The Pastor’s Hope

by Meghann Whistler

Can they let go of the past…

To find a fresh start?

When pastor Nate Anderson says yes to being his father’s best man, he certainly doesn’t expect to be matched up with the maid of honor. The widowed single dad has been alone a long time but has never wanted to give his heart to anyone. Thankfully, recent widow Amanda Kobayashi feels the same way. But when Nate and Amanda are forced to take dance lessons before the wedding, there’s an undeniable connection between them. Can they ever overcome their losses and give love a second chance? 

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Genres: Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian Romance, Inspirational, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance, Christian

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Meghann Whistler writes sweet Christian romance novels that won't make your grandmother blush.

Her debut novel, Falling for the Innkeeper, was named one of “Six Sensational 2020 Debut Series Romances” by the American Library Association’s Booklist Reader, and was also a finalist for the 2021 Book Buyers Best Award.

Her first indie book, The Billionaire’s Secret, won the 2022 Selah Award for Contemporary Romance, placed second in the romance category of the 2022 Christian Indie Awards, and was a finalist for the 2022 HOLT Medallion.

Before settling down with her rocket scientist husband and raising three rambunctious boys, Meghann earned a B.A. in English from Amherst College and an M.F.A. in creative writing from Emerson College.

She is grateful to be living her dream of writing sweet, hopeful stories that demonstrate the power of love and grace.

Meghann loves to hear from her readers, who can connect with her via:

Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3YkwidJ
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2HZ1tXf
Amazon: https://amzn.to/33rXnio

Reviews

[Meghann Whistler]

💞🏊‍♀️ AVAILABLE NOW! 🏊‍♀️💞

This book was suuuuuper emotional to write because I’d just lost my last living grandparent when I started writing it...and both the hero and the heroine are widows. 💔

My grief was really fresh, and then to put myself in the shoes of two people who’d lost not only a loved one, but their spouse?

Phew!

It was tough! 😥

But I strongly believe that God can make beauty from ashes, and that’s exactly what He does in this book!

So, if you like stories about love after loss that feature a couple of really cute kids, be sure to grab this sweet standalone read that’s set in the same small town as Their Unlikely Protector, The Baby’s Christmas Blessing and Falling for the Innkeeper!

Get your copy here:

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[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was wonderful visiting Cape Cod again. The Pastor's Hope is of two single parents, each raising a child of their own. I enjoyed Nate and Amanda's story as they got to know each other after their first encounter and even more as they are the best man and maid of honor for Nate's dad and Amanda's godmother's wedding. Both Nate and Amanda lost their spouses through different circumstances. Amanda struggles with bitterness and anger over her husband's death. Nate has choices to make and has to determine what his true calling is.
I loved how Ivy took to Haydee right away and the special bond they had. This story has match making, age gap, loss, forgiveness, and finding love again. The characters were wonderful, and the plot was engaging. What a delightful read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sherry Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE PASTOR’S HOPE captured my heart from beginning to end. It had hope, forgiveness, scary situations, surprises, romance and I loved all the characters!
This book is why I love to read LOVE INSPIRED INSPIRATIONAL ROMANCE. Meghann Whistler is a wonderful author and I love and enjoy reading all her books!

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had way too much trauma in it. Death, drowning, child abandonment, alcoholism, controlling and manipulative people.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this inspirational story! The Pastor’s Hope is a heartwarming story between a young widow and a young widower who deal with grief, vulnerability, healing, and finding love again. I found this book to be Meghann Whistler’s most faith-filled book, and I loved this, “And I had to keep turning it over to God and turning it over to God. Because being angry all the time is exhausting.” I highly recommend this book, along with all of Meghann Whistler’s books.
I was fortunate to be gifted an early copy by the author.

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story wrapped itself around my heart ! I loved all the characters and felt at home while reading this book. It’s a story about grief and healing after the loss of a spouse. A pastor meets a younger woman and feels drawn to her but he allows his plans for a career change to get in the way. The young woman hasn’t been a widow for long and feels that the timing isn’t right. Fate keeps bringing them together as the story unfolds. I enjoyed every moment I spent with this book. Beautiful story. Beautiful ending.
I thought The Pastors Hope was the best book by this author that I’ve read. It goes on my shelf of favorite books. I was immediately drawn into the story. It was romantic, entertaining, inspiring and realistic. It became unpredictable near the books ending. Characters from other books were also a small part of this book.
I recommend this book to readers of romance, Love Inspired Books and Christian Fiction. This book is part of a series but can be read as a standalone. This book is scheduled for release on 4/1/ 25.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are solely my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author and I have liked them all so far which is why I was interested to read this one. You will recognize some of the secondary characters in the novel if you have read some of the author’s other books. The main characters in this novel are Nate Anderson and Amanda Kobayashi. Both of them have lost their spouse before the novel starts and I think it adds an interesting element to how they interact which I really enjoyed. Another thing that I really enjoyed about this story was Amanda’s daughter, Ivy, because she was just so cute. I really liked how the author wrote the way Ivy talked because you could definitely tell she was a little girl. This book was so good. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this story! I have thoroughly enjoyed the other books in this Cape Cod series of Meghann’s but this is by far my favorite. The opening chapters pulled me immediately and then Ivy and Hayden completely stole my heart as well as every scene they are in. The story is sweet and I really liked the dance lessons element as well as the fact that Amanda and Nate had similar losses in their pasts so they understood each other on a deeper level. A fabulous read!

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Debbie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much. The widowed single dad meeting a widow before a wedding and then being forced to take dance lessons with someone that he didn't know. It was interesting to see them thrown together throughout the book. I enjoyed seeing his father get married and the ending of the book, too. It was a very enjoyable book, and others will enjoy reading it as much as I did.

[Christian Shelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read Meghann Whistler's previous books, you'll enjoy getting to see cameos from her previous stories. It was a pleasant surprise to encounter those characters again and to see them play a role in Nate and Amanda's interactions. I loved the representation of Asian Americans through the Kobayashi family, and Ivy was simply an adorable character who brought charm and levity to the story as Amanda's precocious daughter. The scenes with Nate and his father stood out to me as it depicted a pastor in his more vulnerable moments, providing a glimpse into his humanity beyond the pulpit. I appreciated that he came across as a true shepherd of his congregation, elevating the role of pastoral care beyond simply a duty. As a result, Nate came across as a genuinely kind man called into ministry for the right reasons, which was reflected in how he raised his son, Hayden, as well.

The pacing of this book allowed for both romance and spiritual growth to take place, along with lessons around forgiveness and letting go of bitterness and hurt by entrusting them to God. Though Amanda initially runs away from her problems, the author takes her through a journey of maturity that is reflective of how we might try to address things in our own strength as well. Reading about the complex emotions of a widower and a widow, I found this book to be insightful and gracious when tackling sensitive topics like medical guilt, resentment, and blame. Readers looking for a redemptive story about flawed characters who hold on tightly to God amid tragic circumstances will enjoy the hope that comes from believing that He is still doing a good work in us.

Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...

Many thanks to Meghann Whistler and LibraryThing for providing a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Deborah Dumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given a advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review of The Pastor's Hope. I really loved this book. It was a refreshing break from my surgery. Pastor Nate Anderson has a decision to make should he stay at his local small town church or should he accept a position in Boston at a bigger congregation while attending Harvard University to get as higher paying position within the church. He also has to consider how the move will affect his teenage son. One of Pastor Nate's congregants is Amanda Kobayashi. Amanda is a recent widow and the mother of a toddler. Her godmother is engaged to Nate's father. Nate and Amanda are both in the wedding. Neither feel like dating. Will these two overcome their pain and learn to love again? One can only hope. Worth the read!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about two people who have experienced love and loss. It's such a heartwarming story. I really enjoyed Amanda's little daughter Ivy. What a cutie! 5 stars!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was very captivating and hard to set down! I loved the age gap aspect of the story. Even though they were a bit apart in age, these two were definitely a good match right from the beginning. I really felt for both Nate and Amanda as they had both made plans that they felt like they needed to follow, yet those plans did not end up being the ones that God had for them.

