What do you think?
Rate this book
Intended For Her #2
Kept for Her
Secrets ~ Were they truly KEPT FOR HER?
Dr. Cameron (Cam) Reynolds has a secret he is keeping tucked away, so his sister's laughter will not be silenced. His life revolves around his extended family, the OB/GYN practice, and the horse breeding business enterprise he is building up to honor his parents. Cam believes no woman will want him and thinks he has no need for one in his very busy life.
Dr. Georgianna (George) Zeller has a secret she is keeping tucked inside rather than allowing it to taint how others may see her. She lives in a small Michigan village, works with her veterinarian uncle to pacify her former aspiration to practice equine medicine on a Kentucky horse farm, and plans to breed breed her horses.
Holding onto secrets, Cam watches his plans take a slight detour, while George senses hers going awry again.
Is it possible they might find a God-purposed way of releasing their secrets and allow Him to lead them to joy in their respective journeys?
Dr. Cameron (Cam) Reynolds has a secret he is keeping tucked away, so his sister's laughter will not be silenced. His life revolves around his extended family, the OB/GYN practice, and the horse breeding business enterprise he is building up to honor his parents. Cam believes no woman will want him and thinks he has no need for one in his very busy life.
Dr. Georgianna (George) Zeller has a secret she is keeping tucked inside rather than allowing it to taint how others may see her. She lives in a small Michigan village, works with her veterinarian uncle to pacify her former aspiration to practice equine medicine on a Kentucky horse farm, and plans to breed breed her horses.
Holding onto secrets, Cam watches his plans take a slight detour, while George senses hers going awry again.
Is it possible they might find a God-purposed way of releasing their secrets and allow Him to lead them to joy in their respective journeys?
- GenresInspirational
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2024
10 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
Joy Avery Melville
3 books91 followersJoy Avery Melville’s heart’s desire is to be the author God has called her to be by sharing Him with readers in such a way they long to have a deeply committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.
Fully intending to write Historical Romance—had in fact— she didn’t want to deviate from that. God had different plans for that ‘call’ He’d made on her life back in 1967. A mere eighth grader at the time, she had no clue about the topics she’d be drawn to write about.
Surrendering to the genre God placed on her heart has given Joy new insight into the hearts and lives of those who too often hurt in silence.
The settings of Joy’s books are near where she lives in Schoolcraft, Michigan with her husband of 51 years and their Yorkie, Is-A-Bella Bindi, (Is-a-beautiful little girl) who thinks she’s really a miniature German Shepherd.
Joy loves to hear from readers. She can be contacted through her website, Facebook, or by email, and she also has a presence on X (formerly Twitter).
Fully intending to write Historical Romance—had in fact— she didn’t want to deviate from that. God had different plans for that ‘call’ He’d made on her life back in 1967. A mere eighth grader at the time, she had no clue about the topics she’d be drawn to write about.
Surrendering to the genre God placed on her heart has given Joy new insight into the hearts and lives of those who too often hurt in silence.
The settings of Joy’s books are near where she lives in Schoolcraft, Michigan with her husband of 51 years and their Yorkie, Is-A-Bella Bindi, (Is-a-beautiful little girl) who thinks she’s really a miniature German Shepherd.
Joy loves to hear from readers. She can be contacted through her website, Facebook, or by email, and she also has a presence on X (formerly Twitter).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 7, 2025
beauty in scars
This book is loaded! I love the way we can apply God's Word to everything in our lives, including absolutely horrible trauma . I learned from this story that scars may remind us of tragic things, but there just might be beauty in them as well. Very good!
This book is loaded! I love the way we can apply God's Word to everything in our lives, including absolutely horrible trauma . I learned from this story that scars may remind us of tragic things, but there just might be beauty in them as well. Very good!
January 4, 2025
Loved this book!! Cam and George meet when she moves to Michigan to join her uncle's vet practice. They've known of each other for about a year. Now, she's been in a bad accident, and Candi has asked her to stay at Cam's while she recuperates, so that Candi can help her, as Candi and her daughter Cami live with Cam. George agrees, though she's doubtful that it's going to work out. The more they all get to know each other, the more George fits in with their family. Cam and George both have secrets, and little by little they both open up about them. Cam's biggest secret is one he doesn't want Candi to remember. When she does, and asks more questions, he tells her that is on a need to know basis, and she doesn't need to know. When Cam realizes he loves George, he knows he has to share that secret with her. What he doesn't know is how she will react, and he's not sure he wants to find out. I love how Cam, Candi, and Mack all rely on God's leading, and that George learns to do the same thing. I love that all of them talk about the experiences with God, their journey with Him, and all read His word.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
December 8, 2024
Wonderful!
This was a beautiful follow-up to the first novel in the series, and it was heartwarming to see Mack and Candi get their HEA after all they went through in book 1. I appreciate that this is written as a saga, even though it can be read as a standalone, because her characters become so real, it was almost like revisiting old friends.
As always, a faith-forward message kept this story full of light, despite the dark topics broached. I appreciate Melville's ability to see through people's pain, right into the heart of the matter, and show them the way to peace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to finding out what the author has in store for Dr. Paul. Highly recommend to those who enjoy Christian women's fiction and Christian romance.
This was a beautiful follow-up to the first novel in the series, and it was heartwarming to see Mack and Candi get their HEA after all they went through in book 1. I appreciate that this is written as a saga, even though it can be read as a standalone, because her characters become so real, it was almost like revisiting old friends.
As always, a faith-forward message kept this story full of light, despite the dark topics broached. I appreciate Melville's ability to see through people's pain, right into the heart of the matter, and show them the way to peace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and look forward to finding out what the author has in store for Dr. Paul. Highly recommend to those who enjoy Christian women's fiction and Christian romance.
December 25, 2024
Are you a fan of sweet, heartfelt romances set against the backdrop of rural life, with faith and redemption intertwined in every chapter? If so, Kept for Her by Joy Avery Melville is the perfect choice for you. This touching story weaves together themes of love, trust, and spiritual growth, creating a romance that speaks directly to readers with a strong Christian faith.
The story introduces us to Dr. Georgianna (George) Zeller, a spirited and intelligent veterinarian whose past is shadowed by pain and secrets she struggles to leave behind. Her journey toward healing and hope is as inspiring as it is emotional. On the other side of the narrative is Dr. Cameron (Cam) Reynolds, a man whose carefree attitude toward relationships hides a heart burdened by family secrets and unspoken pain. Both characters are compellingly flawed, yet their resilience and faith make them relatable and endearing.
What will it take for these two determined, compassionate souls to overcome their personal barriers and embrace the possibility of love? The answer lies in a series of unexpected events that challenge them to confront their fears and open their hearts—not just to each other, but to the divine guidance shaping their paths.
With its tender storytelling, engaging characters, and meaningful spiritual undercurrents, Kept for Her is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys romantic tales that nurture both the heart and the soul.
The story introduces us to Dr. Georgianna (George) Zeller, a spirited and intelligent veterinarian whose past is shadowed by pain and secrets she struggles to leave behind. Her journey toward healing and hope is as inspiring as it is emotional. On the other side of the narrative is Dr. Cameron (Cam) Reynolds, a man whose carefree attitude toward relationships hides a heart burdened by family secrets and unspoken pain. Both characters are compellingly flawed, yet their resilience and faith make them relatable and endearing.
What will it take for these two determined, compassionate souls to overcome their personal barriers and embrace the possibility of love? The answer lies in a series of unexpected events that challenge them to confront their fears and open their hearts—not just to each other, but to the divine guidance shaping their paths.
With its tender storytelling, engaging characters, and meaningful spiritual undercurrents, Kept for Her is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys romantic tales that nurture both the heart and the soul.
December 12, 2024
Joy Avery Melville’s fiction story, Kept for Her, bravely delves into some of the darkest topics women face.The author’s heart is in not only exposing the things that happen, but in showing God’s path to healing. None of her characters make it through this story without having a profound change for the better. She also shows the reader that woman with different personalities react to trauma in different ways and indeed they do not always react to help alike.
The heroes in Kept for Her are easily some of the most sensitive, considerate, and likable men you will ever meet in story form. Melville shows the reader how friend groups work together to help each other. Kept for Her follows Meant for Her with just enough of Candi’s story that we don’t have to race back to check the first book. I love how Candi uses her own growth to help Georgianna find her way through scripture. The friendship that develops between the women starts out tentative and becomes strong by the end of the story.
My only objection is that had I read Note to the Reader before reading the story, I would have understood Georgianna’s situation better. I suggest to new readers that you skip to the end and read this short section first for a richer read. All in all, Kept for Her is a deep Christian read with lots of meaning, good examples of faith, and of character.
The heroes in Kept for Her are easily some of the most sensitive, considerate, and likable men you will ever meet in story form. Melville shows the reader how friend groups work together to help each other. Kept for Her follows Meant for Her with just enough of Candi’s story that we don’t have to race back to check the first book. I love how Candi uses her own growth to help Georgianna find her way through scripture. The friendship that develops between the women starts out tentative and becomes strong by the end of the story.
My only objection is that had I read Note to the Reader before reading the story, I would have understood Georgianna’s situation better. I suggest to new readers that you skip to the end and read this short section first for a richer read. All in all, Kept for Her is a deep Christian read with lots of meaning, good examples of faith, and of character.
December 18, 2024
Kept for Her is a contemporary Christian romance with cowboys, veterinarians, and a lot of grit. It’s book two in Melville’s Intended for Her series. It does work as a standalone, but I recommend reading the first book (Meant for Her) prior to this one because there are shared characters, and past events are referred to.
Georgianna (George) is a tomboy and a veterinarian and loves horses. I adored her character. She proves that a woman can avoid dresses and makeup and still be 100 percent beautiful and comfortable in her womanhood. Cam is a medical doctor, and he's a horse breeder. Cam is so kind, and he is especially patient with George when she is injured.
Melville is so good with settings. In the story, it's winter in Michigan, and I felt the ice under my boots and the whip of windblown snow against my face (all while reading at home tucked under a cozy throw).
Horse enthusiasts will be holding their breath to see what happens to George's stallion, and that’s all you get from me about the horse (no spoilers).
As far as the Christian aspect goes, readers hear the prayers of characters and understand their choices based on difficult pasts or Biblical wisdom (or both). We see the Bible verses that God uses to comfort or guide characters. It’s all done so naturally, not preachy at all but like good friends talking about faith.
Kept for Her is a little long for my tastes, so I knocked off half a star. But take that with a grain of salt because what I find wordy another reader may find deeply meaningful.
The end is satisfying, but doesn’t quite go where I thought it would. There’s an opening for book three! Overall, a sweet, romantic story perfect for winter. 4.5 wonderful stars!
Georgianna (George) is a tomboy and a veterinarian and loves horses. I adored her character. She proves that a woman can avoid dresses and makeup and still be 100 percent beautiful and comfortable in her womanhood. Cam is a medical doctor, and he's a horse breeder. Cam is so kind, and he is especially patient with George when she is injured.
Melville is so good with settings. In the story, it's winter in Michigan, and I felt the ice under my boots and the whip of windblown snow against my face (all while reading at home tucked under a cozy throw).
Horse enthusiasts will be holding their breath to see what happens to George's stallion, and that’s all you get from me about the horse (no spoilers).
As far as the Christian aspect goes, readers hear the prayers of characters and understand their choices based on difficult pasts or Biblical wisdom (or both). We see the Bible verses that God uses to comfort or guide characters. It’s all done so naturally, not preachy at all but like good friends talking about faith.
Kept for Her is a little long for my tastes, so I knocked off half a star. But take that with a grain of salt because what I find wordy another reader may find deeply meaningful.
The end is satisfying, but doesn’t quite go where I thought it would. There’s an opening for book three! Overall, a sweet, romantic story perfect for winter. 4.5 wonderful stars!
February 9, 2025
This was the first book I’ve read centered around equine life. It’s unique. I love horses, so this intrigued me. The main character, George, (Georgianna), is inspired by someone the author knew. She’s an equine veterinarian, and two other characters are as well. Delving deeper into the inner mindset of George and her intrapersonal relationship struggles, readers discover major trauma in her life. Two siblings, Candi and Cam, also have endured trauma and challenges. Readers who enjoy relationship tangles, a psychological bent, and inner dialogue with prayer to deal with making progress out of pain will find plenty of it in this story.
February 13, 2025
Great writing with a distinctive voice. The main characters, Dr. Georgiana Zeller and Dr. Cameron Reynolds, are about as different as two people could be. Only their mutual love for horses brings them together, and then God begins to work from there.
In the beginning, there’s not much to like about the questionable heroine, who answers to George rather than her proper first name. She’s a bit “rough around the edges” despite her advanced degree. In contrast, Cam Reynolds is a caring physician and dedicated Christian who cares deeply for his sister, niece, and friends. How God uses a series of mishaps to do a work in both Georgiana and Cam makes this an unforgettable story.
In the beginning, there’s not much to like about the questionable heroine, who answers to George rather than her proper first name. She’s a bit “rough around the edges” despite her advanced degree. In contrast, Cam Reynolds is a caring physician and dedicated Christian who cares deeply for his sister, niece, and friends. How God uses a series of mishaps to do a work in both Georgiana and Cam makes this an unforgettable story.
December 20, 2024
Amazing story!
Sleepless night and a box of tissues – guaranteed! I’ve enjoyed every page of this book.
In this sweet story that tugs on the heartstrings, author pens a tale of the unfailing grace, the depth of God’s love, and the journey to forgiveness and healing. It is a captivating read with a flawed characters that you can’t help but love.
Sleepless night and a box of tissues – guaranteed! I’ve enjoyed every page of this book.
In this sweet story that tugs on the heartstrings, author pens a tale of the unfailing grace, the depth of God’s love, and the journey to forgiveness and healing. It is a captivating read with a flawed characters that you can’t help but love.
January 29, 2025
One of the most moving stories of my year. Building on book 1, the story of Tex and Georianna is amazing. His sacrifice of love for his sister is incredible. Filed with scripture and love this story of grace and God's faithfulness is also filled with trials and struggles. There are more deeply moving issues of abuse that might be triggers for some.i was blessed to read these books.
February 10, 2025
Joy's book offers God's hope for her characters beyond their deep wounds and the traumatic experiences they've endured. The characters' faith journeys and the beautiful new beginnings God orchestrates for each of them are a blessing to watch unfold.
I've been aware of Friesian horses for many years but knew little about them. It was an added treat to learn more.
I've been aware of Friesian horses for many years but knew little about them. It was an added treat to learn more.
February 11, 2025
Good Story
I enjoyed the story of Cam and Georgianna and their friends. The romance is nice and the horse facts interesting. It is a very Christian book.
I enjoyed the story of Cam and Georgianna and their friends. The romance is nice and the horse facts interesting. It is a very Christian book.
February 20, 2025
Sweet faith-filled romance
What a great, clean, sweet, and adventurous romance. Melville has woven faith throughout the story in such a great way!
What a great, clean, sweet, and adventurous romance. Melville has woven faith throughout the story in such a great way!
March 1, 2025
I loved this book by Joy Avery Melville! I have not yet read Meant For Her—book one, but am looking forward to doing so. That being said, you can read book 2 even if you haven’t read book one. It’s a beautiful story of redemption, friendship, and love.
March 4, 2025
What a beautiful story of facing our fears and finding true mercy and grace. Cam and Georgianna both learn to face their fears and let God lead them in facing them. Gladly recommend this book.
February 28, 2025
So believable!
Melville keeps her readers involved in this entertaining book describing the heartaches and struggles of two people who were scarred for life in their past. The insecurities that still pervade their lives are only overcome through God’s mercies and blessings. A great read for horse lovers.
Melville keeps her readers involved in this entertaining book describing the heartaches and struggles of two people who were scarred for life in their past. The insecurities that still pervade their lives are only overcome through God’s mercies and blessings. A great read for horse lovers.
March 2, 2025
If you love animals, enjoy reading books about realistic characters trying to find their way in life, and want to cheer for those who help others, then this is a book for you. Characters have a backstory of wounds and it’s a joy to experience them finding their path to happiness in this novel of transformation. Even with the serious nature of traumatic experiences and past hurts, the novel is threaded with Christian messages that are uplifting.
January 7, 2026
Kept for Her is a moving story with extremely well-developed characters. When most of a book takes place in one house, the characters have to drive the story, and that was certainly the case here. The book reads as a standalone. I haven’t read book 1, and I admit, it took me a while to keep the characters straight, mostly because they are referred to by several names (Dr. Reynolds, Cam, and Tex, for one), but once I got further into the story, it was all resolved in my head. My favorite thing about the story (other than the amazing characters) was the dialogue the characters had with God. They all struggled with their own unique challenges and felt comfortable being honest with God. I loved the way the author showed this dialogue along with scriptural responses from God. While George had a tough home life and had new struggles to adapt to in this story, God shows how much He cares for her by placing her in the perfect place for her to be cared for by exactly the people she needed in her life. We should all be so blessed to have people like Cam, Candi, and Mack in our lives.
Kept for Her is a contemporary story, but except for the occasional mention of cell phones and the use of cars/trucks, this could just as easily be a historical novel, so will appeal to both the fan of contemporary and historical fiction. This book is perfect for the Christian reader looking to be encouraged in their faith.
Kept for Her is a contemporary story, but except for the occasional mention of cell phones and the use of cars/trucks, this could just as easily be a historical novel, so will appeal to both the fan of contemporary and historical fiction. This book is perfect for the Christian reader looking to be encouraged in their faith.
December 27, 2025
Beautiful story. Flawed people who are touched by Jesus. The depth of the characters makes you feel like you are in the family room with them. The ins and outs of life and how Jesus love can change someone. Great detail. I will miss them.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews