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Big Prairie Romance #4
When I Wasn't Looking
Could a muddied history she is desperate to clear up lead them to a brand new tale that neither one had truly hoped to find?
She loves a good romance--but doesn't believe it happens in real life.
Sage Greene loves a good story, especially if it has a dashing and romantic hero. But her family’s legacy of broken relationships has convinced her that romance is strictly for fiction. Take her great-grandfather Harold Teller, for example—a selfish drunk who rejected his wife and son. But if that were so, why would he leave his house and property to her? Sensing there’s more to his story, Sage heads to Big Prairie determined to discover the truth for herself. Not even a quixotic encounter with a handsome stranger will sway her from her purpose.
He has stopped looking for love--it just isn't out there for him.
As a counsellor, Grant Hillman knows what makes for a healthy relationship, but he’s certain that he’s a long way from being anyone’s romantic hero. Quiet, observant, and slightly fastidious seems to translate to boring, quirky, and too different, and he’s given up on finding love. So he shouldn’t be surprised when the one time he rescues a damsel in distress, it turns out she didn’t need a hero and she isn’t looking for romance.
Despite their inauspicious meeting—or perhaps because of it—Sage determines she and Grant will become the closest of friends. As they work together to learn the truth about Grandpa Teller, Sage discovers there’s more to Gramps than the bitter, grumpy old man everyone sees. And the more time she spends with Grant, the more she begins to wish she believed in romance after all. But Grant knows that the maxim “opposites attract” doesn’t mean “opposites will have a lasting, healthy relationship.” Especially when one of them doesn’t believe in romance to begin with.
As Sage and Grant work to untangle the threads of Grandpa Teller’s story, is it possible they could unravel a few assumptions of their own and write the beginning of another story altogether?
She loves a good romance--but doesn't believe it happens in real life.
Sage Greene loves a good story, especially if it has a dashing and romantic hero. But her family’s legacy of broken relationships has convinced her that romance is strictly for fiction. Take her great-grandfather Harold Teller, for example—a selfish drunk who rejected his wife and son. But if that were so, why would he leave his house and property to her? Sensing there’s more to his story, Sage heads to Big Prairie determined to discover the truth for herself. Not even a quixotic encounter with a handsome stranger will sway her from her purpose.
He has stopped looking for love--it just isn't out there for him.
As a counsellor, Grant Hillman knows what makes for a healthy relationship, but he’s certain that he’s a long way from being anyone’s romantic hero. Quiet, observant, and slightly fastidious seems to translate to boring, quirky, and too different, and he’s given up on finding love. So he shouldn’t be surprised when the one time he rescues a damsel in distress, it turns out she didn’t need a hero and she isn’t looking for romance.
Despite their inauspicious meeting—or perhaps because of it—Sage determines she and Grant will become the closest of friends. As they work together to learn the truth about Grandpa Teller, Sage discovers there’s more to Gramps than the bitter, grumpy old man everyone sees. And the more time she spends with Grant, the more she begins to wish she believed in romance after all. But Grant knows that the maxim “opposites attract” doesn’t mean “opposites will have a lasting, healthy relationship.” Especially when one of them doesn’t believe in romance to begin with.
As Sage and Grant work to untangle the threads of Grandpa Teller’s story, is it possible they could unravel a few assumptions of their own and write the beginning of another story altogether?
308 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2023
266 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Rodewald
40 books405 followersJennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.
Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.
Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.
Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.
Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.
Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
April 22, 2023
It was a pleasant surprise that there was a fourth book in the Big Prairie Romance Series!
Sage Greene is a burst of energy and the unexpected. She's the opposite of introverted and routine Grant Hillman.
For me, the best part of the novel was Gramps. Loved his grumpy front with soft heart underneath. Sage's character growth and belief in love was a treasure.
Sage Greene is a burst of energy and the unexpected. She's the opposite of introverted and routine Grant Hillman.
For me, the best part of the novel was Gramps. Loved his grumpy front with soft heart underneath. Sage's character growth and belief in love was a treasure.
June 26, 2023
Contemporary Christian novels tend to let me down with little basis in reality and little hope in the redemption of Christ. Not so this book which I could not put down. The conflicts, the pain, the confusion, as well as the love and hope in Christ were realistic and heartfelt. These characters could be my neighbors, my friends, my own family. The pain of sin was real. The redeeming love of Christ was real. The romance was gentle and sweet (and sometimes hilarious). I will most definitely and gladly continue reading this author!
April 21, 2023
Another great story! I enjoyed getting to know Grant and Sage this time around. I found that I could relate to both of them in different ways. I enjoyed the prayers and scripture mentioned and the steadfastness Grant was about his love for God.
I really found it interesting that Sage's way of making a living was by being an audiobook narrator. (that is something I have always been interested in). I wasn't sure about her initially but she soon became like family and watching her spiritual growth was so special and wonderful.
And as with the rest of the series, Miss Jane always holds a special place with all the characters and continues to show great wisdom and grace to anyone she encounters.
Rating: PG
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes!
I really found it interesting that Sage's way of making a living was by being an audiobook narrator. (that is something I have always been interested in). I wasn't sure about her initially but she soon became like family and watching her spiritual growth was so special and wonderful.
And as with the rest of the series, Miss Jane always holds a special place with all the characters and continues to show great wisdom and grace to anyone she encounters.
Rating: PG
Language: clean read
Recommend: yes!
April 6, 2023
Wow! What an absolutely beautiful story! I always feel a comforting sense of home when I read a Jennifer Rodewald book. The characters are so authentic as they deal with real-life issues. There's a real honesty about her stories that I love so much.
Grant has got to be one of my favorite characters ever. Where do I even begin? He’s a great guy, one of the best, but he doesn’t really fit in. He’s a bit of a loner who doesn’t do well in social situations. A self-professed odd duck. And y’all! I’ve never felt such an immediate connection with a character before. I'm that odd duck of a person that doesn't really fit in, so I really appreciate reading about characters like that. Sage was sociable, outgoing, random, weird and proud of it. She was Grant's opposite in practically every way, but they were so good for each other. And Old Man Teller? What an intriguing guy! He had quite the reputation as a reclusive curmudgeon, but there were glimpses of a man who cared. I was desperate to learn more of his story, and what made him the way he was.
This story made me laugh and cry. It made me feel seen. The spiritual aspect really spoke to me and was something I needed to hear. If you're looking for a heartwarming, faith-filled romance, pick up a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed.
Grant has got to be one of my favorite characters ever. Where do I even begin? He’s a great guy, one of the best, but he doesn’t really fit in. He’s a bit of a loner who doesn’t do well in social situations. A self-professed odd duck. And y’all! I’ve never felt such an immediate connection with a character before. I'm that odd duck of a person that doesn't really fit in, so I really appreciate reading about characters like that. Sage was sociable, outgoing, random, weird and proud of it. She was Grant's opposite in practically every way, but they were so good for each other. And Old Man Teller? What an intriguing guy! He had quite the reputation as a reclusive curmudgeon, but there were glimpses of a man who cared. I was desperate to learn more of his story, and what made him the way he was.
This story made me laugh and cry. It made me feel seen. The spiritual aspect really spoke to me and was something I needed to hear. If you're looking for a heartwarming, faith-filled romance, pick up a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed.
April 17, 2023
Small town, opposites attract romance - SO good!
I loved this book and the whole series so much!
Sage (my favorite, for sure) was quirky, fun, flirty, and flighty. Grant (with whom I completely related to) liked structure, routine, familiarity, and stability. Boring and predictable (his words), but with a heart of gold. Gramps was also a wonderful, well-developed character; hard on the outside, but... Well, you have to read the story to discover all the secrets and twists ;)
Pulled in from the start, I found myself immersed in the story, desperate for answers, and delighted in the way the main characters connected.
Full of faith, redemption, and love, this is definitely going on my list of favorite reads!
I loved this book and the whole series so much!
Sage (my favorite, for sure) was quirky, fun, flirty, and flighty. Grant (with whom I completely related to) liked structure, routine, familiarity, and stability. Boring and predictable (his words), but with a heart of gold. Gramps was also a wonderful, well-developed character; hard on the outside, but... Well, you have to read the story to discover all the secrets and twists ;)
Pulled in from the start, I found myself immersed in the story, desperate for answers, and delighted in the way the main characters connected.
Full of faith, redemption, and love, this is definitely going on my list of favorite reads!
April 4, 2023
Great characters
I love that the main characters are not the usual romance characters. The secondary characters also add so much to the story. Loved it!
I love that the main characters are not the usual romance characters. The secondary characters also add so much to the story. Loved it!
April 6, 2023
This is another awesome book by Jennifer Rodewald. Since meeting Grant in the first book of this series, it was wonderful to read his story. A beautiful romance and so much more, truly worth waiting for.
April 3, 2023
What a tender love story
I enjoyed Grant and Sage's journey. I saw parts of myself in both of them. Ah, but for the anchor of God's love. Recommend.
I enjoyed Grant and Sage's journey. I saw parts of myself in both of them. Ah, but for the anchor of God's love. Recommend.
April 8, 2023
Loved it, as expected
True to my expectations, Jennifer Rodewald wrote another exceptional book that points the reader to God. There are fun, light-hearted moments and deep, heartbreaking moments, like real life.
I felt like I spent a lot of the beginning trying to remember book 1 of the series so I recommend reading them together or close by.
HEA
Christian characters and storyline
Story of Faithfulness
What I loved:
“Then our friendship will be an adventure—a collision of opposites.”
“But I do love a good adventure, Grant Hillman. And opposite characters make the most interesting stories.”
"I think love is as much a choice as it is a feeling.”
“Sage, I wish I could be the hero in your story—even if you don’t think you need one. But the truth is, even if you can’t see it now, you do need one. You need a Savior, the lover of your soul. His name is Jesus, and He is love. The very love I know you wish you could believe in. He is everything, and you will never be satisfied without Him.”
True to my expectations, Jennifer Rodewald wrote another exceptional book that points the reader to God. There are fun, light-hearted moments and deep, heartbreaking moments, like real life.
I felt like I spent a lot of the beginning trying to remember book 1 of the series so I recommend reading them together or close by.
HEA
Christian characters and storyline
Story of Faithfulness
What I loved:
“Then our friendship will be an adventure—a collision of opposites.”
“But I do love a good adventure, Grant Hillman. And opposite characters make the most interesting stories.”
"I think love is as much a choice as it is a feeling.”
“Sage, I wish I could be the hero in your story—even if you don’t think you need one. But the truth is, even if you can’t see it now, you do need one. You need a Savior, the lover of your soul. His name is Jesus, and He is love. The very love I know you wish you could believe in. He is everything, and you will never be satisfied without Him.”
March 30, 2023
running home
This book is a brilliant demonstration of true love. Sometimes love is not returned. Then again, one just might choose to stop running and receive love. Very well done!
This book is a brilliant demonstration of true love. Sometimes love is not returned. Then again, one just might choose to stop running and receive love. Very well done!
March 31, 2023
A Must Read!
Wow, just wow. I so loved the characters and their real life struggles and quirks but the most unforgettable part was Gods amazingly-wild-love filled redemptive story weaved throughout. Already looking forward to the next one!
Wow, just wow. I so loved the characters and their real life struggles and quirks but the most unforgettable part was Gods amazingly-wild-love filled redemptive story weaved throughout. Already looking forward to the next one!
October 17, 2025
I really enjoy Jennifer's writing style. It is easy to read and she creates a compelling storyline. A faith filled story that shows how faith can provide a stabilizing basis for living. Two very different characters, Grant and Sage, meet under unusual circumstances and feel an instant attraction. Neither feels ready for a relationship and their underlying beliefs about relationships certainly don't help. Humor is used well and there are a lot of insightful life lessons displayed. It is a fascinating story that kept my interest throughout. Thank you, Jennifer for a very satisfying read. I look forward to reading more of your work.
June 5, 2024
Just…. wow!
It took me a little while to get into this book because of the somewhat stilted language. But the minute I realized it was just because of the characters, I dove in and could hardly put it down! Grant and Sage are both amazing characters. Their love story was fun to read, with lots of ups and downs. It really gripped my heart, that’s for sure! And I loved reading about their separate quests to find God. Thank you, Jennifer Rodewald, for your amazing, moving stories!
It took me a little while to get into this book because of the somewhat stilted language. But the minute I realized it was just because of the characters, I dove in and could hardly put it down! Grant and Sage are both amazing characters. Their love story was fun to read, with lots of ups and downs. It really gripped my heart, that’s for sure! And I loved reading about their separate quests to find God. Thank you, Jennifer Rodewald, for your amazing, moving stories!
August 27, 2025
This was a very pleasant read. And the story had so many layers. Was love for Sage a real thing? From family, from God, from a man? Even Grant? And Grant was endearing, even though he and others considered himself as odd. But did God see him? The author wove the love of God so beautifully into what we see in every character’s lives. Yes even Gramps! And can we all just say that we love Miss Jane too! Just a good good read!
October 16, 2025
Humour, love, reconciliation.
This book grabbed me from the very first paragraph. I laughed and cried but in all a beautiful story about the story of life and love, sacrifice and the overwhelming power of God’s love in all of us. You will love the quirky lead characters and perhaps we all have a little quirky in us. Faith, love and hope, but the greatest of these is Love. Demonstrated beautifully in the interwoven stories in this book.
