Love in Time

Hollow Creek #3

by Penny Zeller

Can two weary hearts find true love?

After a long and debilitating illness that leaves Arrosa Chapman with severe weakness necessitating the use of a cane and the threat of future health issues, she determines to make a new life as a nanny for Thad and Emilie Evanson in Hollow Creek, Montana. Away from the city that holds family secrets, Arrosa is content to begin a new life caring for children since she will most likely never marry and have any of her own. She doesn’t expect to meet a handsome and rugged ranch hand whose kind and gentle nature is just what she longs for after suffering a broken heart.

Malachi Callahan hasn’t had an easy life. After surviving a rough childhood, he’s drifted his way to Hollow Creek, Montana, in search of a place to call home. Not only does he hope Hollow Creek will be the place where he belongs, but he also hopes it will conceal his true identity as the son of a notorious criminal. When a fresh start is offered, can Malachi prove that he’s nothing like his father? And, more importantly, can he prove he’s worthy of the shy and beautiful nanny who has stolen his heart?

When someone from the past finds Malachi and threatens him and the woman he loves, Malachi finds himself in the fight of his life.

Full description coming soon.


Enjoy Love in Time after reading Love in Store and/or Love in Disguise or enjoy it as a standalone.

Genres: Historical

257 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 16, 2025

About the author

Penny Zeller is known for her heartfelt stories of faith-filled happily ever afters and her passion to impact lives for Christ through fiction. Her books feature tender romance, steady doses of humor, and memorable characters that stay with you long after the last page.

While she has had a love for writing since childhood, Penny began her adult writing career penning articles for national and regional publications on a wide variety of topics.

Today Penny is a multi-published author of over two dozen books and is also a fitness instructor, loves the outdoors, and is a flower gardening addict. In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, kayaking, biking, birdwatching, reading, running, and playing volleyball.

Penny resides with her husband and two daughters in small-town America and loves to connect with her readers at her website at www.pennyzeller.com, her blog, www.pennyzeller.wordpress.com, and her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pennyzellerbooks where she posts faith, funnies, writing updates, and encouragement. All of her socials can be found at https://linktr.ee/pennyzeller.

Reviews

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Maybe what he really sought was a place to belong. A place where those around him accepted him. Even cared about him.”

As with others of Penny Zeller’s Christian historical romances, Love in Time is a poignant story of two souls with different soul needs, wondering if they dare bare their hearts to another. Told with an easy-going style, humor, and real faith lessons that can be applicable to life today, Love in Time captured my heart.

Secrets from the past is something both Malachi and Arrosa have in common. Why does Arrosa have the manners and memories of high society, yet need to work as a nanny? Why can Malachi never seem to open up about his boyhood experiences to Arrosa, no matter how much she shares with him?

Family. Such an important part of this story. Arrosa is very close to her sister and mother, and even her absent father. Each affects how Arrosa ends up in Hollow Creek. I loved those connections and those of the Evanson family, and how they treat their workers as part of their family. What a positive influence! And then there is Malachi. Doing his best to break free from his original father, he has been searching for belonging ever since. Will he find it on the Everson ranch and with his close friend, Arrosa?

I loved how there are people with physical limitations in the book. This gives the characters a special need to develop perseverance and grit ( and do they!). It also gives others an opportunity, esp. our hero, Malachi, to look for ways to be a special and effective helper.

There were a few heartbreaking scenes in the novel, plus a few twists that caused me quite a bit of consternation, let alone the characters affected!!

But what I loved best of all, was couched in this gentle western romance, are Truths the characters learned that we would do well to heed today. “Why was it such a challenge to forget the past? The Lord had given him a future.” This particular truth would’ve been a whole lot easier for Malachi to practice if he didn’t feel tied to his past, and if it didn’t come back to strangle him! And as Arrosa says, thinking of her past health challenges and how they could affect her future, “ I find myself entrenched in trepidation, even though I know the Lord will carry me through whatever I may face.” Arrosa also personally gives me new insight into how frightened my own mother must have been years ago when she contracted Arrosa’s disease.

I must say, my fave secondary characters are the children, but especially little Mamie. And the barn scene ! Le sigh! True love causes us to do strange and wonderful things!!

I received a copy of the book from the author. I also bought my own ebook. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love In Time is the third book in the Hollow Creek series. While I haven't read the other two books I was able to easily follow along to the story. I wilk say that I was very impressed with how this story turned out. I think that it gives out an important message that not matter what your physical circumstances are you can still have a full life and accomplish anything. Overall if you are someone who adores Christian historical Fiction this is a story you do not want to miss out on.

We are introduced to Arrosa who has recently moved for a fresh start after suffering a horrible illness. She manages to secure a position as a nanny and from there she manages to thrive. She then crosses paths with Malachi a new ranch hand who has recently arrived. Malachi hopes that this move will allow him to escape his past of being the son of a notorious criminal.

As Arrosa and Malachi get to know each other a chance for a new beginning sounds like a new possibility. However, conflict arrises when someone from the past shows up. It will take a test of courage and faith to overcome the circumstances.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in Time is a book about struggles, loss, starting over, and finding love when hope is lost.
Arrosa's life changes drastically for the better when she takes a position at the Emerson ranch in Hollow Creek as the children's nanny. That is when she met Malachi and find they are both hiding past secrets.

The story is filled with relationships and family, but not without twists filled with danger. I was drawn in by the characters right away. A wonderful written story that I completed in one sitting. I couldn't put it down and wondered what was going to happen next.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love in Time welcomed me back to Hollow Creek, Montana, with a third heart-tugging, inspiring story that perfectly balances romance, faith, and suspense. I was quickly swept up in the story, eagerly turning pages to see how it all unfolded. The narrative centers around Arrosa Chapman, who is seeking a new beginning after a challenging illness and heartbreak, and Malachi Callahan, a rugged ranch hand whose troubled past foreshadows danger. I love both of them--Arrosa for her resilience and courage and Malachi for his kindness and protectiveness. I have added them to my Favorite Fictional Couples list. I especially appreciate the faith emphasis on God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and perfect timing. Wonderful characters, tender friends-to-more romance, a setting with authentic western flavor, an engaging plot, and a strong faith thread come together beautifully to make this an inspirational historical romance read well worth curling up with.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Penny Zeller! Arrosa has to use a cane to get around after a sickness left her in a weakened state. She gets a job as a nanny and meets Malachi, who also works for the family. Malachi’s father is a bad guy and in fact he is the villain in this story. I really liked Arrosa and Malachi! They helped each other and cared deeply for each other and the people around them. I particularly enjoyed the dance scene. Great Christian content as always! I definitely recommend!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story! The characters, especially the sweet children, are among my favorites. From the very first page to the end, I was captivated by this incredible tale of love and redemption. The themes of God's timing and His ability to redeem us from our past are expressed beautifully. Both entertaining and gripping, this story touched my heart and evoked a whirlwind of emotions. It reflects our love for our Savior and His grace, the pain caused by the sins of others, and a love that mirrors that of our heavenly Father. The story concludes perfectly, leaving me with happy tears, and I give it a solid 5-star rating!

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This captivating book has the sweetest love story! It also has a lot of drama including, intrigue, kidnapping and robbery.

The characters are well written! I'd love to be friends with most of them! Arrosa is a wonderful person! She's kind, considerate and determined. Malachi is swoon-worthy! He is the knight in shining armor; always willing to lend a hand. The children ( Adelia Mamie, Ephraim and Junior) are completely adorable! Their antics made me chuckle quite a few times!

The theme of being resilient really spoke to me. Arrosa could've given up so many times and let her disability define her. Likewise, Malachi could've allowed his abusive childhood to dictate his life and wallow in self pity. Thad and Emilie are people that I aspire to emulate. They genuinely care about their family and friends. Their faith in God is a priority.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Ivonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful story from author Zeller! I love the way she pens each story with a message of salvation and redemption woven through it. Inspirational writing at its best. I enjoy every minute spent reading her stories. Her writing reminds me so much of author Janette Oke ❤️

I was so thrilled to read Arrosa’s story. She was so sweet and kind. I felt so much for her and all she’d to go through with her illness and all. But through it all she found the Saviour and you can see that in the midst of our trials in life God has a plan. Like the author said, “God can take something so utterly awful and turn it to good.”

I loved Malachi for his kindness and consideration. He’ll win your heart right away. He’s the perfect hero 😊 And even though he’s a past he’s not proud of he didn’t let his rearing be the mold for who he was.

On this particular book I enjoyed “revisiting” with the Evansons, Morrises, and Chapmans. It’s so nice to read a series and follow through with about the same characters and setting, these characters feel like old acquaintances and friends, a family of a sort 😊

I’d use the same words the author used to describe this book, “Love in Time is a tender love story that reminds us that God's timing is always perfect.” And I wholeheartedly agree with this statement.

Also, I couldn’t end this review without sharing some golden nuggets from the story 😉

“We can always look back and see things that we would like to have changed.”

“…no job should be beneath us. We are not so good that we should elevate ourselves above certain duties.”

“It increases our faith when we await His peace and realize it’s Him and only Him that we can rely on. Him and only Him who can calm our panic and cover us fully in His peace.”

“Reckon we all have questions. God is infinite, and He knows all. But I do believe there are some things we may never know the answers to or even understand this side of heaven. Both with our own finite minds and because maybe there are some things our Heavenly Father doesn’t reveal to us for one reason or another. Could be to protect us. Could be because it’s not yet in His timing. I do know that He is sovereign and that whatever hurts we carry and whatever pain has knifed its way into our hearts — He can heal that.”

-I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but a positive review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in this series, and each book is different. Book, one had lots of comical scenes and book two was good, but I personally related more to this book. This is Arrosa's book and it starts with her having a meal with a cad. The person is insensitive to her due to the fact she still uses a cane after recovering from rhematic fever. She still struggles walking far and hates being a burden. Her sister has sent a letter asking her to come to Hollow Creek to work with the children of Emilie and Thad Evanson. There is also an offer for her mother to work with McKenna her sister.

Malachi is one of the ranch hands at the Evanson ranch and also a tortured soul. He hasn't had an easy life. He is also living with the knowledge his father is an outlaw. He had changed his name to that of the man who treated him as a son and taught him about God.

This is very much a book with two characters who have both suffered in life and still have a lot of healing to do both physically and mentally. Both have issues they need to process and let go off. There is a scene when Arrosa is really struggling with the fact she can't walk well without a cane and the realisation this could be her life. The way Penny Zeller writes I felt like I was seeing my current situation being mirrored and my thoughts mirrored. I am recovering from shingles in my leg and walking hurts. Of course, things do change but the way the author writes these scenes is so realistic it was like she was in my mind.

Some of the fun parts of this book involve the children the love between them is evident but also the sibling rivalry. I do love this interaction and also the interaction with both Arrosa and Malichi. There is so much more to this book, but you will have to read it to find out more.

If you enjoy historical books with real people I am sure you will enjoy this book. While it is book 3 in the series you would still be able to understand this book and not be lost.

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrosa fell ill with rheumatic fever and suffered a long lasting effect on her health, causing her to have to use a cane. Her father loved her so much, and while they were one of the wealthiest families around, it just wasn’t enough, until he could find a doctor to cure Arrosa. Desperate, he embezzled funds from the bank where he was employed. As a result, they lost EVERYTHING they had owned except the clothes and shoes they were wearing. Their home and vehicles, household goods and all of their worldly possessions were auctioned off before their very eyes and, of course, her father was sent to prison. But, our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He made a way for all of the family to find jobs, and even brought them all together in a little place called Hollow Creek. Arrosa’s job was as a nanny to the children of her sister’s sister-in-law and brother-in-law, She loved the children immediately and immensely! One of the hired hands helped Arrosa take the children outside, helped her take them upstairs at night, etc. Malachi and Arrosa didn’t want to tell each other about their horrible pasts. Malachi had been raised by an abusive, drunk father. As soon as he could, he snuck away in the middle if the night and went to a ranch to work. Mr. Callahan, a true believer in God, taught Malachi all he needed to know about the Lord, and about manners, how to treat a lady, and then asked if he could adopt him and be his dad. So much happened in this book and I am not about to try to tell you all of the book in my review, but oh, how I hope everyone has an opportunity to read this excellently written story. It stirred my heart. I was on the arc team and this is my honest review. 📕 ♥️

[Terri Harr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hollow Creek, Montana is one of my favorite places to visit! This is my third time there and I loved getting to see some of the people I met the first two times. I highly recommend you grab Love in Disguise and Love in Store, if you haven’t yet!

Love in Time features Arrosa, who we meet briefly in book 2, Love in Store. Her sister, McKenna moves to Hollow Creek so she can help provide for her mom and for Arrosa, who is recovering from an illness that has left her with weakness in her legs and causes her to use a cane.

Arrosa gets a job in Hollow Creek working as a nanny for Emilie and Thad, who we meet in book 1, Love in Disguise. Life is much different for Arrosa in this small town but it doesn’t take her long to grow to love it and never want to leave. It doesn’t hurt that Malachi has become such a good friend.

Malachi has a troubled past but he’s proven to be dependable and hardworking. He is always finding ways to make Arrosa’s life easier.

For the majority of the book, the villain is their own inner voices telling them they don’t measure up and how could anyone chose them with their faults/past. Despite those thoughts, their love blooms quietly through simple conversations and interactions.

Later in the book some true villains appear on the scene. I knew it was coming but it took me by surprise how it happened.

This is such a great story where time and time again, it shows how God’s timing is perfect and He is working through all the different circumstances we go through, even when can’t see it right then.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny Zeller is one of my favorite Christian Historical Fiction authors, so I was honored to be an early reader of Love in Time. I was whisked into this beautiful story from the start to the end.

Arrosa was thrilled to begin her position at the Emerson ranch. Her fortitude, compassion, and accepting challenges was well written along with Malachi’s protectiveness and hardworking ethic. Their companionship developed gradually but became more prevalent where they truly were available to help each other out in situations around the ranch or traveling into town for supplies. The Emerson children were delightful, which added so much to the story with their adventures and antics. When the past hit Malachi unexpectedly in Hollow Creek, I couldn’t stop reading to see what was going to happen.

Zeller penned a heartwarming, inspiring and uplifting read from the start to the end that shines through that nothing is impossible with God. There’s always renewed hope, mercy, grace, forgiveness and new beginnings that only is possible through faith.

I received an early copy of this book through Book Funnel. I was not expected to write a positive review, but have expressed my own thoughts.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this story!! Malachi and Arrosa meet when Arrosa moves to Hollow Creek to work as a nanny on the same ranch Malachi works on as a cow hand. Malachi has been told since he was a child that he unloveable, and he wonders if anyone could ever love him, other than his heavenly Father. He's never told anyone the whole story of his past, and thinks that would totally turn everyone against him. Arrosa has been hurt by someone that she had a crush on, and now she's sure that no man would love her, and that she'll never marry and have children of her own. Being a nanny, she thinks, is the next best thing. She also thinks if a man knew of what her father had done, and that he was in prison, they wouldn't want Arrosa, either. Love how both of these find out that they are worthy of being loved, won't be defined by their pasts, or by their fathers' past, either.

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

[Patti Whitaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story! I loved the characters as well as their family and friends. This is the third book in the series but Zeller does an amazing job of letting you read this book as a stand alone. Arrosa Chapman and Malachi Callahan are the main characters in this story that takes place in Hollow Creek. Both Arrosa and Malachi believe that they are not worthy of love or happiness because of circumstances in their past. They both work on the same ranch and begin as friends but are drawn to each other and begin to have hope that they can overcome their pasts and find a future together. Their journey is not an easy one and become very dangerous in the end. This story shows that God's timing and love is always what we need even if we try to interfere. I enjoyed this story so much I finished it in one night.

I received a copy of this book via Book Funnel and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will capture your heart and hold on to it even after the last page is turned. The story is filled with love, both romantic and familial, faith and doubt, joy and hardships. The story was well written and had a good pace to it. The characters were real and had depth. This is a Christian story that talks about faith but doesn’t preach to the reader. The MFC has a physical disability while the MMC is dealing with emotional trauma, both turn to God during their trials. This book is part of a series. It can be read as a stand alone but you will find a few minor spoilers to previous books. I recommend reading in order but it doesn’t have to be. I read an advanced copy, all thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and original to me. I definitely recommend this book!

[Laura (kroosreadsandreviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

These faith filled romances are one of my favorites to read. I love the chance to read about how fictional characters live out their faith through the highs and lows of life.

Malachi and Arrosa both have a lot of criminal baggage in their histories and are trying to rise above their families past. I loved how Malachi goes above and beyond to meet the needs of those around him. Arrosa also gives all of herself to the children she is nannying for despite her physical challenges.

I was given a complimentary arc of the book. The opinions are my own.

[Michele Kerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrosa fought for her life with an illness and is ready for a new fresh start in her life. She moved to Hallow Creek to start a new life as a nanny for the Evanson family. Malachi is a ranch had who quickly fancies Arrosa. They both have secrets in their past but can they find love?
Another great story from Penny Zeller. I love the fact faith is included in her books. This is the third book in the series but can be read as a stand alone book. I will be reading the first two since this was so good.
I received a free ARC from the author but this is my honest opinion

[Erin Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arrosa and Malachi's story was so enjoyable. I immediately fell in love with both of their characters. Malachi 's mysterious pass kept me wondering what would happen next.

I admire Arrosa's strong character and determination to succeed at her job. The struggles she has to overcome are real and inspirational.

Love in Time is a sweet clean historical Christian romance with a strong emphasis on the importance of family and friends, and loving others through physical or spiritual imperfections.

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Outstanding Story!
From adversity and illness Arrosa is just starting to find hope and a new love of the Lord. Malachi, who was abused, managed to escape a horrible father to live as a orphan. Both Arrosa and Malachi have found the Lord and are learning to cast their troubles on Him.
Arrosa was high society before troubled times. Malachi felt he could never measure up to court a woman, especially one from high society.
There are troubled times brewing. Will Arrosa and Malachi survive the trouble?
I loved reading this book and hope others will enjoy it as much as I did!

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the little town of Hollow Creek where secrets unfold, romance is waiting to blossom, and stories within this story reach the depths of your spirit, warming your heart, filling your soul. Arrosa rises above her physical limitations, Malachi overcomes his buried past and the little community comes together to celebrate triumphs and victories, even those yet to come. First page to last, a book long remembered, a permanent piece of your heart.

[Bonnie Theel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this Christian romance story. Arrosa and Malachi had secrets in their past they didn't want anyone to know about.

When she went to work as a nanny on the same ranch that he was a cowhand, they started spending time together. Could this friendship turn into more?

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

[Mary Mccauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted an advanced copy and am thrilled to give it 5 stars. It is a great love story with many old west twists.
The characters are ones you can fall in love with and their struggle is real.
The setting is one you can visualize and makes you fell welcome to Hollow Creek.
I am sure you will enjoy it.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

This friends to more historical fiction book is among one of the best I have read recently. The story was so heartfelt with some secrets, redemption, second chances and so much more. It was very inspirational too. 5 stars and highly recommended!

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful story set in Hollow Creek. Montana. Great characters in Arrosa and Malachi. A lovely Christian historical romance story. It was hard to put down. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Full review will be posted soon, God willing. :)

[Lori Chasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful story in the series! The author is very uplifting, and it shows in her work!