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Building Her a Home
Can one little girl’s wish
Bring two lonely hearts together?
When country music singer Noah Brenden walked away from fame to raise his orphaned niece, he made a vow never to stay anywhere long enough to be recognized. So when a blast from his past, music teacher Chloe Randolph, falls into his arms while trying to rescue little Lili’s cat, it’s his cue to leave. But Lili longs for a permanent home, and Chloe desperately needs Noah’s help to restore the town’s historic theater, promising to keep his true identity safe in return. Staying put wasn’t his plan, but could it lead to the future he never knew he was looking for?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Bring two lonely hearts together?
When country music singer Noah Brenden walked away from fame to raise his orphaned niece, he made a vow never to stay anywhere long enough to be recognized. So when a blast from his past, music teacher Chloe Randolph, falls into his arms while trying to rescue little Lili’s cat, it’s his cue to leave. But Lili longs for a permanent home, and Chloe desperately needs Noah’s help to restore the town’s historic theater, promising to keep his true identity safe in return. Staying put wasn’t his plan, but could it lead to the future he never knew he was looking for?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published July 1, 2025
About the author
Lisa Carter
80 books22 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 4, 2026
I liked the characters and the town, Truelove, sounds like a great town to be in.
April 13, 2025
If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I definitely would! I read it on my Kindle, but now I really want a printed copy! It’s left me wondering if there are, or will be, more books in this series that I can dive into! I also just learned that Lisa Carter is from North Carolina, and since this story takes place there, I was even more excited to read it. The story is about Noah, a famous singer who becomes the guardian of his niece. He moves from town to town to keep his true identity a secret, but when he arrives in Truelove, North Carolina, he isn’t expecting to want to stay. After running into an old crush (Chloe), he starts to question his plans. And when his niece bonds with Chloe, the local music teacher, it makes everything even more complicated.
Noah was only supposed to fix the town’s gazebo and leave, but when the contractor for the town's theater drops out, he steps in to help. In exchange, he gets a place to stay. The only problem is, the guest house is right next to Chloe’s. Being forced to work together on town projects is hard enough, but being so close to each other makes their feelings even more complicated. Chloe knows exactly who he is and what’s in his past. She’s a small-town girl, and he’s the famous heartthrob. She always had a crush on him, but she knows their lives have been and will always be far too different. While Noah wishes for something more with Chloe, her brothers know his secret, and he feels like he has to stick to his plan: fix the theater and leave. Even if that means leaving the woman he’s falling for behind.
This book is so full of sweet moments. It’s not just a romance; you’ll fall in love with the whole community. The meddling matchmakers are adorable, and Chloe’s overprotective brothers... I think they need their own love story! Hint, Hint, lol. I laughed, I cried (and I’m not a crier), and I had so many heartwarming moments as I watched Noah and Chloe’s romance bloom. Add in little Lili and the matchmaker's attempts at making Ingrid a match, and the town, not just the book, pulled me in!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
Noah was only supposed to fix the town’s gazebo and leave, but when the contractor for the town's theater drops out, he steps in to help. In exchange, he gets a place to stay. The only problem is, the guest house is right next to Chloe’s. Being forced to work together on town projects is hard enough, but being so close to each other makes their feelings even more complicated. Chloe knows exactly who he is and what’s in his past. She’s a small-town girl, and he’s the famous heartthrob. She always had a crush on him, but she knows their lives have been and will always be far too different. While Noah wishes for something more with Chloe, her brothers know his secret, and he feels like he has to stick to his plan: fix the theater and leave. Even if that means leaving the woman he’s falling for behind.
This book is so full of sweet moments. It’s not just a romance; you’ll fall in love with the whole community. The meddling matchmakers are adorable, and Chloe’s overprotective brothers... I think they need their own love story! Hint, Hint, lol. I laughed, I cried (and I’m not a crier), and I had so many heartwarming moments as I watched Noah and Chloe’s romance bloom. Add in little Lili and the matchmaker's attempts at making Ingrid a match, and the town, not just the book, pulled me in!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
June 21, 2025
Building Her a Home by Lisa Carter
Can one little girl’s wish
Bring two lonely hearts together?
