Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Love on Sanctuary Shores

Running into Forever: A Small Town Christian Romance

Rate this book
Horsewoman, skilled at driving. Must be willing to live on a remote island . . . and marry her boss. Both are non-negotiable.

Taylor Everest loves his home on Sanctuary Island and running his family’s carriage business. But his standoffish personality has the local resort questioning the renewal of his contract. Not to mention the contract also has an old, pesky clause Taylor had hoped to He’s supposed to be married by age 30. He just turned 31.

Not willing to let go of his family’s legacy, Taylor puts out a bold advertisement.

Sanora Hillary is good with horses and even better with people. Unfortunately, her sunshine personality wasn’t enough for Donovan Arlington—the man she’s dated for two years. When Donovan announces his engagement after a mere two weeks of dating another woman, Sonora loses her level thinking. She answers a bizarre ad, agreeing to move and marry the stiff and grumpy man she’s to work for. At least it’s only temporary. And surely living so far away—not to mention being married—will help her put away the ache of Donovan’s betrayal.

After the tourist season, Taylor and Sanora will both have what they wanted, and with a clean annulment, they’ll go their separate ways . . . unless God can change their hearts and minds.

*****
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.

351 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2024

254 people are currently reading
131 people want to read

About the author

Jennifer Rodewald

40 books403 followers
Jennifer Rodewald is passionate about the Word of God and the powerful vehicle of story. Four kids and her own personal superman make her home in southwestern Nebraska delightfully chaotic.

Born in Colorado, she experienced both the seclusion of rugged mountain living and the busy streets of a Denver suburb during her growing up years. Somewhere in the middle of college, she married a Husker and found her way back to the quiet lifestyle of a rural area, which suits just fine.

Blessed with a robust curiosity, Jen loves to research. Whether she’s investigating the history of a given area, the biography of a Christian icon, or how nature declares the glory of God, her daily goal is to learn something new. Aiming to live with boundless enthusiasm, her creed is vision, pursuit, and excellence.

Jen lives and writes in a lovely speck of a town where she watches with amazement while her children grow up way too fast, gardens, and marvels at God’s mighty hand in everyday life.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
419 (78%)
4 stars
90 (16%)
3 stars
21 (3%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,864 reviews204 followers
October 9, 2024
I enjoyed this modern day marriage of convenience story. Taylor and Sanora had both experienced betrayal and had been hurt by the actions of those they cared about. They both also allowed their walk with God to stall as they dealt with the pain that these betrayals brought.

It was interesting to see that even though Sanora had also been betrayed, she still tried to have a sunny outlook. She was so sweet in the way that she worked to connect with Taylor and tried every day to get him to smile. Taylor, on the other hand, pretty much folded in on himself after experiencing betrayal. He became grumpier by the day.

I thought that the way these two began to connect felt very realistic. It was not overwhelming and sudden, even though there was an attraction. But they slowly got to know each other and grew to care for each other. Yet, they needed to get themselves right with God and and also address Taylor’s fear of rejection and abandonment, which was a stumbling block for him.

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

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Ashley.
1,169 reviews44 followers
October 2, 2024
This was another stellar romance from Jennifer Rodewald. She always delivers a soul-stirring, faith-filled swoonworthy romance, and this was no different. I loved every second of it.

I really liked Taylor. He was a bit of a grump, but he had a kind soul beneath all that gruffness. I just wanted to give him a hug. Sonora was fierce, strong, and sassy despite recent heartache. They were both at low points in their lives when they first met, but despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, I thought they were the perfect pair. I loved their banter. I enjoyed watching them get to know each other and learn to trust God again after heartbreaking disappointment.

I don’t usually see many contemporary marriage of convenience stories, so I really enjoyed that. I thought it was so well done here. The grumpy-sunshine trope is my favorite, and this has to be one of the best I’ve read.

If you’re looking for a swoonworthy romance with a strong message of faith, you’re sure to love this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Jaycies.
30 reviews
October 4, 2024
This was the first book I've read by this author, and it certainly will not be the last. The book consists mainly of two people, Taylor and Sonora. Taylor is a silent, sometimes grumpy man, who runs his family's carriage business. He carries around some misunderstandings and family hurts that keeps him wanting to stay distant from any relationship, except for his best friend, Curtis.

Sonora has been badly hurt by Donovan, who she was with for two years and felt that he was "the one". However, his betrayal sent her leaving town to start a new life, which just happens to mean working for Taylor.

When I have finished with a book, there are questions I present to myself:

*Is the story believable?
*Is the story told in such a way to keep my interest and attention?
*Does the story speak to me in such a way I can relate?

To all of these questions, it was yes!

The story spoke of those times when we have all run ahead with a decision without first praying about it or giving it to God. After all, we know what we're doing, right? And then when it doesn't turn out as we had thought it would, God makes something beautiful of our mistakes; something far greater than our own goals and desires.

I found myself pondering my own life when I finished with a section. Sometimes it was a paragraph, sometimes a chapter and sometimes just a few words. I found there were many times when it spoke to me in such a way that I was encouraged; a reminder that God is always with us and has plans for us so much greater than we can imagine!

Another aspect of this book that I appreciated; you knew the characters loved each other but there was no spice! Nothing that I wouldn't want my teenage granddaughters to read. The characters weren't perfect; they were human and made their mistakes but, in the end, their relationship with God was strengthened. As ours should always be.

Thank you, Jennifer Rodewald, for giving us a wholesome and enjoyable book! I personally am anxious to read another book from this Christian author.

Highly recommend.
992 reviews32 followers
October 10, 2024
When Sonora's boyfriend dumps her and within weeks announces his wedding to the boss' daughter, she knows it's time to leave the ranch. And an advertisement for a job that would be perfect for her just happens to present itself to her at the exact right time. The only catch? She has to marry her new boss. Taylor is dedicated to carrying on his family legacy, even if it means he'll have to marry in a hurry. Sonora might be perfect for the job, but for the odd attraction he feels - and both have declared this a temporary, in-name-only marriage, with love not an option. But maybe God has something else in mind, if only they'll learn to truly trust him...

A heart-warming and inspiring story, full of reminders of God's goodness, our frequent failures, and the amazing opportunity we're given to receive forgiveness and help. It grabbed me right from the start and held me throughout, right through to the surprisingly perfect ending. (Why surprisingly? I'm not sure - maybe it just wasn't quite what I expected, but was so much better?) I really enjoyed getting to know both Taylor and Sonora, though it was good to see very little of Donovan! I'm not quite sure what to make of Gretta, but I'd love to see both her and Curtis get their own stories. All in all, a great read and a delightful addition to the series - 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.
299 reviews4 followers
September 8, 2024
As expected from this author, this is an amazing story filled with relatable characters working through this complex crazy thing called life. Sonora and Taylor have known disappointment in each of their lives. Parents have behaved out of the expected norm and love relationships haven’t held true to promise. Even God has not seemed to step in to stop the pain. When these two meet they are each at a low point in life, presumably running headlong into a complicated situation without proper forethought. There are ups and downs before they come to a point of trusting the Creator for their past, the present and the future. What a lovely story! So many memorable moments but perhaps one of my favorites is when Sonora’s estimation of Taylor soars: “Could there be a more attractive thing in a man than a heart bent before God?” Oh my! I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for JaneReads.
972 reviews111 followers
October 28, 2025
We are following two characters who have both experienced betrayal and were hurt by those they cared for, but their response was different. One tried to keep a positive outlook and sunny deposition and the other began to keep others at arms length and became grumpy. These two get together in an unconventional way and I found myself quickly cheering for them to grow in love with each other and was looking forward to seeing it develop. I was not disappointed. However this was more than a romance story it was also about rediscovering faith and learning to trust and depend on God to provide. I really enjoyed the church scenes with the preacher sharing and the characters really thinking about the sermons. I could have spent so much more time with these characters. This was a 4.5 star read for me.
Profile Image for My Introvert Bookish Life.
751 reviews37 followers
November 9, 2025
Curiosity that led to an astounding read!

I enjoyed this way more than I anticipated. I grabbed this on a whim and found it utterly captivating and it held a beautiful message for believers who have fallen away from a relationship with God. I loved the premise of a marriage of convenience and the Grumpy/Sunshine trope, I was curious to see how that would work in a Christian romance- it worked exceedingly well! The characters were very likeable. The theme of Grace was felt in the author’s writing. It goes to show that from bad situations, God led Taylor and Sonara to each other, just as He intended for them all along.
The story did not exactly end abruptly but I still wanted more.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ebook Read via KU
1,397 reviews7 followers
October 1, 2024
In this book you will read about two people drawn together by misfortunes in their lives. Taylor is a quiet man who is confronted by Gretta about a clause in his contract. Sonora is a hard worker who is fired because of her ex boyfriend and his decisions. When Curtis places a ad for a wife who has experience with horses Sonora replies. When Sonora goes to Shore View Palace she is concerned about the attitude of the man she is supposed to marry. Taylor is shocked at the way Sonora looks and he doesn’t think she can handle the position. Can these two make this work out? The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,657 reviews65 followers
October 9, 2024
“The man I spoke to said if you judged a man’s heart by the way he treated his animals, yours was pure.”

This was such a fun romance. Two strangers, who’ve been injured in love before, come together in a marriage of convenience. Their moments together were so perfect. Sweet and sassy and just feel good. This Christian romance takes place on an island in the Great Lakes. There is tourism, horses, humor, and healing. I found myself smiling so much and just wanting to bask in their interactions all the more.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
76 reviews
October 11, 2024
Great Christian novel with a splendid setting, attractive protagonists, and a good story line but I was most impressed by how well Ms. Rodewald set up the marriage of convenience trope and then took the time to show the characters' growing feelings maturing based on more than physical characteristics and attraction. This is a story where character awakens and faith is restored. It's a welcome antidote to my discouragement with superficial relationships and shallow ties so prevalent in the romance genre. Well written and thought provoking. I don't do five stars unless a book is genius level but this one is close.
133 reviews
October 11, 2024
Learning to Love

This book really is Taylor and Sonora’s story. A few of the characters from the first three books get a very brief mention. There is little of the warm culture of the island that I fell in love with in book one. And again in book three but the book does expand on a business that is often mentioned in the earlier books. It also gives a brief look interior of the island, away from the tourist town. I predict that you will fall in love with Sonora and Taylor’s best friend Curtis from the beginning. I loved the very unconventional story that Jennifer Rodweld writes.
16 reviews
October 12, 2024
Loved it!

Jennifer is a very gifted writer and this is a truly beautiful story with lovable characters and engaging, clean romance! (Great chemistry between the two main characters!) I especially loved Taylor as the “brooding man” and the way he came to care so fiercely for Sonora. And best of all, I loved that Biblical truth was presented in a clear and beautiful way, as Taylor and Sonora turned to the Lord for healing from their pasts and hope for their future! Thank you Jennifer, for always pointing us to Christ in your stories! They entertain, but more importantly, minister to hearts.
Profile Image for Courtney Clark.
706 reviews109 followers
October 20, 2024
Running Into Forever is an exemplary interpretation of a believable contemporary marriage of convenience. Author Jennifer Rodewald explores depths of integrity, honor, and faithfulness in unexpected ways between the quiet hero and the lovable heroine. Through each point of view, the story unfolds with an idyllic island on the Great Lakes. My favorite aspect of the story is how Taylor and Sonora both appreciate and seek an intentional existence. Of course, I also enjoyed how their opposite personalities played out into some fun moments (blushes and some great "my wife" lines) and a meaningful, faith-centered romance.
119 reviews
June 6, 2025
I am reading this book becuase I decided to read the "Love on Sanctuary Shores" series. This is the second book that I have read in the series and I really enjoyed it!! The tropes are "Grumpy/Sunshine" and a modern day "Marriage of Convenience" . I was really invested in the main characters, Taylor and Senora and the book made me care about what happened to them. The book was a clean romace with only sweet kisses. I loved that there were strong Christian threads with accurate spiritual truths embedded in the story. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely read other books by her.
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
2,847 reviews29 followers
September 13, 2024
Sonora and Taylor are definitely opposites in disposition, but that's by design. They are similar, too. Both have been hurt and are afraid to trust. Both are good with animals and trustworthy workers.

They are also attracted to each other. Which could be a problem.

The characters were very well done. Their worries were relatable, and I loved the story.

