The Sheriff's Secret Past: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

by Tina Radcliffe

To give his family the perfect future…

He must face his past

There are only two things on Sheriff Chase Everett’s his upcoming reelection, and adopting his sweet niece after his sister’s death. The last thing he needs to worry about is the new editor of the local newspaper digging into his past. Newcomer Emily Taylor is eager for a juicy scoop for the Aspen Creek Journal, and the handsome sheriff is the perfect subject. But Chase has a dark secret that he’s desperate to hide. He needs to keep his distance from the feisty journalist, which should be easy, until a dog and a little girl bring them together…

From Love  Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Aspen Creek Cowboys

 Book 1: The Sheriff's Secret Past

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Expected publication May 26, 2026

About the author

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.
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Reviews

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE SHERIFF’S SECRET PAST by Tina Radcliffe is the masterly crafted story of Emily Taylor, news editor and publisher of the Aspen Creek Journal, and Sheriff Chase Everett.

Emily’s upbringing was far from typical. Raised by her father, Douglas Baker, a high-profile criminal attorney, after the death of her mother, she was kept from her only living relative, her grandmother, and sent to boarding school. Then her dictating father tried to make sure she married right by buying her ex- fiancée, who loved her father’s money more than her. Finding out in time, she left home, has had no contact with her father for 5 years and has made a good life for herself on her own.

Chase just found out that he’s not only not unopposed for the sheriff position in the upcoming election, but he’s to be running against the mayor’s nephew, who has influence in high places and the money to run a successful campaign. Plus, the legal adoption of his niece is fast approaching meaning he needs this job to prove he can care and provide for Sarah. Chase knew Emily from several years back. While he seems to still be drawn to her, he fears what she may find out about him in her editorial position while trying to raise their ratings by digging up stories. He must protect his mother and niece from his past deeds coming to light.

When Emily finds out the financial status of the paper, can she, with the help of her two employees-Harley and Moss, bring the paper’s circulation up making her buying the paper a successful venture? Will Emily be able to refrain from being that young girl with a crush or will deeper feelings arise? With the help of Cora-Lee, will Chase be able to run a campaign that will keep him as the sheriff? Will it be Emily and Byron, the Labernes stray she adopted, that brings Sarah out of her shell to become the wonderful 7-year-old-little-girl she is meant to be? Will spending more time together working on the Soul Sister’s Harvest Festival have Emily and Chase really seeing each other and their attraction growing?

THE SHERIFF’S SECRET PAST is a fabulous, can’t-put-down-book, that brings the past to the present, each facing their own demons, while giving them a glance at what the future could be. Tina Radcliffe gives us a book of second chances, secrets, forgiveness, trust, family and romance while wrapping it all expertly in a wonderful thread of faith. THE SHERIFF’S SECRET PAST is positively FIVE-STAR reading that reminds us that sometimes you have to wait for God’s timing to find that forever kind of love.

With THE SHERIFF’S SECRET PAST being the first book in the Aspen Creek Cowboys series, it makes me super excited for the upcoming books in this series.

I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#TheSheriffsSecretPast #AspenCreekCowboys #TinaRadcliff3 #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story…the first in a new series! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m ready to move to Aspen Creek, Colorado! Small town romances are my favorite. I love the close communities which support each other, the charming main streets with cute shops and fun foodie places to explore….plus the friendly neighbors who encourage others with their faith-filled wisdom, plus, of course, the protective heroes and the strong women they love.

When Emily Taylor returns to town and buys the local newspaper where she interned one summer, she didn’t expect some of the challenging issues confronting her dream of running the small press. Sheriff Chase Everett, a former acquaintance, is surprised to find Emily has come back. With an incident in his past he hopes isn’t revealed, he is worried about an election to retain his office, but also is concerned about adopting his orphaned niece, Sarah.

The developing relationship between the couple is sweet…and faith-filled. I liked the compassion expressed by the characters and the forgiveness offered. The precious child, Sarah, and the cute puppy, Byron, added to the enjoyment of this romance. The twist at the end was a surprise….and the resolution is just right.

Author Tina Radcliffe writes sweet romances with great characters in settings where you want to spend more time. I’m so excited the Aspen Creek Cowboys series will continue as I want to know more about the various folks of this small community….and sample more treats as featured in the story. Salted caramel brownies, lemon cream cheese icebox cake, sprinkles on ice cream? Yes, please! And, yes, I highly recommend The Sheriff’s Secret Past!

Favorite quotes:

“Sometimes good things happen when you least expect it and when you think you can’t possibly manage one more thing in your life. And sometimes, they end up being the missing piece in your life.”

“Gram promised me she’d be waiting for me at the entrance to the pearly gates,”

*I received an advance copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. I’m offering my honest opinion.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story with second chance romance vibes, insta-family, a fun community, and a really sweet thread of faith and forgiveness mixed in.

Chase is up for Sheriff once again, but this time he’s running against someone. With a new journalist in town, she could either help or hurt his campaign as he tries to win over the community. But more concerning than a new paper owner is the fact that Emily (the papers new owner) wants to dig into his past for an article, and that’s exactly why he’s so wary of her. With the adoption of his niece still up in the air, too much digging could turn into a real problem.

The simple solution would be to keep his distance… but that gets complicated when his niece starts gravitating toward Emily, and his heart isn’t exactly listening to his head.

I really loved the second chance vibe and watching Chase start out cautious and suspicious of Emily, but slowly begin to let his walls come down. And seeing Chase, Emily, Sarah, and Byron together was just so cute. The side characters really added a lot to the story too. I struggled a little with this one pulling me in, which isn't a norm for me, but it doesn't impact my desire to read more books by Tina, she's an amazing writer. I am looking forward to what Tina writes next!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was hard for me to pick a favorite character in this book! I seem to have this problem with this author's books! She always writes memorable characters that are realistic and heartfelt. Here are my thoughts:
I loved Chase because he had such a love of family and his town. He has great compassion for others and a sense of right & wrong. His past is a dark cloud to him that hangs over him but he's trying to come to terms with it. He doesn't think he should have a woman in his life until Emily comes to town and challenges that thought!
Chase's niece, Sarah, was just the sweetest! She has suffered a tragedy and is naturally solemn but with tender care, she might be happy again. Chase is trying to adopt her and doing his best but it's Emily and her sweet dog that is connecting with Sarah the most.
Emily wants to prove herself on her own terms after a lifetime of her father trying to run her life. She buys the local paper in Aspen Creek even though it's struggling. She's going to make it a success with new ideas and true grit. I loved her office staff! A lost dog adopts her and it changes her life! Chase is changing her in ways she never thought and she's happy about it!
The other townspeople are so great and add a lot to the story! A great book all around!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this small town romance for Emily Taylor and Chase Everett in Aspen Creek, Colorado. They met twelve years earlier when Emily was an intern journalist for the Aspen Creek Journal while in college. Like most small towns, the newspaper only comes out once a week. Since the current editor and owner of the Aspen Creek Journal, Grace, is retiring; Emily bought the 75 year old newspaper with its two part-time employees. She spent most of her savings to become the owner and editor so decides to live in the apartment above her office. Her first encounter with Sheriff Chase Everett is when she sees him putting a parking ticket on her car because she parked in a loading zone. That comical moment turns into a friendship that helps Emily revive the dying newspaper while she helps Chase with the upcoming election as Sheriff. He has an opponent for the first time in his four years as Sheriff but he has a tragic past that he does not want uncovered since he is trying to adopt his niece that he has been caring for since his sister died. Will the enthusiasm of the new editor help or hurt Chase? You will have to read the book to find out. The characters are wonderful and I highly recommend this inspirational small town romance with a hidden mystery. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Renee Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect example of overcoming and making life better! Emily Taylor moves to Aspen Creek after purchasing the newspaper where 12 years before, she did her journalism internship . Trying to escape her rich father who is trying to control her life, she put everything she has into turning the failing newspaper in the black . Sheriff Chase Everett, has a lot going on in his life. Adopting his young niece after he sister passed away is number one on his priorities, but now that elections are coming up and he desperately needs to win for his and his nieces future, and since his only opponent is very questionable and he doesn’t want to jeopardize his town. Emily, is insisting that she does an in-depth investigation into both candidates. It shouldn’t be a problem except Chase has a secret from twenty years before, that can cost him everything. I love this storyline and all of the characters. How they handled the situations and relied on each other and had to trust new friends. Can Emily make a success out of the newspaper without ruining her new friend’s life? ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Chase and Emily's story!! Byron the Labernese and Sarah, Chase's niece, steal the scenes, though!! Chase and Emily first met twelve years ago, when she came to Aspen Creek to intern at the local newspaper. Now, she's back as the owner, and Chase is the Sheriff. The attraction they both felt twelve years ago is still there, stronger than ever. Now, though, Chase can't afford for Emily to find out his secret, not when he's trying to adopt his niece and help her get through her grief. When Sarah and Emily meet, though, Sarah interacts with her a little more than normal, and when Byron is around, Sarah is more like she was before her mother died. As Chase and Emily come to know each other more, will Chase learn he can trust her with his secret, and will he finally be able to forgive himself, as God has?? Love how everything works out!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Joy Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Taylor is back in Aspen, Colorado after twelve years. She was an intern at the local newspaper for one summer, now she is back as the owner. She is praying that she can leave the past behind her and start fresh, especially after just losing her grandmother. Chase Everett is the sheriff of the town and is in the process of adopting his young niece after his sister passed away. It's also an election year and the mayor's nephew is running against him. Chase has reservations about Emily being back in town, and worried about her finding out about his past. Will Chase be able to win the election and be able to finalize the adoption? How will Emily react when her someone from her past comes to town? While reading this story you will fall in love with little Sarah and the antics of a puppy named Byron. I can't wait to read more of this new series. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are what I thought of the book.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a faith-based romance that takes place in the quaint little town of Aspen Creek, Colorado. It deals with a romance between Chase, the town sheriff who has a secret he does not want revealed, and Emily, a journalist that recently returned to town dealing with some family and job issues. I really enjoyed the story lines and the characters in the book. I loved the bond between little girl Sarah and the dog Byron. There were some moments that involved Sarah and Byron that were very touching and heart-warming and others that made me laugh. The dog really helped Sarah come out of her shell and deal with the loss of her mother. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I hope there is one that features Harley as I liked her also in this book and would like to learn more about her story line.

I was given an advanced reader's copy of this book, but it did not sway my opinion in any way. I really enjoyed this book and will recommend it to others.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author did a great job laying the story out. The Sheriff and the Newspaper Editor have a past. When their paths cross it makes for a very interesting story. She moves to aspen Creek, CO to buy the newspaper where he is currently the sheriff with an upcoming campaign. He holds a deep secret from his past and is concerned that she will uncover it as she digs for her campaign publication. On top of the election he’s raising his niece due to his sister’s death and in the process of adopting her. His mother is there helping him through it all. The journalist is also escaping her past because of an overpowering, influential attorney father. How they maneuver through all is beyond my comprehension but somehow they do. The last few chapters had me thinking about the fact that the story could go very wrong and I hoped it wouldn’t. I was expecting it to happen in a very serious situation but was extremely happy with the ending. A great read!

[Shirley Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twelve years ago, Emily interned at the newsletter in Aspen Creek. When the owner decides to sell the paper, Emily sees this as her chance to put down roots without her father's shadow. Unfortunately she quickly comes to realize the paper is barely surviving, and it is up to her to save it. Chase has made a life for himself as sheriff in Aspen Creek, away from his past trauma. But life hasn't been easy. He is working on adopting his niece after his sister's death. And then he finds he suddenly has a contender for the sheriff's election, and the attention of the newspaper and Emily is on him. Even as Chase works to keep his past hidden, he and Emily grow close, leading to new issues.

The Sheriff's Secret Past is a sweet Christian romance about trust, finding home, and second chances. I loved watching Emily and Chase grow through the book. And the side characters were a joy.

[Jess]

I was given the opportunity to read an advanced copy of Tina Radcliffe's first book in a brand new series that takes place in Aspen Creek, Colorado. This book is Chase and Emily's story as well as Chase's neice Sarah. Chase is the Sheriff of Aspen Creek and Emily is the new owner and Editor in Chief of the towns newspaper. Chase is reluctant to get too close to Emily especially with an election coming up and the fact she is digging into the past, afraid she'll find out about his past and destroy life as he knows it as well as the progress he is making with adopting Sarah and the trauma his mother dealt with in the past as well.

He finds he doesn't have as much to worry about as he feared while slowly falling in love with Emily. I definitely give this book five stars and can't wait to read book 2 in the series when it comes out.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love second chance stories and this is a great one! The sheriff, Chase Everett is recovering from his sister's death and trying to raise his niece who is also grieving. At the same time, he discovers that a relative of the mayor is running for sheriff and his job may be in jeopardy. To complicate things further, the new editor of the local paper, Emily Taylor, wants to use the election to help the paper recover. Between all of this, add a lost dog, past secrets/pain and an old relationship, this story just draws you in. Wait until you meet some of the "characters" that live in Aspen Creek!! I'm so glad that this is part of a series! I can't wait to find out what happens with the people who live here. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Sheriff's Secret Past. It is a sweet story of a sheriff trying to adopt his recently orphaned niece. When the new editor of the small-town newspaper decides to write in-depth articles on him and his election opponent, he is terrified she will unearth his hidden past. He tries to resist the pretty editor, but when her dog bonds with his grieving niece, he cannot avoid spending time with her. The niece is endearing and the dog is entertaining. There are a some heart-tugging moments that make the already intriguing story that much more engaging.

Tina Radcliffe is a must-read author for me because she writes such heartfelt, captivating, inspirational books. I received an advance copy to read. This is my honest opinion and I highly recommend this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I have read by this author and the second romance. The main characters, Emily and Chase, in this novel knew each other twelve years prior to the start of this novel when Emily came to town to be an intern at the local newspaper. A lot has happened in the life of Chase since then. This novel has so many things going for it. It has a really cute dog and an adorable little girl who has been through so much. Also I almost always feel like you can tell if a book is good by the secondary characters and this story had some really great ones. The interactions between the main characters are so well written. I really enjoyed their banter. I highly recommend this novel.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sheriff Chase Everett is running for re-election in Aspen Creek, assisting his mom following an illness and is adopting his niece after his sister's death.

Emily Taylor has just purchased the Aspen Creek weekly newspaper, is relocating to Aspen Creek, and avoiding her over achieving father.

This is the first book of the Aspen Creek Cowboys series by Tina Radcliffe. I laughed, I cried and could not put this book down. What an enjoyable read! I am so looking forward to the next story in this series.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Doris Lankford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed going to Aspen Creek and meeting Sheriff Chase Everett, his daughter Sarah and newspaper owner Emily Taylor. Chase and Emily had met years before but because Emily was only in town for a while nothing could start between them. Now they are both in Aspen Creek permanently and against all odds they first become friends. Eventually they realize that they want to be more than friends and they have their HEA. I hope there are more stories in Aspen Creek and we can follow up on Chase and Emily's story and some of the other people of the town.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore this sweet read. Tina Radcliffe has a way of creating characters that feel like old friends. Sheriff Chase Everett is the perfect 'protective hero'—I loved seeing his soft spot for his niece, Sara and the adorable puppy, Bryon. Emily was a great match for him, and their chemistry felt very natural. The secret in Chase’s past added just enough tension to keep me turning pages. A truly heartwarming start to the Aspen Creek Cowboys series!

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

[Phyllis Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I am a big fan of Tina Radcliffe. If you want to read a clean romance that you want to try to finish in one setting, her books are that good. Tina draws you in from page one. Through her story telling you know she loves the Lord and she has a sense of humor. This story involves a sheriff, the new newspaper editor, a sweet young niece, and a year old dog. What can go wrong with those 4? Pick up her new book to find out.

[Marilyn Rushing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet story of forgiveness & second chances.

Sheriff Chase Everett has a deep dark secret. After changing his name to hide from this secret Chase is nervous that it will be brought out during the reelection. Emily Taylor, the new owner of the local paper Aspen Creek Journal needs to get the paper up and going. She is looking for any and all news to report. Chase is trying to keep a low profile but Emily seems to show up everywhere he goes. Will Emily discover Chase’s deep dark secret?

[Debbie Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed it very much. There are obstacles in his past and other things going on in the present and the future, too. Chase is a widower and is raising his niece and being a single parent to her. It has hope, love, romance, family, and also a rescue dog in it. There is so many I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Miranda Summerset · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 STARS! Thank you to the author for the review copy. This book is magical & I fell in love with the small town setting and characters. They all felt real & like your friends in the end. I loved Emily & Chase & their love story. This also has an adorable dog & the cutest quirky side characters. It’s just the sweetest little read! Definitely one not to miss!

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I really enjoyed this book about second chances and how honest love will find always find a way.