Fighting for Her Heart: A Small Town Christian Romance

Love on Sanctuary Shores

by Tara Grace Ericson

He broke her heart once, and she won’t let him destroy the island she loves.
If only her heart would get the memo that he’s the bad guy.

Derrick Webster has fond memories of Sanctuary Island, but the small community is going to be left behind if someone doesn’t help them make a name for themselves as a tourist destination.

And he’s the man for the job.

The picturesque summer hideaway is the perfect place for his capstone real estate development. It’ll be the crown jewel of Webster Hotels, if he can convince the short-sighted townsfolk that he’s here to help—a task made all the harder by his devious and beautiful ex, rallying them against his plans.

Chloe Bennett moved to the island at the lowest point in her life, finding the refuge it promised as her heart began to heal. She won’t let anyone ruin the magical, small-town community she adores so much. Not even the pushy, egotistical, business-savvy man who broke her heart and sent her into the arms of Jesus and the people of Sanctuary Shores.

She’ll do anything to send Derrick packing and protect the community from his greedy desire to commercialize their island. And she definitely won’t fall in love with him. Again.


Welcome to the shores of Sanctuary Island, where six bestselling authors of Christian romance bring you stories of love and redemption. From tender romance to enduring faith, each standalone novel in this series promises unforgettable characters and heartwarming small town charm.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Christian

306 pages, Paperback

Published August 28, 2024

About the author

Tara Grace Ericson

faith, hope, and happily ever after

Tara writes small-town, contemporary Christian romance. She loves stories of modern-day characters struggling to obey God, forgive others, and accept themselves - oh, and finding their happily-ever-after along the way.

She lives in Southwest Missouri with her husband and two sons, writing full-time, in between chasing a two toddlers!

Get a free e-book by signing up for Tara's newsletter at her website!

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Reviews

[Alicia Kronick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute exes-to-enemies-to-wedded bliss set on an island near Lake Huron. Small town vibe with lovely main characters. Second book in a series I’ve read. Nothing deep or dramatic—a break from heavy historical fiction.

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm]

Stopping for now since I’m pausing my KU membership. I will come back later to finish this.

[Angeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet read. Fighting for Her Heart is written by Tara Grace Ericson and it is the second book in the multiple author series, Love on Sanctuary Shore.
Chloe and Derrick had history but they never expected to see each other again. It was interesting to read about them interacting and learning to forgive each other for the hurts of the past.
I liked Derrick from the beginning, he was trying his best. Derrick definitely had his own faults and had to learn what was truly important to him. It was cool to see him grow throughout the book. He learned what it meant to trust God and care for Chloe. Chloe had to grow on me. She was hurting because of her past relationship with Derrick and she didn’ t know how to get over it. It was cool to read about her learning to forgive and also to trust in God’s plan.
The romance was sweet and it was more of a slow burn since they had history. Chleo and Derrick had to learn to move forward and figure out how to make their relationship last. I enjoyed reading about their relationship growing and changing. The side characters were also fun and I am excited to read the other books in the series. The plot was also interesting and I wanted to see how Chloe and Derrick would work out the resort problem.
Fighting for Her Heart is a fun book and I like the faith themes that were woven into it.. I would recommend it to those who enjoy Ercison’s other books or are looking for a sweet low stress read. Fighting for Her Heart is a clean Christian romance.

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

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But more than the cold, it was Derrick's presence that unnerved her. The memories of warmer days, when they laughed together instead of fighting seemed like a cruel joke now. She swallowed hard, the lump in her throat almost painful. "Why can't you just leave me alone?" she whispered, the words barely audible."

Chole loved Derrick. But when her commitment level seemed stronger than his, she left her engagement ring on the table and walked out of his life. She found a new place to start over and a stronger faith to guide her days. So when Derrick ends up on the island where she has taken refuge, she is not happy.

Derrick feels like he has a point to make. He wants to carry on the family legacy. But what price is he willing to pay?

This is a second chance romance. 6 years has passed, so the growth that both have experienced seems legitimate. At first, I was unsure of Chloe's harshness then her quick switch to being okay with everything. That was a bit up and down. But overall, I did really enjoy the romance elements of the book. For having been connected before, the couple did not move quickly at all to reconnect.

I look forward to reading more books set on Sanctuary Shores. There are many characters that will be fun to "get to know." I like the idea of a small-town set on an island without traffic and confusion. The townspeople definitely played a role in the storyline.

I was given an advanced copy of this book to review. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

[Rebmay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a an engaging and charming second chance at love story. Chloe and Derrick are former sweethearts who are now adversaries. Both want to see Sanctuary Island thrive, but have different ideas on how to accomplish that. For Chloe, the island has indeed been a sanctuary, giving her a place to heal and regroup after ending her engagement to Derrick. The simple small town life and the close-knit community have guided her back to her faith and given her a new direction in life. For him, the island has a special place in his childhood memories and he wants to help revitalize its economy by building a luxury resort. It would also be a wonderful addition to his family’s legacy. As they face off, they discover that the feelings they once had for each other have not died. They are forced to deal with the past, the regrets and resentment and both see the other has changed since they were together. Regrets, self-reflection and renewed faith have lead to changes in motivation and their outlooks on life. The way forward isn’t easy, as they deal with doubts, fears and perceived betrayal, but eventually with a little guidance, thoughtful reflection and advice, they find a resolution and a way to move forward together.

I wholeheartedly recommend this inspiring book.

[Vicki Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finding Home

Chloe was broken when she settled on Sanctuary Island. It was the one place Derrick had described as idyllic during the summers his family had spent there. Odd that she would seek a new beginning in the place the man who had made her feel as though she wasn't enough to put down permanent roots. But the people on Sanctuary Island totally accepted her as one of their own and helped her heal. Even more odd was that Derrick chose to build a family resort on Sanctuary Island to boost the economy and help the people on the island where he'd always felt happiness. But when he arrived and discovered that Chloe had chosen it to be her home after breaking their engagement six years ago he felt unsteady. Also he'd soon find out there was a lot of opposition and distrust over his plan to build a resort. What was he willing to do to prove to Chloe that he'd changed and still loved her? And what changes was he willing to make to assure the people on Sanctuary Island that he truly had their best interests at heart? Did God actually have a plan in the timing of bringing Chloe and Derrick back together after six years apart? Would this time bring commitment or closure to their relationship?

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe broke up with her fiancé 6 years ago and moved to Sanctuary Island. (Off of Lake Huron.) It's a huge tourist attraction during the summer months, but shuts down during the winter because the only way to get to the island is by ferry or plane. Chloe is a chef from Chicago. Now she cooks for a B&B. When she hears that a big developer is coming to the island to build a resort, she knows that she will fight to maintain the beauty of the island.

Derrick is the chairman of the board of Webster Hotels. His parents used to bring him to Sanctuary Island as a kid. He loved it. For a month, he could explore the island and ride bikes, etc. His parents were killed when he was a teenager. Now he's trying to live up to his father's legacy. He is not as cut throat as some of the board wants him to be. He has designed a family friendly resort for Sanctuary Island. He's surprised to find Chloe, his ex-fiancé on the island. She broke up with him because he always put work first. As he spends time on the island trying to learn about the community there and fight for building his resort, he also fights to win Chloe's heart again. So, so good.

[Jessica Baker (A Baker's Perspective) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance romance, faith, swoony moments, and a wholesome story. Fighting for Her Heart contains everything I've come to expect and love from Tara Grace Ericson. She doesn't shy away from her faith thread and I appreciate that about her. They are always uplifting, gentle reminders that I need to hear, and simply inspiring.

And the romance? Well that's in its own class. Derrick and Chloe belong together, even if they have different ideas about how to help their town. And I love the way Ericson writes their story. Most second chance romances are like the couple brokeup, still love each other and just get back together. And while I'm not say that isn't the case here, it's different. They aren't enemies per say, but they just have these differences to overcome. Not to worry - Ericson brings them together seamlessly - not in a cheesy Hallmarky way. I appreciate that about her stories as well.

Fighting for Her Heart will appease the Christian Romance fans as well as the Sweet Romance fans! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Chloe decided she had to end her engagement to a man who always put work before her, she fled to Sanctuary Island to heal - and found it lived up to its name. But now Derrick has come to the one place she thought was safe, and plans to build a resort! She'll fight such a plan with all she has - but somehow, as she sees more of Derrick, she starts to realise he may have changed. Chloe's desertion was a wake-up call to Derrick, though for a long time he was too angry to see it. But now that he's accidentally found her again, he starts to wonder whether there's hope for them still. If only his ambition didn't again clash with her needs... Can they make things work this time around?

A charming read and a delightful introduction to a new series. I can already see other people who obviously need their own stories, so I'll be looking forward to reading them. In the meanwhile, though, this definitely didn't disappoint. What could be more opposite than a developer and a woman who opposes the development in her special place? Throw in their old relationship and this has the potential to be fireworks... and it delivers! They've both learned a lot since they were together, but will it be enough? I loved watching them each wrestle with the past and what it could do for their future. All in all, a great read with plenty of emotion and a satisfying ending. 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.

[Tina Lowery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara Grace Ericson wrote this story filled with hope, life, light, and second chances. Sanctuary Island is filled with all types of individuals who have been redeemed. Even though Derrick and Chloe were once seen as a powerful combination of talents woven together by love, time changes everything. Truthfully, a series of mistakes on Derrick's part cost them everything. Six years later, their past collides with a future that neither is sure can ever be altered. Separated by failure, these two stand on opposing sides of the fence when it comes to giving Sanctuary Island a chance towards a brighter future. Time will tell, as events unfold, what the future holds for Sanctuary Island, its residents, Derrick and Chloe. Through Ericson's words, faith, hope and love ensure a brightness overcoming the dark shadow of shame in the past. This story connected my heart, my faith, my hopes and my dreams. Erickson's work is a delightful read and I give it 4 out of 5 stars!! Come, enjoy the story and prop up your feet for a while ...

[Priscila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fighting for Her Heart was a beautiful, second-chance story. With gorgeous descriptions that range from the unique island's setting to minute details like the dishes Chloe prepared, it truly was an immersive experience for the reader (it reminded me of Kristen Iten). The pace was engaging and I loved how the faith reminder was intersected and presented: it all happens in God's timing. While it did take me a bit to warm up to Chloe, I was definitely rooting for her and Derrick halfway through the story. It was also fun getting to see her as part of the community of the island that meant so much to him, as well as seeing him realize his unresolved feelings for her and his past errors. The community in itself felt real, and I'd love to check out some of the books about her friends. Also, not counting her Christmas books, I think this is my first CCR from this author, so thanks to Shaun, now I'm curious to check out her other series. ~ 4.5 stars

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Chloe had had it with her fiance always putting work ahead of her, she leaves the engagement ring he gave her in his kitchen with a short note and went to Sanctuary Island, which her ex kept mentioning as some sort of paradise or magical place. And for her, a lot of healing occurred there over the next 6 years.
But then Derrick returned, bearing blueprints for a resort that would stay open all year and be totally self contained.It was to be a huge unfertaking, a log of it to prove to the board that he was a worthy heir to his father's company - esp with one board member who had wanted his father's place badly enough to try and push Derrick out before he came of age.
But there are many questions Derrick will need to answer, and like many projects, there are many compromises, some viable, some not.
But what happens next between Chloe and Derrick is the big question, and how it will affect the project. Will they renew their relationship or not?

[Tori Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, second chance book set on the tiny island (and shared world) of Sanctuary!

Have you ever wanted to run away from your life, desperate for a fresh start where no one knows you? That's exactly what Chloe Bennett does when she realizes Derrick Webster cares more about his work than her. She finds a haven on Sanctuary Island, rebuilding her life and healing from her relationship.

Six years later, Derrick comes to Sanctuary Island to build a hotel. Chloe views this as an invasion of her sanctuary. His plans reinforce every notion she's had about his workaholic ways. Can Derrick convince her that he's changed, and that this hotel is the best thing for their tiny, struggling island?

Sweet romance and second chances at its best, with a dash of humor involved. (If you've ever lived in a small town, you'll recognize some of these characters!) A fun read if you're looking a story about how people can grow and change.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Derrick and Chloe were once engaged. He chose work over her consistently and she had had enough. After ending their engagement, she left Chicago to recenter herself and ended up on Sanctuary Island where she found great people, a change of pace, and God. Her heart was healed and she realized all that she had been missing before in her life! She experienced true contentment.
What happens when Derrick swoops into Sanctuary Island, determined to create a mega resort that would detract from the beauty of the island and take business away from the locals? You can bet Chloe isn't going to sit back and allow that to transpire!
Grab this book if you enjoy inspirational contemporary second chance romances. You won't be disappointed! I received an ecopy of this book from the author. That in no way influenced my review.

[Joianne D. Pettigrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding Their Priorities

Sometimes it takes a long time and living through many mistakes and heartache to determine our priorities. Chloe fled the big city, the fancy restaurant where she was a chef, and the millionaire fiancé to establish a new life on Sanctuary Island. In the six years that followed she remembered that Jesus must be her first priority. She loved her life on the Island. She worked as a chef at the B&B and supplemented it with an online presence in the world of cooking. Life was good until the millionaire X fiancé came to the B&B. Will Derrick learn what is most important in life or is his ambition still number one? Will Chloe survive his hanging out in her domain for a bit? You will enjoy finding out what God has in store for Chloe, for Derrick, and for Sanctuary Island.

[Cilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe broke her engagement with Derrick as she was continually coming second place to his work. When Derrick turns up at Sanctuary Island with a big development proposal, Chloe sees red and is determined to stop this at all costs. Chloe has changed since Derrick saw her last, no longer at her prestigious big city chef job, and has become a Christian. However she lets her emotions rule rather than be willing to listen or negotiate with Derrick, and Derrick has to learn to let go of his old viewpoints (big is better and money rules) and realise the importance of community, of relationships and most of all, returning to the faith he lost when his parents died. I received an ARC but this review is my own.

[Karen Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Her Heart

This is a wonderfully sweet second chance romance story. Derrick had sweet childhood memories of Sanctuary Island from his childhood with his parents before their passing. Now he wants to help the Island by building a family resort. The last person he expected to find at The Bluebell Bed and Breakfast is his ex fiancé, Chloe. Chloe had come to Sanctuary Island to get away from her memories of time together with Derrick Webster. To say she is shocked when he shows up in her dining room is an understatement. When she learns of his new development for the island, she leads the group fighting against his new resort. Be sure to read their story if you are looking for a good book.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe came to Sanctuary 6 years ago with a broken heart and found a home in the community she now loves. Derek enjoyed the time he spent in Sanctuary when he was young and now he’s trying to prove himself in business by building a resort there. What neither of them was expecting was to see each other there. Can Chloe show Derek that by building a resort there he will be destroying everything that helped give him the good memories he has of the place? Will Derek realize that being the best in business won’t make him happy especially if you have no one to share life with? This story was beautifull and inspiring, makes you stop and think about what is actually important in life.

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much! The characters and Sanctuary Island were so realistically portrayed that I felt like I was there watching everything unfold. I sympathized with Chloe right away and cheered for her as she fought for her community, but I also became sympathetic towards Derrick as the story unfolded. I thought the characters’ development and personal struggles were very relatable, and I was encouraged by the biblical truths conveyed through the story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sweet, clean romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this touching, romantic story that took place on Sanctuary Island.  The author wove a beartiful, sweet, Christian story with wonderful characters.  There was surprise, angst, romance, and God's timing woven into the book.  I liked that it was a second chance story between Chloe and Derrick and I enjoyed learning about their past and how Sanctuary Island, its people, and the couple's faith seemed to change everything.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Derrick Webster is a hotel developer who wants to build a family resort on Sanctuary Island. When he arrives he finds his former fiancé Chloe Bennett whom he hasn’t seen since she left six years ago. She is against the resort for the changes it would bring to the community and rallies the community against the project. The longer Derrick is on the island the more his thinking changes and he realizes he wants a relationship with Chloe. A heartwarming story about love, community and working together.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six years ago, Chloe broke her engagement and fled Chicago to find the peace that eluded her. She landed in Sanctuary and not only found peace but Jesus. Fast forward six years and Derrick returns to Sanctuary Island with a huge family adventure resort planned for his favorite childhood vacation spot. He is stunned to find Chloe especially since she is on the opposite side of his plans. This second chance romance has wonderful characters with a quaint but supportive community.

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! This takes me back to summers on Mackinac Island in Lake Michigan! The only difference I saw between Mackinac Island and Sanctuary Island is that the horses don't stay on Mackinac Island during the winter. Tara Grace Ericson expertly described the sense of community among the year-round citizens. The story kept my interest to the point of being detrimental to my housekeeping skills. I kept finding reasons to read "just one more chapter".

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chloe was engaged to Derrick, a real estate mogul, but was tired of his work taking precedence over her. She left Chicago and went to Sanctuary and was enjoying her life.

Six years later Derrick showed up in Sanctuary wanting to buy land to build a resort. It was definitely a surprise to Chloe when she saw him.

Would the town approve his real estate deal? Could there possibly be a chance for him and Chloe again?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Fighting For Her Heart, it is a sweet, heartwarming second chance romance. I liked how feisty Chloe is with Derrick when she sees him in her small town after 6 years of no communication. They had to find it in their hearts to forgive, Chloe reminds him that it is by Him that we can find peace. And I liked the comment ‘That God takes our brokenness and turns it into something beautiful in His time.’ This is a wonderful story!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story of second chances. This was an ARC read for me and not a suspense, but I enjoyed it. I liked how they fought on opposing sides of the hotel coming to town. I also enjoyed the guest appearance from a character in another series by this author. This is definitely a standalone book although it is a part of the Sanctuary Shores series. I felt like I could be at home in this fictional world. It’s got a great small town feel.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful second chance story filled with faith, hope and love. As Derrick and Chloe discover, all in God’s perfect timing. I love all the interactions between these two. The coffee scene is hilarious. The story is fast paced and interesting. It will hold your interest throughout. The characters are well developed and continue to grow and develop in the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for Her Heart is a Christian, second chance romance. First, I am moving to Sanctuary Shores. It sounds fabulous! I love Chloe and the life she made for herself in this picturesque town. Derrick is your typical, workaholic, almost billionaire who is having trouble proving himself to his board of directors since he is not as heartless as they would like. I loved watching the two fall back into love as they worked to find a solution for the town they both love.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful heartfelt story.

In this book you will read about two people who never expected to meet again especially at Sanctuary Island. When Derrick goes to Sanctuary Island he can’t believe his eyes when Chloe walks into the room. When Chloe learns of Derricks plans she does everything in her power to try to stop him. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens between these two and the wonderful people of Sanctuary Island.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good second chance book! Chloe is a chef who broke her engagement with rich businessman Derrick. She realizes that she would never be number one in his life. Fast forward several years and Derrick appears back in Chloe’s life. This time he wants to build a resort on the island where Chloe now has her life. It was fun watching the two of them go from not liking each other to realizing they were still in love and compromising!