When country music singer Noah Brenden walked away from fame to raise his orphaned niece, he made a vow never to stay anywhere long enough to be recognized. So when a blast from his past, music teacher Chloe Randolph, falls into his arms while trying to rescue little Lili’s cat, it’s his cue to leave. But Lili longs for a permanent home, and Chloe desperately needs Noah’s help to restore the town’s historic theater, promising to keep his true identity safe in return. Staying put wasn’t his plan, but could it lead to the future he never knew he was looking for?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
This is Noah Brenden and niece Lili 's story
This is Chloe Randolph's story.
A tall, lanky man broad-shouldered his way through the throng. Not getting a good look at his face, she could only see the top of his dark, short-cropped hair. Stopping beside the matchmakers, he bent his head to speak to the diminutive Ida Lee.
Or was he talking to Lili?
Angular and with a short cap of iron-gray hair,
George Anne Allen, the no-nonsense leader of the Double Name Club, clamped her hands on the bony hips of her jeans. “Come down at once, Chloe."
Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her grip. “I’ve got this, Miss George Anne."
Chloe was a fixer. A rescuer. Her greatest joy was helping other people and bringing them happiness.
Which was why, on a glorious blue-sky, early April afternoon, she was climbing one of the oak trees lining the square in her hometown of Truelove, North Carolina, trying to rescue a cat for a little girl.
Lili’s anxious blue eyes peered through the canopy of leafed-out branches. “Please, Miss Randolph.” Tendrils of her dark hair, braided in pigtails, fluttered in the slight breeze. “Help Felix before he gets hurt.”
I recommend this book.
Building Her A Home by Lisa Carter is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lisa Carter .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
Can one little girl’s wish
Bring two lonely hearts together?
When country music singer Noah Brenden walked away from fame to raise his orphaned niece, he made a vow never to stay anywhere long enough to be recognized. So when a blast from his past, music teacher Chloe Randolph, falls into his arms while trying to rescue little Lili’s cat, it’s his cue to leave. But Lili longs for a permanent home, and Chloe desperately needs Noah’s help to restore the town’s historic theater, promising to keep his true identity safe in return. Staying put wasn’t his plan, but could it lead to the future he never knew he was looking for?
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
This is Noah Brenden and niece Lili 's story
This is Chloe Randolph's story.
A tall, lanky man broad-shouldered his way through the throng. Not getting a good look at his face, she could only see the top of his dark, short-cropped hair. Stopping beside the matchmakers, he bent his head to speak to the diminutive Ida Lee.
Or was he talking to Lili?
Angular and with a short cap of iron-gray hair,
George Anne Allen, the no-nonsense leader of the Double Name Club, clamped her hands on the bony hips of her jeans. “Come down at once, Chloe."
Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her grip. “I’ve got this, Miss George Anne."
Chloe was a fixer. A rescuer. Her greatest joy was helping other people and bringing them happiness.
Which was why, on a glorious blue-sky, early April afternoon, she was climbing one of the oak trees lining the square in her hometown of Truelove, North Carolina, trying to rescue a cat for a little girl.
Lili’s anxious blue eyes peered through the canopy of leafed-out branches. “Please, Miss Randolph.” Tendrils of her dark hair, braided in pigtails, fluttered in the slight breeze. “Help Felix before he gets hurt.”
I recommend this book.
Building Her A Home by Lisa Carter is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lisa Carter .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
May 6, 2026
Finally, a Christian book of fiction that is a strong narrative, an inspiring character study, and a satisfying love story without the steamy sex that sells most Romance novels!
In my research on publishers that carry Christian or inspirational fiction, I have been hard pressed to find this level of good writing and high drama. But this book delivers on all levels. At just over 200 pages it is a quick read, endearing, sweet, inspiring, and yet it made me cry—tears of joy.
Chloe Randolph is a music therapist, happily living in her small hometown in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. She has three over-protective brothers and loving parents who are vacationing in Florida leaving her in charge of their house. She has a fulfilling job introducing music into the lives of emotionally and developmentally challenged children. The local octogenarian matchmakers have taken her on as an apprentice. The restoration of the Art Deco movie house as an arts center is her biggest challenge. Life is good, and she is a problem solver, so when they lose their main woodworker to a family emergency, she has to regroup.
