Adore Me

by Autumn Macarthur

He adores her. She adores him. But can they build a life together?Widowed sixty-something Paula Montana isn’t looking for a new love. Between her pancake restaurant, her volunteer work, and her adorable-but-ill granddaughter, she’s far too busy. Besides, when you’ve lost the man you shared fifty years of your life with, anyone new has a lot of memories to compete with.Divorced seventy-something doctor Richard Stewart isn’t looking for love, or for family. His disastrous first marriage and a son who hasn’t spoken to him for fifteen years taught him it’s wiser to focus on work. He wasn’t cut out for relationships or for faith, and being an antisocial recluse suits him fine.But when his son invites Richard to Chapel Cove for Christmas and he meets Mark’s new wife and stepdaughter, as well as Mark's mother-in-law, Paula, things might change for both of them!A slow-paced, gentle, heartwarming, and uplifting Christian older-couple second chances romance, with faith, love, and plenty of cooking. Includes a bonus recipe!Welcome to Chapel Cove, Oregon, where life begins at forty.

Stunning coastline, a harbor against life’s storms, and a welcoming community await in Chapel Cove. A place where those hurt by challenges, disappointments, and failures or reminded of their unfulfilled hopes and dreams can make a fresh start. And, if they’re brave enough to accept it, maybe also find a second chance at love, if only they’ll allow God to safely anchor them in their hearts’ home? Discover this small town filled with love, hope, and faith, in Chapel Cove, a series of sweet and clean standalone Christian romances. Join us in Chapel Cove today!

Book 1 - Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann

Book 2 - Love Me by Alexa Verde

Book 3 - Cherish Me by Autumn Macarthur

Book 4 - Choose Me by Marion Ueckermann

Book 5 - Hold Me by Alexa Verde

Book 6 - Marry Me by Autumn Macarthur

Book 7 - Belong with Me by Alexa Verde

Book 8 - Accept Me by Marion Ueckermann

Book 9 - Adore Me by Autumn Macarthur (this book)

Book 10 - Ride with Me by Marion Ueckermann

Book 11 - Treasure Me by Anne Marie Philips (launch delayed)

Book 12 - See Me by Autumn Macarthur

Book 13 - Don't Leave Me by Alexa Verde

Book 14 - Stand by Me by Autumn Macarthur

Book 15 - Honor Me by Narelle Atkins (launch delayed)

Book 16 - Trust Me by Rose Fresquez (available now)

And. God willing, more lovely stories to come!

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 2020

About the author

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!

Reviews

[Aurélie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Richard reconnects with his estranged son Mark, he gets to know Paula, Mark’s new mother-in-law. He never had as much motivation to work on his
relationships than now…
I did not understand why it is such a big deal that Paula and Richard like each other. Although I cannot imagine the pain in losing a spouse or failing my marriage, I have issues understanding the whole back and forth in Paula and Richard’s relationship in the beginning. However, I loved that Richard was willing to invest the effort to get his priorities straight. Even though he initially felt comfortable in his life as a recluse, he wanted to spend time with his new family and changed his ways accordingly. While reading about someone who messed up royally in the relationships with his family might not sound uplifting, reading about how this person was able to mend all his relationships is extremely beautiful and encouraging. I found the writing very compelling and enjoyed the plot a lot.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the last two years, Paula has lost both her husband of many years and her son. So when her daughter-in-law marries a man she approves of and brings him to live with them, she's happy to welcome him. But when he attempts to reconnect with his estranged father by inviting Richard to Christmas dinner, she starts to think for the first time of the possibility of finding love again. But Richard has never really known love and his only experience of marriage showed him to be a complete failure as both husband and father. He's trying to make up for the latter, but is he too late? And could there be any hope of him ever becoming a good husband - and is he even willing to try? And even if he decides he is, will Paula be willing to move on from her grief?

A heart-warming story of a couple who are older than your usual romance, which makes a lovely change. As always with this author, the writing is good and the message inspiring without being preachy. I enjoyed getting to know Paula and Richard better, as well as seeing more of Mark, Mel and Alia, who readers of "Marry Me" will recognise. Note that, while part of the Chapel Cover series, this book can be read on its own without confusion. I look forward to more visits to Chapel Cove in future.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adore Me was such a sweet and heartwarming read. I really liked the fact that a more mature couple was featured. You don't see that very often, so that was nice for a change. It showed that you can find your happily ever after at any age and I loved that.

Both Paula and Richard were dealing with deep hurts and there were a lot of hurdles for them to get past. They had their differences and were opposites in many ways, but it was obvious that they really cared about each other. They had great chemistry and there was a definite spark between them.

Adore Me was a lovely novel of second chances, letting go of the past, and learning to trust God and His plans.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a heart-warming romance that deals with some of life's hard parts, Adore Me is the book for you. Neither Paula nor Richard is looking for a romantic relationship until they meet each other. They are both likable, well-developed characters that would make real-life great friends. I loved reading about their faith walk, especially the reality of the problems. "How many times had she asked God for good test results? Too many. For Vince, for Eric, for Alia. And every time, the answer had been no." Adore Me is a positive book that takes your emotions for a ride before you get to that HEA. There is wisdom to be mined from its pages as well as a very entertaining story. "The past was memories. The future was hopes and dreams. But now-now was real. Now was where we prayed, made the decisions and took the actions that shaped our future, and then placed them in God's hands." I highly recommend Adore Me to readers of Christian fiction, Christian romance, and to sweet/wholesome romance readers.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this excellent romance.

[Linda Klager · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the cover of this book because it shows a mature couple. It is wonderful to know that even though you are older that someone can adore you for who you truly are.

Paula's husband died then later her married son died. She was devastated. Her daughter-in-law, Melanie, is left a widow like Paula and Alia doesn't have a daddy anymore. Mel meets Mark and they marry to give ill Alia a father and a marriage of convenience. Later on Mel and Mark fall deeply in love and renew their vows to each other.

Paula is a devoted cook and baker and is going to prepare Christmas Dinner for Mark, Melanie, Alia and Mark's estranged father, Richard. Richard and Mark are doctors. Richard was a workaholic and did not have a good relationship with his son. Richard's wife, Louisa, only married Richard to become a rich doctor's wife. There was no love in this marriage and Louisa had affairs while married to Richard. One day Louisa asked Richard for a divorce. Richard is still reeling from this divorce and he lives a very solitary life.

Richard is entranced with Paula and he finds himself falling for her and Paula is finding very caring and loving ways that Richard had never displayed in his marriage to Louisa.

Alia has leukemia and the family is so very concerned for her health. There is no cure for her condition. Through all of this the family stays together and becomes a very loving family unit.

This is a very sweet romance. My favorite character was Paula - she had sadness in her life, but was always a very positive and caring individual.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fulfilled my every wish based on its cover and its name. I just feel like I already knew Paula and Richard - they feel like my special friends, and have added happiness to my life. How wonderful when a book can add happiness to our lives when we are struggling with all the bad news!

I loved this story - it made me smile over and over and over again, and I still can't stop smiling. The main character, Paula, and her husband Vince had a wonderful marriage, but Vince does not physically appear in the story as he has passed on to meet his Lord; however his pictures, his ring, his memory and his precious granddaughter, Alia, appear everywhere and Alia becomes a prominent part of the story. Read it - you'll love it!

Thanks to the author, Autumn Macarthur, for a delicious, delightful story.
I was blessed to read an ARC copy sent to me by the author, but my review is totally my own choosing.

[Sharon Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going back to Chapel Cove has been the highlight of my week! I have so missed this little town in which I can escape to and just relax with a community filled with so much love. Along the way I got to meet Paula and Richard in Adore Me. Paula’s story has affected me in a way that not only has brought attention to a health issue many of us can relate to but helped me to understand how important it is to not ignore or put off looking into the symptoms our bodies are giving us. And she has been a huge encouragement this week to give me motivation to take healthy steps in my life that I tend so much to just say I’ll do it tomorrow.
This story is one of personal issues and one of finding love again after loosing the love of your life. And knowing God’s plans for us are always so rewarding. Ms. MacArthur has knocked this outta the park and the love and devotion her heart has shared with us will touch many hearts and heal many loves.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard, who had been estranged from his son Mark for many years, was invited to spend Christmas with his new family. When he arrived he met Mark’s wife Melanie, her precious daughter Alia and her mother in law Paula. Richard enjoyed his time with the family, especially Paula. Now they had to wait and see what God planned for their future.

Wonderful story that will make you laugh and cry. Ms MacArthur is a truly gifted storyteller. There are ups and downs but the characters reactions are all based on either praying to or praising God. Nice to read a story based on an older couple who love the Lord and trust Him to guide them through their lives. I can’t praise this book too much, it’s one of the best books I have read this year. I would highly recommend it.

I was given this book as an ARC for an honest review.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn Macarthur crafts a page turning second chance at love for Paula and Richard. Paula is Melanie's mother-in-law and Richard is Dr. Santa's father. As readers of the Chapel Cove Romance series, we meet Melanie, Alia and Dr. Santa in Book 6 - Marry Me. Paula and Richard, both suffer physically and emotionally from heart trouble, which is aspirated by bottling up unexpressed emotions of grief or anger, and because of their personalities and jobs deny their physical symptoms of angina and arrhythmia. Alia is a delightful four year old,, who loves her unicorn friends Moonbeam, Starlight, and Rainbow. Will Richard learn to trust God and let go of his failed marriage? Will Paula make life changing decisions, cook healthy, and overcome her past? As a retiree with heart disease and an Oma with a four year old granddaughter, I related with Paula. Well done, Autumn Macarthur.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from the author, Autumn Macarthur, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. I loved this book about the romance between Paula and Richard who were in their 60's and 70's. Paula was a widow and Richard was divorced so they decided to start their relationship as friends since neither of them wanted marriage again. When Paula had a medical scare and ended up in the hospital, Richard stayed by her side. That was the turning point in their relationship. Richard's son married Paula's daughter-in-law whose husband died a year ago and had a daughter with leukemia. All the sadness in their lives was balanced out by all the good things God blessed them with. I highly recommend this beautiful faith based clean romance, and the cover is perfect.

[Grace Coddington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the newest Chapel Cove book

Just finished reading “Adore Me”..... absolutely loved it!!! While I love this entire series, I especially loved this story about characters closer to my age. Both Paula and Richard are single for different reasons (divorce/widowed) but find love can be found at any age. It was also very satisfying to continue reading about Mark, Melanie, and Alia.

Thank you, ladies, for writing a wonderful, compelling series that tears at the heart strings, encourages, teaches (in a gentle way), and makes me want to move to Chapel Cove!!! I can’t wait to read more in this series(hint: please don’t stop writing!!!) and find out what’s going on in the lives of the people in my favorite town. ❤️❤️💕💕😁😁

[ELMorehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Paula & Richard be open to a New 💞 in their Senior Years?

Master Storyteller Autumn Macarthur has written another Poignant and Unforgettable Christian Romance in "Adore Me"!

This Story reminds me of my Grandmother. She was a widow for 17 years, and then married her second Husband. This occurred, when she was in her late 70s. She wasn't looking for ❤️, but God gave her a second, new, Forever 💞!

Paul & Richard meet, in AM's earlier "Chapel Cove Romance" Story, "Marry Me". Paula gets sick, & Doctor Richard comes to her rescue. Both are Senior Citizens. I Highly Recommend You Read how God draws them together into a new Forever 💞! I Loved 📖 this Compelling, and Engrossing Story, & you will too! ❤️📖 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paula has lost both her husband and son in the last few years and her granddaughter is battling cancer. Her widowed daughter in law recently remarried (you can read that story in Marry Me which is one of my favourites by Autumn Macarthur - though this book can be read as a stand alone) and her new husband has invited his estranged father to visit. I really enjoyed the growing relationship between Paula and Richard and seeing an older couple find love. Well portrayed characters and strongly Christian without being preachy. Looking forward to the next Chapel Hill book. I received this book as an ARC but all comments are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn Macarthur is too young to understand the fears of a senior finding themselves alone after years of being a couple, but she does. Paula has had a disastrous few years. The death of her husband and son, the life threatening illness of her granddaughter have left her overworked and cautious of a new relationship. Richard had an unloving marriage and devoted his life totally to being a doctor, ignoring the needs of his son. Fear of being involved with others and fear of being hurt keeps him isolated. The characters of this book are so well developed you feel you know them. This one will keep you awake reading.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! One thing I especially loved are the ages of the two main characters! Just because you're over 50, 60, 70, or higher doesn't mean you can't fall in love and have a happily ever after, whether for the first time or not. I love that Richard came back to his faith in God, and that Paula's grew stronger. Alia steals the show (again and again!) and it was great to see Richard and Mark rebuild their father/son connection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Cindy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story in the Chapel Cove series. Adore Me is Autumn Macarthur's latest book to the series. It revolves around sixty something Paula and a wee bit older Richard. She's a widow, he's divorced. He comes to Chapel Cove to make amends to his son Mark. Paula is Marks new wife Mel's widowed daughter in law. Can God heal hearts and lives and show these two that they can love again. Read, enjoy and find out. I just loved these two and their story, I hope you do too. Blessings.

[Edyth A · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me, a keeper, for sure!

As someone with a few decades of living, this is such a wonderful story of how faith-filled marriage relationships can fill one’s life with blessings.
I appreciated how their different struggles were handled. It’s a clean later-in-life romance with respect for others.
There are too few authors who tend to avoid writing of older generations—yet I expect a large number of their readers fit in the “older” age brackets, and very much appreciate being acknowledged.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAn Paula and Richard have a second chance at love. Both have heart’s problem, not only physically but emotionally too. Paula must let go of her deceased husband an de be ready to love again. Richard must let of of the bitterness from his failed marriage and his strained relationship with his son Mark. Faith, forgiveness, friendship, family and everything in between in this wonderful love and life story.

[Mary Stalnaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really "adored" this book. It's the story of two people and second chances. The pair are an older couple, so I could relate to them quite easily. I loved the way the author developed the characters. I felt like I knew them as friends. I also like the faith-filled books. The author weaves prayer and faith seamlessly into the story line. It just fits. If you are a fan of Christian romance books, then this is a book for you. You won't go wrong.

[Faith Posten · Rating 5 out of 5]

At My Age

As a sixty something year old widow, Paula certainly wasn't looking for romance in her life. She'd been blessed with a good husband for forty years, had a lovely daughter in law plus a precious, although ill granddaughter, not to mention her own business. She knew she had a full life. But in walked Richard and everything changed. Suddenly she wasn't quite sure that she wasn't interested in love after all! A well written story.

[Andrea Byers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Richard is in Chapel Cove for Christmas at the invite of his son Mark. There relationship has been pretty much non existent for most of Mark’s life. He hopes to make things right with Mark, along with meeting Mel, Alia and Paula. He and Paula get along well and become friends. They both have things that have left them grief stricken and/or bitter, that need to be worked through. Page turning story, back in our favorite town with our familiar characters.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved Paula's name - mine too. She is such a gracious and faith filled lady. I really liked her in Marry Me and glad to see she has found love again. Richard was a sweet man who is trying so hard to reconnect with his son. Loved how he admitted his mistakes. Finding love at any age is wonderful and really enjoyed Paula and Richard's journey. Liked catching up with Mark, Melanie and Alia.

[Sherry Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore Me by Autumn Macarthur is such a beautiful story. I was happy to spend time with Alia again, such a sweet little girl. So many emotions and decisions makes it really hard to put this book down. Autumn is a very gifted author, I absolutely love her books. Brilliant work Autumn! I am definitely going to try the recipe.
I received an ARC and a positive review was not required.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a beautiful story. I love that Paula and Richard were older. I believe love comes at any age and I'm so glad these two got a chance to find love again in their older years. This was a story of faith and love and definitely trusting God. I enjoyed reading about Richard and Paula's faith journey.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Great story featuring older adults! Autumn McArthur has done a great job weaving the characters from previous books into this one. Second chances and forgiveness are featured, and the growth shown in the characters really stood out.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adore Me is a beautiful, heartwarming romance with an older couple falling in love. These characters are so well portrayed that they feel like family. Every romance has its ups and downs but, when you trust the Lord, obstacles can be overcome. This book works as a stand alone, but my enjoyment was enhanced because I had read Marry Me. I especially enjoyed the fact that this was an older couple. It is nice to remember that you can find love at any age. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a clean romance.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn Macarthur’s book Adore Me:
Autumn’s new book is a book you have to read. The loss these couples have suffered through and their faith is truly inspirational. The love between this family is truly wonderful. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.

[Roberta aka Bobbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful story about an older couple and the issues they face on their way to falling in love. My favorite parts were reading about the kindness, chivalry, compassion and the give-and-take that Paula and Richard have toward each other. Autumn Macarthur has written another clean, faith-filled romance. I highly recommend it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is a Christian story of love,loss/grief, letting go and starting over. It showcases a more mature couple, I did myself find love later in life and enjoyed reading their story. Very inspirational theme throughout to trust God with your life. Part of the Chapel Cove series definitely recommend the whole series

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

SWEET SWEET LOVE STORYShe's a widow. When her son's widow remarries for the sake of her young daughter who has cancer she totally supports them. And when his father comes to help and try and repair their relationship they become friends as well. Can they both have a second chance at love? I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.