What do you think?
Rate this book
A Mother's Secret
Faced with the past, the truth will come to light…
Her home is at stake…and her first love holds the key.
Joy Gordon’s life is far from perfect. The lavish house she lives in with her children was loaned to her by a wealthy philanthropist—and his death means she has to give up her home. To satisfy his controlling father, Chase Asher must take his great-uncle’s property from the woman he once loved…but what will he do when he learns he fathered Joy’s twins?
Her home is at stake…and her first love holds the key.
Joy Gordon’s life is far from perfect. The lavish house she lives in with her children was loaned to her by a wealthy philanthropist—and his death means she has to give up her home. To satisfy his controlling father, Chase Asher must take his great-uncle’s property from the woman he once loved…but what will he do when he learns he fathered Joy’s twins?
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2020
About the author
Gabrielle Meyer
83 books3,629 followersGabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 25, 2020
Ok, lets start with the cover shall we?
Oh my goodness this cover is so perfect, it says busy motherhood. The messy hair bun and less than perfect house are perfect and as a busy mother myself I so appreciate it's realistic approach to motherhood. So many stories show the glammed up perfect looking mother on the cover and I love this is not that.
A mother will do anything to protect her children and this is what Joy Gordon feels she must do.
Growing up in foster care and never having security and always feeling second best she'll do whatever it takes to make sure her children never have to face this.
Joy has a heart of gold as she fosters, looking to adopt brothers also.
A home for herself and her children was what Joy was promised but what happens when the philanthropist who made this a reality dies and the house is now going to be sold out from under her and her children?
Enter her first love who has been put in charge of selling the house by his father.
With so many past memories drudged up between them will she be able to trust her heart once again to him or will past hurts win out?
I really loved Chase Asher's character, he does everything in his power to show Joy he is not the uncaring man she thinks he is. We all need a Chase in our lives.
Loved this book and highly recommend it!
Expected publication: February 1st 2020 by Love Inspired
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Oh my goodness this cover is so perfect, it says busy motherhood. The messy hair bun and less than perfect house are perfect and as a busy mother myself I so appreciate it's realistic approach to motherhood. So many stories show the glammed up perfect looking mother on the cover and I love this is not that.
A mother will do anything to protect her children and this is what Joy Gordon feels she must do.
Growing up in foster care and never having security and always feeling second best she'll do whatever it takes to make sure her children never have to face this.
Joy has a heart of gold as she fosters, looking to adopt brothers also.
A home for herself and her children was what Joy was promised but what happens when the philanthropist who made this a reality dies and the house is now going to be sold out from under her and her children?
Enter her first love who has been put in charge of selling the house by his father.
With so many past memories drudged up between them will she be able to trust her heart once again to him or will past hurts win out?
I really loved Chase Asher's character, he does everything in his power to show Joy he is not the uncaring man she thinks he is. We all need a Chase in our lives.
Loved this book and highly recommend it!
Expected publication: February 1st 2020 by Love Inspired
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
May 22, 2020
A Reunion Romance that has all the feels. From Chase's makes-me-spitting-nails-mad father (gah!!!!!) to the delightful warm fuzzies offered up by elderly housekeeper Mrs. Thompson to Joy and Chases' toe-curling reacquaintance -- well count me one romantically happy reader. :-) I might have teared up over that last scene. Sniffle.
January 29, 2020
Love love and love this story!! We all have times in our lives where we just don't understand why certain things happen to us, especially when it's nothing but pain and heartache for years afterwards. It's in these moments where trusting that God is always in control and always has a plan is the constant that we can hold onto. What was meant for evil God always intends for good, always. And sometimes the biggest blessings come out of the worst situations.
January 31, 2020
A mother will do anything to protect her children and that's exactly what Joy has done for her twin girls Kinsley & Harper for the past four years. Keeping them away from their father Chase Asher was an unfortunate result of his father's ruthless dominance of his life. She never told Chase about her pregnancy but when he literally shows up at her doorstep, the truth could tear them apart. Or could it build a life together stronger than before? Joy has her hands full with not only her gregarious twin girls but three rambunctious boys she's fostering. Living in Bee Tree Hill is a dream come true and the kind of stability this little family needs.
I have loved Gabrielle Meyer's Love Inspired Historical novels and I was so excited to learn she is now writing for the contemporary line. Her stories are always heartwarming and emotional, A Mother's Secret is no exception! Having been a foster child most of her life, Joy has been raising three young boys in need, so she understands what it's like to have someone care for & protect them. Her generous heart and loving ways have caused them to blossom into well adjusted boys. When I learned of the reasons they were in foster care, my heart ached for all they had been through. When Chase came on the scene, they took to his influence as if he belonged. Doing “guy” things together helped build their confidence; I loved how Chase treated them as if they were the most important people in his world. He was the kind of caring man Joy needed as well. Watching them overcome the past was emotionally wrenching, but at the same time, they needed to tackle the unpleasant task of untangling what went wrong.
When we make choices based on fear, we often make the wrong decision. It's the choices we make based on faith that really matter. But thank God that whatever the enemy intents for evil, God will use for good. Nothing has been broken that can't be fixed, Chase. Jesus was a carpenter. He's in the business of mending and repairing. ~page 170
One other thing I loved about this story was that Gabrielle Meyer gives us true life history of Bee Tree Hill or what's called Linden Hill in real life; Chases family legacy. It really was built in the 1890's by lumber barons and the author's family lived in the carriage house just as Chase did. So she's very familiar with the nine acre property and the history behind it! Today it's used as a conference & retreat center and can be toured if you are ever in the area. She combines her love of history with a contemporary twist and it's a fantastic story to get lost in!
This is a hard book to put down once you start it, the author compels you to stay a while as you get caught up in Joy, Chase and the children's lives. You'll laugh and you'll cry, all while reflecting on what makes a family....love, affection, God in the center, and a lifetime of someone by your side helping you along the way.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
I have loved Gabrielle Meyer's Love Inspired Historical novels and I was so excited to learn she is now writing for the contemporary line. Her stories are always heartwarming and emotional, A Mother's Secret is no exception! Having been a foster child most of her life, Joy has been raising three young boys in need, so she understands what it's like to have someone care for & protect them. Her generous heart and loving ways have caused them to blossom into well adjusted boys. When I learned of the reasons they were in foster care, my heart ached for all they had been through. When Chase came on the scene, they took to his influence as if he belonged. Doing “guy” things together helped build their confidence; I loved how Chase treated them as if they were the most important people in his world. He was the kind of caring man Joy needed as well. Watching them overcome the past was emotionally wrenching, but at the same time, they needed to tackle the unpleasant task of untangling what went wrong.
When we make choices based on fear, we often make the wrong decision. It's the choices we make based on faith that really matter. But thank God that whatever the enemy intents for evil, God will use for good. Nothing has been broken that can't be fixed, Chase. Jesus was a carpenter. He's in the business of mending and repairing. ~page 170
One other thing I loved about this story was that Gabrielle Meyer gives us true life history of Bee Tree Hill or what's called Linden Hill in real life; Chases family legacy. It really was built in the 1890's by lumber barons and the author's family lived in the carriage house just as Chase did. So she's very familiar with the nine acre property and the history behind it! Today it's used as a conference & retreat center and can be toured if you are ever in the area. She combines her love of history with a contemporary twist and it's a fantastic story to get lost in!
This is a hard book to put down once you start it, the author compels you to stay a while as you get caught up in Joy, Chase and the children's lives. You'll laugh and you'll cry, all while reflecting on what makes a family....love, affection, God in the center, and a lifetime of someone by your side helping you along the way.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
January 26, 2020
I have read three of Gabrielle Meyer's historical books and loved each one, so I was really looking forward to reading her first contemporary book, A Mother's Secret.
How's this for an intriguing tag line to draw a reader right in,
"Her home is at stake...and her first love holds the key."
Let me just tell yall, A Mother's Secret is one FANTASTIC second chance love story! I can already tell it's going to be one of my FAVORITE books this year! It's deals with issues of foster care, single parenting, and how we often allow our childhood or past mistakes define our future.
The setting is at Bee Tree Hill, the Asher family home Chase Asher has come to town to sell, not knowing his first love Joy Gordon never left there after their summer romance four years earlier. Bee Tree Hill is modeled after a real life historic mansion, Linden Hill. Gabrielle's vivid descriptions really brought the house to life. She gives other background to the mansion in her reader letter at the end, all very fascinating!
I loved Joy and Chase, and Joy's adorable twins and charming three foster sons will melt your heart. There's also the ever faithful housekeeper Mrs. Thompson and a nasty antagonist that may make your blood run a little hot.
Gabrielle works for the Minnesota Historical Society, so she knows history, and how to write a compelling book that will please romance and historical readers alike! So do yourself a favor and read A Mother's Secret, I know you'll love it!
How's this for an intriguing tag line to draw a reader right in,
"Her home is at stake...and her first love holds the key."
Let me just tell yall, A Mother's Secret is one FANTASTIC second chance love story! I can already tell it's going to be one of my FAVORITE books this year! It's deals with issues of foster care, single parenting, and how we often allow our childhood or past mistakes define our future.
The setting is at Bee Tree Hill, the Asher family home Chase Asher has come to town to sell, not knowing his first love Joy Gordon never left there after their summer romance four years earlier. Bee Tree Hill is modeled after a real life historic mansion, Linden Hill. Gabrielle's vivid descriptions really brought the house to life. She gives other background to the mansion in her reader letter at the end, all very fascinating!
I loved Joy and Chase, and Joy's adorable twins and charming three foster sons will melt your heart. There's also the ever faithful housekeeper Mrs. Thompson and a nasty antagonist that may make your blood run a little hot.
Gabrielle works for the Minnesota Historical Society, so she knows history, and how to write a compelling book that will please romance and historical readers alike! So do yourself a favor and read A Mother's Secret, I know you'll love it!
July 16, 2026
I love a great story about second chances, Secret baby trope, Found family, Forgiveness, and a community coming together.
January 29, 2020
I have been enjoying Gabrielle's books for a few years now and I am always excited to read her latest. This story has a fun setting of Bee Tree Hill, which is a historical mansion in a town called Timber Falls. I really loved the characters in this story. With this being a shorter novel I still felt like I got to know them well. There are a lot of difficult issues brought up within the pages. Forgiveness and past regrets and healing. Also, being able to stand up for what you know is right and the importance of family. There are some great scenes with Chase and his dad and the author really showed how we can and often should act. I loved the foster parent situation and I wish it was in more stories that I read.
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend any of Gabrielle's books.
Five Stars.
"I received this book for free from the author. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
February 1, 2020
This was such a sweet story! I really enjoyed the theme of forgiveness and second chances! I really admired Joy and her dedication to helping foster kids. I also liked Chase and how he stood up for his family.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
January 29, 2020
I didn’t want to put A Mother’s Secret down! I loved the setting and could easily picture it all. As a Minnesotan, books set in Minnesota hold a special place in my heart. I loved the inclusion of so many children as characters and they all easily endeared me to them. I loved the timing of the plot and felt it was realistically done. My heart ached at times as I read A Mother’s Secret but ultimately I sighed a happy, contented sigh. I love when books pull my emotions in and bring the characters to life. I was rooting for them the whole way through!
I received a copy, all thoughts are my own.
May 10, 2021
A MOTHER'S SECRET by Gabrielle Meyer was a Feb. 2020 release (according to the spine) in Harlequin's main Love Inspired Christian romance line. I'd not read a Christian romance novel before, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I suppose I had assumed it would be like a regular romance novel except with some preachiness, morally upright characters and not a hint of sex. But this book surprised me (in a good way) and I think it's a novel that any traditional romance reader would enjoy regardless of their religious beliefs.
The story concerns a woman named Joy who is a single mother living on an estate that she had thought its (now-deceased) owner had left for her to live in, along with her two 3 year old girls (twins) and three foster children (boys), as well as their housekeeper. The trouble comes when Chase Asher arrives at the beginning of the book; he had been sent by his wealthy (and uncaring) father to determine the estate's value so that it can be sold. It turns out that Chase is the father of Joy's twins, which he was unaware of since he had walked out on her nearly four years ago and she never told him that she was pregnant.
It's easy to predict the outcome here, since surely they won't all get kicked out into the street. Chase and Joy will end up together, staying on the estate, and live happily ever after. So the eventual HEA is not in doubt here; the question is how that outcome will be achieved, the obstacles they must overcome to make it happen.
Perhaps the thing I liked best about the story were Joy's adorable twins, and how they had different personalities. Kinsley (who wears pink clothes) is more outgoing and unafraid of Chase when he arrives at the home, while Harper (who wears purple) is more cautious and takes a longer time to trust this stranger in their midst. The small town and its inhabitants are also charmingly depicted, and make me want to read more work by the author given her talent on creating such lifelike characters. I rate the novel 3.5 (out of 5) stars.
The story concerns a woman named Joy who is a single mother living on an estate that she had thought its (now-deceased) owner had left for her to live in, along with her two 3 year old girls (twins) and three foster children (boys), as well as their housekeeper. The trouble comes when Chase Asher arrives at the beginning of the book; he had been sent by his wealthy (and uncaring) father to determine the estate's value so that it can be sold. It turns out that Chase is the father of Joy's twins, which he was unaware of since he had walked out on her nearly four years ago and she never told him that she was pregnant.
It's easy to predict the outcome here, since surely they won't all get kicked out into the street. Chase and Joy will end up together, staying on the estate, and live happily ever after. So the eventual HEA is not in doubt here; the question is how that outcome will be achieved, the obstacles they must overcome to make it happen.
Perhaps the thing I liked best about the story were Joy's adorable twins, and how they had different personalities. Kinsley (who wears pink clothes) is more outgoing and unafraid of Chase when he arrives at the home, while Harper (who wears purple) is more cautious and takes a longer time to trust this stranger in their midst. The small town and its inhabitants are also charmingly depicted, and make me want to read more work by the author given her talent on creating such lifelike characters. I rate the novel 3.5 (out of 5) stars.
January 30, 2020
Wow, this was such a touching book! This is the first book that I have read of Gabrielle Meyer’s and I loved it. It was such a sweet book that taught you how to forgive and trust God even when things feel crazy.
A Mother’s Secret is a book that tells the story about a young single mom trying to raise 5 children on her own, two are her own and the other three she is fostering. She loves her kids, but it isn’t easy being a single mom especially when the past starts to creep up.
Chase Asher thought that this was going to be an easy job, get in and get out. But things do not go the way he thought it would, God has different plans for Chase. He will have to decide how he will respond and what kind of person he wants to be.
Joy Gordon was such a cool person. She didn’t grow up with a good home and so she wanted to make sure that her children never had to go through what she went through. She loved her children and wanted the best for them. It was so amazing how she tried so hard to give her kids a good home, not only providing everything they need but also giving them a loving and caring environment.
I fell in love with Chase at the beginning. He was so kind. He had made some mistakes before, but he was trying to do his best to make up for it. I really felt for him, as he learned not to let his fear of his father control him and instead do the right thing, even though it was hard.
Joy and Chase were really sweet together and they encouraged each other as they tried to work through the obstacles that were thrown at them. I loved as they did their best to show the children love and encourage them. The children were so sweet, I loved the girls from the beginning and it was so cute how the boys looked up to Chase.
This book reminded me to trust God even when life feels crazy. Joy and Chase had to figure out what they would do when it doesn’t look like things will work out. But in the end they learn that God is faithful.
I am so glad that I read this book. It had a wonderful story with lovely characters. A Mother’s Secret also taught me lessons. I am so excited to read more of Gabrielle Meyer books. I give this book 5 stars!
A Mother’s Secret is a book that tells the story about a young single mom trying to raise 5 children on her own, two are her own and the other three she is fostering. She loves her kids, but it isn’t easy being a single mom especially when the past starts to creep up.
Chase Asher thought that this was going to be an easy job, get in and get out. But things do not go the way he thought it would, God has different plans for Chase. He will have to decide how he will respond and what kind of person he wants to be.
Joy Gordon was such a cool person. She didn’t grow up with a good home and so she wanted to make sure that her children never had to go through what she went through. She loved her children and wanted the best for them. It was so amazing how she tried so hard to give her kids a good home, not only providing everything they need but also giving them a loving and caring environment.
I fell in love with Chase at the beginning. He was so kind. He had made some mistakes before, but he was trying to do his best to make up for it. I really felt for him, as he learned not to let his fear of his father control him and instead do the right thing, even though it was hard.
Joy and Chase were really sweet together and they encouraged each other as they tried to work through the obstacles that were thrown at them. I loved as they did their best to show the children love and encourage them. The children were so sweet, I loved the girls from the beginning and it was so cute how the boys looked up to Chase.
This book reminded me to trust God even when life feels crazy. Joy and Chase had to figure out what they would do when it doesn’t look like things will work out. But in the end they learn that God is faithful.
I am so glad that I read this book. It had a wonderful story with lovely characters. A Mother’s Secret also taught me lessons. I am so excited to read more of Gabrielle Meyer books. I give this book 5 stars!
February 23, 2020
A Mother's Secret is a beautiful story of forgiveness, second chances, faith, and standing up for what's right. I should also mention the power of prayer, and what makes a true family, are big components of the story. Meyer had my attention from beginning to end - I nearly read it in one sitting (if only lunch breaks were five minutes longer!). I had such an emotional connection to the characters, that latched on pretty quickly I might add, and just couldn't tear myself away.
Joy is such a wonderful heroine. She is flawed, and yet always has the best interest of others at heart. The fact that she took on fostering 3 children, after already having young twins, is extraordinary. This selfless act of love is something I want to see more of in Christian fiction. Let me start by saying I am a huge believer in family, in a traditional sense. But sometimes God has other plans for people, and sometimes that means being a single parent by means of fostering or adoption. I have a huge heart for adoption and fostering - I wish more people would do it really. Meyer has painted of beautiful picture in this story in how fostering and adopting can change lives - and not just the lives of the children.
I have to admit that I was drawn to Chase from the start, but some things he did really bothered me. Like not standing up to his father. But honestly, even though it drove me absolutely crazy, I could understand him and it actually made him pretty relatable. How many of us have someone in our own lives that we struggle to stand up to? It may not be a parent, but the concept is the same. Chase's journey to learning about true family and its place in his life was so sweet to read about.
Contemporary romance fans are going to love this sweet story of second chance love. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Joy is such a wonderful heroine. She is flawed, and yet always has the best interest of others at heart. The fact that she took on fostering 3 children, after already having young twins, is extraordinary. This selfless act of love is something I want to see more of in Christian fiction. Let me start by saying I am a huge believer in family, in a traditional sense. But sometimes God has other plans for people, and sometimes that means being a single parent by means of fostering or adoption. I have a huge heart for adoption and fostering - I wish more people would do it really. Meyer has painted of beautiful picture in this story in how fostering and adopting can change lives - and not just the lives of the children.
I have to admit that I was drawn to Chase from the start, but some things he did really bothered me. Like not standing up to his father. But honestly, even though it drove me absolutely crazy, I could understand him and it actually made him pretty relatable. How many of us have someone in our own lives that we struggle to stand up to? It may not be a parent, but the concept is the same. Chase's journey to learning about true family and its place in his life was so sweet to read about.
Contemporary romance fans are going to love this sweet story of second chance love. Highly recommend! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 17, 2020
Good 👍Read
A really enjoyable read,with lots of fun and laughter.One of those feel good reads.That will have you coming back for more.
A really enjoyable read,with lots of fun and laughter.One of those feel good reads.That will have you coming back for more.
December 27, 2019
A Mother’s Secret has all the right elements for a good story. It has a beautiful setting (in my hometown!), a dilemma to solve, a jilted romance that begs for rekindling, and the sweetest children. I love that Gabe includes children in her stories! I also love how she uses the places she loves in her stories. I can envision all the scenes and can put myself into it. Her main character, Joy, is a mom and foster mom who has the privilege of living in a historical mansion to raise her family until her benefactor dies. Will she have to move? Her former boyfriend is charged with making sure the house is sold. How will they reconcile their past relationship when in a situation that sets them at odds? How do the children figure into all of it? It is a sweet story that makes you realize the value of relationships and home. It is an enjoyable read that gives you all the good feelings!
February 8, 2020
Loved this sweet story!
Merged review:
I love the setting of A Mother’s Secret. It is set in an old historical mansion! As you begin the book, you will feel as if you, too, are entering this house. The contemporary story takes place in a small town in Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Out of all of Meyer’s books, this might be my favorite. It has so much heart in the story. The mother in the story feels so much connection to her family, her community, and this house. She will do just about anything to keep everything together.
I love the small town setting and family life that this story is all about and I think you will enjoy it, too!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Merged review:
I love the setting of A Mother’s Secret. It is set in an old historical mansion! As you begin the book, you will feel as if you, too, are entering this house. The contemporary story takes place in a small town in Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Out of all of Meyer’s books, this might be my favorite. It has so much heart in the story. The mother in the story feels so much connection to her family, her community, and this house. She will do just about anything to keep everything together.
I love the small town setting and family life that this story is all about and I think you will enjoy it, too!
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
February 19, 2020
I wish I could give this book more than just five stars. It was fantastic....one of those books you pull out weeks later to read again. It was touching and fun to read , and the ending brought tear to my eyes.
Thank you Gabrielle Meyer for a peaceful yet exciting day....reading a fun and wonderful story.
Thank you Gabrielle Meyer for a peaceful yet exciting day....reading a fun and wonderful story.
February 21, 2020
Powerful book, I found difficult to put down. Power of forgiveness and love. Forgiveness that comes by God. Who is not to love with an adorable set of twins. This will be a story I will want to read again. I was given a copy of this book by the author. The words in this review are strictly my own thoughts.
January 28, 2020
An unexpected second chance for Chase and Joy. I loved reading their story and watching their relationship rebloom after hurts that drove them apart. Everyone deserves a second chance and family is more than just blood relations.
May 10, 2021
A very emotional strong story. Excellent characters that displays lots of compassionate, love and strengths.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
March 13, 2021
I'm angry that I paid money for this book.
I am not a fan of weak characters and Chase is by far one of the weakest characters I've read. I can't remember any character being weaker than him. He is a spineless coward who allows his father to order him around and belittle him. I didn't like him when he was introduced and by the 40% mark of the book (kindle) I had no respect for him and didn't want to read another word.
He's so weak that when his father ordered him to abandon Joy (the women he had sex with but HEY this is a clean Christian romance *eye roll* and claimed to love and want to marry) he not only did it, he ghosted her. Of course, the author wrapped that up by claiming that the father had something to do with both his phone and email being deactivated. Seriously, Chase is so weak that he allowed his father access to both?
GAH.
I also never warmed up to Joy. She's a martyr. Not only does she have the twin girls but she also took on 3 foster boys. The town came to her, a single woman with twins, to foster them. Yeah right, that would never happen. NEVER. The whole time I was reading about her, I just felt heavy and depressed. The whole "down-on-her-luck" and yet look she's super mom! thing got on my nerves.
Everything in this book felt forced and inauthentic. I never felt the chemistry between Chase and Joy and I frankly didn't care because I disliked Chase so much. I gave up on this book around the 40% mark and read the final chapter.
Why the 2 star then? Because the author managed to make me smile and get a little teary eyed with the final chapter. I also thought the boys and the twins were adorable. Although I hated Chase and didn't like Joy and questioned this being a clean Christian romance (in spite of the praying, etc that felt FORCED), it is a well-written book with adorable children. I'm acknowledging that with the 2 star rating.
I am not a fan of weak characters and Chase is by far one of the weakest characters I've read. I can't remember any character being weaker than him. He is a spineless coward who allows his father to order him around and belittle him. I didn't like him when he was introduced and by the 40% mark of the book (kindle) I had no respect for him and didn't want to read another word.
He's so weak that when his father ordered him to abandon Joy (the women he had sex with but HEY this is a clean Christian romance *eye roll* and claimed to love and want to marry) he not only did it, he ghosted her. Of course, the author wrapped that up by claiming that the father had something to do with both his phone and email being deactivated. Seriously, Chase is so weak that he allowed his father access to both?
GAH.
I also never warmed up to Joy. She's a martyr. Not only does she have the twin girls but she also took on 3 foster boys. The town came to her, a single woman with twins, to foster them. Yeah right, that would never happen. NEVER. The whole time I was reading about her, I just felt heavy and depressed. The whole "down-on-her-luck" and yet look she's super mom! thing got on my nerves.
Everything in this book felt forced and inauthentic. I never felt the chemistry between Chase and Joy and I frankly didn't care because I disliked Chase so much. I gave up on this book around the 40% mark and read the final chapter.
Why the 2 star then? Because the author managed to make me smile and get a little teary eyed with the final chapter. I also thought the boys and the twins were adorable. Although I hated Chase and didn't like Joy and questioned this being a clean Christian romance (in spite of the praying, etc that felt FORCED), it is a well-written book with adorable children. I'm acknowledging that with the 2 star rating.
March 21, 2024
My poor review is mostly due to the fact that it was an audio book. I didn’t realize it was going to be digitally narrated. This was the first book I’ve listened to that used AI for its narrator. I hated it!!!! The dialogue was stilted with no emotion. Some words were improperly pronounced. It definitely felt like it was a robot reading it to me. This made it really difficult for me to connect with any of the characters.
I also had a bit of an issue with the whole premise of the book. The main character is asking for grants and soliciting donations so she can buy a multimillion dollar 10,000 square foot home. It was hard for me to drum up a lot of sympathy for her.
I also had a bit of an issue with the whole premise of the book. The main character is asking for grants and soliciting donations so she can buy a multimillion dollar 10,000 square foot home. It was hard for me to drum up a lot of sympathy for her.
February 16, 2021
Joy Gordon has twin daughters and is fostering three young brothers. They live in a historic mansion that Morgan Asher has requested they continue in residence after his death. Chase Asher has been sent by his father to settle up Morgan’s affairs and prepare Bee Tree Hill for sale. Chase and Joy have history, including twin girls he knew nothing about, until now. Gabrielle Meyer writes a heartwarming story with good characters, especially the children.
June 28, 2024
This was incredible
July 14, 2024
Loved it! Good ending 🩷
September 3, 2025
This was a cute, short read. I enjoyed my time with it, and I did enjoy the faith content in it. (Also, this small town sounds so cute!)
September 3, 2025
A sweet, easy, predictable read that was the perfect cozy read!
October 11, 2025
What a great read! Chase has been tasked to dispose of his late uncle's assets including the family ancestral home. What he doesn't know is there is a family living there... his former girlfriend, Joy, and her 3 foster sons and twin daughters. How is Chase to fulfill his father's demands when it means evicting Joy and her children? Joy has been able to afford her children due to Chase's uncle's providing them a home. Where will she go now? And how will she tell Chase the girls are his daughters?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews