A short-term post in small-town Tumbleweed, Texas, is just what Pastor Rob Sterling needs to find redemption from his tragic past. But when church secretary Hannah Bryant’s troubled son breaks a church window, Rob’s offer to mentor the boy leads to a surprising glimpse at a future he never thought possible. The more he gets to know the single mom and her sons, the more his heart begins to heal. With his contract coming to an end, he’ll need to find the courage to stay…for a second chance at the life he always dreamed of.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Tumbleweed, Texas
Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer
Tina Radcliffe is a Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers Honor Roll member. A five-time ACFW Carol Award finalist, Tina’s Harlequin novels have won the ACFW Carol Award, the Holt Medallion, and appeared on the Publishers Weekly Bestseller list. Amazon Facebook Instagram
Some of us trust Christ for eternity but struggle to trust Him with yesterday.
That truth runs through The Pastor’s Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe, and it ran straight through me.
Pastor Rob knows the language of redemption. He preaches hope. He teaches surrender. Yet grief has quietly convinced him that survival is safer than belonging. Tumbleweed is meant to be temporary. A place to serve without risking his heart again.
Hannah understands that kind of guarded strength. She has built a life of responsibility and resilience for her boys. She loves deeply. She serves faithfully. She simply refuses to lean too hard on anyone.
Watching these two learn to lay something down … pride, fear, self-protection, guilt … felt deeply personal.
One line stopped me completely: “Funny how we mere mortals like to believe we have it all together,” Rob finally said. “But that implies that we’re in control.” He swallowed hard and swiped at his dry, gritty eyes. “No matter how prepared we are for our blessed eternity, death still comes in like a thief, taking us by surprise and knocking us to our knees.” That is not light reading. That is honest faith.
And then this: “Casting your cares upon the Lord may seem simplistic.” Her friend smiled. “But on the flip side, once you determine the worst-case scenario, all you have to do is ask yourself if God is big enough to handle that scenario.” Luna leaned closer. “Hint. He is. He always is.” He is. He always is.
There is a moment in this story when someone speaks truth to Rob, holding onto the past negates what happened on the cross. That line carries weight. Because Easter is not decoration. It is doctrine. It is surrender. It is choosing to believe that Christ’s finished work is actually finished.
Hebrews 12:1 calls us to lay aside every weight and run with endurance. This story shows what that laying aside looks like in real time. Quiet. Costly. Faithful.
I loved the Christian faith woven throughout. Prayer is natural and necessary. The cross is central. Redemption unfolds through humility and obedience, not emotion alone.
And yes, I was genuinely sad to leave these people. Rob and Hannah felt like friends whose growth I had the privilege to witness. Tumbleweed feels like a place where faith is lived out loud in small, steady ways.
This is a story about surrender … and about finally trusting that what Christ finished at the cross is enough for yesterday, for today, and for whatever tomorrow holds.
I received a digital ARC of this book from the author and JustRead Publicity Tours, LLC. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Oh my goodness, this story was amazing and so powerful. Truthfully, I feel like I saw a lot of myself in Hannah, too much perhaps, that I found myself watching and waiting for her to accept help and be okay with letting others in and close. Gosh, this story was amazing!
Pastor Rob is only planning to pastor in Tumbleweed temporarily and, up until now, has only scratched the surface getting to know the community. But as his secretary Hannah helps him become more ingrained in the community, their needs, and her family, Rob starts to question his temporary status.
Hannah has a hard time trying to ignore her growing feelings for Pastor Rob, especially as he starts to take her boys under his wing. But if the past has taught her anything, it is not to depend too much on anyone. That way they cannot disappoint you. Hannah believes she is an optimistic person, but perhaps she is far more cautious than she thought, and as her feelings grow for Rob, she struggles to find the balance between falling harder and drawing back to preserve her heart.
Gosh, these two. I feel like I find such encouragement and godly role models in Tumbleweed, Texas, not just in Hannah and Rob, but in many of the citizens. I loved the growing love and respect between these two. There were even moments that brought tears to my eyes, my heart breaking as theirs did. Such a powerful story. Once again, Tina knocks it out of the park!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
THE PASTOR’S EASTER PRAYER by Tina Radcliff is the exceptional story of Rob Sterling, preacher at Tumbleweed Community Church, and Hannah Bryant, church secretary. As a result of individual past events, one must learn to forgive themself and the other needs to learn it’s ok to ask for help. Will working together help them to figure things out and much more?
Rob’s world fell apart four-years-ago. He and his wife had just learned they were expecting. While he was out of town, the 100-year-old Victorian home they rented caught on fire. That fire cost him his wife and child. Six months ago, a family friend offered him the job as pastor at the Tumbleweed Community Church in Texas and he accepted. He’d just been going through the motions and hadn’t really connected to the people in his congregation. It took a 10-year-old boy, full of anger and hurt, breaking the church’s stain glass window to make him realize he wasn’t really living.
Hannah has learned from her past that it’s better not to rely on anyone. Still shell-shocked from her divorce, she’s determined to concentrate on what’s important – her kids and her job. There’s no room for emotion involvements in her life or romantic notions. Her son’s rebellious act has her wondering what she did wrong. While happy for Pastor Rob’s willingness to spend time with her sons and while she enjoys his company, there’s no way she will allow herself to become “interested” in him.
Is it possible two young boys are what it takes to open eyes and hearts? Will Rob finally agreeing to talk to his former brother-in-law, be the start of his healing? Can Tom get him to understand that he needs to follow the same advice he’s given to others? While the church rummage sale was her idea, will Hannah finally realize she doesn’t have to do it all and to accept help in order to make it a success? Will a tragic accident have emotions coming to a head and revealing true feeling allowing for the beginning of something or ending things before they have a chance to bloom?
THE PASTOR’S EASTER PRAYER is a magnificent, inspirational story of two highly functioning, emotionally detached people that find similar ground and friendship through actions of a hurting little 10-year-old boy – an action that starts to bringing true meaning into their lives. Tina Radcliff gives us a story of family, friendship, trust, vulnerability, accountability, acceptance, forgiveness, second chances, and sweet romance while wrapping it in a wonderful thread of faith. THE PASTOR’S EASTER PRAYER is absolutely FIVE-STAR reading! I highly recommend it to everyone.
While THE PASTOR’S EASTER PRAYER is the second book in the Tumbleweed, Texas series, it can most definitely be read as a standalone book.
I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own. #ThePastorsEasterPrayer #TumbleweedTexas #TinaRadcliff #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance
A delightful story filled with small town charm! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Pastor’s Easter Prayer brings uplifting enjoyment to the reader. Pastor Rob Sterling falls in love with single mother Hannah Bryant in the close knit community of Tumbleweed, Texas.
As Pastor “Clark Kent” reawakens to his faith, he begins to move forward with the help and encouragement of dedicated church secretary, Hannah Bryant. God placed the idea of establishing a food pantry on his heart, and the two work together to make this dream come true. Hannah’s two young sons are also involved, with wonderful lessons of compassion, understanding, and accepting responsibility. I loved reading how the community came together to work toward financing and opening this food pantry.
The attraction between Pastor Rob and Hannah progresses sweetly, while they confront a few bumps along the way. Their faith gives them the strength to endure some emotional challenges. I liked all the characters and cheered for the couple to recognize the Lord’s plan for them.
The theme of forgiveness is one of my favorites in books. Add in second chances for happiness and the story is elevated even more. We know tragedy can leave one lost, perhaps faced with feelings of guilt, not knowing how to break out of grief. This book provides an example of finding hope in forgiveness, even when forgiveness of oneself is necessary.
Tumbleweed, Texas is the kind of town we’d all like to live in….friends helping each other, community involvement, and delightful shops. (I’d love to stop at Sweet Dreams Bakery on Cupcake Wednesday for one…or more…of Luna Perez’s chocolate cupcakes!) If you like romances with heartfelt characters and the encouragement of small town communities, I highly recommend The Pastor’s Easter Prayer by talented author Tina Radcliffe!
Favorite quotes:
“I know it can be hard to understand that God’s timing isn’t our timing and the answer to prayer comes in different ways.”
“Life isn’t neat with a bow tied on top. We don’t always get our questions answered, and sometimes nothing makes sense. Sometimes, you just gotta go with your gut. Like I said in the pantry yesterday. Let go and trust the Lord.
*I received an ARC of this book with no requirement to write a positive review. I’m posting my honest opinion.
I recently had the opportunity to read The Pastor’s Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe, the second book in a Love Inspired series set in Tumbleweed, Texas, and loved it! Here is my review.
Neither Pastor Rob Sterling nor his secretary, Hannah Bryant, is looking for love. Rob has taken a temporary post in the small town to escape the tragic memories of his wife’s death. Hannah, a divorced mom, wants a stable upbringing for her ten- and eight-year-old boys in the close-knit community she grew up in.
When Lucas, Hannah’s oldest, breaks the church window with a rock, Rob finds himself on a redemptive mission, helping the boy work through the anger behind his actions. A community project pulls Rob and Hannah even closer, and along the way they rediscover love and fresh purpose.
This story is filled with themes of second chances, forgiveness, and faith. I highlighted this quote because it encapsulates Rob’s spiritual wake‑up call: “Tom’s words gave him pause. He’d been negating the cross and wasting valuable time to boot.” Can I hear an amen? As Christians, we’re often in the habit of dwelling on regret, forgetting Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, which covers all our sins.
Written in Tina Radcliffe’s signature humor, The Pastor’s Easter Prayer is a fun yet faith‑filled read. I loved watching Rob earn Lucas’s trust and seeing Hannah’s generous, “always prepared” heart in action.
Rob’s motorcycle and leather jacket add a playful twist—no wonder, as Luna says, “Tumbleweed has cool pastor bragging rights.” Those touches of humor keep the story light even as it explores grief, regret, and starting over. I f you enjoy small‑town, second‑chance romances with a strong faith thread and a close‑knit church community, this book will be a great addition to your TBR, especially with Easter just around the corner. ❤️
I do love it when the book is set in Texas. A shame Tumbleweed is fictional, because it read very real.
The first thing that I noticed throughout The Pastor's Easter Prayer, is the hearty presence of the well-known Texas pride -- anything from sweet tea and "y'all" to the love of bluebonnets. Fictional or real, people love it here, and I agree with Hannah's bewilderment, "Who leaves Texas on purpose?"
After her divorce, Hannah Bryant made Tumbleweed her home. She and her two sons have become a beloved part of the community, just like their interim pastor, Rob Sterling, a New Hampshire native who signed a contract to care for the congregation for one year.
Rob is doing a wonderful job, but because he is tied to his tragic past, he has not invested himself into the people he is shepherding -- a shortcoming he is willing to remedy. The first person Rob starts truly noticing is his church secretary Hannah. The more he gets to know her, her two boys, and other congregants the more he heals from his past and the more he may want to stay in Tumbleweed.
This is a second chance, small-town romance with plenty of heartache, challenges, problems, humor, and desserts. And because the characters make their trust in God visible through their words and especially their actions, The Pastor's Easter Prayer is way more than just a feel-good story. It is an encouragement to persevere in faith, to hope, to serve, to give, and also to receive, to love, and to trust to be loved again.
I received an advanced copy, and this review is my honest opinion of the book.
