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Finding Jonah: A Sweet Inspirational Brother's Best Friend Romance (Beacon Bluff Book 1)
The day her husband died was the day she started to live…
After years of just surviving, widow Arden Gray is ready to breathe life into something new—starting with the renovation of Beacon Bluff’s old lighthouse into a charming bed and breakfast. She’s chasing healing, purpose, and a place to call her own.
What she’s not chasing? Her brother’s best friend.
Nick Monroe is only in town temporarily. His dream is to launch a veterinary ministry overseas, and he’s one grant away from making it happen. To win the funding, he needs to show deep community involvement—which is hard to fake when you’re already half out the door. Arden, however, is conveniently local… and unexpectedly unforgettable.
Then a drowning dachshund throws them together, and suddenly the town has crowned them its newest “it couple.” The accidental fame could be exactly what they both a PR boost for her business, and local clout for his grant.
The only problem? None of it was supposed to feel this real.
As sparks fly and complications mount, Arden and Nick must face the sometimes the hardest part isn’t starting over—it’s finding the courage to embrace what’s right in front of you. Will the pain of their past keep them from the future they never saw coming?
A heartfelt and humorous romance full of small-town charm, second chances, and one very determined dachshund. Perfect for fans of sweet, inspirational love stories with a touch of hope and a whole lot of heart.
After years of just surviving, widow Arden Gray is ready to breathe life into something new—starting with the renovation of Beacon Bluff’s old lighthouse into a charming bed and breakfast. She’s chasing healing, purpose, and a place to call her own.
What she’s not chasing? Her brother’s best friend.
Nick Monroe is only in town temporarily. His dream is to launch a veterinary ministry overseas, and he’s one grant away from making it happen. To win the funding, he needs to show deep community involvement—which is hard to fake when you’re already half out the door. Arden, however, is conveniently local… and unexpectedly unforgettable.
Then a drowning dachshund throws them together, and suddenly the town has crowned them its newest “it couple.” The accidental fame could be exactly what they both a PR boost for her business, and local clout for his grant.
The only problem? None of it was supposed to feel this real.
As sparks fly and complications mount, Arden and Nick must face the sometimes the hardest part isn’t starting over—it’s finding the courage to embrace what’s right in front of you. Will the pain of their past keep them from the future they never saw coming?
A heartfelt and humorous romance full of small-town charm, second chances, and one very determined dachshund. Perfect for fans of sweet, inspirational love stories with a touch of hope and a whole lot of heart.
- GenresRomanceChristian Fiction
216 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 24, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 16, 2025
This was a sweet romance that I really enjoyed. Loved the little dog! I’m a sucker for a book with a dog in the story. Was my first book by this author. Would read another book by her.
October 24, 2026
super sweet and uplifting story
“Finding Jonah” by Denise Gore Long is a sweet story about widow, Arden, and her chance encounter with veterinarian, Nick, just when a drowning dachshund needs their help. Arden is trying to start over and create a new life for herself in Beacon Bluff, and the last thing on her list is a new relationship. Nick is trying to fundraise for his nonprofit, and a relationship with someone who isn’t open to living in Honduras is not in the plans. Well, the town seems to have different ideas, and Arden and Nick are thrown together at every turn.
I really enjoyed this book even more than I expected. The story flows really well, giving the reader insights into characters just when we need them. There is a little bit of comic relief thrown in with two elderly ladies from Beacon Bluff. There is some good introspection and personal growth for both Arden and Nick, and some instances that might be food for thought for the reader, too. This adds to the quality of the characters in the story. The conflict is handled well and resolves in realistic and satisfying ways along the way. I truly appreciated that this book is unapologetically Christian in content. It is in no way preachy, but God is the foundation of Arden and Nick’s lives and plans, so that flows naturally into this story.
I highly recommend this book. It is a new-to-me author, and I will be watching for more books by this author.
“Finding Jonah” by Denise Gore Long is a sweet story about widow, Arden, and her chance encounter with veterinarian, Nick, just when a drowning dachshund needs their help. Arden is trying to start over and create a new life for herself in Beacon Bluff, and the last thing on her list is a new relationship. Nick is trying to fundraise for his nonprofit, and a relationship with someone who isn’t open to living in Honduras is not in the plans. Well, the town seems to have different ideas, and Arden and Nick are thrown together at every turn.
I really enjoyed this book even more than I expected. The story flows really well, giving the reader insights into characters just when we need them. There is a little bit of comic relief thrown in with two elderly ladies from Beacon Bluff. There is some good introspection and personal growth for both Arden and Nick, and some instances that might be food for thought for the reader, too. This adds to the quality of the characters in the story. The conflict is handled well and resolves in realistic and satisfying ways along the way. I truly appreciated that this book is unapologetically Christian in content. It is in no way preachy, but God is the foundation of Arden and Nick’s lives and plans, so that flows naturally into this story.
I highly recommend this book. It is a new-to-me author, and I will be watching for more books by this author.
May 1, 2026
It’s such a heartwarming story with the cutest dog. Arden is piecing her life back together after losing her husband. One day, while walking on the beach, she spots a dog struggling in the ocean. She wades in to help but isn’t sure what to do. Nick, out for a run, sees the situation and, being a veterinarian, knows exactly how to handle it. After rescuing the dog, Arden names him Jonah and decides he’ll have a forever home with her. As Arden and Nick spend more time together, their bond grows, but they both know they’re headed in different directions—Nick to Honduras and Arden staying in Beacon Bluff. How can Nick walk away? How can she ask him to stay without risking his resentment? Neither can give up their dreams.
June 26, 2025
This was my first book by this author, but it definitely won't be my last!
I really enjoyed this sweet romance. I loved watching how the relationship between Arden and Nick progressed. Although they both had real scars from their pasts, they were able to work through things that had hurt them and grow both spiritually and emotionally as they embraced healing. It was a wonderful story of faith.
I have to say, I really didn't have any idea how this author would work out some of the issues that the main characters had, but she did. She came to a perfect solution at just the right time! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
I really enjoyed this sweet romance. I loved watching how the relationship between Arden and Nick progressed. Although they both had real scars from their pasts, they were able to work through things that had hurt them and grow both spiritually and emotionally as they embraced healing. It was a wonderful story of faith.
I have to say, I really didn't have any idea how this author would work out some of the issues that the main characters had, but she did. She came to a perfect solution at just the right time! I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!
August 25, 2025
5.0 Stars!! Excited for the next book in the series!!!
July 24, 2026
A hunky vet who helps save a drowning dog! A guarded widow who adopts the rescued pup. How can romance not bloom? But she's determined never to fall for another guy - especially one who's leaving town soon. If you love beach towns and plucky pets, you'll love this sweet romance.
October 9, 2026
I love a book that includes a dog and when that dog is a dachshund, well I am all in! LOL!
Arden and Nick reconnect when she discovers a drowning dog and Nick comes to their rescue. The attraction is immediate for Arden. It should be.. she's crushed on him for years. He was her brother's best friend growing up and she was the little tag along sister. But Arden not so little anymore.
Nick wouldn't mind exploring a relationship with Arden, but there's a hitch. He's only here temporarily raising funds and getting prepared to launch a ministry overseas.. and Arden.. who was raised by (and felt deserted) missionary parents who left her behind to attend school has vowed to never be involved in missions ever!
Arden and Nick reconnect when she discovers a drowning dog and Nick comes to their rescue. The attraction is immediate for Arden. It should be.. she's crushed on him for years. He was her brother's best friend growing up and she was the little tag along sister. But Arden not so little anymore.
Nick wouldn't mind exploring a relationship with Arden, but there's a hitch. He's only here temporarily raising funds and getting prepared to launch a ministry overseas.. and Arden.. who was raised by (and felt deserted) missionary parents who left her behind to attend school has vowed to never be involved in missions ever!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews