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Big Prairie Romance #3

When I’m With You

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He wants what he deserves, and this time he won’t walk away without it.
Meeting Daisy Hopewell shouldn’t change a thing.


Lane Carson is sick of living like a wandering homeless man. When he receives a text message from a woman claiming to be his brother’s fiancée, nothing short of meeting her will convince him his reclusive older brother has worked up the courage to talk to a woman, let alone propose. And since he’s returning to Big Prairie, he’s determined to claim the inheritance that should have been his. As long as no one expects him to live up to his brother’s impossible standards.

Daisy Hopewell has found refuge in Big Prairie working as a hired hand at the Carson Ranch—an opportunity to prove that her worth goes much deeper than being a rich man’s daughter. Her haven is shaken, however, when the boss’s brother shows up. Lane Carson is nothing like his reserved, serious brother. And Daisy knows from experience that when you add massive flirt to good-looking, the result is heartbreak.

Meeting Daisy sidetracks Lane’s plans, especially when she turns out to be irritatingly immune to his charm. But after being caught with her in a devastating flood, Lane suddenly finds himself reevaluating his approach to everything. Daisy’s stubborn determination and unflappable kindness feed his burgeoning desire to be more than a reckless, selfish man, but the last thing Lane needs is to be deemed unworthy by yet another person in his world.

Daisy is discovering a depth to Lane she hadn’t expected, and with Daisy, Lane finds himself believing he could be a better man. But by the time he figures that out, it might be too late, because she’s determined never to play the fool again.

Can Lane and Daisy release the resentment they cling to from the disappointments of their pasts and step toward the possibility of being different—better—together?

Small town Christian stories of romance and redemption, begin the Big Prairie Romance series today!

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2020

314 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Rodewald

40 books403 followers
Jennifer 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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Staci.
2,274 reviews656 followers
January 9, 2021
Great conclusion to the series! I enjoy when series have time overlaps to give readers a glimpse of how different characters view the same events. When I'm With You is about younger brother Lane that is known for being careless and not reliable. Daisy, his brother's ranch hand, is recovering from a broken relationship. Loved the sparks that flew between them as Lane flirted relentlessly and Daisy didn't fall for it.
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews272 followers
October 13, 2020
'He was nearly certain there was nothing within himself worth finding.'

I love the Big Prairie Romance series by Jennifer Rodewald. Actually, I love anything at all written by her. This time she brings us the youngest Carson sibling, Lane's story. Lane, who has always been so reckless, silly, and bitter. Lane, who both loved and couldn't stand his brother Lance because Lance has been willed the family farm when their father died. Why couldn't he have measured up some?

Daisy Hopewell has come to stay with her Aunt Jane after a painful life lesson. She works at the Carson ranch for Lance when Lane shows up for Lance's wedding. Right off the bat, Lane makes a particularly bad impression on Daisy.

Come along as Jennifer Rodewald once again plumbs the depths of human emotion as we discover that there is so much more to Lane than a guy who never takes anything seriously and Daisy apparently can't let go of the bitterness in her heart. Once again, I was practically glued to the book, as I always am with Rodewald's stories. She teaches us instead of just merely entertaining us with a good story. Don't mistake me: she tells a mighty fine story, but her readers always learn a very valuable lesson in their spiritual walk in her books.

These characters were real enough that I settled down inside this book; the story totally compelling and it flowed marvelously along. Recommended.

*I had an advance reader copy of this book. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Emilee.
563 reviews116 followers
January 9, 2021
Loved this series! Jennifer Rodwald is one of my favorites!
Profile Image for Kristi.
733 reviews
January 10, 2021
I loved it! This is the third and final book in the Big Prairie series by Jennifer Rodewald. I really enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and was able to relate to them in a number of ways. I found the scripture and words of wisdom the author included really brought out the emotions and feelings.

Watching the growth of Lane and Daisy was inspiring and I found the banter between the two of them funny and engaging. This was a first time author for me. I found her writing style enjoyable, easy to read and thought provoking. Will for sure read more books by her in the near future!

Rating: PG -due to some kissing, death of animals and some intense emotional moments
Language: one use of h*ll in the heat of a intense discussion, otherwise a clean read
Recommend: absolutely!
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,863 reviews204 followers
October 15, 2020
What a moving story! When I’m With You is book three in the Big Prairie Romance series. It can be enjoyed as a stand alone, however, I think readers will connect with these characters on a deeper level if they have also read book two in the series, When I Lost My Way.

It was hard to like Lane at the beginning of the story. He was just so full of bitterness and anger toward his brother and carried a sense of entitlement. But the author did an absolutely amazing job with his transformation in this story. Lane was a fabulous character once he learned some important truths about his brother and himself and was able to begin to let go of the anger. I loved that he began to focus on what it would mean to be a godly man.

Daisy was a great character, too, however she had a big problem with trust and also a fear of being hurt again. I understood why she felt this way, but it was hard to see her let those things control and overwhelm her. The chemistry between Lane and Daisy was great, which lead to a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Sherry Deatrick.
638 reviews27 followers
October 18, 2020
There is one thing that Jennifer Rodewald can do extraordinarily well and that is plumb the emotions of her characters! She always relates their thoughts and reasonings so thoroughly that you get caught up in their journey and can't set the book down!
I loved that this story overlapped with the previous one in the series. It was great to see things from another's viewpoint. I loved these characters and watching them navigate their lives after they met.
And the spiritual lessons were spot on. These are some of my favorites:

“Into sorrows, bring comfort.” Aunt Jane stroked the back of Daisy’s hand. “Into despair, bring tender words of hope. Always take Jesus into the ache.”

"Sometimes our hope for tomorrow must find its roots in knowing that beyond all of this life’s uncertain tomorrows is an eternity of joy.”

"But if all of this has got your attention, then I’m willing to bet that the Almighty in heaven isn’t gonna waste the opportunity. He’s just too good at His business for that.”

"prayer isn’t just all about you talking like you’re a boss. It’s about surrendering and listening. About trusting."

I recommend it highly!
299 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2020
In her usual fashion, Ms Rodewald opens her book with a thought provoking scene. Lane ponders what defines him and thus begins a journey of powerful change rooted in seeking a new relationship with Christ. Along the way he encounters those who seek to support him if he will only allow it. I laughed, I cried, I swooned and I fumed. This book has it all. It is a work to be savored and pondered. The truths are powerful and applicable to everyone. I received an advance reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
37 reviews2 followers
October 8, 2020
I am really enjoying the Big Prairie Series by Jennifer Rodewald. The story of Lane and Daisy is a story of forgiveness and learning that often the person hardest to forgive is ourselves. Both Daisy and Lane are dealing with issues from the past that are a hindrance to a budding relationship. But with the help of family and wise friends they both learn that judging others based on the past is wrong and that being honest with one another is the only way to more their relationship forward. And the scene with the chicken in the duck pond made be laugh out loud- you might need to read the book for this great description!
Profile Image for Heather Wood.
Author 7 books251 followers
Read
June 8, 2023
Still a good book, just took me a lot longer to get invested than the previous one.
Profile Image for Courtney Clark.
706 reviews109 followers
November 2, 2020
Jennifer Rodewald’s stories are always woven with truth. When I’m With You delivers on that front, with a realistic romance and a prodigal’s return. Like Rodewald did with the second novel in this series, this third one employs a fantastic technique with a slightly overlapping timeline, layering the story and offering a new perspective on some events.

First and foremost, this is a story of transformation. Of God’s ability to redeem flaws and His pursuit His children. This is seen through Lane’s homecoming, though tinged with bitterness at first, and with Daisy’s intentional steps toward emotional healing.

The romance is sweet and fun, as I hoped it would be! Lane is quite the flirt by all appearances, but Daisy sees through his exterior of bravado and bitterness to the true heart underneath that’s longing for home. Through their ups and downs, dramatic events, and one HILARIOUS chicken rescue, their relationship unfolds in a natural way — with honest doubts and insecurity, sparkling attraction, and friendship.

One of the things that intrigues me most about this story is the contrast between brothers Lance and Lane. They illustrate the contrast in people, how we can be different, struggle to understand each other, yet still find a closeness. They are a great example of the baggage and beliefs we project onto relationships and the beauty God can forge in restoration.

Thank you to the author for the review copy. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
Author 19 books264 followers
October 20, 2020
What a moving story! If your heart doesn't melt a little for these two - Lane and Daisy Jane - then you'd better get it checked.

Lane starts out as a first-class jerk, but as Daisy discovers by befriending him, he has so much more to offer once he's stripped of his ne'er do well facade, built by years of nursing hurt and bitterness. Underneath is a brave, hard-working man in need of redemption. A man who can do better and be better if only others showed a little faith in him.

Daisy seems to have it all together, but even she's suffering the effects of a two-timing fiancé, making it doubly difficult for the "mountain man" she's fallen for.

Overall, a highly enjoyable Christian romance with a remarkable but believable character transformation.

I read When I'm With You without having read the previous two books in the series, and it works as a standalone. (Though now I have to go back and read the previous two books.)
10 reviews
October 10, 2020
Jennifer Rodewald has done it again! She starts this book with a plot that catches your attention right away and holds your interest right up to the last page. She shares the lives of two brothers who have opposite personalities and do not see eye to eye on anything. She develops her plot using secondary characters to develop a story that you cannot put down! My favorite line from this book was
" reputations are earned, but God's grace is not". I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Dana Michael.
1,394 reviews176 followers
October 13, 2020
I have a new book boyfriend. His name is Lane. He is the hero in this book and his little heroine is adorable. I really enjoyed this story. The scripture passages and the inspirational messages made it even more of a delight to read. This is the third book in the Big Prairie Romance series and it can be read as a stand alone.

Thank you to the author for this copy. This is my honest opinion.
4.5 stars
1,826 reviews24 followers
October 12, 2020
Lane and Daisy Jane both learned valuable lessons. Daisy learned that if she forgives those who hurt her in her past, she can learn to trust in someone who truly loves her. Lane learned that he wasn't as "unworthy" as he thought. It can be easy to jump to conclusions about how others view us. What truly matters is how our Heavenly Father views us. Very well done!
511 reviews
October 22, 2020
This was a wonderful book. It was very compelling and emotional. It was fun, engaging and an all around great read. I have loved every book I have read by this author, and I have read them all.

I was given an ARC, but it in no way influenced my review.
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,656 reviews65 followers
October 14, 2020
I’m very appreciative that this book moved back in time from where the last book ended. I know some people don’t like the bits of repetition, but I like the whole romance from the hero and heroines perspectives, not jumping in midway. Plus, there are events that I was incredibly thrilled I’d get to see through their eyes. There is a whole lot of pain wrapped up in this book and these characters. Phew! It was extraordinarily enjoyable to watch this relationship progress.

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Julia.
3,048 reviews92 followers
October 12, 2020
When I’m With You by Jennifer Rodewald is a charming contemporary Christian novel. It is the third book in the Big Prairie Romance series but can be read as a stand-alone.
We all have a past. We need to face our pasts before we can move forward into our futures. Sometimes our actions are misunderstood by others because they do not know the roads we have travelled.
Locking up our hearts to prevent hurt does not work. We will become bitter if we refuse to forgive those who have hurt us. The sins of others must not be projected onto the new people that we meet.
Everyone deals with grief differently. We need to realise that and not project onto others what we think they mean. We need to have honest conversations for fear of misunderstandings.
Animals, particularly horses and cattle feature in the story. The bond with humans is beautiful but there are some heart-wrenching scenes.
Everyone deserves a second chance. We need to always look for the good in others.
Jennifer Rodewald has created an eclectic mix of characters. I loved the very wise great aunt Jane who always looks for the best in others. The witty banter between the two main characters brought a smile to my lips and joy to my heart.
When I’m With You was another delightful offering from Jennifer Rodewald.
I will leave you with a powerful quote:
“All of us have parts of our stories that should be covered with grace.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
992 reviews32 followers
October 12, 2020
For the last five years, Lane has stayed away from Big Prairie, full of resentment towards the father he could never satisfy and his 'perfect' brother Lance, who inherited everything. Now, called home by the fiancée he never knew his brother had, he's out to get what he feels he deserves. However, on arrival, he meets his brother's ranch-hand, Daisy Hopewell, who is perhaps the first person ever to refuse to accept the arrogant, flirtatious mask that for years has been his defence against a feeling of inadequacy. Spending time with her makes him gradually start to realise that, after years of shame and guilt, he actually likes who he is with her. But she's there to escape a previous bad experience with a man and finds trust hard. Can Lane not only mend his non-relationship with Lance but also convince Daisy that he's not like Gabe? Or is who he is with her only a fantasy?

I really connected with the characters in this story, probably particularly Lane. The things they struggle with feel real, and watching them get through them I guess gives hope in a way. The importance of communication in all relationships is shown without being overstressed, and the reminder to trust in God rather than ourselves is always timely. All in all, I found this book a good mix of strong emotion, love and laughter. Highly recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
8 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2020
I loved this book. The story was believable and interesting. The characters were well developed and enjoyable. I would like to get to know them better. This was the first book I read in the series. Now I know I can go back and read the others and probably will get the chance to know the characters better. The story moved me and challenged me especially through the wise advice given by Daisy's aunt. I highly recommend this book.
2,666 reviews20 followers
October 13, 2020
A powerful story of how loss, grief, and resentment had changed the course of Lane's life and caused him to run away and blame his brother, Lance for everything. However, Land did not know how Daisy and God could also change the course of his life. I really enjoyed the banter in the story between Lane and Daisy. Parts of the story were real page turners too which made me quickly want to read the story. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
Profile Image for Ann.
2,624 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2020
What a wonderful inspirational book! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. This book has a powerful message of forgiveness and letting go of past hurts. It is full of emotions and you can feel every one of them. This book was a joy to read. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Sunflower.
10 reviews
October 18, 2020
A truly sweet love story packed with powerful Truth!

When I’m With You has it all! Real dynamic characters who struggle in different ways with forgiveness and bitterness. It is also well balanced with laugh out loud moments and heart warming charm as well as packed with insightful godly wisdom(not preachy!) You don’t want to miss this reading this one!
61 reviews1 follower
October 18, 2020
Always a delight!

It is always a joy reading a book by this author. I have never been disappointed. Real life issues are handled with grace and the truth of God's redemptive love. An absolutely wonderful series and I am so glad there's more coming.
79 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2020
Loved

Oh.My.Goodness...absolutely LOVED this entire series. These books are heartbreakingly beautiful...full of love, hope, and redemption. For anyone who has never read a Jennifer Rodewald book, please try this series..you won't be disappointed.
Profile Image for Parkland Mom.
763 reviews19 followers
October 25, 2020
Fun, yet deep with meaning.

Romance, sibling issues, the beauty of hard work — another winner for Jennifer Rodewald! I love that her romance books go beyond the superficial into depth and meaning.
Profile Image for Paula Marie.
173 reviews8 followers
October 13, 2020
This author never ceases to amaze me with her stories. No matter what struggles the characters are going through I always feel like I am.right there with them taking this journey!

Daisy and Lane are no different and any time I can get to visit Big Prairie again is a sweet pleasure for me!
1,209 reviews2 followers
October 31, 2020
Fantastic story

What a great story of forgiveness! Lane was a very hurt child and couldn't live with it. He turned against the people who loved him. Until he met Daisy, he didn't understand himself. You must read this book to get what I am trying to say. It is so refreshing and heartwarming. Have a kleenex ready for the end.
Profile Image for SJ Garrison.
652 reviews
December 17, 2020
Loved this book. Lane finally comes home when he received a text from a mysterious woman named Sophie. Claiming to be his brother's fiance. Lance his older brother, an introvert, has been making plans regarding his ranch inheritance, so maybe he can get his little brother to come back home. Lane lived every day with Regret, Resentment, and Anger ever since the reading of his father's will and everything was left to his brother. Two Godly women helped these brothers mends their hearts and souls. Daisy was working as a ranch hand while mending her own heart from an ex-fiance betrayal. With her Aunts encouragement, she befriends Lane. I laughed, cried and fussed out loud, while reading this book. Loved the wonderful characters and their gentle ways of pointing these broken souls to the word. For two nights I barely got any sleep, because I kept saying, 'Just one more chapter!' It is that good. If you like clean, inspirational books with purpose, You will enjoy 'When I'm With You.' I highly recommend. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,168 reviews43 followers
October 13, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! As I've come to expect from Jennifer Rodewald, this was another stellar and poignant read that went deep and pulled at my heartstrings. Tender, at times, yet hard-hitting when it needed to be, I ran the gamut of emotions. I felt the highs and the lows and was right in the thick of things with these realistic characters.

Lane had a lot of rough edges to him. It took me a little bit to fully connect with him, but, gosh, when I did, he became one of my favorite characters ever. Him and his brother Lance weren't on the best of terms. He felt slighted and hurt, so he lashed out with sarcastic remarks and sharp barbs. Not gonna lie, he was a bit of a jerk sometimes. It was painful to watch the struggle, but it was such a powerful journey to redemption and healing. I loved getting to know the real Lane, the man he tried to hide from everyone. He's a real good guy underneath it all.

Daisy was easy to like and easy to root for. She's an all-around good and hardworking young lady. She's feisty, doesn't back down from a challenge, and goes toe-to-toe with the best of them. She's the perfect match for Lane. She's got some trust issues, though, after being wronged recently, so her guard is high.

I seriously can't recommend this book highly enough. It's fantastic. And while it is book three in the series, it stands alone just fine.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Ainsley Richardson.
12 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2020
Woww! I've been reading books by Jennifer Rodewald for quite a few years now and I honestly don't know if there is anyone else who writes redemption stories quite as beautifully as her. I love reading and have since I was a child, but so often books that are meant to be grounded in reality feel so different from real life. However, something about Jen's books always feels so real and simple, yet deeply profound and sweet. This book knocked it out of the park for me. It spoke to me in a place that I needed so badly in my season of life right now. It encouraged and pushed me, all while entertaining me with the sweetest romance. After reading When I Lost My Way, I wasn't sure how I was ever really going to like Lane Carson, but he may very well be one of my favorite heroes now. His desire to be a godly man was not anything that was necessarily grand, but it was honest and deeply felt, and really, what girl wouldn't be blessed to be with a man who deeply desires to be a godly man? All that to say, I highly highly recommend this book. You will not regret the time you take to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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