The Courage to Love: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

by Donna Gartshore

A season of change is right around the corner


After months of saving up, Claire Casey’s dreams of expanding her flower shop and providing for her four-year-old daughter are finally in reach. Except her rival on the town council, Pastor Sam Meyer, has plans to buy the same property Claire’s eyeing. When a mutual friend requests their help for a wedding, Sam and Claire form a reluctant business partnership — until they discover common ground, and something deeper blossoms. But Claire has trust issues from her previous relationship, and Sam is hiding a secret he fears will change how Claire sees him…



Mills & Boon Love Inspired — Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Love Inspired

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published December 24, 2024

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a heavy read, depression and bullies, are talked aboit in this book.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

New-to-me author Donna Gartshore shows readers that life is a beautiful tapestry woven with opportunities for growth and change. Her inspiring second-chance narrative explores the complexities of relationships, the weight of regret, and the wonderful potential of starting fresh.

Gartshore takes readers to New Hope Ranch in Trydale, Saskatchewan, and introduces us to Mitch Cooper and his 3-year-old daughter Gemma. Mitch is unexpectedly single and raising his adopted daughter with developmental delays. He’s just arrived at the ranch, hoping for a full-time job so that he can give Gemma some stability, when he meets the horse trainer, Aubrey Simpson. Things are tense from the moment she meets them…and you’ll have to find out why!

We all struggle as we navigate life and it’s good to be reminded that we are never alone and that we are all worthy of a second chance. I enjoyed Gartshore’s novel about finding the courage to reveal vulnerabilities and past mistakes, confronting the need for redemption and then starting anew. Embracing the past isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s necessary to move on.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore. It’s a story that helped me remember that God always has a plan and is working even when we can’t see it. In this, Aubrey and Mitch meet in only a way that God could have planned. Mitch Cooper arrives at New Hope Ranch with his 3 year old daughter Gemma with the hope that he will be hired as the leader of the construction team working on ranch improvements. Aubrey Simpson is already working at the ranch as a therapy horse trainer. When Mitch is hired and Aubrey is introduced to him and Gemma, she believes that Gemma is that baby girl she gave up for adoption.

These characters really came to life for me. Aubrey has had a very rough life, yet she’s risen above her past thanks to her relationship with God. Mitch’s past hasn’t been much better, but in spite of the fact that his wife left him when she couldn’t handle raising a child with developmental delays, he’s remained grounded in God. I loved watching Mitch and Aubrey’s relationship develop throughout the story even though neither of them wanted a romantic involvement. Knowing that Aubrey was keeping a secret from Mitch meant that this would definitely be a make it or break it moment was a little stressful, but I knew they’d get their happily ever after. This has a very sweet epilogue that brings the book to a satisfying conclusion. I think that Inspirational romance lovers will enjoy this sweet romance as much as I did. I highly recommend it and give it 5 stars!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was the sweetest! I really enjoyed the premise of a single father with a special needs daughter as I am a mama to a special needs kiddo myself. The added elements with Gemma being adopted and Aubrey being her birth mother gave a great layer to the story as well as the issues with Mitch’s background and family ties. I also really loved the reference to my favorite television show, Murder She Wrote. That was a fun moment for me. There are earlier books with some of the side characters but coming in to this story without reading the earlier stories was no problem. I will definitely be adding the previous stories to my TBR. A fun read from a new to me author and one I will read again!

I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this sweet story about two lonely souls in need of friendship and maybe something more. Single mom Claire Casey has learned not to rely on others, especially men. Feeling out of sorts with local youth pastor Sam Meyer on different goals for a town property, her willingness to speak at the youth group regarding a past situation that current teens might relate to brought her in closer connection with him. It was interesting to read how the ice began to thaw between these two and to see if their friendship had the potential for something more. I thought the author did a nice job shedding light on some important mental health issues. This is my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through a giveaway. A positive review was not required and these are my own and honest opinions.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Today, they would move forward together to share a life of faith, hope and, the greatest of all these, love." (206)

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Romance is a favorite Genre of mine. I especially enjoy books and authors under the LOVE Inspired Series. A Child To Bind Them by Donna Gartshore is the most recent book I have read in the LOVE Inspired Series.

WOW, this book really touched me from beginning to end. The main characters in this story are Aubrey Simpson, Mitch Cooper and Gemma, Mitch's young daughter. Mitch has secured a job at New Hope Ranch and he is excited about the opportunity this will be for himself and Gemma, as he is a Single Dad. He has really wanted a wonderful environment, that will help Gemma thrive and grow, and help her with her developmental delay. Mitch is in search of someone who can care for Gemma while he is at work and that is when Aubrey Simpson comes into the story. Aubrey is a trainer for the Therapy Horses and she offers to help take care of Gemma. Mitch is reluctant, although Aubrey seems like a good fit. A relationship begins to form between Mitch and Aubrey, although Aubrey worries that might be in jeopardy. Aubrey knows that she might have to reveal a truth to Mitch, but is afraid that it might change things drastically. The storyline really had me in happy tears, for the entire book. The 2 main topics, Different Ability Children and Adoption, are both things that have special meaning in my life. I have a heart for Different Ability Children and Adults. I see them for who they are, HUMANS, and I treat them as such. Aubrey was treating Gemma with such love and adoration. Gemma is the precious baby girl that Aubrey put up for adoption and wasn't anticipating being reunited with in this manner. I am a Birth Mom who was recently reunited with my 35 year old Son. I really LOVE how the author, Donna Gartshore, incorporated the 2 topics into the storyline with LOVE and CARE. Aubrey really handled the "Truth" eloquently and I commend her for that. Mitch and Gemma are a beautiful Father and Daughter and Mitch is an AMAZING Single Father. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read this book and I know I will read it again! BEAUTIFUL Story!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Child to Bind Them is the first book I have read written by Donna Gartshore, and I look forward to reading more. This story was such a great heart-warming read, full of second chances.

Mitch and his ex-wife adopted Gemma, but when things get hard, she leaves Mitch as a single dad. Doing everything he can to protect Gemma, he finds a job at a Ranch, where his family members have a bad reputation. The ranch owners are willing to take a chance on Mitch. Even making accommodation for his little girl.

Aubrey works at the ranch as well. When she lays eyes on Gemma, she instantly knows who she is, the baby girl she gave up for adoption three years ago.  Struggling to keep her heart safe but also taking the opportunity that God has placed before her, Aubrey finds herself volunteering to take care of Gemma while Mitch is working at the ranch.

Aubrey and Mitch work together to give Gemma a safe place and help her work through some of her developmental delays. The more time they spend, the more their attraction grows, but this secret about who Gemma’s mother is holding Aubrey back. Mitch’s bad family ties are holding him back from relationships. Watching them both work through these struggles was heartwarming. I was rooting for them both.

This story had faith elements sprinkled throughout.

This second-chance romance is perfect and sweet with kisses only.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in the middle of getting my house ready to sell, so my schedule has been hectic to say the least. A Child to Bind Them was the perfect story to draw me in and allow me to unwind and escape the chaos in such a sweet way.

I could feel the pain emanating from Aubrey as she struggles to deal with past choices and the frustration from Mitch as he deals with a tainted family name and the challenges of raising a special needs child alone. My heart broke for both of them. My own child was diagnosed with developmental delays around the same age as Gemma, so I instantly identified with Mitch's situation on a deep level as I too had to traverse this unknown territory as a single parent.

Thank goodness for family, not only for me but for Mitch as well. It is admirable just how much Mitch is trying to be a loving and attentive presence in his daughter’s life. Aubrey also is a flawed character with heart, and seeing the two of them and little Gemma together were some of my favorite moments. The ending was such a beautiful culmination and so well earned and deserved. I loved it.

This was such a beautiful story of hope. I appreciate the descriptive writing, well-thought-out characters, and the descriptive writing that helped me escape into a lovely and touching story.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Donna Gartshore gives us the emotional feels in her newest release, The Courage to Love. Single mom and flower shop owner Claire Casey has big dreams for her shop, which would also enable her to better provide for her little girl. Unfortunately, someone else wants the property next to her shop, too...Pastor Sam Meyer, her exasperating town council rival. These two seem to be at odds over everything under the sun.
Now, Claire and Sam have to team up for an event, and neither knows how they'll get through it. Ahh, but despite Claire's trust issues and Sam's battle with depression, the Lord just might have plans for them to find middle ground...and maybe more.
I so enjoyed this sweet story, and appreciate the author tackling a topic I've not often seen addressed. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author but I look forward to reading more books by her.

This story takes place at New Hope Ranch in Trydale Saskatchewan. Mitch is a suddenly single Dad raising his adopted daughter Gemma who has developmental delays. He arrives at the ranch to give his daughter a more stable life and oversee the barn renovations. There he meets Aubrey who is a horse trainer and turns out to be Gemma's birth mother.

Mitch and Aubrey work together to give Gemma a safe place and to work on her developmental delays. As they work together they start to have feelings for each other but have to come to terms with their pasts to have a future together.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Just Read Publicity Tours. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet novel. Claire Casey and Pastor Sam seem to not get along especially when it comes to what to do with the space next to Claire’s flower shop. They both have secrets and insecurities that help keep walls built up around them. I loved how as they spent time together, the walls started to develop cracks. It’s a cute story about an older couple with a few of today’s issues that most of us can relate. I read it in one day and the epilogue had me shedding some happy tears. I was given a copy, but all opinions are my very own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, little Gemma made this story. She’s adorable! And exactly what Aubrey was looking for. Or should I say who?

Aubrey and Mitch both want second chances. Aubrey struggles with past choices. Mitch struggles as a single parent to a special needs child. Can either of them find stability?

I enjoyed “landing” at New Hope Ranch in Canada. Author Donna Gartshore does a good job of describing places so the reader feels as if they have been there. I hope we see more of the ranch and area.

True to life characters and the rhythm of Gartshore’s writing, make this a very enjoyable story. And I loved the epilogue. I highly recommend A Child to Bind them!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Terri Steffes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore is a fantastic read, exploring the connections between family and belonging. The story is intimate and feels much like real life and how it presents itself to each of us over the course of time. For the reader, the book explores what truly connects us as people, giving an answer that is unexpected, yet honest and tender. For me, the characters are relatable, especially since I have had similar struggles. The writing invited me to reflect on what family truly is, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Story

Claire Casey and Sam Meyer are continually on opposite sides of the spectrum. So, when they are tasked to work together, it seems like an impossible feat, especially with her trust issues and his secret. But time spent together brings discoveries and new feelings. As their feelings shift and they rely on their faith, new discoveries are made. The result is a lovely and inspirational story of faith, love, and overcoming.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The courage to Love

I enjoyed Claire and Sam story. Claire is a single mother with a business. I enjoyed Claire’s four year old daughter.
She is a very smart girl. Claire and Sam are competing for the same property, how will that work out for them? The book is set around Christmas time but can be enjoyed any time of the year.

I brought this book from harlequin. This book review is my own opinion.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written with quality tenderness....highly recommend

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single dad Mitch Cooper and therapy horse trainer Aubrey Simpson grow closer as she cares for Mitch's young daughter. But what will happen when a secret comes to light?
In A Child to Bind Them, author Donna Gartshore thoughtfully touches on raising a child with a developmental disability. Little Gemma is precious and precocious. The author's writing drew me right in, easily picturing New Hope Ranch, and had me rooting for Mitch, Aubrey, and Gemma. The faith thread is touching and heartfelt. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Child to Bind Them by Donna Gartshore is a special story. I felt the writing was strong, featuring believable characters throughout. The narrative progressed smoothly and maintained a consistent rhythm. I enjoyed getting to know Aubrey Simpson, Mitch Cooper, and Mitch’s daughter, Gemma. I sympathized with Mitch, a single father working to give his daughter a stable home despite her dislike for change. The story gives us a brief look at the challenges of raising a developmentally delayed child. The epilogue offered a satisfying ending. Donna Gartshore is a new author for me, but after reading this book, I’m sure I’ll be picking up more of her work. A Child to Bind Them is a story that tugs at your heartstrings.