One little girl could change her mom’s mind about love… To give her daughter a brighter future… she must leave the past behind. Inheriting a house, money and a camp is the fresh start Janie Edmiston has been praying for. But the will stipulates Janie must work with her childhood friend–and crush–Drew Brenner, to get the camp running…or lose it all. The newly divorced mother and the … divorced mother and the widower aren’t looking for love, but sometimes it takes a child to show two broken hearts the way forward…together.
more
“A Home for Her Daughter” is a dramatic romance that focuses on forgiveness. Janie has just left an abusive marriage, and she went back to her hometown with her daughter, Riley, where her brother lives. She’s inherited a business and home, but only if she can get it up and running by a certain date. The catch is she must work with an old friend and someone she used to like in school. This friend, Drew, is a widower who blames himself for his family’s death. I love how they find a way to work together, but it’s Riley that’s the shining star. She has a way of bringing people together and a contagious joy. I fell in love with the town and was cheering on each improvement made to the lodge. This story is about faith and giving two damaged people a second chance. If you enjoy sweet romantic tales that tug at your heart while offering hope, you won’t want to miss this one.
Single mother Jamie Edmiston, just out of an abusive marriage, starts her new life in the small town where she grew up, before her disastrous union. To her surprise, an old friend dies and leaves much of her estate to Jamie and childhood friend, Drew Brenner, a forest ranger and himself a widower who blames himself for the death of his wife and child. The catch is they must work together to open a summer camp by July 4th. To do this will require they spend lots of time together, focusing on the deadline, ignoring their past. But it’s not as simple as a tight schedule and an almost impossible timeline. Both of them have secrets they’re not willing to share and as partners, that’s a problem.
I’ve read almost all (all?) of Weatherholt’s cozy romances and can’t get enough of them. She has a way with words that says so much more than syllables and sentences. She tells a story that grabs your heart and pulls you right in.
Highly recommended for those who love dramatic stories with happy endings.
Author Jill Weatherholt writes a story about lost love and heartbreak. Mended hearts and joy. Shame and healing. Along the way there’s a lot of forgiveness, both of self and others. Written in a heartwarming fashion, I really enjoyed it.
The characters of Janie and Drew have depth and a sense of realism. They are flawed people, just as we are, who want to be whole but don’t know how to get there. And you won’t be able to resist Janie’s adorable daughter, Riley, who brings much delight to everyone. A secondary character, Mrs. Buser, could have her own story. I really liked her.
If you enjoy stories of second chances then I highly recommend A Home for Her Daughter.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I really enjoyed reading this story and getting to know about Janie, Riley and Drew! This is a story about two people who have both had a tragic and terrible past, but has came together through a will and their old friendship. It is also a remarkable story of forgiveness and forgiving ones self above all else and being able to move forward and knowing that if you don’t forgive yourself and those who have wronged you then you won’t be able to move forward in harmony and God’s love for you.
A HOME FOR HER DAUGHTER by Jill Weatherholt is the fabulously, well-written story of Janie Capello Edmiston and Drew Brenner.
Janie is hoping for a fresh, new start moving back to her home town with her daughter, Riley, after divorcing her husband whose constant degrading left Janie feeling worthless and always second guessing herself. Drew has withdrawn from the world as much as possible after the accidental death of his wife and daughter. He lives in a cabin in the woods and changed jobs where he has as little association with people as possible. The last thing either of them need or want is someone else in their life to complicate things.
The death of Mary Applegate, loved by everyone in town and like a mother to Janie, brings Janie and Drew face to face after all these years at the attorney’s office for the reading of her will. Shock doesn’t describe either’s feeling when they learn that for either to inherit both must work closely together to keep Mary’s dream alive. They must get the children’s camp up and running by July 4th or lose it all to charity.
Janie feels that this is her best shot to not only furnish her daughter and her a home but a livelihood as well. Although determined to do it on her own, the stipulations of the will state she can’t. When realization of all that has to be done settles in and the downgrading words of her ex keep entering her mind, she’s glad she doesn’t have to. BUT will Drew agree to the terms when he seems so set against it?
Everyone keeps telling Drew that his deceased wife wouldn’t want him to live the life of a hermit, but to move on and to enjoy life. How can he do that when he feels he’s to blame for the death of both his wife and his child? How can he work with Janie to open the camp when her daughter is so similar in age and looks to his own daughter? It would be a constant reminder of all he has lost. On the other hand, he can’t turn his back on an old friend knowing he would be taking away her means to support herself and her daughter as well as a safe place to live.
Janie and Drew share a past, are reunited in the present and maybe, just maybe have a future. Can they both make peace with the past to make room for a future? Will Riley be the glue that holds it all together making all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place? Was Mary’s plan all along based on playing matchmaking for two close childhood friends?
A HOME FOR HER DAUGHTER is a delightful story of loss, love, overcoming the past by God’s grace and second chances. Jill Weatherhold told an inspirational story laced with love, faith, building one’s confidences by seeing ourselves as God sees us, and seeing life through the innocence of a child. Definitely recommend A HOME FOR HER DAUGHTER to anyone that enjoys a great Christian story that will pull on your heart strings and have you cheering for second chances. A great big FIVE STARS from me!
What a heartwarming story! Life has changed for a mom and her daughter. Life has changed for a childhood friend of the mom, too. Through the ups and downs of decision making, Janie and Drew try to learn not to let the past destroy the future. Sweet Riley is a key part of bringing hope and joy. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.
I have read, and enjoyed, each book written by Jill Weatherholt. I read a variety of genres involving numerous topics, usually reading fiction and non-fiction each and every day. This author’s latest Love Inspired Inspirational Romance became my afternoon leisure reading prior to starting the evening’s dinner prep.
“Life doesn’t always turn out the way we planned, but that’s okay, because it does go on” a statement made by one of the main characters, Drew. We are all intimately aware of the twists and turns life can bring, and reading Drew’s honest statement brought encouragement to my own life.
I sincerely liked the reasoning the characters expressed when things didn’t go their way. When that occurs, if we’re being honest, we question if such happenings are God’s way of teaching us a lesson – or punishing us for our perceived failures and/or mistakes. Isn’t that just how our minds and hearts work far too often?
The dialogue of the young child, Riley, is spot-on. Her relationship with Janie, her mother, is honest and endearing. The author really excelled at accurately portraying how a younger child may talk – it wasn’t put on, it wasn’t babyish, it was thoroughly respectful of a child’s efforts to figure out what’s what with a transparency that is thoroughly refreshing.
Two of the primary storylines address important elements that far too many have experienced and who struggle to heal and move forward as a whole person having been exposed to that life occurrence. Healing scars doesn’t just involve the physical aspect of our lives – emotional and spiritual healing are just as vital. Ms. Weatherholt demonstrates how that is the case, and she does so 100% effectively.
I have just one bit of advice to those considering whether or not to purchase this book: do it!
When Janie Edmiston inherits a home and a chance at a new life after an abusive marriage, she is understandably excited.
Until she learns of the conditions of the will.
Drew Brenner has closed himself off after the loss of his wife and child. Guilt drives him to leave his rewarding career as a paramedic to become a forest ranger where he doesn’t feel responsible for human lives. Then, an old dream is resurrected when he inherits the land where he’d spent many great summers at camp.
But, in order to keep the land he must help his childhood crush, Janie, get the camp up and running in time for its fiftieth anniversary only weeks away. The trouble is; Janie is as beautiful as he remembers, and her little girl is the same age as his daughter was when she died.
This is a beautifully written story of redemption and second chances. Life throws curveballs, it’s what you do with them that counts.
I thought this book had a beautiful ending. I loved the characters and I thought Riley was a sweet little girl and very wise for her seven years. I love second chance romances and Drew and Janie filled that role nicely. The main point about the story was that although we make plans for our lives God may have better plans for us. And that’s what this book is really about.
Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart deviseth his way :
But the Lord directeth his steps.
The main characters of this book are Janie Edmiston , her daughter Riley and Drew Brenner. All that Janie really wants is a home for her seven year old daughter. Janie has just gone through a painful divorce from an abusive husband. Drew lost his wife and young daughter two years ago in a terrible car accident. He is riddled with guilt because he had been responsible for the accident. The two learn they have been named in the will of a very dear friend but there is a stipulation they must meet before it’s official. If they fail to meet the requirements in the given amount of time the property will sold and the money donated to charity. Will they have the time to fulfill Mary Applegates wishes before time runs out? Did the deceased have an ulterior motive to bring these two friends back together in the hopes that there could be something more for them in the future?
I would recommend this book to readers of contemporary romance and Harlequin Love Inspired books. This book is part of The Whispering Slopes series but it can be read as a stand alone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here are my own.
What a fun read. It has some romance and quite a bit of suspense. Someone is out to keep the camp from succeeding. Can Drew and Janie find out who before everything is ruined? Or worse?
Janie is recently divorced from an abusive husband and she has a hard time trusting, especially men. She wants to be able to stand on her own two feet and not rely on a man. Plus she’s still looking over her shoulder for her ex to show up.
This is a fun read. I love Riley and her involvement in the story. She’s just enough precocious to keep the story moving and endear her to your heart.
I don’t want to give away too much, but you’re going to love the mystery in the story and the mystery surrounding Drew as well. This book read really quickly for me and I was sad to see it end though it’s a happy ending.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I absolutely love all of Jill Weatherholts books!
This was a wonderful Love Inspired, second chance book! Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down!
I was immediately drawn into this story and couldn’t stop reading!
An uplifting book about two people dealing with past hurts and helping each other find happiness! What adventures are ahead for Janie and Drew as they work together to save a childhood camp and try to heal from difficult pasts.
Divorced single mom Janie Edmiston returns to Whispering Slopes, Virginia, with her charming daughter. She learns she has inherited a summer camp from a dear friend, but the lady’s will comes with conditions. She and her former close friend, Drew Brenner, must work together to restore and open Rocky River Camp by July 4, or neither will be left anything. Working so closely with a woman he was once attracted to is a concern for park ranger Drew. He prefers his solitary life on the trail after a devastating loss.
The hurtful situation Janie needed to recovery from and the terrible guilt Drew carried were difficult…almost impossible…obstacles to overcome, but through trusting in faith, support from their small town community and the desire to establish a home for precious little Riley, a sweet romance develops between this couple. I was completely engaged with this story. I highly recommend A Home for Her Daughter to those seeking an uplifting story of overcoming challenges to reach special dreams ….and a beautiful happily ever after. Joy can be just beyond life’s difficult times!
*I received a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m pleased to offer my honest opinion.
I absolutely loved this Love-inspired romance. Two broken souls who used to be childhood friends, are thrown back together. I received this for free and I voluntarily chose to review this. I’ve given it a 5* rating. There is a little bit of danger but a lot of fond memories from their childhood to keep moving them on. There are some things to pull at your heartstrings also. I’ll be reading more of this author’s work.
Janie Edmiston and Drew Brennan haven’t seen each other since High School. They couldn’t have predicted they’d be brought together in such an odd way so many years later, but now they share a responsibility that requires them to work closely together. Even though they’d always been just friends, the chemistry between them is evident. However, both Janie and Drew have a past that keeps them from wanting to commit to a relationship. Janie knows in her heart that her young daughter, Riley, could use a stable home and family, but after enduring a mentally and physically abusive marriage, she’s not sure if she can trust any man. After a tragedy, for which Drew blames himself, shattered his hopes and dreams to pieces, the thought of a new family is out of the question. How could he protect them when he couldn’t even keep his late wife and daughter safe?
This story drew me right in from the atmospheric setting to the complicated lives of the characters. I love how Jill Weatherholt incorporates adventure into her inspirational tales. It really amps up the storyline and increases the entertainment factor. Either I was on the edge of my seat during the perilous scenes or I was imagining the beautiful surroundings during the more peaceful times. Not only was I getting an engaging emotional story, but the dappling of dramatic elements kept me fully alert while fervently turning pages. The angst appears at all the right times and propels the story forward. I was invested in the MC’s, Drew and Janie. Janie was guarded because of her insecurities brought about by her ex-husband’s abuse. Drew lived in isolation and blamed himself for the accident that claimed the lives of his wife and daughter. And yet, the two found peace and healing in each other’s presence. They only needed to realize together is where they belonged.
I loved everything about this book! The length, dialog, scenery, animals, intrigue, Janie’s sweet daughter, the main characters—EVERYTHING. There was just the right amount of conflict, emotional elements and the perfect setting to inspire me. And it also reminded me of one of my favorite movies, so that was a plus, too. I definitely recommend it.
This is the first book I have read by Jill Weatherholt and I found it a very sweet and delightful read. And I love the adorable cover. Janie and Drew wasn’t so sure about working together but Janie must in order to get her inheritance. But the attraction soon starts between the two long time friends and the rest is history. This story is pretty predictable, but its so much fun following Drew and Janie on their new journey. I enjoyed the interaction between the two as they worked to get the camp up and running. And Riley was the life of the party. I love her character, and what she added to the story.
It’s so nice reading a Love Inspired read once in a while because they are short, sweet, interesting, and so much fun and the books can be read in an afternoon or evening. If you want a sweet quick and delightful read, I highly recommend this book for you.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
As I began reading this book, I dared to dream that Janie Edmiston and her daughter would find a fresh start. I wanted Drew Brenner to discover a renewed sense of purpose and love. I wanted these three to move forward into the blessings God desired for them. This book did not let me down.
It examines the physical and emotional scars of abuse while allowing for redemption and healing. Their community provides additional support and love for them. The characters, setting, and plot draw the reader in and create a desire to find out the ending. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Janie and her daughter move back to her hometown after the death of an old family friend. She is hoping for a fresh start after a traumatic divorce. Throughout the book we get glimpses of the abuse Janie had to endure in her marriage but I liked how she took steps to work thru her grief and pain to help herself and her daughter. Her daughter was her number one priority and making sure she was safe and taken care of.
Drew is another great character who is also working thru grief and anger of a different kind. Working with Janie and her daughter on the camp project helped him work thru his problems and fears and start to heal.
Very sweet book that dealt with some heavier topics like abuse and survivor guilt; but I liked how the healing process was very real and demonstrated during this story. I liked seeing the friendship grow between Janie and Drew and to see the progress and vision of the camp take place.
I really enjoyed reading this sweet, clean, romantic love inspired fiction book.
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
The need each other more than they know…
A Home For Her Daughter was one of the rare times that I wanted to read a book based solely on the cover. I’d not read anything by Jill Weatherholt before but that little girl with the baby chick in her hands was just SO CUTE! I couldn’t resist. Didn’t even really try.
And I did enjoy A Home For Her Daughter. It was such a heartwarming story of love and loss, grief and grace, family and faith, and of regret and redemption. Precocious little Riley and her desire for an animal menagerie was so adorable, and, whether author Jill Weatherholt intended it or not, she really stole the show.
Jill Weatherholt’s newest book was a good read. It provided a nice break from longer novels as well as from all the bad news that seems to be dominating the world right now. The characters in A Home For Her Daughter don’t have it easy by any means but it was still fun to check out of a world gone crazy and into a story with a sweet romance and a happy ending…
(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Scarred by both verbal and physical abuse from her ex-husband, Janie Edmiston returns home to Whispering Slopes to build a new life with her adorable daughter Riley. Little does she know that a reunion with a childhood friend may help her overcome the hurts that she’s experienced and possibly secure a future that she never dreamed possible. A Home for Her Daughter is the touching story of two people who have both suffered pain and loss but are now offered a second chance. Can Janie and Drew Brenner accept that God may have orchestrated their reunion? Will Drew’s growing affection for Riley influence his actions?
Author Jill Weatherholt completely captures Janie and Drew’s doubts and uncertainties and their heartwarming story proves that faith and hope can endure through our deepest hurts. A Home for Her Daughter reminds us that fresh-starts are always possible and I recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary Christian fiction.
I received a copy of this book from the author via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
There is a lot I enjoyed about A Home for Her Daughter. From both Janie’s and Drew’s second chance at family to their childhood friendship to Janie’s daughter (who pretty much steals every scene she’s in, but I’m okay with that), Jill Weatherholt pulled me into this story and captured my heart.
When Janie and Drew reconnect, they’re both determined to open the camp and move on, but as they share their deepest regrets and heartaches, they are drawn to each other even more. Janie is filled with doubts but with Drew’s steady encouragement, she starts to let go of the lies built up previously. And Drew carries a burden of guilt with him that Janie and her daughter Riley ease. And Riley? You just can’t help but love this little girl and her concern for her mother and automatic connection to Drew.
Both Drew and Janie have had some difficult life circumstances that have pushed them to the point of breaking, but they find strength and purpose in working toward the common goal of the camp. Weatherholt addresses the topic of Janie’s previous marriage situation well, and the budding romance shows a respect for her concerns and fears.
Those moments are balanced well with the more sweet and lighthearted moments in the book, and the ending is just what I hoped for.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.