The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe An Uplifting Inspirational Romance Book 2 of 4: Tumbleweed, Texas In escaping his past, he’s found his future… A short-term post in small-town Tumbleweed, Texas, is just what Pastor Rob Sterling needs to find redemption from his tragic past. But when church secretary Hannah Bryant’s troubled son breaks a church window, Rob’s offer to mentor the boy leads to a surprising glimpse at a future he never thought possible. The more he gets to know the single mom and her sons, the more his heart begins to heal. With his contract coming to an end, he’ll need to find the courage to stay…for a second chance at the life he always dreamed of. My favorite quote is Pastor Rob glanced around, his gaze finally returning to her. “I’m feeling a bit dishonest at the moment. All the trouble you and everyone went to.” “You deserve it. Everyone was on board when I mentioned the idea.” “But…” Hannah eyed him, confused. “What is it?” “My birthday isn’t until June.” She blinked. “The boys said it was coming up soon. Lucas was certain that it was this month.” She paused. “Any day now, he said.” I recommend this book. The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe is a 5-star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Tina Radcliffe. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own. From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
As a pastor, Rob Sterling preaches second chances to his parishioners but deep inside, he doesn't feel he deserves one himself. He has taken a short-term post in a small town in Texas to get away from memories that haunt him. When a young boy breaks the church's stained-glass window, Rob decides to mentor him since he's the son of the church's secretary, Hannah Bryant. She's a single mom and he knows she has her hands full. However, this experience sets Rob on a path that will change his life. I absolutely loved Rob's character! He didn't have a clue about shepherding his flock in Tumbleweed, Texas! When he starts to mentor Hannah's son, Lucas, he really begins to get to know the people in town and in his church. It was all superficial before then! Hannah had so many balls in the air it was a wonder she knew what day it was! I could really identify with her as a woman and a mother. Her friendship with Luna, the owner of the bakery, was touching. I want a book about Luna! She was hilarious and I want her as a best friend! This story touched my heart in so many ways. Redemption, forgiveness, love, charity, serving others. I tried to read it slowly so I could savor it! The characters are so realistic and awesome!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The cover truly matches the story within the pages. While this is the second book in a series of four set in Tumbleweed, Texas, I don't think you need to read them in order. Each one is written by a different author and covers different characters in the small town. In this one you have Rob Sterling who has taken on a short-term post as the town's preacher. He is more concerned about the sermons he is giving than actually paying attention to his parishioners. Until the church secretary, Hannah brings the needs of the community to his attention. I enjoyed the slow-burn romance and how a mischievous boy brought them together. Along with a great community that rallies behind the food pantry and the fundraiser that helps things along. Make sure you have snacks to eat while reading this one, because you will get hungry reading the descriptions of chocolate cakes and croissants. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of the book. I'm already reading the first one and can't wait for the other two.
The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe is book #2 of the Tumbleweed, Texas series, but can be a stand-alone novel. Pastor Rob Sterling is a short-term pastor in the town of Tumbleweed. He is trying to work through the hard things from his past. Hannah Bryant is the church secretary who is a single mom. When Hannah’s son breaks a window and Pastor Rob steps in to help. In this wonderful redemptive story, you are reminded of the beauty of Easter. Rob and Hannah are beautiful characters with kind and open hearts, have wonderful depth, and the kind of people you just want to be around. Watching them both work through their pasts and find love again brought me joy. Hannah’s friend, Lorna, is the best friend that you want to be your best friend too. I fell in love with the residents of Tumbleweed, Texas and laughed and enjoyed their antics. This is a great story with depth, engaging characters, faith elements, and a wonderful small town. I highly recommend The Pastor’s Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe. This will be a 2026 favorite for me. I was gifted a copy and not required to write a positive review.
In this second chance romance, Pastor Rob Sterling has taken a position in Tumbleweed, Texas for six months. Little did he know it is just what he needed. After losing his wife and baby to a fire, Rob has to learn to let go of his guilt and begin living again.
Church secretary, Hannah Bryant, is a single mom with two boys. She is like Super Woman, managing to raise her boys, help with the congregation, as well as work multiple jobs to make ends meet. She gently points out things that Pastor Rob can do to engage with his flock that in turn brings him peace and interest in life once again.
I loved seeing how Rob extended grace and filled a void in one of Hannah’s sons. There were also wonderful results for Rob as he began to open up and let others into his life. I highly recommend reading this Christian fiction novel and one of the books in the Tumbleweed, Texas series. It can be read as a standalone.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. I was under no obligation to write a positive review.
This story was very uplifting. It is part of a multi-author series, but these books can be enjoyed on their own, too.
Rob’s tragic event may have occurred four years earlier, but he is still carrying around guilt and pain about what happened. I felt it was very honest to show that even though Rob was a pastor, this loss had shaken his faith and made him unsure about what role he should play in people’s lives. He had checked out of life for awhile, simply going through the motions, and it was refreshing to see him pretty much begin to come alive again in this story.
Rob and Hannah’s romantic relationship grew gently and naturally within the story and it was fun to see how well he bonded with Hannah’s children.
This was the first book that I read in the series and I enjoyed getting to know the setting and the people of Tumbleweed, Texas.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Rob is the new pastor in Tumbleweed, Texas. Hannah is the church secretary. Rob has been operating in a fog since he started. He is finally starting to come out of that fog. He is a widower, and doesn’t realize he is considered a catch by the single women in town. Hannah is a single mom raising two boys. When on of her boys throws a rock through a stained glass window, they start working together. Will this work relationship change to more? Are either of them ready? Will he stay in this church community or move on after a year?
This was a good, clean romance. It was interesting to see what each are struggling with. They work well together, but definitely can miss cues of things going on. They do pray about things before they make a decision, which is a good way to go. Some of the other community members definitely push them towards each other. I enjoyed reading the story.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.
Loved this book!! Rob and Hannah meet when Rob takes on pastoring the church Hannah works at and attends with her sons in Tumbleweed, Texas. Rob's been there six months, and realizes that he really doesn't know any of the people there, and decides to make changes. One of the changes first comes about by a boy breaking one of the church's windows. The next change comes when he starts noticing Hannah as more than just the church secretary. Rob also opens Hannah's eyes to the fact that though she sees herself as an optimist, she's also always waiting for the next shoe to drop, so she closes herself off to some people. When things happen and Rob realizes that he may be losing someone he cares about, he finally decides that living with what if's can't be good, when he could find out for sure. Love how things come together, and loved Lucas and Noah in the story!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
A sweet story centered around Easter and its hope of new life. Pastor Rob has been drifting for years since the tragic loss of his wife and their unborn child. He agrees to a year contract in Tumbleweed, hoping the change will be good for him. Hannah is working on building a life for herself and her two boys after a divorce. As Rob and Hannah work together, they help each understand what they have become due to trauma and work on finally healing. Add into the mix Luna, the friend who you want to have your back, and Jim, a meddling but caring businessman, and lives change for the better. This is a delightful friends-to-more story with a whole community of support. I also appreciated that Rob is both a pastor and a man with his own struggles. He is a picture of an actual pastor instead of a perfect one. And Hannah is every woman trying to hold together life with a smile and willpower.
This is the second book I have read this author. The first one I read by her was a love inspired suspense whereas this one is a romance. One of my favorite things in this novel are the quotes that Hannah puts on the church bulletin board that the author includes in the story. They are really good pieces of advice that ring true even for me. Some of my favorite parts of the book are the ones with Pastor Rob and the sons of his church secretary. You can tell that he gets as much out of the interactions as they do. Another part of the book that I loved involved the birthday of the pastor but I am not going to spoil it by mentioning more in my review. This novel will grab your attention from the beginning and will leave you wanting more.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
The Pastor’s Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe is a sweet Texas-set romance that will make you long for small-town living. I loved the strong sense of community and how everyone genuinely cared for and supported one another.
At its heart, this story is also about forgiveness—learning to forgive yourself -and of letting go of the need to control every detail of life, but mostly it’s about trusting God with everything.
Rob and Hannah’s relationship is steady, tender, and develops naturally, making their journey enjoyable to follow. The secondary characters add so much warmth to the story, particularly Luna, who is a wonderful and supportive friend to Hannah. Hanna’s boys added the perfect touch to round out this cast of characters!
Tina Radcliffe is one of my favorite authors. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next! 4 stars!
Pastor Rob Sterling, a man who needs to practice what he preaches, and church secretary Hannah Bryant, a terrific single mom who might not be as much an optimist as she thinks she is, are the focus in The Pastor’s Easter Prayer, by author Tina Radcliffe. This sweet, second chance romance takes place in Tumbleweed, TX. If this town were real, I’d pick up stakes and move there quick as I could. The secondary characters, along with Hannah and Rob, truly embody “community”. A community of townspeople, of church family, of friends. There are struggles and burdens, but they are handled thoughtfully and believably. Plus the faith thread…oh my! I loved this story so much! My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are entirely my own.
This book has everything you could want in an inspirational romance. Forgiveness, Redemption, vulnerability, mentoring, healing, second chances, and learning everyone needs help sometimes are only some of the topics covered. This is an emotional tale of a widowed pastor trapped by his loss, and the single mom church secretary who is always prepared to be let down. I experienced a full range of feelings while reading this book. I laughed at the antics of Hannah's boys, had tears when Pastor Rob shared his story, and cheered as the community pulled together for a special project.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Pastor's Easter Prayer for an inspiring, faith-filled read. I received an advance copy to read and all opinions expressed are mine alone.
I really enjoyed this story of the pastor and the receptionist. Rob and Hannah made a cute couple but each kept that knowledge to themselves. Hannah’s children, Lucas and Noah, hit it off with Rob and he became a mentor to them, especially to Lucas. Throw in regular everyday problems of a church, like a broken down church van, the church board, and a vision to rent a building as a food pantry for the community and you have an interesting story. Especially when money is tight. This small town of Tumbleweed, Texas kept this reader entertained throughout. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review.
This is a perfect "Second Chance" book - times two!! Paster Rob has come to Tumbleweed looking for a way to escape a tragic past. This pastor also rides a motorcycle and wears glasses!! His church secretary, Hannah, has two young boys and is trying to make a new life for them after a divorce. This story follows their journey along with the characters of this small town which is easy to get drawn into all of their lives. If you like second chances, small town life, and just a "feel good" read, this one is for you. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.
Have u ever read a book where u weren’t just reading, but actually transported to another place and time? This happened to me when I first started reading about a small town named Tumbleweed, Texas. I fell in love with the characters & the town. Hannah & Clark Kent (I mean Pastor Rob lol) really pulled on my heartstrings. I was rooting for them the whole time. It’s such a beautiful story. I was crying by the end. Tumbleweed has captured my heart. I can’t wait until book #3 comes out! Now off to read book #1.
I absolutely loved this book. Tina writes with such love for the Lord and her characters reflect that. The story flowed easily, had a depth to her characters, and had me giggling. Her books flow smoothly and are hard for me to put down. I can actually see me living in Tumbleweed , TX and becoming great friends with Rob, Hannah, and the boys. The book is being released in March 2026. Be sure to add it to your TBR list.
Pastor Rob accepted a short-term post in Tumbleweed. He expects to move on in September. However, the entire congregation is hoping he will stay. Hannah is his office secretary whose troubled son breaks a stained-glass window. Will Rob be able to help her son? Will he stay permanently in Tumbleweed?
Oh how I enjoyed this book!! With both reeling from a painful past, Pastor Rob and Hannah, the church secretary, had come to terms with their lives such as they were. But Tumbleweed, Texas and God just might have something else in mind. Was it possible for tragedy to turn to triumph? Pain to turn to promise? You will absolutely fall in love with this story, this author!!
I loved this story. I really cared about the characters. I was moved by the way their relationship grew. The story kept me turning the pages to see how things worked out. I couldn't quit reading. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely love this book set in a small Texas town. Pastor Rob and Hannah, along with her two little boys, are great characters in this story of love, loss, faith, hope and forgiveness. 5 stars!