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The Father He Deserves
A determined dad. A wary mother.
Making amends is never easy…
Injured in a kayaking accident, champion Evan Holland returns home to train rescue dogs. But his unexpected partner is the woman he left behind, Natalie Bishop. And she has a secret: a son Evan never knew he had. Now Evan must prove he can be a real father. But earning Natalie’s trust back will take hope, forgiveness—and risking everything on forever…
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Making amends is never easy…
Injured in a kayaking accident, champion Evan Holland returns home to train rescue dogs. But his unexpected partner is the woman he left behind, Natalie Bishop. And she has a secret: a son Evan never knew he had. Now Evan must prove he can be a real father. But earning Natalie’s trust back will take hope, forgiveness—and risking everything on forever…
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
- GenresLove Inspired
217 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 29, 2021
26 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 30, 2021
What a touching story! Evan was a wonderful character who captured my heart from the very beginning of the book. I really felt for him as he discovered that he was a father to a five year old son that he never knew about. That information just knocked him flat and hurt him so much. But I loved the way he jumped right in and wanted to be a dad to his kid.
Throughout the story, Evan had to deal with a lot. He was recovering from a possibly career ending injury and also trying to navigate the emotional situation that he and his former love, Natalie, now found themselves in as parents. On top of everything, he also dealt with some PTSD related to his accident and an event in his past.
Natalie was a difficult character. There were times I really liked her in the story and other times where she frustrated me so much. However, I realized that her behavior was a direct result of the anxiety she carried around with her from a traumatic even in her childhood and her actions were very realistic for her situation. She was fearful and secretive and reactive to things. However, this story was a journey to her realization that she needed to make changes and get some real help in order to live a fulfilling life. She also had a lot of anger at God and needed to open her eyes to the way He had been working in her life all along. I enjoyed this book so much!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This review will post on my blog on 7/5/21.
Throughout the story, Evan had to deal with a lot. He was recovering from a possibly career ending injury and also trying to navigate the emotional situation that he and his former love, Natalie, now found themselves in as parents. On top of everything, he also dealt with some PTSD related to his accident and an event in his past.
Natalie was a difficult character. There were times I really liked her in the story and other times where she frustrated me so much. However, I realized that her behavior was a direct result of the anxiety she carried around with her from a traumatic even in her childhood and her actions were very realistic for her situation. She was fearful and secretive and reactive to things. However, this story was a journey to her realization that she needed to make changes and get some real help in order to live a fulfilling life. She also had a lot of anger at God and needed to open her eyes to the way He had been working in her life all along. I enjoyed this book so much!
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This review will post on my blog on 7/5/21.
July 7, 2021
Evan returns to his hometown after a severe injury that puts him out of competition, but coming home holds more surprises than he could have imagined.
A sweet small town romance of second chances. Natalie has moved back home after her father started having heart problems, and has found a meaningful job training dogs while raising her young son. Evan’s father is a great advocate for veterans, and enlists her help to train dogs to be companions for the vets. I thought it was so awesome how everyone is so active in their community, and how they pull together to help others. Natalie is a great mom to Aidan, and her parents are wonderful and supportive throughout.
I liked that Evan really tried to reconnect with Natalie and get to know Aidan, as they work together with the dogs.
Overall, an enjoyably heartwarming and entertaining read, with a full cast of characters, good relationship building, faith, and a pretty adorable kid. A great read for fans of second chance romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A sweet small town romance of second chances. Natalie has moved back home after her father started having heart problems, and has found a meaningful job training dogs while raising her young son. Evan’s father is a great advocate for veterans, and enlists her help to train dogs to be companions for the vets. I thought it was so awesome how everyone is so active in their community, and how they pull together to help others. Natalie is a great mom to Aidan, and her parents are wonderful and supportive throughout.
I liked that Evan really tried to reconnect with Natalie and get to know Aidan, as they work together with the dogs.
Overall, an enjoyably heartwarming and entertaining read, with a full cast of characters, good relationship building, faith, and a pretty adorable kid. A great read for fans of second chance romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 7, 2021
The Father He Deserves by Lisa Jordan is a secret baby story with an adorable little boy. Evan Holland is home to recover from a kayaking accident. Natalie Bishop is home to help her parents after her dad’s heart attack. When Evan sees Natalie’s little boy and does the math, he realizes the truth: she kept his son from him.
In all honesty, secret baby stories are often a little hard for me to read. I struggle to fully buy into the reason for keeping the baby a secret. I can’t imagine doing something like that, so I liked that Evan not only figured it out right away—it baffles me when the guy doesn’t—he wrestled with his anger over it, too. On the surface, I found it difficult to sympathize with Natalie’s reasoning, but as the story progresses, it becomes more obvious as to why she did what she did.
My favorite scene is the climax when Evan shows the hero he is and how much he cares for his son. It’s so sweet, even in the scariness of the situation. I also liked that there is no shame in Natalie getting the help she needs from qualified doctors (I won’t say more to avoid spoilers). It is a huge deal for fiction to show readers it’s good to seek help.
Overall, I enjoyed The Father He Deserves. It’s a sweet story and I love the supporting cast, who we’ve seen in past stories. The dads, in particular, are fantastic. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!
—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
In all honesty, secret baby stories are often a little hard for me to read. I struggle to fully buy into the reason for keeping the baby a secret. I can’t imagine doing something like that, so I liked that Evan not only figured it out right away—it baffles me when the guy doesn’t—he wrestled with his anger over it, too. On the surface, I found it difficult to sympathize with Natalie’s reasoning, but as the story progresses, it becomes more obvious as to why she did what she did.
My favorite scene is the climax when Evan shows the hero he is and how much he cares for his son. It’s so sweet, even in the scariness of the situation. I also liked that there is no shame in Natalie getting the help she needs from qualified doctors (I won’t say more to avoid spoilers). It is a huge deal for fiction to show readers it’s good to seek help.
Overall, I enjoyed The Father He Deserves. It’s a sweet story and I love the supporting cast, who we’ve seen in past stories. The dads, in particular, are fantastic. I hope you’ll enjoy it, too!
—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from JustRead Tours. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
July 6, 2021
Love Inspired Books are a favorite of mine. They are Clean, Inspirational Romance books. The Father He Deserves by Lisa Jordan is the latest Love Inspired book I have read.
Evan Holland is a Champion Kayaker, but he has to take a break from Kayaking after an injury. He comes home where he will begin Training Rescue Dogs. He learns he will be working with Natalie Bishop, whom he dated just before he left town for his Kayaking career. Natalie soon reveals that she is mother to a 5yr old son and that Evan is the father of her son. He is shocked but also excited to become a father to a son he never knew about. Will Evan and Natalie be able to work together in light of Natalie being hurt by Evan leaving years ago? Will Evan be able to prove to Natalie that she can trust him? Will the pair be able to parent their son together and nurture him?
Awww, such a heartwarming book! Evan was my favorite character in the book. He is a Strong person who doesn't let things detour him from LIFE. He is a caring and loving man and Dad. Natalie is a good character, but she doesn't deal with Life issues as well as Evan. I do like how "opposites attract" in this story, and they balance each other to make a great team. I HIGHLY recommend this book, as it really is a great story of Forgiveness and Strength!
Evan Holland is a Champion Kayaker, but he has to take a break from Kayaking after an injury. He comes home where he will begin Training Rescue Dogs. He learns he will be working with Natalie Bishop, whom he dated just before he left town for his Kayaking career. Natalie soon reveals that she is mother to a 5yr old son and that Evan is the father of her son. He is shocked but also excited to become a father to a son he never knew about. Will Evan and Natalie be able to work together in light of Natalie being hurt by Evan leaving years ago? Will Evan be able to prove to Natalie that she can trust him? Will the pair be able to parent their son together and nurture him?
Awww, such a heartwarming book! Evan was my favorite character in the book. He is a Strong person who doesn't let things detour him from LIFE. He is a caring and loving man and Dad. Natalie is a good character, but she doesn't deal with Life issues as well as Evan. I do like how "opposites attract" in this story, and they balance each other to make a great team. I HIGHLY recommend this book, as it really is a great story of Forgiveness and Strength!
March 12, 2025
Champion kayaker, Evan Holland, was injured in a kayaking accident. He came home to train rescue dogs. Natalie Bishop, the woman he left behind, is his unexpected partner. Natalie never told him that he had a son. Evan must prove he can be a real father.
This is a Love Inspired Inspirational Romance which means that the story will show faith, forgiveness, and or hope. It shows that one should not always hold secrets. Evan's son takes time to love the water, much like his father did when he was young. It is an enjoyable book to read.
This is a Love Inspired Inspirational Romance which means that the story will show faith, forgiveness, and or hope. It shows that one should not always hold secrets. Evan's son takes time to love the water, much like his father did when he was young. It is an enjoyable book to read.
July 5, 2021
In The Father He Deserves, Lisa Jordan returns readers to Shelby Lake and the Holland family. This time, younger brother Evan returns to his family farm after an injury sidelines him from the rest of kayak season. And he’s in for quite the surprise.
Evan is a character I couldn’t help but like as he tries to balance his dreams against what Natalie and his son need. He’s also dealing with the aftereffects of his injury and learning to be a dad.