While both carried grief for their lost loves, Nate also carried guilt and Amanda carried anger. These feelings directed some of their decisions and were things that had to be addressed before they could move on and find new happiness with each other.

The kids were super fun in this story and I loved the way they all interacted so well with each other. The faith thread felt very natural and pivotal to the story and I appreciated the way the author wove it in. And I loved the epilogue, as well as the sweet bonus epilogue available from the author.

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...

[Maryann Skaritka · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed returning to the coastal town of Wychmere Bay, Massachusetts.
The author does a fantastic job in the character development of this story that is heartwarming, full of faith, hope, love and second chances.
Amanda is a very independent widow with the sweetest little girl Ivy. She relocated closer to her godmother and she meets local pastor Nate who is also a widower with a preteen Hayden,
Both Amanda and Nate are still grieving their spouses and are on their own grief journeys and wonder if they can ever love again.
They see that they can honor and celebrate both past and future love while still honoring their spouse’s memories.
A beautiful story with heartfelt healing and a sweet happily ever after. This book was a joy to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pastor's Hope was a wonderful story of Nate and Amanda. Both widowed, they are each constantly bring set up by well meaning friends. But when they end up taking dance lessons together for the wedding of Nate's Dad and Amanda's godmother. They figure out they're being set up.
But Nate is struggling with being a pastor, and Amanda is quite a bit younger. Will love truly conquer all?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, and this is my honest review

[Denise A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional, inspirational story of two people struggling to open up to love after losing their spouses. While the MMC relies on his faith to get him through the heartache, the FMC turns away from her faith in anger. The story is honest in dealing with grief, anger, unforgiveness, and regrets. With help from friends, community members, and family, both learn to trust and grow in their faith. The two children, Ivy and Hayden, are adorable and bring many smiles and laughs to the story. There is also some moments of danger and angst. An overall sweet read!

I received an advance review copy , and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of people getting a chance at a second love. Enjoyed the characters Nate, Amanda, Hayden, and Ivy. Well written and a perfect story for those who love Christian romance books. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Christi Leaverton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave The Pastor’s Hope four ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you Book Sirens, Harlequin Publishing and Meghann Whistler for the ARC. These are my honest opinions.

I loved this little story. I appreciated the Christian aspect as well. This is definitely a second chance romance with a happy ending.

The characters were well thought out and had growth. Even in just a little over 200 pages, there was forward plot and it was nicely paced.

I’m not a big fan of age gap tropes and didn’t realize that would be in this book until I started reading. I wish Amanda was just a tad older so it didn’t feel quite as taboo.

Overall, a great book!

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

To hope and love again….

Nate and Amanda’s story is one of great loss for both of them and their grief still holds them captive. Journey with them as they learn that they can open their hearts again. Hayden and Ivy had a sweet dimension to their dynamics. There is a very sweet HEA for them.

The story is well-written and faith-filled. It is a good addition to the other Wychmere Bay stories and you get to see other characters from those stories. I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet feel good Christian romance, and I loved it! Amanda has moved close to her godmother who is getting married. Nate is the pastor who will perform the ceremony and the groom’s son. Both Amanda and Nate go through a lot in the book, they are both great characters. Really like the relationship between Ivy and Hayden, it was so sweet. Loved the storyline, it kept my attention from the first and couldn’t help reading till I got to the end. A wonderful story that I would highly recommend.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean Christian romance.

Amanda has moved closer to her godmother. She is a widow with a small child. Nate is the local pastor that has a teenage son. He is thinking about getting his PhD and going to school in Boston. He has not told his son yet. Both Amanda and Nate have lost their spouses. Is it a missed opportunity for them or can they make it happen?

This was a good story. It dealt with family issues and emotions. How family members deal after a spouse dies. Also, decisions can change, but you really need to talk to those close to you before making decisions unilaterally.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meghann Whistler has quickly become a favorite author for me. Books like The Pastor's Hope are the reason why.

Pastor Nick Anderson has been widowed 12 years, and has spent those years living with his father and raising his son. Now his dad is getting married, and Nick will serve as best man. Not a big deal but his dad and his fiance are determined to pair him off with the matron of honor and a recent widow, Amanda Kobayashi. While he may be ready to take the next step, is she? Nick sees too many obstacles in their path, the biggest being their 13-year age gap. Another obstacle is his plan to attend Harvard to pursue his doctorate. Can their obvious chemistry get them past the hurdles Nick sees ahead?

Talk about "man making plans and God laughing!" This story delves into the need for forgiveness for those who have harmed us and for ourselves. Nick and Amanda each suffered tragedies but it was in forgiving that they each found hope to move on.

Readers who enjoy sweet romance infused by faith, will enjoy The Pastor's Hope. I loved it!

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this read it was beautiful from start to finish. Wonderful storyline and characters. Highly recommend this book and I think it's a must read. Won't want to put down.

[Candlelight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming for sure, realistic with some unexpected events that lets you know God is always there!

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

The characters were written with realistic strengths and insecurities. I love the strong faith element in the story and the realistic reactions to faith in the different situations the characters faced.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Nate and Amanda's story!! Nate and Amanda meet when Amanda's godmother and Nate's father set their wedding date. Nate is going to be the best man, and Amanda is matron of honor. Nate's been a widower for twelve years, and Amanda has been a widow for a year and a half. Amanda's godmother has plans for Amanda and Nate to get together, and one way she's going to manage that, she thinks, is have them get dancing lessons before the wedding. Sparks fly from the beginning, but Nate thinks Amanda is too young for him, and Amanda isn't ready to start dating, nor is she ready to let go of her anger and slight bitterness from her grief. When Nate realizes that he's not making decisions based on what he wants, and Amanda realizes she's got to let go of her anger, will these two be able to give love a second chance?? Love how everything comes together!! I've read all of Meghann's books, and they just keep getting better!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Karen Baney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Whistler delights readers with this wonderfully balanced story of overcoming grief and looking forward to new love.

I love the way she brought Amanda and Nate together through dance lessons for the upcoming wedding of his father and her godmother. The romance was sweet and clean and perfectly unfolds through the story. I especially appreciated the way she wrote Nate as a pastor, both human and godly, striving to do the right thing. Pastors are normal people too.

Their kids were absolutely a wonderful addition to the story. Amanda's little girl Ivy looking up to Nate's son Hayden.

Not only is this a wonderful romance story, but it is also a wonderful example of finding love again after loss. Even though both characters had to deal with the loss of their first spouse, it never felt heavy, but it still felt realistic.

I would highly recommend this book to fans of Christian romance.

[Melissa Foss · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Pastor's Hope by Meghann Whistler is a sweet endearing story of loss, grief, and second chances! I fell in love with the characters right away, and little I've is so adorable! I also loved seeing previous characters...makes them feel like family!

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed reading The Pastor's Hope!! A sweet, heartwarming, heartfelt story with second chances, small town, rediscovering your faith, falling in love and overcoming past losses. A very emotional story about a widow and a widower. They have a instant connection to one another. I loved the wonderful characters!! Little Ivy and Haydon were my very favorite!! They stole my heart!! Even though we don't always understand why something bad happens, God has a plan for us. Ms. Whistler knows how to keep her readers coming back for more of her stories!! She grabbed my attention from the beginning to the end!! A must read!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a beautiful story about two people finding love again after both suffering tragedies of their own. Pastor Nate Anderson lost his wife along time ago, but is content being alone. Amanda Kobayashi recently lost her husband and has relocated. Both of them kinda get hooked up being the best man & maid of honor to Nate’s father and his bride-to-be. It was fun watching these two try and resist the chemistry between them. These two both had a lot of growing & a lot of forgiving to do. I cried a lot & laughed a lot. The ending was amazing & I can’t wait for another book of this wonderful small town.