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Keepsake: A Tender Christian Romance

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A man who’s lost his past. A woman who’s lost her compassion. And a few old baubles to help them find their way.

When Felix Harrison visits an estate auction, he doesn’t plan to buy anything, certainly not a brass kaleidoscope that triggers memories of a past he lost in an accident as a teen. Nor does he expect to meet Ava Gast, an ambitious nurse who struggles with his ambition-free life as a retail clerk. Two failed dates later, he decides it’s easier to be lonely than to share with someone who can’t accept him.

Ava purchased old quilts at the auction, and each time she gives one to an elderly patient, she dreams of that person’s past —stories that break her heart and challenge her ideas about family, aging, and life. Worse, she runs into Felix all over town, a guy without any ambition who seems perfect for her while also being exactly wrong.

Grab Keepsake and watch God use a few trinkets, missing memories, and the love of family and friends to anchor two drifting souls to himself and one another. A tender, standalone Christian romance novel sure to touch your heart.

195 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 16, 2025

3 people are currently reading

About the author

Jill Penrod

115 books32 followers

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
202 reviews4 followers
November 3, 2025
A chance meeting and common objects from an estate sale change the trajectory of two lives.
This was a fascinating and riveting tale. The supernatural dreams and the weaving of multiple lives was done beautifully. There are so many layers to the lessons in this story that I’m still mulling them over. By far, my favorite quote was a thought of Ava about one of the residents, Mrs. Billingham, “She’s living in the tension of the now and the not yet, and she’s found peace there.”

This story is both enjoyable and thought provoking. I highly recommend it.

I received and ARC and my review is my own.
907 reviews24 followers
November 28, 2025
God works in mysterious ways his wonders to perform… a profound novella that invites much reflection.
Ambitious head nurse of a nursing home, Ava, is convinced she knows what is important in life. Cashier Felix is happy living in the moment despite the tragedy which has dominated his life. When these two meet at an auction, God intervenes with cryptic messages that result in inspired clarity for both: to be the person God made them to be. I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,191 reviews20 followers
October 31, 2025
wow. What a poignant story. With mysterious ways God pulls shards of life together to create a new whole. A finding where you truly belong after not finding it for a while, and what that can look like. A truly touching story. Loved all the characters. Each brought a different facet to the whole. I just want to sit and hug it to myself for a while. Hope after loss, and "settling", when there is so much more out there. So good.
165 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2025
A chance meeting at an estate sale immediately impacts on the lives of Felix and Ava, although the beginning is not auspicious! However, during this lovely story, we learn more about their lives and characters, and how the random items they purchased have unforeseen consequences. This beautifully written story has many layers and much impact.
I received an ARC from the author, but my opinion is given voluntarily.
110 reviews
January 16, 2026
Poignant and Hope Filled

I think this story is told in a very creative manner. Keepsake is a book about twi people who meet at an estate auction. They each buy something which causes them to dream about events that happen in their lives or the lives of those they know. Through the vignettes, readers get to know not only the main characters but also many characters in supporting roles. It is a cleverly told, character-driven story.
4 reviews
January 21, 2026
Lap Quilts and a Kaleidoscope

Jill Penrod’s story about Ava and Felix is one of the best books I’ve ever read! I enjoyed getting to know Ava and Felix as God brought them together in an extraordinary way. But isn’t it just like our wonderful God? He never does anything ordinary!
Felix and Ava meet at an estate auction and buy small purchases that end up being told God uses to help them heal and learn to love each other.
I can’t wait to read Penrod’s next book!!
1 review
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December 19, 2025
Another quality story from Jill Penrod

Jill Penrod's characters are so real! The growth in their faith that they experience is a blessing to watch unfold. I look forward to reading her new book in 2026.
1 review
November 20, 2025
I love this author. This one was very touching and deep. Almost a mystery and a surprising way God communicates with 2 people and draws them together.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews