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A Father's Vow
His daughter is his priority…
But is there room for one more?
Dedicated to protecting his daughter and the town of Sweetwater, widower Constable Jack Wells will do anything to stop the vandalism at their beloved wildlife preserve—even partner with its new veterinarian. But fighting his attraction to Emerson Parker might be the greater challenge. Soon their on-duty stakeouts evolve into off-duty family outings. But with heartbreak in his past, is he ready to risk a second chance?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
But is there room for one more?
Dedicated to protecting his daughter and the town of Sweetwater, widower Constable Jack Wells will do anything to stop the vandalism at their beloved wildlife preserve—even partner with its new veterinarian. But fighting his attraction to Emerson Parker might be the greater challenge. Soon their on-duty stakeouts evolve into off-duty family outings. But with heartbreak in his past, is he ready to risk a second chance?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
- GenresChristian Fiction
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2024
8 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Chris Maday Schmidt
9 books70 followersA Publishers Weekly bestselling author and self-professed princess, Chris Maday Schmidt believes it’s always the ‘write’ time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope for new beginnings, humor in the messy middle, & heart for happy endings. She writes clean & wholesome stories about family, friendship, and faith for Harlequin Love Inspired, Woman’s World, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Guideposts.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 19, 2024
I could not get into this book. The characters were annoying.
April 22, 2024
A FATHER'S VOW by Chris Maday Schmidt
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
His daughter is his priority…
But is there room for one more?
Dedicated to protecting his daughter and the town of Sweetwater, widower Constable Jack Wells will do anything to stop the vandalism at their beloved wildlife preserve—even partner with its new veterinarian. But fighting his attraction to Emerson Parker might be the greater challenge. Soon their on-duty stakeouts evolve into off-duty family outings. But with heartbreak in his past, is he ready to risk a second chance?
This is Jack Wells,Josie and Emerson Parker's story.
You were born to serve and protect.
His late wife’s words echoed in his ears. Never mind that he’d failed to live up to his oath in the worst way.
Now, all senses on high alert, Constable Jack Wells maneuvered his station-issued cruiser over the rutted gravel drive. The tires settled into the well-worn grooves as he made slow progress toward the wooded wildlife preserve and sanctuary. With his headlights off, he used extra caution to avoid potential contact with critters that may have escaped from the fenced-in property.
“I’ve got a gun!” the powerhouse in his arms shrieked, dark hair whipping across his face, lashing him as her ponytail swished with each contortion of her body, skin pale in the glow of the motion-detector lights that illuminated the area.
But then his attention swiveled back to the woman in front of him. Her lab coat hanging open over a T-shirt and jeans.
Oh, great.
Dr. Emerson Parker gulped several times, sucking in breaths of stolen air thanks to her run-in with the solid wall she’d just barreled into full force. Within seconds, she cataloged the Stetson pushed low on his forehead, well-lived-in cowboy boots, a blazer and—as he’d indicated after Emerson’s threat—a metal badge etched with big letters spelling out Constable pinned to his lapel.
I recommend this book.
A FATHER'S VOW by Chris Maday Schmidt is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Chris Maday Schmidt.
Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
His daughter is his priority…
But is there room for one more?
Dedicated to protecting his daughter and the town of Sweetwater, widower Constable Jack Wells will do anything to stop the vandalism at their beloved wildlife preserve—even partner with its new veterinarian. But fighting his attraction to Emerson Parker might be the greater challenge. Soon their on-duty stakeouts evolve into off-duty family outings. But with heartbreak in his past, is he ready to risk a second chance?
This is Jack Wells,Josie and Emerson Parker's story.
You were born to serve and protect.
His late wife’s words echoed in his ears. Never mind that he’d failed to live up to his oath in the worst way.
Now, all senses on high alert, Constable Jack Wells maneuvered his station-issued cruiser over the rutted gravel drive. The tires settled into the well-worn grooves as he made slow progress toward the wooded wildlife preserve and sanctuary. With his headlights off, he used extra caution to avoid potential contact with critters that may have escaped from the fenced-in property.
“I’ve got a gun!” the powerhouse in his arms shrieked, dark hair whipping across his face, lashing him as her ponytail swished with each contortion of her body, skin pale in the glow of the motion-detector lights that illuminated the area.
But then his attention swiveled back to the woman in front of him. Her lab coat hanging open over a T-shirt and jeans.
Oh, great.
Dr. Emerson Parker gulped several times, sucking in breaths of stolen air thanks to her run-in with the solid wall she’d just barreled into full force. Within seconds, she cataloged the Stetson pushed low on his forehead, well-lived-in cowboy boots, a blazer and—as he’d indicated after Emerson’s threat—a metal badge etched with big letters spelling out Constable pinned to his lapel.
I recommend this book.
A FATHER'S VOW by Chris Maday Schmidt is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Chris Maday Schmidt.
Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
August 22, 2025
Author Chris Mada Schmidt has become one of my favorites, and I thoroughly enjoyed A Father's Vow.
Constable Jack is a strong and kind hero. Emerson Parker is a great heroine. Both are suffering hurts from the past. Hurts that will need healed before they can move forward in life. 5 year old Josie won my heart from the very beginning. She’s adorable!
Unlike most inspirational romances, A Father’s Vow contains a great deal of mystery. Who is vandalizing the wildlife preserve? I have to tell you, I never saw the answer. At all. Schmidt did an incredible job with this part of the story.
If you enjoy clean, inspirational romances with a faith thread, do read A Father’s Vow. You’ll love it!
Constable Jack is a strong and kind hero. Emerson Parker is a great heroine. Both are suffering hurts from the past. Hurts that will need healed before they can move forward in life. 5 year old Josie won my heart from the very beginning. She’s adorable!
Unlike most inspirational romances, A Father’s Vow contains a great deal of mystery. Who is vandalizing the wildlife preserve? I have to tell you, I never saw the answer. At all. Schmidt did an incredible job with this part of the story.
If you enjoy clean, inspirational romances with a faith thread, do read A Father’s Vow. You’ll love it!
February 18, 2024
A Fathers Vow by Chris Maday Schmidt! This story was such a great book as A Father and his daughter are trying to protect their heart by not getting hurt again！ Can Constable Jack Wells protect his daughter and community in Sweetwater, his new assistant veterinarian Emerson Parker will help him to stop the vandalism at the wildlife park ! This was such an inspirational book when I picked it up I didn't want to put it down I highly recommend this book ! I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion.
May 31, 2024
Loved It
Emerson and Jack have each suffered their fair share of loss, but that's as far as the similarity goes. Because of that, each person's coping skills tend to get in the way of opening up to anyone. However, a series of mysterious events, some meddling friends, and a sweet little girl help break down Emerson and Jack's defenses.
Emerson and Jack's story of healing and finding love is wonderful. It's heartwarming, inspiring, and romantic, with an entertaining twist rolled in, and I absolutely loved it.
Emerson and Jack have each suffered their fair share of loss, but that's as far as the similarity goes. Because of that, each person's coping skills tend to get in the way of opening up to anyone. However, a series of mysterious events, some meddling friends, and a sweet little girl help break down Emerson and Jack's defenses.
Emerson and Jack's story of healing and finding love is wonderful. It's heartwarming, inspiring, and romantic, with an entertaining twist rolled in, and I absolutely loved it.
May 23, 2025
This was a good read. I kept getting pulled out of the story by the wrong word being used, and wacky uses of commas and the word then. The hazards of being an avid reader! The story line was good, though I figured things out long before the characters did. It's a good story of a second chance at love, though not with the same person! Both Jack and Emerson have baggage from their past, where they're trying to take on God's role with things that happened in their past. Once they finally figure out they aren't God, they can move forward with their lives.
February 28, 2024
“A Father’s Vow” is Chris Maday Schmidt’s debut for Love Inspired.
Constable Jack Wells and veterinarian Emerson Parker have experienced loss and grief and are taking steps to move forward in their lives.
With an unexpected attraction, Jack and Emerson team up to find the person responsible for vandalizing the wildlife preserve.
Ms. Schmidt’s writing is sweet and hopeful.
Constable Jack Wells and veterinarian Emerson Parker have experienced loss and grief and are taking steps to move forward in their lives.
With an unexpected attraction, Jack and Emerson team up to find the person responsible for vandalizing the wildlife preserve.
Ms. Schmidt’s writing is sweet and hopeful.
March 26, 2024
I loved the story between Emerson and constable Jack! The author does well to tell their back stories while also keeping you engaged. I also loved Jack’s adorable daughter and her big place in his heart as well as on the page. The town of Sweetwater is one I’d like to visit! Not just for the legend, but because it seems like such a loving and sweet town!
April 2, 2024
This was such a sweet, hopeful story with a gorgeous wildlife reserve and two people who are desperately trying not to get hurt. Veterinarian Emerson Parker and Constable Jack Wells are thrown together to investigate and solve the mystery of vandalism at the reserve. I enjoyed this debut by Chris Maday Schmidt and can’t wait for more.
June 21, 2024
I really enjoyed this book from a father being a young widow trying to raise his daughter with some help from his friends to being a great protector of his community to finding love once again when he least expected it.
February 24, 2024
great book
March 28, 2024
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mystery and love stories! An Awesome read!
April 4, 2024
This is a very sweet story with wonderful characters and an original story. I can't wait to see what she writes next.
May 3, 2024
Enjoyed this!! It is a very good read without being mushy.
October 1, 2024
Overall, a nice story. a bit disjointed and just didn’t flow well.
April 7, 2024
Chris Maday Schmidt’s debut swept me into a world of caring and eclectic side characters, adorable animals, and the cozy small town of Sweetwater. Both healing from the past with God’s help, Jack and Emerson (plus Josie) must navigate the mystery of the vandals and their growing attraction to each other. Their story was sweet, tender, and filled with hope. The lyrical writing and small-town atmosphere wrapped me in a warm hug. I appreciated the little heartwarming details, like rescuing a stray dog and knitting baby blankets. Thank you to the author for my ARC; all opinions are mine.
August 18, 2025
Chris Maday Schmidt is a new author and this is her debut book. This is well written with good characters and storyline. I love a book that has me near tears one minute and laughing the next. I look forward to reading Ms. Schmidt’s future offerings!
This is a sweet story of two hurt souls who each think they are to blame for their past, one from abuse, and one from illness. Widower Jack Wells vowed to take care of his late wife’s animal preserve and for some reason vandals have been striking the area. Emerson Parker is the new vet at the preserve and together they try to bring the vandals to justice.
This is a sweet story of two hurt souls who each think they are to blame for their past, one from abuse, and one from illness. Widower Jack Wells vowed to take care of his late wife’s animal preserve and for some reason vandals have been striking the area. Emerson Parker is the new vet at the preserve and together they try to bring the vandals to justice.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews