Making amends could give him a future he never dreamed of...
Former bad boy Devin Spencer never thought his past would follow him back to Cape Cod—but neither did Cassie Reed. Tasked with reopening her family’s beloved summer camp, Cassie is determined to keep her distance from the man. But Devin’s dedication to giving his young daughter a stable life starts to break down her walls. As they grow closer, drawn together by their children and an undeniable connection, Cassie’s heartbreaking secret and Devin’s troubled history threaten to keep them apart. Can they find the courage to face the past and create the family they’ve both been searching for?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won't make your grandmother blush.
Her debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper, was named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and was also a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best Award.
Her first indie book, The Billionaire’s Secret, won the 2022 Selah Award for Contemporary Romance, placed second in the romance category of the 2022 Christian Indie Awards, and was a finalist for the 2022 HOLT Medallion.
Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.
She is grateful to be living her dream of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.
Meghann loves to hear from her readers, who can connect with her via:
If you love brother’s best friend stories where the main characters are forced to work together, come join me at summer camp on Cape Cod for this single dad romance!
Here’s what you can expect:
🩵 A single dad with a checkered past 🧸 A foster mom with a heart-wrenching secret ⛺️ A summer camp on beautiful Cape Cod in need of some serious rehabilitation 🍥 Macarons, mermaids and a dancing DJ to bring a smile to your face 🙏 A message of hope and healing for anyone who has ever longed for a fresh start
Cassie Reed returned home after her divorce that blindsided her. She’s back in Sandpiper Cove to help her re-open Camp Piper for her aunt Mirriam, along side with her siblings, as a family. She also has foster a little boy, Tyler who she hopes to adopt. She wants to make a home there for her and Tyler. It’s a future she’s hoping for. Will she get to adopt Tyler? Devin Spencer is a single dad, with a young daughter named Hailey. He’s been running from his past. He’s changed his life around since the birth of his daughter. He has faith in God. Cassie is shocked to learn that they are going to hire Devin since he had a problem with drinking when he was underaged. Can she trust that he won’t drink again? Her husband had a problem with alcohol and it wasn’t pleasant. Devin has had a crush on Cassie since he was in school but knew his best friend and her brother, wouldn’t like it, especially since she’s three years older. Between working on the camp, helping with Tyler, Cassie sees he has changed. She also lost her heart to Hailey since her mother isn’t involved. How can a mother not want to be with that precious little girl? Will they get their camp ready on time? Will it be a success? Will Devin confess that he had a crush on her? Will their age difference both Cassie? It’s only three years. Can she let his past go? Will he continue to work there or will he leave? He loves his job but would rather have a relationship with Cassie. Can they become a family? Will she let her hurt get in the way? The characters are so wonderful. They both had a lot to prove to each other. The deserve happiness, a family, a job they love and to be together.worth the read. It was aweet and emotional. I received this book for my honest review. I give it voluntarily.
This is a go-to author for me when I am looking for a good clean romance. One of my favorite things about this novel was the interactions between the kids of the two main characters. It was so sweet to read how much the little girl, Hailey, of the main male character, Devin, loved the little baby boy, Tyler, of the main female character, Cassie. I had my heart on my sleeve for one of the boys that came to the camp with other kids from a group home. There were so many heartfelt moments in this book. I absolutely loved how sweet and kind Cassie was to Hailey. There were some great themes to this story as well such as forgiveness, redemption, and adoption. Overall, this book was well-written and in my opinion a must read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
Trusting the Single Dad is clean, inspirational romance. Devin Spencer is a former bad boy and never thought his past would follow him back to Cape Cod. Trust once lost is difficult to regain. Devin is determined to give his young daughter a stable life. Cassie Reed has her own secrets to deal with. As they are forced to work together, will they learn to face the past and forgive? Author Meghann Whistler authors positive stories that promote forgiveness. I look forward to more of her books. I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
Cassie Reed returned home after her divorce that blindsided her. She’s back in Sandpiper Cove to help her re-open Camp Piper for her aunt Mirriam, along side with her siblings, as a family. She also has foster a little boy, Tyler who she hopes to adopt. She wants to make a home there for her and Tyler. It’s a future she’s hoping for. Will she get to adopt Tyler? Devin Spencer is a single dad, with a young daughter named Hailey. This was a book I didn't want to put down. I received an advanced copy of the book from booksiren and am reviewing voluntarily. I have read most books from the author looking forward to more books from the author.this is one of my favorite books I read this year
Wow, I love doing reviews. This book draws you in from the very beginning and keeps you wanting more. It takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride that keeps going until the end. Enjoy
TRUSTING THE SINGLE DAD by Meghann Whistler is the fabulous, heart-tugging story of Cassandra “Cassie” Reed and Devin Spencer as they filter through the past, work together in the present to re-open Camp Piper and dream about a possible future together.
