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Autumn Macarthur
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Calm & Bright: A clean and sweet Christian romance in Idaho at Christmas (Huckleberry Lake) Paperback – November 16, 2016

by Autumn Macarthur (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 349 ratings
See all formats and editions
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!
Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Huckleberry Lake
  2. Print length
    171 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    November 16, 2016
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 0.38 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1539372634
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1539372639
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

In Calm & Bright we get a heart wrenching Christmas story centered around a little boy who just wants to spend time with his dad for the holiday! Brad and Maddie both have so many issues they need to address within themselves, with God and each other before they can come back to the place they were when the first made a commitment to one another in marriage and be the best parents they can be for their son!  The way Autumn writes their story is touching and shows us that when we put God first, the rest will always fall into place! The warmth of the "supporting cast" and the setting makes me wish I could move straight to Idaho!Paula Marie - Fiction Full of Faith

From the Author

Dear Reader,
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 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. This is a story I've wanted to write since my spring release in 2015, Forget Paris. Brad appears in it briefly, and unfortunately he's a bit of a jerk! Okay, a LOT of a jerk! But I love 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 story, God helps him find his heart's true home. I've enjoyed writing this story so much! And I hope you'll enjoy reading it, too.
Autumn x


Real Romance, Real Faith!
Uplifting emotional romances by USA Today bestselling author of heartwarming Christian romance, Autumn Macarthur


If you enjoy this book, you may also enjoy my other sweet and clean Christian romances!
Huckleberry Lake (Idaho)
Calm & Bright - this book
Imperfectly Proverbs 31
Midnight Clear
All three are available in audiobooks, beautifully narrated by Sarah Kate
And if you love Christmas, books 1 & 3 are together in Christmas at the Lake!

Sweetapple Falls (Oregon)
His Father's Son
His Healing Touch
His Perfect Bride - preorder to launch spring 2022

Love in Store (London)
The Wedding List
Believe In Me
Least Expected
A Model Bride (also part of The Macleans)
Forget Paris
Invitation to the Ball (shorter novella length)
Teapots & Tiaras
Nothing More
The first four books are also available in a reduced price four-book set, What Happens in London #1

The Macleans (Scotland)
A Model Bride (also part of Love in Store)
More than Friends
A Lesson in Love
The Real Thing - preorder to launch 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 (worldwide)
My book in the series:
Dolce Vita (Wales)
La Risposta(Wales and Italy)
Innamorata (Italy)
Or the That Sunflower Summer box set - these three books plus Least Expected

Second Chance Protectors co-authored with Alexa Verde (Texas)
Brett, Her Bodyguard
Colt, Her Reunion
David, Her Cowboy
Or all three in the Second Chance Protectors box set

Chapel Cove Romances! multi-author series (Oregon)
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 Me by Marion Ueckermann
Adore Me by me, Autumn Macarthur
Ride with Me by Marion Ueckermann
Treasure Me by Anne Marie Philips - preorder to launch late summer 2021
See Me by me, Autumn Macarthur - available now!
Many books are also available in paperback, and more to come.

Sign up for my newsletter at my website for my book news, special offers, plus subscriber-only gifts and contests!

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 16, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 171 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1539372634
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1539372639
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 9.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 0.38 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 349 ratings

About the author

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Autumn Macarthur

Autumn Macarthur

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Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hello, I'm so glad to meet you here!

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of Christian inspirational romance. Originally from Australia, I now live near London with my very English husband plus a varying number of cats and other critters, after a one-year working holiday to the UK turned into twenty-five years! How did that time go so fast?

I love writing deeply emotional stories to leave you with a happy smile and remind you how big and wide and deep God's love and forgiveness can be. When I'm not writing or being a cat slave, I read, do my best to grow food in our tiny garden, and play at all sorts of crafting. I'm not much good at any of the arty and crafty things I try, but that's okay!

If you sign up for my email newsletter at my website, you'll get a gift ebook as well as news of new releases, special offers, and exclusive subscriber-only contests. I'd love to hear from you!

Autumn x

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
349 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

valerye hasselman
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2023
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Loved how it showed that when you look at things through the worlds view, the results are much different than when you look at things with God’s view. Great story.
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SJ
4.0 out of 5 stars Sweet Cozy Romance!
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2016
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I am a fan of Autumn MacArthur and am delighted to see she has a new novella series, Huckleberry Lake, set in Idaho. The timing is perfect too as I'm ready for some good Christmas stories!

My synopsis: All Maddie Calder wants for Christmas is for her ex-husband, Brad, to spend quality time with their son, Joshua, over the Christmas holiday. As a single parent who is also caring for an ailing grandparent, Maddie has her hands full and is thankful for the love of her neighbors and community at Huckleberry Lake. Brad, raised in a dis-functional family, has never known what family and community are all about. His job has always been to climb the corporate ladder and make more money to provide for his son and ex-wife. He loves Maddie, but doesn't understand why Maddie left him, or why 'gifts' can't make their relationship better. A couple days at Huckleberry Lake has Brad seeing his marriage and family in a whole new light. However, as the pressure of work pulls him away, Brad will have to decide what is truly in his life, and what he'll sacrifice to have it.

So this novella is what I would call "cozy romance." However, I enjoyed watching Maddie and Brad rediscover the love they had for one another. They were young when they married, but are now mature enough to understand that falling in love and making a marriage work are two different things. As they begin to discover each others strengths and weaknesses they discover that neither had the correct expectation of marriage and maybe, just maybe, God has given the example that is truly worth fighting for. One of the things I always like about Autumn's books is that the stories move toward a point where God is the central focus, and His word reigns supreme whether the characters choose to follow or not.

Finally, at the end of the book is a list of scripture that is central to this story, as well as a tasty recipe for Huckleberry Muffins by The Rowdy Baker. Now all I need to do is figure out where to buy huckleberries. Unfortunately they don't grow in my neck of the woods!
6 people found this helpful
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Cinaman
5.0 out of 5 stars Truthful
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2022
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This could be a tough read, depending on one's circumstances. A divorced couple, one seeking reconciliation; mountains of hurt, assumptions, misperceptions, lack of communication, combined with life's difficulties killed their marriage. Coming together for the holidays for their son's sake gives them an opportunity to realize what was lacking, what was needed and to revaluate what they each really want. While this book is sweet, it contains a lot of truth that could be hard-hitting. But the truth always sets us free.
One person found this helpful
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M_ Fitzgerald
5.0 out of 5 stars Review: Calm and Bright
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2017
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`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."
2 people found this helpful
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Vessel
5.0 out of 5 stars Don’t miss this one!
Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2023
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Brad and Maddie both made a mess of their marriage. Believing a lie, Maddie divorces Brad. She only invites him to the family Christmas so he can spend time with their son, Jacob.

Brad has brought a gift with him that he hopes she will accept. It’s the wedding ring she mailed back to him with the divorce papers. Will Maddie forgive and agree to remarriage?

Autumn MacArthur has written a book worthy of any marriage counselor or Sunday sermon. She has done it without “preaching”, although a turning point is when both Maddie and Brad let God speak to them individually about what true love is. They are reminded of how we are to live and of what really matters in life. I wish I had read Calm and Bright many decades ago!
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read free books
3.0 out of 5 stars Not for me
Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2020
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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
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Salutmel02
4.0 out of 5 stars Second Chance Christmas story
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2020
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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.
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Rhonda Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars truth and lies
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2023
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The heartbreak that lies can create and perpetuate are sprinkled in this story. Better yet, the power of truth to set us free is also there. Thanks for weaving this story together.
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Top reviews from other countries

Sandra
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written, clean and sweet!
Reviewed in Canada on December 21, 2017
Verified Purchase
Beautifully written, clean, sweet romance story with a strong moral and Christian theme in a real life situation where all is not perfection. However, perfect reading for the Christmas holidays as the story develops over the holiday season too when Brad comes to visit his ex-wife Maddie 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.
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Ana
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read. Love and relationship and the what's truly important in this life of ours.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 11, 2017
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I loved this book, mainly because what the characters feel is so real. The rollercoaster of emotions and the fact that they are just like us; failing, asking for forgiveness and remembering that we have to look to Him for our strength. I just wanted the story to continue.
One person found this helpful
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Cathy Morgan
5.0 out of 5 stars a good book
Reviewed in Australia on December 13, 2017
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A good clean read, with good character development. I enjoyed watching the two main characters gradually grow together. Recommended - like everything else I've read by the author!
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Kindle Customer
3.0 out of 5 stars xxxxxx
Reviewed in Canada on October 24, 2019
Verified Purchase
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.
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Mrs. M. E. Carrigan
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2017
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I really enjoyed reading this book as well as relaxing with a good book ! I Always find any of Autumn's
books honouring the Lord and we can always learn something from her writings thank you once again
for a very good read.
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