An awesome read and a great beginning to a new series! Loved the writing, pace, and characters of the story. Alex Chernoff is at a point in his life where he needs to make some changes and to do that he needs some answers. After receiving an unexpected birthday card from the father who was never a part of his life, he makes the quick decision to go to Cherry Lake to seek out the man and get the answers he deserves. Never did he expect to find his father's incredible family or the one woman who could make him want....everything!

Put this one on the list, I highly recommend it!

It’s ironic what a birthday card and an old photo can do to a man. Alex was turning thirty, he’d already made partner in the marketing firm, he had the expensive toys of a driven man the apartment, the cars, the toss away relationships, otherwise known as one night stands. Then that damned card from his father, the man who seemingly had abandoned him and his mother without much trouble. Alex tried to toss them away and go on about his life. He was headed for a two week vacation and ancient history was not on the agenda.

On the way to the airport the photo of a young Alex and his father in a cherry orchard kept pace with his fast driving. Cherry Lake was only a few exits away, a few days of his time to look up the heartless man who suddenly decides to acknowledge his son – a chance to find answers that he had shoved into a corner of his mind. A couple days… to finally know why.

Emma was heading home. It was cherry festival time and she never, ever missed that celebration at Cherry Lake. Her work with the Dept. of Agriculture meant that she could do some testing out at the Jackson orchards and be sure that their harvest was free of a recently reported infestation. It was what friends in small towns did – look after each other. It was on her way home that Emma first encountered Alex, and to say that their first views of each other went smoothly would be far from reality. She never expected to see the owner of the high speed car at the Jackson’s, nor believed for one minute that this handsome, obviously wealthy city man really wanted to sign on as a cherry picker. No, there was something going on here and attractive man or not, she’d be keeping an eye on Alex.

The Secret Son, the first story in the Secrets of Cherry Lake series is full of emotions, questions, and second looks at life. It will show the integrity of Alex and of his father, Robert as well. How does a man deal with finding out that he has a half-brother and half-sisters that he never got the chance to know about? When does a man put aside his own need to know based on the harm that knowledge would do to the people he’s come to like and respect? These and more are questions that Alex will have to answer. And there is that attraction to small town girl, Emma. So different from his usual female companions. She’s the real deal and what he wants with her surprises him almost as much as finding his family.

I expected to enjoy The Secret Son, it is afterall published by Tule Publishing, a company that has delivered amazing series for a long time. I was delighted to discover a new small town setting with characters that simply pull you into their world so easily. I’ve loved the stories out of Marietta, Montana – I’ve a feeling with the large family that makes up Alex’s part of Cherry Lake that there are going to be some amazing stories from Cherry Lake as well.

If you enjoy a family based series with believable situations and characters then I would strongly suggest that you pick up The Secret Son and get started on a fun, sexy, intriguing and entertaining series now at the beginning.

*I received an e-ARC of The Secret Son from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

It was a sweet story, although I would have like a little more angst. I really didn't like his father. Real men at least tell his family he has another child from when they split up. it made me mad none of his other children or his wife knew about him. Talk about a kick to the teeth. I wouldn't have been able to hold it in. I would have walk right up to the front door and said 'yo, hear to see my dad' bam. done lol. Overall great story!

This is an emotional story, one that follows the experiences of someone attempting to reconnect with his father but unsure of his welcome and the knowledge of everyone else concerned. It is full of soul searching, potential heartbreak and drama - an excellent read!

Alex Chernoff has celebrated his thirtieth birthday early with friends, then he finds an unexpected birthday card for his father with whom he’s had no real contact since he disappeared from his life when Alex was just twelve years old. Having lost his Mum the previous year and not expecting to have any communication with his Dad, Alex decides to go check that his father is okay and maybe find out more about why he abandoned him all those years ago. Is the card an invitation to reconnect their lives?

When Alex reaches Cherry Lake he is in a hurry and tailgates the driver in front of him, urging her to hurry up. That driver is Emma Stanhope and she has no time for pushy rich city guys - or so she hopes. She doesn’t like his attitude and when they meet this feisty scientist makes him aware of this, or at least she tries to! The chemistry between them is volatile but he’s only here for a short visit and she’s no one-night stand type of girl! Will the city guy and country girl stand any chance of having a HEA together?

When Alex visits his father’s home he discovers he has three other children and is actually away having tests in hospital. Should he reveal his identity to his father’s family, or await his return? He finds that he is a secret to his father’s family in Cherry Lake. What should he do? Who can he turn to? Should he stay or go?

Packed full of emotional interactions this is really the story of a Dad who effectively abandoned his son, never telling his other children or wife about his existence. I certainly didn’t like his attitude initially but Alex was so considerate of the others, heartbreaking. Sorry, no more spoilers. You’ll have to read it yourself to find out what happens!

Well written, with characters good and bad, this is a welcome reading escape into the small, close knit community of Cherry Lake and I look forward to reading further stories based there in future!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.

Alex Chernoff hasn't seen his dad properly since he walked out on Alex and his mum when Alex was five years old. Now Alex is by himself as his mum has passed away and his stepdad Hank died a few years back. Turning 30 recently, Alex had planned a trip to Mexico - a nice break away. That is until he gets a birthday card in the mail from his father, someone who hasn't had any contact with him in over 20 years and now just a single card. On his way to the airport, something strikes in Alex's mind and he decides on a whim to drive to Cherry Lake and confront his father Robert. On his way into Cherry Lake, he gets into a bit of road rage with a female driver . This turns out to be Emma , who is a family friend of Alex's half-brother Will. Alex decides to head to the family orchard and discovers his father is away, so Alex wanting to meet him signs up to be a cherry picker till he can confront his dad about why he left him all those years ago. When he does see his dad for the first time, it's not the happy reunion Alex expected - in fact his dad goes white like a sheet. Over the course of the novel Alex and Emma's chemistry goes , as does Alex and Robert's relationship - though they have to keep it quiet as Robert's family have no idea that Alex exists and even worse is the fact that Will - Alex's half brother is only three months older than he is . What will happen when the secret is revealed ? Will Robert's "other" family accept Alex , especially when Alex has no-one else ? Will their be a HEA in the works for Alex and Emma ? Find out in The Secret Son by Joan Kilby, Book #1 in a new series the "Secrets of Cherry Lake".

For a short lenght novel (around 100 pages), this book truly captivates the reader, you simply have to get emotionally invested in the story of Alex and Emma and hope that they get their HEA because they deserve it.

Who knew, that a simple birthday card can have such life changing effect on so many people...

A great start to a a new series , Secrets of Cherry Lake. Alex receives a birthday card from his estranged father out of the blue. Alex is tired of his life style and ready to make a change. He packs up for a week to go to Cherry Lake, where the one week will change the rest of his life. What he does not expect to find is the chemistry between him and Emma, nothing like he is use to. But will it be enough to keep him in Cherry Lake, along with the secret that his dad kept for all of these years.

This is book that will leave you with tears, happy tears that is. Have tissues on hand. Love the characters of Cherry Lake. Can't wait to read more of their stories.

I received this book from netgalley for an honest review.

I absolutely adored The Secret Son! I hadn't heard of Joan Kilby before this book but I'll certainly be in the lookout for more of her books after this one. I loved the setting in Cherry Lake Montana, the kind of small country town I live in and love. I loved the storyline and the way it played out. And I loved the characters, not just Emma and Alex but also Robert, Linda, their children and grandfather Nate. I just can't wait for the next book in this series, though it has a lot to live up to after this book.

My heart broke for Alex, especially when he realized that his half-siblings and his father's wife had no knowledge of who he was. To be honest, I didn't like Robert Jackson all that much. All the secrecy and the fact that he was too busy trying to spare the feelings of his wife and his three other children but not even considering how badly he's hurt and continues to hurt his other son made me want to smack him. There wasn't a good enough excuse for what he did in the past and how he treated Alex in Cherry Lake. It was a purely selfish and cowardly thing for him to have done and if I were Alex, I would have just walked away.

I liked Alex and Emma together, proving that what you want isn't always what you need because Emma didn't fit into the type of woman that Alex usually spent time with but there was something about her that made being with her far more life-changing for him. Since I know the next book is about the Jackson siblings' cousin, I'm going to assume that the series isn't exclusively about Robert Jackson's children. Still, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and seeing where the authors take each one. The Secret Son had me teary-eyed a time or two and it's one of my favorite reads this year. It gets five stars. ♥

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Tule Publishing for an honest review. Very conflicted how to rate this between a 3 and 4 so I went with the "liked it" definition. The writing is well done and the storyline was VERY engaging, but I spent 90% of the book being angry. Not at the writing itself, but the "father." I went into this thinking it was going to be a fairly light read with some angst. I think I had a lump in my throat the entire book and my heart bled for Alex. There are two aspects of this book:

Alex and Emma were good. You can't but help to like Emma - she's warm and infectious (and the good kind). I liked their banter and felt they had good chemistry.

(spoilers ahead if you don't want to know about Alex and his father's reunion...)
Alex and his sperm donor. The phrase "too little too late" would be an understatement. Alex didn't deserve the coward that is his father. He (and even Linda) were so sanctimonious to swing the blame slightly in his direction that he showed up unannounced. After leaving him 25 years ago and not contacting him in 15 years... what did Robert want int he first place? Fishing? Because that's his way of saying we'll meet somewhere far away from "my family." Every time Robert said "my family" my heart cracked for Alex. Robert even got mad Nate (Alex's grandfather) recognized him and was talking to him. Robert was all about protecting his family but for selfish reasons. Alex was the one who was actually altruistic because he genuinely didn't want Linda, Will and the others hurt. Alex could have been angry at Will and his half sisters for having the life and family he was denied, but he rose above that and his vulnerability didn't make him hateful or spiteful against them. Only until Emma found out did Alex have anyone in his corner.

It pulled a huge emotional reaction from me, so why am I rating this only a 3? I needed a little more. I needed more of Alex and Emma's relationship as it was really secondary to Alex and his father. I needed Alex and his father to have a real moment together and see their family come together. I REALLY needed Robert to redeem himself. I liked the epilogue for Alex, Emma, Will, and Linda... but Robert would not be welcome in my home based on the way he treated Alex as a shameful secret even when he was in town.

(drop the mic... and get some blood pressure pills!)

I really liked this story and the 'real' feel of the romance. I can't help but hope there will be a sequel!

They're so much honesty and warmth in this story, as well as heartache difficult family situations.
My heart went out to Alex, all he really wanted was to belong, have a family and find love. He was so earnest with his desire, he was willing to compromise. The father he had admired as a young boy, turned out to be a disappointment, and selfish. I really didn't like Robert, the father. I think he was a weak coward. He rather hides and ignore his son, that owns up to his behavior, and take responsibility for his action. But the rest of the family more than made up for his behavior. I loved, absolutely adored, his sibling's reaction. And the first meeting between Alex and Nate had me in tears.
Alex and Emma had a fun relationship, I thought they were a hoot together! The interaction between these two was so entertaining. The time span is short in the story, and the built up to the relationship is more detailed, than the growth of it, but they have chemistry, passion, attraction between them. They also have understanding, refreshing honesty, and support. There's also an epilogue that ties up the story between Alex and Emma, and gives more credibility to their fast growing feelings. Lovely small town, filled with interesting, deep characters, families, intriguing destinies, secrets, and love. I am already loving this series, and can't wait to read more about the family
~ Four Spoon with a teaspoon on the side

A heartwarming small town romance.

On Alex Chernoff's thirtieth birthday, he gets a card from the father he hasn't heard from in fifteen years. Alex decides to forgo his Mexican vacation to go to Cherry Lake to see his father. When he finds out his father is out of town for a medical appointment, Alex decides to stay in town and help at the orchard picking cherries until his father returns and he can talk to him. No one knows Alex is Robert Jackson's secret son.

Emma Stanhope has never missed the cherry festival and is back in town for the annual event. She always helps the Jackson family at their booth at the festival. This year they are short on pickers at the orchard, so she helps there too. The Jacksons are like a second family to her.

Emma doesn’t expect to see the city slicker with the fancy car who she had issues with during her drive home to be at the orchard wanting to pick cherries? Why would someone like him be working as a picker? Usually people like that move through town pretty quick. They quickly become friends and then lovers. But how will Emma react when she finds out Alex's secret?

If you like small town romances and family stories, this is the book for you.

In life there are surprises around every corner. Secrets waiting to be revealed. Some good and bad. Some happy and sad. The Secret Son by Joan Kilby takes a look at hidden truths. Alex has always had unanswered questions about himself. The one person that can answer them is the father he longs to know. But finding answers opens the lid to many other unrevealed truths that may affect others. I liked this story. Ms. Kilby takes the reader through Alex's inner struggle with trying to do the right thing without hurting others. She also brings into his life Emma who is dealing with her own insecurities but serves as stabilizing force for Alex. The Secret Son is a look at how actions and secrets have ripple effects.

The Secret Son (Secrets of Cherry Lake Book 2) by Joan Kilbyis a story that I liked but just could not love. I think that is because even though it has a happy ending it is so close to the truth of what happenings in life that it cuts a bit too.

This authentic plot has characters that are real with virtues and strong vices. I usually like my heroes with more positive traits. Take Alex for example, when we first meet him he comes across as a hardworking but emotional shallow man. I pictured Tony from NCIS. As the story progressed it is Emma who helps me see him differently. The author creatively used her to convey insight into Alex. His father is another character I both liked and loathed at the same time. It took a near death experience for him to admit who Alex is. Being a parent myself, it was hard for me to overlook this glaring fault. It is Alex’s forgiveness of him that stands out in the story, certainly not Richard’s actions.

I was expecting a light, flirty read. Since it is such a realistic story with hurts and heartache, it is a much more serious read. Being early in the series I am wondering if it is setting the tone for the rest.

3.75 Stars - Good story-line but quarter of a point off for the Dad.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a copy.

I really enjoyed this book. Alex is a successful marketing executive who concentrates on work....having no interest in a relationship only short term flings centered around sex. One day he get a birthday card from his father, a father he hasn't see since he was 12. He is set to go on a tropical vacation after making partner at his firm....but instead of heading to the airport he finds himself driving to his father's hometown. He tries to convince himself he just wants some answers but the lost little boy in him secretly longs to belong somewhere and have a family. I loved the way Emma and Alex first see each other....it's really funny. Emma is a sassy little thing but underneath all the sass is a smart, caring lady. Alex and Emma continue to run into each other in the small town and they realize that they are attracted to each other but Alex has a secret and he doesn't know if he should share it. It was nice to watch their relationship grow. The author does a great job of making is seem like a natural thing in short time. Neither of them expect to find romance in Cherry Lake...but romance finds them anyway.

Both of the characters are likable. In parts of the book I just felt so sad for Alex. Underneath he is a really sweet guy who longs to be part of a family and he wonders why he and his mother weren't "good enough" for his father to stick around. When Emma does find out his secret she is supportive of him and she understands the hurt he has dealt with all of these years. I liked how Alex dealt with meeting his father and his father's family. He spent time with his step-siblings and he grew to really like them....he didn't want to hurt anyone.

You can't help but like the characters in this book. It is a well written emotional read and the author does such a great job. I look forward to more in this series.

I was given a copy of The Secret Son from NetGalley for an honest review and this is my review.
This was a pretty good romance book. I really did not like how Alex's father treated him in the beginning of the book. I really wanted to slap that man silly and point out what a jackass he was being trying to hide his grown son because he was a two timing jerk when he was younger but of course on can't do that so instead I can just not like that man.
As for Emma and Alex they made a cool couple even though they were polar opposites. I liked the chemistry between them and how Emma was not afraid to be a bit snarky to Alex even if she felt he was out of her league.
This was a sweet romance with a nice second chance plot about family. I am giving this book four out of five stars.

Alex is celebrating his thirtieth birthday with big plans to spend time in Mexico with margaritas and pretty blondes. His plans are interrupted by a birthday card from his estranged father that just won't leave his mind. Emma knows men like Alex, they waltz into small towns and shake up everyone's lives. She wants to protect her heart, and the community she calls family, but she didn't expect the feelings she has for the handsome business man. What starts as a drive-by stop in Cherry Lake to see his dad turns into a second chance, a chance at a family who doesn't know about him and maybe even a chance at love.

Alex and Emma are adorable, I could have easily read 500 more pages about their love story, but this was a quick read and tied up quickly with a neat bow. I read it in one sitting, in about two hours. Emma is a sweet girl, the kind of character I really enjoy reading. She doesn't have romanticized notions about life, she's smart, humble, and protective. Her parts of the story were my favorite. I also really felt for Alex, his father made me angry, but he handled it so well. There were times when the book could have grown and expanded, even gotten out of hand, but the family turmoil is believable. The secondary characters are very minor, there is not a lot of description to them, but you can learn a lot from the prequel, Small Town Secrets, if you read it first. This is a great family based series from what I can see so far and if the following books in the series are anything like this one, I will be hooked. The Jackson family has so many secrets and I am intrigued to see where it goes.

The Secrets of Cherry Lake series is a new contemporary romance series from Montana Born books by Tule Publishing Group. There are five books in the series from four wonderful romance authors, including The Secret Son by Joan Kilby. All five books are now out in the series, you can get started for free with the prequel, Small Town Secrets by Roxanne Snopek. I know I am really looking forward to getting starting on the rest of the books after reading these first two. They're wholesome, romantic, emotional, and realistic. I enjoyed that I went into this expecting an easy, flirty read and ended up with a story about second chances and a family I genuinely enjoyed reading about.

Alex gets a birthday card from his dad and he wants nothing to do with the man but on the way to the airport he feels this pull to go see him and he's not sure if its because of the birthday card or the loss of his mom. When he shows up things seem to start to fall into place well kind of then he runs into the one person he never thought he would see again and his dad doesn't seem to happy about that. Emma is on her way home to Cherry lake and she can't wait to get there. On her way into town some idiot seems hell bent and in a hurry and she can't believe her eyes when she shows up are her best friend and second families house and see the jerk there. She knows he's not telling the whole truth and she is set to figure out the truth and prove that just like her dad he's not a very honest guy.
I really loved this story as i read it in just a few hours and found if captured my attention and held it all the way through. I love how this story is based in small town america when the town comes together when needed and protects there own but is so welcoming to everyone as well. The love story is so sweet as well where the chemistry starts is just jumps off the pages and you know you just want the best for all involved. Such a fun and amazing story I really can't say anything bad about it.

Nice little romance novel of two people finding each other, overcoming initial expectations and ultimately falling in love and bringing out the best in each other. No great angst here.

I really enjoyed getting to know Alex and Emma in this story. Emma is feisty and challenges playboy Alex, which leads to some exciting and entertaining scenes between the characters. The story development is well done as Alex pieces together the mystery behind his family and trying to figure out if he wants a relationship with them. This book has the perfect mix of serious and funny, producing a heartwarming story about what makes a family.

Alex has always felt alone. His father left when he was a child and he lost his mother a year ago. He wants to understand what happened between his parents. When he receives a birthday card from his father, he's determined to get answers which is why he goes to Cherry Lake. He doesn't tell anyone there who he is. He meets Emma who loves the town and its people. She challenges Alex and awakens his desire. What happens when Alex faces the man who left him and learns that he has a new family? This is an emotional tale that is filled with both heartache and love. Alex hates his life and wants to change who he is, but his past haunts him. I liked that he shows his father compassion and love under very difficult circumstances. Emma is a caring woman who has the strength to take a chance on love. I found it very difficult to like Robert Jackson. What he did was cowardly and I couldn't respect him. I feel that Joan Kilby did an excellent job with a difficult storyline. I did enjoy The Secret Son.

Alex Chernoff was ready to celebrate his 30th birthday with a Mexican vacation when he receives a card and picture from the Dad he seen since he was a kid. Wondering what it could mean, Alex heads for Cherry Lake, Montana instead of the airport. Arriving, he finds his father's family orchard is successful, the family well-regarded...and he has siblings that don't know he exists.
Emma Stanhope has moved away, but would never miss the cherry festival. She is more than surprised to find the rich guy she encountered earlier has signed on to pick cherries for the Jacksons. She doesn't expect him to be interested in her, nor stick around for the long-haul. I really enjoyed how Alex was developed into a person, especially since I wasn't sure I would like him. He and Emma worked well together, and I loved watching his character become someone I liked and rooted for. Every encounter with his father ripped at my heart. I truly wanted to shake Robert.
The was a fun story about small towns and secrets, with fun characters and a sweet romance. This novella was a great way to spend a few hours.

Sweet and heartwarming romance that would make for a great evening for many of readers

A quick, heartwarming story. Very entertaining!

3 out of 5 stars. Around his thirtieth birthday, Alex, receives a birthday card from his "long lost" father. On a whim, he decides on confronting his father instead of going on planned vacation. But what he learns just might be more then he can handle...

Though I grew up knowing that I (myself) was a secret child of my birth father's, while Alex only knew that his father left him, I felt a certain kindred spirit to Alex and this novel. As I completely get it. I get Alex's need for validation. I get why Robert did what he did, though he might be a great guy to everyone else what he did to Alex (not acknowledging him as his son) was sucky and shitty. It hurt a bit to read those parts, I'm not gonna lie. However, I feel Ms. Kirby handled the delicacy of the plot quite well, even though some parts of the ending wrapped up a little too nicely for me.

Nevertheless, I feel that the romance plot held this novel together. Giving it a sweetness and hilarity that it required so everyone could process the rest of the novel with a lightness that would not have been there otherwise.

I recommend this novel to those looking for a serious contemporary romance.

Review By: From Me to You ... Book Reviews
-- read more of this review and TWO TEASERS on my blog: frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com --