This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
10 reviews
September 20, 2024
Jennifer Rodewald has the ability to make a book interesting and inspiring at the same time. I enjoy the way she describes the area the characters live in. I am very impressed with her style of writing. Every character of every book has his/her own unique personality. This was no exception. You will definitely want to read the story of Taylor and Sonora. They are so different and yet so much of their lives are similar. Great book! I couldn't put it down!
12 reviews
October 21, 2024
Another “Best Yet”

Well, ladies. You’ve done it again. As I finish each (eagerly awaited) book in this series, my first thought is, “This is my favorite so far!” They are ALL my favorites. Yes, God does give grace on grace. Every book has so much of God’s love, guidance and my favorite, patience. Thank God he has always been patient with me and I am a slow learner. I can hardly wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
1,114 reviews47 followers
November 2, 2024
I enjoyed reading Running into Forever. Taylor and Sorona both face betrayal and disappointments, which also affect their relationships with God. They also experience some difficulties in their marriage of convenience and must work on resolving strained family relationships. How they met is a gradual unfolding as they took time to get to know each other. It didn't feel rushed. If you enjoy grumpy/sunshine and marriage of conscience with faith elements, this is a great story.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,583 reviews
October 11, 2024
I enjoyed this latest addition to the Love on Sanctuary Shores series. The marriage of convenience trope is handled well. The pairing of a grumpy introvert with a sweet and sunny extrovert is fun to read about. I want to read more about these characters! I stayed up way to late reading this book.
173 reviews3 followers
December 10, 2024
Marriage of Convenience

I love marriage of convenience stories because it's so fun to watch love grow in unexpected places, often unobtrusively (Taylor would fully appreciate that word!) This story is no exception! I don't want to spoil this for you, but the part at the almost end of the story... so precious and perfect! You'll have to read it to find out! So good!
95 reviews
February 26, 2025
Story of marriage of convenience after they both been through difficult heartbreaks. There is great chemistry between Taylor and Sonora as they work through this arrangement. This story will hold your interest. I like how you weave the gospel story through out this book. First book by this author and look forward to reading more stories by her.
Profile Image for CindyG.
75 reviews
May 14, 2025
4th in Love on Sanctuary Shores series. Taylor needs a wife to keep his job? Why not place an ad for one? Sonora is a horsewoman and just got jilted by her ex and her job! Sounds like a match? This one will keep you guessing to the end! Love love Jennifer Rodewald’s writings, so much of the Christian life and faith woven in. So far, this is my favorite book in the series!
1,826 reviews24 followers
September 26, 2024
I can really relate to Taylor, since he is a lot like my husband. When we keep loving no matter how high someone's walls stand, we might find a precious person. Running is only good if two people are running into forever. Very well done!
12 reviews
October 12, 2024
Exquisite

Wow! What a glorious read. Once again Jennifer didn't disappoint with this book. Couldn't put it down until I have finished it. Shows again why she is one of my favourite authors. Well done.
Profile Image for Marion Moxhay.
219 reviews
October 15, 2024
Things started in a fog of depression and through the strangest of reasons to committed anti-relationship folks. Fell into each others paths and their lives changed forever.
I had a free copy of this book to give my honest review.
32 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2024
Such tenderness and so much fun.

This is the fourth book in the series and the best one yet. It was filled with so much tenderness. There were heartaches, but redemption and forgiveness. And by the end, I had happy tears running down my checks.
52 reviews
October 22, 2024
Healing Love

This was a challenge, I’d imagine, to write a contemporary story of a marriage of convenience. But if anyone could do it, Jennifer Rodewald could - she did it with grace and faith! A sweet story of discovering love, forgiveness and healing.
506 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2024
I thought Taylor's heart would never soften.

Sonora held a lot of hope for her contract groom, and he seemed a terror on the surface. There was a lot of healing necessary before they could come to an understanding.
Profile Image for Jeannette Harbottle.
714 reviews10 followers
October 26, 2024
God will provide

I really enjoyed the way the characters are developed and the way that they allow God to shape them when they honestly acknowledge their need of Him. A thought provoking and sweet romance.

29 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2024
True love is worth pursuing.

Why do you want to know the ending, and when you get there you don't want the story to end. This story grabbed my interest. I could not put the book down. Thank you for weaving the gospel story into your narrative. God is good!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.