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Riverbend Romance #1
Secretly Yours
A Christian Romance Novella for Valentine's Day
Chef Lindsey Solberg agrees to cater the church's Valentine's Day fundraising banquet as a favor to her teen sister, but she's shocked to discover the bad boy from her high school days is now Riverbend's youth pastor. Seriously? How could he have changed that much? Nick Harrison has prayed for years for an opportunity to make amends. Now Lindsey's back in Riverbend and won't give him the time of day. What's a guy to do except leave a trail of gifts from a secret admirer?
Lindsey's heart takes a beating when she realizes the boy who was never good enough is now a far better man than she deserves.
Chef Lindsey Solberg agrees to cater the church's Valentine's Day fundraising banquet as a favor to her teen sister, but she's shocked to discover the bad boy from her high school days is now Riverbend's youth pastor. Seriously? How could he have changed that much? Nick Harrison has prayed for years for an opportunity to make amends. Now Lindsey's back in Riverbend and won't give him the time of day. What's a guy to do except leave a trail of gifts from a secret admirer?
Lindsey's heart takes a beating when she realizes the boy who was never good enough is now a far better man than she deserves.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2015
102 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Comer
89 books233 followersValerie Comer is constantly amazed that living, talking, dreaming characters appear in her mind and flow from her fingertips and, from there, to her delighted readers. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, sharing rural life in western Canada with her husband, adult children, and adorable grandkids.
Valerie is a two-time USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner. She is known for writing engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith into her green clean romances.
CONTACTING VALERIE
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valerie@valeriecomer.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
October 30, 2017
by Andrea Renee Cox
An adorable story, Secretly Yours was a wonderful introduction to Valerie Comer's writing. I loved the secret admirer angle, which I don't see often in Christian fiction (I want more, y'all!). The snowshoeing adventure was such fun! The overall sweetness has secured at least one more dip into Ms. Comer's collection of books, and I've got plenty already stashed in my Kindle to choose from.
The only thing I took issue with was this line: "I remember the whole He-died-for-me thing, but that's almost cliché by now."
God's love and Jesus's sacrifice are never cliché, at least not to me. They are incredibly personal and the most genuine, pure love I've ever known. If it weren't for that very sacrifice, I'd be doomed to eternal death, but Jesus rescued me because He believed I was worth saving... even when I was at my worst... and just as He knows you are also worth saving into eternal life, if you'll accept that free gift. It's a very personal, soul-deep thing that no cliché could ever hope to touch. I'm so grateful for Jesus taking my place on the cross, because only He could have conquered death the way He did when He rose again on the third day. My Savior lives. And my Savior loves me. Guess what? He loves you too.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
An adorable story, Secretly Yours was a wonderful introduction to Valerie Comer's writing. I loved the secret admirer angle, which I don't see often in Christian fiction (I want more, y'all!). The snowshoeing adventure was such fun! The overall sweetness has secured at least one more dip into Ms. Comer's collection of books, and I've got plenty already stashed in my Kindle to choose from.
The only thing I took issue with was this line: "I remember the whole He-died-for-me thing, but that's almost cliché by now."
God's love and Jesus's sacrifice are never cliché, at least not to me. They are incredibly personal and the most genuine, pure love I've ever known. If it weren't for that very sacrifice, I'd be doomed to eternal death, but Jesus rescued me because He believed I was worth saving... even when I was at my worst... and just as He knows you are also worth saving into eternal life, if you'll accept that free gift. It's a very personal, soul-deep thing that no cliché could ever hope to touch. I'm so grateful for Jesus taking my place on the cross, because only He could have conquered death the way He did when He rose again on the third day. My Savior lives. And my Savior loves me. Guess what? He loves you too.
I was not compensated for my honest review.
February 14, 2015
Cute & Clean
Very much a "christian" romance with scriptures quoted often.
Very much a "christian" romance with scriptures quoted often.
March 17, 2024
Secretly Yours is the first book I have read by Valerie Comer. It is a very short novella, easy to read in one sitting.
I read this yesterday and it is a sweet, clean, story. However, I found the plot rushed and not fleshed out. There was very little character development, and the romance was weak. Overall, the story was just okay.
I read this yesterday and it is a sweet, clean, story. However, I found the plot rushed and not fleshed out. There was very little character development, and the romance was weak. Overall, the story was just okay.
February 14, 2020
This fun little story popped up in my Instagram feed, and I just had to check it out, and I am glad that I did. This little gem is light-hearted, sweet as chocolate, and brimming with reminders of God’s love for us. I especially enjoyed the fun banter between the characters and watching their relationship grow and bloom.
If you are looking for a sweet love story that is sure to bring a smile to your face and warm fuzzy thoughts to your heart then snag a copy of this adorable story and snuggle in with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa!
(I purchased a copy of this book for my own collection. I am not required to write a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
If you are looking for a sweet love story that is sure to bring a smile to your face and warm fuzzy thoughts to your heart then snag a copy of this adorable story and snuggle in with a cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa!
(I purchased a copy of this book for my own collection. I am not required to write a review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
March 11, 2025
Cute
November 3, 2015
Rating: 3.5 stars.
This is a cute Christian novella and a very sweet romance. It is suitable for teenagers as well as young adults.
During her high school years, Lindsey Solberg had a crush on the most popular (and slightly older) guy in school, Nick. His behaviour towards her and other girls left her with a very low opinion of him.
Years later, Lindsey returns to her hometown Riverbend as a talented chef and finds work at a local restaurant while taking care of her teenage sister Madison. Madison lives with her father (Lindsey's stepfather) since the death of their mother and while Lindsey has been away at culinary school.
Madison attends the local church youth group, led by the handsome young Pastor Nick - the same guy who hurt Lindsey in high school. Lindsey tries to avoid Nick, finding it hard to believe he has changed so much. She does not trust his motives as he expresses a keen interest in reacquainting with her.
The chemistry between Lindsey and Nick is so sweet. If you don't mind the Christian references, this is a lovely short read with plenty of clean romance.
This is a cute Christian novella and a very sweet romance. It is suitable for teenagers as well as young adults.
During her high school years, Lindsey Solberg had a crush on the most popular (and slightly older) guy in school, Nick. His behaviour towards her and other girls left her with a very low opinion of him.
Years later, Lindsey returns to her hometown Riverbend as a talented chef and finds work at a local restaurant while taking care of her teenage sister Madison. Madison lives with her father (Lindsey's stepfather) since the death of their mother and while Lindsey has been away at culinary school.
Madison attends the local church youth group, led by the handsome young Pastor Nick - the same guy who hurt Lindsey in high school. Lindsey tries to avoid Nick, finding it hard to believe he has changed so much. She does not trust his motives as he expresses a keen interest in reacquainting with her.
The chemistry between Lindsey and Nick is so sweet. If you don't mind the Christian references, this is a lovely short read with plenty of clean romance.
February 1, 2015
A Fun Valentines Read
Valerie Comer is a gifted writer as this book proves. She is able to make her characters come alive and the readers find them very likable. She incorporates Christian values and conversations into the story, but it is not overly preachy or included just for the sake of adding a Christian theme. It is genuine and helps the readers see how bringing Christ into their every day lives is important in their lives. The main characters in this book changed as a result of allowing God to influence their lives. As Nick displayed his genuine Christian transformation, Lindsey was able to learn to trust again. This book was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading other books authored by Valerie Comer.
Valerie Comer is a gifted writer as this book proves. She is able to make her characters come alive and the readers find them very likable. She incorporates Christian values and conversations into the story, but it is not overly preachy or included just for the sake of adding a Christian theme. It is genuine and helps the readers see how bringing Christ into their every day lives is important in their lives. The main characters in this book changed as a result of allowing God to influence their lives. As Nick displayed his genuine Christian transformation, Lindsey was able to learn to trust again. This book was a quick read and I couldn’t put it down. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author for my honest review. I enjoyed this very much and look forward to reading other books authored by Valerie Comer.
December 18, 2016
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars.
-Problems of maturity in a few characters:
1. the young sister who's 16 is acting like a 10 y.o. and should be acting like a 20 y.o.!
2. the youth pastor acts like "my will is God's will" instead of the opposite. He doesn't know anything about the girl he thinks he loves since she's been out of his life for the last 10 years and even then, it doesn't seem like he took the time to know her during High School. Physical beauty has nothing on internal beauty and as a youth pastor he cannot just date a few times and propose.
-Considering this is a novella, there were too many verses written directly in the story; it's a waste of pages. If it was a regular-sized story then I would not have objected to them.
-There's no mystery about the end but it's a bit corny.
-Problems of maturity in a few characters:
1. the young sister who's 16 is acting like a 10 y.o. and should be acting like a 20 y.o.!
2. the youth pastor acts like "my will is God's will" instead of the opposite. He doesn't know anything about the girl he thinks he loves since she's been out of his life for the last 10 years and even then, it doesn't seem like he took the time to know her during High School. Physical beauty has nothing on internal beauty and as a youth pastor he cannot just date a few times and propose.
-Considering this is a novella, there were too many verses written directly in the story; it's a waste of pages. If it was a regular-sized story then I would not have objected to them.
-There's no mystery about the end but it's a bit corny.
February 27, 2025
Stars: 4.0
Completed: Jan. 03/25
Series: Riverbend Romance, #1 (Canadian author)
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's, "A CF book that has winter sports in it" -- snowshoeing
Book #02 of 2025: I read books 2 & 3 first. I will complete all of them at some point.
Was this believable for real life? No. But that is okay! Sometimes we need some whimsy and fun! This book is enjoyable in that regard but there is also an important lesson. It's very easy to chain ourselves to our insecurities, failures, responsibilities, etc. and neglect or ignore our freedom in Christ. That reminder alone made this worth the read! BUT, a guy offering up romance and swoon to a woman so selfless doesn't hurt either!
Completed: Jan. 03/25
Series: Riverbend Romance, #1 (Canadian author)
Format: Kindle e-Book
Challenge Prompt: ARoCF's, "A CF book that has winter sports in it" -- snowshoeing
Book #02 of 2025: I read books 2 & 3 first. I will complete all of them at some point.
Was this believable for real life? No. But that is okay! Sometimes we need some whimsy and fun! This book is enjoyable in that regard but there is also an important lesson. It's very easy to chain ourselves to our insecurities, failures, responsibilities, etc. and neglect or ignore our freedom in Christ. That reminder alone made this worth the read! BUT, a guy offering up romance and swoon to a woman so selfless doesn't hurt either!
February 22, 2015
Such a sweet, fun Valentine's Day-themed romantic novella! I wasn't expecting much substance - more of just a fluffy "treat," but I was very pleasantly surprised by the way the author gently wove a lot of applicable Scripture into the story without being "preachy" and while maintaining an easy tone. Being a dessert-lover myself, I also appreciated the frequent mentions and descriptions of all the delicious desserts prepared and consumed by the heroine, a chef. :-)
A lovely short book about the depth of God's love, and finding His love in the love of others.
A lovely short book about the depth of God's love, and finding His love in the love of others.
February 17, 2020
Super sweet love story wrapped in GOD's love
Nick was the youth and family pastor at the local church. Lindsay had moved home to give her younger sister a fair chance at a normal life after their mom died. Her stepfather, devastated after his wife's passing, rarely even noticed the food cooked for him, much less the needs of his child. Lindsay had had a crush on Nick when they were in high school together, but at that time, Nick was the hot jock who could date anyone he chose, and he barely noticed her. Now, years later, she was a chef and he was a pastor. The chance meeting in the parking lot reminded both of them of the past. Nick wanted to renew the friendship, but Lindsay did not. She remembered all too well how his rejection hammered her heart. How could she lay it out there again?
I got this sweet book in a Valentine's giveaway. Loved reading it...loved Nick's ingenuity. Ms Comer writes a great story. Thanks for a goodread.
Nick was the youth and family pastor at the local church. Lindsay had moved home to give her younger sister a fair chance at a normal life after their mom died. Her stepfather, devastated after his wife's passing, rarely even noticed the food cooked for him, much less the needs of his child. Lindsay had had a crush on Nick when they were in high school together, but at that time, Nick was the hot jock who could date anyone he chose, and he barely noticed her. Now, years later, she was a chef and he was a pastor. The chance meeting in the parking lot reminded both of them of the past. Nick wanted to renew the friendship, but Lindsay did not. She remembered all too well how his rejection hammered her heart. How could she lay it out there again?
I got this sweet book in a Valentine's giveaway. Loved reading it...loved Nick's ingenuity. Ms Comer writes a great story. Thanks for a goodread.
December 31, 2020
Exactly what it was meant to be!
This short Novella was a great way to end the 2020 year off with a smile on my face. The author takes us to a small, fictional town in Riverbend, Western Canada and to a woman, Lindsey, who has lost her faith in God and in men; however, her younger sister, Madison, is a romantic and sees the youth pastor at her church as dreamy and a perfect match for her big sister. Watch the sparks flow!
Thanks to Valerie Comer for the perfect book to reach my 2020 reading goal and for a sweet read. It would also make a great Valentine's read.
This short Novella was a great way to end the 2020 year off with a smile on my face. The author takes us to a small, fictional town in Riverbend, Western Canada and to a woman, Lindsey, who has lost her faith in God and in men; however, her younger sister, Madison, is a romantic and sees the youth pastor at her church as dreamy and a perfect match for her big sister. Watch the sparks flow!
Thanks to Valerie Comer for the perfect book to reach my 2020 reading goal and for a sweet read. It would also make a great Valentine's read.
February 22, 2021
This was a short novella that really had a lot of substance. Lindsey is skeptical when she discovers that her former crush, Nick, is now the youth pastor at her sister's church. He was not exactly kind to her in high school. But several years have passed, and everything has changed, including Nick. He patiently pursues her. His approach involves helping her to first understand how much God loves her. Zephaniah 3:17 is one of my favorite verses, and I loved how that was an important part of the story. This is a sweet book set around Valentine's Day. I also enjoyed the Canadian setting.
December 26, 2023
Secretly Yours was such a sweet story! Short, so just the perfect length if you don't have that much time, but full of swoony, clean romance, as well as beautiful reminders of God's love for us (seriously, I needed them just as much as Lindsey.) Pastor Nick was great, flawed like any of us, yet with a big heart for youth ministry, and relentlessly sweet in his pursuit of Lindsey. Loved the reminder from him to submit to the Lord's plans. I can't wait to read more from this author and series. ~ 5 stars!
May 23, 2023
Lindsay certainly didn’t want to meet up with the self-absorbed jock who broke her heart in high school, but God has other plans. I enjoyed how Nick wooed her with his secret admirer gifts and using God’s Word to show her how much she is loved. Once we come to grips with how much our Heavenly Father loves us, we can accept love from others. Enjoyed the family dynamics and Nick’s youth group antics.
June 26, 2017
Cute predictable love story. Lindsey has loved Nick for a long time. When she moves back to town she doesn't want to see him, because she feels like he didn't want anything to do with him, which is far from the truth. Nick is now a pastor and loves Lindsey. He becomes her secret admirer and eventually they get together.
January 15, 2025
A sweet little novella by one of my favorite authors, Valerie Comer. Lindsey has moved back to her home town to work as a chef and a local restaurant. Imagine her surprise when she finds that the youth pastor at her family’s church is her high school crush. Nick was part of the “in” crowd and Lindsey was not. And while Nick has grown up to be even more handsome than he was in high school, Lindsey has no desire to connect with him in anyway and risk her heart being hurt again.
Well, she doesn’t know is Nick is a new creation. He’s met Jesus in his life has been changed for the better. And now he has his eye on Lindsey. Watching him pursue her is delightful. And of course, I love that. This one ends with a HEA.
Well, she doesn’t know is Nick is a new creation. He’s met Jesus in his life has been changed for the better. And now he has his eye on Lindsey. Watching him pursue her is delightful. And of course, I love that. This one ends with a HEA.
August 28, 2017
Sweet Christian Romance
This is a well written modern day Christian romance. Scripture is all through out the story. It touched on real life experiences in relationships and God's amazing love for us. This would be a great book to read with a teen daughter.
This is a well written modern day Christian romance. Scripture is all through out the story. It touched on real life experiences in relationships and God's amazing love for us. This would be a great book to read with a teen daughter.
October 1, 2018
A fast paced novella about a chef and a pastor who meet up again after years apart. Even faster than the storyline is the romance. All in all, 100% clean. Quotes scripture. Topics: dating, God’s love, romantic love, worth, etc. I give it 3/5 stars.
December 31, 2019
Another fun quick read by Valerie
A beautifully scripted love story not only of a couple with a not so great past history with each other but rather one which parallels Christs love for us. Well done!
A beautifully scripted love story not only of a couple with a not so great past history with each other but rather one which parallels Christs love for us. Well done!
November 29, 2022
After reading Team Bride by Valerie Comer, I checked out Secretly Yours to read Lindsey and Nick's romance. The plot was rushed and could have used more development. The characters weren't well-rounded either, but this was a quick, safe read.
January 16, 2024
This was a beautiful sweet Christian romance story about Lindsey finding love in God and in Nick❣️This story teaches us that we are all loved by God, who gave up his only son to die for us to that we can live and love God❣️🙏🏻💕❤️
August 11, 2017
Very good
A really good Christian romance, with a powerful message. I enjoyed it very much, even stayed up late to finish it.
A really good Christian romance, with a powerful message. I enjoyed it very much, even stayed up late to finish it.
February 17, 2021
Had some good moments in it yet like most novellas the relationship evolved too quickly.
July 5, 2021
This is an overtly Christian story. There are several Bible verses quoted.
The characters were well done, as was the dialogue.
The emotions came across realistically.
The characters were well done, as was the dialogue.
The emotions came across realistically.
April 17, 2022
sweet Novella
You know when you see a ‘meany’ from high school, you tend to ignore them. That is exactly what she did. But something and someone had changed. Enjoy reading.
You know when you see a ‘meany’ from high school, you tend to ignore them. That is exactly what she did. But something and someone had changed. Enjoy reading.
June 26, 2023
Cute
A cute story overall. Not a fan of The Voice version of Scripture used. I greatly enjoy this author but book is definitely lower on the list for me.
A cute story overall. Not a fan of The Voice version of Scripture used. I greatly enjoy this author but book is definitely lower on the list for me.
March 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this novella. It had a good, clean love story and was a quick read. I wish the story of Nick and Lindsey wasn't so short, but I'm excited to read the next books in the series.
February 22, 2025
great read
The story was great and keep my attention the whole time. I couldn’t put it down. Love the Bible verses
The story was great and keep my attention the whole time. I couldn’t put it down. Love the Bible verses
December 14, 2016
A sweet short romance set at Christmas and full of second chances and good old fashioned wooing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews