Where Faith Belongs

The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast #6

by Heidi Chiavaroli, Cecily White (Narrator)

Contemporary Fiction with a Little Women Twist

Amie Martin feels passionate about many issues. Choosing to forgive her old boyfriend is not one of them . . .

Amie Martin has never been more ready to trade in her quaint seaside Maine hometown for a life of studying art in New York. But when old flame August Colton returns to Camden and proclaims his undying love, Amie is torn between her future plans and forgiving August’s secret past.

Fresh out of college, August is intent on helping the family business as an architect. He’s finally earned the respect of his brother and grandfather and he’s finally glimpsing a way out from beneath his past. But when August’s grandfather suffers a health crisis and the woman he loves shows interest in a wandering artist staying at the bed and breakfast, August wonders if he won’t be paying for his past mistakes for the rest of his life.

Can Amie and August find faith in each other again? More importantly, can they find a faith that heals the broken parts of their past?

Book 6 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series is a contemporary twist on the well-loved classic, Little Women . Listeners will fall in love with the Martin family—Maggie, Josie, Lizzie, Bronson, Amie, and their mother Hannah—each trying to find their own way in the world and each discovering that love, home, and hope are closer than they appear.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Inspirational, Christian

Audible Audio

First published January 31, 2023

About the author

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Reviews

[Heidi Chiavaroli]

I'm so pleased to introduce you to Book #6 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series! This is Amie Martin’s story, my contemporary character based loosely off of Amy March in Little Women. I have to admit, it was fun to tap into my inner Amy as I tried to find a good balance in keeping Amie true to her character faults (a bit spoiled and self-centered), and yet keeping her likable!
 
As the youngest of five nearly perfect siblings (in her eyes, anyway), Amie feels lost in her large family. She struggles for understanding. She struggles to keep her feelings in check when it comes to the only man who’s ever loved her—a man whose secret past caused her to end things once and for all.
 
Right now, I’m having so much fun writing the last installment (Book #7—Where Promises Remain) of this series, but until then, I hope you have a fun time hanging out with Amie and August as they discover old love, new forgiveness, and ultimate hope.

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful to return to Camden, Maine and The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast with the Martin family. In this sixth of the series, readers get Amie's story. She's opinionated about some areas such as protecting the environment and unsure about others including her career path.

My favorite of Where Faith Belongs was August. What a great character. His past includes an addiction to gambling. Loved seeing his journey toward a better path.

Favorite quote: "My future had always been in His hands, but for the first time, I was actually trusting Him with it."

This series is full of delightful characters, heartfelt moments, difficult topics and dashes of humor. I both look forward to and dread the conclusion to the series. It will be sad to see this series come to an end.

My gratitude to the talented author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely book in Heidi Chiavaroli's Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series! While this story can stand alone, I would recommend reading the books in order as there are spoilers from prior story lines in this book. This book follows Amie, the youngest of the Martin siblings. Based on her character in the other books, I knew Amie was the one I'd have the most difficulty relating to, but as all good authors do, Ms. Chiavaroli brought the story from Amie's perspective to light in a way that the reader can't help but empathize. By the end of the story I was full-blown ugly crying as Amie finally came into her own. As an artist, Amie is looking for her place in the world and in her family. She has never seemed to fully "fit in". When her first love August Colton returns to town after graduating college and straightening out his life, Amie finds herself torn between not being able to trust him again and longing for him to be back in her life. In amidst this mental/emotional chaos, an artist visiting the bed and breakfast sees her potential as an artist and that brings her to a crossroads of sorts. A bit of a "prodigal child" story, this tale runs the full gamut of emotions and has strong themes of grace and forgiveness within, as well as second chances in both romance and life in general. Fans of the series will enjoy catching up with the rest of the Martin siblings - seeing how their relationships are going and stopping in to visit the Orchard House bed and breakfast again. This one had really strong character development, a solid faith thread as the main characters are seeking to find who God is in relation to their own lives, and a good story line with a sizzly sort of romance (though not uncomfortable, even for this "super-sensitive-to-sensuality" girl). This is one I really enjoyed and would recommend not only to fans of contemporary romance and Little Women, but also to those who have struggled to find their niche in the world as I believe Amie's story could be of help to them. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Faith Belongs is the sixth book in Heidi Chiavaroli’s Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, contemporary romances based on Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

I have always loved Little Women, so I was excited about this series from the beginning and it has been amazing! I love how the author bases her characters on those from Alcott’s book. Where Faith Belongs is Amie’s story, based on Amy March. Amy is not my favorite of the March sisters, so I’ve been curious to see how the author crafted Amie.