Noah Brenden and his four-year old niece have been living at the local motel while he did the restoration work on the gazebo at the center of town. As Noah Knightley he was a hugely successful country singer who survived a horrific childhood with his twin as his only real family. Success brought him a life he was never proud of or fulfilled by. When his twin sister died giving birth, he turned his life around for Lili. Taking on the raising of his niece and escaping the paparazzi have taken him on a long and lonely journey. They move from town to town, living on the downlow. Now Lili is at an age where she seems hopelessly uncomfortable in social situations and needs the stability of a home and friends.
But the town of Truelove, the people, a blooming Lili, and Chloe win his heart—very much against his will. But perhaps as the fulfillment of God’s will in their lives.
It’s a beautiful, sweet, charming story, with real stakes and conflict. But it is told in a way that includes God, prayer, a church community, and deep family values. It builds to a highly dramatic climax and ends with a true happily-ever-after. You’ll love this!
In my research on publishers that carry Christian or inspirational fiction, I have been hard pressed to find this level of good writing and high drama. But this book delivers on all levels. At just over 200 pages it is a quick read, endearing, sweet, inspiring, and yet it made me cry—tears of joy.
Chloe Randolph is a music therapist, happily living in her small hometown in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. She has three over-protective brothers and loving parents who are vacationing in Florida leaving her in charge of their house. She has a fulfilling job introducing music into the lives of emotionally and developmentally challenged children. The local octogenarian matchmakers have taken her on as an apprentice. The restoration of the Art Deco movie house as an arts center is her biggest challenge. Life is good, and she is a problem solver, so when they lose their main woodworker to a family emergency, she has to regroup.
Noah Brenden and his four-year old niece have been living at the local motel while he did the restoration work on the gazebo at the center of town. As Noah Knightley he was a hugely successful country singer who survived a horrific childhood with his twin as his only real family. Success brought him a life he was never proud of or fulfilled by. When his twin sister died giving birth, he turned his life around for Lili. Taking on the raising of his niece and escaping the paparazzi have taken him on a long and lonely journey. They move from town to town, living on the downlow. Now Lili is at an age where she seems hopelessly uncomfortable in social situations and needs the stability of a home and friends.
But the town of Truelove, the people, a blooming Lili, and Chloe win his heart—very much against his will. But perhaps as the fulfillment of God’s will in their lives.
It’s a beautiful, sweet, charming story, with real stakes and conflict. But it is told in a way that includes God, prayer, a church community, and deep family values. It builds to a highly dramatic climax and ends with a true happily-ever-after. You’ll love this!
July 1, 2025
Building Her a Home is a re-invention story, perhaps a second-chance romance, and a sweet little girl to tie them all together.
Noah is the guardian of his little niece, Lili. He’s also a famous country singer, a man who has set aside his career in order to give Lili the attention she needs and deserves, far from the spotlight of his career. Unfortunately, that means not staying in one place for very long, as he is always eventually recognized. This time, this town is different. Chloe, a music teacher, knows full well who Noah is, and she doesn’t care. She’s had a crush on him for some time now, and Lili has wrapped herself around Chloe’s heart. As the attraction, the connection between Chloe and Noah grows, it might be time to put down roots, begin to trust strangers who refuse to stay that way long, and begin to build something worth fighting for… together.
I loved Building Her a Home by Lisa Carter; it’s such a tender, sweet romance with a little friction, a bit of tension, but mostly it’s a story of finding home and that just-right person to share a life with. If you love a well-written, emotional romance with believable characters, and situations that aren’t all that unlikely, plus a couple to root for to find their happy ending, then you’d love this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Noah is the guardian of his little niece, Lili. He’s also a famous country singer, a man who has set aside his career in order to give Lili the attention she needs and deserves, far from the spotlight of his career. Unfortunately, that means not staying in one place for very long, as he is always eventually recognized. This time, this town is different. Chloe, a music teacher, knows full well who Noah is, and she doesn’t care. She’s had a crush on him for some time now, and Lili has wrapped herself around Chloe’s heart. As the attraction, the connection between Chloe and Noah grows, it might be time to put down roots, begin to trust strangers who refuse to stay that way long, and begin to build something worth fighting for… together.
I loved Building Her a Home by Lisa Carter; it’s such a tender, sweet romance with a little friction, a bit of tension, but mostly it’s a story of finding home and that just-right person to share a life with. If you love a well-written, emotional romance with believable characters, and situations that aren’t all that unlikely, plus a couple to root for to find their happy ending, then you’d love this one.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
May 25, 2025
This is a second chance romance between Noah, a former country music superstar, and Chloe, a music therapy teacher in small-town Truelove, NC. Their relationship includes Noah’s young niece Lili, who he is raising after his sister’s death a few years ago. As is often the case, Lili works her way into Chloe’s life and the two have a wonderful teacher-student relationship. Noah and Chloe already have a history, but it’s the way Chloe is with Lili that re-captures Noah’s heart and makes him consider settling down in Truelove.
I loved the small town and all of the friends and family. This book has connections to several that the author published before it, but I did not see any indication of that on NetGalley nor Goodreads when I was choosing to read it. That’s so frustrating to me! Because I prefer to read connected stories in the order they were written. Still a very good story and I enjoyed it.
Many thanks to HQN Love Inspired and NetGalley for my review copy.
I loved the small town and all of the friends and family. This book has connections to several that the author published before it, but I did not see any indication of that on NetGalley nor Goodreads when I was choosing to read it. That’s so frustrating to me! Because I prefer to read connected stories in the order they were written. Still a very good story and I enjoyed it.
Many thanks to HQN Love Inspired and NetGalley for my review copy.
June 27, 2025
Read if you like:
☀️ Sunshine FMC
🎵 Former famous musician MMC
🥧 Southern hospitality at its finest
🤭 Meddling, sassy matchmakers
✝️ Uplifting messages about fresh starts
🫶 Small town friendships
My thoughts:
I was instantly drawn into the story by the FMC who is a ray of sunshine (with dark hair! @those.wild.wonderful.wades 😊). I loved how much music was woven through the entire story from the FMC being a music therapist and the MMC being a former music star to their endeavor to renovate the town's old theater. I was surprised by the turn of events multiple times, and I finished the last chapters of the book in one big gulp. Everything about this book is so sweet, and the chemistry between the couple is perfection! Add small town matchmakers and supportive friends and this is the ultimate summer comfort read.
Thank you to @harlequinbooks and @hqn_shamelessromantics for providing me a copy of this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
☀️ Sunshine FMC
🎵 Former famous musician MMC
🥧 Southern hospitality at its finest
🤭 Meddling, sassy matchmakers
✝️ Uplifting messages about fresh starts
🫶 Small town friendships
My thoughts:
I was instantly drawn into the story by the FMC who is a ray of sunshine (with dark hair! @those.wild.wonderful.wades 😊). I loved how much music was woven through the entire story from the FMC being a music therapist and the MMC being a former music star to their endeavor to renovate the town's old theater. I was surprised by the turn of events multiple times, and I finished the last chapters of the book in one big gulp. Everything about this book is so sweet, and the chemistry between the couple is perfection! Add small town matchmakers and supportive friends and this is the ultimate summer comfort read.
Thank you to @harlequinbooks and @hqn_shamelessromantics for providing me a copy of this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
August 27, 2025
Chalk up another heartwarming story by Lisa Carter! She does such a nice job of writing children characters into her stories! I love to read a story that has me laughing out loud one page, and near tears the next!
We return to Truelove, a “two stoplight” town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, home of the “Double Name Club.”(the Truelove matchmakers)
The story opens with Chloe Randolph climbing in a tree to get a kitten down for 4yr old Lili. She slips and falls into the arms of Noah Knightly, but he is going by Noah Brenden. Which is he? He has restored the tornado damaged gazebo so he is propositioned to rebuild the staircase in the Lyric theater. Lili wants her kitten and a real home, but Noah doesn’t stay in one place very long. Chloe is a “fixer,” but can she fix Noah and Lili?
