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A Most Peculiar Providence: A Small-Town Story About What Can Happen When Love Opens the Door
Joshua Donnelly has lived a careful, orderly life in the old house on Church Street, as his mama taught him. Then, on the coldest night of the year, a newborn baby appears in his care with no explanation and no instructions. Only a prayer answered in the most unexpected way.
Heather Thomas arrives in Peculiar carrying her own heartbreak, running from mistakes she cannot undo. When her path crosses Josh’s, the two form a fragile, improbable unit built on kindness, faith, and more hope than sense.
As gossip swirls, authorities ask questions, and the town watches closely, Josh and Heather must decide whether to trust coincidence or believe some gifts are heaven-sent.
A Most Peculiar Providence is a tender small-town novel about grace, second chances, and the quiet miracles that arrive when love opens the door.
Heather Thomas arrives in Peculiar carrying her own heartbreak, running from mistakes she cannot undo. When her path crosses Josh’s, the two form a fragile, improbable unit built on kindness, faith, and more hope than sense.
As gossip swirls, authorities ask questions, and the town watches closely, Josh and Heather must decide whether to trust coincidence or believe some gifts are heaven-sent.
A Most Peculiar Providence is a tender small-town novel about grace, second chances, and the quiet miracles that arrive when love opens the door.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2026
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
324 books2,024 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
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February 17, 20264 ⭐
I’ve only read this author’s biblical fiction novels before, so I was curious about this standalone novel about second chances and grace.
For many of us, life has a way of settling into a rhythm and the delicate balance of routines keeps our day moving smoothly. Twenty-six-year-old Joshua Donnelly has a routine of little rituals that become part of what makes him who he is…until he’s thrown off by a disruption in his daily tasks. December 9, 2006, starts like every other morning, but by day’s end, Joshua is learning to embrace a different rhythm, and his response to the disruption makes all the difference.
I loved this one and read in awe as Joshua navigated one ‘disruption’ after another, making space for found family. The storytelling pulled me in and the unpredictable narrative held my attention. I appreciated the reminder to open the door to each day with grace.
If you love a writing style and a mystery that instantly pulls you in, illustrations, a small-town setting, a faith-forward narrative, and a dog (Mastiff), you need to check out this one!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’ve only read this author’s biblical fiction novels before, so I was curious about this standalone novel about second chances and grace.
For many of us, life has a way of settling into a rhythm and the delicate balance of routines keeps our day moving smoothly. Twenty-six-year-old Joshua Donnelly has a routine of little rituals that become part of what makes him who he is…until he’s thrown off by a disruption in his daily tasks. December 9, 2006, starts like every other morning, but by day’s end, Joshua is learning to embrace a different rhythm, and his response to the disruption makes all the difference.
I loved this one and read in awe as Joshua navigated one ‘disruption’ after another, making space for found family. The storytelling pulled me in and the unpredictable narrative held my attention. I appreciated the reminder to open the door to each day with grace.
If you love a writing style and a mystery that instantly pulls you in, illustrations, a small-town setting, a faith-forward narrative, and a dog (Mastiff), you need to check out this one!
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a digital ARC of this book for my honest review.
What a beautiful story about hope and redemption. A Most Peculiar Providence tackles some tough situations with grace and finesse and shows us what happens when the ugly, hard side of life meets just one person willing to obey that Still Small Voice. I was deeply touched by both Josh and Heather's stories and interactions with each other...especially Josh's child-like innocence that allowed God to move moraculously in his life. Cheif Bowen was also a favorite character, his heart torn between duty and what was right. I highly recommemd this book!
What a beautiful story about hope and redemption. A Most Peculiar Providence tackles some tough situations with grace and finesse and shows us what happens when the ugly, hard side of life meets just one person willing to obey that Still Small Voice. I was deeply touched by both Josh and Heather's stories and interactions with each other...especially Josh's child-like innocence that allowed God to move moraculously in his life. Cheif Bowen was also a favorite character, his heart torn between duty and what was right. I highly recommemd this book!
March 7, 2026
I loved this book! The town, the relationships, the dog, and the seamless way faith is worked in. Do you need a cozy story that will keep you smiling while tackling tough topics? Read this book!
I will be adding Angela Hunt’s backlist to my TBR.
Thank you to the NetGalley, the author, and Hunt Haben Press for the eARC.
I will be adding Angela Hunt’s backlist to my TBR.
Thank you to the NetGalley, the author, and Hunt Haben Press for the eARC.
March 20, 2026
Such a beautiful story of miracles and full of hope with a surprise mystery thrown in!
February 8, 2026
I read an advanced copy of A Most Peculiar Providence by Angela Hunt via NetGally. To be available March 30
A newborn, a small town that notices everything, a buried secret
Josh - gentle, God fearing, maybe on the spectrum
Heather- drifter in town Maggie- infant born on Christmas Eve
Major twist at chapter 36
Five stars from me
A newborn, a small town that notices everything, a buried secret
Josh - gentle, God fearing, maybe on the spectrum
Heather- drifter in town Maggie- infant born on Christmas Eve
Major twist at chapter 36
Five stars from me
April 22, 2026
This for the most part is a clean read. Lots of twists and turns that kept kept me engaged in the book .
April 6, 2026
I love Angela Hunt's writing. she draws you into her characters and you feel you know them by the end of the story. due to the fact, that she scattered little pieces of information, I had figured out the mystery that was involved but it just made me want to finish the book.
March 15, 2026
A Most Peculiar Providence
@authorangelaehunt
This is a new release and a delightful, emotional, sweet yet heavy at times, story.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.
I wasn't sure where this story was going at first. Kind of slow, a background of characters.
Then Angela threw a curveball and the story began to chnage. Heavy events, heavy topics, a lot of tears (from me and the characters), and a story of pure faith emerged.
This is one of the best books I've read this year. I just cant describe the emotions I felt in this book. Just make sure your box of tissues is nearby and that you have a few hours to read it straight through.
Tw: abuse, abandonment, baby loss, parental death, CPS/DCFS.
@authorangelaehunt
This is a new release and a delightful, emotional, sweet yet heavy at times, story.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.
I wasn't sure where this story was going at first. Kind of slow, a background of characters.
Then Angela threw a curveball and the story began to chnage. Heavy events, heavy topics, a lot of tears (from me and the characters), and a story of pure faith emerged.
This is one of the best books I've read this year. I just cant describe the emotions I felt in this book. Just make sure your box of tissues is nearby and that you have a few hours to read it straight through.
Tw: abuse, abandonment, baby loss, parental death, CPS/DCFS.
April 17, 2026
Good read!
This was a really good read by Angela Hint. She wove a good storyline with characters that had depth. I appreciate the way she also wove faith throughout the book. Another good one by this author!
This was a really good read by Angela Hint. She wove a good storyline with characters that had depth. I appreciate the way she also wove faith throughout the book. Another good one by this author!
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April 23, 2026Peculiar is a small town and home to Joshua Donnelly. A woodworker and carver by trade, Joshua lives a quiet life. His world is upended when his beloved mother dies. On her deathbed, she advises him to fill the family home with love and a new family. He takes the request to heart and soon enough, a baby ends up on his doorstep.
Heather Thomas is in search of a place to call home. She's been on her own for a few years while travelling with her not-so-great boyfriend. An accidental pregnancy brings that relationship to a crisis point. Heather has visited Peculiar and thinks is is an idyllic place for folks.
Their paths cross and the story that unfolds in also peculiar, but with the hand of Providence.
Thanks to Hunt Haven Press for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.
Heather Thomas is in search of a place to call home. She's been on her own for a few years while travelling with her not-so-great boyfriend. An accidental pregnancy brings that relationship to a crisis point. Heather has visited Peculiar and thinks is is an idyllic place for folks.
Their paths cross and the story that unfolds in also peculiar, but with the hand of Providence.
Thanks to Hunt Haven Press for providing me an ARC in exchange for a review in my own words.
April 22, 2026
I finished this suburb book with tears running down my face. They were not really sad tears, but tears that were happy and satisfying, recognizing the goodness, struggle of hard times and pain it took to get there. One young man was known for his simple goodness and his powerful prayers. One young pregnant young lady gets abandoned at a rest stop by her wanderer boyfriend. One baby needs a home, and his birth mother wants him to go to a home who will love and support him, which is more than she is able provide. There is one older police chief who has a gigantic secret who shockingly believes doing what is right comes before keeping the law. This is one story you will not want to miss! I am so thankful and delighted to be able to be allowed to read this story provided by the publishers. The thoughts expressed are my own.
March 10, 2026
A Most Peculiar Providence by Angela Hunt is small town fiction at its best. This story brings together three people caught in impossible tragic circumstances and shows how God’s grace and love can bring it all together to the best possible outcome in the end. I really enjoyed this book and read it in one day! I highly recommend this story and give it 5 stars! I received a complimentary review copy of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2026
4 stars
Completed: Mar. 14/26
Format: digital ARC
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “DURING” March — “a book with a bakery, or HAS A RECIPE, or includes SOMEONE WHO CAN’T COOK
Book #23 of 2026: If you like small community stories where everyone is an expert on each other, this is your jam. If you’re looking for something a little bit different—or even a little PECULIAR—this is a novel for you! (Pun fully intended!).
It’s a sleepy little town and Josh grew up loved deeply by his Mama. They live frugally and focused on faith. His Dad left when he was young and Josh barely remembers anything about him. He respects and loves his Mama in such a beautiful manner. When she dies suddenly, life changes in many respects. He’s now alone. His Mama’s last instructions had him reeling but He trusts in the Lord to guide him to fulfil her wishes.
A baby on his doorstep and then a homeless young woman basically fall into his lap. He fully believes God directed them to him. He has the most caring, generous heart and patience for miles. He is utterly selfless. A solid start to the novel.
The middle third of the book felt a fair bit longer to me than it really needed to be. I kept waiting and wondering where it was all going and what else the story could be about. I also have to add that I didn’t care for the inclusion of the pictures at any point. They just didn’t seem to fit and felt like interruptions.
In the last third of the book, the story takes a sharp turn that had me swiping through the digital pages to see where the mystery and intrigue would lead. This quiet little town and the quiet man are put to the fire in various ways. And God was right there with them whether they were aware or not.
How it all came together was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The ending was good without being “perfect.” Life is never perfect and I’m thankful it wasn’t all tied up in a pretty bow.
*My thanks to the author/publisher and to Net Galley for a digital advanced copy. My rating and review are voluntary, honest, and in my own words.
Completed: Mar. 14/26
Format: digital ARC
Challenge Prompt: EOW’s “DURING” March — “a book with a bakery, or HAS A RECIPE, or includes SOMEONE WHO CAN’T COOK
Book #23 of 2026: If you like small community stories where everyone is an expert on each other, this is your jam. If you’re looking for something a little bit different—or even a little PECULIAR—this is a novel for you! (Pun fully intended!).
It’s a sleepy little town and Josh grew up loved deeply by his Mama. They live frugally and focused on faith. His Dad left when he was young and Josh barely remembers anything about him. He respects and loves his Mama in such a beautiful manner. When she dies suddenly, life changes in many respects. He’s now alone. His Mama’s last instructions had him reeling but He trusts in the Lord to guide him to fulfil her wishes.
A baby on his doorstep and then a homeless young woman basically fall into his lap. He fully believes God directed them to him. He has the most caring, generous heart and patience for miles. He is utterly selfless. A solid start to the novel.
The middle third of the book felt a fair bit longer to me than it really needed to be. I kept waiting and wondering where it was all going and what else the story could be about. I also have to add that I didn’t care for the inclusion of the pictures at any point. They just didn’t seem to fit and felt like interruptions.
In the last third of the book, the story takes a sharp turn that had me swiping through the digital pages to see where the mystery and intrigue would lead. This quiet little town and the quiet man are put to the fire in various ways. And God was right there with them whether they were aware or not.
How it all came together was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. The ending was good without being “perfect.” Life is never perfect and I’m thankful it wasn’t all tied up in a pretty bow.
*My thanks to the author/publisher and to Net Galley for a digital advanced copy. My rating and review are voluntary, honest, and in my own words.
March 10, 2026
Where are my lovers of small southern town settings at?
May I introduce you to the delightful town of Peculiar, Florida? A population of 400ish where "the tea" spreads faster fleas on a dog. Where everyone knows everyone--and if you deviate from your normal everyday--why they are going to show up with casseroles and the police to make sure everything is okay.
It's in this darling little town where we have a beautiful tale of faith and trust in God's direction through our lead character Josh. A late 20s young man who has taken care of his mama since he was 6 years old and his daddy left. Then one day everything changes--and things become peculiar in Peculiar.
Long buried secrets come out of the ground. (literally)
A baby left on a doorstep.
A girl with blonde hair and broken foot shortly after.
But I loved the story of sweet Josh with a heart to love and take care of what God brings him. Trusting that God will work everything out--relying on the faith driven into him through his mama's example and love.
I'm giving it a solid 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed the story and didn't want to put it down.
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for my ARC of the novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
May I introduce you to the delightful town of Peculiar, Florida? A population of 400ish where "the tea" spreads faster fleas on a dog. Where everyone knows everyone--and if you deviate from your normal everyday--why they are going to show up with casseroles and the police to make sure everything is okay.
It's in this darling little town where we have a beautiful tale of faith and trust in God's direction through our lead character Josh. A late 20s young man who has taken care of his mama since he was 6 years old and his daddy left. Then one day everything changes--and things become peculiar in Peculiar.
Long buried secrets come out of the ground. (literally)
A baby left on a doorstep.
A girl with blonde hair and broken foot shortly after.
But I loved the story of sweet Josh with a heart to love and take care of what God brings him. Trusting that God will work everything out--relying on the faith driven into him through his mama's example and love.
I'm giving it a solid 5 stars because I thoroughly enjoyed the story and didn't want to put it down.
*Thank you to NetGAlley and the publishers for my ARC of the novel. All opinions are 100% my own.
February 23, 2026
I wasn’t sure how I would feel reading this book. I’d previously tried reading one of her BibFic novels, but couldn’t make it past the first chapter. But, this book had me completely hooked from beginning to end, and now I’m thinking I need to give her BibFic novels another try.
This story was full of every emotion from love to fear, and I felt as though I was walking in the characters shoes. Not only was the book full of faith, it was full of showing God’s providence in everyday life.
* TRIGGER WARNINGS: If you’ve experienced any kind of pregnancy/infant loss, it’s part of the story line. As well as any bad foster care experiences
* I received this book as an ARC and was not required to leave a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are my own
This story was full of every emotion from love to fear, and I felt as though I was walking in the characters shoes. Not only was the book full of faith, it was full of showing God’s providence in everyday life.
* TRIGGER WARNINGS: If you’ve experienced any kind of pregnancy/infant loss, it’s part of the story line. As well as any bad foster care experiences
* I received this book as an ARC and was not required to leave a positive review, all thoughts and opinions are my own
April 27, 2026
An engrossing read. I liked how it started off with the first-person narration of the police chief. In a conversational way, he recounted his views that led up to the events of a young man named Josh Donnelly. I believe I may have set a new record reading time. There was a gripping turn of events, and—well, I couldn’t put it down after that. The story centers around Josh and begins the day that his mother passed away. Meanwhile, a young van-dweller couple rolls into town begging for money for food and gas. Josh is known to be a godly man and listens to the Lord’s voice for direction. He soon has to deal with the most unexpected and unprecedented series of events. A story of hope and making the right decisions not only for him, but for van-dweller, Heather as well. She rolled into town with emotional baggage and came upon some tragic events in Peculiar, Florida. Josh is led to help her.
There is a mystery twist in the tale towards the end. There are some weighty subject matter, but it also encourages how God can work wonders behind the scenes. I received this complimentary e-book from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are completely my own.
There is a mystery twist in the tale towards the end. There are some weighty subject matter, but it also encourages how God can work wonders behind the scenes. I received this complimentary e-book from NetGalley and the opinions expressed are completely my own.
March 9, 2026
I loved this book and had trouble putting it down.
The writing made you feel like you were right there, and there are unexpected twist and turns in the plot.
I love the story of redemption and have continued to think about this book, even after reading it.
I had a pre-released digital copy of this book from the author that I read for a review but I was free to give whatever review I wanted and absolutely love this book.
that I enjoyed reading and reviewing
I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it.
This is a book I would read again.
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
The writing made you feel like you were right there, and there are unexpected twist and turns in the plot.
I love the story of redemption and have continued to think about this book, even after reading it.
I had a pre-released digital copy of this book from the author that I read for a review but I was free to give whatever review I wanted and absolutely love this book.
that I enjoyed reading and reviewing
I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it.
This is a book I would read again.
I would give it 10 stars if I could.
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February 9, 2026This story set in a small town in Florida is a total gem! From the beginning, Angela captures the charm & quirks of a close-knit community, soaked in secrets by good meaning, God fearing people. I really enjoyed how naturally faith was woven into the story and the journey the main character, Josh Donnelly, takes in trusting God through many uncertain circumstances. This was a wholesome story filled with mystery until the end.
March 9, 2026
I received an advanced copy to read through Netgalley.
This is a heartwarming novel with well-developed characters.
The plot itself didn’t truly grab me until I was nearly 75% into the book. All the storylines seemed to ramp up at about that mark.
What started as an idyllic, faith-saturated novel that almost seemed hard to track with ended with all the hard won happy feelings that greet you at the end of a sappy rom-com.
Overall: Sweet.
This is a heartwarming novel with well-developed characters.
The plot itself didn’t truly grab me until I was nearly 75% into the book. All the storylines seemed to ramp up at about that mark.
What started as an idyllic, faith-saturated novel that almost seemed hard to track with ended with all the hard won happy feelings that greet you at the end of a sappy rom-com.
Overall: Sweet.
Read
February 7, 2026This little town reminds me of where I grew up, as well as the people there back then. The story was stimulating while the setting was relaxing. In the very end, it turned out one of the ways I hoped, but the storyline kept me guessing. I had a hard time putting this down and highly recommend it.
March 27, 2026
I didn't quite know what to expect when I picked up this book. But knowing it was from Angela Hunt, I knew it would be excellent. And I was not disappointed. This story had so many elements: small-town meddling, heartache, loss, betrayal, love, mystery, and faith. Hunt knit each part together with humorous one-liners, emotional tension, relatable characters, and a depth that makes you pause. This is a book that gets inside your head and captures your heart on the way. I loved every minute.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2026
I enjoyed this story about Josh, a young man with a big faith in God who feels led to takes care of an abandoned baby and fights to keep her from being put into the foster care system, and Heather, a young woman abandoned by her boyfriend, who stands by Josh through it all.
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
April 25, 2026
I have appreciated the genres that Angela Hunt writes under: contemporary, historical, and Biblical. I have probably read at least 55 % of her books.
This novel was written in the contemporary genre and it sure captured my heart. Small town and some would probably say the town name is fitting: Peculiar.
I loved the town. I loved the story which of course you can read other reviews to learn more or just read the book. Angela Hunt did an amazing job rounding out the characters and how they dealt with joy and hurts in their lives.
This novel was written in the contemporary genre and it sure captured my heart. Small town and some would probably say the town name is fitting: Peculiar.
I loved the town. I loved the story which of course you can read other reviews to learn more or just read the book. Angela Hunt did an amazing job rounding out the characters and how they dealt with joy and hurts in their lives.
March 27, 2026
Beautiful wholesome love story & mystery
This book is well written, excellent descriptive sentences without being wordy or repetative. A story of "finding" out who you are and trusting in God. Well done! I loved it.
This book is well written, excellent descriptive sentences without being wordy or repetative. A story of "finding" out who you are and trusting in God. Well done! I loved it.
April 26, 2026
I had a little trouble getting into the story but once I did, I enjoyed it. The characters are likeable and while I guessed what was coming in a couple places, I did not expect the twist at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I did not know anything about this book beforhand. It was a lovely story mixed with a little small town mysterie but all the bible talk was not for me. But I understood after that this is markeded as a christian fiction and that makes a lot of sence and if you do like those this is a book I would recommend for you!
April 10, 2026
Angela Hunt has wrote a wonderful faith-based story that reminds me of the grace God gives us and how we should treat others. I have read a couple of her Biblical historical fiction books, which are so good, so I knew this new book, A Most Peculiar Providence would be good too!
The characters in this book kept me turning the page, and the whole story is full of biblical teachable lessons. A son’s mother dies, he is left alone, adopts a dog, is left with a newborn, and helps a woman who is abandoned. I really was surprised when there was a bit of a twist towards the end of the book. I am a hard person to surprise. So I won’t share any more than, you need to read this book!!
Few highlights:
He landed on one of David’s laments: “But I – I am poor and needy – yet my Lord is mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer – O my God, don not delay!”
One praying, one learning, both leaning on each other more than either of them would admit.
He had prayed. Begged. And God had helped her, just not the way he wanted…God had healed her, but not for this earth.
Some losses come without warning. Some arrive before you’re ready to face them. And some happen without anyone else knowing.
Because the last words his mother had spoken to him had been full of love and gentle urgency: you need a wife. A family. Fill the house with love.
Lord, he prayed, Mama always called this our marching orders. What do You want me to do today?
His finger traced the lines as he read aloud: “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy; deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked.
She worked at the school and still found time to read her Bible, drag Josh to church, and tell him God was a Father who would never walk out.
If she doesn’t claim to follow Christ, why should we hold her to the biblical standard?
Have any of you spoken to Josh, the pastor continued, or have you only spoken about him?
Josh hadn’t changed her by asking. He had changed her by demonstrating what goodness looked like, what steadiness felt like, and what love did when it kept showing up.
The characters in this book kept me turning the page, and the whole story is full of biblical teachable lessons. A son’s mother dies, he is left alone, adopts a dog, is left with a newborn, and helps a woman who is abandoned. I really was surprised when there was a bit of a twist towards the end of the book. I am a hard person to surprise. So I won’t share any more than, you need to read this book!!
Few highlights:
He landed on one of David’s laments: “But I – I am poor and needy – yet my Lord is mindful of me. You are my help and my deliverer – O my God, don not delay!”
One praying, one learning, both leaning on each other more than either of them would admit.
He had prayed. Begged. And God had helped her, just not the way he wanted…God had healed her, but not for this earth.
Some losses come without warning. Some arrive before you’re ready to face them. And some happen without anyone else knowing.
Because the last words his mother had spoken to him had been full of love and gentle urgency: you need a wife. A family. Fill the house with love.
Lord, he prayed, Mama always called this our marching orders. What do You want me to do today?
His finger traced the lines as he read aloud: “Defend the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy; deliver the poor and needy; free them from the hand of the wicked.
She worked at the school and still found time to read her Bible, drag Josh to church, and tell him God was a Father who would never walk out.
If she doesn’t claim to follow Christ, why should we hold her to the biblical standard?
Have any of you spoken to Josh, the pastor continued, or have you only spoken about him?
Josh hadn’t changed her by asking. He had changed her by demonstrating what goodness looked like, what steadiness felt like, and what love did when it kept showing up.
March 18, 2026
What a beautiful story. We have several stories converging here:
Heather has a mess of a boyfriend who abandons her.
A baby is born to a mother who can't keep her.
A police chief is given the impossible task of upholding the law in nearly impossible circumstances.
A young man, grieving, is given an assignment from the Lord--step out of his orderly world and help amid the chaos.
This story has only the hint of magical realism. It's not there, but because it does feel so magical and delightful, you wonder. At first, I was uncomfortable with the way the Lord "spoke" to Joshua, giving him directions on what to do as direct answers to prayer. But by the end of the book, I realized that I think I missed something. I think every time that happened (certainly it was near the end!), Hunt used Scripture to prod him. And that is perfect. It keeps the story moving in the direction she wrote it without making things uncomfortable for a reader who sees God speaking to us today as being through Scripture. If I missed earlier ones where He spoke with things outside, well, let's just say that would've been a disappointment, but not enough to drop a star this time.
Watching Joshua fall in love... beautiful. Okay, so he was falling in love with a baby girl who needed him. My kind of love story. His attachment to Heather is also lovely, but we don't often see authors showing the tenderness men have for infants without any connection to mothers. It reminded me a bit of The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox in that regard. Just a bit.
All in all, I loved the story and loved how Hunt kept the hard things hard and worked through people and circumstances to deal with those difficult things. You haven't seen love until you've seen Josh reunited with Maggie near the end of the book--the bleakest situation made beautiful.
Heather has a mess of a boyfriend who abandons her.
A baby is born to a mother who can't keep her.
A police chief is given the impossible task of upholding the law in nearly impossible circumstances.
A young man, grieving, is given an assignment from the Lord--step out of his orderly world and help amid the chaos.
This story has only the hint of magical realism. It's not there, but because it does feel so magical and delightful, you wonder. At first, I was uncomfortable with the way the Lord "spoke" to Joshua, giving him directions on what to do as direct answers to prayer. But by the end of the book, I realized that I think I missed something. I think every time that happened (certainly it was near the end!), Hunt used Scripture to prod him. And that is perfect. It keeps the story moving in the direction she wrote it without making things uncomfortable for a reader who sees God speaking to us today as being through Scripture. If I missed earlier ones where He spoke with things outside, well, let's just say that would've been a disappointment, but not enough to drop a star this time.
Watching Joshua fall in love... beautiful. Okay, so he was falling in love with a baby girl who needed him. My kind of love story. His attachment to Heather is also lovely, but we don't often see authors showing the tenderness men have for infants without any connection to mothers. It reminded me a bit of The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox in that regard. Just a bit.
All in all, I loved the story and loved how Hunt kept the hard things hard and worked through people and circumstances to deal with those difficult things. You haven't seen love until you've seen Josh reunited with Maggie near the end of the book--the bleakest situation made beautiful.
February 10, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3½ rounded up)
This is a warm, faith-centered story about compassion, chosen family, and the belief that God works through ordinary people caring for one another.
The strongest craft choice is the use of the sheriff as narrator. His calm, observational voice keeps the story from feeling preachy and lets readers draw their own conclusions about the characters and the town. The writing itself is solid and easy to settle into, and the quiet domestic scenes are where the novel shines most.
Heather’s arc felt the most realistic to me. Her struggles with self-worth, fear of stability, and gradual movement toward belonging were emotionally credible and earned. In contrast, Josh is consistently kind and gentle, but his emotional and spiritual journey felt more inherited than wrestled into. I found myself wanting more gravity and internal struggle given what he experiences.
The tension throughout the book is very light, and many conflicts resolve gently, which makes the overall trajectory somewhat predictable. That isn’t a flaw so much as a reflection of the inspirational genre’s focus on reassurance and restoration over ambiguity.
One personal drawback for me was the inclusion of photorealistic images between chapters. They limited my imagination and occasionally pulled me out of the story rather than adding to it.
Overall, this is a feel-good novel about lived faith, healing through relationships, and choosing what’s right even when it’s hard. Readers who enjoy uplifting, providence-driven stories will likely appreciate it. For me, it landed at a solid 3½ stars — well written and thoughtful, but not deeply affecting.
This is a warm, faith-centered story about compassion, chosen family, and the belief that God works through ordinary people caring for one another.
The strongest craft choice is the use of the sheriff as narrator. His calm, observational voice keeps the story from feeling preachy and lets readers draw their own conclusions about the characters and the town. The writing itself is solid and easy to settle into, and the quiet domestic scenes are where the novel shines most.
Heather’s arc felt the most realistic to me. Her struggles with self-worth, fear of stability, and gradual movement toward belonging were emotionally credible and earned. In contrast, Josh is consistently kind and gentle, but his emotional and spiritual journey felt more inherited than wrestled into. I found myself wanting more gravity and internal struggle given what he experiences.
The tension throughout the book is very light, and many conflicts resolve gently, which makes the overall trajectory somewhat predictable. That isn’t a flaw so much as a reflection of the inspirational genre’s focus on reassurance and restoration over ambiguity.
One personal drawback for me was the inclusion of photorealistic images between chapters. They limited my imagination and occasionally pulled me out of the story rather than adding to it.
Overall, this is a feel-good novel about lived faith, healing through relationships, and choosing what’s right even when it’s hard. Readers who enjoy uplifting, providence-driven stories will likely appreciate it. For me, it landed at a solid 3½ stars — well written and thoughtful, but not deeply affecting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 stars for this quirky contemporary story about following the Lord's prompting, even when it's uncomfortable. This story takes place in the exceptionally small town of Peculiar, Florida, where everyone knows everyone else's business and the police work is generally uncomplicated. Told, in part, in first person narrative from the police chief's perspective and predominantly in 3rd person narrative from the perspective of Josh Donnelly and/or Heather Thomas, this story had several viewpoints that helped the reader see the full story. This was a primarily character-driven story and made me think a bit of Jan Karon's Mitford series, but there was definitely more plot in this story than in Mitford - but the plot points came in spurts. I enjoyed the character development aspects of the story and really liked Josh's character. His simplicity and trust in the Lord was refreshing. I was not a huge fan of Heather's for much of the story, but by the end she'd come to grow on me. This story had a strong faith thread as it spoke to the lengths God goes to bring one of his lost sheep home and also spoke to the cost of following Him no matter what. There was a mystery element in the 2nd half that resolved somewhat predictably, but definitely satisfactorily. All in all, this was an enjoyable story and one I'd recommend to fans of small town settings, good character development plots and/or quirky towns. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
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