Books like Seventh heaven by Catherine Anderson

Joe Lakota abandoned his small Oregon town ten years ago, chasing the promises of the city and leaving behind the only woman he ever truly loved. Now, a decade later and back on familiar soil, he seeks to raise his young son with the values of home life while longing to rekindle the passion he once shared with Marilee Nelson. Marilee, however, is no longer the gentle, self‑assured girl Joe remembers; she is tormented by a secret she refuses to disclose, even to him. Their past ending was painful, and Marilee has no desire to reconnect. Yet, Joe's strong presence and protective instinct bring him into conflict with her guarded heart. Despite her resistance, Marilee feels an undeniable pull toward Joe, and he presents her with a profound offer: to become his wife and mother to their child. The story follows their emotional struggle as Marilee tries to decide whether the marriage, even if merely nominal, can survive the truth she cannot share.

First publish date: 2000