders, he had become the main witness to bring down a Boston crime family – a family he had known all his life and worked for before observing such horror. For his safety, he was placed in the WITSEC – the Witness Protection Program – and moved to Serenity Peak. He wasn’t able to have any contact with anyone he knew – not even his family. He knew his mother was fighting cancer and the pull to check on her won out. He knew it was a fatal mistake when people showed up in town to find him. That’s why he left. Not only for his safety, but for those in town he loved, with Violet on top of that list. It broke his heart to leave her. In the following ten years, he’d worked and moved when necessary. Even after the trial, with talk of getting revenge, he had stayed in the program. It wasn’t until after the mob’s demise in jail and the threats were eliminated that he was free to go back home to his family and to try to explain to all those he had hurt -including Violet. Sadly, in the time he was away his mother had passed away just adding to his heartbreak.
After John left, Violet was beside herself. At first, she thought the love of her life would return. Then she found out she was pregnant. If it hadn’t been for her son, she didn’t think she would have had the strength to move forward. However, for her son and with the love and help from her family, she would withstand anything including the rumor mill and how folks ridiculed and shunned her. Violet worked hard and Chase became the purpose in her universe. Between her father and herself, they had made Sugar Works and their birch tree orchard a great success. Then one day she looked up and knew her world would once again never be the same again.
Deacon knew immediately that Chase was his son. It was like looking at a mini-me at that age. Seems that the similar looks didn’t go unnoticed by Chase either. Deacon’s sudden reappearance, all these years later, brings every emotion Violet has to the surface. For ten years, it had been Chase and her. How will it work adding Deacon to that circle? Can they work through the past in effort to work together in the present – for Chase’s sake? Was it destiny that send Deacon back at this time when they dearly needed his expertise to save their orchard? Will his reappearance now bring havoc or a second chance at love? Can Deacon and Violet help each other heal?
HIS SECRET ALASKAN FAMILY is an amazing FIVE STAR story of first love and second chances. Belle Calhoune delivers us a story of true love that falls apart, feelings of being blind-sightedly deserted, anger, forgiveness, hope, family, community, standing up for what’s right, second chances and even the fact that sometimes wisdom doesn’t necessarily have to come with age.
Although part of a series, HIS SECRET ALASKAN FAMILY can most definitely be read as a standalone book. However, after reading this one, I’m sure you will want read the other books as well. Highly recommend HIS SECRET ALASKAN FAMILY to anyone and everyone. It’s the type of book you will love sharing with you daughter, grandmother, friends and neighbors.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#HisSecretAlaskanFamily #BelleCalhoune #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance
Deacon had gone by the name John Darrow while in town the last time. Having witnessed multiple murders, he had become the main witness to bring down a Boston crime family – a family he had known all his life and worked for before observing such horror. For his safety, he was placed in the WITSEC – the Witness Protection Program – and moved to Serenity Peak. He wasn’t able to have any contact with anyone he knew – not even his family. He knew his mother was fighting cancer and the pull to check on her won out. He knew it was a fatal mistake when people showed up in town to find him. That’s why he left. Not only for his safety, but for those in town he loved, with Violet on top of that list. It broke his heart to leave her. In the following ten years, he’d worked and moved when necessary. Even after the trial, with talk of getting revenge, he had stayed in the program. It wasn’t until after the mob’s demise in jail and the threats were eliminated that he was free to go back home to his family and to try to explain to all those he had hurt -including Violet. Sadly, in the time he was away his mother had passed away just adding to his heartbreak.
After John left, Violet was beside herself. At first, she thought the love of her life would return. Then she found out she was pregnant. If it hadn’t been for her son, she didn’t think she would have had the strength to move forward. However, for her son and with the love and help from her family, she would withstand anything including the rumor mill and how folks ridiculed and shunned her. Violet worked hard and Chase became the purpose in her universe. Between her father and herself, they had made Sugar Works and their birch tree orchard a great success. Then one day she looked up and knew her world would once again never be the same again.
Deacon knew immediately that Chase was his son. It was like looking at a mini-me at that age. Seems that the similar looks didn’t go unnoticed by Chase either. Deacon’s sudden reappearance, all these years later, brings every emotion Violet has to the surface. For ten years, it had been Chase and her. How will it work adding Deacon to that circle? Can they work through the past in effort to work together in the present – for Chase’s sake? Was it destiny that send Deacon back at this time when they dearly needed his expertise to save their orchard? Will his reappearance now bring havoc or a second chance at love? Can Deacon and Violet help each other heal?
HIS SECRET ALASKAN FAMILY is an amazing FIVE STAR story of first love and second chances. Belle Calhoune delivers us a story of true love that falls apart, feelings of being blind-sightedly deserted, anger, forgiveness, hope, family, community, standing up for what’s right, second chances and even the fact that sometimes wisdom doesn’t necessarily have to come with age.
Although part of a series, HIS SECRET ALASKAN FAMILY can most definitely be read as a standalone book. However, after reading this one, I’m sure you will want read the other books as well. Highly recommend HIS SECRET ALASKAN FAMILY to anyone and everyone. It’s the type of book you will love sharing with you daughter, grandmother, friends and neighbors.
I receive an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#HisSecretAlaskanFamily #BelleCalhoune #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance
December 22, 2024
This was my first time reading a book by Belle Calhoune, but it definitely won’t be my last! This story goes beyond a simple second-chance romance, it’s a one-of-a-kind storyline that I haven’t encountered before.
Ten years ago, Deacon and Violet were partners in work and love, planning a future together. But everything changed when Deacon left without explanation. Over the years, Violet hasn’t heard from him and has been raising their son on her own, something Deacon never even knew about. Now, Deacon is back, determined to make up for his past mistakes.
What he doesn’t anticipate is the impact his absence had on Violet. He’s unprepared for the cold reception from the tight-knit community, the shocking discovery that he has a son, and the flood of feelings for Violet that come rushing back. Violet may understand why he left, but the hurt and betrayal have shaped her, and she’s hesitant to let him in again. Meanwhile, Deacon struggles to adapt to fatherhood overnight, a challenge he never saw coming.
If Violet can’t forgive him, the community won’t accept him, and his son feels the need to defend him, Deacon must make a decision: should he stay in Serenity Peak and fight for his family or leave them behind and return home to care for his father?
This heartwarming story is truly special. I was completely invested in Deacon and Violet’s journey and couldn’t put the book down. I read it all the moment I got it in the mail! You have to read this one!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Secret Baby
Second-Chance Romance
Faith Elements
Close-Knit Community
Beautiful Alaskan Setting
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
Ten years ago, Deacon and Violet were partners in work and love, planning a future together. But everything changed when Deacon left without explanation. Over the years, Violet hasn’t heard from him and has been raising their son on her own, something Deacon never even knew about. Now, Deacon is back, determined to make up for his past mistakes.
What he doesn’t anticipate is the impact his absence had on Violet. He’s unprepared for the cold reception from the tight-knit community, the shocking discovery that he has a son, and the flood of feelings for Violet that come rushing back. Violet may understand why he left, but the hurt and betrayal have shaped her, and she’s hesitant to let him in again. Meanwhile, Deacon struggles to adapt to fatherhood overnight, a challenge he never saw coming.
If Violet can’t forgive him, the community won’t accept him, and his son feels the need to defend him, Deacon must make a decision: should he stay in Serenity Peak and fight for his family or leave them behind and return home to care for his father?
This heartwarming story is truly special. I was completely invested in Deacon and Violet’s journey and couldn’t put the book down. I read it all the moment I got it in the mail! You have to read this one!
Here’s what you can look forward to:
Secret Baby
Second-Chance Romance
Faith Elements
Close-Knit Community
Beautiful Alaskan Setting
I received a complimentary copy of this book, and this review reflects my honest opinion.
January 11, 2025
Welcome back to Serenity Peak, and what a treat it is to return! We met Violet Drummond and her son, Chase in the first book in this series, and now we get to dive into their story in author Belle Calhoune's His Secret Alaskan Family.
A decade ago, Violet was engaged to be married when her fiance abruptly left town without a word. Now Deacon Shaw is back, and says he wants to make amends, but who is he? That wasn't his name when she knew him! He's got a lot of explaining to do...IF she gives him a chance to do it. She didn't even realize she was pregnant yet when he took off, and has dedicated the last 10 years to raising their son alone. How will Chase react when he finds out Deacon is his father?
Deacon desperately wants a chance to share everything that went on these last years, as well as get to know his son. Could he possibly forge a path back into Violet's heart, as well?
Oh my stars, I devoured this story in one sitting. As it says in the story, "truth is stranger than fiction", but the author seamlessly blends what seems to be a fantastical excuse from Deacon into something believable and true. I loved how Violet was determined to protect Chase's heart with her whole being, while still being open to give Deacon a chance to get to know him. Plus, this story has my favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
A decade ago, Violet was engaged to be married when her fiance abruptly left town without a word. Now Deacon Shaw is back, and says he wants to make amends, but who is he? That wasn't his name when she knew him! He's got a lot of explaining to do...IF she gives him a chance to do it. She didn't even realize she was pregnant yet when he took off, and has dedicated the last 10 years to raising their son alone. How will Chase react when he finds out Deacon is his father?
Deacon desperately wants a chance to share everything that went on these last years, as well as get to know his son. Could he possibly forge a path back into Violet's heart, as well?
Oh my stars, I devoured this story in one sitting. As it says in the story, "truth is stranger than fiction", but the author seamlessly blends what seems to be a fantastical excuse from Deacon into something believable and true. I loved how Violet was determined to protect Chase's heart with her whole being, while still being open to give Deacon a chance to get to know him. Plus, this story has my favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
November 29, 2024
Violet had everything she hoped for ten years ago. She was engaged to the love of her life and then one day he was just...gone! Where did he go? When she discovered she was pregnant, she put everything she had into raising her son, Chase. She had a wonderful, supportive family which helped, but she never got over Chase's father leaving her like that. No explanation. When he shows up at her door after ten years "to explain", she wants nothing to do with him, especially when he is going by another name now! It takes one of her law enforcement friends intervening to get her to listen to him. She'll give him a chance to explain and then send him packing! However, finding out why he left changes everything.
Deacon has never forgotten Violet and for ten long years, he's wanted nothing more than to come back to Alaska and be with her. Will she accept his explanation? He is completely shocked to find out he's s father. This changes all his plans. Will he stay in Alaska and have the family he's always yearned for? Will the tight-knit community accept him? Will Chase be happy to have a father in his life? A story of forgiveness, second chances and finding love again.
Deacon has never forgotten Violet and for ten long years, he's wanted nothing more than to come back to Alaska and be with her. Will she accept his explanation? He is completely shocked to find out he's s father. This changes all his plans. Will he stay in Alaska and have the family he's always yearned for? Will the tight-knit community accept him? Will Chase be happy to have a father in his life? A story of forgiveness, second chances and finding love again.
January 19, 2025
If you love second chance love stories, then this book is absolutely for you!
Violet and Deacon fell in love and were engaged a decade ago. They were planning their wedding, when all the sudden, he left and never reached out to her again. Shortly thereafter, she found out she was pregnant with his child and raised him as a single mom with support from her family. Fast forward to present day. Deacon shows up out of the blue and Violet's delicate world she created for her and her son comes crashing down all around her. Even though he has a very valid explanation of why he left (his WITSEC cover was compromised) how is she supposed to trust him again after a decade of silence? Grab this book and find out how they navigate co-parenting, especially since Deacon didn't even know he was a father, ugly rumors, and each other's emotions.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Violet and Deacon fell in love and were engaged a decade ago. They were planning their wedding, when all the sudden, he left and never reached out to her again. Shortly thereafter, she found out she was pregnant with his child and raised him as a single mom with support from her family. Fast forward to present day. Deacon shows up out of the blue and Violet's delicate world she created for her and her son comes crashing down all around her. Even though he has a very valid explanation of why he left (his WITSEC cover was compromised) how is she supposed to trust him again after a decade of silence? Grab this book and find out how they navigate co-parenting, especially since Deacon didn't even know he was a father, ugly rumors, and each other's emotions.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
January 20, 2025
The man who broke her heart ten years ago is back in Serenity Peak. How will Violet Drummond respond to his reason for leaving and the name he now claims as his own?
I'm never disappointed in books written by Belle Calhoune! His Secret Alaskan Family has many tropes I've come to enjoy, including broken hearts, a secret baby, and second chances, but it isn't a typical romance. Calhoune realistically portrays Violet's doubts, Deacon Shaw's surprise, and a nine-year-old boy's reaction to a dad he's never known. Hope, faith, and family are all a part of this heart-tugging return to a close-knit community that supports its own!
I recommend His Secret Alaskan Family to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
I'm never disappointed in books written by Belle Calhoune! His Secret Alaskan Family has many tropes I've come to enjoy, including broken hearts, a secret baby, and second chances, but it isn't a typical romance. Calhoune realistically portrays Violet's doubts, Deacon Shaw's surprise, and a nine-year-old boy's reaction to a dad he's never known. Hope, faith, and family are all a part of this heart-tugging return to a close-knit community that supports its own!
I recommend His Secret Alaskan Family to all who enjoy contemporary Christian romance!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.
January 21, 2025
His Secret Alaskan Family by Belle Calhoune is book #3 in her Serenity Peak series. It’s a standalone, but of course it builds on previous books. That’s why I love a great book series. Deacon Shaw comes out of witsec after being gone 10 years where he up & left his fiancée Violet Drummond. He comes back to discover he has a son that he never knew about. It was an amazing story & will keep you captivated all the way through. It’s a book about forgiveness & one of trust. It has an amazing epilogue & a shoutout to another Belle Calhoune series. I’m a big fan of Belle Calhoune. I’ve read most of her books. Honestly, this is my absolute favorite! I loved reading about Deacon, Violet, and Chase becoming the family they were always meant to be. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.
January 4, 2025
I really enjoy books by this author. She always does such a great job of bringing out the human side of her characters and dealing with difficult situations with grace. This book is no different in that regard. I have read other books that have a character that is in WITSEC but this one takes it from a new angle I have not seen before which I really appreciated. This novel also has such great secondary characters which makes this novel so much more enjoyable. I think you can tell a lot about how good a book will be by the secondary characters in it. This author does such an awesome job with the details. I definitely recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
January 29, 2025
Belle has yet another wonderful book set in Serenity Peak Alaska. This time we find out why Violet was a single mom. Deacon (John) is back with a fantastic story of being in WITSEC. He supposedly witnessed a crime, but was it because he really was a criminal and they needed his testimony and he made a deal? Can she believe him on anything now? Can she allow him to send time with her (their) son? While reading I found out the answers to all of these questions and more. It was a great read, but in the famous words from my favorite show about books, "Don't take my word for it, find out for yourself, when you get a copy today."
December 14, 2024
I truely fell in love with this sweet, heartwarming, inspirational, Christian story. Second chances, small town, forgiveness, faith, romance and coming home again. I enjoyed reading about the wonderful characters. Single mom, Violet Drummond will do whatever it takes to protect her son, Chase. When her past love, Deacon Shaw suddenly reappears back into her life, she's weary of having her heart broken again. I look forward to more books in the Serenity Peak series. I couldn't put it down!! A must read!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
February 19, 2025
Heartfelt
After being cleared from being in the witness protection program, Deacon sets out to make amends and start over. He never really knew what his reception would be, but he definitely didn't expect to discover that he had a son. As he and Violet maneuver through their new relationship, they are faced with challenges of trust, honesty, gossip, fear, and moving forward. Their story is heartfelt and should not be missed.
After being cleared from being in the witness protection program, Deacon sets out to make amends and start over. He never really knew what his reception would be, but he definitely didn't expect to discover that he had a son. As he and Violet maneuver through their new relationship, they are faced with challenges of trust, honesty, gossip, fear, and moving forward. Their story is heartfelt and should not be missed.
April 1, 2025
Deacon Shaw is back in Alaska. He left because he was in the Witness Protection Program because he was witness to a murder. He had no idea his former fiancé Violet Drummond was pregnant. He got the shock of his life when he met his son. Chase was ecstatic to meet his father finally. Violet had mixed feelings. Slowly everyone got to know each other. This is a great story on family and overcoming unexpected circumstances.
April 14, 2025
Interesting story about a young fiancée that was required to leave Alaska through the witness protection program before he found out he had a son on the way. After being gone for ten years, he returned to try to make amends for his sudden departure. The family had to work through trust issues as well as all the changes that had occurred in ten years. He had to work to develop a relationship with his son and deal with the hurtful gossip that was carried by the townspeople.
April 19, 2025
I’ve enjoyed book 1, Her Alaskan Return, and book 2, An Alaskan Blessing, and this story didn’t disappoint. It can be read as a standalone but do read the first two books as they are enjoyable.
Second chances, mystery, forgiveness, and an unexpected child will keep you reading. This really is a heartwarming story that I became invested in. Great characters, both main and secondary, in a lovely Alaskan town, made me want to hop on plane and go visit.
Second chances, mystery, forgiveness, and an unexpected child will keep you reading. This really is a heartwarming story that I became invested in. Great characters, both main and secondary, in a lovely Alaskan town, made me want to hop on plane and go visit.
December 22, 2024
Belle Calhoun never disappoints. Trust and faith always play a large part in everyone’s life whether we know it or not. Deacon came back after being in. The Witness program to learn about his child. Great book as always
February 14, 2025
A nice, easy, relaxing read after a long work day. Much of the story focuses on Deacon’s relationship with his previously unknown nine-year-old son and I truly loved their bonding. Nice comfort story!
March 6, 2025
This was a great little read
Not usually my type of book but all the same the story was very good
It’s a very nice cliché book and the ending you can see coming from miles away
But I did enjoy it
Read while at home 🌲
Not usually my type of book but all the same the story was very good
It’s a very nice cliché book and the ending you can see coming from miles away
But I did enjoy it
Read while at home 🌲
Read
January 2, 2025Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Serenity Peak (Book #3)
Miniseries
Serenity Peak (Book #3)
Read
January 2, 2025Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Serenity Peak (Book #3)
Miniseries
Serenity Peak (Book #3)
January 20, 2025
Great read. Loved the plot and characters. The blossoming relationship between Deacon and Chase was touching and awesome to see. I really enjoyed this one.
January 3, 2025
The inspiring love story of Violet and Deacon will warm your heart on any winter day. I genuinely fell in love with this entire book! Well done once again Belle❤️🎄
January 26, 2025
His Secret Alaskan Family by Belle Calhoun was my third trip to Serenity Peak. It was as enjoyable as the first two. Great story with a character returning to Serenity Peak after being in witness protection. Highly recommend this book and the first two. This can be read as a stand alone despite being part of a series. I was given an ARC of this book by the author. I also received a copy from a friend who thought I would love it and I did. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews