Their whirlwind romance takes the hard road toward happily-ever-after as disaster tests their love for each other and their faith in God’s goodness. Sophie Shultz smiles at her future, even when she doesn’t feel like it, but when a country drive leaves this city-girl stranded in the mud, the cowboy who stops to help gives her plenty to smile about. For real. Lance Carson is tall, handsome, and … tall, handsome, and kind, if a little on the quiet side—not to mention the owner of Big Prairie’s celebrated vineyard.
Lance has always had a decided preference for solitude, but when he rescues Sophie he develops a whole new appreciation for companionship. It doesn’t take long for him to lose his heart as she fills the aching void life’s disappointments have left behind. But a family issue has put him in a hard spot, pushing him to a decision that will ruin his relationship with many of Big Prairie’s citizens—and devastate Sophie, who adores her newly adopted hometown. Before he can figure out how to tell her, someone tattles on his plans.
As their relationship is put to the test, conflict presses in from every side. Can this rapidly grown romance sink its roots deep enough to weather the storms, or will Lance and Sophie both lose their way?
Small town Christian stories of romance and redemption, begin the Big Prairie Romance series today!
Book 1: When I Come Home Again
Book 2 When I Lost My Way
Book 3: When I’m With You (Coming fall of 2020)
more
Peace in the midst of the storm
Flooding my heart with rich emotions, When I Lost My Way is such a beautiful story of grace! I’m constantly amazed at how Jennifer Rodewald can convey such depth and wisdom in her stories.
Lance and Sophie are polar opposites. He is very serious and slightly socially awkward. She is all sunshine and smiles and is an extrovert. His faith is weak; hers has been nurtured and strengthened by her parents. I loved the way these two stretched each other and met a need in the other for love and acceptance. The struggles in their relationship and the way they recovered reflected the kind of love we should have for one another.
As the storms continued to come and the waters threatened to wash away all that Lance had been building, he had a choice to give in to the despair that threatened to erode his faith or to trust the Lord.
Starting with Miss Jane, the elderly Sunday school teacher I fell in love with in When I Come Home Again, the citizens of Big Prairie captured my heart as they exemplified the love of Christ to one who was making choices that could hurt them. Not that they were perfect, and in fact, the grace they showed was after some cold shoulders. But isn’t that part of the Christian life? Making mistakes. being convicted. Then changing our attitudes to conform to the way Jesus would have us behave?
Having read this far, this is clearly the type of story you are interested in. So stop reading this, hurry, and grab a copy for yourself. You won’t regret it!!
Read my review of When I Lost My Way by Jennifer Rodewald at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
When I lost my way by Jennifer Rodewald is my first read from the author and I totally loved it.
This book had me on so many fronts and I will do my best not to spoil it in this review.Jennifer thank you for sharing the power of love, forgiveness, support, community and PRAYER.
So we see Sophie Shultz and Lance Carson who deal with their individual insecurities, how they navigate their love and their lives in this.
Sophie is still recovering from a racist experienced that had left her pretty scared and careful, that why coming to Big Prairie and meeting folks there that were so warm towards her made her feel right at home. Sophie total trust in God has been her anchor and her parents esp. her dad (Step-dad) has been rock solid for her.
We see this Handsome sturdy and yet shy cowboy, who has some scars and is reeling from the devastating blow when he lost 2 parents to illness and an accident. He also lost his relationship with brother because of the inheritance that his father left him. Trying to find a way to reconnect with his brother leads him in a direction that will significantly affect the whole town and potentially ruin the livelihood for most. Lance believes in the work of his hands and minding his business
Insecurity meet shyness… boom!!! love sparks and hearts connect. Then troubles strike… would they survive and would love take them through…
This book also showed me the power of prayer of God speaking at the nick of time and how God used Love and Chaos to win the heart of Lance.
This book I recommend a 100%.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own
Full review on my blog: https://storiesandscribes.wordpress.c…
I loved, loved, loved this book. I adored the richness of the characters and the realistic portrayal of how they in their humanity deal with real life issues. I thoroughly enjoyed the interweaving of God’s word and principles throughout the book. I would definitely encourage anyone to pick up a copy of this book and ponder on all the wisdom throughout. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but have freely chosen to give my own honest opinion without compulsion or obligation.
“What if I can’t see Him in this?” Sophie softly replied, “I don’t see Him in it either Lance. Not yet.”
“But you believe God is still here. With you?” Sophie replied – “With us. With you. And with me.”
“How do you know?” Sophie whispered – “He Promised”
If that small interchange got your attention, then you are in for a memorable read in Jennifer Rodewald’s new release – “When I Lost My Way.”
Loved this book! I was devouring this book, it was so inspirational, till I got to 91%. I stopped reading for several hours because I did not want It to end. My favorite passage,
“It might feel simple, but girl, prayer is the most potent gift our heavenly Father has given us. Don’t you dare treat it as a just kind of thing . Do not underestimate the power of the God who hears.”
I did finally pick back up where I left off and enjoyed the love and joy, grace and mercy, gratitude and peace this book oozes from every page. If you like clean stories that will draw you closer to the Heavenly Father without being preachy, you can’t go wrong with ‘When I Lost My Way’. I highly recommend this book. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
This was a lengthy and thorough and perfect novel. The characters were absolutely amazing. This book expertly blended love and hardship, overcoming the past and looking toward the future, finding a home, what the church is, Joy and loss, and so much more. Though this book is more than double the length of many, I didn’t want it to end. It was incredible. I hope that we see more of the characters later!
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I have been blessed to read this story and I am so grateful! Jennifer has a beautiful way of taking you on a journey where you feel so in tune with the characters. I cannot wait for more from this author!
When I Lost My Way by Jennifer Rodewald is a powerful contemporary Christian novel about the vastness of God’s love.
The love within the novel is based on the love in 1 Corinthians: 13 – love is patient, kind and never gives up. Jennifer Rodewald has written about a love that perseveres – as the reader hears about a love between two brothers, a love between couples and the love of God.
The theme of the prodigal son runs throughout as we track the older brother from the tale. We see just how hard he works without realising he needs to surrender to God who longs to do life in a partnership with each and every one of us.
“Do not underestimate the power of the God who hears.” God wants us to want Him. He delights when we build our lives with Him. No matter how hard our lives, God can turn them around. “God takes the bad, and He turns it for good.”
There is the theme of trust. We pray to God but sometimes He seems silent. “Even in the… silence, she could trust Him.” We need to keep holding on. God will change our messes into masterpieces.
We are only responsible for our own walk with God. “A person is responsible for his own relationship with the Lord.” We can signpost others to God but the choice is always theirs. We all make choices and can only own ours, not the choices of others.
Going to church does not make us a Christian. “I’d die to think that you heard from me that church attendance equalled salvation.” Having a relationship with God and living out His love is what matters.
The novel is about community. It is a community that pulls together when there are needs.
I was reminded of the story of Ruth as I read – where you go, I will go. There is an air of love that covers the whole novel and it is beautiful to witness.
I adored When I Lost my Way. I read it in just one sitting. It is a beautiful novel about love vast as the ocean.
The whole novel can be summed up with this quote:
“Will you choose to love when it is hard?”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
When I dig into a book written by Jennifer Rodewald, I know I can expect complex characters and a strong message of God’s ability to heal and direct our lives. When I Lost My Way, book two in the Big Prairie romance series) does just that.
Outgoing and energetic Sophie Shultz is the opposite of quiet, on the fringe of the community Lance Carson. Yet, from their first official meeting these two are drawn toward each other. But as their romance blossoms, circumstances try to pull them apart.
I liked that that these two characters stand on opposite sides of an issue between them because that’s life.
Rodewald’s authentic voice resonates because her characters could be someone sitting beside you in church. They fall in love, they struggle, they disagree, and navigating those lows of a relationship together and praying well for each other are firm foundations for the future of the relationship.
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.
Although Lance and Sophie realized fairly quickly that their feelings for each other were deep, they still had a lot of learning and growing to do in this story.
This is book two in the Big Prairie Romance series, however, it can definitely be read as a stand alone novel. For those who have read book one, When I Come Home Again, you will recognize that some of this book takes place at the same time as events from that story.
I will admit that I was frustrated with Lance for a large portion of the book. He had some plans that were causing a lot of angst for a lot of people and he did nothing to communicate his reasoning to anyone. Sophie had to confront him before he even shared the information with her. But, Lance had a lot of spiritual growing to do and God was working on him. I was very impressed with the way Lance turned his focus to the things of God by the end of the book. Sophie, too, learned to lean on God in a deeper way, and realized the absolute power of prayer. I enjoyed seeing how much Lance and Sophie matured in both their faith and their love by the book’s end.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Just when I think it can’t be done, Jennifer Rodewald outdoes herself yet again. This book was spectacular. It always amazes me how seamlessly she weaves a profound and beautiful message of faith into every one of her novels. And this one resonated so deep with me.
I don’t know if I’ve ever connected with a character as much as I have with Lance. He’s a shy, nervous, introverted overthinker who always expects the worst. That’s so me. I really felt for his inner struggles and was rooting for him so hard. He’s a good guy who deserves the best. I instantly liked Sophie and really admired her total trust in God and how she leaned so fully on Him. Miss Jane was a great character too. She’s such a joy. I loved her wisdom, genuineness, and strong faith.
I seriously can’t recommend this book highly enough. There was a real authenticity to it. It felt like I was getting a peek into people’s actual real lives. Watching how they dealt with very real struggles and dilemmas. It takes a special author to do that. I’m very eager to head back to Big Prairie in the next book.
I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
When Sophie decides to go for a drive her life will change. Lance is surprised to find a beautiful lady stuck in the muddy road. Lance is a very shy person and he feels sparks between him and Sophie. Miss. Jane is truly a inspirational lady. You will love the way she brings these two together. When Lane shows up at the lodge Lance can’t believe that his brother finally came home. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
Books like this are one of the reasons I read. Faith filled, life changing lessons of God’s unending love towards man, all lives matter to God, having a relationship with God, loving people no matter what… loads and loads of life changing lessons.
Lance has had it tough and messy. So many losses in his young 26 years until he met the delightful Sophie who challenged him to be a better man in so many ways especially in his relationship with God.
The beautiful Sophie came to Big Prairie in search of a place to belong. Her faith was tested but I admired the way she loved God and chose to trust Him in Him even in the most dire situations. I loved her relationship with her daddy, so beautiful and worth emulating.
When I Lost My Way is thought challenging about certain matters and very self evaluating.
I recommend this book to everyone.
I recieved a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Rodewald weaves a story of romance, grace, faith, and hope in When I Lost My Way. I’ve learned by now that when I pick up one of her books, I am in for a fantastic ride. Her characters are always so well written. They have faith that is inspiring, but they also have fears, struggles, and all the things that makes readers easily relate to them.
Here’s what stands out most in this story for me. Yes, Sophie and Lance seemed to have a quick attraction/relationship. But that doesn’t make them stop growing as characters, as a couple. They have to go through some trials in this story that “whirlwind romance” couples could handle. And yet, they do. They prove that while love can sometimes start out as a whirlwind, it doesn’t necessarily stay that way. Sophie and Lance had opportunities to really deepen their love, their relationship, and their story. And I loved every single moment of it!
As with every Rodewald book I’ve ever read, the faith theme is strong, and yet not in your face. It is there to provide hope, make a reader want to connect more with the Creator, and be a story they will remember. Readers would be missing out if they did not pick up a copy of this book and start reading it immediately!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When I Lost My Way is a beautiful story of romance, grace, and trusting in God’s strength.
I loved Sophie and Lance SO MUCH. Their rapport, from their slight humor to the almost-flirting and deep heart conversations, is natural and realistic. Their romance is sweet and selfless, highlighting how really knowing someone takes time and a desire to understand the other person’s motives and choices. I appreciate how they face their trials head on with honesty, even when it’s painful. One timely issue Jennifer sensitively sheds light on within their relationship is judgement and its ill effects, all in the context of relationship choices, identity, and skin color, referring to Biblical truths to shed light and draw the reader to a place of empathy.
I will be thinking about the deeper threads of this story long after the last page. Through the challenges, Sophie relies on God in an admirable way. Her trust in uncertainty and the way she seeks wisdom from scripture, her parents, and a respected friend is something to aspire to. Lance’s growth is relatable yet more dynamic as he is learning how God wants a personal relationship with him as he learns to pray and listen for His voice. The concept of loneliness in contrast with God’s ever-present strength is contrasted in Lance, and his journey reflects surrender to God’s will.
Jennifer Rodewald is a must-read inspirational author for fans of Courtney Walsh, Carla Laureano, and Lindsay Harrel for her stories of sweetly engaging romance and deep emotional themes.
Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.