After being blindsided by her husband divorcing her, Cassie moved back to Sandpiper Cove. Alongside her brothers, and under the direction of their Aunt Mirriam, they have big plans for getting Camp Piper back up and running this summer. She had thought it was a “family” thing until she’s shocked to find Devin at their first meeting and already hired on. Of all people, why? With her past drinking experiences with her ex and knowing Devin’s history back in high school, how could her aunt expect him working with them to be a good thing? She has two main goals – adopting Tyler, the little boy she’s fostering, and getting Camp Piper running successfully. Can she work with him?
Devin knows he was a cad as a teenager. He’d always had a crush on Cassie, but felt himself unworthy. Finding out his parents had kept it a secret he was adopted and with a chip on his shoulder, he really messed up, including getting arrested for DUI and stupidly getting married. While the marriage fell apart fast, he was blessed with Hailey, his now 6-year-old daughter. She was and will always be his reason to straighten his life out. When his boss’ son needed a job, he was let go. He was ecstatic when Mirriam offered him a job helping to generally do what needed to be done to get Camp Piper up and running. He’s praying Cassie will give him a chance to prove he’s changed. He really needs this job!
Can Cassie and Devin work together for the greater cause? Will Hailey find everything she’s looking for in a mom in Cassie? Feeling that Devin is trouble with a capital “T”, can Cassie stay purely professional or will she see the changes in Devin and want more? How will Cassie survive another devastating blow? With feelings much more than boyhood crush, does Devin dare dream of it being mutual? Will each of their pasts be a major stumbling block? Has Devin’s father-in-law shown up to fight for custody? Will Cassie’s withheld secrets be the reason for a future with anyone to crash and burn?
TRUSTING THE SINGLE DAD is a magnificent story that will give your heart a complete workout – from moments of pure joy to heartbreaking events. Meghann Whistler gives us a story of family, adoption, teamwork, working through the past to make room for the future, forgiveness, love, acceptance and romance then wrapping it all in a wonderful thread of faith. TRUSTING THE SINGLE DAD is absolutely a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone!
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own. #TrustingTheSingleDad #MeghannWhistler #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance
Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler an Uplifting Inspirational Romance
Making amends could give him a future he never dreamed of.
Former bad boy Devin Spencer never thought his past would follow him back to Cape Cod—but neither did Cassie Reed. Tasked with reopening her family’s beloved summer camp, Cassie is determined to keep her distance from the man. But Devin’s dedication to giving his young daughter a stable life starts to break down her walls. As they grow closer, drawn together by their children and an undeniable connection, Cassie’s heartbreaking secret and Devin’s troubled history threaten to keep them apart. Can they find the courage to face the past and create the family they’ve both been searching for? My favorite quote is Devin chuckled, plucking the boy’s hand from his face and relocating it to his shoulder. “Easy there, kiddo. I don’t need a broken nose on top of everything else. And you’re a bruiser, aren’t you? I can tell you’ve been eating well.” He threw a glance at Cassie. “What’s his name?”
“Tyler.”
“Tyler, I’m Devin. You want to go outside for a minute, say hello to Hailey?” Again, he glanced at Cassie. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“Uh…no.” She’d been rooted to the spot, watching their easy interaction. How many times during her marriage had she daydreamed about a scene almost exactly like this? “Go ahead.”
He strode out the door with Tyler, and Cassie shook her head as she dug into the diaper bag. Daydreaming about Devin Spencer’s paternal qualities? As if.
Alex laughed. “Guy’s a baby whisperer. Who knew?”
“I did,” Aunt Mirriam said staunchly. “That man is a wonderful father.”
I recommend this book. Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler is a 5-star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Meghann Whistler . I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own. From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Another good book by Meghann Whister. We are back in Maine and this time Cassie Reed, and her brothers have been offered the chance to re-open a summer camp owned by their aunt. Cassie is fostering a baby and looking to put down roots in her hometown. Her Aunt wants them to include Devin Spencer a life saver but also handyman. Cassie remembers Devin as her brother's friend and more like another brother several years younger while Devin had a crush on Cassie.
Devin went of the rails as a teen partly due to his circumstances and while he has changed and is now the proud father of a 6-year-old daughter Hailey. Problem is people remember the bad boy days when he drank too much. Cassie also has baggage from her former marriage which cloud her thinking when it comes to Devin.
The fact that the author tackles addiction in this case alcohol in a positive way where Devin actively attends a recovery program its good. It shows how addiction can be overcome but it needs work. There is a part where Cassie and Devin talk about addiction and how he is so confident he won't succumb. He talks about having Jesus in his life and being a committed Christian is why he knows he will stay clean. My mother was a compulsive gambler before she became a Christian she had the same faith and assurance and, in her 70+ years after becoming a Christian never gambled again. This conversion resonated with me because of this.
I love the interaction with the children and how it was the children that brought them together. The book also deals with fostering and what is required to be a foster parent with the uncertainty of how long a child will be placed with you.
I am hoping the brothers will get their own stories as I do want to know what happens next with them. If you enjoy Love Inspired books set in smaller communities with children who steal scenes give this book a go.
This is my second book by Meghann Whistler, and it did not disappoint. It is such a great book. Devin and Cassie are great together. I will admit that I did want a bit more of their story. I wanted the book to be longer. That would be my only real complaint.
This is a clean book. You won't find any swearing, sexual content, or graphic violence. Kissing is as far as it goes. Oh, and one of her brothers talks about wanting to beat up Cassie's ex-husband. One of the things that I've enjoyed about Meghann Whistler's books (at least the two that I've read) is that while they are clean Christian romances, they still hit on the deeper, more difficult issues. Some Christian novels are a little too "everything is perfect and happy" for me. Some of the deeper, more serious issues this book deals with include divorce, teen drinking, drinking to excess, infertility, unfaithful spouse, physical disabilities, and several other issues. I really like the way that she deals with these issues.
I appreciated that while this book ends on a happy note, it wasn't all happiness along the way. There were some things that happened to both of our main characters that were unfair and mean. Let's just say that the more I learn about Cassie's ex, the more I want someone to punch him in the face. He was a complete jerk who just kept getting worse the more we learned about him. When you think, "Well, that was horrible," it just gets worse.
I got a free ARC from the author, and I provided a voluntary review.
I adored Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler. I've read all of Whistler's Love Inspired Romance books, and I can honestly say that she's one of my faves in this genre! As with all of her books, the characters are very realistic and going through true to life stuff! And that stuff isn't always fun. Sometimes it's a deeply painful experience as is the case with Cassie. She went through a horribly painful divorce when her husband left her. Becoming a foster mom healed some of that hurt, and as foster parents know, unexpected things can happen. (No spoilers!)
Cassie has a really hard time trusting Devin. He was her brother's best friend throughout high school, and Cassie, being three years older, was often called upon to drive a drunk Devin home. Since her aunt hired him to work at the family camp that Cassie and her two brothers are now in charge of, she has to find a way to move past picturing a teenage Devin and his mistakes. His daughter Hailey helps Cassie see him in a new light. Hailey is a delight and brings so much joy to everyone around her.
This page-turning romance has lots of tropes that I love: single parents, best friend’s brother, and forced proximity…well forced to work together, at least! It also has such a deep message about how only God can truly heal your hurts. The book is filled with just so many things to love! If I named them all, it would seriously give away too much; however, if you are a fan of the tropes I mentioned and heartwarming Love Inspired books, Trusting the Single Dad is a MUST read! Add it to your lists today!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Trusting the Single Dad is a delightful inspirational romance. It takes place at a campground in Cape Cod and features two single parents. Devin is a single dad to 7-year-old daughter Hailey and Cassie is a foster mother to a 6-month-old baby boy, Tyler, whom she is hoping to adopt. They had not seen each other in years. Devin is offered a job at the campground and that job and the children bring them back together. It is a heart-warming story that tugs at your heartstrings. My favorite character in the book was Hailey. She was a funny, delightful, energetic child and she made me laugh and smile a lot. Both Devin and Cassie had trust issues to work through due to issues related to their previous marriages and life experiences. They had to have faith that God would help them learn to trust again. I really enjoyed the story line and the characters. I am looking forward to the next book in the series featuring Alex, Cassie's brother. This was the first time I read a book from Meghann Whistler and I am definitely looking forward to reading some of her other books.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book, but it did not sway my opinion in any way. I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others.
Trusting The Single Dad by @meghannwhistler & @harlequinbooks is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, sweet, inspiring, relatable, raw, emotional, powerful, and faith filled read! I adore this Love Inspired Christian Romance novel! Working through the sphere of control is huge in this book. Devin continues to experience some unfortunate consequences of past choices and actively chooses a better path eatch day for himself and his daughter. Cassie is deeply grieved by the loss of her ability to have children and the changing whims of the foster care system all of which are outside of her control. Both of these characters go through so much. This book beautifully shows their struggle to fight for faith in God's plan, for each other, and for the life they long to live. It is moving, relatably written, and full of adventure. The summer camp atmosphere balances the heaviness of their situations wonderfully. The romance is so sweet, based on genuine connection, and a slow burn. The characters are complex, raw, relatable, and trying their best yet turning to God because they know they fall short on their own. The use of scriptures perfect. I always love books by this author!
LOVED Devin and Cassie's story!! Devin has had a crush on Cassie for years, but knew he wasn't good enough for her. They haven't seen each other in years, but now Cassie is back in Cape Cod, too. Devin is raising his daughter, Hailey, as a single dad, and was working at a job in town. Until he was let go so the owner's son could take his place. Now, he's been offered a job at Camp Piper, if Cassie will agree. Cassie is back home, hoping to adopt baby Tyler, coming to terms with the fallout from her divorce. The more time they spend together, the more Cassie sees that Devin has changed, and the more she realizes that her being three years older isn't a problem at all. Cassie comes to realize that she really let her ex do a number on her, and she can trust that Devin is not at all like him! She also comes to realize that God is with her, and He wants the best for her, too. She can trust Him to give her the desires of her heart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
TRUSTING THE SINGLE DAD by Meghann Whistler is a heartwarming, easy read that delivers all the sweetness you need in a romance read.
Devin Spencer is a former bad boy working hard to give his young daughter the stable, loving life she deserves. He's genuine, he's trying and this makes him swoon worthy in the most understated way. Cassie Reed has her own walls up and her own heartbreaking reasons for keeping her distance but the way these two are drawn together, through their children, through shared moments, through that undeniable connection, was lovely.
Set against a Cape Cod summer camp backdrop, this story is all about second chances, forgiveness and finding the courage to trust again. No unnecessary drama, just honest emotion, sweet moments and two people learning to open their hearts.
If you love single parent romances, small town settings and stories that feel like a warm hug,this one is for you. I’m giving it the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
I was given a advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review of Trusting the Single Dad. I immediately fell in love with these characters. Devin, Cassandra (Cassie), Hailey, Jonah, Alex and the ever feisty Aunt Miriam. As I was reading this book I was blown away by the fact that one of the characters has cerebral palsy which doesn't stop them. I was rooting the whole way through the book for Devin, Cassie and Hailey to become a family. Meghann gets better as an author with every book that she writes. Also, as I was reading I was praying and hoping that another character will have their story told. At the end of the book I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they are in fact getting their story told. I would like to thank Meghann for shining a light on cerebral palsy. I have cerebral palsy and I don't think people understand it. Maybe this way people will understand that even though you have a physical disability you are still a contributing member of society and should not be looked at or treated any differently than someone without a disability. I also loved how Pastor Nate was mentioned from her previous book The Pastor's Hope.
Cassie Reed's aunt has turned over the camp she used to run with her husband, over the Cassie, her brothers, and her brother's friend Devin. Cassie is fostering a baby and Devin is a single dad. He didn't make the greatest choices when he was young. However, he no longer drinks, is raising his daughter and goes to church. Cassie, who is older by a couple years, remembers him as the younger version of himself. Can she get over the resentment that her aunt wants him to help? Can Devin show her how much he has changed?
This was a good, clean romance. It definitely shows how other people's perceptions sometimes don't change as you change. I enjoyed the story line. It was a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Trusting the Single Dad was a great story of second chances and how much a person can grow and change as they get older. Devin Spencer never thought his high school past would follow him back to his home town in Cape Cod but it has. Cassie Reed is trying to get her family’s much loved summer camp reopened and she doesn't trust Devin at all because in high school he loved to drink a lot, and especially since her ex also loved to drink, Cassie is determined to keep her distance from him. But Devin has changed since becoming a father and his dedication to giving his little girl a stable life starts to break down her walls. They are drawn together by their children, Cassie is fostering a baby boy in hopes of adopting him, and a connection that cannot be denied much longer. But Cassie has heartbreaking secret and Devin’s troubled past may keep them apart.
Cassie has had a rough time, all her dreams are crushed and she doesn’t want to trust or believe in anyone except family and close friends. Devin wants to prove he is worthy of trust, especially hers.
Devin has allowed God to change him; he made mistakes, he owned them, and determines with God’s help to be a different man. He faces challenges and an uphill battle but he is all in.
This was a pleasant read, emotional in parts balanced with humor and friendship. Emily and Devin are good for each other. I was cheering for them to keep trying during the hard times.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.
Some books feel like a cozy conversation with a friend, and Trusting the Single Dad by Meghann Whistler has that same warm, inviting charm. I really enjoyed the author’s friendly writing style and the relatable characters who quickly won me over. Cassie and Devin were easy to root for, and Devin’s daughter, Hailey, was such a delightful addition to the story. This sweet romance took me through a full range of emotions, from joyful moments to genuine heartbreak, while gently exploring themes of forgiveness, family, teamwork, and helping others. I also appreciated the thread of faith woven naturally throughout the story, along with a romance that felt heartfelt and nicely paced. By the final page, I was smiling big and wishing I could spend just a little more time with these characters.
This is a clean romance involving two hurting people. Cassie doubts any man is dependable, or maybe she just isn’t lovable. Devin has a past to live down and a lot to prove. Even with this fodder, the story seemed to move slowly. Cassie isn’t a very likable lady. She’s negative regarding herself and her future as well as judgmental about Devin and his teenage hijinks. Devin is stalwart but struggles to breach her walls. The book seems to tread the same few feet of emotional progress. It’s an easy read and will probably appeal to other readers. I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
What an awesome read. It was great visiting Cape Cod again. I enjoyed Cassie and Devin's story. They, along with Cassie's brothers, are getting ready to reopen Cassie's family's summer camp. Devin made bad choices in his past, but you can see that he's changed. Cassie has baggage from her previous marriage. Trusting the Single Dad has family dynamics, faith, and 2 single parents raising their child, one of whom is a foster baby. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is a feel good book. Once I started it, I didn't stop until I finished it. The author did a great job describing these characters and made them likable and easy to root for. A couple of themes in the book are that family doesn't have to be blood related and that you should make the most when given second chances. I liked the Sandpiper Cove camp setting. It brought back memories of when I went to camp with my friends and how much fun it was. If you like Love Inspired Inspirational romances, you'll definitely like this one.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. Single dad, Devin Spencer is hired at a camp for youth after he loses his job. His friend and his sister, Cassie Reed are in charge of the camp and getting it ready to reopen. Cassie has recently come through a nasty divorce and is foster mom to a young child she’s hoping to adopt. An uplifting story about love, second chances and making life better for kids.
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters are fun and easy to relate to. I was especially drawn to Cassie's strength and independent nature!
I like Cassie and Devin's sweet relationship, and how the two families blend together. The secondary characters add a lot to the story, and help create a warm family atmosphere.
Most of all, I love that Trusting the Single Dad is a clean, faith-filled fiction story, with a Hallmark movie twist!
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
This was a really good story. Devin returns home a changed man. Some people in town recognize this new and improved version of him, but some still see him as the troublemaker he used to be.
Cassie is back in town too. She's still smart, level-headed, and responsible, but she's also broken inside. She's no longer confident. Her ex really did a number on her.
I thought this was a really sweet book about a foster mother hoping to adopt the baby she's caring for.
She meets someone from her past when he comes to work for her family's business. He was young and made some poor choices but he's matured and turned his life around.
Can Cassie let go of the past and learn to trust Devin with a possible future together?
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily. The opinions and comments are entirely my own.
I was fortunate to be gifted an early copy of Trusting the Single Dad by the author. I enjoyed it so much! I loved Cassie’s and Devin’s story, and I read it in one sitting. What a sweet, heartwarming story! Meghann Whistler is an auto-read author for me, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every single one of her books. Highly recommend!
I loved this book! Devin and Cassie are such a great couple, but there are definitely some highs and lows. Devin's littler daughter, Hailey, and Cassie's foster baby, Tyler, kept me smiling throughout the book! I love how the author throws in a few plot twists, too. I wish I could give it 10 stars!!
This was such an enjoyable brother’s best friend romance! Both Devin and Cassie struggle to heal with wounds from the past but find love and joy in God and one another. Their children were also a delight to read about, especially Hailey. The fun summer camp setting added a nice touch as well. Thank you to the author for my ARC; all opinions are mine.