Every Heart Prepare: A Christmas Romance Novella

by Madelyn Smith

An injured traveling preacher. A rancher's daughter looking for a husband. One Christmas season that brings them together.

Since the end of the civil war, Leroy has been traveling, spreading the joy of Christ's redemption to anyone who will listen. When he ends up kicked out of town and too injured to move, he thinks it's the end of his ministry.

Sicilia Mariner loves her father, but ever since her mother passed away, it's been hard to find joy in everyday ranch life. When they stumble upon an injured Leroy, they bring him home to their ranch to recover.

Feelings grow as Leroy slowly recovers from his injuries, and the joy of Christ's birth enters the hearts of the Mariner family for the first time in too many years.

Are their hearts prepared for the life the Lord is asking them to live?

Genres: Christmas, Romance

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

Madelyn Smith is a happy wife and mom by day and a reader and writer by night. After years of reading fantasy and romance books she felt inspired to start writing in 2023. Madelyn loves to read clean and closed-door romance and fantasy books, so she decided to write them too. With Christian elements in her books, her writing will be perfect for those who want a swoony romance, with a divine perspective.
When writing she likes to snack on pretzels and marshmallows, water, and any chocolate her husband surprises her with. Not to mention hostess donuts. Bring on all the hostess donuts.
During her day she can be found interacting on Bookstagram, playing legos and play-pretend with her two toddlers, or enjoying serving in her congregation as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Madelyn loves God, and gives all glory to Him who inspired her whole reading and writing journey.
If you're interested in what Madelyn is reading check out her review page on Instagram: @thesqueakycleanreader
For book updates check out her author page: @madelynsmithauthor on Instagram.

Reviews

[Holly (IG Hollys_Book_Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"You're beautiful, Sicilia. Loving you is the best gift I've ever received. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, on the ranch and wherever God sends us."

Every Heart Prepare by Madelyn Smith

Another sweet romance with beautiful Christian messages from talented author, Madelyn Smith. This one might be my new favorite by Madelyn!

We have a traveling preacher who is left for dead by some ruffians. Sicilia and her father find him alongside the road and take him to nurse his wounds. He is meant to serve God. She cannot live his harsh traveling life. Will they learn God's will for them and discover they are meant to be man and wife? Will they overcome the barriers to their love?
Find out in this endearing story of faith on the frontier set during Christmas time.

There were so many tender moments I loved--she takes care of him, he does acts of service once he is well enough, he makes amends for something he does, they read the Bible together and pray together. She helps him heal from war wounds, and he helps her.

I loved that Sicilia is strong and independent, but also feminine and acts with grace and beauty throughout the story. She is also so brave.
I love how Madelyn always writes such beautiful character growth, even in a short novella!

I definitely recommend this novella. I read the majority of it in 1 day!

Favorite Parts:
She takes care of him
Small acts of service
Christian themes of forgiveness and redemption through Christ
The setting
Ranch life
Sweet romance
Independent and strong but feminine FMC
The Christmas dance

Content Guide:
Language: none
Sexual Content: Clean-kisses only
Violence/gore: Mild-a man gets beaten almost to death and has multiple wounds (internal and external), two men get shot (one dies, and the other has a bloody wound)Substance Use: Mild-alcohol is used in wound care
Prejudices: Against a preacher
Religious Content: Christian-a man is a traveling preacher, prayer on page multiple times, discussion of forgiveness and redemption and choosing God's path, reading of scripture, characters attend church and believe in Christ
Other: death, grief, hardships of ranch life including vandalism and cattle theft, terminal illness, war PTSD

Book Info:
Series: Faith on the Frontier book 1
Genre: Christmas Christian Historical Romance; Texas 1870
Romance Level: Clean
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Publisher: Indie
POV: Dual
Debut Historical

Thank you to the author for the review copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, quick, and clean read that was filled with faith elements. I loved both of the main characters and their love for God, as well as the supporting characters. It wasn't super, in your face Christmas-y - it was set around Christmas time, but aside from that and the chapter titles there wasn't much else. I thought the romance was cute, and the gospel centered plot was great. This is the second novella I've read by Madelyn Smith, and so far I've really enjoyed them both. I'll be reading more for sure!

Thank you to Madelyn Smith for the ARC copy of this novella. All opinions in this review are my own and voluntary. 😊

Content: clean romance with a very lightly detailed kisses, mildly described gun violence in self defense, war PTSD, strong faith elements, a man is beaten almost to death (not graphic), injuries, stitches

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really fun, quick read. The romance between Leroy and Sici is wonderful as they both lean on their faith to know what path they should take.

[Angela - Enjoy Life With Me Podcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would be the perfect thing to read before Christmas to help you remember the true meaning.

The characters were real and gritty, no perfect or easy life just because they believe in Christ. They struggled and had hard things happen. They showed that trusting God's timing allows blessings that you weren't expecting to come. Also believing that just because someone's struggles are different doesn't make them less real.

The story may be fiction but I loved the ties to the authors family history, it made it feel more real.

It was balanced so well with parts that make you smile from the “horse hovering like a worried mother” to “I throw open the door to my room but have enough sense to close it gently. The door didn’t do anything wrong.” My favorite one was “She might have had to do a second batch after we men got hold of the first one. I take no blame for their shenanigans—but the cookies were delicious.” 😊

I love everything from this author and you won't regret this heartfelt story as the characters head into Christmas.



Content:
Style - Dual POV, Christian Historical (forced proximity)
Intimacy - Mild (low descript kisses)
Language - None
Violence - High (physical beatings, gun shots, stitching cuts)
Potential Triggers - past Civil War PTSD, physical beatings, past parental death

[Kayla Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Review✨

Every Heart Prepare by @madelynsmithauthor
Faith on the Frontier Christmas Novella

Every time I open a Madelyn Smith Read I’m uplifted. I’m smiling. I’m delighted. She has a way of unashamedly showing the faith I share and spreading truths that make a difference. This read was spiritually uplifting and beautiful in every way.

A Traveling Preacher. Turning his life to God after being spared in the war. He’s still trying to mend in many senses of that word, but prayers are answered in the most unexpected ways.

Leroy Lovelady is a Godfearing man, everything Sicilia Mariner’s mother wanted for her, but he promised to share the Word and she can’t imagine following him and leaving her home, no matter how much she admires him.

Guys. This tender story is perfect for Christmas. The Leather Bracket, Mistletoe, and the Dance. Man I loved every minute of this read. The quality time and care found within will warm your heart.

[Adia Somi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madelyn Smith never ceases to write swoon worthy stories that make me smile (and laugh). Every Heart Prepare is no exception. The frontier gives Leroy and Sicilia’s story a rustic setting where not is all fun and games and danger lurks around the bend.

I love Leory’s strong character and how as a new man he really desires to put God first above his wants.
Something about Sicilia was honestly very relatable. Some characters want other kinds of exciting adventures she wants to get married and have a family.

They way these two meet, help each other heal from their hurts, and more importantly point each other to God for the strength that can only come from His joy makes for a heartwarming little story.

[Beth DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, easy read! I enjoyed the humor, especially when Jonathan decided to be co-conspirators with Leroy. 😆

But don't let the "sweet" part fool you. There's grief and healing involved in this story. And, like some of Madelyn's other books, it certainly packs an emotional punch!

These 212 pages are certainly filled with grief, hope, finding joy again, and all through faith in Christ.

While the Christmas season is a theme throughout, it's one of the lesser themes, making this book great for Christmastime, but also enjoyable any time of year.


⚠️ No cursing
🫑 Sweet kisses only

Thank you, Madelyn, for the chance to ARC read for you!

[Cherilyn (Cherwhatyouread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lovely Christmas novella about love, redemption, and following God’s plan for you(especially when it’s unexpected!)

Leroy was a traveling preacher who had sincere kindness, integrity, and just wanted to do the right thing. Sicila doesn’t want to just settle for anyone even though she’s reaching the age of an old maid. She wants a Christian man, which is when Leroy enters the picture the rest is history. I enjoyed how well they worked together.

Favorite Quotes:
I have thought about how perfect Sicilia Mariner is for me. When I’ve allowed myself to think of marriage, I always pictured myself with a woman who I can easily talk to. When I’m not acting the fool, talking with Sicilia Mariner is a joy. She’s a good listener, and her desire to learn more about God is attractive in an intellectual way. She bakes delicious food, she’s caring and compassionate, and her smiles are contagious. I’m sure there’s more to making a good marriage work, but on the surface, Sicilia Mariner is my dream woman.

Loving you is the best gift I’ve ever received.

[Courtnie ~ courtniemustreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would rate this a 4.5 star. This was such a well done Christian historical romance novella. I loved the characters and how well the story flowed. I loved the peace that came from reading this story. Although this is a Christmas novella, it can be read anytime of the year. I loved the overall message of this story to trust in God.

[Ashley Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am such a fan of Madelyn’s books and I loved this one. It wasn’t overly Christmas-y but the message of hope, forgiveness,and redemption is so powerful. And isn’t that the whole point of the Christmas season? I love that she was inspired by her own family history. The characters are realistic and relatable. And like every Madelyn Smith book, I found multiple paragraphs that I felt were written just for me. You’ll definitely want to add this clean, western romance to your tbr!

[Jewel Carrie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Heart Prepare has all the western charm I was hoping for, from the rugged setting to the heartfelt story. The main character feels real and easy to connect with, like someone you could know. The sweet romance ties it all together in the best way.

[Ursi Engebretsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical Christmas romance is adorable and heartfelt and faith-filled--it's beautiful! Congratulations to Madelyn on her first historical fiction novella! I hope she will write many more! I received this book as an ARC copy and very much enjoyed reading it. 😊

I liked Leroy Lovelady and his courage right away, and the kind, gentle way Sicilia Mariner took care of him when he arrived at her ranch injured was so lovely! Their interactions with each other were so good, and I loved how they helped each other with their struggles (especially Leroy's trauma from the Civil War). The supporting characters, especially Jonathan the ranch hand and Sicilia's dad, were fantastic as well!

I loved the emphasis on the Book of Esther and the strong faith Leroy and Sicilia shared. (I'm Catholic, so some aspects of their faith were different from mine--such as preachers being married--but my great-grandpa was a Baptist minister, and the couple in this book made me think of him and my great-grandma!) I also loved the Christmas themes! Five stars from me--I highly recommend this book!!!

[Amanda McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin, I would like to thank Madelyn Smith for allowing me to read her upcoming novella, Every Heart Prepare, which is part of her new Faith in The Frontier series and will be available on Amazon on October 17th, 2025.

Leroy has been a traveling preacher since the civil war ended. When he gets kicked out of town and too injured to travel, Sicilia Mariner and her father decide to take him in and restore him to full health. Sicilia loves her father dearly but misses her mother who died every day at the ranch. Leroy and Sicilia begin to develop feelings for each other as Leroy recovers, and both are unsure whether they’re ready to live how the Lord wants them to.

This book was very sweet. You have Sicilia, a hardworking, devoted, kind, and talented young woman that does a lot of the cooking and cleaning for the ranch, treasures her faith, and misses her mother very much. You have Leroy, a thoughtful, earnest, loyal, and handsome young man that is still haunted from his memories as a soldier during the civil war and does his best to spread the word of God. The interactions between the main characters were charming, vulnerable, and sweet. I appreciated how the author handled Leroy’s PTSD with compassion and her recognition of the harm that our predecessors have caused to Indigenous and black people in her note. I thought it was lovely that she wanted to tell a story inspired by some of her ancestor’s romance, and I thought the discussions about faith were well written. Overall, if you like complex characters, discussions of faith, healing, and sweet faith-based romance with no spice, then I would highly recommend this book.

[Rosalyn Nightshade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Every Heart Prepare so much! Leroy and Sicilia were incredible and I love how they both complemented each other so well. The romance is so sweet and beautiful and it really has that small town vibe kind of feeling that I loved so much.

I love all the messages about God and His love for us, woven throughout every page of the story and I admire both Leroy and Sicilia's faith.

Esther is my favourite Bible story as well. I love how a young, orphan, Jewish girl can be used by God to save her people.

The book also had many humourous touches and moments as well. I really loved the domestic setting and life on a ranch from a woman's point of view during that time (which we don't really get to see in many western historical novels). I loved how much Sici's dad cared about her and I love how all the ranch hands treat her as a younger sisters.

Jonathan is definitely my favourite character in this book. I love his humour, his off-pitch, tone-deaf singing, and, most importantly, his advice and guidance for Leroy throughout the book.

I also really enjoyed the backstory and inspiration for this book. The real-life people who inspired this book definitely seem to have an intriguing history and I enjoyed getting to read that here (a fictional reimagining of what their life would have been like, their motivations and character transformations, and their love story).

The book is also quite short (not that short, but not that long either), making it perfect for a sweet Christmas read! I had so much fun reading this book!

Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author. I was not required to leave a review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Heart Prepare is a delightful story full of forgiveness, redemption, hope, and faith in God. Sicilia is a strong, hardworking, and independent women with a deep commitment to God. Leroy is devoted to spreading the word of God, he is thoughtful, loyal, and is fighting the after affects of war. I loved Sicilia and Leroy; they were so vulnerable with each other which led to sweet interactions throughout the story. I loved their quiet moments while getting to know each other better. Sicilia and Leroy also had many funny moments that I enjoyed. Leroy’s PTSD was handled with care by the author and the other characters, especially by Sicilia and Jonathan one of the ranch hands. I loved seeing the personal growth of both Sicilia and Leroy as their relationship progressed. I also appreciated how both Sicilia and Leroy relied on God and recognized his hand in their lives. You must read Every Heart Prepare if you are looking for a sweet romance!

My favorite things:
- She takes care of him
- He reads to her
- His small acts of service
- Heartfelt love for God
- Ranch life
- Side characters – her father and Jonathan
- The Christmas dance

Tropes:
- Christian romance
- Rancher's daughter
- Traveling preacher
- Strangers to more
- Christmas time
- Discovering God's plan for you
- PTSD Rep
- Sweet kisses

Happy reading!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet Christian historical romance with no cliffhanger
Some of the lines I really like --- "the good Word heals more than anything else." --- “How are we supposed to be glad during hardships?” --- "Your struggles are real. Just because someone has suffered differently than you does not lessen your own suffering." --- "your reputation is important, and I’d never forgive myself if something I did were to tarnish it.” --- “Ever feel like you’re walking in circles, or that you’re backtracking and not where you’re supposed to be?” --- “I imagine they thought the reward of following and learning from the Messiah was more than they could earn from fishing.” --- “Saul turned Paul. It gives me hope that I can continue to change from the man I once was. I’ve learned that with Jesus anything is possible . . . even drastic change.” ---
What's Walter up to? What's Sicilla's dad up to? Who's cutting the fences and stealing the cattle? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Sicilla and Leroy's story and I'm sure you will too. This is the first book of her's that I've read and it definitely won't be the last. I can't wait to read her next book.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this adorable novella! It was such a sweet read about the hope of Jesus Christ along with the sweet blessings that He gives us.
I really loved the strong, Christian aspect in this one. Leroy is a preacher, and multiple Bible verses are quoted throughout the book. The Bible is not only quoted but lived out as Leroy and Sicilia fight to see God’s goodness in every aspect. Both of them had been through their fair share of trials, but they were determined to trust the Lord through it all. I appreciated the way that Leroy’s PTSD was handled with so much grace as well.
Leroy and Sicilia were such fun characters. I was invested in them from the beginning. They were both trying to figure out how best to serve God in their seasons of life. I loved to see them come together, and I appreciated that there was no third act breakup too! I would totally recommend this sweet novella perfect for anyone looking for a lovely, Christmas read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.

[Caitlyn (a page turned) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leroy Lovelady is a traveling preacher on fire for Jesus, wanting to spread the gospel everywhere. Unfortunately, he's met with trouble in one town and ends up injured. Sicilia Mariner and her father bring Leroy to their ranch, where Sicilia nurses him back to health.

It's a bit of a "like-at-first-sight." They are both interested, but Leroy is a bit more hesitant because he feels that God isn't finished with him as a traveling preacher. Sicilia is such a kind, hardworking woman, deserving of an earnest man like Leroy.

I always enjoy Madelyn's books! They're so well written. And her book chapters have titles! Madelyn's books are sweet and always have great Christian content. I really enjoyed this 1800's christmas novella! Definitely add to your christmas tbr😊

Things to love:
• traveling preacher and rancher's daughter
• strong faith
• Christmas dance
• he reads to her
• meddling dad
• PTSD rep
• historical romance
• little bit of mystery/suspense
• dual POV
• no spice, no language

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faith on the Frontier: Every Heart Prepare
A Christmas Romance Novella
by: Madelyn Smith
@madelynsmithauthor

••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

~An injured traveling preacher. A rancher’s daughter looking for a husband. One Christmas season that brings them together…

-Every Heart Prepare, is a beautiful heartwarming historical Christmas romance story. Please don’t let the shorter length deter you because this dear story is filled wonderfully and precisely with such heartfelt swoony moments, and unforgettable beautiful messages. I adored the character growth and how this story left my heart sighing, and so much better than before. Watching the tender devotion, care, and love that is given and received in this story was inspiring! The healing and growth along the way was tender and sweet. Beautiful themes of hope, love, faith, grace, sacrifice, devotion, prayer, courage, forgiveness, redemption, and bravery shine bright within. Worth the dear read!🎄📚❤️

“Just because someone has suffered differently than you does not lessen your own suffering.”

•Content: mild peril (someone almost beaten to death); as a result, many internal and external wounds, gun shots (leaving one with a bloody wound; the other death), some alcohol used to clean wounds, some prejudice against preacher, prayer, church worship, belief in in God, grief, loss, death, hardships with frontier living in the year 1870, vandalism, cattle theft, terminal illness, kisses only. -all covered gracefully! Clean-closed door!

“If it was so easy to have faith and believe every day, then we wouldn’t learn anything. There’d be no point to this earthly struggle.”

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

“I’ve learned that with Jesus anything is possible ... even drastic change.”

#fsithonthefrontier
#everyheartprepare
#madelynsmithauthor
#allaboutthebestreads

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leroy is a traveling preacher who gets injured by an angry group of cowboys. Sicilia and her father stumble upon Leroy and nurse him back to health. Sicilia can’t deny her immediate connection to Leroy. He feels the same, but struggles with justifying a relationship while being a traveling preacher. How can he provide for a wife and keep her safe? Will God bring the two together in His own way?

What I loved:
🌲 The faith elements
🌲The struggles the MCs faced and persevered through
🌲Leroy- ever the gentleman and so thoughtful
🌲Sicilia- strong, obedient, and gentle
🌲The tension and suspense packed into a novella

This novella is such a sweet, encouraging read. You will be filled with hope after reading it. I loved how well the faith elements were woven into this story and so prominent without feeling like it was being forced. The main characters have their own personal struggles and have to work through those together. I loved how it was all tied up at the end. Grab this for a sweet, inspiring Christmas story.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is a Christian Historical romance book and part of the series Faith On The Frontier. The main characters are Leroy and Sicilia. Leroy is a traveling preacher while Sicilia lives on her family’s ranch. When Sicilia finds Leroy injured she takes him back to the ranch. While there they spend time together and start falling in love. The problem is Sicilia doesn’t know if she can handle his job traveling. Will they open their hearts to each other? Will they pray and realize they are who God as meant for each other? I loved Leroy and Sicilia together. Watching them share the same faith and read the Bible and pray together was truly amazing. You rarely see stuff like that in books so I loved it. Both of them are amazing characters. This book goes to show your plans and Gods plans may not be the same but He knows what is best. God knows what the future has in store for you. Overall, I loved this book and can’t wait to see what she writes next in this series.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. It was interesting seeing the possible perspectives of those in the post civil war era. It was wonderful to read all of the discussions about God and His grace.

I particularly loved the conversation where Jonathan said, "What makes you so special that you should be perfect at those things? That you shouldn't struggle with a new issue or circumstance comes up before you? Who are you that you need to be perfect, Leroy Lovelady?" Such a great reminder that we do not need to be perfect. It is through Jesus Christ that we can be perfected.

I highly recommend this book!

[thearaluenlibrarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and this book did not disappoint. Leroy and Sicilia were a perfect couple, their conversations were so sweet and you could feel their love for each other through the pages. Also the faith and love of God spread throughout this book was perfect. I am so glad I have found such an amazing author like Madelyn who isn’t afraid to include her faith in her stories. It is absolutely wonderful to read. If you’re looking for the perfect book to curl up with by the fire (or Christmas tree!) with a warm cup of cocoa for a sweet romance, then this book is for you!

[Denise A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet and heart warming story that also deals with some hard issues like PTSD from fighting in a war. Both of the characters have dealt with grief and regrets. I loved how alive the characters are, and I felt I was right there with them on the farm. And the side characters were well developed also. This is a quick read, novella length, yet the story was as fleshed out as a full novel, proving that less can be more! I read an advanced copy of the book, all thoughts and opinions in this review are honest and original. I recommend this book.

[Natscleanreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun faith-filled western.

Every Heart Prepare is a darling story based on real members of the authors family history. The story was fun to read with plenty of love and obstacles to that love. I enjoyed many parts of this book, including the dad attempting to arrange a marriage for Sicilia by proposing for his daughter!😂 I liked the action portion of the story as well.

There are no swears or alcohol (except medicinally), and level 1 chaste kisses only. Dual POV.

[clean.reads.corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

"Loving you is the best gift I've ever received."

A heartwarming story full of faith, redemption, hope, forgiveness, and romance.

I loved the tender interactions and quiet moments interspersed with humor between Leroy and Sicilia as their relationship grew.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story

This was a sweet story and even sweeter knowing that the author’s family history inspired it. I loved the spiritual thread of seeking God’s will for your life and being forgiven for past mistakes.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s obvious now that I’ve seen word frontier, but I didn’t notice that before and went in thinking it was a regency since the woman is obviously in a regency gown, so that was a disappointment. Figured it out pretty quickly, like in the authors note. Still a cute Christmas story.

[Pauline Beltran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, sweet, faith-filled Christian romance ❤️

Love him extra for always helping her with her household duties and taking into account her opinion (regarding marraige) and patiently waiting for her.

I was just iffy with the use of gun, but I also know it was needed (kill or be killed)

[jennie.and.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this sweet story! A historical fiction story, but also some connection to family history!

The characters were really great and I loved the spiritual theme of this book!