A Montana-Sized Secret

by Allie Pleiter

Can she trust him again

For the sake of their baby?

Returning to High Mountain pregnant is not the fresh start Carly Davis imagined—nor is telling Jack Peters he’s the father. And with Jack in the early stages of addiction recovery, she questions if he can handle being a parent. But Jack is determined to show that he’s changed, and a chance to prove himself arises when they must care for a litter of rescued baby bunnies. Trust slowly builds between them again, but as unexpected news threatens their fragile bond, can they overcome the uncertainties to be the family they both need?

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Three Sisters Rescue Farm

Book 1: A Montana-Sized Secret

Genres: Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Love Inspired, Contemporary

203 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 29, 2025

About the author

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Well, Allie Pleiter has done it again. Beautifully wrecked me when I least expected it. I mean… it’s not that I wasn’t bracing for it. Every single one of her Love Inspired romances has deeply touched my heart at some point in the story, and given the unplanned pregnancy and the addiction struggles and that ominous ‘unexpected news’ in this book blurb I knew A Montana-Sized Secret would be powerful. And it IS. As well as being super tender and sweet and swoony. But I was not expecting the scene that made the tears flow this time to be the one that did. (For those that have read it, all I’ll say is ‘Bible study group’. Wow. I’m still thinking about those holy moments.) Pleiter has such a talent for capturing the intersection of life’s messiness and God’s grace, and Carly & Jack’s story affords her the perfect opportunity to do so.

Carly Davis thought she’d left High Mountain behind her but now here she is – back home, unemployed, pregnant, and unmarried. Jack Peters, her ex and the father of her baby, is an alcoholic newly in recovery, so she is hesitant to tell him about the baby just yet. And what will her mom, her aunts, and the rest of their small town think when they find out? To say that she’s dealing with some complex emotions would be an understatement, and the author did a wonderful job of weaving this all together in a way that had me immediately caring about Carly & invested in the outcome. Carly’s winsome personality makes her easy to love too, even with all that’s weighing on her shoulders. Jack took me a bit longer to warm up to, but I think that’s probably intentional on the author’s part. He’s been a charmer for so long and has spent years hiding his addiction, so stripping away the facade required some patience… but oh my heart, it’s more than worth it. (Ok… if I’m being honest, he won me over with the gardening lesson; I just wasn’t ready to admit it yet haha)

By the way, Carly’s mom is one of the three sisters who started the Three Sisters Rescue Farm we learned about in the adorably endearing Rescue on the Farm, and I enjoyed getting to know this member of the trio a bit more too. Her wisdom, compassion, and tenderness regarding all Carly is facing (once she knows about it) were refreshing to read, and I loved her approach to the whole situation. Don’t get me wrong though – it is not smooth sailing for Carly & Jack, despite her mom’s support. Small towns tend to keep long records of failures and mistakes, and addiction is an agonizing roller coaster ride. Pleiter handles these obstacles and others with gentle honesty and – blessedly – without feeling the need to make everything perfect by the end. I think sometimes it’s tempting for certain readers to dismiss the Love Inspired line as fluffy reads without much depth because of the shorter page count, but at least when Allie Pleiter is at the helm nothing could be further from the truth.

Bottom Line: Come for the romance in A Montana-Sized Secret (and the cute bunnies), but stay for the depth. This new Three Sisters Rescue Farm novel is another prime example of Allie Pleiter’s heartfelt storytelling and grace-attuned insight. Carly and Jack have a past that needs redeeming, a present that needs restoring, and a future that needs refining, and readers will find themselves rooting for these two to figure things out. Jack’s journey to sobriety is an emotional one (I may have even found myself praying for him a couple of times before I remembered that he’s a fictional character), and Carly’s pregnancy is as well (yep, prayed for her too while I was at it lol) – and all of the above makes this little book such a meaningful read. But there are also moments of well-timed adorableness, humor, and swooniness as well as a handful of supporting characters that made me smile… and bunnies. I can’t forget those precious baby bunnies!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first novel I have read by this author - and there definitely will be more. I was concerned I have not red any of the other stories in the series but it is fine as a stand alone novel.

Great beach read for a nice story about a nice couple who just want to work things out.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book has been added to the Three Series Rescue Farm series. A Montana Sized Secret is a must read for sure. I found it a great addition to the series but it would work well as a stand alone also.

This second chance romance between Carly and Jack is set in small town High Mountain. Like all small towns High Mountain has its share of gossips, buried secrets and folks overly critical of others. More importantly it has a backbone of strong faith, family, and love to share. Will the town rally around Jack as he battles alcoholism or will its judgment make him backslide? How about Carly? She has returned home after leaving with a broken heart 3 months ago. Her return is complicated by her secret of being pregnant. How will her family and town react? This book is a must read to see if Carly and Jack can learn to forgive each other and trust God to provide what they need when they need it.

This book is a great read I couldn’t put down. I finished it in one setting. The book speaks so well of Gods love and presence. I loved the patience and strength shown in the book along with God’s unwavering guidance.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this heartfelt and touching story. Serious and hard topics were discussed and handled with grace.

Jack had a lot to make up for, a lot of apologies and mending of relationships to do. I appreciated the fact that he owned up to his mistakes and was trying to make amends. It was good to see him actively trying to be a better man.

Carly had a lot to deal with. There were a lot of things weighing heavily on her mind. The worry of judgment from friends, family, the small town she lived in, her fractured relationship with Jack, and the disappointment she felt in herself. I really felt for her and was rooting her on.

I thought working together with the bunnies and then at VBS was a great way for Jack and Carly to break the ice again. I appreciated that there were some lighter moments amidst the serious topics. I thought there was a nice balance. I loved watching their faith grow and learning to lean on God.

I loved this story of second chances and new beginnings. If you’re a fan of touching, heartfelt, and emotional Christian fiction, you’ll love it too! 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.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A second chance romance in a small town, full of family relationships, heavy pasts, regrets, fears and so much hope throughout.

The first half of the book was a bit slower but the latter half picked up and I wish we got to see more of Carly and Jack. I appreciated the more balanced POV and reality checks that were sprinkled throughout the book. Life isn’t just rainbows and butterflies but you don’t have to be stuck in a negative mindset either.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter
Three Sisters Farm Series Book Two
Jack Peters messed his life up. He lost the love of his life and found himself at rock bottom. Now Carly is back, and Jack is praying for a second chance with her. He’s a different man from three months ago. His alcoholism brought him so low that he could only look up to God for help.
Carly Davis took a job in Sacramento, far enough away from Jack. She knew he had a problem with drinking, and she didn’t realize where it would lead them. After losing her job within three months and receiving other news, she could only return home to High Mountain, Montana.
As Jack and Carly each have their issues, they also recognize the need to be together to be stronger. Their battle isn’t easy, and it seems roadblocks keep popping up. Jack has become a strong believer, and Carly is now starting to find her faith again.
I love this series and its characters, both human and fluffy.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Animal Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Three Sisters Rescue Farm (Book #2)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Animal Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Three Sisters Rescue Farm (Book #2)

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Montana Sized Secret was an adorable second chance romance. Carly & Jack must overcome their past & mistakes they made in order to conquer their future together. It was a quick whirlwind love story, full of redemption and God's grace.

[Vicki F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allie Pleiter's "A Montana-Sized Secret" is an inspirational second-chances romance. Many social issues such as addiction, an unplanned pregnancy, grace, forgiveness, and reliance on faith in God abound in this novel. Issues many struggle with today as well as facing up to past mistakes and dealing with the naysayers. Pleiter dealt with these topics with sensitivity and grace.

Releases July 29th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the whole story

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Jack and Carly's story! Jack and Carly have loved each other for years. However, after they crossed the line one night, both were ashamed, and Carly decided she needed to move to start over. When she lost her job due to layoffs, she also found out she was pregnant, and went back home. Jack has been sober for about three months. He hit rock bottom after Carly left. He's trying to pick up the pieces of his life, joined AA, and has started putting his faith first in his life. Now, he'd like a second chance with Carly. When he finds out she's pregnant, he wants to be there for her and their child. Jack and Carly both come to realize that only with God and each other will they be able to become the parents their child needs them to be. Such a great story of second chances and how God is always ready to meet us where we are!

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

[Sara MG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carly has returned to her hometown after a few months away. She left partly because of her boyfriend Jack’s increasingly problematic alcoholism which contributed to the fact that she is now pregnant. Jack is on the road to recovery, having admitted his alcoholism and seeking help, but everyone knows a newly recovering person should not make major life changes, right? Unfortunately the life changes are coming in about six months, when Carly is due. The couple need to navigate their relationship, Jack’s addiction, the other folks in town (some of whom are not so great), and family. There are a lot of obstacles in their way, including their rocky past. Are they going to make it?

Thrown into the mix are some adorable bunnies and the Three Sisters Rescue Farm. It’s a good thing there were lighthearted moments with the bunnies because this book was a pretty heavy read. At one point I was close to tears reading about Jack struggling with all of his challenges and knowing he could easily “escape” to the bottle.

Thank you to Net Galley for a review copy of this book.

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Don’t tell God the size of your problem, tell your problem the size of your God.”

Allie Pleiter writes stories with heart. She uses children and animals to draw the reader into the story. How does rescuing a litter of bunnies figure into the story?This second installment of the Three Sisters Rescue Farms, deals with unplanned pregnancy, addiction, judgmental people, medical issues, and family secrets.
Carly Davis returns home jobless and pregnant. She needs to tell Jack Peters that she is having his child, but Jack has addiction problems and she isn’t sure he can handle being a father. Both feel like their fathers let them down. As the trust between them seems to be coming together again, medical news threatens to tear them apart.

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

A Montana-Sized Secret begins the Three Sisters Rescue Farm series with Carly’s and Jack’s often heart-wrenching romance, a second chance to get their love right this time. But it’s going to take faith, trust, and determination to win back the approval of their small town’s residents or to rebuild the love they shared. It’s not gone, but it is sorely in need of some tender, understanding, loving care.

Jack has made mistakes. Some larger than others, yet he’s getting himself sober, dealing with the demons within, and charting a new course with God’s help. Yet, there is an emptiness where Carly once stood in his life. If he could have another chance to win back her love, he’d never hurt her like that again.

Carly had left High Mountain, yet her heart is here in this small town full of people with faith and family… and also a long memory; some are quick to judge and condemn actions even though they should know better. She’s returned pregnant, uncertain of her future, still loving Jack, but not certain that she can trust again. Carly and Jack have a difficult journey ahead of them. Hard lessons to be learned, but with faith and each other, a lifelong future with happiness is within their grasp… if they can just trust enough to take the chance.

I loved A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter so much. While at times heartbreaking, Carly’s and Jack’s emotional journey back to each other lays bare their hearts, the townfolks’ reactions, and an emotional battle to build trust and love again. Jack has a lot to atone for, but asking for forgiveness from himself is perhaps one of the hardest things to accomplish. Watching his battle, his determination, and his changed personality was everything I could have wished for. My heart broke for Carly. She’s gone through so much, and still more to come. Trusting Jack isn’t easy, and overcoming her fear that he will hurt her again is very real.

If you love a well-written, emotionally charged second-chance romance with realistic characters who feel as real as your next-door neighbor, 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.*

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to return to Montana and Three Sisters Rescue Farm in this wonderful faith filled, second chance romance from best selling author Allie Pleiter. The second book in the series, A Montana Sized Secret brings back some favorite characters, while also introducing a few new ones, including couple Carly and Jack.

Carly and Jack split up after his drinking addiction caused them to take a step that neither were truly ready for. Now Carly's back in town, Jack's reclaimed his faith and found sobriety, and surprise, there's also a baby on the way that neither of them were expecting.

In true Allie Pleiter fashion, this ended up being a wonderful story that highlights the importance of faith no matter what we're going through, and doesn't sugarcoat the hard things that life often throws at us. Besides an unplanned pregnancy, addiction, church hurt and familial struggles all play a part in the story, and I appreciated the grace and truth with which each of these serious issues was handled. While I won't give spoilers, there's also some added struggles later on that not only made the story that much more compelling, but also taught me about certain things that I had no clue were possible.

All in all, this was a wonderful second chance romance that I had a hard time wanting to put down. I didn't love either main character for the first half of the story, but they both grew on me after that, and I was pleasantly surprised with how the author chose to wrap up their story.

The added bits about the adorable bunnies and the rescue farm were just the icing on the cake, and I'd definitely recommend this one to anyone who is looking for a clean, faith based romance to pick up this summer.

Final Rating: 4/5.



Thanks so much to the author for providing me with a copy of the novel to read and review!

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author as part of her review team Allie's Allies. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
(Three Sisters Rescue Farm Book 2
Can she trust him again
For the sake of their baby?
Returning to High Mountain pregnant is not the fresh start Carly Davis imagined—nor is telling Jack Peters he’s the father. And with Jack in the early stages of addiction recovery, she questions if he can handle being a parent. But Jack is determined to show that he’s changed, and a chance to prove himself arises when they must care for a litter of rescued baby bunnies. Trust slowly builds between them again, but as unexpected news threatens their fragile bond, can they overcome the uncertainties to be the family they both need?
This is Carly Davis and baby's story.
This is Jack Peters and baby's story.
Carly is back.
She’s holding onto a secret. To see if she can trust Jack or his newfound sobriety.
Jack’s determined to see her and make amends with the love of his life.
This book is an Uplifting story of faith, forgiveness and hope.
I recommend this book.
A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Allie Pleiter.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to return to Montana and the Three Sisters Rescue Farm. If you haven’t read the other book in this series please do. It is delightful and we see some of the same characters in this book.

A hidden pregnancy/baby really isn’t one of my favorite troupes, but author Allie Pleiter wrote this one so well that it drew me in. Because not only was Jack surprised, so was Carly.

Pleiter deals with many touchy topics besides unplanned pregnancy. Addiction recovery plays a huge part in the story; it also includes a surprise later in the book. However it’s written with grace and mercy and includes hope and forgiveness.

I enjoyed watching the relationship progress, as baby bunnies are introduced as a part of the story line. You’ll want to read A Montana-Sized Secret to see how they are involved.

Characters Carly & Jack are well developed and grow as they work on themselves and look for healing. But they learn that only with God is this possible.

If you enjoy a contemporary clean romance then I do recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allie Pleiter has become a "go-to" author for me, especially when I'm looking for a sweet romance with depth of character. A Montana-Sized Secret takes readers back to High Mountain, Montana and Three Sisters Rescue Farm, the town Carly Davis fled from after a bad breakup with Jack Peters. She can't believe she's forced to return, or that the first person she sees is Jack. His alcoholism drove them apart. Can she trust that he's changed when it's not just her heart in jeopardy? Her baby's future might just be better off without a father than with one addicted to drink.

This was a hard story to read, not because it wasn't well done - which it is - but more because of Pleiter's portrayal of Jack's struggle. Jack thinks he's got it handled, but when things go crazy sideways, he discovers that 3 months sober is nothing when put up against a lifetime. Learning that his drunken actions resulted in impending fatherhood, he's determined to be the man Carly and his child deserve, but can he hold strong when problems stack up all around him?

I loved so much about this story. The people felt real to me with real emotions and real issues. Jack has a goal and is willing to do whatever he can, including rescuing a litter of bunnies, to touch Carly's heart. Carly is wary. The men in her life have let her down. First her dad walked out when she was a child, then Jack turned into someone she didn't know anymore. Can she risk her heart and the heart of her child by letting Jack back in?

Readers who enjoy a sweet romance with all the feels should pick up A Montana-Sized Secret. There is a strong thread of faith throughout which I also appreciated.

[Amber Thiessen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carly Davis left her small town abruptly after breaking up with her boyfriend, Jack. Three months later, after losing her job, she returns home—reluctantly. When she left, Jack was deep in alcoholism, but now he's been working hard to stay sober and rebuild his life. As soon as he hears Carly is back, he’s determined to see her and make amends with the love of his life.

But Carly isn’t as open. The pain she experienced still lingers, and she’s holding onto a secret—unsure if she can trust Jack or his newfound sobriety.

What follows is a thoughtful story of restoration, charting their journey of learning to trust God, extend forgiveness, and lean into the support of community. Set in a small town where gossip spreads quickly and reputation matters—especially within the church—Jack and Carly face significant obstacles on the road to healing.

This is an insightful and tender look at a young couple learning to grow in faith and love amidst the real-life messiness of brokenness, grace, and second chances.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Dali Castillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply Touching

Carly and Jack's story is deeply touching and is so much more than a simple romance. It is about two people with a past whose mistakes have thrown huge curveballs into their lives. These mistakes play into their reestablished relationship, but the journey is far from easy. The challenges they face are sensitive and realistic, and author Allie Pleiter weaves them in flawlessly, delicately, and in such a way that made me feel everything Carly and Jack were going through.

The author also did a fantastic job with the details of the situations being dealt with, to the point that I learned some things that I had no clue were a thing. The story involves faith, trust, forgiveness, overcoming, and second chances, along with many bumps in the road. It is strongly felt and sincere, and I encourage you to read it for yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own and expressed voluntarily.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carly and Jack are facing serious life problems. Carly is without a job, family and discovers she is pregnant while single. Jack is trying to break free of the chains of alcohol and has lost the love of his life, Carly, as a result. He does find forgiveness and new life with God. Meanwhile Carly moves back home and is reaffirmed by her mother's loving support, who reminds Carly of His ability to turn everything around. She says, "'Don't tell God the size of your problem, tell your problem the size of your God."' This is a pretty amazing story of love between a couple who struggle with doubts while together determining to be the best parents possible for their child. You will be delighted with the child's name and with the way the story turns around, with God's help!
It is with much appreciation to the publishers who allowed me to read this book! The views expressed are my own personal opinions.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming and emotional second chance romance of healing.

Carly Davis didn't imagine returning home so soon and pregnant with Jack's child. Jack is in the early stages of addiction recovery, making positive choices and wants to be the best he can be to be deserving of a second chance with Carly.

Heartwarming read, with strong themes of faith, solid relationship growth, and well developed characters. A well written read, with a full cast of characters, I loved how her aunts were cheerleaders from the start. Plus there were some super adorable bunnies!

Overall, wonderful read, that does a great job of dealing with tough issues like addiction. Strong characters. Great faith. Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second installment of Allie Pleiter's THREE SISTERS RESCUE FARM series is a fabulous, romantic read. Carly and Jack both have major problems to tackle, but with the love and support they give to each other, they learn to put their faith in God.
Carly and Jack are both likeable characters. I found myself rooting for them to find their happy ending at the beginning of the story. I was pulled into the book instantly, watching them face trials and temptations, while learning to depend on God. This truly is an inspirational novel.
I was given an advanced copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Lori R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked that this book was centered around God and showed how faith could help Carly and Jack and that God was bigger than any of their problems. They certainly had problems to face as Jack was a recovering alcoholic and Carly had found herself pregnant from a night they had both regretted. Their faith and belief in each other helped as well as the support of family and close friends. I enjoyed returning to the Three Sisters Rescue Farm in High Mountain, Montana as Carly helped take care of a litter of bunnies Jack had rescued. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Kassandra Garrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was not for me. I struggled to view the MMC in any romantic light as he was introduced as a manipulative alcoholic. Yes, people can change with God but even as the story progresses, he still manipulated but claimed it was love. The romance happened so fast and turned so serious so fast even though all their decisions went against all AA advice. The way the pregnancy occurred was also off putting. I found myself disturbed more than wooed with this one but maybe it's from having had bad experience with someone extremely similar to the MMC. I'm open to more from this author in the future but this one was not working for me.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Montana-Sized Secret by Allie Pleiter is a second chance romance set in a small town. I found the story to be easy to read. The characters are developed and relatable. I liked that the characters had flaws. High Mountain is a small town where everyone knows your business and gossip flows faster than maple syrup on hot stack of flapjacks. The busy bodies are watching Jack just waiting to see if he slips up. When word gets out about Carly’s little secret, it sets tongues to wagging. I could relate to Carly and how she felt. I loved the little bunnies that Jack rescued. Having Carly and Jack work together to help the bunnies and at the VBS was a great way for them to reconnect. I liked watching them grow closer to each other and to God. Forgiveness, trust, and grace are three of the themes in the story. While A Montana-Sized Secret is the second book in the Three Sisters Rescue Farm series, it can be read as a standalone. I ended the story with a smile on my face. A Montana-Sized Secret is a touching tale about second chances, overcoming obstacles, trusting God, and new beginnings.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming second chance romance that is full of emotions. It deals with real life problems and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next. It's a great read and I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy from Harlequin - Romance via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can be read as a standalone but some of the characters overlap with other books. It also deals with some heavy topics that are difficult to handle even as a Christian.
Addiction
Unplanned pregnancy
Complications/birth defects
As the saying goes "Don't tell God how big your problems are, tell your problems how big your God is."

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read filled with bunnies, second chance romance, and faith.