When former bad boy Luke Tanner discovers the son he believed was adopted is fatherless, he's determined to help - and regain the trust of the only woman he's ever loved. But for Anna Harrison, his return to Sweetapple Falls is twelve years too late. She can't risk Luke breaking their disabled son's heart like he did hers. If they're to become the loving family Luke wants them to be, she'll need to forgive secrets from his troubled past he's never revealed. God has given Luke a second chance, but will Anna?
NOTE TO READERS: The ending of the story is upbeat and uplifting, but there’s some serious heartache in between. Even at the end, it’s clear they’ll face more pain in the future. The difference is that at the start they’re facing it alone, and by the end, they’ll face it together, and with God. I hope you’ll stay with Anna and Luke through their struggles to reach the future God has planned for them!
Sweetapple Falls, Book #1
Previously released in ebook as part of the "Cherish" boxed set.
Autumn Macarthur is an Australian writer of inspirational romance living near London with her very English husband and six spoiled cats. She loves reading, cooking, gardening, and writing deeply emotional stories to make you smile and remind you how big and wide and deep God's love and forgiveness can be.
She tends to talk a little too much, laugh a little too loud, and eat a little more than maybe she should. She's thankful to be blessed with some good friends and a very patient husband. Most of all, she's eternally grateful for God's great love and mercy.
When she's not writing or talking to her strawberry plants and cherry blossoms, she can be found blogging at www.faithhopeandheartwarming.com or on Substack.
She'd love to hear from you!
Sign up for the newsletter at her website and access exclusive subscriber only behind-the-book content and giveaways!
His Father's Son by Autumn Macarthur is a sweet contemporary Christian family tale. It is the first book in the Sweetapple Falls series. There are many godly themes and lessons to be learnt. A major one is forgiveness. "True forgiveness has no limits." We forgive because we are forgiven. Sometimes we do not live forgiven because we find it hard to forgive ourselves. We all make mistakes but to drown in the 'what if's, the guilt and the anger is not healthy. "She'd been angry and fighting for so long." We were never meant to carry these burdens. We need to give them to God. We all have a past but "My past isn't who I am now." Our past sins are all covered in the grace of God if we will just let Him in. Life deals us blows. Trust becomes harder if we wall up our heart. "It was safer not to love and trust. Everyone died or left you." We need to demolish the walls around our heart and let others in. We can trust God with our lives for He is good no matter what our circumstances. "Wait. And trust in God's perfect timing." The novel is hard hitting and realistic. Life is not always good. People do have awful childhoods. Themes of abuse, alcoholism and drugs are tackled. The reader's heart breaks for the child whose mother "loved drugs more than she loved him." We understand that once addictions grab a hold, they are hard to break. "Her addiction ran her life." We all have choices to make. God does not punish us for our choices, this is flawed theology. Sometimes life is just hard. Having a child with muscular dystrophy is not a punishment. This reminds the reader of the words in the NT where Jesus is asked "who sinned? This man or his parents?" Jesus replies that neither did. The character with muscular dystrophy is a joy to behold. He does not let his condition hold him back. Even though the simplest tasks take effort, he enters fully into life without complaints. Autumn Macarthur has presented another fabulous story. She is not afraid to tackle gritty real life issues. We all have choices to make in life... sometimes we choose wisely but not always. Life is about responding to the hand we have been dealt. We can choose God and life or we can let life get us down. His Father's Son is a wonderful read with characters that will warm your heart and soul. I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Title: His Father's Son: A Christian Reunion Romance in a Small Oregon Town Author: Autumn Macarthur Publisher: Faith, Hope, & Heartwarming Series: Sweetapple Falls Book 1 Reviewed By: Arlena Dean Rating: Five Review:
"His Father's Son" by Autumn Macarthur
My Thinking:
What a wonderful contemporary romance and Christian fiction read that was simply a good read. I loved this second chance read of Luke Tanner and Anna Harrison. However, before this will happen for these two there will have to be forgiveness on both parts. I really enjoyed how this author was able to give the reader such a good Christian aspect which brought the whole story together and allowing there to be faith, love, trust forgiveness, and most of all second chances. Which bring up another important fact to this read and that was 'to remember that with God anything is possible' as it was not only for Luke, Anna but their son Josh. Yes, "Love won. With God, love always won." Even though this is a Christian read it is not overly done. It is a good read that will give you thoughts to ponder long after the read. Would I recommend this read? YES!
Romance but also forgiveness, second chances, life lessons... This book was so good! It's so much more than a simple romance. It's the story of a broken family: a wonderful little boy (disabled but full of joy and full of God), his oh so loving but scared mother (so scared that she can't open up to someone else or accept help), his father who wants to make up for his former bad choices (and his bad luck when he was a little boy) and the community around them. I laughed, I cried (at 4 AM because I couldn't put it down)... It's not a sugar coated romance, it's just a beautiful life-love story.
His Father's Son is an amazing Christian book that has a central theme of forgiveness. This book hit close to home for me with having a child out of wedlock and not having the father involved until my son was older. I went through the "looks" from supposed Christians who judged & condemned me. I struggled with my son choosing his father over me after he came back around & I had done everything by myself for years. I KNOW what Anna felt. So I could completely sympathize with Anna. I know what it's like to be in her shoes. But on the flip side I can also sympathize with Luke having drug and alcohol problems prior to accepting Christ. I could completely understand his issue with having a very hard time forgiving himself because that was something I struggled with for an extremely long time. So, yes, this book really hit me hard.
That said...The whole time I was reading this book I found myself being incredibly angry at Anna's father! His inability to forgive his own daughter for making one mistake colored her entire outlook on so much. It kept her from having a deep personal relationship with God because he continued to teach her that God was like himself. It also kept Anna from being able to forgive herself, Luke, and others. It basically stunted her Christian growth. I have never wanted to grab someone right out of a book and shake them like I did Anna's father! But I also understand how easy it is to let a parent's outlook/opinion color your own. So I can understand it even though it angered me.
I have to say that I ran the gamut of emotions while reading this book. I had to keep a box of tissues right next to me. Especially towards the end when Anna sent Luke away. I sobbed and sobbed. While I would never profess to know everything when it comes to God, or to having all my ducks in a row in my own personal walk...it was hard for me to read about the judgmental and opinionated people that claimed to be Christians in this book. Quite possibly because of my own dealings with people like that. But also because I know of people that won't even consider going to Church due to knowing people like that. They think that since those types of people profess to be Christians it means all Christians are like that. I feel righteous anger at people like that due to the picture they paint for unbelievers.
Autumn MacArthur wrote a fabulously wonderful Christian romance! I know this particular book isn't quite how she typically writes, but it is by far my utmost favorite book she has ever written. I can't say enough wonderful things about it. I can't give it nearly enough stars. 5 stars just isn't enough! I need at least 10!!!
Luke and Anna broke up years ago, after she agreed to her father’s demand that they put their unplanned baby up for adoption. Unknown to Luke, who fled just after the baby was born, Anna ended up keeping the child when he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. When Luke learns she's raising their son on her own, he returns home to prove to both himself and Anna that he can be the husband and father they need him to be.
I just finished this one last night, and, oh, my heart. I love second-chance stories, and this one was especially touching, as it deals not only with a second chance between Anna and Luke but also between Luke and the son he never knew. Be warned that this book deals with a child facing a severe illness, so it's wrenching in spots, but it’s ultimately an uplifting and heartwarming read that reflects God’s faithfulness throughout.
Anna and Josh are special people. Anna is truly amazing the way she cares for Josh by herself. When Luke shows up at Anna’s house her life and Josh’s lives change drastically. You will fall in love with Josh he is a great kid. Watching Anna try to fight her feelings for Luke will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. You will feel God working throughout this whole book. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could. I had the honor to review this book for the author.
When you finally let go and let God, you can have the family you always wanted! Heart warming story of a young Mother and her disabled son. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys clean Sweet reads.
Loved this book!!! Luke met and fell in love with Anna twelve years ago, and they had a son together. Luke got to see his son and hold him once before Anna's father talked her into signing adoption papers and forcing Luke out of their lives. Now, Luke has discovered that his son was never placed for adoption, and he wants to meet him and get to know him, and be the father his son wants. Luke has never stopped loving Anna. Anna never tried to get in touch with Luke after he left the hospital. She listened to her father, and decided Luke didn't love her or their son enough to stay. Now, when Luke returns, she can't forgive or forget. When news of Luke's past comes out before he can tell her, she's sure she's made the right decision in sending him away again. However, when Josh's life is on the line, she realizes just how wrong she's been for far longer than twelve years. Now, when she finally realizes that she's let fear control her life, and that the reason she's never been the Christian she's wanted to be is because she doesn't trust God, will it be too late when she realizes that God and Luke are both worthy of her trust??
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
This story is the first I've read by this author. Not only does she nail teenage wisdom and their feelings but also how parents can be wrong.
Anna is a single mother. Her son has muscular dystrophy and was told he wouldn't live as long as he has. She was very young when she had him and was talked into giving him for adoption. When she learned of his disability she immediately convinced her father that she wanted to raise him. Life has been a struggle but she wouldn't take away any day she has had him.
When Luke returns to Sweetapple Falls when he sees the woman he's only loved and their son competing on a televised talent show. He is determined to win her back or at least be in his son's life.
So much angst and heartache throughout. This is a story about feelings and there are plenty~
This book was short and sweet, and yet, at times it felt like it was dragging.
The amount of times Anna thought the words, "I love him but I don't know if I can trust him" And Luke thought, "I will wait any amount of time to work on gaining her trust" was so many, I started getting a little annoyed. It just felt like too much instead of building to something for awhile.
I really liked the characters overall, though. I loved the disability representation with Josh. He was fun and not at all deterred by his disability. He had issues and limitations, but he didn't let it define him. And Anna and Luke's relationship was nice and sweet and felt real.
I don't think I'd read more of this author's books, as the writing didn't draw me in, but this story was a cute one I'd like to see Hallmark maybe make into a movie.
His Father's Son was another wonderful romance from Autumn Macarthur. It's a faith-filled story of second chances and learning to forgive. It was emotional and heart wrenching at times, so be sure to bring some tissues!
There's a lot of resentment and regret, misunderstandings and secrets for Anna and Luke to overcome. Trust has to be rebuilt. They just have to remember that with God, anything is possible. Josh has faced a lot in his young life, but his resiliency and sense of humor really tugged at my heartstrings. And Pattie... oh my... what a cool pet!
I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves emotional, heart-tugging contemporary romances.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
In this uplifting story of second chance's you read about a young couple when young for carried away and she ended up pregnant. Her father was a strict man and they both decided that the best was to put their child up for adoption. He was devastated. And left right after signing the paperwork. But hours after he left her world fell apart. Their son needed her more than ever. Now after twelve years he finds out that she never finished the adoption. He wants in his son life. Can she forgive his disappearance? Can she trust he will stay for the child who needs both parents? This is a Christian romance. And through the power of prayer God answers in his own way. Things are not easy but they are rewarding.
Sweet read. I enjoyed reading this book. Second chances come in many shapes and sizes. This book was dedicated to a mom who thought she had a full life of taking care of her 12 year old wheelchair-bound son in an old ramshackle house. She painted local scenes and so them to help support her small family and the constant repairs needed with an old home and car. She had many friends who tried to help, but oftentimes it was her pride that hampered them. How she learns to lean on the support GOD provides make this a goodread. I got this book in a multi-giveaway and am offering my review to encourage others to try it.
Wow! What a eye opening truly awe inspiring story. You will love reading the story of Luke, Anna and Josh along with the other amazing characters. A heartfelt rendition of the damage done by parents of these adults who probably thought they were doing right by them had done them so much harm. There love from so long ago was awakened and by trusting in the word of God they truly found each other. I really loved this story. My thanks to the author who wrote this story that I believe came straight from her heart. I highly recommend this book and author.
A Heartwarming Story A couple in love, wanting to marry, are kept from doing so by parental interference, causing him to run off. He ends up in another country for several years, and had intended to stay, but felt a strong need to return to his hometown. He still loves the girl he left behind, and wants to make things right, before it is too late. He won’t give up! It is a book that may have you frustrated with some of the characters—but, that makes it all the more realistic. I don’t dare tell too much; but I can assure you it is a book you will want to read, with a Christian perspective.
I loved this book, I had read "His Healing Touch", # 2 & thought none could beat it, but I so appreciated this book, even more! I love Autumn's illustrating how our lives change when we give our pain, anger or hurt to God!! What an exchange; we receive God's awesome love!!! I think it is good for all to read because we humans all have things to release to God, forgiving, also. I know I did & even saw my God loving Mom release her long held pain & forgive one who hurt her !! I am blessed! Loved the Bible references.
What a lovely story of forgiveness. A sweet novel of longing, faith, grace, and most of all love 💘. Luke and Anna were young and in love when they first met. When Luke and Anna got pregnant at such a young age, they were not mature enough to handle life. Josh was such a sickly child that events overwhelmed Anna. Years later with Like back in the picture, the healing process has to start. With GOD'S Help and Grace, Luke, Anna, and Josh become a loving family. Wonderful, Faithfilled Novel!
This was a great story of sin confessed, forgiveness given and lives restored. Anna and Luke both made mistakes as young adults that could have ruined their lives, but trusting in God and following His leading restored what they had lost. Josh was an amazing example of how a handicap doesn't have to handicap your life. It is a choice you can make with God's help to see your life has meaning and worth despite physical handicaps. Great read.
Luke had left when Anna told him she was giving their baby Josh up for adoption. After she found out Josh was ill and changed her mind, she wasn't able to reach him. Because her father had been unforgiving of anyone's shortcomings, she Didn't want to accept Luke back in to her.life when he found out that she had kept Josh. An Interesting story. I gave it 4 stars.
I think this is the first time I'm reading Autumn MacArthur's book. Oh wow. What a profound experience. Could NOT put.it down. It's a beautiful Christian inspiring romantic novel. Oh, reminds me of the RICHNESS of a GOD that forgives and how blessed we Christian's are when we trust God with our lives. Indeed, He brings beauty out of Ashes. So proud of this fantastic book. Bless you Autumn MacArthur! Can't wait to read more.😁🙏
I had a very hard time warming up to Anna through almost the entire book. I probably should have kept in mind that she was not a believer, but she was so filled with anger and distrust....
Luke overcame great odds to become a good man. A hard worker, a true man of faith. When he finds out that his son Josh had not been adopted out, will Anna let him into the family?
This story is one that portrays the heartache of a man whose childhood was without a mother's love, and a single mother trying to raise a disabled son with a life-threatening illness. Woven into the story is their anger and distrust at what life has dealt them. Will they see God's plan for their lives?
The characters are very realistic and the story is intense. It's definitely one the reader cannot put down. It shows God's love and power are greater than man is in himself.
A really well constructed and heart-felt book. I must admit I felt like slapping Anna quite often. Having been a single parent I understand the challenges, but her determination to "please hee father" even after he is dead is extremely aggravating! Thank God her son and his father are way better at forgiving and seeing things God's way. All ends well though. A really good read.
Luke has returned to Oregon after he realizes that Anna had not given their son up for adoption. Luke knows that he has made a lot of mistakes and hopes that Anna can forgive him and let him back into her life. As things progresses between Luke, Anna,and Josh, Luke hopes for a future. Can God help them all to find their way or will the past stop them.
When Luke Tanner discovers his former girlfriend, Anna Harrison didn’t give up their child for adoption twelve years ago, he took a leave from his mission job and returned to Sweetapple Falls to be a father to his son. Anna didn’t trust him to stay around until he had proven himself to both her and their disabled son, but he was determined to do all he could to win them over. A wonderful story about heartache, faith, forgiveness, and redemption.
This book was excellently written, with real life situations, issues with deception, betrayal, forgiveness for self and others, forgiveness and gratefulness to God. Leaving all things in God's hand is one of the hardest things to do because we give up our control, but it is necessary. He has a plan for each one of us. If we would but walk in that path, we would find great treasures and great joy. Loved it!
Autumn Macauthur did a great job in writing. I have followed her for years. Anna was caring for her son who had a life altering start right from the start. She came home from college and was pregnant. Her daddy told her to give him away, but when he was born she couldn’t. As the father Luke showed up when Josh was 12, the story begins. Many forgivenesses follow. Jeanette Stracner
Anna is been on her own with Josh, her sick son for so long that when Luke, Josh’s father appears at her doorway she doesn’t know what to believe. Josh wants her family back but Anna is afraid that Luke will leave them and break her heart and his son’s again. A sweet story about love, faith, second chances and forgiviness.
A clean, great story illustrating forgiveness. It also demonstrates the real meaning of love j forgiveness as one of the characters struggles to move from the harsh, demanding ways she was raised to believe in, to the true meaning. Pattie the pig adds some humor, especially @ the end of the story.