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Fatherhood Lessons

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To be a good father he needs the right teacher When his twins’ nanny leaves for a family emergency, single dad Knox Taylor knows he’s in over his head caring for the girls alone. But having their aunt’s aid for the summer wasn’t the assistance he had in mind. But Merritt Lane’s crash course in fatherhood might just teach Knox what he desperately needs to know…and reveal she’s the partner he didn’t know he was missing.From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2022

44 people are currently reading
121 people want to read

About the author

Gabrielle Meyer

85 books2,976 followers
Gabrielle Meyer grew up above a carriage house on a historic estate near the banks of the Mississippi River, imagining real and make-believe stories about the occupants who had lived there. She went on to work for the Minnesota Historical Society and loves writing fiction inspired by real people, places, and events. She currently resides in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, not far from where she grew up, with her husband and four children. By day, she’s a busy homeschool mom, and by night she pens fiction and non-fiction filled with hope. Learn more about Gabrielle and her writing by visiting www.gabriellemeyer.com.

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5 stars
86 (57%)
4 stars
50 (33%)
3 stars
11 (7%)
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1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,451 reviews124 followers
February 24, 2022
Fatherhood Lessons is a Love Inspired Inspirational Romance.
This is a very sweet book. I loved the setting with the characters spending so much time on the lake having fun.
I really loved this book!
Knox is the father of twin girls age four years old. He travels extensively for his job and as much as he'd love to be around and care for his young daughters his work commitments prevent him from doing so. It all comes crashing down upon him though when his children's nanny has to leave for an emergency situation. When the children's aunt steps in to help it's not at all what he's expecting when instead of just caring for them she say's she will only stay if he's involved in the children's life and he gets fatherhood lessons. Will this bring him closer to the children or will they be upset with their usual method of care being off track?
Such a sweet book of caring,compassion,forgiveness and faith.
I enjoyed meeting Merritt she is so selfless coming to care for her nieces. Will Knox see her as just a new nanny for the children or will his eyes be opened to the possibility that traveling all the time is not what he wants any more and there is more on the home front than he realized?

Published February 22nd 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective).
1,437 reviews89 followers
February 24, 2022
I really enjoyed the latest Love Inspired novel from Gabrielle Meyer. First of all, Knox. I feel like that's all I need to say, and yet I can't leave it at that. What a guy. He certainly had no idea what he was missing by being gone from his daughters for long periods of time, but wow did he learn. Meyer did such a great thing with his character - showed him the real importance and value of family. And what I appreciated the most was that her was open to it. Knox didn't run, or back away from the challenge of being at home with hi 4 year old twin girls. No, instead he thrived, he got excited, and he acted the way a dad should act.

And sweet Merritt. I was a little hesitant at first of her falling for Knox. I mean it is a little weird that he is the father to her sister's children. But ya know, somehow Meyer made me forget all that. Or at least understand that it didn't matter. It was like Hallmark glory basically, and I was all for it!

Let's not forget Penelope. Oh gosh I disliked her so much! And I don't say that about characters in Love Inspired novels too much. But here's the thing - she added to the story. There needed to be a thorn in this story, and Meyer provides the perfect one in Penelope. Sure I had some laughs at her expense, but that's the great thing about reading - you can do that and not feel too guilty. ;)

All in all this was a sweet, Hallmarky read that I will certainly be reading again. I love Meyer's writing style, and her characters are so sweet, warm and charming. Sweet contemporary romance fans won't want to miss this one. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Meghann Whistler.
Author 11 books1,569 followers
March 1, 2022
A lovely read with a stellar setting. I don't always enjoy stories where the main conflict is that the hero has dated the heroine's sister, but this one worked. It was the first book I've read by Gabrielle Meyer -- now I'm off to add everything else she's written to my TBR! :)
Profile Image for Ranie.
919 reviews18 followers
January 16, 2025
Wow, A beautiful and compassionate inspirational Christian story of true faith and family. Excellently written in a way that dealt with such in-depth and told in an emotional way that will touch your heart. I felt each and every painful dilemmas facing both Knox and Merritt. I love Blair and Adison.

It has always been a pleasure to read Ms. Meyer's book...they are comforting, relatable and overall wonderful....

Highly recommended
23 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2022
A really sweet story where failure and heartache in the past doesn't predict your future.

Knox is a single dad with beautiful twin daughters. He travels too much for work, but loves his job and girls. Merritt is a Kindergarten teacher, had a recent broken engagement, and never wants to date men like the ones her half sister dates.

When Merritt agrees to help with her twin nieces she has no intention of getting to know or having feelings for their father. She is going to help through the summer in MN and then go back to her life in SC. Knox doesn't know anything about his ex-wife's sister but he knows he needs help. With the backdrop of a beautiful lake home on Tucker Lake, near Timber Falls, MN hearts and minds are changed, lives are intermingled, and relationships are restored.

Meyer's characters are well developed and quite loveable. There are a couple characters that are developed but are not quite as loveable, but these two add to the uniqueness of the story. I love how the characters from previous stories are introduced and have a small role in this story, you can definitely see the friendships starting to develop with all of them.

The thing I love most about Gabrielle Meyer's books, is my children could pick them up, read them, and learn about the wonderful and interesting lives people lead. Lives with hurt, disappointment, healing, and hope!
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
809 reviews20 followers
December 14, 2025
4 Stars
Completed: Dec. 13/25
Format: eBook borrow (KU)

Book #175 of 2025:
This certainly wasn’t a typical love story. Knox was married to Merritt’s step-sister. She left him and their twin girls without looking back. Much like she left her family. In an effort to recoup the losses of the divorce, Knox was working hard and employing a nanny/housekeeper for the girls.

Unbeknownst to Knox, the nanny has to leave for a family emergency and Merritt came to stay with the girls. When he returns, they find themselves going from virtual strangers to friends. Feelings come up and the awkward situation certainly has its barriers. Notably, Merritt never wants to feel like a second choice because of her past experiences. Merritt also has to find a new teaching position and one could take her several states away from Minnesota.

The couple has to work through what the truth of their relationship is and if the obstacles can be overcome.

It astounds me how people can so casually hurt others so deeply and walk out of their life with not so much as a backward glance. That aspect cut way too close and made the read a little tough. Sometimes all one can do is heal and move forward. You can’t make someone care or acknowledge what they did if it doesn’t matter to them. Forgive, let go, move on, and build — all with God’s help. Very good life lesson.


Profile Image for Tracey.
293 reviews
February 1, 2022
Fatherhood Lessons is a wonderful second chance story!

A one-line quote that would sum up what Merritt Lane and Knox Taylor go through in Fatherhood Lessons would be "God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you". They both have broken pasts and it's a huge hurtle for them to overcome, but with a lot of time and consideration, and a whole lot of faith, they're able to put their pasts behind them and look to the future.

Knox's daughters, Blair and Addy are the cutest little five year old twins and draw Knox and Merritt together in their common goal to take care of them. In contrast to the darling girls, is the "yoohoo" neighbor who was over the top obnoxious along with Knox's self-centered and unfeeling ex-wife.

I loved the relaxed summer setting at Tucker Lake, right outside the town of Timber Falls, the setting of Meyer's last four books. I also enjoyed seeing characters from her previous books, Joy and Chase, Kate and Jacob, Piper and Max and Liv and Zane.

One of my favorite quotes, "So, it seems that God created some beauty from the ashes of our pain."

The romantic ending provided just the type of happy ever after I love to read! I appreciate a copy of Fatherhood Lessons being made available for review. All thoughts and opinions are my very own.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
992 reviews106 followers
January 23, 2022
Sweet story set in Northern Minnesota at a beautiful home on the lake. Author Gabrielle Meyer beautifully describes the surroundings so well that you feel like you are there smelling the fresh air, swimming in the refreshing lake, and having an evening bonfire.

I enjoyed this story of kindergarten teacher and auntie Merritt Lane coming to Minnesota to help care for the neices she barely knows while their father Knox Taylor is overseas. Merritt's sister had been married briefly to Knox and had quickly ended the marriage and given up her rights to the sweet twins Addy and Blair. Knox is surprised by the enjoyment he experiences with Merritt staying to help for the summer. Merritt's selfish sister has always cast a shadow over Merritt's life, always making her feel second-best. You'll have to check out this story and see how it all works out!

I have read other books by this author also set in this fictional town and it was so fun to see cameo appearances by many of the wonderful characters in her previous stories.

Fans of surprise romance stories in a beautiful setting will surely enjoy Fatherhood Lessons.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,050 reviews63 followers
Read
February 22, 2022
I really loved this book! I typically don't read many Love Inspired books simply because they are so short. But I will always read anything that Gabrielle Meyer writes because it is always great! This story surprised me in so many ways. I actually couldn't put this book down and it was just delightful! I loved all of the characters and especially the little girls. The setting is fun but really the two main characters just worked for me. They had depth and meaning and real conversations and life issues that made this story so much more than a short little love story. There are some really funny moments that made me laugh. There are also some very emotional type moments that make you think. I couldn't believe that Gabrielle Meyer was able to pack so many details into only a few pages. She is such a talented author and I highly recommend all of her books. This story might just be my favorite from Meyer so far!



Highly recommend!

Five Stars!



"I received this book from the author for free. All opinions are my own and I was not required to write a positive review."
Profile Image for Elaine Applebury.
731 reviews5 followers
April 23, 2022
Gabrielle Meyer is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors! Her stories are heartwarming and sweet, with good solid characters and interesting storylines. The children in her stories play important roles and their characters are well developed.

Merritt Lane accepts the call to help care for her sister’s twin daughters. The four year olds have mainly been raised by a nanny, as their mom deserted them as infants and their dad is always on business trips. Knox Taylor returns and decides he needs to become a dad. to his girls, but he really doesn’t know where or how to start. Can Merritt teach Knox what he needs to know?
Profile Image for Cathy Cermele.
784 reviews13 followers
February 9, 2022
This is a sweet story of faith, family and friends. I loved the setting the author chose, I mean who wouldn’t love spending time on the lake? Merritt Lane comes to Timber Falls to care for her
young twin nieces and gets more than she expected when their father, Knox Taylor soon joins her.

I loved how Merritt and Knox work together for the good of the girls and the annoying neighbor added the perfect amount of cringe to make the story interesting. I’m always a fan of second chances and discovering you have always been worthy of much more.
172 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2022
Knox and Merritt have a very interesting background to overcome. I really liked each of them and was rooting for them. This book was very sweet and I liked how the characters learned to move in from mistakes and sin and how other characters helped them out when needed too. I really loved "seeing" a few familiar faces from previous books too. The setting was gorgeous and it was very easy for me to be transported to the lakeside house. This is the perfect sweet vacation read.

I received a copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
473 reviews19 followers
January 31, 2022
Love love and love this story!! There are so many times in life where we feel like someone's second choice, and that is heartbreaking. But maybe God has us as His first choice for someone and they just don't know it yet. What we think of as a rejection at first can be the first step for an even bigger plot twist down the road. He is the God of the impossible and is always in the miracle business.
79 reviews
November 23, 2025
Fatherhood lessons

I really liked this story. Merritt is her sister. She was first married to this man. They had beautiful blond identical twins. Merritt decides she does not want to be married and raise the beautiful little girls. So he decides to fly home and raise the little girls. He soon realizes he does not have a clue about parenting. He then asks the girls aunt to come help him.
Profile Image for Melissa.
806 reviews
February 5, 2022
A wonderful story about not letting past assumptions limit present opportunities. Merritt and Knox both have to let go ofntheir past assumptions of each other and learn to trust the people they are now. Beautifully written - makes me want to head to the lake and enjoy an evening camp fire where the story takes place just outside of Timber Falls. I love seeing this little fictional community grow and reconnect with people from Meyer's previous works.
119 reviews3 followers
April 16, 2022
A really hard book to put down and a sweet read.knox has four year old twins he needs help with so the girls aunt comes to help until end of summer but will it be to hard to leave the girls and knox at the end of the summer.I have read most of Gabrielle Meyers previous books I sure will be reading her next book when It comes out.The cover sure is adorable with the twins
96 reviews
August 2, 2025
Great read!

An unusual and beautiful love story. And included are two adorable twins. Of course there are some twists and turns but after all, its a love story. I hope you enjoy as much as I did
Profile Image for Kimberly  Bransford .
415 reviews1 follower
August 8, 2025
Aunt Merritt came for the summer...

And wound up staying forever. Knox's nanny had a family emergency and needed someone to help with the girls while Knox was on a business trip. When he returned home he had to reacquaint himself with his former sister in law.
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,847 reviews46 followers
October 15, 2025
Know has spent years building a career and enjoying adventures around the world while a nanny care for his girls. When an emergency arises causing the nanny to leave, Knox has to face his daughters and step outside his grief and into the role of father. But he has no idea how or what to do. Enter Merritt Lane who takes on the task of temporary nanny and giving Knox Fatherhood Lessons.

Super sweet and cute read!
412 reviews8 followers
February 6, 2022
I understand how difficult it is to be feeling second best even though people tell you that is not really true
1,017 reviews10 followers
May 19, 2022
Fell in love immediately with this book. The twins were so precious. I didn't want to put down. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Patty.
692 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2025
If 3.5 was possible, that would be the rating I would choose.

This is a sweet love story about Merritt and Knox and includes Knox’s 5-year-old twin daughters.
214 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2023
Double fun and love grow

Twins light up the story of a single dad and ex sisterinlaw who overcome obstacles for HEA and joy forever
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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