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Below the Far Horizon

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Some love stories are worth waiting a lifetime for.

Grace Tyack thought she had it all figured out—until her marriage crumbled, her career imploded, and she found herself back in the small town she'd spent years trying to forget. Caring for her mother after surgery, Grace discovers that sometimes the biggest failures lead to the most unexpected blessings.

Then, in a twist she did not see coming, she learns that her mother has a boyfriend. Don Gillett is a sweet widower, but he comes with unexpected his son Trevor, Grace's high school sweetheart whom she left without explanation years ago. When the four of them start spending time together, Grace and Trevor concoct a scheme to ensure their parents' happiness by pretending to rekindle their own romance.

But in a town where everyone knows everyone's business, fake feelings have a way of becoming real. Between family secrets, small-town gossip, and the healing power of second chances, Grace must decide if coming home means moving backward—or finally moving toward the life she was meant to live.





Reviews for Below the Far

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The way Jessie Gussman always makes me look at my life and consider ways I could improve on my walk with my Lord really brings me back to her books again and again!" - Madge

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Another beautiful, believable story from Jessie Gussman!" - Shevy

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I could not help but chuckle throughout the entire story." - Karen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I feel like this book needs at least ten stars." - Mom of 8

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I am thoroughly enjoying this book series." - dkdhippo


Books in the Raspberry Ridge

On the Sandy BeachUnder the Rising MoonDown the Dirt RoadAround the Next BendInto the Golden DawnBeyond the Setting SunBeside the Rolling WavesBelow the Far HorizonOver the Verdant HillsBetween the Shady GrovesThrough the Dark Night

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2025

325 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Jessie Gussman

320 books894 followers

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5 stars
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100 (17%)
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28 (4%)
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3 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
660 reviews6 followers
June 18, 2025
Another wonderful story from Raspberry Ridge where coming home becomes a safe haven for Grace Tyack and possibly a second chance with the high school sweetheart she left behind.

When Grace finds herself divorced with no job or home to live in she decides to go back to the place she left many years ago. When she was young and thought she would make something big of herself, she wanted to get far away from Raspberry Ridge. After her husband cheats on her Grace after lying to her for years their marriage is over. Going back home to take care of her mother, Gita, after she has hip surgery has her asking for a place to stay after she has to admit all that has gone wrong in her life. She's finally admitting that she made some mistakes and she needs a fresh start.

Trevor Gillett has decided to leave his job and come back to live with his father Don in Raspberry Ridge. He wants to be there for his dad and he wants to turn his carpentry hobby into a job. Raspberry Ridge reminds him of Grace, the girl who walked away without any explanations. He is shocked when he finds out she is home with her mother.

Don and Gita come up with a crazy plan to help get Grace and Trevor back together again. They know they are perfect for one another. They plan on pretending that they are dating and need their children to chaperone them. The four of them start to spent time together doing lots of fun things. Grace and Trevor want to see their parents relationship succeed so they concoct a scheme to ensure their parents' happiness by pretending to rekindle their own romance.

Can two fake relationships become the real thing?

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,828 reviews50 followers
June 12, 2025
This sweet and inspiring story centres around letting go of the past, renewed connections and new beginnings. Grace left Raspberry Ridge a decade ago in search of something better than the life she had had in her tiny home town. She left behind her high school sweetheart, Travis, as well as her family. Now divorced, broke and disillusioned, Grace has returned to Raspberry Ridge to care for her mother after her recent surgery. She has amends to make with her mother and sisters, and is doing her best to repair the connections between them. Discovering her mother has a boyfriend is a surprise, and so is realizing that his son is Travis. The unexpected reunion gives them a chance to clear the air about her leaving town a decade ago. Wanting their respective parent to be happy, they decide to pretend that they are seeing each other too. Neither expected to feel anything beyond friendship or to want a chance to build their own future together. To do so, they will need to let go of the past, including the hurt, the fears and the doubts. They must also have faith in God’s guidance and trust each other with their hearts and secrets.

I am happy to recommend this perceptively written, heartwarming book.
1,009 reviews34 followers
June 13, 2025
When Trevor moves back to Raspberry Ridge to look after his dad, he never expected to meet the girl who dumped him years earlier without explanation, but who he's never been able to fully get over. But Grace is back too, and, worse, his dad seems to have started a relationship with her mum - and since both Grace and Trevor want the best for their parents, they support the budding romance. Which throws them together all the more. They can't turn back time, but is this a second chance at love, or are they doomed to a lifetime of awkward family parties?

An enjoyable read with a beautiful dual romance - two couples each trying to help the other out and getting more than they bargained for. In some ways it felt fairly predictable, but it still kept me guessing at times, and I enjoyed getting to know all four main characters (though I still can't come at 'Gita Baby', sorry). As usual for this author, there were also some good conversations pointing me in positive, God-honouring directions, as well as some good clean fun. Looking forward to the next book - Claire?

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
1,461 reviews23 followers
June 28, 2025
I loved this second chance romance between Grace and Trevor in Raspberry Ridge. Grace left twelve years before wanting more than her small town offered and leaving her boyfriend, Trevor, with no explanation why she was leaving and no contact over the years. She got married, got the good paying job and expensive housing and cars. Then her world fell apart when her husband cheated on her and divorced her. Unable to cope, she lost her job and only had her car that she couldn't make the payments on. Her mother was recovering from hip replacement surgery so she decided to move back home and live with her mother who was a widow. Trevor had never married and just quit his job in the city to move back home to live with his dad and start a woodworking business and help his dad who was divorced. When his dad and Grace's mom pretend that they are dating in order to get Grace and Trevor back together something unusual happens. You will have to read the book to find out what happens. The characters are wonderful, and I highly recommend this as a clean and inspirational romance. This is my voluntary and honest review.
581 reviews
June 12, 2025
Below the Far Horizon is a funny story about Trevor and Grace getting a second chance at love and Don, Trevor’s father getting a second chance at love with Gita, Grace’s mother.  This story tells how the Bible teaches us of how we have to allow God to do things in his time, not ours.  It had me laughing at Don calling Gita “Gita Baby”.  The first time it happened the scene with Grace and Trevor was hysterical.  But, what started out as a fake relationship for Don and Gita turned into the real thing.  And the reason they were doing it was to get Trevor and Grace back together like they were in high school.  As I said the fake relationship that Don and Gita was playing, Trevor and Grace decided to fake play also.  It just didn’t go as planned for Trevor and Grace. Could Grace not see what a good man Trevor was and know he would never hurt her like her ex-husband did? 

 

Jessie Gussman has a humor that just won’t stop.  Each book just keep getting better and maybe it’s the fresh country air that gives her that humor!
379 reviews
June 16, 2025
Grace Honea Tyack and Trevor Gillett, sweethearts from high school but broken apart when Grace felt she needed bigger and more successful, have returned to Raspberry Ridge to live with their own elderly parent but under different circumstances. Grace, is divorced, jobless and homeless and has returned hopeless but thankful her mother, Gita Honea, needs her assistance as she recovers from hip surgery. Trevor has decided to leave his job and is fairly financially able to do what he enjoys doing and plans to spend his time leisurely with his father, Don. This book gets real interesting real quick when two different pairs decide to do some matchmaking scheming but get something else instead.
A great example of how God works things out, how forgiveness works for both and how second chances are worth going out of your norm to get the happiness you want. The book has both wisdom and humor intermingled together making it a great read for all.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
509 reviews7 followers
June 11, 2025
Grace is back in Raspberry Ridge to help her mother recover from hip surgery. She is divorced, unemployed and broke. She left a decade before because she wanted bigger and better things. Her husband cheated on her and left. She has no idea what she wants to do with her life, but she's in Raspberry Ridge to help her mother for 6 weeks. When she left, she also left behind Trevor. Grace's best friend, Claire kept saying that Grace had stolen Trevor from her even though they had only gone on 1 date.....and Claire had asked him. Trevor is also back in town to take care of his dad. Trevor's dad and Grace's mom pretend to date so that Trevor and Grace will spend time together. They do, but Grace is still scared. Trevor still loves her, but feels that she is always looking for something bigger and better. Lots of healing takes place as Grace confronts her fears and is honest with those around her.
385 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2025
Grace returns to Raspberry Ridge after she loses her job, her husband divorced her, and she is broke. Her mother recently had surgery, so it is a convenient time for her to move in with her mother. Trevor has been in love with Grace since childhood - until she left him suddenly and moved out of town. Now his move back to town coincides with hers. He has quit his job in order to move in with his dad to keep him from being lonely and to start his own furniture business. They both feel like they are moving backwards by moving back in with their parents. But God has a plan. Their single parents decide to play matchmakers by pretending to be in a relationship in order to bring their children back together.

This is a fun, romantic comedy with sound Christian principles. The characters are well-written and lovable. The story is enjoyable and inspirational.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.
172 reviews1 follower
June 21, 2025
Grace left town after high school to go to the city for bigger and better things. But things didn't work out the way she hoped and now she's back homeless, jobless and divorced.
She moves in to take care of her mom as she recovers from surgery and tries to figure out what she's going to do with her life.
She finds out her mom is dating her ex-boyfriends dad which means that she has to spend time in his company, which makes things uncomfortable for all of them.
Grace realizes she has to return to her faith and learn from the past but let it go.
This story had a hilarious situation which causes you to chuckle about what was planned and how things actually turned out.
I loved the way Grace and Trevor share their thoughts and opinion on their faith. They each were able to listen, discuss, learn and grow from each other.
These books are always teaching something and uplifting you in your faith.
I voluntarily read an arc and this is my honest opinion.
806 reviews18 followers
June 30, 2025
3.5 stars
Ms Gussman shares important Christian life lessons, via her main characters, in each of her books. In this story, Grace and Trevor have intense discussions during which they agree that trials in life make people stronger and more compassionate towards others, despite the heartache and feelings of failure or hopelessness that are experienced during these difficult times. Their parents, Gita and Don share some of the same sentiments during their separate conversations.
Don’s Impulsive idea, shared with Gita, Grace’s mom, results in an elaborate and muddled scheme to re-unite their respective offspring. This, in turn, leads to confusion for Grace and Trevor as they try to make sense of their parents’ behaviour.
The story included both profound and amusing moments; however, it was not one of my favourite books by this author as some of the dialogue felt contrived and pedantic. This is my honest opinion of a review copy I received.
37 reviews
June 16, 2025
Loved it!

I really loved how this story was told. Grace moves back to her mother's home after going through a divorce from a cheating spouse and getting fired from her job for missing too much work in her despair. Trevor moves home with his father in Raspberry Ridge when he decides to leave his job and take up the woodworking that he always loved. Grace and Trevor were together in high school, but Grace left to find bigger and better things in the city. Trevor never got over her. Through some manipulation by their parents, Grace and Trevor get thrown back together, but things never go smoothly.

I appreciated all the Biblical truths in this book and how they were discussed openly between the couple. The way Jessie Gussman always makes me look at my life and consider ways I could improve on my walk with my Lord really brings me back to her books again and again!
Profile Image for Michaela | Reading in the Heartland.
3,700 reviews74 followers
May 31, 2025
This was a sweet Christian contemporary romance set in small town Michigan. On the edge of Lake Michigan, Raspberry Ridge is home to characters we’ve grown to love over multiple series. Trevor has moved home with his dad and Grace has moved home to help her mother after her surgery. Trevor and Grace were high school sweethearts until she up and left. Now that she’s back, they have a chance at a second chance. Enter the matchmakers! Their parents decide to help things along by fake dating - and that spirit is contagious! With sweet moments and time spent together during meals, kayaking, and more, this is a lovely - double - romance. This is a just kisses romance.

I received an eARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Linda Burnette.
44 reviews2 followers
June 5, 2025
Below the Far Horizon
By Jessie Gussman

Both Grace and Trevor return to Raspberry Ridge to fulfill family obligations. Neither realize that their high school crush has returned home. Grace returns after a devastating divorce and loss of everything she has counted important. Trevor on the other hand returns to spend time with his father who has lived alone for too many years and isn’t getting any younger. Come spend time with this couple as they navigate a return to their childhood homes and ultimately to their bond as friends. Jessie demonstrates the importance of relationships and family bonds rather than the trappings of money and things. Come along and get not one surprise but two!
354 reviews5 followers
June 18, 2025
Another great book in series by a great author. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. The h has returned home to live with her mother who is recovering from hip surgery. She also needs a place to live. She is just divorced and has lost her job and has no place to live. Her mother is a widow and is happy to have her home. She finds her old boyfriend from high school has also moved home to live with his father so he can spend quality time with him. They accidentally meet and share a few words. She can’t believe that he wants to speak with her because she left him without a goodbye or a reason for leaving him. He was in love with her. The H’s father decides that his son needs to get back together with his high school love. He goes to see the h’s mother and suggests that they fake a relationship so they can bring their son and daughter back together. The H and h, and her sisters, find their fake relationship unbelievable but go along with it. The H and h do get together and talk about the relationship between their parents and think something is off about it but in getting together they begin to talk about their past relationship and what happened. The h explains why she did what she did and the H clears up her mistaken conceptions. They are able to understand the past and find love again and then the surprise happens. The father and mother confess their fake relationship only to realize that it is for real and find their HEA as do the H and h. A really cute story with two generations finding the love they never knew they wanted or needed. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Great for anyone looking for a happy story. Enjoy! Received this book free from author as member of ARC team.
542 reviews
June 13, 2025
I always love stories about older couples navigating new romances and trying to blend families that consist of grown children since that is what my husband and I did after our spouses died. Of course, this story is full of fake relationships which we didn't have. This book actually had two fake relationships, one light and fun and the other heavy and full of regrets and fear. This book also alludes to something that happened in the past which never comes to light by the end of the story. this just means I will be sitting on pins and needles until the next one comes out. Many thanks to the author for gifting me this book. she did not require a positive review in return so all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Elaine Coghlan .
1,498 reviews14 followers
June 13, 2025
Below the Far Horizon ~Raspberry Ridge #8 by Jessie Gussman

Below the Far Horizon is another fabulous addition to the Raspberry Ridge series! Jessie Gussman never disappoints—her writing is clean, uplifting, and full of heart. I love how she brings her characters to life with depth and sincerity.

In this story, Grace and Trevor both return to Raspberry Ridge years after a breakup—Grace after a failed marriage, and Trevor to care for his father. Neither expected to cross paths again, and their reunion is filled with emotion, healing, and hope. The storyline is powerful, and the romance is sweet and redemptive.

If you're a fan of clean Christian romance with strong characters and a meaningful message, you won’t want to miss this one. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Roberta aka Bobbie.
306 reviews
June 14, 2025
This is a clean, faith-based, contemporary rom-com. It uses several tropes so should appeal to just about everyone.

Trevor's dad, Don, and Grace's mom, Gita, decide to pretend to be in a relationship. They ask Trevor and Grace to chaperone, with the intent of putting Trevor and Grace together. Trevor and Grace like the idea of their parents being together so they too pretend to be starting a relationship. Confusing to say the least.

There's one HEA that ends in a wedding, and the other HEA ends in an engagement. You'll have to read Below the Far Horizon to find out who gets married and who gets engaged. The story is much less confusing than I've made it seem. It's actually quite funny.

I was given an Advance Reader Copy but all thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
Profile Image for Chris.
596 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2025
The heroine of the story has just gone through a divorce and lost her job. She comes home to Raspberry Ridge to help her mom, who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. Her mom is glad to have her there, and offers to let Grace stay. The hero of the story, Travis, Grace's high school sweetheart, has moved back to Raspberry Ridge to be with his dad. He meets Grace at the Memory Garden, and wonders why Grace had dumped him and left town without a word.
Travis' dad approaches Grace's mom and they decide to do a fake romance, so their children will have more opportunities to get be in proximity, and thereby increase the chances of a renewal of their children's romance. Good laughs and enjoyable.
Profile Image for Nati.
2,958 reviews16 followers
June 1, 2025
“We don’t get a guarantee that we are going to be happy, that life is going to be easy, that people are going to do what we want them to do, that they’re not going to hurt us, that we’re not going to get sick, that our family isn’t going to suffer, that we won’t have friends who are going to die, or that we’re not going to go through tragedy. There is no guarantee. The only guarantee we have is that God is with us. And that He’s going to work everything out for our good and His glory.” The second chance of Grace and Trevor and Don and Gita is full of feelings, regrets, forgiveness and faith. A great story. I received an ARC and I’ve volunteered my honest review.
140 reviews
June 3, 2025
This was a sweet and fun story about two couples, each couple working to bring the other couple together, and eventually getting together themselves. This is not a spoiler, because it's evident from the moment that the idea is proposed exactly what is likely to happen. There are some bumps along the way, as the characters examine themselves, and the younger couple review their past history. So there are themes of forgiveness and acceptance, communication, and God's plan and purpose for His people. There's also an unresolved issue that may come up in future books, but this book is not a cliffhanger.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.
1,438 reviews12 followers
June 5, 2025
I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Recently divorced and fired from her job, Grace returns home to help after her mom’s hip surgery. Her high school boyfriend, Trevor has also returned to spend time with his father. Their parents decide to have a fake relationship in order to spur Grace and Trevor into a relationship. Then Grace and Trevor decide to do the same to encourage their parents. When both couples determine they want to pursue a real relationship, Grace becomes afraid. A heartwarming and faith filled story about family, relationships, and second chances.
Profile Image for Mary Stalnaker.
287 reviews13 followers
June 5, 2025
This is Grace and Trevor's story. They both return to Raspberry Ridge to help out family. They knew each other many years earlier, but they drifted apart. Grace married and then divorced. Trevor never married. They still had feelings for each other. Their parents get involved in trying to get them back together, and the parents end up together. What a nice twist. This is another story of hope and love mixed with lots of inspiration. I loved it. Ms Gussman always writes an inspirational story that is heartwarming, and this one is one of those. You need to read it.
I did get a copy of the book from the author, but this review is my own opinion.
49 reviews
June 12, 2025
I am always excited to immerse myself in Jessie Gussman's newest book! Below the Far Horizon was unexpected and fun! The sweet romance between Don and Gita made me laugh out loud! They were such a great balance to the slightly heavier relationship of Trevor and Grace with their history. Don and Gita's determination to honor Jesus and keep Him at the center of their relationship blessed and encouraged me. I was tickled at the shenanigans of both Don and Gita, and then, Trevor and Grace to make sure that each got their happily ever after! Oh, what a tangle :) And the mystery with Claire... I guess I'll just have to wait for the next Raspberry Ridge... or maybe Blackberry Bay story!
533 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2025
Grace was on her way back to Raspberry Ridge to help take care of her mom Gita. Gita had just had a hip replacement and Grace’s two other sisters had been taking care of her before. Grace had news to tell them but it was hard to admit failure. Trevor was Grace’s old boyfriend but she wanted more. Don was Trevor’s dad and his wife had left many years ago and Gita’s husband had passed away. Don came up with a scheme to help Trevor and Grace reconcile but would it work? I absolutely love Jessie Gussman books they can really put you in a great mood.

I received this ARC from the author for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
2,251 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2025
Below the Far Horizon

This is another marvelous faith based contemporary romance written by Jessie Gussman. She has taken the readers back to Raspberry Ridge. The story is about an older couple who fake a relationship to help their adult children realize they belong together. Gita Tyack a widow and Don Gillette are the older couple wanting Grace Tyack and Trevor Gillett to find their happy ever after with each other. Spoiler alert: Gita and Donnie’s relationship backfires and they are the cutest couple. I could not help but chuckle throughout the entire story. I would recommend you read this book for a marvelous reading experience.
Profile Image for Terrie.
529 reviews6 followers
June 11, 2025
Another great Christian Romance in the Raspberry Ridge Sweet Beach Romance series. Great characters and setting. Grace and Trevor, high school sweethearts, both return to Raspberry Ridge to fulfill family obligations. They try to help Grace's mom and Trevor's dad get together, only to find out that their parents are trying to get them back together.

If you want a good, clean read, I highly recommend books by Jessie Gussman. I love how she weaves Christian principals in her books. I received an ARC of this book, but the thoughts and ratings are my own.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
997 reviews6 followers
June 12, 2025
Great addition to the Raspberry Ridge series by Jessie Gussman.
Sweet second chance story with a matchmaking twist.
Grace is back in town after her husband cheated on her and she lost her job. The divorce is finally and her mom just had hip surgery so needs help.
Trevor is back getting ready to start a woodworking business while he helps his dad. They dated back in high school but she left town without an explanation.
His dad and her mom conspire to play matchmakers for their children. Let the fun begin!
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
8 reviews
June 13, 2025
Grace never got over her first love, Now, she is divorced from a cheating husband, jobless, and back home to take care of her Mom who is recovering from hip surgery. Is she moving backwards, or about to rebuild her life? A little slower paced book with a hopeful set of parents who also discover something to make their senior years more enjoyable. I have to admit I had company and didn't get to read this ARC as fast as usual. My own dau8ghter was able to come for a two week visit. I know how nice it is to have family visit and how helpful they can be.
1,104 reviews6 followers
June 13, 2025
I loved this story; it kept me smiling and laughing from the beginning. Grace and Trevor both end up in Raspberry Ridge after being away for years. The had been high school sweethearts, until Grace suddenly left. Trevor’s single dad decides Trevor needs to get a second chance with Grace, so he contacts Grace’s single mom. I love how Jessie Gussman had such a fun creative way for this to go, it is funny, sweet and swoony and as a bonus we get to see not one but two HEA’s. This is such a fun story, one that I highly recommend.
2,678 reviews12 followers
June 14, 2025
A well-written, clean romance.

Grace left Raspberry Ridge and Trevor behind to find a successful new life in the city. Now she is back, moving in with her mother, without a job, any money, and no cheating ex-husband. She didn’t think life could get much worse until she finds out that her mother is having a relationship with her ex-boyfriend’s dad.

This is a double fake-romance, second-chance story. Perfect for an afternoon of enjoyable reading. I received a free copy of this book, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews

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