This story … wow! I love August, always have, but this story! It’s amazing!! And Amie. Her journey. The whole story brought tears to my eyes so many times. Theirs is a winding road through many mistakes and pitfalls, but how they reach the finish … so good!

One of the things I love about this series, but especially this book, is how the author shows such real-life scenarios. She doesn’t shy away from tough circumstances—and August and Amie have some big ones. Things aren’t easy for them, nor is there a magical fix. But that makes the ending all the better.

If you love Little Women or love contemporary romance that digs deep, then definitely pick up this book, and the series. It’s become one of my favorites.

---
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series by Author Heidi Chiavaroli! In Where Faith Belongs, the author does a wonderful job with the contemporary Amie based on Amy from Little Women. At first, I liked Amie, but her outspokenness at her causes (like she knew best), and how she can't make up her mind about two guys that like her drove me a little crazy. And August Colton who still loves her is impulsive too. Both journey towards maturity through a series of events that pull them apart. The best discovery is the progress they each make in their own faith journeys. The hardest (and best) prayer to pray is “yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Where Faith Belongs is a heartwarming tale of belonging and the life changing discovery of faith.

Another wonderful addition to the series! I thoroughly enjoyed the extended family story threads present in this and each book. It's so fun to get updates on everyone. At the end of the book, the reader is able to read the first few chapters of the next story in this series, and let me just say I cannot wait for the next installment!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. I will be purchasing a copy when it releases to add to my collection! All opinions are my own.

[Blessed & Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Faith Belongs is book six in the Orchard House Bed & Breakfast series. I have absolutely adored this series from the beginning, as I am a huge fan of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, the inspiration behind the Martin family. I was a little nervous about Amie’s story because she’s my least favorite sister in Little Women, but in true-to-Amy-form, she works hard to persuade you to her side.
Second chance romance is my favorite troupe, so I loved watching Amie and August struggle to reignite their relationship. August is so very swoon-worthy with his charm and romantic gestures and yet down-to-earth, responsible, and wise for his age. His struggle with his addiction and also with his acceptance of grace and mercy were incredibly inspirational. I enjoyed watching him discover freedom in grace and forgiveness. The author is spectacular at using deeply emotional topics to draw you into the story and help you relate to her characters. Amie was a little harder for me because of her self-righteous personality, but still, I thoroughly enjoyed watching her grow. The consequences she walked through may have been heavy, but the journey was well worth it and challenged me to look at my own heart, too.
Overall, this was a perfect story for Amie! I thought her tumultuous journey fit the character well (including her inspiration, Amy March), and rounded out the siblings’ stories perfectly. I devoured the preview of the next book at the end of this one, and I cannot wait (!) to read Hannah’s story soon!
If you haven’t started this series yet, please do! Fans of contemporary Christian romance will love it, especially if you love Little Women or series set around whole families.
I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Melissa Widener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where Faith Belongs by Heidi Chiavaroli
The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast #6
4.1⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 0.4/5
Cursing: none
Format/Source: audio from Hoopla
Genres/Tropes: romance, inspirational
Audience: New Adult
Setting: Maine
Characters: Morgan, Bronson, Amy, August, Josie, Pris, Ed, Esther, Luke, Hannah
👍 short-med chapters, multi POV, continuation of story, faith, Bible verses, no cursing, family
👎 Amy's fickleness

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ALWAYS enjoy reading Heidi Chiavaroli's books, but this one was a special honor for me as I got to proofread it before it went to print. I would love to do more proofreading for Christian authors like Heidi. Her writing always encourages me and draws me closer to God. Thank you, Heidi, for giving me the opportunity to work with you.

This book is about the youngest member of the Martin family and is part of The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series. They can all be read alone, but you will want to know each member deeper by reading each book in the series. Each story is so special.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aimee is definitely a challenging character, but I grew to care about her. It takes a tough trial for her to find her way, but she finally gets her HEA. August turns into a truly honorable and godly man. His love for Amy was deep and true. A story that shows that God will always meet you wherever you’re at. Recommend!

[Christine Barth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amie was never my favorite March sister so maybe that's why this one didn't grab me right away. I did enjoy the end.

[Ru4repeat · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my least favorite book in the series. The only saving grace, and reason I kept with it, was the amazing narration by Cecily White. It was excellent to have the same "voices" for the various characters from book- to- book.

*****Warning Spoilers******
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After about halfway through the story, I had had it with Amie. She was entirely too judgemental with August regarding his PREVIOUS addiction.
Way too flighty and selfish, wanting both August and Luke, and totally leading them both on. The author did such a great job building up this major flaw in her character, I nearly got a headache from all my eye rolls. Facts.

Add to all this repugnant behavior her rather extreme and entirely tiring constant diatribes on current hot-button verbiage such as "inclusive" or "racist" and I was trying not to throw the book across the room. Which wasn't a book because I listened to the amazing narration from Cecily White in the audiobook.

***I read to escape the noise from the world, not to have more of it's "agendas" thrown at me while trying to enjoy another time and place.***

By the time Amie was finally "willing" to give August a real chance, her motives and actions felt fake and contrived. I was rooting for him to move on from her and find someone who really would appreciate his endearing and loyal personality.

This is definitely not worthy of a repeat read, or listen. Soapbox and rant over.

[readcleancatmomtanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars

This series almost makes me want to read The Little Women... almost. I've enjoyed this series. This is a Christian, contemporary fiction retelling of Little Women. This is Amie's story.

I haven't read Little Women, but I watched the movies and always disliked Amy. She was so spoiled in the movies. But this book helped me like her a bit more. Yes, she's a bit spoiled, and she's the baby of the kids. This story gave me insight on why she is the way she is, and she is just different and more artsy.

I do agree with Amie in the story about some of the things she is so passionate about on the environment. She made me laugh out loud a couple of times when she stood up to people about littering and picking up dog waste.

There are some topics of sex before marriage and kisses and sleeping in the bed with someone before marriage, so maybe this book is more suited for adults.

Both of the main characters are not believers of Jesus at the beginning of the story, but I teared up on both of their stories of when they came to know Jesus in the story.

I love Aunt Pris! She is so sassy!

There are some really great quotes in this book. Here's one quote:
"Art, like faith, had the power to heal."

Highly recommend this series! I am looking forward to the mom's story in the last book.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each and every book in the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series has been fantastic, and Where Faith Belongs, the sixth installment, is no exception! This story, based loosely on Amy March from Little Women, is beautifully written. Amy is self-centered and a bit spoiled, but you can clearly see her inward struggle to fit in and find her purpose in life. As is the case with many in multi-sibling families, Amy feels she falls short of all the responsible, successful things her siblings have done. It's truly a beautiful discovery to know that God loves us and accepts us as we are, with all our flaws and shortcomings. Or even just our quirks. Amy's one of those characters you either wish you could just put your arm around and lead in the right direction, to see what others can about her but she so clearly can't see herself...or you can relate to so strongly you wish you could be friends...or a little of both. This story is truly wonderful and will be enjoyable to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance, is a fan of Little Women, or has wrestled with finding your place in the world.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amie is the youngest of the five Martin siblings. She often feels like she is floundering in the large family with her sisters and brother all finding love and settling into jobs they enjoy. Amie loves art, though her passions seem to fizzle after a time. Her goal is to find a summer job to earn enough to go to art school in New York. Her former love, August Colton, is back in town, stirring up feelings she isn't sure she wants. There is also an exciting guest at the Bed and Breakfast, a handsome artist named Luke who lives a vagabond life that appears more glamorous than it actually is. Amie finds herself drawn to both men and has a lot of growing up to do as she discovers what is really important.
August knows he loves Amie but struggles to gain her trust because of past mistakes. I enjoyed this story of love, faith, and second chances.

[Sharon Mason · Rating 4 out of 5]

#6 Better

Better story - more growth, less self-blaming. Easier to read without so much self-doubt than the previous 5 books. I don’t know why the previous books were so hard on the Martin kids, especially the women when they all grew within such a lovely supporting family. But it was the author’s choice to add the many self-imposed conflicts, questioning by all five children. Within the first five volumes it became tiresome & redundant. Perhaps it resonated with the author’s life more than with me as a reader. However, I intend to complete the series with reading the final volume. I suspect all the marriages & babies of the Martin family will be done but maybe there will be a love interest for Mom - finally.

[Diane Shearer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really struggling with this one. Aimee is a Karen. I can’t stand her self righteous finger wagging. If it weren’t for August I’d quit. He keeps saying “why do I love you, Aimee Martin?” I’m asking myself the same question. She’s a horror. Plastic water bottles are unacceptable. She lectures strangers for littering. If I finish it I’ll probably come back and make it two stars, I despise her so much, even though August is a beautiful character. He deserves better.

Edit: Well, I finished it. I’m leaving it at 3 stars because of August. Aimee actually does have a Come to Jesus moment. That’s great, but I still dislike her. August deserves so much better. Maybe I need a Come to Jesus moment over my unwillingness to love stupid people, even fictional ones.

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amie Martin is an artist, and she feels she needs to leave her small hometown to foster her dream. August Colton is an architect, but he is also a recovering gambler. At least, he is trying to be. His habit caused Amie to break up with him, but he is determined to win her back. A successful artist, Luke, checks into her mon’s B&B, and Amie is smitten with his art and then with the artist. And when Luke leaves, Amie wants to go with him. How all this plays out is a real gamble, one that will affect the lives of all three, but especially Amie and August. It’s a well written and interesting story that incorporates the effect that a gambling addiction has on the player as well as his family.

[Edwina Cowgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Chiavaroli has written the sixth book of the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series: "Where Faith Belongs: Contemporary Fiction with a Little Women Twist" and it is just as delightful as the first five books of the series. This book features Amie Martin, the youngest of the Martin family. Amie has plans to move to New York to study art, but her plans are interrupted by two very different men. Which man will she choose? Will her faith guide her? An exceptional book with lessons on faith, healing, and trust, the readers will thoroughly enjoy the book!

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Chiavaroli has done it again! Her stories are so relatable...making me wonder if she has been following me around. It felt like she took a page from my life more than once in this continuing story of the Martin family.

I grew to love Amie just as I have her other siblings. Heidi has amazing insight into what a 23 year old woman feels and how she thinks. The reality of the story tore at my heart.

I recommend "Where Faith Belongs" and all of The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series.

[Deena Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable read in the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series. The narrator did a great job with changing her voice for all the characters, which added to the listening experience. Amie Martin is definitely not my favorite character in the series, but her attitudes and actions made sense for her place in the family as the youngest child.

I really liked the hero, August, and was rooting for him throughout the story!

[Becky Van Vleet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fan of all of Chiavaroli's Bed & Breakfast series, I couldn't wait to start Book #6 to find out what was going to happen with Amie Martin. A page turner for sure, Amie's growth in confidence, independence, and a greater understanding of family love, the lessons she learns are applicable for young girls and women of today.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series about the Martin family. This was Amie's story. Amie has strong feelings about some things, is artistic and tends to rush into things without thinking. She and August have a rough past. August is a recovering gambler who has found faith and forgiveness and is really trying to woo Amie. This was a story of redemption and reconciliation.

[KRISTEN LAWRENCE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worst of the series

This was my least favourite of the series. Aime was whiny and self righteous. The time line was ridiculously fast, making the interactions and "angst" feel very contrived. Just one example--she drained her bank account by eating out for 4 days...no way that was going to cover any amount of school tuition!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 of this series was very good. It was very true to life, of challenges, of doubt and finally trust. Faith finds the youngest Martin child, Amie and she realizes what true forgiven is, what true love and how to give of herself.

[Elisabeth Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book, but I am giving it 4 stars because it gave me anxiety reading it. The ups and downs. The love triangle. The ins and outs of addictions. Let’s just say I’m more type A like Josie and Maggie 🤣

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing Is Harder Than Faith

Amid seemed to fail at everything. She came home to save up.for art school in New York city. August was still in town. He just had to convince he to return his love. By

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good story! Excellent writing. I've read other books by this author, and I plan to read more.

[CarolynB · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. Maybe my favorite of the series(?)

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so happy that I found this author and have read and enjoyed several of her books. I plan to read all that she has written. I definitely recommend her, and also this book.

[Lauri Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, just like the rest in this series. So glad I discovered this author!