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Heartland Homecoming #3
Where Love Abides
She’s been wronged. And she’s hurting.
Can he help her wipe the slate clean and escape her past?
From his first meeting with organic farmer Christine Turner on a rain-slicked highway, Police Chief Dale Lewis is intrigued. But Oak Hill’s newest resident wants nothing to do with men in general—and lawmen in particular. Which is fine by him. Troubled women are trouble.
Yet when Dale discovers she’s been wronged, his passion for justice compels him to help. As their paths begin to cross, Dale’s five-year-old daughter falls hard for Christine. And he’s not far behind.
Still, romance is a risk for a woman who’s been hurt and a man who’s been burned. But in America’s heartland, might they find the courage to take a second chance on love?
In this RITA Award finalist book, bestselling author Irene Hannon once again captivates listeners with a small-town-America story that celebrates the power of love to transform lives.
Can he help her wipe the slate clean and escape her past?
From his first meeting with organic farmer Christine Turner on a rain-slicked highway, Police Chief Dale Lewis is intrigued. But Oak Hill’s newest resident wants nothing to do with men in general—and lawmen in particular. Which is fine by him. Troubled women are trouble.
Yet when Dale discovers she’s been wronged, his passion for justice compels him to help. As their paths begin to cross, Dale’s five-year-old daughter falls hard for Christine. And he’s not far behind.
Still, romance is a risk for a woman who’s been hurt and a man who’s been burned. But in America’s heartland, might they find the courage to take a second chance on love?
In this RITA Award finalist book, bestselling author Irene Hannon once again captivates listeners with a small-town-America story that celebrates the power of love to transform lives.
Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2008
About the author
Irene Hannon
108 books3,225 followersIrene Hannon, who writes both contemporary romance and romantic suspense, is the author of more than 65 novels. Her books have been honored with three coveted RITA awards from Romance Writers of America (the “Oscar” of romance fiction) and she is a member of that organization's elite Hall of Fame. She has also received a Career Achievement award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Other awards for individual books include National Readers' Choice, HOLT Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Retailers Choice, Booksellers' Best, and Reviewers' Choice from RT Book Reviews. She is also a two-time Christy award finalist.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
Millions of her books have been sold worldwide, and her novels have been translated into multiple languages.
A former corporate communications executive with a Fortune 500 company, Irene now writes full time. To learn more about Irene and her books, visit www.irenehannon.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
July 5, 2024
Good book in a really good series, I enjoyed Oak Hills.
November 4, 2017
This is usual fare for this series...which isn't a bad thing.
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July 18, 2025
Themes: injustice, domestic violence, law enforcement, libraries, organic gardens, tornados
Setting: small town Missouri
Dale (sheriff) and Christine (gardener, librarian)
Setting: small town Missouri
Dale (sheriff) and Christine (gardener, librarian)
January 1, 2016
This small book packs a powerful story about love, forgiveness and redemption. Christine. 's past follows her and when we learn, along with Dale, the local sheriff, that the charges against her and on her record are all a lie, we are relieved. But what she went through with her now deceased cruel husband and how she rose above it to find her faith again, makes for a good read. Of course, romance is always a pleasant end to a story and this does not disappoint.
October 28, 2017
WHERE LOVE ABIDES
I would love for this series to go on and on. Great Christian message, a sweet romance, a small town with caring characters.
I would love for this series to go on and on. Great Christian message, a sweet romance, a small town with caring characters.
May 26, 2023
Another fantastic read from Irene Hannon. I have really enjoyed the Heartland Homecoming series and the finale was super enjoyable. Irene’s stories just reach another level of storytelling. She weaves hard situations and makes a beautiful story emerge from the hard stuff. Great read!
August 6, 2011
Pretty good book... A sweet love story about overcoming fears and letting love in.
I especially enjoyed the little girl who always seemed to be saying exactly what was on her mind even when the adults would prefer that she kept it to herself (known more than a few kids like that).
I especially enjoyed the little girl who always seemed to be saying exactly what was on her mind even when the adults would prefer that she kept it to herself (known more than a few kids like that).
February 5, 2017
Another one of those books that when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Loved reading this book.
March 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this series. It was free on kindle unlimited.
August 22, 2025
a compelling story
“Where Love Abides” is a compelling story about a woman, Christine, who is trying to start her life over after suffering horrible trauma at the hands of those who should have cared for her and protected her. Police Chief Dale Lewis is not sure what to make of this newcomer in his town. Through the course of weeks and months, Dale learns Christine’s story and wants to help her. Irene Hannon wrote a wonderful, flowing plot in this book, and she developed the characters, Christine and Dale (along with all the supporting characters), so well. They feel like people we might know or meet in our own town. Christine has a battle in her heart and mind, and I was blessed and challenged by her faith journey. This book was a wonderful literary escape that I highly recommend to others.
“Where Love Abides” is a compelling story about a woman, Christine, who is trying to start her life over after suffering horrible trauma at the hands of those who should have cared for her and protected her. Police Chief Dale Lewis is not sure what to make of this newcomer in his town. Through the course of weeks and months, Dale learns Christine’s story and wants to help her. Irene Hannon wrote a wonderful, flowing plot in this book, and she developed the characters, Christine and Dale (along with all the supporting characters), so well. They feel like people we might know or meet in our own town. Christine has a battle in her heart and mind, and I was blessed and challenged by her faith journey. This book was a wonderful literary escape that I highly recommend to others.
August 21, 2017
Sheriff Dale Lewis is a single widowed dad, with a four-year-old girl and a melancholy past. Christine is a newcomer to Oak Hill, a purveyor of organic flowers, fruits, and vegetables on her farm. She is completely closed off to strangers and especially to men in uniform. She hasn't met Marge from the B and B, though. No one is immune, and Christine begins to meet everyone in town.
When Marge fixes Christine up with a part-time job at the library, Christine begins a Story Hour and its most fervent attendant is..... Dale's daughter Jenna. So many things happen here and Dale and Christine find that they don't want to resist the attraction between them.
It takes a restoration of trust and a resumption of faith for these two, and there is an HEA!
When Marge fixes Christine up with a part-time job at the library, Christine begins a Story Hour and its most fervent attendant is..... Dale's daughter Jenna. So many things happen here and Dale and Christine find that they don't want to resist the attraction between them.
It takes a restoration of trust and a resumption of faith for these two, and there is an HEA!
June 12, 2026
Police chief Dale Lewis saw the small pickup truck on the shoulder of the road facing the wrong direction. He stopped, opened the door, and saw a woman passed out on the seat. She then opened her eyes, saw him and was terrified. She tried to get away from him, even after he told her he was a police officer. He managed to get her to the doctor. He discovered her name was Christine, and that she purchased an organic farm there in town. Even after some time had gone by, she still avoided the police chief and policemen in general.
This was a realistic story about hurting people, compassion, helpfulness, and second chances.
I enjoyed it. It was heavy at times, and light at others--just like real life.
This was a realistic story about hurting people, compassion, helpfulness, and second chances.
I enjoyed it. It was heavy at times, and light at others--just like real life.
February 20, 2022
Christine was abused and has a HUGE mistrust of law enforcement and men in general. Dale is a widowed sheriff who's wife was abused and never could have a true relationship with him because of the trust issues. What happens when these two meet and sparks fly?
An incredibly good book. I loved this. It was sweet and well written, the characters strong and relatable. The verses were pertinent, and while it's #3 in a series, there isn't an overwhelming need to know previous characters. ((I've read #1, and it was just as wonderful.))
Definitely recommend this one!
An incredibly good book. I loved this. It was sweet and well written, the characters strong and relatable. The verses were pertinent, and while it's #3 in a series, there isn't an overwhelming need to know previous characters. ((I've read #1, and it was just as wonderful.))
Definitely recommend this one!
November 25, 2019
Overcoming the Past
Christine Turner needs a fresh start, one that doesn't require anyone's help. That plan is thwarted when Dale Lewis, Oak Hill's handsome, single-dad sheriff rescues her after her car lands in a ditch. Their rocky start is compounded by the pain in their past. Can God work in their hearts to help them see that happy endings don't just occur in the children's stories that Christine reads to Dale's 5-year-old daughter at the library story hour?
Christine Turner needs a fresh start, one that doesn't require anyone's help. That plan is thwarted when Dale Lewis, Oak Hill's handsome, single-dad sheriff rescues her after her car lands in a ditch. Their rocky start is compounded by the pain in their past. Can God work in their hearts to help them see that happy endings don't just occur in the children's stories that Christine reads to Dale's 5-year-old daughter at the library story hour?
July 9, 2021
Healing
This book is an example of GOD's healing power. Dale had as much cause to be hesitant because of his wife Linda. Christine had a justifiable reason to be reticent--hesitant-- of relationships. Erin, despite her abuse, had hope and could see the need for Christine's healing. Unfortunately, there are mean, sadistic men like Christine's former husband; and, unfortunately, there are parents (and steps parents) who shatter a child's trust.
This book is an example of GOD's healing power. Dale had as much cause to be hesitant because of his wife Linda. Christine had a justifiable reason to be reticent--hesitant-- of relationships. Erin, despite her abuse, had hope and could see the need for Christine's healing. Unfortunately, there are mean, sadistic men like Christine's former husband; and, unfortunately, there are parents (and steps parents) who shatter a child's trust.
December 2, 2021
I've loved Dale since book one and am so happy that he got his own story with a HEA. He is such a loving and caring person and a great dad. I loved Jenna as well and always enjoy children in stories because they have no filter.
Christine was such a strong woman and had been through so much. It reminds us that we can get through our toughest challenges with love, faith and people helping each other.
I've enjoyed many books by Irene Hannon and recommend her other books.
Christine was such a strong woman and had been through so much. It reminds us that we can get through our toughest challenges with love, faith and people helping each other.
I've enjoyed many books by Irene Hannon and recommend her other books.
July 16, 2023
Oplæser: Therese Plummer. Min favorit oplæser.
En hyggelig feelgood fortælling.
Vi har en heltinde, der har gået så grueligt meget igennem. Hun er netop. startet på et nyt kapitel i sit liv
Vi har en helt, der er venlig og hjælpsom. Og vældig flot.
Vi har heltenes datter på 5 år, der ønsker sig en ny mor.
Værsgo - så er kærlighedsromanen serveret. Luk øjnene og lad Plummer føre ordet. What's not to like?
En hyggelig feelgood fortælling.
Vi har en heltinde, der har gået så grueligt meget igennem. Hun er netop. startet på et nyt kapitel i sit liv
Vi har en helt, der er venlig og hjælpsom. Og vældig flot.
Vi har heltenes datter på 5 år, der ønsker sig en ny mor.
Værsgo - så er kærlighedsromanen serveret. Luk øjnene og lad Plummer føre ordet. What's not to like?
July 22, 2025
Trust is hard
Betrayed by the very people who should have helped her, Christine vows to keep to herself and not open her heart again. If course,this is a novel so that doesn't happen, but the story is well written and I couldn't stop reading until the end. The pastor's advice in this series has always been spot on and I particularly appreciated the suggestion to ask the right questions rather than just ask for answers from God, whose ways are far different from ours.
Betrayed by the very people who should have helped her, Christine vows to keep to herself and not open her heart again. If course,this is a novel so that doesn't happen, but the story is well written and I couldn't stop reading until the end. The pastor's advice in this series has always been spot on and I particularly appreciated the suggestion to ask the right questions rather than just ask for answers from God, whose ways are far different from ours.
June 9, 2026
Good story
4 stars. I enjoyed this Christian story. The main characters have been through some trauma in their previous marriages (both of their spouses had passed).
I like the character growth they go through to learn to trust again. Her deceased husband was an awful man, may trigger some people, and heads up about him.
I like the community a lot, genuinely nice and caring people. Can't wait to read the other 2 books in the series.
Highly recommend!
4 stars. I enjoyed this Christian story. The main characters have been through some trauma in their previous marriages (both of their spouses had passed).
I like the character growth they go through to learn to trust again. Her deceased husband was an awful man, may trigger some people, and heads up about him.
I like the community a lot, genuinely nice and caring people. Can't wait to read the other 2 books in the series.
Highly recommend!
September 27, 2020
Heartwarming!
Where love abides centers on second chances and is a great inspiration for someone who has went through so much pain, yet being able to trust and love again! Irene Hannon has become one of my favorite authors, always so refreshing to finish up one of her books just hate for the story to end! Great writing and great book!
Where love abides centers on second chances and is a great inspiration for someone who has went through so much pain, yet being able to trust and love again! Irene Hannon has become one of my favorite authors, always so refreshing to finish up one of her books just hate for the story to end! Great writing and great book!
March 31, 2022
Willow Christine Turner moved to Oak Hill for a fresh start. Dale Lewis is a single father to a 5 year old and the towns sheriff. Christine trys to keep her distant from the town fork but 1 by 1 they draw her in. As much as she trys to away from Dale and as much as he trys not to get involved with her they can't denied there growing attraction to each other.
May 25, 2023
Do I Believe In Prince Charming?
Christine had moved to a new town to start a new life. She thought, she wanted to be left alone and not met anyone. Does she change that idea and make lemonade out of lemons? The characters from the first two books are in this book, but it is also a good stand alone book to read.
Christine had moved to a new town to start a new life. She thought, she wanted to be left alone and not met anyone. Does she change that idea and make lemonade out of lemons? The characters from the first two books are in this book, but it is also a good stand alone book to read.
January 17, 2025
Dale ❤️ Christine
What horror could this poor woman have faced to make her react like did? To hate the police. The ones to protect her. But obviously she had other experiences. Sheriff Dale couldn’t figure it out…yet. This story is filled with the horrors of abuse but also filled with second chances, faith and love.
What horror could this poor woman have faced to make her react like did? To hate the police. The ones to protect her. But obviously she had other experiences. Sheriff Dale couldn’t figure it out…yet. This story is filled with the horrors of abuse but also filled with second chances, faith and love.
August 7, 2025
Where love abides.
This story is about a special lady that endured several things that her ex husband was doing to Christine. You need to read it to realise all she endured. She runs away to Missouri to start an organic garden business. Her past follows her. Read it you will not be disappointed.
This story is about a special lady that endured several things that her ex husband was doing to Christine. You need to read it to realise all she endured. She runs away to Missouri to start an organic garden business. Her past follows her. Read it you will not be disappointed.
August 9, 2025
great story telling
Brilliant characters and setting - unique and power story - really enjoyed it and it’s twists and turns.
Believable and real - complex situations you think are difficult to see passed and some raw issues - the inclusion of Christian faith and hard questions was great and real too.
Loved the sense of community in the whole book too 👏🏻👏🏻
Brilliant characters and setting - unique and power story - really enjoyed it and it’s twists and turns.
Believable and real - complex situations you think are difficult to see passed and some raw issues - the inclusion of Christian faith and hard questions was great and real too.
Loved the sense of community in the whole book too 👏🏻👏🏻
November 4, 2025
Such a heartfelt story
I just loved this book from beginning to end. I’m still smiling at the ending.
‘Where Love Abides’ is a beautiful story of second chances and fresh starts, all set in a small country town, with lots of quirky and interesting characters.
I’d love to read a second chapter on the lives of Christine and Dale, and of course Jenna.
Highly recommended.
I just loved this book from beginning to end. I’m still smiling at the ending.
‘Where Love Abides’ is a beautiful story of second chances and fresh starts, all set in a small country town, with lots of quirky and interesting characters.
I’d love to read a second chapter on the lives of Christine and Dale, and of course Jenna.
Highly recommended.
September 3, 2017
Sweet Romance
This was a sweet romance between 2 people with very real problems. Life doesn't always work out as neatly but there is hope when God is called upon like these two did.
I would highly recommend this book for those who enjoy clean Romantic novels.
This was a sweet romance between 2 people with very real problems. Life doesn't always work out as neatly but there is hope when God is called upon like these two did.
I would highly recommend this book for those who enjoy clean Romantic novels.
December 14, 2017
Good book
Irene Gannon is a good author and all the books of hers I have read I have loved. Can a woman that just wants to live and be left alone find friendship and possibly love. Can a sheriff help her find peace? Read to find out.
Irene Gannon is a good author and all the books of hers I have read I have loved. Can a woman that just wants to live and be left alone find friendship and possibly love. Can a sheriff help her find peace? Read to find out.
June 25, 2023
Wonderful wrap up to this delightful series! I love the tension caused from Christine's dislike of those in law enforcement and her obvious attraction to Dale.. as well as his determination to not be involved with someone who has issues and how drawn he is to Christine. I also love how faith plays a key role as the story plays out. I love Hannon's books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews