Second Pew on the Left: A Romantic Christian Novella

by Evelyn Grace

She left without saying goodbye. Now she’s back just for three weeks. But some hearts have unfinished business.

Callie Talbot never planned to return to Maple Cove—especially not as the temporary church pianist. But with the regular musician away, she’s filling in… and facing the past she tried to forget.

Silas Dane never expected to see Callie again, let alone hear her playing hymns in his church. She left years ago without a word, taking a piece of his heart with her. Now she’s back, and the second pew from the left suddenly feels like a front-row seat to everything he never got to say.

With each Sunday, old feelings resurface and long-buried questions demand answers. But three weeks isn’t long, and Callie still isn’t sure she belongs in the place she once called home.

Can something broken be tuned back to harmony?

A heartfelt second-chance Christian romance set in small-town Maine, Second Pew on the Left offers faith, forgiveness, and a slow-burn sweetness that lingers.

Second ChanceSmall TownSlow BurnNovella

Genres: Romance

119 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025

About the author

Looking for a clean romance that makes you laugh, sigh, and believe in love again without needing to skip pages? Welcome.

Evelyn Grace writes warm, faith-filled stories with just the right touch of humor to leave you encouraged and smiling. Born and raised in small-town Maine, she brings authentic New England charm to every page.

Her books, including the beloved Haven series, are known for their uplifting heart. She doesn’t drink coffee (her friends overlook this) and her cat Maggie still hasn’t forgiven her for adopting a dog.

Evelyn Grace continues writing as Evelyn Grace Berry, where all new releases will be published moving forward.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gentle story of appreciation for the people and things that make up ‘home’ and contribute to a feeling of belonging will renew your spirit.

Callie Talbot vowed she’d never return to Maple Cove after she left without saying goodbye. God and time had other plans for her, and now she’s back, offering to help her dad recover from knee surgery.

If you’ve ever felt like you missed the window to make something of yourself, or that you need a ‘do-over’, this book is for you! Author Evelyn Grace shows readers that time may not erase everything, but it gives us the space to reconsider. Callie returns and learns to stop chasing something God never intended her to catch. I loved how she learned to stay open to whatever God was doing in her life and appreciated the reminder to “make sure to ask the Lord what He wants you to see in it.”

Callie is blessed with Silas Dane. He’s a gem and willing to see her “in the middle of her story” and wait until she’s “brave enough to turn the page.” The world needs more people like Silas!

Don’t miss a chance to escape into this powerful story full of faith-tinged hope.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second Pew on the Left is a sweet cute Christian short story romance. Coming home, second chances and Faith.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about a second chance romance. It is a quick read novella, but I loved the relatable struggles of the FMC and how the author weaved in Christianity and doing the right things even when they are hard.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy read, but left me wishing for more character development. Great visual descriptions of the home town, but I kept wondering what drove Callie from home that she wouldn’t say goodbye to her best friend. I didn’t really feel much of a connection between Callie and Silas. She is trying to make a major life decision and he doesn’t say a word. I know the focus is on trusting God and finding His peace, which I love, but He also puts people in our sphere to help and support us. Callie mentions at one time that they need to have a conversation, but that conversation never happens. The bulk of their conversations were on what had been, not working through what is or could be.

[Smith Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Pew on the Left is a warm and uplifting Christian romance that beautifully explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and second chances. Evelyn Grace delivers a heartfelt story that proves sometimes the paths we leave behind are the very ones we are meant to revisit.

Callie Talbot's unexpected return to Maple Cove sets the stage for an emotional reunion with Silas Dane, the man she left behind years ago. Their shared history creates an immediate depth to the story, and the gradual unfolding of old wounds and unanswered questions keeps readers invested in their journey.

The small-town church setting adds a comforting charm to the novella. Through Sunday services, familiar hymns, and community connections, the story creates an atmosphere that feels both intimate and hopeful. The faith-centered elements are woven naturally into the narrative, highlighting the power of grace, healing, and reconciliation.

Despite its novella length, the story delivers meaningful character growth and a satisfying slow-burn romance. Readers who enjoy clean Christian romance, second-chance love stories, and emotionally rich small-town settings will find Second Pew on the Left to be a touching and memorable read.

[Paige Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Pew on the Left by Evelyn Grace is a heartwarming Christian romance that beautifully blends faith, forgiveness, and second chances into a touching small-town love story. With its gentle pacing and emotionally authentic characters, the novella offers an uplifting and satisfying reading experience.

One of the story's greatest strengths is the relationship between Callie and Silas. Their shared history, unresolved emotions, and gradual journey toward healing create a heartfelt romance that feels both genuine and inspiring.

The small-town setting and strong themes of grace, reconciliation, and hope add warmth and emotional depth to the narrative. The story reminds readers that healing often begins when forgiveness and faith are given room to grow.

For readers who enjoy Christian romance, second-chance love stories, and uplifting fiction centered on faith and redemption, Second Pew on the Left is a charming and emotionally rewarding read.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

* Third person dual pov
* Spice: kisses suitable for teens and adults

This was the first book of the author's that I've read and I wouldn't mind reading more her. Though this was a novella and the romance was more on the subtle side, I think readers will enjoy Callie's journey as she allows her faith in God to make decisions about her future. As for Silas, he was the sweetest and I loved how he was patient and encouraging. Overall, I thought this was a touching novella and have no trouble recommending it.

[April Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie and Silas both have to surrender their wants to God to find His plans are better than theirs. Some times staying is His will. A second chance at something you missed earlier.

This is a shorter read with many thoughtful moments on letting God have control. I would have liked to have a little more back story on why she felt she wasn’t enough or had to be perfect to be noticed.

I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Amy Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clean, short, sweet. Characters didn’t really grab me. Couldn't tell how old they were or whst happened between them before. God-talk was kind of fuzzy — looking for “tug” or “feeling of peace” when making decisions. And the guy seems so passive.
I know it’s really hard to develop depth in characters in a novella, but I usually feel disappointed with the shallowness. Maybe novellas just aren’t my thing.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, heartwarming and emotional story of faith, forgiveness and second chances. I loved this heartwarming and sweet, small town charmer with it's authentic and loveable characters. Wonderful writing, I couldn’t put it down as it pulled me in and kept my attention from the first page to the last. I loved the focus on faith and God, letting Him guide and lead the way for Callie and Silas. Such a cute, enjoyable story that was a quick and easy read. I loved it!

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie is back in town “to take care of her dad’s meals, meds, and mobility. Not her soul.” Silas stayed and always prayed for her. “Life … made me see how content I could be among people I knew and loved.” Loves all the nuggets God revealed to them. Such as: “it’s hard to feel known when you’re trying to be someone else.” Such a tender story of learning to trust God’s timing.

[Lori Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet, quick read about the one who was left behind, or who got away, depending on your perspective. Nice and enjoyable.

[Jeannette Harbottle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful melody

Oh! I loved this! The constant reference to melody and music, the deep peace that comes from being in the center of God's will - it was beautiful.

[Kay Hislop · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was light-hearted and full of hope. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and hope the author writes a sequel to this story!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author. I absolutely devoured this novella. The characters are easy to love and the clean story is an added bonus. Highly recommend for a quick summer read.