An Alaskan Secret

Home to Hearts Bay #1

by Heidi McCahan

Coming home as a single dad…

with a seven-year secret

Back home in Hearts Bay, Alaska, Asher Hale’s past has caught up with him. His son Cameron’s new reading tutor, Tess Madden, is actually Cameron's mother—but she doesn't know it. Their teenage romance is one neither has forgotten, but Asher’s secret lies between them. Now he will have to risk it all. Because telling the truth is the only path to a family reunion.

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Home to Hearts Bay

Book 1: An Alaskan Secret
Book 2: The Twins' Alaskan Adventure

Genres: Love Inspired, Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 2022

About the author

Heidi McCahan writes uplifting inspirational romance novels set in small towns. She is a bestselling author of several books, including Her Alaskan Family and A Baby in Alaska. A perfect day for Heidi includes a huge cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, and reading stories with happy endings. She makes her home in North Carolina with her handsome husband, three amazing boys, and the world’s greatest Goldendoodle. Heidi is represented by Steve Laube of The Steve Laube Agency. A Winter of Sweet Secrets, Heidi’s next novel with Harlequin Love Inspired, releases on September 30, 2025.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish this book. Too much lies, deceit, secrets,and betrayals. I liked the characters of Tess and her sisters, but I did not care for Asher and his mother.

[Beth | Faithfully Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is all kinds of wonderful, y'all! Normally, I am not a fan of "secret" themed stories but this book pulled me right in. The author's love of small-town Alaska shines through and as a small-town girl who admires Alaska from afar, I simply couldn't resist. I highly recommend this book and will definitely be watching for more stories in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Heidi’s inspirational romances! You can’t help but fall in love with Asher, Tess, Cameron and their supportive families. Pages filled with faith, forgiveness and hope keep you invested to the very end.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, second chance romance

An Alaskan Secret is a sweet story of second chances. Reading the synopsis, I was led to wonder how on earth a mother could not know about her child, and, honestly, my skepticism was part of my motivation for wanting to read the book. The other reason is that I have read and enjoyed other books by Heidi McCahan and wanted to see where this would go.

Asher and Cameron were great! Asher's love for his son, which led him to deceive Tess all those years ago, made him a great dad. He struggled to do the right things for Cameron and felt like a failure when he discovered his reading difficulties.

A faith element runs through the story. Though it is more along the lines of subtle inspirational fiction, the message of forgiveness is clear. Yay!

I enjoyed how the plot played out. It was natural and made sense. Cameron was adorable, as any seven-year-old boy in a story should be. The romance played out realistically.

Readers who enjoy sweet, second chance romances will want to read An Alaskan Secret.

Originally Reviewed on Among The Reads

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in The Home To Hearts Bay Series and it is Asher and Tess story and it is definitely a must read. Asher and Tess had been so in love and then she found out that she was pregnant and as she was so young she decided to put the baby up for adoption so that she could get the qualifications that she wanted but she regretted it every single day and often thought of her son hoping that he was getting the life he deserved but now she has returned to her hometown as a teacher only to find that Asher had returned as well and had a son Cameron that was starting at the school where Tess worked. Asher was so shocked to see Tess again and even though he never stopped loving her he had kept a big secret from her all these years and that was he had brought up there son as a single dad and she doesn't know and he is unsure how long it will be before she finds out and hates him even more than she already does. Will this be a second chance for them to put aside all there differences and become a family of is it too late. I absolutely loved this book as the characters and storyline pulled you in right from the start and kept your attention throughout the whole book and I can't wait to read more books in this series.

I Voluntarily Reviewed a Copy of This Book.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to keep a big secret in a small town.

After seven years away from their small hometown of Hearts Bay, Alaska, Tess Madden and Asher Hale meet again. A lot has happened since this once madly in love couple saw each other last. Tess has changed her views on motherhood and often wonders what has happened to her child she gave up for adoption seven years ago. Little does she know that Asher's son she is trying to tutor is actually hers. But how and when and if at all should Asher tell her the truth?

I really enjoyed the setting of this book, the characters (even the snarky and deceptive Mrs. Hale), and the close relationship the Madden sisters have. I also liked discovering elements of the subtle theme of restoration: characters going from Godless life to following His lead and witnessing how something that they thought was lost forever in the past was made new and better in the present.

A sweet story of second chances.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very good book with an interesting twist of having the father secretly raising their child while the mother assumes the child is being raised by an adoptive family. I thought the author did a good job with writing that twist in a way that didn't feel like the guy was being manipulative or hurtful, he just wanted to keep his child even though the mother didn't feel she was ready to be a mother when she became pregnant.
The pacing of the book was pretty smooth too, and the romantic element was very sweet. I enjoyed the way the author tied it together and was able to give the couple a happy ending that was believable.

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this heartwarming tale of forgiveness and second chances. It was my first time reading anything by Heidi McCahan, but it certainly won't be the last.

This story totally flips the secret child trope on its head, with the guy in the know and the heroine in the dark. I've only seen this done one other time, so I was curious about how it would play out. I've gotta say, I thought it was really well done. I was completely engaged and invested in these characters' lives.

I enjoyed the setting and the residents of Hearts Bay, Alaska, and am eager to visit again. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys sweet contemporary romance.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a heartwarming book about a dad who adopted his son without letting the mother know.. after all she didn’t want to be a mom. Now Asher Hale returns to his home in Hearts Bay, Alaska, with his 7yr old son, Cameron. Cameron has some reading difficulties, and lo and behold the reading specialist is none other than Tess Madden, Cameron’s mother! Asher’s secret is wearing on him, but what will happen when Tess finds out the truth? This book starts a new series and has good characters, good storyline, and a satisfying ending. Heidi McCahan has written a story of second chances, forgiveness, and grace. I’m ready for book 2 in the series!

[Liz Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Asher returns to Orca Island Alaska to be close to his mother to try to help her deal with her divorce from his father he doesn't expect to deal with the mother of his son Cameron. But Tess has returned also to teach school and Asher's son needs tutoring which is what she does. Asher doesn't know how to tell Tess that Cameron is the child that she didn't think she wanted and gave up for adoption when she was nineteen. And that he tricked her into signing over to him. This is a great story that I couldn't put down. I look forward to more from this author.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tess and Asher were high school sweethearts. Asher went off to college but came home to see Tess and things had gotten out of hand. Then she discovered she was pregnant and decided that she wanted to put the baby up for adoption. Asher was against that idea.

Now it;'s seven years later and both of them have returned to their hometown without the other one knowing that they were back. Can they have a second chance. Will Asher's secret be revealed or will he tell Tess himself.

Check out the book you will enjoy it.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The "secret baby" storyline isn't unique, but this story does present a different version than I'm used to: it's the father who's hiding the child vs. the mother. If you're a fan of sweet romances (especially second chance romances), and cute kids, this is likely one you'll enjoy. There is a faith element, but it's not overpowering.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to thank the author Heidi McCahan for allowing me the opportunity to receive this wonderful little book in a GoodReads giveaway. This was such a sweet story of forgiveness and hope! I dare not spoil the story for others so I’ll be brief. ;) I’ve never heard of the Love Inspired inspirational romance books before, but after this gift of An Alaskan Secret, I have bought 2 more! I’m looking forward to reading more.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!
I could relate to Tess and her love of teaching and helping children, since I am also a literacy and remediation teacher at an elementary school. I loved getting to know Tess, Asher and Cameron‘s families.
Highly recommend this easy to read, sweet Alaskan story! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet second chance romance that will touch your heart and soul. It's an inspirational read that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This book was an absolute joy to read.
I won a copy of this book in a contest and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Kathy Burdette · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Alaskan Secret was very intriguing! I love how the author draws you into the story. You feel the hurt, the lack of communication pain and both characters secret feelings. The book kept me in suspense. I couldn't put it down! Highly recommend it to everyone!

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Home to Hearts Bay (Book #1)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Home to Hearts Bay (Book #1)

[melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story, I couldn't put it down! super cute.

[Rebecca Aspinwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love happy endings. It was hard to put it down.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

👎 For righteous wannabes only

Blindsided by hit after hit of religion.
Should come with a trigger warning.
Its otherwise edited well enough.

For righteous wannabes only.

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice start to this series, but a bit much. The level of deception and then the reaction once it was revealed just didn’t work for me.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have liked everything I've read from Heidi McCahan and feel privileged to have received several books, including this one, as ARCs. Halfway into the book, I was already excited about reading what comes next in this series. Through the eyes of Tess and Asher, both of whom return to their childhood island home, the reader can see some of the beauty of Alaska: the challenges of living on an island, especially one where everyone knew you as a child; the struggle to get a child's learning disability diagnosed; and the wrench of a romance that ended in an unplanned pregnancy and heartbreak. Circumstances (and family members) conspire to throw Tess and Asher back together, and they find they have no choice but to work together to help Cameron, Asher's son, learn to read. Seeing the situation from both points of view and a careful presentation of Cameron's personality really adds dimension to this story. Real emotions play out as Tess and Asher and Cameron find their way to each other, including Cameron's palpable fear of doctors and Tess's grief for the baby she and Asher conceived years ago. An Alaskan Secret is not just a romance, it's the story of how a family finally comes to be.

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets can cause so many issues and when they are kept for a long time, they can create a ripple effect.
In this story, we read about two individuals who have each kept a secret from the other. When they both end up back in their hometown, things get complicated. Will they let the secrets keep or will they find healing when they share those secrets?
This is a delightful story of forgiveness and love between two individuals. It is a tender story of how God can and will forgive when we trust Him.
Heidi McCahan has written a wonderful book that is easy to read and very enjoyable. She brings life and freshness to her stories. I enjoy her style of writing. Her story has a wonderful example of how God can take the messes of our lives and make something sweet.
I recommend you pick this book up and read it!
I was given this book by the publisher which did not influence my review in any way, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marie Pinkham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeping secrets and worrying about them coming out always makes things complicated. For Tess, Asher, and Cameron, having them come out could be devastating. I loved this story. The plusses and minuses of living in a place where everybody knows everything about you (or thinks they do) adds to this family centered, small town story. Close family is nearby to help figure out the way through this situation. Plenty of characters to love and cheer for. For sure will look for more by this author, and I always enjoy the Love Inspired line. I was given a copy of this book from the author, who asked only for an honest review. These are my own thoughts and opinions.

[Marta Aldrighetti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tess and Asher loved each other, when they were young.
Then "you made your choices, TEss, and I had to make mine."
"Did she ever think about the past? And how her choices affected him?"
Adulthood is a difficult time, more and big responsabilities, you never have to answer at "if the choices were different..".
Nice, romantic, familiar book, important children topic (newborn adopt, regret, wish to have a family..).
I recommend it, enjoy.

[Lisa O. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found the storyline unique, in that when one reads about a secret baby, it’s usually the mother hiding the existence of the baby from the father, not the other way around. The unique storyline is what drew me to the book, and I must say, I’m glad I read it. I found the book wonderful and captivating. Heidi is a new author to me, and I can confidently say that she has become one of my favorite.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven years ago their different choices in a tough situation break Tess and Asher apart. They are now back in their hometown, can the secret Asher has kept from Tess bring them together or will break them definitely? A sweet love and life story.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book! It pulls you in and makes you cheer for the couple, hoping they will be able to overcome their problems. I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.