Can they forgive the past and become a family? When former bad boy Luke Tanner discovers the son he believed was adopted is fatherless, he's determined to help — and regain the trust of the only woman he's ever loved. For small-town single mom Anna Harrison, his return is twelve years too late. Luke broke her heart when he left. She can’t risk that for their son, disabled by a life-limiting illness. But she can’t deny Josh the father he wants so badly, either.To become the loving family Luke hopes they can be, they’ll both need to forgive secrets from his troubled and painful past. Can they leave old hurts behind to face the future together with God’s help, or will only a crisis heal their stubborn hearts?NOTE TO READERS:The ending of the story is upbeat and uplifting, but there’s some serious heartache in between. Even at the end, it’s clear they’ll face more pain in the future. The difference is that at the start they’re facing it alone, and by the end, they’ll face it together, and with God. I hope you’ll stay with Anna and Luke through their struggles to reach the future God has planned for them!Sweetapple Falls, Book #1 This is a powerful story of forgiveness and enduring life's painful struggles. Anna and Luke were only teens when their son Josh was conceived. While Luke wanted to make thigs right and get married, Anna's father convinced her they were much too young to make it work. So a vulnerable Anna gave in to her father and Luke disappeared from their lives. Now twelve years later, Luke returns when he learns Anna kept their son, and that his son is disabled. Both Luke and Anna have several issues they need to work though, with themselves and each other. For each of them, learning to trust again is going to take a huge amount of faith - in God and one another. Autumn Macarthur delves into the realities of being a single parent with the added difficulties of having to raise a son with a serious illness. I loved how Anna has grown from a naive teen into a self reliant woman who struggles with accepting help from anyone on a daily basis. I can so relate to this aspect of her personality! Anna has had to rely on only herself for so long, it is hard to accept the simplest kindness, like even hold her door open! It may be easy for some to have a belief in God, but a whole other story to truly place yourself in God;s hands and have faith that He does indeed know best and has a plan for our lives! Luke has also had an eventful 12 years apart from Anna and Josh. In his time away he has devoted his life to God and has spent his life helping families in countries where decent housing is a blessing. Now that he has returned to Oregon, he needs to find his way back in this country and how to make a permanent life where he can be the father Josh needs, and win Anna's love once more so they can be a true family. Josh has an amazing attitude and sense of humor for a seriously ill child, but he also has his childish outbursts. Autumn does an amazing job of portraying such a sensitive situation and Josh's antic will make you smile, laugh, and cry throughout the story! Paula Marie - Fiction Full of Faith This story is close to my heart, as the first Christian romance I wrote! God used the writing process to bring me nearer him and heal some old hurts. The ending of the story is upbeat and uplifting, but there's some serious heartache in between. Even at the end, it's clear they'll face more pain in the future. The difference is that at the start they're facing it alone, and by the end, they'll face it together, and with God. I hope you'll stay with Anna and Luke through their struggles to reach the future God has planned for them, and I hope you enjoy their book! Autumn x If you enjoy this book, you may also enjoy my other heartwarming and uplifting Christian romances! Sweetapple Falls His Father's Son (this book) His Healing Touch His Perfect Bride - preorder for spring 2022 Huckleberry Lake Calm & Bright Imperfectly Proverbs 31 Midnight Clear Christmas at the Lake, a duet of books 1 & 3 All three books are also available as audiobooks, beautifully narrated by Sarah Kate! Love in Store The Wedding List Believe In Me Least Expected A Model Bride (also part of The Macleans) Forget Paris Invitation to the Ball Teapots & Tiaras Nothing More What Happens in London #1 Books 1, 2, 3 & 4 in a set The Macleans A Model Bride (also part of Love in Store) More than Friends A Lesson in Love The Real Thing - preorder for late 2021 Together for Christmas box set Believe in Me, A Model Bride, Calm & Bright, and His Healing Touch A Tuscan Legacy multi-author series Dolce Vita La Risposta Innamorata Or the That Sunflower Summer box set - these three books plus Least Expected Chapel Cove Romances Remember Me by Marion Ueckermann Love Me by Alexa Verde Cherish Me by me, Autumn Macarthur Choose Me by Marion Ueckermann Hold Me by Alexa Verde Marry Me by me, Autumn Macarthur Belong with Me by Alexa Verde Accept