Natalie took a little more warming up to (but once I understood her past and all the reasons for her anxiety and trust issues, I did warm up to her). It’s Natalie who has the longest journey of faith ahead of her, and as we walk through it with her, I just wanted to wrap my arm around her shoulder and say, “God’s got this” a couple of times. But isn’t that hard to see when we’re immersed in our own fears and pain?
And as this family pieces itself back together, I couldn’t help but root for them. Add in the sweet dogs, some cameos from characters from Jordan’s previous books, and little Aiden, and this is a sweet and touching story.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Evan is a character I couldn’t help but like as he tries to balance his dreams against what Natalie and his son need. He’s also dealing with the aftereffects of his injury and learning to be a dad.
Natalie took a little more warming up to (but once I understood her past and all the reasons for her anxiety and trust issues, I did warm up to her). It’s Natalie who has the longest journey of faith ahead of her, and as we walk through it with her, I just wanted to wrap my arm around her shoulder and say, “God’s got this” a couple of times. But isn’t that hard to see when we’re immersed in our own fears and pain?
And as this family pieces itself back together, I couldn’t help but root for them. Add in the sweet dogs, some cameos from characters from Jordan’s previous books, and little Aiden, and this is a sweet and touching story.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
July 8, 2021
This was an interesting visit to Hearts Bend. I enjoyed getting to know Evan and what drives him. His love for his family.
It was interesting to see how he navigated through finding out he had a son who was 5 years old.
The excitement, the anger and the desire to be the best father he could be.
Then Natalie, it took a while to understand her and the reason why she made the choices she did. But getting to know more about her and her past, it became clearer why she made those decisions.
It's a great story and I really enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
It was interesting to see how he navigated through finding out he had a son who was 5 years old.
The excitement, the anger and the desire to be the best father he could be.
Then Natalie, it took a while to understand her and the reason why she made the choices she did. But getting to know more about her and her past, it became clearer why she made those decisions.
It's a great story and I really enjoyed it. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine
August 10, 2022
This was a great read! I have to admit I wasn't overly thrilled with Natalie, as I've never known anyone to live in such fear, and really, it was constantly thinking the bad "what if" game, and letting it control her life. I really liked Evan, and though he struggled with mild PTSD, that was totally understandable. Natalie does, finally, learn how much she is letting fear control her, and how that fear is causing her to make some really bad choices, and causing her to miss out on many great things in her life. Once she realizes this, and realizes how wrong she's been about God, she does start turning things around, which is why I can say I like her way more at the end of the book than I did in the beginning. We never know what life (and God) have for us until we walk in faith that God will never leave us. Natalie finally realizes this, and learns that if we live in fear, we can harm those we love.
August 12, 2021
This story of second chance romance has so many layers! Evan Holland doesn’t know he is the father of 5 yr old, Aidan. He is a champion kayaker that has been busy on professional circuit until a possible career ending injury sends him home. Natalie Bishop has come home to help her parents after her dad has a heart attack. Frankly, Natalie is an emotional mess and I had a hard time liking her. That woman needed counseling LONG before the book setting! Good thing Evan was patient with her! Actually a heartwarming story with a cute little boy and some good messages in it!
February 25, 2022
Evan Holland returns home after an accident sets him aside from pursuing his kayaking career. While he heals, he works with rescue dogs-with Natalie Bishop, the girl he once loved. He also discovers he has a son, Aiden. He must prove he can adjust his life to be a dad. He has to win his son's trust and love. That will take help from Mom Natalie, but she isn't inclined to help. So, before he can win Aiden, he must win Natalie over, too. And not just because she is Aiden's mom, either. Can Evan change his life? A lovely, tender story.
January 13, 2024
Gods always there
Sometimes what we think we want is not what we need. When an accident brings Evan home he runs into one conflict after conflict. He doesn’t know which way to go, but God will show both Evan and Natalie He can heal all things and make them whole once again.
Sometimes what we think we want is not what we need. When an accident brings Evan home he runs into one conflict after conflict. He doesn’t know which way to go, but God will show both Evan and Natalie He can heal all things and make them whole once again.
June 20, 2021
awesome book
March 12, 2022
Injured in a kayaking accident, champion Evan Holland returns home to train rescue dogs and meets a son he never knew existed.
May 10, 2022
I haven't read any of this author books I'm glad I picked this one up had a hard time putting it down.
I can't wait to read more.
I can't wait to read more.
January 14, 2024
Overall a good book. I often found myself getting annoyed at Natalie and found her to be over the top selfish.
October 1, 2024
Love this story. Did not realize that it’s actually part of a series. So I’ll go back and read the others.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews