What do you think?
Rate this book
For the Sake of Her Sons: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
Fear has been holding them back
But love can open any door…
Healing from a tragedy has been challenging for Willa Scottson. And not even Camp True North Springs seems to ease the pain. But photographer and swim instructor Bruce Lawrence is determined to help the grieving widow and her twin boys, for their sake—and for his. Carrying his own sorrow and guilt, this is his chance to make amends, if Willa will let him once the truth comes out…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
True North Springs
Book 1: Restoring Their Family
Book 2: The Nurse's Homecoming
Book 3: For the Sake of Her Sons
But love can open any door…
Healing from a tragedy has been challenging for Willa Scottson. And not even Camp True North Springs seems to ease the pain. But photographer and swim instructor Bruce Lawrence is determined to help the grieving widow and her twin boys, for their sake—and for his. Carrying his own sorrow and guilt, this is his chance to make amends, if Willa will let him once the truth comes out…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
True North Springs
Book 1: Restoring Their Family
Book 2: The Nurse's Homecoming
Book 3: For the Sake of Her Sons
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published December 26, 2023
3 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Allie Pleiter
116 books618 followersAn avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 26, 2024
The True North Spring series is really good, this is book 4 and I really enjoyed the characters, old and new.
December 30, 2023
Each time I pick up a new True North Springs book, I tell myself that THIS one will be the one where I don’t cry at the pond ceremony. And each time, I am proven completely wrong. I’ve said it before but there is just something so profoundly special about this series. I’ve not read another that so beautifully captures the mix of comfort and joy that Jesus brings to grieving hearts while still delivering a swoonworthy romance too. And neither element negates the other. Pleiter has approached this series with sensitivity and poignant insight, and I am so deeply touched by each book. For the Sake of Her Sons is no exception.
Willa Scottson and her 6 year old twins Joe and Jack come to Camp True North Springs still quite traumatized by the tragic loss of their husband/father two years prior. Willa is extremely skittish at the whole idea of the camp in general, especially when they arrive and find a big pond at the camp – something she thought she wouldn’t have to deal with in Arizona. Her ‘no photographs’ rule quickly expands to ‘no water’ … which means Bruce – the journalist/lifeguard taking photos for a book about the camp and also teaching swim lessons – should be persona non grata. And yet he tenderly works his way into their affections and their hearts, helping them ‘put on their brave face’ (oh my heart – those scenes undid me!) and gently nudging them toward healing.
I loved everything about this book. Meeting the new batch of characters staying at the camp and learning their stories. Reuniting with the staff that I’ve gotten to know from previous books. The raw emotion wrapped in grace, the touches of wit and joy that keep the weightier themes from getting too heavy without disrespecting the sacred spaces of healing, the sweet romance that catches them off guard and made my heart smile so big. And yes, even the pond ceremony scene that makes me cry in every book – because it’s always so meaningful and touching and a little different each time because the characters and their backstories are different.
Bottom Line: I hate saying goodbye to Camp True North Springs but, if we must, then For the Sake of Her Sons is the perfect sendoff. Warmth exudes from these pages – warmth and grace and joy. So much joy. In the little victories, in the big victories, in newfound love and profound healing. The characters come alive under Allie Pleiter’s skilled pen, and readers easily become invested in them & root for their success. These books have followed me through my own grief journey, with A Place to Heal coming out about six months after my dad died, and I can truly say that these precious stories have helped me embrace my own grief as a companion rather than an enemy, one to walk forward with instead of staying frozen in place. Such a special series, and For the Sake of Her Sons captures all the things I love about it in a beautiful picture of restoration.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Willa Scottson and her 6 year old twins Joe and Jack come to Camp True North Springs still quite traumatized by the tragic loss of their husband/father two years prior. Willa is extremely skittish at the whole idea of the camp in general, especially when they arrive and find a big pond at the camp – something she thought she wouldn’t have to deal with in Arizona. Her ‘no photographs’ rule quickly expands to ‘no water’ … which means Bruce – the journalist/lifeguard taking photos for a book about the camp and also teaching swim lessons – should be persona non grata. And yet he tenderly works his way into their affections and their hearts, helping them ‘put on their brave face’ (oh my heart – those scenes undid me!) and gently nudging them toward healing.
I loved everything about this book. Meeting the new batch of characters staying at the camp and learning their stories. Reuniting with the staff that I’ve gotten to know from previous books. The raw emotion wrapped in grace, the touches of wit and joy that keep the weightier themes from getting too heavy without disrespecting the sacred spaces of healing, the sweet romance that catches them off guard and made my heart smile so big. And yes, even the pond ceremony scene that makes me cry in every book – because it’s always so meaningful and touching and a little different each time because the characters and their backstories are different.
Bottom Line: I hate saying goodbye to Camp True North Springs but, if we must, then For the Sake of Her Sons is the perfect sendoff. Warmth exudes from these pages – warmth and grace and joy. So much joy. In the little victories, in the big victories, in newfound love and profound healing. The characters come alive under Allie Pleiter’s skilled pen, and readers easily become invested in them & root for their success. These books have followed me through my own grief journey, with A Place to Heal coming out about six months after my dad died, and I can truly say that these precious stories have helped me embrace my own grief as a companion rather than an enemy, one to walk forward with instead of staying frozen in place. Such a special series, and For the Sake of Her Sons captures all the things I love about it in a beautiful picture of restoration.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
February 4, 2024
This book tugged at my heartstrings in so many ways. The characters were wonderful as they worked to overcome their grief in different ways. If you're looking for a satisfying read that goes beyond life's superficial struggles, then this is a must-read.
December 17, 2023
This book is from the Love Inspired line of books put out by Harlequin. I really enjoyed this one, and it seemed it had less romance than most of their books. This book focused more on the healing process of the boys and their mother.
Two years prior, Willa's husband drowned in front of her. Bruce has guilt from the accident and blames himself, even though Willa and her sons never met him.
I loved the characters, and the author did a great job of showing the struggles of two six year old boys and their mother in conquering their deep fear of water. There's a scene involving a challenge coin and one of the twins that made my eyes water.
There IS romance, but it isn't as prevalent as some of these books, and the book had a great ending. I have read a lot of these books, and I feel this is one of the best ones I have read in regards to "non fluff" content, not that many of these books are that.
Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Two years prior, Willa's husband drowned in front of her. Bruce has guilt from the accident and blames himself, even though Willa and her sons never met him.
I loved the characters, and the author did a great job of showing the struggles of two six year old boys and their mother in conquering their deep fear of water. There's a scene involving a challenge coin and one of the twins that made my eyes water.
There IS romance, but it isn't as prevalent as some of these books, and the book had a great ending. I have read a lot of these books, and I feel this is one of the best ones I have read in regards to "non fluff" content, not that many of these books are that.
Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
December 20, 2023
I loved this story! Allie Pleiter’s books always make me feel the full spectrum of emotions. I don’t know how she does it, but there’s always some aspect of her books that I can relate to and a spiritual message that I need to hear. I loved how this story dealt with facing fears and finding courage.
I enjoyed visiting Camp True North Springs again. It’s such a special and inspiring place where families can go to help them deal with the grief of losing a loved one to tragedy.
I liked Bruce right from the start. There was a gentleness about him that really drew me to him. He was so kind and patient with Willa’s twin boys, Joe and Jack. Willa had some sharp edges, which was completely understandable considering what she'd been through. And I know firsthand how fear can do that to a person. I ended up really liking her and was rooting for her to overcome her fears.
All in all, this was another heartwarming and sweet story by Allie Pleiter. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll love this book!
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I enjoyed visiting Camp True North Springs again. It’s such a special and inspiring place where families can go to help them deal with the grief of losing a loved one to tragedy.
I liked Bruce right from the start. There was a gentleness about him that really drew me to him. He was so kind and patient with Willa’s twin boys, Joe and Jack. Willa had some sharp edges, which was completely understandable considering what she'd been through. And I know firsthand how fear can do that to a person. I ended up really liking her and was rooting for her to overcome her fears.
All in all, this was another heartwarming and sweet story by Allie Pleiter. If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll love this book!
I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
April 21, 2024
Filled with emotion and the strength to face your fears
Bruce is at Camp True North Springs to take pictures for a photo book. When he sees Willa arrive with her twin sons Jack and Joe. He knows their sad story by heart, because of his lack of courage. He is ready to leave when Mason convinces him to stay. He grows closer to all of them, seeing their fears and their courage. He tries to help them overcome their fears. But what will happen when he tells Willa his truth about the day het husband drowned? Can anything survive that? Read this to find out!
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses. The characters are vibrant and endearing. The Christian ideals are a huge part of the story and make it even more powerful. Read these in order, starting with A Place to Heal which is Mason's story. Enjoy this emotionally satisfying story!
Bruce is at Camp True North Springs to take pictures for a photo book. When he sees Willa arrive with her twin sons Jack and Joe. He knows their sad story by heart, because of his lack of courage. He is ready to leave when Mason convinces him to stay. He grows closer to all of them, seeing their fears and their courage. He tries to help them overcome their fears. But what will happen when he tells Willa his truth about the day het husband drowned? Can anything survive that? Read this to find out!
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses. The characters are vibrant and endearing. The Christian ideals are a huge part of the story and make it even more powerful. Read these in order, starting with A Place to Heal which is Mason's story. Enjoy this emotionally satisfying story!
December 18, 2023
Such an uplifting book! The journey through grief that Willa and her sons went through was so well-written, and there were perfect connections to the Bible and God’s guidance throughout. I enjoyed the story about the struggle with the constant hope and love peeking through. Overall, a great read!
December 29, 2023
After unspeakable tragedy Willa and her twin boys are given the gift of time at a camp for healing. Willa is against it from the beginning. Bruce has a connection to Willa, at least he thinks he does. For the Sake of Her Sons is a gentle, heartwarming story of how God works his own plan for the good of all. This is a story that doesn't beat you over the head with religion or violence, but rather shows how people who let God in can heal in unexpected places and with unlikely people.
March 17, 2024
Allie Pleiter writes some of the best heartwarming fiction! Her stories are well written with good characters, especially the children in the story!
Camp True North Springs is located in Arizona and serves to help families who have suffered the loss of a family member. The camp helps the family to work through their grief.
Willa Scottson and her twin sons arrive at the camp from Florida. They lost their husband and father two years previously and their church family has sent them to this camp. Willa’s husband drowned and now she won’t let the boys near water. Bruce Lawrence, a photographer and swim instructor takes a keen interest in Willa and the boys and works to help them overcome their fears, but Bruce has a secret and how is Willa going to react when it comes out?
Camp True North Springs is located in Arizona and serves to help families who have suffered the loss of a family member. The camp helps the family to work through their grief.
Willa Scottson and her twin sons arrive at the camp from Florida. They lost their husband and father two years previously and their church family has sent them to this camp. Willa’s husband drowned and now she won’t let the boys near water. Bruce Lawrence, a photographer and swim instructor takes a keen interest in Willa and the boys and works to help them overcome their fears, but Bruce has a secret and how is Willa going to react when it comes out?
February 10, 2024
I love it .Even when tragedy happens,there’s always possibly findings second chance of love and happiness
Read
December 5, 2023Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
True North Springs (Book #4)
Miniseries
True North Springs (Book #4)
Read
December 5, 2023Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
True North Springs (Book #4)
Miniseries
True North Springs (Book #4)
December 4, 2023
I loved this whole story about courage
February 21, 2024
I started it reading this book not liking it too much but then it took a turn and got better. It's about a woman, Willa Scottson and her twin boys going to Camp True North Springs and meeting photographer Bruce Lawrence.
January 15, 2024
Great story of allowing the Lord to heal tragic hurts. I enjoyed it so much, I ordered the previous 3 books in the series 😊
Read
January 10, 2024Very good.
January 3, 2024
Good read!
I knew what the outcome would be, but the journey to get there was sensitive, compassionate, and full of unique solutions. Very insightful!
I knew what the outcome would be, but the journey to get there was sensitive, compassionate, and full of unique solutions. Very insightful!
July 22, 2024
Very powerful story and the end of a wonderful series. One of those I truly hate to see end.
This one deals a great deal with fear and allowing it to control our lives.
This one deals a great deal with fear and allowing it to control our lives.
December 22, 2023
If I'm being honest, this review is honestly a little bittersweet for me to be writing. On the one hand, it was a fantastic book that I could barely bring myself to put down. However, I'm sad that this wonderful story is the final installment in the True North Springs series. This particular series has become a personal favorite of mine, and it's hard saying farewell to these characters and the wonderful place of healing they've created together. However, Allie Pleiter definitely gives the series the send off it deserves, and this title actually ended up being my favorite of the four.
Grief is not something that everyone heals or moves on from in the same way, and Camp True North Springs does an amazing job of acknowledging that. They've seen their fare share of miracles happen over the past few seasons, but Willa Scottson might be one of their toughest cases yet. When photographer Bruce Lawrence learns of her upcoming visit to the camp, he's unsure if he can bring himself to want to stick around and help the grieving widow and her rambunctious twin boys. However, Mason and Dana are convinced that her coming is a God thing, and that He has a master plan in store for the entire family. As both Willa and Bruce try and deal with grief, hurt and stored up guilt, they'll have to decide if they're able to trust the only One who's able to turn the broken pieces into something beautiful.
With a wonderful and heart wrenching plot that focuses around healing from grief from unimaginable tragedies and a sweet friends to something more romance, For the Sake of Her Sons is a wonderful faith based romance that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves readers with a big smile on their face.
I don't recommend picking this one up without a box of tissues handy as you are definitely going to need them. A wonderful read that was everything I could have ever wanted, I can't possibly recommend this one enough, and I can't wait to see what this author has in store her readers in the future.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her street team, Allie's Allies. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
Grief is not something that everyone heals or moves on from in the same way, and Camp True North Springs does an amazing job of acknowledging that. They've seen their fare share of miracles happen over the past few seasons, but Willa Scottson might be one of their toughest cases yet. When photographer Bruce Lawrence learns of her upcoming visit to the camp, he's unsure if he can bring himself to want to stick around and help the grieving widow and her rambunctious twin boys. However, Mason and Dana are convinced that her coming is a God thing, and that He has a master plan in store for the entire family. As both Willa and Bruce try and deal with grief, hurt and stored up guilt, they'll have to decide if they're able to trust the only One who's able to turn the broken pieces into something beautiful.
With a wonderful and heart wrenching plot that focuses around healing from grief from unimaginable tragedies and a sweet friends to something more romance, For the Sake of Her Sons is a wonderful faith based romance that tugs at the heartstrings and leaves readers with a big smile on their face.
I don't recommend picking this one up without a box of tissues handy as you are definitely going to need them. A wonderful read that was everything I could have ever wanted, I can't possibly recommend this one enough, and I can't wait to see what this author has in store her readers in the future.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her street team, Allie's Allies. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
March 19, 2024
For the Sake of Her Sons by Allie Pleiter is book four in her True North Springs inspirational series, but I can attest to the fact it can easily be read as a standalone.
“A family estate in the mountains outside Phoenix Arizona has become a place of healing for families who have lost a loved one. Camp True North Springs offers the beauty of the landscape, the care of the dedicated staff, and the fellowship of other families. Not only does the camp create a haven of restoration for weary souls, but it also brings new life and love.”
Here we meet Willa Scottson, a grieving widow with 6 year old twins Joe and Jack. The family is struggling with the tragic loss of their husband/father two years prior and hope that a trip to Camp True North Springs will help ease their pain. Willa has a ‘no photographs’ and a ‘no water’ rule, which makes time at Camp a little difficult–especially for Bruce Lawrence, the camp photographer and swim instructor.
I was worried at first that this story might be too sad, but oh my gosh it’s heartwarming in the best ways. My eyes were watery as I watched Bruce help Willa and the boys take back their bravery and move towards healing, but they were watery in just the right way. This is a tender and loving story that makes for a perfect reading escape.
“A family estate in the mountains outside Phoenix Arizona has become a place of healing for families who have lost a loved one. Camp True North Springs offers the beauty of the landscape, the care of the dedicated staff, and the fellowship of other families. Not only does the camp create a haven of restoration for weary souls, but it also brings new life and love.”
Here we meet Willa Scottson, a grieving widow with 6 year old twins Joe and Jack. The family is struggling with the tragic loss of their husband/father two years prior and hope that a trip to Camp True North Springs will help ease their pain. Willa has a ‘no photographs’ and a ‘no water’ rule, which makes time at Camp a little difficult–especially for Bruce Lawrence, the camp photographer and swim instructor.
I was worried at first that this story might be too sad, but oh my gosh it’s heartwarming in the best ways. My eyes were watery as I watched Bruce help Willa and the boys take back their bravery and move towards healing, but they were watery in just the right way. This is a tender and loving story that makes for a perfect reading escape.
December 27, 2023
Book 3 in the True North Springs series could probably be read as a standalone, but you’ll have a challenge understanding many nuances. I highly recommend reading books 1 and 2 first.
Camp True North Springs has become a place I would love to visit; even volunteer at. How fulfilling it must be to help families be put back together again, with hope for the future after extreme loss.
In this story, our main characters are Willa and Bruce, along with Willa’s two boys. I loved Bruce right away; so gentle and kind. He is very understanding of what Willa’s family is going through for a reason you’ll never see coming. Willa and the boys need encouragement and gentle nudges to begin moving forward. All of them need an opportunity at second and even third chances, along with forgiveness and hope. And this book is full of hope.
If you enjoy a clean romance full of families and hope, then I highly recommend the entire True North Springs series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Camp True North Springs has become a place I would love to visit; even volunteer at. How fulfilling it must be to help families be put back together again, with hope for the future after extreme loss.
In this story, our main characters are Willa and Bruce, along with Willa’s two boys. I loved Bruce right away; so gentle and kind. He is very understanding of what Willa’s family is going through for a reason you’ll never see coming. Willa and the boys need encouragement and gentle nudges to begin moving forward. All of them need an opportunity at second and even third chances, along with forgiveness and hope. And this book is full of hope.
If you enjoy a clean romance full of families and hope, then I highly recommend the entire True North Springs series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
January 23, 2024
For the Sake of Her Sons by Allie Pleiter
True North Springs Series Book Four
Bruce Lawrence had agreed to take photos for his friend Mason at Camp True North Springs. It wasn’t his usual. He’d been on dangerous missions with his job, photographing all types of disasters. This camp would be a different side of it. The people that were left behind. What he didn’t plan on was the Scottson family.
Willa Scottson didn’t want to be here. But her church had given her this gift to come here. The only good thing was it was in Arizona…desert. Unlike Florida, where she lived, and the water that took her husband away, only…she was wrong. Not only was there a pond, but a man who was a lifeguard and journalist. Everything she hated in life.
Another tear-worthy story from Camp True North Springs. I’ve enjoyed these stories and will miss this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
True North Springs Series Book Four
Bruce Lawrence had agreed to take photos for his friend Mason at Camp True North Springs. It wasn’t his usual. He’d been on dangerous missions with his job, photographing all types of disasters. This camp would be a different side of it. The people that were left behind. What he didn’t plan on was the Scottson family.
Willa Scottson didn’t want to be here. But her church had given her this gift to come here. The only good thing was it was in Arizona…desert. Unlike Florida, where she lived, and the water that took her husband away, only…she was wrong. Not only was there a pond, but a man who was a lifeguard and journalist. Everything she hated in life.
Another tear-worthy story from Camp True North Springs. I’ve enjoyed these stories and will miss this series.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
February 20, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fun to be back at Camp True North Springs and to see characters I met in the previous books in the series. While you could read this book as a standalone, it is nice to know the stories of some of the other secondary characters. I liked watching Bruce with the twins and seeing them open up to him and trust him. There was a nice biblical faith element through the story and the characters grew. I look forward to reading more books by Allie Pleiter.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.
December 21, 2023
Such an uplifting and inspirational book! The book brought out so many emotions that it made me want to keep reading in hopes that the characters all got their happy endings!
December 25, 2023
great book
July 3, 2025
Amazing story of healing and forgiveness
September 4, 2024
Review written 1 June 2024
I discovered the existence of this book on Goodreads, and after reading some reviews, I put it on hold at the library. I got my hands on it this morning and zipped through it in one day! It's a very quick read, thankfully, and I found myself really enjoying this book! I liked how Willa grew in confidence as the story progressed, how Bruce became a father figure to the boys, and how the boys overcame their fears. It was a very heartwarming story with a good touch of faith that wasn't over-the-top (like some Christian books are, unfortunately). I felt that this was a well-structured book. It didn't drag at all and kept moving along at a decent pace. It didn't feel as though there were any pointless scenes in the book. Everything was there for a reason and served a purpose. Oh, and the dialogue felt real, as though that is how real people speak. I've read books in the past where the dialogue is incredibly unnatural, and I'm happy to say that that was not the case with this book!
Five-star read. I highly recommend!
I discovered the existence of this book on Goodreads, and after reading some reviews, I put it on hold at the library. I got my hands on it this morning and zipped through it in one day! It's a very quick read, thankfully, and I found myself really enjoying this book! I liked how Willa grew in confidence as the story progressed, how Bruce became a father figure to the boys, and how the boys overcame their fears. It was a very heartwarming story with a good touch of faith that wasn't over-the-top (like some Christian books are, unfortunately). I felt that this was a well-structured book. It didn't drag at all and kept moving along at a decent pace. It didn't feel as though there were any pointless scenes in the book. Everything was there for a reason and served a purpose. Oh, and the dialogue felt real, as though that is how real people speak. I've read books in the past where the dialogue is incredibly unnatural, and I'm happy to say that that was not the case with this book!
Five-star read. I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews