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Every Life Filled with Purpose: A Weldon Novel--Book 3

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Welcome to Weldon, Kentucky, where no one can keep a secret forever.

Imagine discovering a place where the locals treat you with warmth and welcome you like family. Carson Williams finds such a place when he visits his deceased mother’s hometown of Weldon. The atmosphere in the community creates a deep yearning in Carson, and he thinks Kentucky is the perfect place for a new beginning. Carson hopes the country life will lead to his emotional healing from PTSD.

While Carson is having lunch at the local diner with Sparky Compton, a young doctor who’s captured his heart, Virginia Willoughby collapses. Sparky springs into action, but Carson struggles to maintain control of his emotions. Mrs. Willoughby’s daughter, Emma Baker arrives, and the magnetic pull of Emma’s gaze confuses Carson. She reminds him of someone, but who? Later, Emma wonders why she can’t stop thinking about the mysterious stranger when her heart belongs to pastor Luke Davis.

But there are secrets in the small town—and they will impact both Carson and Emma.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 25, 2025

29 people are currently reading
101 people want to read

About the author

Shelia Stovall

8 books55 followers

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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for Staci.
2,358 reviews679 followers
May 10, 2026
Lovely Women's Fiction novel! Set in a small Kentucky town, readers go on a journey with regular people going through struggles. Carson is new to town and recovery from PTSD. Emma and Luke have been dating for two years. Will he ever propose? Emma's daughter Harley was adopted through foster care. Will Harley truly accept the love Emma offers?

Engaging and sprinkled with humor. I look forward to reading more by the author.
Profile Image for Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer).
1,502 reviews54 followers
May 24, 2025
Every Life Filled with Purpose by Shelia Stovall is the third book in the Weldon Novels Series. I haven’t read the first two, but this story stands well on its own.

The novel takes place in a cozy Southern town that’s full of charm. The people here are lively and friendly, though they tend to stick their noses into each other’s lives a bit too much. Gossip runs fast and furious around town. However, their strong faith and hope keep them going through hard times. Many of the characters have experienced loss and are healing through the power of love and redemption.I was especially touched by the stories of Carson and Emma.

Reading Every Life Filled with Purpose is a delightful, faith-filled, and inspirational novel with the right touch of romance and humor.

**3.5-4 stars**
Profile Image for Darlene Corbett.
Author 3 books97 followers
April 20, 2026
I would give this novel 4.5. A wonderful story. The only reason why I didn't give it a 5 is because I thought the foster child placement was a bit unrealistic, but otherwise, superb. Remember, I'm a psychotherapist, so I can't help but look through it with a clear lens.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,214 reviews36 followers
May 25, 2025
The faith aspect is strong, as is the power of forgiveness in Every Life Filled With Purpose, showing what happens when you hold onto fear and bitterness and also what can happen when you finally let it go.

Struggles with faith during difficult times are a running theme throughout this novel, providing a balm to those of us who also struggle with the same questions or feelings, making it easy to feel seen. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and it will certainly not be my last. She has an incredible gift of touching my spirit while also providing an engaging and entertaining story.

There were some pretty intense moments that I wasn’t expecting, particularly a storm scene that eerily mirrored my own situation as I was reading it. It was the perfect reminder that God is in control even in the storms and gave me renewed faith that I so desperately needed in that moment. God has really been using works of fiction to really speak to me lately, and I am so grateful that He uses all things to reach His children. It was after this point that it became practically impossible to put this novel down. The ending was incredibly powerful and so romantic, not only bringing pleasant memories to my own mind and a smile to my face but was the perfect ending to a truly touching story.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Profile Image for Emily.
593 reviews16 followers
May 23, 2025
Every Life Filled with Purpose is the first book I have read written by Shelia Stovall, and it was very enjoyable. This is book three of a series, though I read it as a standalone. I plan on going back and reading the other two books in the series, because I want to revisit the town of Weldon and get more of the backstory.

The character development was good. There are a lot of characters throughout the story. So, at the beginning, it took a moment to wrap my brain around everyone. Emma is processing through a lot of different things. Her husband was murdered, and she is now the mom to her adopted daughter, Harley, who is also processing trauma. Carson shows up on the scene and has different things he is dealing with.

The storyline and setting were perfect. Weldon is a cute, small-town Kentucky community with southern charm. I enjoyed trying to figure out the different connections in the town. This was a perfect Christian hallmark in a book.

The relationship between Emma and Luke is a very sweet, low-spice, kiss-only romance.

Shelia Stovall did a great job intertwining faith throughout the entire book. I enjoyed seeing the faith of the characters through their prayers and lives.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Wren.
473 reviews6 followers
May 29, 2025
Every Life Filled with Purpose: A Weldon Novel--Book 3 was a joy to read from beginning to end. Weldon, Kentucky, is filled with interesting and appealing characters. There's Dr. Luke, the pastor, who's hoping to propose to his beloved girlfriend, Emma...if he can actually get some time away from work. There's Emma, and her sometimes prickly adopted daughter Harley. Emma's straightlaced mother, Virginia. Rick, and his wife who's succumbing to dementia. And Carson, who's new in town and struggling to face down the PTSD which requires diligence to overcome; as well as his support animals/pets.

Each of these characters, and others, weave in and out of each other's lives and histories. There are hidden stories, damaging secrets, and even, perhaps, danger ahead; but Weldon's citizens are prepared for almost anything. Maybe!

As much as I enjoyed getting to know this author's characters, I loved the genuine faith that's displayed in their lives even more. I was touched and encouraged by this book even as I loved the story. Highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,861 reviews53 followers
May 19, 2025
Contemporary Christian Fiction is a favorite genre of mine. Every Life Filled with Purpose by Sheila Stovall is Book 3 in the Weldon Novels Series. I have not read the first 2 books in this series YET, but this book seems good as a standalone.

WOW, I started reading this book and enjoyed it from the beginning. I also LOVE Small Town settings, both in books and real life. The main characters in this book are Carson Williams and Emma Baker. Carson has returned to Weldon, Kentucky, the Hometown of his deceased mother. Emma Baker comes to town diner when her mom has a medical emergency. Carson was already at the diner with a friend. The storyline gets really interesting when Carson meets Emma and they both stare at one another like they know each other already. The meeting was brief at that point, but they both realize that they can't stop thinking about the encounter. Small Town Gossip begins and Carson and Emma are very much a part of that gossip. I really LOVE how they handle the situation and other things happening in the Small Town of Weldon. The book is filled with Faith, Romance and Biblical Lessons on Gossip. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Fiction. GREAT BOOK!
Profile Image for Debra Williams.
Author 2 books28 followers
April 26, 2025
Every Life Filled With Purpose takes us back to the lovely community of Weldon, Kentucky. The setting is Southern charm at its best. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to move there. Especially for the friendly people and fried pies at the Triple D or maybe for Ovaleta’s coconut cake. Made my mouth water.

A story of love, loss, redemption, and restoration, this beautifully written work is what faith-filled fiction should be. The characters are so real and relatable, I laughed, I cried, I cheered and even raised a Hallelujah or two. You will love this book. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Tama Fortner.
Author 49 books74 followers
April 8, 2025
Shelia Stovall’s latest literary trip to the small town of Weldon is a gem that so beautifully fulfills the purpose of Christian fiction—that is, to show how people of faith live and love through the ups and down of life, shining a light of hope for others to follow. Wonderfully true-to-life characters, with just the right touch of humor and whimsy to make you smile. Fabulous!

*Thank you to the author and Elk Lake Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Sally Pitts.
Author 20 books34 followers
April 20, 2025
Every Life Filled with Purpose takes you back to Weldon, Kentucky, with a story of love, forgiveness and redemption. Shelia Stovall writes characters you learn to love, relate to, and worry about. Journey with Emma and friends navigating death, illness, a misunderstanding, the revelation of surprising relationships, a marriage proposal and a tornado to shake things up even more. This small town novel takes you on a faith-filled adventure and is an inspirational read I highly recommend.

Profile Image for Aurelia Hulls.
188 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2025
Every Life Filled with Purpose is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and the journey toward healing. While some plot elements are foreseeable, the emotional authenticity and character depth more than compensate. Stovall's portrayal of a community grappling with secrets and seeking redemption is both moving and thought-provoking.

1,859 reviews26 followers
April 5, 2025
a family in the making

I always enjoy a visit to Weldon, and this one was no different. I love this author’s way of getting your attention immediately while giving us powerful Godly wisdom. I love the lessons Luke learned about discernment. Very well done!
Profile Image for Carole G. Barton.
531 reviews28 followers
April 16, 2025
“Every Life filled with Purpose” is the 3rd adult Christian novel by incredible author Shelia Stovall. The characters are well developed and as I read, I continued to feel emotions for all of these incredible characters/actions. This is an outreach book for readers at any walk in their faith. I highly recommend this book and Stovall’s other books:

“Every Window Filled with Light” ( book1)

“Every Day filled with Hope (book 2)

I highly recommend all 3 Christian novels.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews