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Huckleberry Lake #1
Calm & Bright
Even a matchmaking grandmother and an adorable four year old might not be enough to help this couple reunite!
This Christmas, Brad Hughes hopes he can convince his ex-wife Maddie he’s not the unreliable, workaholic charmer she married young and then divorced. They'll be together over the holidays, for the sake of their four year old son.
But what chance do they have of becoming a family again, when she's returned to the tiny Idaho lakeside community she grew up in, and he's a city boy through and through? And that's before they deal with the issues that came between them in the past.
Can they allow God to heal their broken marriage and broken hearts before his career tears them apart once more?
I adore Christmas! Yummy food, fairy lights, decorating the tree, giving and receiving gifts—the big kid in me delights in all that! Plus it's a time for family, faith, and love, all things that mean a lot to me. And they're all important elements of my new novella Calm & Bright, too. It's a story of finding home, a second chance at love, and the greatest gift of all—the gift of a second chance with God. I've wanted to write this story since my spring release in 2015, Forget Paris. Brad appears in it very briefly, and unfortunately he's a bit of a jerk! Okay, a LOT of a jerk! But I treasure knowing none of us is such a jerk we can't be redeemed by love and faith. That earlier story woke Brad up that he needed to change, and in this book, he finds his heart's true home. I've enjoyed writing it so much! And I hope you'll enjoy reading it, too.
This book begins a new series, set in beautiful Huckleberry Lake, Idaho! Every book is a complete romance, following a different couple through the trials and joys of a developing love, deepening their faith in the process, until they're ready for the happy-ever-after God has planned for them.
Includes a bonus recipe!
Faith, Hope, & Heartwarming - inspirational romance to make you smile!
This Christmas, Brad Hughes hopes he can convince his ex-wife Maddie he’s not the unreliable, workaholic charmer she married young and then divorced. They'll be together over the holidays, for the sake of their four year old son.
But what chance do they have of becoming a family again, when she's returned to the tiny Idaho lakeside community she grew up in, and he's a city boy through and through? And that's before they deal with the issues that came between them in the past.
Can they allow God to heal their broken marriage and broken hearts before his career tears them apart once more?
I adore Christmas! Yummy food, fairy lights, decorating the tree, giving and receiving gifts—the big kid in me delights in all that! Plus it's a time for family, faith, and love, all things that mean a lot to me. And they're all important elements of my new novella Calm & Bright, too. It's a story of finding home, a second chance at love, and the greatest gift of all—the gift of a second chance with God. I've wanted to write this story since my spring release in 2015, Forget Paris. Brad appears in it very briefly, and unfortunately he's a bit of a jerk! Okay, a LOT of a jerk! But I treasure knowing none of us is such a jerk we can't be redeemed by love and faith. That earlier story woke Brad up that he needed to change, and in this book, he finds his heart's true home. I've enjoyed writing it so much! And I hope you'll enjoy reading it, too.
This book begins a new series, set in beautiful Huckleberry Lake, Idaho! Every book is a complete romance, following a different couple through the trials and joys of a developing love, deepening their faith in the process, until they're ready for the happy-ever-after God has planned for them.
Includes a bonus recipe!
Faith, Hope, & Heartwarming - inspirational romance to make you smile!
173 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2016
212 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Autumn Macarthur
94 books197 followersAutumn 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 8, 2018
Calm And Bright by Autumn Macarthur is the most delightful Christmas Christian romance. It is the first book in the Huckleberry Lake series and I cannot wait to read the subsequent books.
There are themes of second chances, choices, trust and faith in God. It is never too late to choose surrender to God. God can give us all new beginnings because of His grace.
Sometimes we conform to the world's patterns and lose sight of God. We live the wrong dreams. We make the wrong choices. Refocusing on God realigns our priorities with His. His plans are always the best plans.
Prayer works. Prayer should be as natural as breathing. We should be able to pray impromptu prayers.
Family is important. We need to fight for our families.
Marriage as God intended is the best marriage. We need God in our marriages as a chord of three strands is not broken.
The world values possessions, status and wealth. As kingdom people we need to value others and spend time with them. If we are always chasing the next big thing, trying to buy affection or spending too much time working, we need to reassess our values and fix our eyes on God.
Calm And Bright is a perfectly delightful offering from Autumn Macarthur. You do not have to wait until December to read it. I read it on a hot sunny day on the beach at Llandudno.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
There are themes of second chances, choices, trust and faith in God. It is never too late to choose surrender to God. God can give us all new beginnings because of His grace.
Sometimes we conform to the world's patterns and lose sight of God. We live the wrong dreams. We make the wrong choices. Refocusing on God realigns our priorities with His. His plans are always the best plans.
Prayer works. Prayer should be as natural as breathing. We should be able to pray impromptu prayers.
Family is important. We need to fight for our families.
Marriage as God intended is the best marriage. We need God in our marriages as a chord of three strands is not broken.
The world values possessions, status and wealth. As kingdom people we need to value others and spend time with them. If we are always chasing the next big thing, trying to buy affection or spending too much time working, we need to reassess our values and fix our eyes on God.
Calm And Bright is a perfectly delightful offering from Autumn Macarthur. You do not have to wait until December to read it. I read it on a hot sunny day on the beach at Llandudno.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 8, 2019
A sweet, clean romance about second chances and learning to truly trust in God!
The cover held a sweet photo of how a marriage could be "Calm & Bright".
Brad and Maddie needed to realize what God had in store for them despite their preconceptions about what married life should be. I loved that the author included lots of Scripture verses - reinforced by where these verses were found in the Bible at the end of the book.
Of course, I always enjoy a great Christmas story centered around God's Word!
The cover held a sweet photo of how a marriage could be "Calm & Bright".
Brad and Maddie needed to realize what God had in store for them despite their preconceptions about what married life should be. I loved that the author included lots of Scripture verses - reinforced by where these verses were found in the Bible at the end of the book.
Of course, I always enjoy a great Christmas story centered around God's Word!
March 26, 2017
Maddie Hughes is highly upset with her husband, Brad. Recently divorced, she's never been able to forgive her ex for upsetting her "perfect" life. She's left her home and followed him to the city. She was unhappy with her new environment - unhappy and alone. A new mom, she felt Brad had failed her since he spent ALL of his time at work. Now he wants to reunite this Christmas. Is there hope for them?
Brad only worked long hours so that he could provide a nice life for his family. Why can't Maddie understand that? His father has convinced Brad that making lots of money, moving up the corporate ladder, is what he needs to do to be successful in life.
But, why can't he have both, a successful career and his family, too?
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was highly realistic. It's a nice, sweet Christmas story.
Brad only worked long hours so that he could provide a nice life for his family. Why can't Maddie understand that? His father has convinced Brad that making lots of money, moving up the corporate ladder, is what he needs to do to be successful in life.
But, why can't he have both, a successful career and his family, too?
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was highly realistic. It's a nice, sweet Christmas story.
January 5, 2024
I love marriage reconciliation stories. Romance novels always end with the couple riding off into their happily ever after, usually with a wedding.
But our real life experience tells us that saying “I do” is just the beginning, and that there are so many challenges that test and often break couple’s promises to stay together. That’s why I really enjoy stories that show us how marriages can be restored even when couples are long past those first rosy years. Even better, I love it when these couples realise that they both need to turn to God to help them understand where things went wrong, to own their part in it, and to grow.
Brad and Maddie fell for each other hard and fast. But after they got married, Brad was wrapped up in his job, while Maddie spent hours alone, lonely, and desperately unhappy in their sterile city apartment.
Brad comes from a broken home. His father, now married to wife number five, set a poor example of marriage and commitment. Brad and his wife started very badly, their own marriage ending in divorce.
But now, more mature and stronger in his faith, Brad is determined to try again. The problems that broke their marriage haven’t gone away: Brad still needs to live in the city and build his career as a healthcare manager in order to provide for his family. And Maddie is caring for her ailing grandmother in a small town that has no work opportunities for Brad.
Brad will spend the next ten days in town with Maddie and their four-year-old son. Maybe this is the perfect time for God to knit this broken marriage and wounded hearts back together.
I love how Autumn presents these very imperfect people. They’ve both made terrible mistakes, allowing pride to get in the way. They’ve been terrible communicators and worse listeners. And, like all of us, they’ve also done some seriously dumb stuff.
That’s why it was so heartwarming to see their stumbling steps back in the right direction.
One of my favourite quotes from the book: “They’d need more than attraction to rebuild their damaged relationship. They’d need faith and prayer and willingness—and a lot more listening skills than he was sure he could muster.”
But our real life experience tells us that saying “I do” is just the beginning, and that there are so many challenges that test and often break couple’s promises to stay together. That’s why I really enjoy stories that show us how marriages can be restored even when couples are long past those first rosy years. Even better, I love it when these couples realise that they both need to turn to God to help them understand where things went wrong, to own their part in it, and to grow.
Brad and Maddie fell for each other hard and fast. But after they got married, Brad was wrapped up in his job, while Maddie spent hours alone, lonely, and desperately unhappy in their sterile city apartment.
Brad comes from a broken home. His father, now married to wife number five, set a poor example of marriage and commitment. Brad and his wife started very badly, their own marriage ending in divorce.
But now, more mature and stronger in his faith, Brad is determined to try again. The problems that broke their marriage haven’t gone away: Brad still needs to live in the city and build his career as a healthcare manager in order to provide for his family. And Maddie is caring for her ailing grandmother in a small town that has no work opportunities for Brad.
Brad will spend the next ten days in town with Maddie and their four-year-old son. Maybe this is the perfect time for God to knit this broken marriage and wounded hearts back together.
I love how Autumn presents these very imperfect people. They’ve both made terrible mistakes, allowing pride to get in the way. They’ve been terrible communicators and worse listeners. And, like all of us, they’ve also done some seriously dumb stuff.
That’s why it was so heartwarming to see their stumbling steps back in the right direction.
One of my favourite quotes from the book: “They’d need more than attraction to rebuild their damaged relationship. They’d need faith and prayer and willingness—and a lot more listening skills than he was sure he could muster.”
February 4, 2025
Calm & Bright is the first book in the Huckleberry Lake series by Autumn Macarthur. Brad Hughes hopes for some Christmas magic as he hopes he can convince his ex-wife that he has changed and is ready to be the husband and father he needs to be. Maddie came home to Huckleberry Lake, Idaho to care for her ailing grandmother. She sent Brad the divorce papers as he was a workaholic city boy and she wanted to stay in her hometown community. As he comes for the holidays for their son, Jacob, he only needs to convince Maddie that he has changed. Will Maddie take that chance again? Will Brad’s career once again come between them? Will God help them heal their broken marriage and hearts for a deeper relationship and faith?
The Huckleberry Lake series is advertised as stories of the trials and joys of love, deepening faith and living happily ever after. I expected a heartwarming, inspirational story of faith, hope and love. Right off the bat, I did not care for Maddie. I found her to be childish, self-centered and expected Brad to be a mind reader. She was unhappy with their marriage and living situation, understandable. Does she even attempt to tell him she was unhappy? Divorce was her first and only option? The lack of communication bothered me. Overall, I did not care for these characters or this story. I usually enjoy a good second chance romance, however, I did not enjoy Calm & Bright. I will not continue with this series. I do not recommend Calm & Bright.
Calm & Bright is available in paperback and eBook
The Huckleberry Lake series is advertised as stories of the trials and joys of love, deepening faith and living happily ever after. I expected a heartwarming, inspirational story of faith, hope and love. Right off the bat, I did not care for Maddie. I found her to be childish, self-centered and expected Brad to be a mind reader. She was unhappy with their marriage and living situation, understandable. Does she even attempt to tell him she was unhappy? Divorce was her first and only option? The lack of communication bothered me. Overall, I did not care for these characters or this story. I usually enjoy a good second chance romance, however, I did not enjoy Calm & Bright. I will not continue with this series. I do not recommend Calm & Bright.
Calm & Bright is available in paperback and eBook
December 16, 2017
`Calm & Bright` is book one of the Huckleberry Lake series by author Autumn Macarthur. There are three books in this series. They can all be read as stand-alone or in order. I love this cover I think it fits the story well.
Brad Hughes wants to give his marriage to Maddie Calder a second chance. But would Maddie feel the same way? It's Christmas and Brad has come to spend time with his ex-wife and their son. What could go wrong, or right?
Brad was a workaholic always trying to climb the social ladder, even if that meant leaving his family to fend for themselves. He was rarely home, especially during holidays. Maddie was more settled in her ways, making her family a priority. Promises were broken, family events missed, disappointments made, can things get any worse? Or will they get better?
This is a clean story with real-life issues. Sometimes we tend to think a gift, or two will smooth matters over when all we really want is time to be with the ones we love not more gifts. This short story reflects the greatest gift of all.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own."
Brad Hughes wants to give his marriage to Maddie Calder a second chance. But would Maddie feel the same way? It's Christmas and Brad has come to spend time with his ex-wife and their son. What could go wrong, or right?
Brad was a workaholic always trying to climb the social ladder, even if that meant leaving his family to fend for themselves. He was rarely home, especially during holidays. Maddie was more settled in her ways, making her family a priority. Promises were broken, family events missed, disappointments made, can things get any worse? Or will they get better?
This is a clean story with real-life issues. Sometimes we tend to think a gift, or two will smooth matters over when all we really want is time to be with the ones we love not more gifts. This short story reflects the greatest gift of all.
Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own."
November 26, 2019
I found this book discounted on Amazon via AXP; this is my honest review.
-First and foremost, I took one star off because there was too many quotes, prayers, sermons, etc. in the story. It did not add to it but took enough space for me to notice.
-I also took one star off because Maddie is supposed to be a "practicing" "devoted" Christian, and yet, she divorces her husband Brad because she's not happy. She's not happy because she expected things to happen, never shared them with Brad, and of course, they didn't happen. Then she takes the advise of someone she barely knows and divorces her husband who has no clue what happened. Then he goes after her and apparently the whole town knows "he didn't treat her well", except Brad doesn't know, who's the main one who should know. Don't you think?
-Maddie is selfish, childish, self-centered and thinks she's always right and doesn't need to explain herself.
-I loved all the other characters in the book: Brad, the grand-mother, Hiram, Jacob, the people in the village; they were good people and spent a lot of time together.
-Don't waste your time and time on this author; choose someone else, someone great.
-First and foremost, I took one star off because there was too many quotes, prayers, sermons, etc. in the story. It did not add to it but took enough space for me to notice.
-I also took one star off because Maddie is supposed to be a "practicing" "devoted" Christian, and yet, she divorces her husband Brad because she's not happy. She's not happy because she expected things to happen, never shared them with Brad, and of course, they didn't happen. Then she takes the advise of someone she barely knows and divorces her husband who has no clue what happened. Then he goes after her and apparently the whole town knows "he didn't treat her well", except Brad doesn't know, who's the main one who should know. Don't you think?
-Maddie is selfish, childish, self-centered and thinks she's always right and doesn't need to explain herself.
-I loved all the other characters in the book: Brad, the grand-mother, Hiram, Jacob, the people in the village; they were good people and spent a lot of time together.
-Don't waste your time and time on this author; choose someone else, someone great.
January 21, 2019
Marriage isn't easy and it takes work on both parts.
This story is about two people who get married but bring expectations in from their past which aren't healthy. They do things and say things and later regret them.
Can they get back what they lost? Can their family be a family again?
Will they let God work in their lives and not find fault in each other?
These are some tough questions and in this story, the author, Autumn Macarthur, does a great job working through them. There is a quote from the book I really appreciate, I feel it applies to every marriage. So often we want the other person to change, not realizing we also need to change. -
"A happy marriage wasn't about quietly and bitterly waiting for her husband to fulfill her dream. It was about being partners. True teamwork. Learning each other's love languages. Sharing the joys and the burdens."
She also brings wonderful life lessons from God's Word in this story.
I highly recommend you pick this book up.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This story is about two people who get married but bring expectations in from their past which aren't healthy. They do things and say things and later regret them.
Can they get back what they lost? Can their family be a family again?
Will they let God work in their lives and not find fault in each other?
These are some tough questions and in this story, the author, Autumn Macarthur, does a great job working through them. There is a quote from the book I really appreciate, I feel it applies to every marriage. So often we want the other person to change, not realizing we also need to change. -
"A happy marriage wasn't about quietly and bitterly waiting for her husband to fulfill her dream. It was about being partners. True teamwork. Learning each other's love languages. Sharing the joys and the burdens."
She also brings wonderful life lessons from God's Word in this story.
I highly recommend you pick this book up.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2020
Loved this book!! Brad heads to Huckleberry Lake to see if he can get Maddie to fall in love with him again and remarry, not just for him, but for her and their son, too. He's finally figured out that he really loves Maddie, and doesn't want to be without her, though he's not sure why she left. He's renewed his commitment to Christ, and now wants to be the husband and father He wants him to be, though he doesn't know what that will look like, given the house he grew up in. Maddie's not sure she wants to find out that Brad has changed. Then, she realizes her own insecurities led her to believe the lies of someone else. She then sees that Brad has changed, but isn't sure they can work things out. It seems she's right, until she finally realizes that she isn't perfect, and she needs to change to. Great book of second chances at Christmas!!!
December 11, 2019
I appreciate that both characters had to grow emotionally and spiritually in order to overcome their differences. They had fallen in love and married quickly without really knowing each other well. Instead of trying to understand one another, they had done when they "assumed" they should do as a husband or wife. The marriage ended in divorce, but they had a four-year-old child that needed both of his parents. As Christians, neither feel free to pursue other relationships even though they were no longer legally married, and on top of that, they still loved each other. They had to recognize their own mistakes and forgive each other, themselves, and even God that marriage hadn't been what they expected. A sweet holiday story about love, faith, forgiveness, and redemption.
December 21, 2017
Beautifully written, clean, sweet romance story with a strong moral and Christian theme in a real life situation. Perfect reading for the Christmas holidays as the story develops over the holiday season too when Brad comes to visit his ex-wife and four year old son for Christmas at Huckleberry Lake. Of course, we all know that magic happens when all is Calm & Bright and this story does not disappoint in that area. But wait, if that is the case, why is Brad heading for the airport? Well, you will just have to read and see. Thanks Autumn Macarthur for a great read and some good teaching.
April 3, 2019
Brad and Maddie have recently divorced. Mainly because Brad is working his way up the corporate ladder, while Maddie prefers the simple life of the small-town community she grew up in. The two first met there over the summer when they were teens and married after a whirlwind romance.
Both find themselves re-evaluating their values as they consider reconciling. Their journey inspired me to examine my heart to make sure the Lord is the one guiding my path, not my ideas of what I believe will make me happy.
Both find themselves re-evaluating their values as they consider reconciling. Their journey inspired me to examine my heart to make sure the Lord is the one guiding my path, not my ideas of what I believe will make me happy.
January 5, 2020
I liked that both of the main characters had their own issues; it made them more realistic. The secondary characters played active parts and contributed a lot to the story. One of my favorite parts was when Wyatt used a horse to open Erin's eyes about herself. She didn't have that option though and had to call Wyatt out to make him see the light. However, given what his baggage was, I totally understood his reasoning. I'm hoping to catch up with everyone in future books. Please give this one a chance.
June 27, 2020
When I read the forward and saw Brad was first in Forget Paris, I decided to read that first so I'd have his back story. I'm glad I read it because it was a good book nad did give me some insight into Brad, but you don't have to read it first to enjoy this one. I really liked Maddie and could understand why she was unhappy in her marriage and had a hard time trusting Brad. Brad is a good guy, but he still stuggles with his priorities. I liked him and could see he had changed, but he still frustrated me a bit. However with God's help they find their HEA.
December 20, 2017
Great story. The characters are realistic expressing anger, bitterness, selfishness and the desire for real love. I felt frustration and hopefulness for both Brad and Maddie. Both Brad and Maddie needed to learn what love really is. I love Grannie Liz and her gentle loving pushes! I definitely appreciated the fact that it is a feel good, clean sweet romance that I am and will recommend to anyone.
December 30, 2017
Calm and Bright is a sweet story of second chances. Brad, an up and coming hospital administrator, is a strong character who spends his time working for the next promotion. Maddie, his ex-wife and mother of his son, loves life in a small town where her family has lived for several generations. When Brad comes to spend Christmas with his son, hearts change. You will enjoy this contemporary novella. I received my e-book from the author. this is my honest opinion.
December 31, 2017
Returning to his hometown in Idaho to spend time with his 4-year-old son, workaholic Brad can't strike a good balance between work and parenting, which is what broke him and Maddie up to begin with. A possible new job (requiring even more of his time) and possible reconciliation with Maddie are at odds, as Maddie loves living in the small town where she grew up. Good story of a struggle with priorities.
October 31, 2018
A wonderful story about second chances and forever love between Brad and Maddie. They’ve been married for a few years but Maddie was unhappy with Brad working all the time and having no time to spare with his family, Maddie and their son. After the divorce, Maddie came back to he recibido hometown and is now trying to be happy. But when Brad comes for Christmas, as a changed mas thanks to God, can they really have faith in each other and in rebuilding their relationship? A sweet magical story
December 23, 2018
Calm and Bright
Great read. A great way to use the verses in our bible to correspond with our thoughts and wishes and know that we are doing everything for Him. This was. A great way to put what works and what does not in the way we think and believe. Always in Gods love and in his way will we find our way to honour all of our loved ones. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Great read. A great way to use the verses in our bible to correspond with our thoughts and wishes and know that we are doing everything for Him. This was. A great way to put what works and what does not in the way we think and believe. Always in Gods love and in his way will we find our way to honour all of our loved ones. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
October 9, 2019
Calm & Bright by Autumn Macarthur is a sweet story about new beginnings and add Christmas in the mix and you can’t miss! When an absentee father, Brad shows up to spend Christmas with his ex-wife, Maddie, and son, Jacob, he hopes for a reconciliation as he was still in love with his wife and son. Maddie still loved Brad but felt neglected and became bitter which led to the divorce. Can Maddie and Brad solve their differences to make a happy family?
October 24, 2019
xxxxxx
This book was good until the end. I don't believe that a marriage should be one sided. Being submissive is just wrong. She intended to support a man who would never be home because work came before his family. She was doing this because God told her that she had been a bad wife. She intended to become supportive by making a life for herself while her husband was married to his job.
This book was good until the end. I don't believe that a marriage should be one sided. Being submissive is just wrong. She intended to support a man who would never be home because work came before his family. She was doing this because God told her that she had been a bad wife. She intended to become supportive by making a life for herself while her husband was married to his job.
January 2, 2020
Who is to Blame?
This is a great story revealing how damaging assumptions can be. When we get too busy making money instead of spending quality time with family, things will eventually crash and burn. Coming to face our idiosyncrasies and things harbored from childhood, relieves and frees us to face the truth and be able to forgive ourselves and others. Most importantly, we can do what God intended from the start.
This is a great story revealing how damaging assumptions can be. When we get too busy making money instead of spending quality time with family, things will eventually crash and burn. Coming to face our idiosyncrasies and things harbored from childhood, relieves and frees us to face the truth and be able to forgive ourselves and others. Most importantly, we can do what God intended from the start.
January 14, 2020
A wonderful example of a healed marriage
This author has done a good job of presenting a failed marriage given a second. She presented the valid disappointments and faults of both spouses. The problem of poor communications continues to be an enemy of marriage. I was most pleased to this author did not offer up the offensive message wives submit to your husband's. Instead it is the loving mercy and forgiveness, and Christ-like life verses the world's! Well done.
This author has done a good job of presenting a failed marriage given a second. She presented the valid disappointments and faults of both spouses. The problem of poor communications continues to be an enemy of marriage. I was most pleased to this author did not offer up the offensive message wives submit to your husband's. Instead it is the loving mercy and forgiveness, and Christ-like life verses the world's! Well done.
July 6, 2020
Five stars for Calm & Bright, a sweet/clean romance
This story, written by Autumn Macarthur, shows how people get so wrapped up in their own feelings and emotions that they get tunnel vision and can't see anything others are feeling. With God's help Maggie and Brad were able to finally understand what the other was thinking/feeling and with God's help, got their HEA. See Isaiah 60:22.
This story, written by Autumn Macarthur, shows how people get so wrapped up in their own feelings and emotions that they get tunnel vision and can't see anything others are feeling. With God's help Maggie and Brad were able to finally understand what the other was thinking/feeling and with God's help, got their HEA. See Isaiah 60:22.
November 1, 2020
Both have expectations of married life––but they are not the same. And, they don't yet know how to communicate them.
After their divorce, both start trying to put God first. They are still works in progress, but know to ask God for guidance. It looks like God hands each of them what they want, but those things only pull them further apart... Could it be they are meant to sacrifice those worldly things for their family?
After their divorce, both start trying to put God first. They are still works in progress, but know to ask God for guidance. It looks like God hands each of them what they want, but those things only pull them further apart... Could it be they are meant to sacrifice those worldly things for their family?
September 20, 2017
Calm & Bright
This story was goodnight two people who divorced but come together during the Christmas holidays for their son. Many things had been thrown at them to separate and hurt the marriage. They come together hoping for a fresh start. Will they get that it will life get in the way with God's plan?
This story was goodnight two people who divorced but come together during the Christmas holidays for their son. Many things had been thrown at them to separate and hurt the marriage. They come together hoping for a fresh start. Will they get that it will life get in the way with God's plan?
September 18, 2018
Inspiring romances that blend real life issues with hope and love. Autumn Macarthur weaves a descriptive small town setting (Huckleberry Lake, Idaho) with believable characters, real life conflicts, and satisfactory resolution. Book 1: Calm and Bright has a theme of second chances between Brad Hughes and Maddie Calder. Originally published in a boxed set with a variety of authors.
October 22, 2019
An entertaining read
I liked this story with its true-to-life problems, spiritual insights, and God intended plans all working within lives to heal sounds and lives. This author is an expert at her craft. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think those who enjoy love stories with happy endings will, too.
I liked this story with its true-to-life problems, spiritual insights, and God intended plans all working within lives to heal sounds and lives. This author is an expert at her craft. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I think those who enjoy love stories with happy endings will, too.
January 6, 2020
Not for me
This entire story was about two divorced people reuniting and realizing they needed God to help them be a better team. Since. I had a happy marriage I found this just something to read. Had trouble with wife wanting her husband to give her and son more time. Felt parts were just filler to a make story longer. Just not that good for me
This entire story was about two divorced people reuniting and realizing they needed God to help them be a better team. Since. I had a happy marriage I found this just something to read. Had trouble with wife wanting her husband to give her and son more time. Felt parts were just filler to a make story longer. Just not that good for me
January 11, 2024
This is a wonderful story of second chances. It tells about the importance of communication and sharing thoughts and feelings, wants and needs in marriage. I shows how not sharing makes things harder and impossible to get over. It shows how opening up and trusting God helps for forgiveness, understanding and second chances.
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