A Place To Belong: Sweet Small Town Christian Fiction

by Melissa Alyse

📚 Now available in Kindle Unlimited!

She had a plan. God had a better one.
After one shattering night, Sammy Thomas’s carefully built life lies in pieces. Lost and heartbroken, she returns to the quiet Texas town she never thought she’d see again—only to find herself running her grandmother’s church pantry and questioning everything she thought she knew about purpose, faith, and the future.

But between porch swing conversations, community potlucks, and the soft rhythm of small-town life, Sammy begins to wonder…What if the plans she made were nothing compared to what God had planned for her?

A Place to Belong is a heartwarming, grace-filled Christian novel about starting over, discovering your purpose, and trusting God when life doesn’t go the way you imagined. Perfect for fans of small-town communities, clean romance, and faith-filled women’s fiction—and for anyone who needs the gentle reminder that it’s never too late to follow the calling God has placed on your heart.

📚 Now available in Kindle Unlimited!

If you love stories
– A “dumped-before-the-ring” breakup
– A fresh start in a small town
– Meet-cute mayhem
– A love triangle with a childhood friend
– Scripture breathed throughout
– A wise grandma mentor
– A journey of calling and purpose
– A community that feels like home
– A bit of animal antics for comic relief

…this sweet story will feel like a cool breeze on the front porch swing during honeysuckle season.

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2025

About the author

Melissa Alyse is the author of grace-soaked Christian fiction that feels like a front porch conversation—cozy, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.

Her debut novel, A Place to Belong, is the first in the Willow Creek series: faith-filled stories about women finding their way back to God, to purpose, and to the kind of community that doesn't just welcome you—but sees you and loves you.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her walking her dog, Bible journaling with watercolors, or sipping coffee with her husband on their porch in Alaska.

Come join us, there is always room from you on the front porch. www.melissaalyse.com

Reviews

[Lisa Hornyack · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written clean romance! I felt like I was beside the main character, Sammy, throughout the book, enjoying sweet tea on the porch swing with her grandmother and meeting the people in her new town. If you feel, or have ever felt, like you don't belong or wonder what step you were to choose next in your life, all along with meeting the man of your dreams, this book is for you! The author draws you in from page one, and deftly uses Sammy's connection to her growing trust in her faith to help her find not only where she belongs in regard to her life's work, but also to trust her heart. Melissa Alyse weaves Scripture verses into the story that become the cornerstone for the choices Sammy used to build her trust in God and the people who came into her life after her heart was broken. Although it has been many years since I went through such things in my life, I couldn't put the book down until I found out how it ended! It is a great easy read that keeps your attention the whole way through!

[Melissa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to live in this town and be friends with the characters!!

I want to live in that town and be friends with Sammy (and all the other characters too!
I want to get coffee at the coffee shop (AndI don’t drink coffee).
I want to help with the summer camp!
I want Glory (and the Bridge Ladies) to adopt me as a granddaughter!!
I want to go to that church and be part of the food pantry!
Michelle needs a friend … and my name starts with the same letter! 😀

I enjoyed jumping inside Sammy’s journal and can’t wait to read the devotional.
So many words of wisdom, snippets of advice, and inspirations were highlighted as I read this story (and I don’t normally highlight fictional books).
I loved this story and can’t wait to see what’s next!
This story felt like a huge warm hug!

[Charity · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know, I never really understood the concept of a "summer read" before. Now I do. This book is a very low-to-no angst book, yet there are depths to this story.

This is a book that has many MANY conversations about God, but not a single one feels forced.

This is a book-a FICTION book, mind you-that made me reach for my Bible because I realized something new (check out Ephesians 2:10).

There were a few places where I was a little confused about the timeline, and the FMC seemed a little too perfect, but overall, this is a great summer read.

This is the author's debut novel, and I very much look forward to reading her next one.

~I received a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[Cindie Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

God can take our greatest disappointment and lead us into our greatest joy. I feel like this is the over arching theme of A Place to Belong.
Well written and so heartfelt, we feel the characters' struggles and triumphs as though we were their best friend.
Humorous and poignant, the story of Sammy and Jake, as well as others in Willow Creek will hold not only your attention, but also your heart.
I definitely relate to Glory and her porch swing as a place to meet with God and work out our deepest hopes and dreams.
Faith, family and definitely friends...we all need them. And you will make new ones in this book.

[Zetta Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read. I most generally do not read romance genre, but I quickly got caught up in the idea of sitting on a porch, swinging,sipping tea, and reading this delightful story. I liked the characters right away. I could just imagine how cowboy Jake was a welcome relationship after Sammy’s breakup. Being from a small town myself, I loved the way the community came together to make the food pantry a success. I could identify personally with several of the characters. Sammy’s relationship to God was refreshing, and meaningful scripture was woven beautifully throughout the book.
I look forward to getting to know Michelle better as this series continues

[Pam Erlandson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well-written, heartfelt story in a charming setting. The characters are well-developed and extremely engaging. As a Christian reader, I thoroughly enjoyed reading relatable scenarios with a strong emphasis on faith. The characters faced everyday challenges, by relying on family values and relationships.

[Beverly H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story starting out with a few twists and turns before enveloping you in a community you root for and in which you want to be included. Sammy’s story is about becoming-not just a romance but a story of a young woman becoming her full self.

[Melanie Bartron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy, Thought-Provoking, Enjoyable Read: The author draws you into the small town country living and the neighbors who are involved in encouraging those around them. It was fun to see Sammy realize that in helping others she was feeling fulfilled in her own life. I also loved the added romance, and her faith in God throughout the story! I have recommended it to friends, and can't wait to read more from this author!

[Freda Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. It held your attention through out.

[Mitzi Hazlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Place to Belong captured my heart from the very beginning until the last page. I chose to take my time to savor the wisdom woven throughout the story. I found myself longing for a place like Willow Creek and time spent with Glory and sweet iced tea! This is a story I will read again.

[Vicki Hornsby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed A Place To Belong very much. If you are trying to find your way or figure out who you are, then you need to read this book. It is a delightful story.

[Tammy J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever been swept up in a book and you start to feel like you're part of the story? That's A Place to Belong.

I love a good book, and this is an exceptionally good book. The writing is flawless, the characters become like old friends, and the town - who doesn't want to live in a place like Willow Creek?

My heart feels for Jake, as I lost my own mom at 14, the same age he lost his parents. I know exactly what he's saying and how he felt.

I'm so excited to watch the relationship continue to blossom between Jake and Sammy. I'm so happy that Richard is out of the picture.

The front porch swing at Glory's. My Granny had a front porch swing, one that I've probably swung to the moon and back a few times. I love Glory, her love for Sammy, her love for Jesus, and her wisdom. She's exactly what Sammy needed, and God knew that.

All of the ladies who play Bridge are such treasures in Willow Creek, and for Sammy.

Hebrews 11 is my favorite chapter in the Bible, and Hebrews 11:1 is my favorite verse. To see if woven through the story was beautiful.

Listen, I laughed, inhaled sharply, shed a tear, and jumped for joy reading this book. If you are ready for a really good story where Jesus is woven through every page, then you will love this book. I can't wait for the next one. This is going to be a series that I'm itching for until the next book is out!

[Kim Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was swept away into the charming town of Willow Creek and into Sammy’s journey to find her calling and worth in God. I absolutely fell in love with Sammy and her grandmother, Glory. I wanted to be on the porch, sipping sweet tea with them!

This story gently reminds us that while the world demands perfection, God simply asks for our trust and obedience. I found myself highlighting passages and feeling God tug at my heart through Sammy’s struggles.

It may be a work of fiction, but the message is beautifully real. If you’re searching for purpose or just love a faith-filled, feel-good story, this one’s for you!

[Debbi Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just completed this book and have totally enjoyed this story! The writing was enjoyable, refreshing, and easy to read. The way the author shares God‘s plan for us was done beautifully. As I got to know the characters, I felt like they were friends. I loved how the church came together and how the Holy Spirit worked throughout this story with the congregation and community. I recommend this book for an enjoyable read that you will find yourself smiling, get tears in your eyes, laugh, and just feel like you’re part of this community. I’m looking forward to this authors next book and plan on reading it knowing that I will thoroughly enjoy it!

[Sonia Ess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was easy to read. It was like watching a “feel good movie”. Very charming plot. This particular book felt geared to somewhat of a younger audience as its main character is just graduating college. Of course the book has some older characters, but it reminds me of books I may have read in my younger years. I liked the use of Bible verses used throughout the story and mentioning of tools that could help one grow in their relationship with Lord, such as journaling. I look forward to reading the rest of the series!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Place To Belong, is absolutely beautifully written. I staid up all night to read it. I could not stop reading it. The heart and spirit of each character is felt and the story builds page by page. It has been a a long time that I have read a book that drew me in and held my attention especially one like this. I I recommend it to anyone, A Place To Belong is more than just a book, it is a testimony to GOD'S love, grace, and timing in our lives in whatever season we are in. 💜🙏📖

[Teri Winton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book about God‘s healing power through community and time with Him. Sammy learns to trust in God and not second-guess herself. She learns how to let go of control and be free in her relationship with God. Highly recommend!

[Amanda Dages · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartfelt story! I loved the new beginning and knowing that we all have plans but then God has plans! Sammy’s faith and the love and support around is what family and community does. I even wrote some Glory’s lines down, I hope to be grandma like her one day!

[kathy jarrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enjoyed it from the first word to the last. Couldn't put it down. And didn't want it to end. Has reminded me that God still has plans for my life as well.
Can't wait for her next book!!!

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I adored this book!!

[Kimberly Bartle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy read

Wonderful, relaxing, and uplifting.
I fell in love with Sammie, Glory, and Jake! I met a new author and am looking forward to the next book!