A Publishers Weekly bestselling author and self-professed “princess of the King,” Chris Maday Schmidt believes it’s always the “write” time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope for new beginnings, humor in the messy middle, and heart for happy endings. She writes clean and wholesome stories centered on faith, family, and friendship for Harlequin Love Inspired, Woman’s World, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and Guideposts.
A Mother's Prayer is a touching story of faith, healing, love, and family. Schmidt tastefully and gently writes main characters burdened by past regrets and pain and, though their trials, helps the reader remember only God can truly heal broken souls and hearts.
Hank and Olive are solid main characters who will steal your heart. Hank, the growly and cranky mechanic, is a great hero. I enjoyed how protective he was and how good he was with the kids. Olive is such a sweet heroine, and her determination and grit are to be lauded. The secondary cast of characters really help bring the book to life as well, from matchmakers to supportive friends.
One thing I appreciated about this book was how it put a spotlight on the importance of the church coming together. Community is also spotlighted, reminding the reader how small actions done by several people can make a huge difference.
I will be looking into the other books connected to A Mother's Prayer, and I recommend this book for every reader who enjoys clean Christian contemporary romance that emphasizes faith and family.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with JustReadsTours for promotional purposes. No positive review was required and all opinions are my own.
It was so great to visit the town of Sweetwater again. After Hank swung at love and struck out in previous books, I was excited for him to get his homerun in this one. Not only was Olive a great person but, with a unique mix of vulnerability and strength, she was a great fit for Hank. Their romance was so sweet. Hank was big and sometimes awkward in his attempts to protect her family, but he was so endearing. Beyond the romance, there were so many great interactions with Olive’s children, as well as a lovely small town setting. Recommend for sweet romance, cute moments, nice world building.
I received this book complimentary as a participant of the JustReads reviewer tour. I was not required to give a positive review. All of the opinions I have expressed here are honest and my own.
A Mother's Prayer is third in the series, set in Sweetwater, Arizona. My interest was captured from page one, and kept me reading throughout.
I can relate to Olive, since I was once a young single mom myself. And giant man that he is, Hank has a soft, tender heart. Olive's children, and the family's dog, really add a sweet dimension to the story.
If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance with a dose of faith, I recommend this one for your TBR list.
I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.
A MOTHER’S PRAYER by Chris Maday Schmidt is the magnificent story of Hank Valentine, local mechanic, and Olive Hart, with two small children and pregnant, coming to Sweetwater through with the promise of a job and a place to live. Two people with different circumstances who might just find what they’ve been looking for within each other.
After the death of both their parents, Hank felt responsible for Rosie, his sister. Then one fateful night, Rosie, against Hank’s warning, went out into the winter weather. That action ended in her death and left Hank with a whole lot of guilt. He’d tried romance and that sure didn’t work out when his fiancée broke off their engagement. Now all he has is Hank & Gordie’s Garage that he manages with his cousin. Figuring his cousin is soon to retire, he has hopes of expanding the garage making it more profitable. He’s convinced himself that’s all he needs.
Olive, along with Simon ,6, and Holly ,3, and Roman, a young lab, packed everything up and came to Sweetwater through the organization Hope House, who helps pregnant women low on funds needing a helping hand through a place to live and a job to earn an income. She’d just about made it to town when her car slides off the slippery, winter road down a steep incline. Thankfully no one was harmed. It was the start to a number of setbacks. When Hank shows up with his wrecker, it appears he just might be her knight in shining armor when he not only gets her car out, but also has some temporary solutions to her problems.
After her husband walked out and divorced her, Olive wants nothing more than to be able to work and support her growing family. She doesn’t want to be dependent on anyone. She has skills when it comes to cars and wishing to pay Hank back for all his kindness. So why won’t he let her? It’s a bad case of neither understanding where the other is coming from. Will they be willing to listen and hear each other’s story? Can they form a friendship? Or will that friendship grow and cause them each to have the beginnings of strong feelings or strong doubts?
A MOTHER’S PRAYER is an exceptional, heart-tugging story about heartache looking for a glimmer of hope for a future that might just hold things they both had only dared dream about. Chris Maday Schmidt gives us a story of second chances, determination, family, good samaritanship, sweet romance, hope and wraps it all in a wonderful thread of faith. A MOTHER’S PRAYER is absolutely a FIVE-STAR book and I highly recommend to everyone!
While A MOTHER’S PRAYER is the third book in the Sweetwater, Arizona 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. #AMothersPrayer #SweetwaterAZ #ChrisMadaySchmidt #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance
I absolutely loved A Mother’s Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt! This Love Inspired Romance just has so much depth. Both the MMC and FMC have deep hurts that keep them from fully experiencing the life God wants for them.
Hank can’t stop feeling responsible for an accident that took his sister’s life. He thought that it was his job to take care of her after their parents’ deaths. As a result, he became overly protective of everyone he cared for…to the point of smothering his fiance so much that she left him at the altar. He is a believer, yet he’s forgotten that God is ultimately in control of our lives. Luke 12:25 (NIV) says, "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" It is definitely something that Hank needs to remember, especially when he begins caring for Olive Hart and her children.
Olive has never felt like she’s enough. The only person she was completely accepted by was her grandpa, and when he died all of her insecurities came to the surface. She was a “burden,” “too much,” basically she felt she couldn’t depend upon anyone except for herself. Olive’s two children and their black Lab, Roman, were such a joy! These kids helped propel Olive and Hank’s story. I read one of the first two books in the series, so it was fun having those characters pop up. You don’t need to have read any prior books though as this is a standalone story!
I really enjoyed A Mother’s Prayer. It’s got a charming small town setting, wonderful characters, heartwarming moments, and a strong faith thread weaved throughout. I highly recommend it to lovers of the sweet, clean, faith-filled genre!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt Miniseries: Sweetwater, Arizona (Book # 3)
Can an unexpected turn lead her right where she belongs?
Pregnant, single and stranded in a storm with her two young kids, Olive Hart is out of options—until gruff mechanic Hank Valentine comes to their rescue. When her housing falls through, he reluctantly offers them shelter at his ranch in exchange for help at his garage. It’s just a temporary arrangement…but Olive’s chaotic, lovable crew begins to warm his guarded heart. They’ve both been burned by the past, but can they find the courage to build something lasting…together?
My favorite quote is
“You sure? Don’t think she’ll be open this late.”
“She’s expecting us. We’re the new tenants in the studio apartment above the shop.”
At least, that’s what the director of Hope House had arranged with the bakery owner. Along with a part-time job. She realized the back seat had turned quiet and peeked over her shoulder. Simon and Holly melted against each other, faces slack in slumber. Roman sprawled across them, big head tucked between his front legs. Thank You, Lord. I recommend reading this book. A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt is a 5-star book. I am looking forward to reading more books by Chris Maday Schmidt I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced read 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.
Christian Romance is a genre that I truly enjoy. A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt is Book 3 in the Sweetwater, Arizona series. The LOVE Inspired Series is a wonderful series by various authors and I enjoy the brand.
WOW, this storyline grabbed my attention from the very beginning and I could not stop reading. The main characters in this book are Hank Valentine and Olive Hart. Hank is the Town Mechanic for Sweetwater. Olive Hart is a Single Mom of a 6 year old and a 3 year old and is pregnant with Baby #3. Olive is newly divorced and she and her children are making their way to begin life anew. Just as they reach Sweetwater, a snow storm strands them, along with their dog. Hank is the town mechanic and has lost many people in recent years that were near and dear to him. He feels that he let others down and didn't take care of his sister before she passed away. He now tries to "overcompensate" and goes out of his way to help others. Hank decides that he can't let Olive and her family be stranded, so he offers them space at his Farm House. The events that happen while Olive and her kids are staying with Hank, gets Hank to thinking that he might have found the "family" he has always wanted and needed. The story is one of Second Chances, Faith, Trust and moving forward in life. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Romance. GREAT BOOK!
A Mother’s Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt is a heartwarming and beautifully written story that completely charmed me. I loved the author’s engaging writing style, relatable characters, and the way the main characters balanced each other so well. Their banter added just the right touch of humor and warmth, making their connection a joy to follow. Sweetwater is a wonderfully charming town filled with caring residents, and Olive’s children are absolutely delightful. I especially adored Roman, the lovable dog who added even more heart to the story. The descriptions of the bread and baked goods were so vivid they had my mouth watering! Filled with second chances, family, hope, romance, and faith, A Mother’s Prayer is a touching and uplifting read. The ending left me smiling, and the story lingered with me long after I turned the final page. Although it is the third book in the Sweetwater, Arizona series, it can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. This tender, faith-filled romance is sure to tug at your heartstrings.
A sweet story of surrendering to the Lord’s plan! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mechanic Hank Valentine and Olive Hart, a pregnant, divorced mother of two, meet under difficult circumstances. They both carry burdens of past feelings of unworthiness. Their developing relationship shows the power of trust and forgiveness with the help of a caring community and precious children.
I enjoyed protective Hank with his gruff exterior contrasting with his marshmallow heart. I admired Olive with her strength and devotion to her children. I loved the way they slowly worked through the issues with tenderness and faith. Plus the community of Sweetwater, Arizona is filled with kind and encouraging people who truly care for each other. The final happily-ever-after scene is charming!
If you like sweet romance surrounded with small town charm, cute kids, and strong characters, you’ll find A Mother’s Prayer to be a heart-touching story.
*I received this book from the author with no requirement to write a review. This is my honest opinion about the story.
A sweet book that offers redemption, forgiveness and 2nd chances. I loved every minute of this book! A page turner for sure and certain! I finished it in one afternoon it was soooooo good. Wonderful new characters to get to know and love especially two little kids and a dog named Roman. What more could a reader want?! I think my favorite scene is in the beginning. Our Lord works in mysterious ways does He not? I loved that the characters talked to God about their troubles too. I find myself doing that all the time. This is my 2nd book by this author and it certainly won't be my last. Her stories makes me want to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. This book will definitely make you drool as well. Especially if you love bread and sweets! I'm giving this story 5 stars for a job well done. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine
The sweetness of this wonderfully inspiring romance oozes from the pages. The town of Sweetwater was enchanting and charming, and the community of people within the town were inspiring as well as these people knew how to care for others.
Hank was a sweetheart in every way. Olive was in a place where she needed help, and he came through with flying colors.
All of the characters are incredibly likable. It is a story of hope, second chances and reliance on faith to help see light and hope for tomorrow. Everything about this story was uplifting and inspiring as I found myself almost cheering for Hank and Olive. The cute kids and a dog were just the cherry on top. If you enjoy an inspirational romance with a heart tugging story, you will enjoy this wonderful book.
Thank you to JustRead Publications and the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
While this is book 3 in the Sweetwater Arizona series, each can be read as a stand alone. And you’ll want to read them. They’re all so good.
In A Mother’s Prayer, poor Olive is going through the ringer. If something can go wrong it will. Pregnant and stranded, she has her two young children and their sweet dog to look after. Olive has many emotional wounds that need healed and she needs to learn that she is enough.
Hank has his own issues to work through, including how to find employees for his garage. I loved that Olive stepped in to help. Women can fix cars too!
Can these two find healing together? A clean roman with some surprises, I highly recommend A Mother’s Prayer.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.
This is the second book I have read by this author. It is the third book in the Sweetwater, Arizona series. You do not have to have read the other books in the series to enjoy this one. This novel has all the things that make a story so good. The main characters are great and their banter is so well-written. They balance each other out so well. There are two sweet kids along with an adorable dog. The secondary characters are so good and as I always say those are the characters that make a story go from good to great. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.
I'm so happy to be back in Sweetwater! Author Chris Maday Schmidt brings us back in A Mother's Prayer. This beautiful and inspirational story focuses on Hank Valentine and Olive Hart. Hank is a gruff mechanic with a heart of gold. Olive is a pregnant, single mother, stranded and needing help. This page turner has faith, hope, humor, second chances, and heart. The sweet children and adorable pup add even more charm. Plus it has my favorite, an epilogue! You can read this third-in-a-series as a stand-alone, but you'll want to go back and read the first two if you haven't. I'd love to move here! My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.
This is book #3 in the Sweetwater Arizona series but can be read as a standalone book. This is a new to me author but I enjoyed it a lot. Bother the female and male main characters have deep hurts that keep them from leading the lives that God wants for them. The story takes place in a small town with wonderful characters that you can not help but fall in love with.
A story of second chances and the way it's written you want to keep turning the pages to find out what happens.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author through Just Read Publicity Tours LLC. The review expressed here is my honest opinion.
A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt the third book in Sweetwater, Arizona Miniseries from the very beginning will pull at the strings of your heart, with its well-rounded and some of the sweetest characters.
This story is filled with love, faith, and second chances this heartwarming story line has it all. I would love to move to this town to live among the amazing towns people.
While it is part of a miniseries, you can still read as a standalone book.
A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt was such a wonderful and amazing story that will keep you reading and turning the pages and such amazing characters, I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion!
What a sweet novella! I loved Hank to pieces and Olive was such an endearing mixture of strong and vulnerable. And the kids! So cute! Not to mention that I just loved all of the rest of the townsfolk in general, lol. A Mother’s Prayer is a continuation to a set of previous stories that take place in Sweetwater, Arizona. However, not having read any of the others beforehand myself, I can say that this one worked very well as a standalone as well. Though I AM now curious about some of the other citizens of the town and how their stories came about… There was plenty of tug-o-warring of the heart and more than one near-disaster, so the story kept me engaged and the plot moving along at a satisfying pace. All in all, a sweet and satisfying novella! So glad to have gotten this from the publisher and been able to share my thoughts!