See Me

by Autumn Macarthur

Fairytale romances can’t happen in real life. Or can they?

It’s love at first sight when reclusive inventor Jesse Buckley meets unemployed music teacher Bronte, moonlighting as a take-out delivery driver. Okay, so splattering guacamole and sour cream over them both wasn’t the best way to impress the woman he hopes to make his wife, but from here on the only way is up, right? Still, maybe offering her a job as his chauffeur and personal assistant wasn’t one of his best ideas.

It means he’ll see her almost every day, sure. It also means, as one of his employees, she’s out-of-bounds. Besides, though he’s had to admit to his failing eyesight, he hasn’t told her yet that one day he’ll become completely blind. And he’s managed to keep the little fact he’s one of the wealthy owners of the business a secret, letting her believe he’s just another staff member.

Desperate to untangle the mess a con man left her life and her finances in, Bronte gratefully said yes to the job Jesse offered her. Spending most of her time with a sweet, kind, handsome guy she could easily fall head-over-heels for wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal. After all, the last man she thought loved her stole everything she had. Her home, her inheritance, her music, her faith, and most of all, her trust in her own judgment. A new love isn’t on her wish list, especially when she can’t shake the feeling Jesse’s hiding something from her.

What neither counted on was Jesse’s ailing grandmother and her determination to see him settled with the right woman. First she beguiles them into a fake engagement neither will admit they want to make real. Then she maneuvers them into accompanying her on a trip to Chapel Cove to visit his former PA, Nai. Could it be, the spring vacation in a small Oregon seaside town will bring love, renewed faith, and God’s sweet healing for them all? 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 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 (this book) Book 13 - Don't Leave Me by Alexa Verde Book 14 - Stand by Me by Autumn Macarthur (availabale now!) Book 15 - Honor Me by Narelle Atkins (launch delayed) Book 16 - Trust Me by Rose Fresquez (available now!) And more lovely stories to come

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Christian Romance, Contemporary

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 15, 2021

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

[Angie Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the sweet romance between Bronte and Jesse, even though it was a bit more surfacey and love-at-first sight than I usually like. I appreciated the way they found character-based reasons to like each other after the surface attraction start. Loved Abuela (although her matchmaking was certainly over the top) and loved Nai and the way she kept Jesse in line. ;) Also loved Isaiah! I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Bronte and Jesse working together before the dynamic changed. But I liked the way that Bronte jumped into whatever job she was offered and did her best at it. I felt for Jesse with his past issues of abandonment and feeling like no one could care for him with his worsening disability. I did feel like Bronte's issues with trust went away rather suddenly when her focus shifted to Jesse's feelings, and it didn't make total sense to me that they were both already thinking so much about dating and even marriage when they were both apparently adamant about never having a serious relationship.

3.5 stars

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure, I pre-ordered See Me, just like I do all of the Chapel Cove Romances. But when the opportunity came to read the book a few days earlier… OF COURSE! I jumped on it! If/when this series ever ends - I. WILL. CRY. I love Chapel Cove, all of it’s citizens, all of the difficulties that they overcome, the Happily Ever Afters… at the end of each new book, I SWEAR that THAT book is my new favorite. It was such a pleasure to watch Jesse and Bronte falling in love as they both had to discover their own value as a Child of God. If you have ever struggled with feeling that you are enough, or that you aren’t good enough because of choices that you have made, Bronte and Jesse’s story will speak to you. It is a beautiful story about how our greatest trials can be our greatest blessings and ministry to others. I loved See Me, and can’t wait to see what amazing story comes next!

[Shannan Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I fell head over heels in love with this story. Jesse and Bronte couldn't have come from more different backgrounds or circumstances in their lives. You would never ever think they would be a match but you never know what could happen when abuela has a plan. This story has all the feels and it was so wonderfully written and made me believe that yes fairytales do come true.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can God help Jesse and Bronte face their struggles and accept them in order to have a chance at live and happiness? A sweet love and live story about faith, trust, second chances in whimsical Chapel Cove.

[Peni]

Fairytale romances can’t happen in real life. Or can they?

It’s love at first sight when reclusive inventor Jesse Buckley meets unemployed music teacher Bronte, moonlighting as a take-out delivery driver. Okay, so splattering guacamole and sour cream over them both wasn’t the best way to impress the woman he hopes to make his wife, but from here on the only way is up, right?

Still, maybe offering her a job as his chauffeur and personal assistant wasn’t one of his best ideas. It means he’ll see her almost every day, sure. It also means, as one of his employees, she’s out-of-bounds. Besides, though he’s had to admit to his failing eyesight, he hasn’t told her yet that one day he’ll become completely blind. And he’s managed to keep the little fact he’s one of the billionaire owners of the business a secret, letting her believe he’s just another staff member.

Desperate to untangle the mess a conman left her life and her finances in, Bronte gratefully said yes to the job Jesse offered her. Spending most of her time with a sweet, kind, handsome guy she could easily fall head-over-heels for wasn’t supposed to be part of the deal. After all, the last man she thought loved her stole everything she had. Her home, her inheritance, her music, her faith, and most of all, her trust in her own judgment. A new love isn’t on her wish list, especially when she can’t shake the feeling Jesse’s hiding something from her.

What neither counted on was Jesse’s ailing grandmother and her determination to see him settled with the right woman. First she beguiles them into a fake engagement neither will admit they want to make real. Then she maneuvers them into accompanying her on a trip to Chapel Cove to visit his former PA, Nai. Could it be, the spring vacation in a small Oregon seaside town will bring love, renewed faith, and God’s sweet healing for them all?

[Kristie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, light, clean Christian romance full of faith lessons and good, decent people. Not too saccharine, either. I may explore others in this series. A nice distraction from the world’s craziness right now.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story got me thinking, would I want to lose my hearing or lose my sight? In my career, I’ve worked with students who have experienced both. It’s not easy to feel like your whole world is going to be dark or silent. I think I’d pick losing my hearing because losing my sight would be a struggle. I get joy seeing things around me, that God has created. Like - sunsets, the ocean, mountains, my grandbabies, and much more. They calm me. But if I lost that, it would be difficult to reconcile with, and not have anger or bitterness.
In this story, Autumn Macarthur tenderly shows the struggle a person could have. She does a beautiful job of depicting all the minute issues that blind people deal with, (which to them are gigantic) that we sighted people take for granted.
The author also brings into the story, an individual dealing with unfair losses caused by trusting the wrong people. Now she’s just trying to learn to trust others.
This story is such a heart-warming tale of two individuals finding love, and acceptance in who they are, and how it’s okay to trust others and God for the help they need.
We again get to go back to the wonderful community of Chapel Cove, based in a fictitious town on the Oregon coast. It just warms my heart because I love our coast, it truly is a beautiful place to go to find rest, healing, and restoration. And to see God’s beauty!
Autumn Macarthur is a gifted storyteller. She can weave a story with just the right amount of flair that I started believing these were real people and a real place.
All the authors in this series have made Chapel Cove so real I want to go there, HOWEVER, it’s not real. My mind knows this, but my heart wants it to be real so I can meet these wonderful characters.
If you want a sweet touching series to read and to hear of a beautiful place called Oregon, then you need to pick this book and this series up.
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse has known for years that he is gradually going blind, but he's refused to accept it - until it reaches the point where he can no longer do his job. At the same time, his family's rejection of him following his diagnosis has convinced him that he can never marry. Then, a late night food delivery introduces him to Bronte, who makes him second-guess everything. Having her move in with his grandmother to look after her seems an answer to both their problems. But it raises a problem of its own: his grandmother seems to think Bronte would make the perfect wife for him, and she's used to getting her own way...

I really enjoyed this story, though Jesse really needed to learn to communicate. It was nice seeing a bit of some old friends, particularly Nai, but also good to meet some more newcomers to Chapel Cove. The idea of gradually, irresistibly going blind is a horrible one, but it was touching to see Jesse slowly coming to terms with it - and realising that some of his ideas aren't actually correct. I'd really love to see some more of their post-marriage story - maybe we can get some hints at least in a future book?

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.

[Aurélie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jesse meets Bronte, it’s love at first sight, well, as deep as a soon-to-be blind man can see… Which is the reason why he desperately needs to keep his distances, not wanting to burden any future wife with his “disability”. But, as it often happens, life turns out differently…
I could relate really well to Jesse, even though I know that he is wrong in his assumption of being a burden to the people he loves. In this story, we accompany Jesse on his journey to acceptance of his illness, himself, and, yes, love. He was smart enough to realize that life does not end with someone not being fully able-bodied anymore. Since we are all limited in some way, it’s a lesson we can all learn. I just know from experience how hard it is, and that knowing something and living it are two very separate challenges. Enjoy this story about Jesse and Bronte, and how God used their circumstances in ways they could never have foreseen… and with humor ☺!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Terry Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

See Me was one of my all time favorite books. I love the way Jesse and Bronte meet and I love that she ends up working at Ideas & Inventions with Jesse. Jesse wants to make his abuela happy so he and and Bronte devise a plan and Nai and Mateo make an exciting announcement. I love that Nai appears in this book because I loved her when she worked at the bookstore in a previous book. It was so heartwarming the way that Jesse proposed to Bronte. I have been disabled for about 12 years and I love the fact that Autumn used a disabled person in this book. I also love the scene with Sherry and the Chihuahua that scene is very close to my heart and so cute. I didn’t want to stop reading this book, I was hooked from the very first page. I would highly recommend this book. Great job Autumn Macarthur.

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jesse is a brilliant inventor who is losing his vision. He's struggling to accept his condition. Then he meets Bronte. She's unemployed and living in her car. Her ex-boyfriend stole everything from her, except her faith. Her goodness shines through. Does love at first sight happen? I know it does. Jesse and Bronte trust the Lord and his plan. I could see that these two can help each other. They are both so caring and compassionate. See Me is filled with love and faith in God's plan. These characters are special and their interaction is powerful. Autumn Macarthur has written a sweet romance about two people who are dealing with adversity, but faith and love help guided them to a HEA. I enjoyed their journey. This book is a worthy addition to the Chapel Cove series.

[Bookwurm637 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet faith based love story. Inventor,Jesse has been slowly losing his sight for years. And because of it both of his parents rejected him as a young child so he was raised by his grandmother. Because his condition is genetic he has determined to never get married or have children. But that was before he met Bronte. Bronte has lost everything due to a bad relationship and has been reduced to living in her car. She is also determined never to fall again.

But of course they both do, and hard and fast. But they both feel unworthy of love. Together they learn that God don't make mistakes. This was a short and sweet story without being sappy or preachy. I really enjoyed it.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an Advance Readers Copy of this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Another great book in the Chapel Cove Series. Autumn MacArthur has done a wonderful job with this book about a gentleman with a disability which is getting worse and he doesn’t want to admit it. When Bronte becomes Jesse’s administrative assistant, she lacks confidence because of her past mistakes, but is willing to trust God and make changes. The plot of this book is interesting, and the connection to Chapel Cove and other characters is always heartwarming, but each book stands on its own.

[Renate Deutsche Oma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Autumn Macarthur crafts a page turning story dealing with loss - loss of vision, loss of dignity (homelessness and old age), loss of cello, and other possessions. Reality or Fairy Tale??? Autumn Macarthur weaves an inspiring story with a beautiful Oregon small town coastal setting, relatable characters Jesse and Bronte, real life conflicts of health issues and homelessness, and a believable resolution. Thank you Autumn Macarthur for an inspiring summer read. Loving 87 year old grandma Carmela is an insightful matchmaker.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

See me is an uplifting romance with messy meet cute. I love Bronte and Jesse. They both have had trials and are still trying to rise above them. Jesse's grandmother coerces them to take her to Chapel Cove because we all know things are better in Chapel Cove. Will Bronte and Jesse start o heal and admit their mutual attraction when they come under the influence of the peace of this charming town? Autumn Macarthur has once again written a wonderful romance in this fantastic setting.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you read about a man hiding his disability, a hopeless delivery driver. Jesse and Bronte’s story will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. The characters in this book are truly amazing inspirational characters. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful book. 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.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good to visit Chapel Cove again. I loved Jesse and Bronte's meet cute. I don't know why, but the more awkward the meet the more I love it. They are both wonderful people who have some pretty big trials. I loved getting to know them and seeing how they overcame those trials. Carmela (Abuela) was wonderful and added a lot of fun to the story. My only complaint is I felt it ended too soon.

[Sherry Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

See Me

This is such a beautiful story, I seriously did not want to put it down. Easily one of my favorites. Such wonderful characters, and beautiful proposal. Autumn has a God given talent and it shows in all of her work. Not only is this story beautiful but also very informative in a creative way. I highly recommend this book.

[Mary Jane McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved It

Another great book in a great Christian series. I'm really enjoying this series and loved Jesse and Bronte's story  These two make a perfect couple. A sweet heartwarming story that captivated me from the beginning.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really sweet but awkward first meeting between Jesse and Bronte. A romantic story about seeing not only with the eyes but with the heart and learning to trust in the only One who can truly give us peace and direction. One of the sweetest endings.

[Susan Jalosky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The characters were very true to life for me since I have a disability. The fears and acceptance that the main character faces are very realistic! You will love this story!

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is not blind

We can make our struggles seem so awful and impossible that the more we think about it, the less capable we feel. We can also convince ourselves we are not capable of receiving love because of that. I’m glad we serve the God of the impossible!

[Imelda Entract · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another love!y Chapel Cove Story

As I read my way through these stories I find them all moving and thought provoking. Chapel Cove is an idealised location with people who have suffered and have been helped by faith and their neighbours, we could all do with that in our own !ives

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so sweet

This book is so sweet. He is going blind, thinks he hasn't got anything out there for him. Then he meets her, makes an unforgettable first impression. Can she won his trust?

[Melanie Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story

This was a good story. I liked how everything played out with the characters. The romance was beautiful, though the ending felt a little rushed. I enjoyed the story very much.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jesse and Bronte's story. I love how Autumn Macarthur lists the scriptures at the end of the book that she based the information on. I am slowly loosing my eyesight so I can so relate to Jesse. Wonderful.

[Barb Beechy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Jesse and Brontes story. I think it was very well written and the Love of God showed through the whole story. How they both trusted God and what a wonderful ending as well.

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

What a great and sensitive book about changes in life. I learner a lot; was moved deeply; and enjoyed every minute of it. What a fantastic read! Loved it.

[Jean Rabern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

A very special book. Overcoming physical handicaps, emotional challenges. With Gods grace we can do all things. A great series

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Feel Good Romance

This was a feel good romance with all the elements you would expect.
I loved the storyline and the characters.