We return to Truelove, a “two stoplight” town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, home of the “Double Name Club.”(the Truelove matchmakers)
The story opens with Chloe Randolph climbing in a tree to get a kitten down for 4yr old Lili. She slips and falls into the arms of Noah Knightly, but he is going by Noah Brenden. Which is he? He has restored the tornado damaged gazebo so he is propositioned to rebuild the staircase in the Lyric theater. Lili wants her kitten and a real home, but Noah doesn’t stay in one place very long. Chloe is a “fixer,” but can she fix Noah and Lili?
July 9, 2025
Though I have read one or two of Lisa's other books, this is the first one in this series, and the first romance. I think that's my favorite genre she writes in. The story was engaging and the characters very human, which I appreciate. The characters made their mistakes but learned and grew from them. Although the male character did change from his "down on me for my past mistakes" attitude (which I found to be somewhat repetitive) to a more hopeful one, I would have liked to see a more biblical basis for this change. Nevertheless, it was an uplifting story that did have me on the edge, wondering how it was going to work out! Very enjoyable!
June 11, 2025
BUILDING HER A HOME is set in a picturesque small town that is filled with good hearted yet meddlesome matchmakers and overprotective siblings that you can’t help but adore, you will lose yourself in the goodness that is this romance. I enjoyed watching Chloe and Noah navigate their feelings about life, love and each other to find their way to happily ever after.
As with all Love Inspired reads, I was left with a happy heart and smile on my face. I’m giving BUILDING HER A HOME the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
As with all Love Inspired reads, I was left with a happy heart and smile on my face. I’m giving BUILDING HER A HOME the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
June 30, 2025
This book can be read as a standalone. However it does have characters that overlap with other books by Lisa Carter. I wish I had found her sooner. My bookaholic wish list just got a lot longer. This was my first book of Lisa's and definitely not the last.
Celebrity in hiding
Small town romance
Meddling matchmaking patriarchs
Overprotective big brothers
There are some tearjerking scenes regarding a tragic event in the past and one during the book.
Celebrity in hiding
Small town romance
Meddling matchmaking patriarchs
Overprotective big brothers
There are some tearjerking scenes regarding a tragic event in the past and one during the book.
June 2, 2025
A sweet romance. Second chance with a former country music bad boy. Small town antics from the double named group. I hope there is a sequel with Ingrid finding her significant other. There were hints. Fun family atmosphere. Many heartwarming moments. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
July 13, 2025
This sweet, uplifting and inspiring romance is full of heart and will fill your heart page by page. There was so much goodness in this well written and wonderful story. You'll laugh, swoon and fall in love with the amazing characters. Such a great, entertaining and enjoyable book. I loved it all the way to the happy ending.
Read
February 1, 2026Building Her a Home by Lisa Carter is a warm, small-town romance about second chances, faith, and learning to trust again. With relatable characters and a gentle emotional arc, it’s a cozy, uplifting read that focuses on healing and the meaning of home. Perfect if you want heartfelt without heavy drama. 💛
June 29, 2025
Building Her a Home was a fabulous little romance. You fell in love with the main characters but also the entire community. Chloe & Noah were a dream already. Then, when you throw in Lilli, even better! Second chance romance, hiding from fame, small town, what more could you want!
July 16, 2025
Loved this book! Loved going back to Truelove and reading Noah and Chloe’s story. 100% recommend!
July 28, 2026
DNF. I really don't like her writing on a good day, but I found myself needing to get a couple of hers out of the house, so...
Hrmph.
Hrmph.
October 29, 2025
The story centers on Noah, a well-known country singer seeking peace and anonymity after becoming guardian to his young niece, Lili. Hoping for a quieter life, he settles in the charming town of Truelove, where he agrees to help restore the town’s gazebo and later its beloved old theater. What he doesn’t expect is to reunite with Chloe, the local music teacher and his former crush. Chloe is compassionate, grounded, and deeply connected to her hometown, while Noah has spent years drifting, protecting both his privacy and his heart. Their relationship unfolds slowly and tenderly, challenged by their different lifestyles—and by Chloe’s awareness of Noah’s fame. With her protective brothers, a few meddling matchmakers, and adorable Lili adding warmth and humor, the story beautifully balances romance and community spirit. Heartfelt and wholesome, this small-town romance celebrates love, family, and belonging. It’s filled with charm, emotion, and the kind of moments that linger long after the final page. Fans of gentle, feel-good second chances will adore this one.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews