Coming Home for Fall

by Sage Parker

I didn’t realize empty nesting would feel so… empty.


66-year-old Callie Ward sits alone in her big Victorian house. With her children grown and her husband often away, it's become empty and quiet. So when her local charity asks if she can sponsor a young mother in need, she quickly agrees.

Soon the house is alive again with laughter and baby giggles. But just as Callie grows close to Sasha and baby Dot, her youngest daughter Mallory shows up unannounced—jobless, heartbroken, and convinced the new houseguest is hiding something.

Sasha pushes back by asking questions that could expose a secret Callie and her husband have been hiding for twenty years..

Now, with the whole family coming home for Thanksgiving, one wrong conversation could unravel everything.


This is Book 5 of 6 in the Ferndale Secrets series. A warm and hopeful story of second chances and the complicated ties that hold families together.

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2025

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize empty nesting would feel so… empty.

66-year-old Callie Ward sits alone in her big Victorian house. Not long ago, she could hardly hear herself think. Now, with her children grown and husband often away, the chaos is gone—and the quiet feels too big for one person.

So when her local charity asks if she can sponsor a young mother in need, she quickly agrees.

Soon, the house is alive again with laughter and baby giggles. But just as Callie grows close to Sasha and baby Dot, her youngest daughter, Mallory, shows up unannounced: jobless, heartbroken, and convinced the new houseguest is hiding something.

Sasha pushes back by asking questions that could expose a secret Callie and her husband have been hiding for twenty years...

Now, with the whole family coming home for Thanksgiving, one wrong conversation could unravel everything.


This contemporary, second-chance, clean and wholesome, later-in-life women's fiction Christian inspirational small-town romance is page-turning, with exceptional world-building in Ferndale, and characters who are resilient, heartbroken, lonely, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with coming home for Fall, Thanksgiving family drama/chaos, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth that will leave readers needing Kleenex/Puffs, love and loss, heartwarming and hopeful story of second chances and the complicated ties that hold families together, one conversation could unravel everything with Ferndale secrets, empty nesting, intrigue, suspense that will leave readers on the edge of their seats with twists/turns, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with coming home for fall and a second chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world of love/loss, intrigue, second chances, hope, friendships, and more that is mysterious, inspirational, and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seems like everyone has secrets.What is in Sasha’s life that she is trying to keep hidden? Why does she keep avoiding everyone’s questions & what is the truth? What is the pretend life that Callie & David are living & why does Callie not want the kids to know? The kids still think their mom & dad is so much in love. Some secrets have come out, but I think there are more yet to come

First Sasha was going through papers in Callie & David bedroom, then she was caught going through David’s phone. This is going to be a real shocker! How will the kids react to all of these secrets? I can’t wait to see the reaction the kids to the BIG SECRET, but it seems Sasha is the only one knowing this?? Is it a surprise to everyone? Will they all be drawn together with this new news or will it cause everyone to go their own way? Will this truly be a Happy Thanksgiving or will everyone be at odds?? I think the whole family will be shocked to find out the truth. I was sure blindsided on this revelation! I certainly did not see this coming. I was looking at another answer to all of the secrets. Keep reading you will enjoy this book.

I received a free copy of this book series via Bookspout. I am giving a free review of this book series in my own words . Can’t wait to get the final book.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie and David's kids have suspicions about Sasha. She was caught snooping in their bedroom going thru boxes. When Callie confronted her, she said she was looking for money for a bus ticket to leave, as she feels she isn't wanted in their household. Mallory has more suspicions than anyone because she is living in the same house as Sasha and sees what goes on. She confronts her again after she sees that she has been on David's phone, Sasha then promises to come clean. Sasha was told by her mother before she died that David is her biological father. Also Callie and David are keeping a secret from the family that I believe has a lot to do with their own relationship. Callie wants to get together with her husband and his friend who is a woman, and Callie thinks it's finally time for them to meet. I can't wait for the next book to see how this ends, what an exciting story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[NicoleReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE WAY THIS BOOK ENDED!

I wish Sage could give a master class on leaving us hanging. There was so much packed into this installment. My kindle almost caught fire by how fast I was turning them pages.

No, but seriously, if you've read the first four books in this series, then you know all the secrets that have been lurking around. We get a HUGE answer in this book, yet we also wind up with another new question.

The family is hanging on by a thread, and the parents are clueless to how close everyone is to discovering their secrets. I'll admit some of this is easy to see from the start HOWEVER there are still twists to be found. It doesn't unfold the way you might think it would, which is refreshing.

I honestly can't wait for the final book. I have full faith we'll get the answers we're dying for.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Lies...

Secrets are coming out of the closet. Callie and David’s marriage is a farce. They’ve been living a lie in front of the children but now the children are adults. It’s time for the truth about their mother and dad … the parents who supposedly are so much in love.

Since the children are home for Thanksgiving, Callie and David are about to confess all. But before they can gather in the living room Mallory sees Sasha going through David’s phone. Let’s just say the outburst is loud and the accusations roll.

So, why was Sasha sneaking a peek at David’s phone? Just wait till Sasha reveals her own secret… one that will affect the whole family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book dropped an astonishing revelation, which I sort of suspected, but I was completely thrown for a loop when I read those words. There is still a lot more to be revealed and I am sure we will understand everything in the next book and I cannot wait to read the next instalment to see where Callie and David stand and how their children will feel when the truth comes out. With Thanksgiving on their doorstep can the family truly come together and celebrate the holiday without any problems? We will know soon enough.

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[June Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, as each mystery appears to be solved, another pops up. This author definitely keeps the suspense going as she writes each book in this series. The character building is phenomenal as she makes you feel like you know each one intimately. I love reading good, clean books like this that keep your attention and keep you wanting to know more.
Callie and David have secrets, Sasha has secrets, Mallory has secrets. Who knows what other secrets we will see before all is revealed! Definitely a five star read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Baby Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Sasha's story is going to cause a big fight among Callie and David's adult children. Sasha's confession is going to open a whole new can of worms and Callie and David are going to have some explaining to do. Ariel, Taylor, and Mallory are going to be hurt, disappointed, and angry at the secret their parents have been hiding for years. Now they have Sasha to deal with.. Me oh my, talk about explosive... Wow, I dis not see this one coming. Soo good!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming Home For Fall, Book 5, has surprises and revealed secrets for the members of the Ward family. Callie confronts Sasha about the personal papers she found her reviewing. Callie and David agree on the day to present their undisclosed secret to their children . David finds additional information about Sasha and shares it with his parents. Sasha discloses information about her past and her biggest secret to everyone. The book ends in a surprising cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #5 in the Ferndale Secrets series by Sage Parker.

Things come to a head in this book! Secrets are coming closer to being discovered and tensions are rising. I suspected one secret that has been confirmed. I can’t wait to see what the fallout is when it is revealed to everyone. It will definitely be an interesting Thanksgiving.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage Parker has an amazing skill for keeping things hidden from readers that are coming up! I have connected with all the characters in this book and can feel emotions as the go up and down.
Callie and David have a secret that they have kept from their children but when I read the cliff hanger my mouth dropped open! I am so excited for the next book so the answers will be known.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Berta Greenleaf Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the secrets are coming out and they pack a punch. Sasha's secret is a whopper. It is going to change the face of this family. David and Callie's secret is coming out soon. What will happen when the kids find out what Mom and Dad have kept a secret for so long? I highly recommend this book to all women's fiction readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Coming Home for Fall (Book 5)” by Sage Parker

-Family secrets unravel in this gripping continuation of the series. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Callie and David’s perfect marriage begins to crack as long-buried truths surface. Sasha’s shocking confession threatens to upend everything the family believed.

Emotional, dramatic, and full of twists—this installment leaves you desperate for the next and final installment.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series has had me hooked from book one and the secrets and lies keep piling up one on top of the other and with each book you get glimpses as to what they may be. In this book However a high bomb is dropped that you may or may not have seen coming but we are still not getting the whole story so I really really hope book six brings it all together. This author really knows how to keep you coming back for more!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my! A bombshell secret was just dropped right before the family celebrates together for Thanksgiving. How will the family recover from this and what will happen to them next? Will Mallory and James move forward from a friends only relationship to a romantic one? And ultimately what will become of Callie’s friendship with Joshua? Ready to move on to the last book to find out what happens.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[PW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best so far, especially since Callie’s adult children are treating her like an adult as she is them. I can’t wait to find out Sasha’s and Callie’s secret. As soon as get the next book I am on it!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!

This book is a great read and ends with a mind-bending cliff hanger that is totally unexpected.  Callie and David's marriage is not what it seems. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in this series as it will reveal deeply hidden family secrets that will shock the family to its core.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team.  I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a twisty mystery that has kept me guessing the whole way, just wow! Amazing writing and what a clever and entertaining story line, secrets galore. The next book is going to be a page turner for sure. Excellent writing that has kept me hooked to this fantastic, many layered and mysterious story.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes people have the best intentions but it can also cause a lot of problems. Trying to be nice and helping someone could backfire. Like the characters and the storyline. It's interesting when people try to help people and sometimes it can cause more problems. Makes for interesting reading. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a surprise the way this one ended. Callie and David have secrets of their own. What could Sasha say about this situation?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must be read in order.
Some of the secrets are revealed.
Some excuses are given
Some decisions to reveal are made
Someone is caught red handed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barb Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, the secrets are starting to come out. The family isn't as open to each other as they believe they are. Looking forward to learning what is really happening. I received an advanced reader copy of this book from BookSprout, and this is my honest review.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I didn't see that coming.
SECRETS, SECRETS, and more SECRETS.
You won't believe this one.

A MUST READ!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie and David have some things to share with the kids. Sasha is caught going through David's phone. What is she hiding and how is it going to effect everyone? The last book should be good.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Raylene Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sasha starts her story of why she is there, but will Callie and David's childern think? The story is coming to a close, so enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[alliyisreading_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is getting really good! Things are finally hitting the fan and we're getting some answers now, slow burn.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Sage Parker; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fifth book in the Ferndale Secrets Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

[Cheryl McCrork · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Interesting Book 📖

The twists and turns keep you guessing what really is going on. The characters are very nice and interesting. The deception just gets deeper. I enjoyed this book 📖 from start to finish.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you ready for Thanksgiving dinner with all trimmings and that’s included crazy family stuff.
Secrets and cliffhanger..
Waiting for grand finale and the last episode.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie is really in over her head, it seems. This is a great story that I really liked reading. I cannot wait to find out the truth with this last cliffhanger.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.