This book grabbed me from the very first paragraph. I laughed and cried but in all a beautiful story about the story of life and love, sacrifice and the overwhelming power of God’s love in all of us. You will love the quirky lead characters and perhaps we all have a little quirky in us. Faith, love and hope, but the greatest of these is Love. Demonstrated beautifully in the interwoven stories in this book.
May 11, 2023
Grant and Sage
It was so good to revisit Big Prairie and Grant. I love this quirky character who meets the match God intended for him. Jen writes such depth into these characters and the story they discover that shows God sees us, even in our pain. I'll enjoy reading this beautiful story again.
It was so good to revisit Big Prairie and Grant. I love this quirky character who meets the match God intended for him. Jen writes such depth into these characters and the story they discover that shows God sees us, even in our pain. I'll enjoy reading this beautiful story again.
October 14, 2023
Didn't want it to end
I absolutely loved the characters. Serious topics wrapped up in interesting Characters with a bit of whimsy. I would loved to have seen a little more of Harold. God is Good. And seeing the restoration and redemption touches my heart. Sad to see this series end. I love all of the characters, especially Miss Jane - I would love to see more of her.
I absolutely loved the characters. Serious topics wrapped up in interesting Characters with a bit of whimsy. I would loved to have seen a little more of Harold. God is Good. And seeing the restoration and redemption touches my heart. Sad to see this series end. I love all of the characters, especially Miss Jane - I would love to see more of her.
January 4, 2024
I love Jennifer Rodewald’s writing. She does a beautiful job of character development and then sets it up to show God’s handiwork of love through His Word. Sage needs to see His love and accept His grace. Grant needs to believe that God has good plans for him. Loved how they make those discoveries together.
April 24, 2024
Jennifer Rodewald is an awesome Christian author! She has written several series and you get to know the families in each of them. The book I read is from an older series(Big Prairie) and this was a highlight from that series. Please try one of her books in Kindle unlimited and they are also sold in paperback.
November 1, 2025
Surprising and deeply touching read!
This book was such a surprise to me. It had deep characters with facets of human nature formed by misconceptions passed down through generations due to miscommunication and then there's the spiritual strength, which brings the main characters together in the end for my happy ever after. I loved it.
This book was such a surprise to me. It had deep characters with facets of human nature formed by misconceptions passed down through generations due to miscommunication and then there's the spiritual strength, which brings the main characters together in the end for my happy ever after. I loved it.
September 21, 2023
A perfect story
Wow this is what true love is about. You can love someone or you can really be in love with someone and love them completely with your whole heart. A fantastic story that was well written.
Wow this is what true love is about. You can love someone or you can really be in love with someone and love them completely with your whole heart. A fantastic story that was well written.
November 23, 2023
wow. one of the best I’ve read
I’ve read the series and I loved each story
. The characters really draw you in. Feels like you know them. I got so involved in this story I needed
Kleenex several times
Highly Recommend
I’ve read the series and I loved each story
. The characters really draw you in. Feels like you know them. I got so involved in this story I needed
Kleenex several times
Highly Recommend
October 17, 2025
I am new to Goodreads and new to this series so this is the first one I have read. I enjoyed the 2 opposite characters and how they were described. They both seemed very real. A nicely written story and a gentle leading to salvation.
October 27, 2025
A Rare Story of Love
Unusual people were the main characters in this rare story. Some of the themes were bitterness, masks, unbelief, friendship, and the love of God in addition to romantic love.
Unusual people were the main characters in this rare story. Some of the themes were bitterness, masks, unbelief, friendship, and the love of God in addition to romantic love.
January 13, 2026
I loved this book!
The characters are delightful and so unique. I love the way the scriptures fit so perfectly into the story. By the time I finish I am already looking forward to the next book. I am thankful that it's a series.
The characters are delightful and so unique. I love the way the scriptures fit so perfectly into the story. By the time I finish I am already looking forward to the next book. I am thankful that it's a series.
April 18, 2023
Jennifer's stories tug at your heart. A perfectly concocted love is gifted to those that need it. Beyond romance.
April 30, 2023
“I never even knew a girl like you walked this earth. But had I known, I would have searched for you.” ❤
May 9, 2023
Another good story
I enjoy stories with real emotions, realk people and this one certainly met that criteria. Another good read from an excellent story crafter
I enjoy stories with real emotions, realk people and this one certainly met that criteria. Another good read from an excellent story crafter
July 5, 2023
This was a good book covering the themes of faithful love and how much our heritage influences our choices but it felt a bit too drawn out for me
February 15, 2024
Possibly the best in the Big Prairie series! Digging into the mysterious past to answer so many questions. One so stiff and predictable -one flighty and ready to run. Can they find a happy middle??
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews