Love By Design

by Mary Henderson

She came to redesign his home. He found his home in her.

At twenty-four, curvy designer Vicky Lazzara has big dreams, a lot to prove, and zero romantic experience. In fact, she’s never been kissed!

When she lands her first job working with her mentor redesigning the house of tech innovator Miles Austin, she’s determined to focus on her work, not his ocean-blue eyes or mesmerizing tattoos.

Miles isn’t seeking love. Juggling his role as a single dad to his daughter and managing his health tech company, his heart has remained closed off since his ex-wife left seven years ago, saying she never really loved him.

But Vicky’s faith, the way she treats his daughter like a princess, and how much he laughs when they’re together, draw him in, one quiet conversation at a time.

The only problem is that she’s eight years younger than him and has an overprotective brother back in Rome who has made it clear she’s off-limits.

But sometimes, love doesn’t follow the blueprints. Sometimes God rewrites them completely.

Just as Vicky and Miles are about to see what could be between them, an opportunity back in Rome is offered to her. Should she leave and not pursue what she thinks is the love of her life? Will he ask her to stay and build a life with him and his daughter, MJ?

Love by Design is a beautiful love story, rich in God’s love, His perfect timing, and healing between a single dad who doesn’t believe he will ever be chosen and a younger woman who struggles with her body image.


Age Gap
Curvy Girl
Faith Themes
Never Been Kissed
Forced Proximity
Forbidden Romance
Found Family
Single Dad

Genres: Clean Romance

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2026

About the author

Mary Henderson is an avid reader, loves to travel, and loves all things chocolate. Her first published book, Dream Big, Girl, has been used as a devotional and Bible study in both the U.S. and Honduras, where she splits up her time. She hosts an ongoing companion podcast, offering opportunities to expand on the themes found in her devotional. Her favorite hobbies are reading, diving, and spending time with her girl tribe from around the world. She believes in true love, the kind that books are written about, and believes that book boyfriends actually do exist in this world. Most days, you’ll find her either at the beach in Honduras or in her favorite café in San Diego, plotting her next adventure and dreaming of her next novel.

Reviews

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Mary Henderson book and I enjoyed this age gap, different worlds, forbidden romance.

[Katie Stowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary's books are the epitome of sweet. They make you say "awwwww" too many times to count. The plot, the scenery, the characters (although sometimes saucy lol) all come together for Hallmark's more sophisticated & less cheesy cousin. Just so very sweet.

I was so glad that Mary kept us in the Positano crew (this is the first book in its own series, but overlaps with her other). At this point, I feel like family and, like Vicky, I wasn't quite ready to leave them.

Mary finds a way to make characters who logically don't fit together, actually work. It's in the whole trope list - Vicky's a young, curvy girl who lives in Italy, Miles is a fit, older single dad who lives in San Diego. On paper...no. But Mary makes it work, and makes it work really well. I couldn't imagine the two of them apart.

Ok, last thing...there were at least 2 (3? 4? Idk lol) scenes that got me giggling, kicking my feet in the air. I couldn't contain my excitement for these two! Those scenes in particular were so well-written and got me so engaged. Loved it!

[Dorth & Dots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew!!!! Brace yourself romance girlies, this one’s FANTASTIC!

Vicky is the cutest plus size FMC, my heart broke for her during this book but squealed and kicking my feet at the swooning! The MMC is such a perfect match to her! And his protectiveness is top notch. This one will surely keep you on your toes and stir emotions. Often romance books get so monotonous in the plot but THIS ONE it was binge worthy!


“She came to redesign his home. He found his home in her.”

Thank you so much, Mary, for sending me your beautiful book! Looking forward to the series!

[Candace Emrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

The story was so sweet, and I loved how much God is woven into the book! Such a good read! I highly recommend it!

[Cadence · Rating 4 out of 5]

- First Person, Dual POV
- Christian Romance
- kisses only romance

I was first introduced to the majority of these characters when I read Waiting For Love (Luke & Sofia's story) back in August. In that one, I fell in love with so many of the people as well as Mary's beautiful story telling. I especially enjoyed Miles and MJ, so I was beyond thrilled that Love By Design would be their book. I was happy to see Luke and Sofia pop up as much as they did in this one too. Miles and Luke have such a wonderful relationship and I will never get tired of their sibling banter.

Love By Design was such a sweet story, though it did have some more serious and heavy moments, but there was still a good amount of humor giving it a nice balance.

And rounding off everything else was all the wonderful faith elements. I love how these characters trusted that God would guide them and provide for them. They continually went to Him with prayer.

If you're a fan of super sweet, slow burn Christian romance stories, with characters you can't get enough of, then you should definitely check this one out.


I received an advanced review copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion and thoughts

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cute story exceeded my expectations! I related to Vicky a lot in regard to her body image issues. I loved how this was portrayed and how she sought God to move past those issues. Her confidence improves as the story continues, and I love a good growth moment. Miles was very sweet! Single parent tropes (and especially when it’s a single dad) get me every time. I really appreciated how his daughter was a prominent character in the story, and how Vicky developed a close bond with both of them. Finally, I really liked how their HEA wasn’t without some conflict. At one point, I thought that things were going to come together so easily. In this case, distance truly made the heart grow fonder. This would be a great read for those who enjoy faith themes, low angst, and happily ever afters.

[Anna (Crochetsavetheday) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary has done it again! This book is centered around two characters from her last book. They had a bit of a meet cute in the last book but it didn’t go anywhere. This book takes care of that business. They are such a cute couple! They are written so well and the story is very romantic. I was rooting for them the whole time.

[~ • { Elizabeth } • ~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

💛🎨✨ ARC Review: Love by Design by Mary Henderson
⭐ 5/5 Stars — a tender, faith-filled, slow-burn romance about loss, light, and perfect timing
Love by Design feels like standing at the edge of the sea at dusk—barefoot in the sand, heart heavy with grief, yet quietly hopeful. It’s espresso sipped slowly in Rome, fireflies glowing in the dark, daisies woven into hair, and a love that arrives gently… right when the heart is ready.
👨‍👧 Miles Austin is a divorced father whose world revolves around his nine-year-old daughter, Madelyn Jane—sunshine in a bottle and the reason he keeps going after his wife left him. His heart has been closed for years. Love isn’t on his radar. Survival is.
🇮🇹 Victoria “Vicky” Lazzara is eight years younger, deeply observant, and quietly brilliant. An interior designer who sees past appearances and into people’s hearts, she’s never been kissed and has never been in love. Falling for a client—especially one separated by distance, boundaries, and family—isn’t part of the plan.
Except… then there’s Miles.
The American man from the wedding.
The one who makes her feel like fireflies have taken flight inside her chest.
What unfolds is love at first sight wrapped in patience and restraint—a slow burn of shared silences, espresso dates, beach walks, wishing trees, hoodies exchanged, and the realization that broken people can still make something beautiful together.
Miles is dorky, tender, and devoted—to his daughter and to Vicky. He wants to be her first and last kiss. Her Prince Charming. And Vicky never dims her light. She loves him fully, past and all.
🌼 If you love:
✨ Single-dad MMC
👧 Sweet child side character
☀️ Sunshine FMC with faith
🇮🇹 Rome & harbor aesthetics
🧥 Hoodie moments & first-love tenderness
🔥 Fireflies, wishing trees & soft romance
⚠️ Content Warnings:
• Body dysmorphia
• Death of a loved one (father)
📖 Final Thoughts:
Mary Henderson writes loss in a way that makes your stomach drop—then gently shows you how to breathe again. This story is about waiting, healing, and trusting that even after heartbreak, something beautiful can still find you. Love by Design is a reminder that some people are like fireflies God has made—meant to bring light. 💛✨

- Elizabeth

[Gabi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book. The title and premise felt like something that would be right up my alley, especially as someone who appreciates intentional, faith-centered love stories. But honestly, this one left me feeling more disconnected than moved.

I struggled quite a bit with the dialogue. I kept waiting for conversations that would pull me in emotionally or reveal something deeper about the characters, but many of the exchanges felt surface-level. Because of that, I had a hard time feeling the chemistry or tension between them. I wanted to experience their connection unfolding, not just be told that it was there.

The POV switches also made it difficult for me to stay grounded in the story. At times, I had to stop and figure out whose perspective I was reading, which pulled me out of the moment. Instead of feeling immersed, I felt like I was trying to reorient myself.

The pacing was fast, but not in a way that felt satisfying. Major emotional developments and shifts in the relationship seemed to happen quickly without enough buildup to make them feel earned. I personally love when a romance unfolds slowly and intentionally, where you can feel each layer forming. Here, it felt rushed, and because of that, I struggled to fully believe in the depth of their love story.

If I’m being completely honest, I found myself skimming at times because it wasn’t consistently holding my attention. I didn’t feel that pull that makes you want to linger on the page or stay up “just one more chapter.” Instead of being drawn in, I felt like I was trying to push through.

I was also hoping for a stronger integration of faith throughout the story. While faith was mentioned, it didn’t feel deeply woven into the characters’ growth or the foundation of their relationship. I longed for more spiritual depth—moments that felt anchored and meaningful.

Overall, I finished the book feeling a little disappointed. I kept hoping it would emotionally click for me, but it never quite did. I know every story lands differently for everyone, but this one just didn’t connect with my heart the way I had hoped it would.

0.25/5.00 ⭐️

[Bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I say I loved this book, it still wouldn’t fully capture what I feel for it—but for lack of a better word, I truly loved it.
As a plus-size woman, this story made me feel deeply seen. I found so many similarities between myself and Vicky that I kept thinking, Yes. Exactly. That’s it. It felt like someone had finally put words to experiences I’ve lived but never quite articulated. That’s probably why this book became more than just a story to me—it became personal. I formed a genuine connection to it.

I also resonate with the season of life where you’ve just finished school and you’re standing at the edge of the world, hoping someone will simply take a chance on you. Hoping an employer will see your potential and give you the opportunity to prove yourself. To every “Elena” out there who chooses to believe in a “Vicky,” thank you for creating space for someone to shine.

And then there’s Miles—the kind of man I wish we saw more of in the real world. There’s a reason “book boyfriends” are elite, and if you’re a fellow book girlie, you already understand. Miles is a perfect example of why women across different cultures, backgrounds, shapes, and identities will always have a soft spot for our fictional men. The way his love showed up was sweet, patient, selfless, encouraging, intentional, and beautiful. Yes, it’s fiction—but reading about a woman being loved so genuinely and wholeheartedly felt incredibly special to me. I didn’t just read about that love—I felt it.

This is such a beautiful story, and I highly recommend it to every fan of sweet, clean, swoony, age-gap, single-dad, Christian romance. Pick it up and prepare to fall in love.

Kudos to the author, Mary Henderson, for such a heartfelt and meaningful work. I feel blessed to have met Miles and Vicky through these pages.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒍𝒍 𝒇𝒊𝒏𝒅:
𝑨𝒈𝒆 𝑮𝒂𝒑
𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒚 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍
𝑭𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔
𝑵𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑩𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅
𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒙𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒚
𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒃𝒊𝒅𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆
𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚
𝑺𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝑫𝒂𝒅

This story was wonderful! Vicky and Miles actually met before at a wedding and sparks flew then, but with their age gap and the distance between them, it didn’t feel like something either of them could pursue. Add in a protective older brother who’s close to Miles, and it was completely out of the question.

But when Vicky and Miles end up in California at the same time and she’s hired to decorate his apartment, their chemistry becomes impossible to ignore. He’s cautious because she’s younger, career focused, and only in the U.S. temporarily. She’s cautious because her job doesn’t allow her to date a client and because he’s him: successful, a dad, handsome, and experienced.

Vicky struggles to see her own worth, but Miles can’t stop seeing it. As her project on his cottage comes to an end and so does her time in the U.S., they have to decide whether to take a leap of faith and see if what they have is worth changing their plans. He never expected to fall in love again. She never expected someone like him to fall for her. And with his daughter, whom Vicky already adores, she wonders if she’s being asked to choose between her career and a future with them.

𝑰 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅, 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔. 𝑰 𝒇𝒍𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒚 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑴𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐 𝒄𝒓𝒂𝒛𝒚 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝑽𝒊𝒄𝒌𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑪𝒂𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕!

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

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love by Design by Mary Henderson is a faith filled story about second chances and learning to love yourself in your own skin.

I think the author did a wonderful job in exploring the concept of “not being enough.” This standard doesn’t necessarily come from oneself but the words and actions of others, making someone internalize and internalize. Both of the main characters had this in different parts of the story. Throughout the story, the relationships with the characters grew, but also the need to look inside and address this internalized trauma was discussed as well. I think healing from both relationship failures and body image issues are two important topics that we need to talk more about.

One of the things I really, really loved was the MMC’s relationship with his daughter, communication, explaining ones feelings, and putting the child’s needs and wants first. It was such a beautiful thing to see. MJ really was such a highlight. I also loved the complexity of choice the author brought about, there really was no simple answer. And one might say there really is no wrong or right answer. The hard conversations, the hard decisions, I felt every written word on my soul.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in looking at faith elements, body image issues, and the single dad trope.

Thank you Mary Henderson for the free book.

[Kat Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing! There are so many great themes through this whole book, and it leaves you with good fuzzy, warm feelings. The FMC, Vicky, being a curvy girl, has dealt with bad body image through her whole life. The MMC, Miles, has had a failed marriage and suffers from issues from that. Both Vicky and Miles think they are not enough. Throughout the whole book these issues are talked about and addressed. I think the author does an excellent job portraying their pain and grief throughout all their problems. The way the characters evolve through the book is heart warming and made me cry. I love the place they evolve to!

I love how Miles treats his young daughter throughout the book. It is refreshing to see a young child be a young child in the book, even though she is a genius. It is great to see a father figure love his daughter so completely and has her and her welfare in his mind at all times. Makes him more endearing.

This book could be read as a stand alone but will be better if you read the previous books in the series. The characters from the other books are also in this book. You'll love the chemistry between everyone!

[Brooke’s Nook Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story

This book was about Vicky and Miles. Miles is a single dad who saw Vicky for the first time at her brother’s wedding him and his brother crashed to win the girl of his brother’s dream. He saw Vicky and fell in love. Vicky is 8 years younger than him and he doesn’t want to stand in the way of her dreams because his ex wife told him that it was his fault and ended up leaving him with their daughter. Vicky fell in love with Miles too when she saw him at the wedding. She struggled with her body image and didn’t know if he would be interested in her since she was younger than him. She got a job offer in Dan Diego for 3 months and her 1st client she gets to work with is Miles. He comes home and finds her in his daughter’s room and he is so surprised to see her. The more she works on his home the more time they spend together and the more they realize their feelings for each other. She gets a job offer back in Rome and Miles has to decide if he wants to stand in her way or let her go and Vicky has to figure out if she should leave the man she loves

[4 The Love Of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to author Mary Henderson for the opportunity of being part of her ARC team.
There were so many elements that made this a great book for me. Vicky and Mile’s story is endearing and complicated. Both have suffered losses and have gone through tough life experiences that shaped them into guarded individuals. I appreciated that the author included real life scenarios, such as single parenthood, dealing with female body dysmorphia, moving to another country and redefining yourself, among other themes. They were all treated with respect and compassion. As a plus size female, I felt represented with dignity, grace, and so much pride. So good!!!

[Rosie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I feel like it had a lot of potential as far as Christian fiction goes and with the elements of unhappiness with one’s self. However this book kind of fell flat for me. It felt like the main character was set up with years of self esteem issues that weren’t really present and it was just fixed by a conversation. There wasn’t much growth within the story which made it difficult to like. Also, I get “true love” and “one and only” and all that, but they had never truly admitted their feelings, spent two years apart, and came back to each other like everything hadn’t happened.
All in all, it wasn’t terrible, but I wouldn’t reread.

[Susan Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Mary Henderson’s books. This is a lovely story. Vicky was always under the watchful eye of her older brother. He always thought she needed protection. Because she was body shamed all through her life, Vicky didn’t feel she was worthy of the love of a good, handsome man. She found her strength and fought these hurtful words to become the strong and powerful woman she knew she could be. This is a typical story of how people can hurt others but the strong prevail. It is a wonderful read. Don’t miss it.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGNIFICENT!!!! chef's kiss

It takes a lot for me to give 5 star ratings. This is most definitely one of those times. I found the book started out a bit slow but keep reading it is a wonderful book. I don't read books normally 😆 I cry, scream, throw and yell at them. This one actually had to kicking my feet. I can't wait to read more from Mary Henderson.

[Katie Hay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

Such a sweet, moving story. I loved the way that the author wove God throughout it. There was a little drama, but so much love and grace. I wasn’t sure at first if it was going to resolve before the end of the book, but Henderson did it! It was a beautifully woven story!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very touching story

Words cannot describe the wonder, laughter and Faith in this story. Heartfelt and amazing. Body imaging is a very relatable topic. Joy in the making of a "family".

[Kristy Ayers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one over all. The beginning was slow, and then the middle and ending felt rushed.
I wish it was a little longer so there was more time to develop the characters, thoughts, and plot.

Content: clean romance.

[Kali Hampton · Rating 2 out of 5]

It had a lot of promise, but just did not deliver.

[Shon D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing ❤️‍🩹 Story

Love, Love, Love this story it gave me so much hope and joy. This story gave me something that I never knew I needed.

[Allison James · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!

Words can’t even begin to describe this book. It was everything. I cried, I laughed, and my heart broke during those goodbyes but overall, it was absolutely beautiful. It opened my eyes to so many new perspectives and really stayed with me.

I loved seeing Miles all flustered and possessive it was such a different side, and I enjoyed it more than I expected. Vicky’s strength and beauty shone so brightly; her growth throughout the story was incredible. You could truly see how her faith and her deep love for MJ carried her through.

And sweet MJ… she fit perfectly. That girl has such an old soul, and her presence added something so special to the story.

Mary, this book truly spoke to me. Thank you for writing something so meaningful and beautiful.

Onto the next one lol. 💕📚

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She came to redesign his home. He found his home in her."

Truly one of the most beautiful and moving stories I've read. Vicky has much to prove in life and she is determined to do just that as she follows her dreams.

Miles is a single dad balancing carrying for his daughter and managing his company with no time for romance.

But then Vicky and Miles meet the attraction is obvious. Still both are determined to keep things on a professional level as she redesigns his home.

To add to the mix we have an age gap, a precocious little girl, Vicky's lack of experience in the romance department (never been kissed), her over-protective threatening brother and the fact they live on two separate continents.

But nothing is impossible with God and He is a big part of this story.

Love By Design tackles a number of issues including struggles with body image and feeling unloveable while drawing on Faith and healing that can only come from the one who loves us best.

I was truly sad to see this story end and miss Miles, Vicky and MJ.