Itty Bitty Faith

by Jennifer Sienes

Sometimes your past comes back to haunt you...

As a single mama, Alyssa Mitchell learned to depend on no one but herself while raising her boy. She never even gave Jared’s daddy a single thought—well, not often anyway. Why would she when he left her behind to go off and save the world? It didn’t matter one little bit that he was unaware she was pregnant; she felt betrayed just the same. But when she overhears Jared lamenting over not even knowing who his daddy was, she tucks her pride away long enough to track him down.

Brandon Jamison spent years bringing clean water to third-world countries. It was downright confounding why God would see fit to bring him back to the States—with no job or clue what to do next. That is until Alyssa Mitchell shows up and drops a bomb—Brandon has a seventeen-year-old son. All his past failures and shame came to the surface just like the lemon in Mama's sweet tea.

It'll take more than itty-bitty faith to put the past behind them.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2025

About the author

Award-winning author Jennifer Sienes is college-educated but discovered life experience is the best teacher. She loves Jesus, romance, and writing and puts it all together in inspirational contemporary fiction/romance. Her Apple Hill Series takes place in Northern California, and her Southern fiction Bedford County Series and Norfolk Southern Series are set in Tennessee where she now resides. When she isn’t writing, she works in her garden, refinishes old furniture, and dabbles with home décor.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard for me to believe that ITTY BITTY FAITH is only my second time reading Jennifer Sienes. I was instantly hooked and had a hard time putting this story down. Alyssa Mitchell has always put the needs of her 17 year old son, Jared before anything. Lately Jared has been complaining that he knows nothing about his father. Alyssa knows its time for the truth and hunts down Brandon Jamison. She wrote him a letter when she first found out she was pregnant, but he never responded. Can she find him and shock the heck out of him telling him he has a 17 year old son? She wonders, based on what happened in the past, if he will be willing to step up and do the right thing.

I started reading ITTY BITTY FAITH and it captured my interest immediately. This book has a different type of storyline, but I loved it and really enjoyed reading it. The book has twists and turns, but for me, I could not predict what would happen next. Jennifer Sienes is excellent in describing the characters down to every little detail. I felt I knew the characters and their emotions and they also captured my interest so fast and I loved the small town setting. Can Alyssa ever trust Brandon again? Does Brandon really want to give up his life that he has now to be a Daddy to Jared? Brandon has been bringing clean water to third world countries for his entire adult life. Be prepared to be cheering for both of them throughout ITTY BITTY FAITH! I definitely recommend reading it. I’m thrilled to have a new author to read and I’m looking forward to her next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itty Bitty Faith is written by Jennifer Sienes. This might be my favorite book by this author yet. Single mom Alyssa always tried to put her sons needs first. Jared is 17 and is wanting to know more about his father. He’s never known him. Alyssa tried to hunt down Brandon. She has let him know of his child long ago but never heard of him. She knew this day would come.

Brandon is shocked to see Alyssa. He’s even more in shock when he finds out he has a son. He has been out of the country bringing clean water to third world countries.

This was such a beautifully written story. Two individuals with a past. Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It is a tale of a second chance at love. It is a tale of a single mom having faith as small as a mustard. I love that this author also use faith as part of her stories.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyssa Mitchell has been a single mother to Jared all of his life. She and her high school boyfriend, Brandon Jamison, were together one time many years ago, and Jared was a result of that time together. Alyssa wrote Brandon a letter informing him of her pregnancy, but he never responded. So, instead of wallowing in self-pity, Alyssa pulled herself up by her bootstraps and became a mother. She opened her own business doing landscape design and raised her son. She has never had it easy, and money has always been tight, but their family has always been happy. However, one day she hears Jared talking to someone about wishing he knew his father. She knows she has to try to find Brandon.

Brandon Jamison has been bringing clean water to third world countries for his entire adult life. This guy has a heart of gold. He gets sent back to the States, and he is questioning why until he gets a visit from Alyssa. When she informs him that he has a son, he realizes he has his answer from above. This is the story of two souls who needed healing from two entirely different standpoints. This is what I would characterize as a heart happy book because reading it made my heart happy.

Once again Jennifer Sienes has written a heartfelt, faith-filled story of two young people who just needed a little bit of faith to find their pathway. Jennifer has a way with words and her characters are so real. They have real world problems which make them more relatable to the reader. As always the faith thread is heartfelt as well, and obviously comes from a personal place in Jennifer's heart. If you need an uplifting, heartfelt story, you will not want to miss this one. I highly recommend this book. It is a short, easy read.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What blessings the good Lord had brought into my life when I took that itty-bitty step of faith.”

“Could be the Lord was directing my steps all along and I was too busy to pay attention to the road map.”

I’ve really enjoyed reading the Bedford County series and this one didn’t disappoint at all. This one flowed so well with the author’s exceptional storytelling and faith filled elements.

Alyssa Mitchell has kept her plate full from being a single mother raising her son, Jared, alone all these years. She’s been there for her mother who’s been having failing health issues which has included forgetfulness possibly early signs of dementia. Plus working really hard to keep her landscaping business successful hasn’t been an easy road.

Jared has been curious lately about wondering why he never knew his father. Alyssa had just one encounter with his father and old boyfriend, Brandon Jamison, which resulted in a pregnancy. She tried to get in touch with him by letter all those years ago but never heard anything back from him.

Brandon has worked really hard bringing clean water to foreign countries but now he’s returned to the states. Alyssa has gotten in touch with him and maybe it’s fate as to why he’s back home. After he hears news of a son, he’s bewildered as why he never was told about him. From there on, he does whatever is takes to be involved in his son’s life. I enjoyed seeing how it all came together. Will Alyssa and Brandon find their way back to one another?

From the humble beginnings to the present time, the author portrayed the characters with real life issues in such a believable way. I was invested in finding out what would happen with this family. If we have faith in God, he will be there for us each step of the way. I look forward to what the author brings to us next.

I received an advanced copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.

[Nora St Laurent · Rating 3 out of 5]

What does "Itty Bitty faith," as its name suggests, entail? How much trust do we need to move forward and overcome obstacles? a grain of mustard? Bigger? I enjoy the author's direct, inspiring approach to faith and trusting in God. God is always there for us. It's never too late to get back in touch with your family and God.

This is the story of Alyssa Mitchell, a single mother who raised her son Jared for 18 years while simultaneously pursuing a job as a landscaper. When Brandon Jamison finds out he is a father, things start to become interesting. After a special moment in high school and after graduating, Alyssa and Brandon go their separate ways. He was supposed to get a letter from Alyssa informing him that he would soon become a dad, but the letter never arrived. Alyssa felt abandoned and rejected. Can she push past these feelings to move forward in her search for Brandon Jamison? Can she give her son room to have a relationship with his father? Will Brandon want to be part of his son’s life? Her life?
Alyssa, Brandon, and Jared share delicate and essential encounters as they decide how to move forward with life that will include them all. I hadn't read the prior books in the Bedford County series, but I didn't feel lost. This is an inspiring read that will encourage you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer Sienes is a favorite author of mine, I have read many of her books. I recently read Itty Bitty Faith by Jennifer Sienes. It is Book 3 of The Bedford County Series. I have read the first 2 books in this series and was anxiously awaiting Book 3.

Alyssa Mitchell has been a Single Mom and her son Jared is now 17 years old. She has loved and supported him throughout his life on her own and owns a Landscaping Business. He has been asking about his father recently and Alyssa decides to track him down. Brandon Jamison has spent his adult life in Third World Countries helping others have access to Clean Water. He returns to the States and is shocked to learn he has a 17-year-old son. Alyssa tells him she did write him a letter when she was pregnant, but he never received it ever. Will Brandon stay in the States and develop a relationship with his Son? Will there be a reconciliation between Brandon and Alyssa? Will they trust God's plan for their lives and future?

I love this series, each book is just as wonderful as the last. Alyssa, Jared, and Brandon are all wonderful characters. I love that Jared is the one who asks about his father who brings his mom to hunt for Brandon, I think the timing and circumstances of Brandon returning to the States was a wonderful "God Thing". The story shows how Alyssa and Brandon had to have a little bit of Faith to make things happen! The story is one of being able to Trust God and lean not onto your understanding, even through the trials of life. Forgiveness is also a theme in this book. I HIGHLY recommend this Clean, Sweet Christian Romance. WONDERFUL BOOK!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itty Bitty Faith is a wonderful book by a favorite author of mine who does the hard-core real-life stuff in books easy to read. She’s amazing and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of her books. This one has been no different and I could not wait to start it. Once I started it I could not keep away from it.

Alyssa has a seventeen-year-old son. He’s never had a dad in his life. When he starts asking questions can she tell him the truth? Can she tell his father the truth?

Brandon has never known anything about having a son. He’s spent his life building wells in third-world countries. But now he’s back in the US. He’s not sure why or how and he’s not that happy about it. But then he finds out he has a son. And not any son but a 17-year-old son!

I cannot imagine what had to have been going through his mind! I loved all of the characters and their interactions. You’re going to love this book. It has twists and turns. It doesn’t sugar coat things or make it interesting to read. Truly the author does a wonderful job of writing the book and drawing you in. I hope you get a chance to read the book! Let me know what you think!

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[Deana Dick · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love when I read a story that flows well, has great characters and shares lessons we all can relate to. In this book we have Alyssa who maybe didn’t make a great choice when she was in high school, but she received a blessing from it. Her son is well mannered, respectful and a little curious about who his dad is. It has been seventeen years and Alyssa has not mentioned who Jared’s father is. Funny how a seventeen year old boy is about to change not only his life but others as well.

Alyssa knows it is time to track down Brandon and find out why he never responded to her letter that she was pregnant. I am impressed with Brandon and how he stepped up as soon as he found out he had a son. It is important to note that he never received a letter from Alyssa all those years ago. When the three come together there is a bit of anger and mistrust between the three. It will be a slow process for healing and reconnecting.

The story comes with an emotional journey that captures what a little bit of faith can do. When we ask God to forgive us our slate is clean. Both Brandon and Alyssa walk a path that shows them that second chances can be a blessing.

“When we go our own way, God’s hand isn’t far from us.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itty Bitty Faith by Jennifer Sienes is a work of Christian Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, and Southern Fiction. As a single mother, Alyssa Mitchell raises her son with only her mother to really support her. As a business owner of a landscaping business, she finds herself attempting to navigate life. But when she discovers the whereabouts of her son’s father, her life changes.

Brandon Jamison discovers he has a son when his son is almost an adult. But when God brings the threesome back together again, the pair must work to learn to trust God and each other.

I always love the way Jennifer Sienes develops her storylines and characters. This book definitely lived up to my expectations. I loved seeing the dynamics between Alyssa, her mother, her son Jared, and then Brandon with his family. The support and encouragement of family make life much easier to go through, especially when they share a belief in God.

So if you enjoy works of Christian Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, and/or Southern Fiction, check out Itty Bitty Faith by Jennifer Sienes for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Jeannine Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Itty Bitty Faith" is by Jennifer Sienes, an author whose books I have read in the past. I like Christian Contemporary Fiction Romance, so I gave this one a read. 

The book starts out with Alyssa Mitchell, a tenacious, single mother wading through life's trials. Brandon Jamison's return, as the father unaware of his son's existence because of his missionary work, sets the stage for a narrative filled with surprising twists and revelations.

Sienes' storytelling shines through as she gracefully captures the complexities of human emotions, seamlessly weaving themes of sorrow, love, and joy. Through Alyssa and Brandon's journey, the novel illustrates the theme of restoration, highlighting life's transformative power.

"Itty Bitty Faith" is a testament to Sienes' narrative gift, offering a tale that resonates with faith, redemption, and the subtle beauty of romance. If you're seeking a book that gently reminds us of life's capacity for renewal, this is a heartfelt recommendation worth considering.

Overall, I found the book to be worth the read. I give Itty Bitty Faith 5 out of 5 stars.

Note: I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for sharing my thoughts.

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a Faith and Trust in God story. Not a preaching kind but such a sweet story, combined with God's undying love and care.

Alyssa, Jared and her mom have dealt with tests all their lives. Alyssa pushes God away when trials start to pour on her. Jared her son wants to know who his dad is. And her mom is facing a health decline. But when Brandon arrives from a missionary mission things start to line up in a way that he is uncertain. But when Alyssa shows up 17 yrs later to tell him he has a son Brandon realizes God was in all of it.

Itty Bitty Faith, I believe we all fall in it in one or another way. We feel God has left us but God is always there. Loving and caring for us. Directing and planning our path for better things. But we always need just a Itty Bitty more Faith. I enjoy author Jennifer's stories. They always have a message without preaching entwined with a sweet romantic story.

I received an e-arc from the author, was not asked for a positive review. All stated here are my own.

Quote I liked: "Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly"
~~Langston Hughes~~

[Heather Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Shadow Dancing, also by Jennifer Sienes, I knew I wanted to read Itty Bitty Faith too. I wondered if the author's unique storytelling voice would come through as clearly as it did in the previous book. I was pleased to find it present from the very first paragraph. Itty Bitty Faith was an easy to read story, though it deals with some tough issues of life.

Honestly, the only issue I had was that I felt everything came together too quickly or easily. I loved the story and the characters and I wished I was given more time with them, that I was able to see more of their struggle to right the wrongs, forgive, and move forward. The author includes these elements, but I didn't get a strong sense of the internal struggle or how it created problems for the characters in the here and now.

But this one small thing didn't hurt my ability to thoroughly enjoy the story. And I know the next time I see a story by this author, I'll be reading it as well. I give this story 4 stars. I received an ARC of this book through Celebrate Lit. The reviews and opinions are my own and freely given.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a beautiful “second chance” theme that involves not only a second chance for love, but also a second chance to renew hope and faith in God. The main character, Alyssa Mitchell, has worked hard through the years as a single mom to provide not only for her teenage son, but also for her widowed mother. Brandon Jamison has been serving God for years in an overseas ministry, never realizing that he had a son. But when Alyssa decides to locate Brandon so that he can finally meet his son, changes begin to happen for the whole family. This story is told from the first-person viewpoint, and I loved the “southern voice” of Alyssa. The themes of returning to faith and forgiveness flow beautifully throughout the the whole story. Both Brandon and Alyssa find that even though their plans didn’t go as they had hoped, God had His own plans for their lives. This is the third book I’ve read from this author and I think she’s finding her place in faith-based southern fiction. I’m looking forward to reading more from her. I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itty Bitty Faith by Jennifer Sienes is part of the Bedford County Series. With this story we are reunited with high school sweethearts Alyssa and Brandon. After being together just once, Brandon is filled with shame and goes to the ministry field to work through it. What he does not know is that Alyssa has their son and raises him alone with her parent’s help. Many years later the son is overheard wishing he knew his dad. Felling bad about this, Alyssa get help locating him and gives him a visit..

I really enjoyed this story. It is filled with so much meaning and realistic moments. We see the strength Alyssa has to not only raise her son, but to care for her mother and run a successful landscaping business. We also see how God paves the way for Brandon to leave the mission field and becomes available for them. As her mother’s memory starts to fail, we see how people come together to help care for her. This is an enjoyable quick, easy to read, contemporary story which I enjoyed very much.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jennifer has done it once again of gifting us with a beautiful story of second chance love. Not only does she bring the story to life with heartfelt romance, but also gives light to just how God allows us to walk our path back to our faith in Him with great patience.

One of my favorite things about this and all of her books is how she brings the Southern lingo into play which makes her reads even more realistic.

Part of the Bedford County series, this novella captures so much in a compact group of pages. Real life issues that many of us experience in some fashion or another are brought out and dealt with in such a way as to say we are all human BUT grace is sufficient.

I am anxiously awaiting the next work of art by this author as she always makes me fully aware of God’s goodness through any situation!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author. My opinion is my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itty Bitty Faith is part of Jennifer Sienes' The Bedford County Series. I have enjoyed the previous books from this series and was happy to have the opportunity to have the chance to read this one. I was far from being disappointed. I believe it is my favorite book from the series to date. I adored Brandon and Alyssa’s story. I could not put it down until the very last page. A fabulous read.
I am giving Itty Bitty Faith five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean women's fiction. I am eagerly awaiting the next book from The Bedford County Series, Tangles and Tinsel to see where else Jennifer Sienes takes her characters to next.
I received a digital copy of Jennifer Sienes' Itty Bitty Faith from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Anna Krug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Itty Bitty Faith is the story of Alyssa and her son, Jared. Jared doesn’t know who is father is, but when Brandon, who has been out of the country as a missionary returns, they meet.
Brandon doesn’t really know why God brought him back to the states, but He has cleared a path for his new life.
We don’t always have the faith we need to believe God can take care of us, but even a little can grow.

I received a review copy of Itty Bitty Faith from Celebrate Lit. These views are my own.

[Donna Kale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Marbeth Skwarczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bedford County Series by Jennifer Sienes is always enjoyable. The internal dialog, sense of humor, and southernisms add to their charm.

After reading the first two books--Night Songs and Shadow Dancing--for the Celebrate Lit blog tour, I immediately signed up for book three. I am so glad I did.

Itty Bitty Faith is the story of Alyssa Mitchell, a single mother who has spent the past 18 years focused on raising her son, caring for her mother, and developing a career that would provide for all of them. Although she lives from day to day, Alyssa feels like she's doing her best--until she overhears her son complaining about the fact that he never knew his father.

Brandon Jamison has spent most of his adult life on the mission field, developing ways to bring clean water to communities around the world. Now, he's returned home after a disastrous broken engagement only to discover that his girlfriend from high school had tried to contact him years before--to tell him he had a son. A son who is now a junior in high school.

Can Alyssa and Brandon work past nearly two decades of separation to become the parents their son needs?