Love's True Measure

True Calling #3

by Lori DeJong

A guilt-ridden woman with everything to gain, a self-made man with everything to lose, and a Father who desires to show them their true measure is more than they could ever imagine.

Shannon Trent has dedicated her life to ministering to teens, even as she hides secrets from her past that haunt her. Born into privilege but starved for unconditional love and acceptance, she’s built a simpler life away from the expectations of her influential family. Shannon is content on her own, believing that opening her heart would mean unearthing her deepest shame. But when her charming neighbor stirs feelings she’s never allowed herself to entertain, his lack of faith provides the perfect excuse to keep her distance.

Hunter Kavanaugh has spent years chasing his dream of becoming the youngest partner at his prestigious Fort Worth law firm. But when his mother’s sudden death leaves him the sole guardian of his teenage sister, his carefully curated world crumbles. Struggling with grief, anger at God, and the demands of his career, Hunter is surprised when Shannon’s unwavering faith resonates with him—and her ability to connect with his sister draws him closer.

As Hunter and Shannon navigate their growing bond, unexpected challenges force them to confront their fears and priorities. Both must either choose to trust that God’s plan is far greater than their own—or risk losing the love of a lifetime.

Perfect for readers who love clean romance, faith-driven stories, and characters who grow emotionally and spiritually.

Genres: Christian Romance

364 pages, Paperback

Published June 10, 2025

About the author

Lori DeJong (pronounced DeeYung) is an award-winning contemporary Christian romance author who enjoys penning stories full of grace and the redemptive power of God’s love that inspire others to hope regardless of circumstance, find joy in the moment, and grow in their faith.

Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, Lori arrived in Texas in 2005 and dug those roots right in. She currently resides in beautiful Georgetown, north of Austin, with her husband of thirty years. Other than their two fur-babies, their nest is empty, as their daughter and son-in-law are settled in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area.

Lori loves to write about love and romance and all that fun stuff, with a firm foundation of faith. Clean but sassy, sparkly, and even goose-bumpy romance, with God in the middle and characters seeking and learning and changing, couldn’t be more heartwarming or spine-tingly.

Lori's debut novel, "Love's True Calling", released in 2023, was the 2022 winner of the ACFW Genesis Award for Romance, a double finalist in the 2024 Selah Awards, and was named the 2023 Scrivenings Press Contemporary Book of the Year (tie). "Love’s True Home", released in June 2024, was also a Selah finalist. "Love’s True Measure" released in June 2025. Lori's Christmas novella, "Jingle Bell Matchmakers", a part of "A Match Made at Christmas" novella collection, released October 2024, and was named a 2025 ACFW Carol Award finalist.

Reviews

[Amy Anguish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect ending to this series. DeJong does an amazing job of weaving lighthearted fun and romance with depth and real struggles. Now that we've been with these characters for three books, they feel like family and it's hard to say goodbye. Definitely a re-read worthy series. And I'm just so glad we finally got Shannon's story. It was worth waiting for.

[Karen Malley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read by Lori DeJong. Even though it was the 3rd book of the series, it was a complete story, and a wonderful one at that. Of course, I now need to go back and read the earlier books in the series! The characters are wonderful. I love how deep they are. Both Shannon and Hunter have deep scars from their pasts, but Ms. DeJong surrounds them with supportive people (and a loving God) who all help guide them on their journeys. Shannon is a truly lovable character and you can’t help rooting for her. I love how she bonds with Brylie and later takes care of her own sister. It’s a wonderful example of how one life can make such a difference. Her path would have been much different if someone didn’t speak truth into her life, and now she is using that redemption to touch so many others. The conflicts are real and the faith element is strong. The book doesn’t read as preachy, but encouraging. And just when you think you know what will happen next, the story moves in a completely different direction! If you like Christian fiction with a strong faith element, I highly recommend this story.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Christian romance novel! The theme of second chances is prevalent throughout the book.

The characters are written brilliantly! I would love to be friends with all of them! Shannon is amazing! She's felt unloved and underappreciated for a long time. Her genuine and sweet personality allows others to feel loved and wanted. Hunter is very complex. He has his whole future laid out but his mother's death changes everything. By becoming the guardian for his sister, he realizes that he has a higher purpose.

I loved all of the elements of faith in this book! Shannon has a strong relationship with God and through her living her life for God, others decide to follow Him! This reminded me that people do watch me and how I react to things. I pray that my life points others toward God. I can't wait to read more books by this author!

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

There was so much to take away from this story that I had to make notes so I wouldn’t forget to mention them. The author captures such a beautiful story of forgiveness that readers will be able to relate to. One of the main questions featured in this faith filled book is the question, “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?” One thing we need to understand is God didn’t do anything wrong. In fact He can’t because it is against His nature. We each are given choices. We can forgive or be bitter.

Shannon is a sweet young woman who has a heart to minister to teens. Her hard work is about to pay off as she gets her master’s degree. I like how hard she works without depending on her wealthy family. Her family does have a few skeletons in their closet that will soon be exposed.

Hunter is driven in his desire to become partner at the law firm he works at. I thought his first encounter with Shannon was quite comical. That was not by accident that they met as we follow the story. Hunter has his hands full when his sister comes to live with him. After the tragic loss of their mother he steps up to be his sister’s guardian. He soon learns that there is no manual of how to raise a teenager.

Brylie is grieving the loss of her mother and now finds her entire life uprooted. She adores her brother but it is hard to be the new kid at school . The author illustrates how grieve can take over if we don’t seek to heal from it. I like how Shannon becomes close to Brylie as she helps Hunter adjust to this new life with his sister.

I loved the way Shannon shares her faith when Brylie breaks down one day. That scene will forever be ingrained in my mind. The grace and compassion Shannon showed Brylie was so powerful and just what she needed. A change is evident on Brylie after their conversation. How sweet it is to see a teenager grasp the Word of God and embrace it. Will Hunter see how God has changed Brylie and find a way to heal from his bitterness?

I like how the author explains forgiveness with this, “Forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re giving that person a free pass. You’re not saying what they did was right. You’re telling them that their debt to you is paid. As your debt has been paid by Christ.” Facing a situation that is hard to let go of, Hunter begins to seek wisdom to let go of bitterness but he finds it hard to do. Sometimes we are in the way when God is trying to do something in our lives. We need to learn to move and let God be in control. That means whatever anger, jealousy , forgiveness or pride needs to be moved from our lives.

There is a lot to unpack in this story but one of my favorites is the encounter Shannon had with a woman in a park. To discover that you are loved, accepted and find hope changes Shannon at the brink of her brokenness. God brings people into our lives just when we need them. Don’t miss this beautiful part in the story that illustrates the unconditional love and healing that God has for each of us.

“ It’s never a sign of weakness to reach out for help.”

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

[Patti Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong is a Contemporary Romance. This book is the third book in the True Calling series. Shannon Trent ministers to teens even as she hides painful secrets from her past. She also hides the affluence and importance of her family. Her faith is everything to her. She seeks a peaceful life without complications. When she literally runs into Hunter Kavanaugh, she has no idea of how her life will change.

Hunter Kavanaugh, a lawyer, inches ever closer to his dream of becoming partner at his law firm before turning 30. However, when his mother dies due to a drunk driver, he finds himself taking on the role of guardian for his teenage sister. As he and his sister get to know Shannon, they witness her faith, and find themselves drawing closer to God and to Shannon.

But just like any time people start getting closer to God, the enemy begins attacking. From Shannon’s issues with trust along with her wealthy family to Hunter’s challenges at work and with his step-father, they find themselves struggling to maintain their relationship.

Some of my favorite scenes in this book revolve around Shannon and her sister along with Shannon and her brother. The dynamics between Hunter and his sister make this book memorable.

As the third book in the series, I definitely recommend reading the books in order. Doing so allows you to get to know the characters from the earlier books along with how the storylines evolved throughout the books.

So if you want a contemporary romance, check out Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong.

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

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Hunter Kavanaugh's life is thrown into a tailspin, his mother's unexpected death and now the guardianship of his sister, he really has no one to rely on except his pretty neighbor whom he shares a humiliating first meet with. Besides all that, his job takes up more time than it should as he has ambitious goals of making partner.

Shannon Trent is working on her master's degree for adolescent therapy. She meets Hunter's sister Brylie and sees a hurting soul. Wanting to help out where she can, Shannon, Hunter, and Brylie form an easy friendship. Hunter and Shannon of course, begin to see something more than friendship, however, there are obstacles to get over.

Will Hunter always let his work rule him? What about Brylie, is her future safe and secure with her brother? And Shannon, though, looking like she has it all together, she has some secrets from her past that may make Hunter run away from her.

Forgiveness and letting go of shame are major themes in this story. Addressing addiction like alcoholism and its effect on the family and others is also touched on. This was a good romance with a life-changing faith that will eventually help all involved.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Romance is a favorite Genre of mine. Love's True Measure by Lori DeJong is Book 3 in the True Calling Series. I have read the first 2 books in this series and have been anticipating this releases.

The book starts off so good that I did not put it down until I was done reading. The 2 main characters in this story are Shannon Trent and Hunter Kavanaugh. Shannon comes from a "Privileged Life" and Influential family. One would think her life was a "bed of roses" but that is not what life was like for her. She now enjoys a life of ministering to Teens. Hunter's, who is Shannon's next door neighbor recently lost his mother. He is now the guardian for his young sister, yet also working hard to fulfill his own dreams at an AMAZING job. I really LOVE that Shannon sees that his young sister, Brylie, is needing some encouragement with life and grief. Shannon takes her under her wings and also takes a liking to Hunter. The story really begins to unfold at the point because Hunter doesn't have a strong faith and Shannon has some deep secrets from her past. I LOVE seeing that Shannon and Hunter begin to be honest with one another and this helps them come closer to another. They both begin to see that God's plan is always better then our own plans, A Book about Faith, LOVE, Honesty and Family. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance books. WONDERFUL BOOK!

[Jennifer Sienes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loves True Measure, Book 3 of Lori DeJong’s True Calling series, weaves a beautiful spiritual message within the romance between main characters Shannon Trent and Hunter Kavanaugh. This story touches on several themes: grief, forgiveness, insecurity, living in community, and addiction issues, such as Hunter’s tendency to be a workaholic.

The author packed a lot into this one novel, including several subplots that played out to the end. The characters are likable, including Hunter’s sister Brylie. However, since I didn’t read the first two books, I felt like it was character overload. The players in this story gather often, and keeping track of who was married to whom and how they were related to Shannon took me out of the story. For this reason, I suggest the reader start with Book One and get acquainted with the cast a little at a time.

The subplots were unique, and I was excited to see how they would unfold, but I was disappointed. Rather than let the reader get immersed in the action in real time, the author chose to have the characters narrate the outcome after the issues were resolved. It left me feeling as if these important plots were anticlimactic and the resolutions rushed. This was true of other parts of the story, as well.
Even so, if you like clean, contemporary Christian romance, you will enjoy this story.

[Jennifer Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's True MeasureI saw this book mentioned in an online forum and downloaded it immediately, figuring I’d get to it at some point. But then I read the first page and couldn’t put it down. I loved the relatable characters and found myself cheering for them from page one. What I loved most was that the storyline didn’t follow a prescribed formula. Yes, I understand that readers expect a 3rd quarter break-up and all that, but this book handled what we readers come to expect in a fresh, page-turning, realistic way.
I also loved the elements of forgiveness woven throughout, including the all-important aspect of forgiving ourselves. None of it felt trite or overused, but rather an authentic struggle with a faith-directed resolution.
Well done, Lori DeJong. I will be reading more from you!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in Lori DeJong’s True Calling series, Love’s True Measure was easily read as a standalone story. Even though there are lots of characters (some from the first two books), it wasn’t difficult to keep them straight. Each is unique and memorable. Starting off slowly, the plot soon picks up, and there are lots of twists and turns I didn’t see coming. The characters seem more mature than their age (late twenties) which I appreciated. As with most romance books, there are misunderstandings which drive the characters apart, but rather than being cliché, the issues are deep and complex. The dialogue is very realistic, and several conversations gave me food for thought. Themes of forgiveness, anger, and abandonment are deal with sensitively and realistically. Lots of scripture and prayer woven into the story providing encouragement to the characters and the reader.

[Teresa Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's True Measure is an awesome book! I love Shannon and Hunter, but the character I felt the most compassion for was Hunter's younger sister, Brylie, who's dealing with the loss of her mother, relocating to a bigger city and having to make friends in a crowd not receptive to new kids. Connect Up student ministry is just the thing to deliver hope to Brylie, and Shannon is just the perky, cheerful person to include her on all the fun activities. I love the way the author includes characters from the first two books--they're like family! The romance is a slow build, my favorite kind, and there are plenty of hurdles standing in the way of these two getting together--which means I couldn't stop reading! I loved this book!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Love’s True Measure" by Lori DeJong is the third book in this series. The themes in this book are forgiveness and anger and abandonment and grief. Christian principals are part of this story and this is a clean read. I suppose a reader could read this as a standalone by I recommend reading the books in order to understand each character as there are a lot of characters from the other books are also in this book. This is a story of love and forgiveness and redemption and faith. I enjoyed this book but at times it did make me feel sad because of the things that happened. I truly recommend the entire series.

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

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed reading the books in this series and seeing each of the sisters find love but also grow in their faith. I liked how even though Hunter and Shannon’s initial meeting was not great, they were able to get past it and eventually have a good relationship. I liked seeing them both change and grow in both love and faith. I also liked seeing the other characters in the story also grow to be better people and to deal with some hard things.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Susan Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's True Measure by Lori Dejong is an upbeat contemporary romance that drew me right into Shannon and Hunter's world. Although Shannon is sweet and cheerful, there's a depth to her that only comes from past struggles. Readers cannot help but root for Hunter who works so hard and does his best to care for his sister, Brylie. Adding to that is a cast of friends who surround them all with prayers and acceptance--friends who share their own stories of faith in the middle of difficult situations. The characters are well drawn, and the plot feels like real world living.

[Mary Johns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness. What a lovely story! Every book in this series is marvelous. The author has a gift for weaving a delicious spiritual thread. So well crafted, the reader wants more and doesn't want the stories to end. Shannon and Hunter's story was sweet, tender, and so real, I just couldn't get enough. Loved the plotting--plenty of surprises. A satisfying ending to a stellar series. Please tell me you're writing another series, Ms. DeJong--I can hardly wait!

[Trish McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must admit, I'm pretty bummed. Not because I didn't enjoy this book, but because I felt a tinge of sadness when I turned the last page of this series. It felt like saying goodbye to friends near and dear to my heart. It is quite the testament to DeJong's craft of character development and storytelling that I was left wanting more.

[Nancy Lavo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I got swept up into the story on the very first page and delighted in every twist and turn that led to the satisfying conclusion. Ms. DeJong’s gift for storytelling with a redemptive message and her flair for writing believable dialogue brings Hunter and Shannon’s beautiful story to life.

[Kristi Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the writing of this new author and the themes she incorporates. The realistic stories leave readers encouraged in their faith and for life. It’s good, clean, faith-bolstering entertainment good for adults and possibly teens as well.

If you like Karen Kingsbury novels, try this author’s stories.

This title is part of a 3-book series. Enjoy!

[E.V. Sparrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong. As an author, I appreciated Lori’s skillful writing of a clean romance. Her characters Hunter and Shannon were endearing, so I cared about their choices and the outcomes. As a reader, I was present with them as they struggled with past hurts or misunderstandings. Lori created a perfect ending.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

the contagious love of Jesus

I absolutely loved this story! What a lesson we can learn! When finding that special one, it’s important to trust God as well as that person. I loved how so many came to Jesus because of the example of others. Very well done! loved

[Janice Particka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is fantastic. I really enjoyed reading it. The characters were fantastic and believable so much that you felt you were experiencing all the drama and heartache they felt. I hope there are more stories like this.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love's True Measure

This is a good and well written book about faith in God and living and learning his plans These characters have experienced burdens but once confessing there sins they have changes in their lives that are good

[Denise Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved these characters and how deep we get into their lives. All the details, circumstances, and events that happen and the way the church family is so interconnected. How Hunter and Shannon grow and heal. Great story. Highly recommend.

[Christy Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a series! Loved these books. You showed the struggles and road each character had to find God’s grace. Truly a joy to read!

[Tamelia Aday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great characters and wonderful story. This book has everything I like in a romance. Lots of emotions play out—from humor to heartfelt moments. Enjoyable and well-written.

[Jennifer Hallmark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Romance

Love’s True Measure by Lori DeJong is a good romance with strong characters and a good storyline. Worth reading the whole series

[Beth Westcott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this novel. It has great characters, an absorbing plot, a beautiful brother/sister relationship, a sweet romance between Shannona dn Hunter, and family relationships between adults involved in Connect UP student ministries. You might need to have tissues ready. It's a story of love, foregivness, redemption, and faith, and a lovely conclusion to the True Calling Series.