What do you think?
Love’s Second Chance
Claude Merritt came to Deepwater to disappear. He'd built an empire, trusted a brother, loved a woman—and lost all three in a single blow. Now he keeps to his fields, lives in silence with a closed heart, and tells himself that’s enough. But the quiet is unbearable.
Rebecca Hartwell has spent her whole life doing what was required of her. She ran a store, and kept a house, all with a smile on her face. She was a good wife to a man she couldn't love. When her husband dies and her sister steps into his place behind the counter, Rebecca realizes she is free—and has no idea what to do now.
Without knowing why, Rebecca answers an advertisement for a housekeeper three days a week. He tells himself it is a practical arrangement. She tells herself the same. But something is quietly, stubbornly taking root—and neither of them is as guarded as they think.
Rebecca Hartwell has spent her whole life doing what was required of her. She ran a store, and kept a house, all with a smile on her face. She was a good wife to a man she couldn't love. When her husband dies and her sister steps into his place behind the counter, Rebecca realizes she is free—and has no idea what to do now.
Without knowing why, Rebecca answers an advertisement for a housekeeper three days a week. He tells himself it is a practical arrangement. She tells herself the same. But something is quietly, stubbornly taking root—and neither of them is as guarded as they think.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Love’s Second Chance* by Sarah Lamb is a sweet story about two people who have experienced loss and disappointment and are slowly learning that the heart can heal.
Claude Merritt comes to Deepwater hoping to escape a painful past. After being betrayed by his brother and disappointed by the woman he loved, he has built a successful ranch but still finds himself longing for companionship and a future with someone he can trust.
Rebecca Harrell is living a life that looks perfectly stable from the outside. After her husband’s death, she continues running the general store with help from her sister, but she quietly longs for something more. When Claude comes into the store looking for some help around his ranch, Rebecca sees an opportunity to step outside the life that has become confining.
Their relationship develops naturally as they begin spending more time together. Both have reasons to protect their hearts, and I enjoyed watching their friendship slowly grow into something deeper.
Then Claude’s past catches up with him, and he has to leave Deepwater to deal with circumstances he had hoped were behind him. This part of the story brought an emotional change that I won’t spoil, because so much of the ending depends on seeing how everything unfolds.
What I loved most was the message of hope. Claude and Rebecca both needed healing in different ways, and Sarah Lamb reminds us that God can use unexpected circumstances to give us another chance at the life and love we thought we had lost.
This was a lovely introduction to Deepwater, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to visiting this new town again.
Claude Merritt comes to Deepwater hoping to escape a painful past. After being betrayed by his brother and disappointed by the woman he loved, he has built a successful ranch but still finds himself longing for companionship and a future with someone he can trust.
Rebecca Harrell is living a life that looks perfectly stable from the outside. After her husband’s death, she continues running the general store with help from her sister, but she quietly longs for something more. When Claude comes into the store looking for some help around his ranch, Rebecca sees an opportunity to step outside the life that has become confining.
Their relationship develops naturally as they begin spending more time together. Both have reasons to protect their hearts, and I enjoyed watching their friendship slowly grow into something deeper.
Then Claude’s past catches up with him, and he has to leave Deepwater to deal with circumstances he had hoped were behind him. This part of the story brought an emotional change that I won’t spoil, because so much of the ending depends on seeing how everything unfolds.
What I loved most was the message of hope. Claude and Rebecca both needed healing in different ways, and Sarah Lamb reminds us that God can use unexpected circumstances to give us another chance at the life and love we thought we had lost.
This was a lovely introduction to Deepwater, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to visiting this new town again.
reviewed
September 14, 2026{160 print pages}
Genre: Historical
Tropes: Hidden identity/class difference
Setting: Pioneer/frontier small town, Missouri
Writing style: Dual POV, 3rd person, past tense
Tone: Fairly even, lightly uncertain at times
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 mouth kiss with the barest description, 1 with zero description
• 1 near-kiss with gradual buildup, light
• 1 thought of kissing, 1 paragraph
• 1 desire to kiss, 2 sentences
• 1 hand, 1 cheek, and 1 head kiss
* There is a church sermon based on sibling rivalries in the Hebrew Bible that plays a part in a character’s actions.
The romance felt pretty quick and could have used some more concrete development. The characters getting together is more satisfying when you actually get to see the relationship build, and I didn’t really get that here. I am looking forward to Rebecca’s sister’s story in book 3.
____________________________________
Having a general store in town is tremendously important. To not have to travel hours out of town to get simple things?
She hasn’t been working for you all that long and you only just told her how you felt. You didn’t owe her something so private beforehand. If you want to have a relationship, then now you do have to tell her, but she wasn’t entitled to know before.
(I received a free ARC of this book via Booksprout and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Genre: Historical
Tropes: Hidden identity/class difference
Setting: Pioneer/frontier small town, Missouri
Writing style: Dual POV, 3rd person, past tense
Tone: Fairly even, lightly uncertain at times
Character- or plot-driven: Plot-driven
Romance: Yes
Clean level:
• 1 mouth kiss with the barest description, 1 with zero description
• 1 near-kiss with gradual buildup, light
• 1 thought of kissing, 1 paragraph
• 1 desire to kiss, 2 sentences
• 1 hand, 1 cheek, and 1 head kiss
* There is a church sermon based on sibling rivalries in the Hebrew Bible that plays a part in a character’s actions.
The romance felt pretty quick and could have used some more concrete development. The characters getting together is more satisfying when you actually get to see the relationship build, and I didn’t really get that here. I am looking forward to Rebecca’s sister’s story in book 3.
____________________________________
When she compared herself to others, what did she have or do or contribute? Laura had started the first school! Peter wrote the town’s history down. There was the fact that she ran the store. It was quite successful, especially as it was the only general goods store around. But such a thing didn’t matter, did it?
Having a general store in town is tremendously important. To not have to travel hours out of town to get simple things?
Would Rebecca be angry at him that he’d withheld such a thing? Or would she understand why he had?
She hasn’t been working for you all that long and you only just told her how you felt. You didn’t owe her something so private beforehand. If you want to have a relationship, then now you do have to tell her, but she wasn’t entitled to know before.
(I received a free ARC of this book via Booksprout and am gratefully—voluntarily—leaving a review.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a pleasant trip back to 1870s Deepwater, Missouri, for the debut of a new series, Hearts of Deepwater. This sweet, touching second chance love story features widow Rebecca Harwell, who feels trapped in her life as a storekeeper and longs for a change, and rancher Claude Merritt, who was wounded by a betrayal in his past that left him angry and reclusive. I love how tenderly their working relationship turned into friendship and then unexpectantly blossomed into more. A heartwarming storyline and endearing characters kept me immersed in this story from beginning to end, reading it in one sitting. The story's exploration of the value and healing power of forgiveness offered me encouragement and inspiration. I adore the small, friendly town of Deepwater, regaled as "the town where hearts come to hide, hope, and heal", and look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 11, 2026
Love's Second Chance by Sarah Lamb ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another beautiful heartwarming story from Sarah. This is book 1 of her new series Hearts Of Deepwater.
Do you suffer from a broken heart? Do you need hope, healing? Come to Deepwater where you heart will heal and you just might find love.
Rebecca newly widowed and seeks something new. She and her late husband own the general store but she's thinking about selling it.
Claude runs a ranch after trouble with business, his brother and wife. He needs to get away from everything and start new. What better place to hide out and heal.
He places an ad for a part time housekeeper. Rebecca thinks this might be her ticket to friendship.
Did I peek your interest? Pick up your copy today and finish the story. Will they heal ? Stay in Deepwater? You won't be disappointed, it might just warm your heart.
Can't wait to read what's to come in book 2.
Another beautiful heartwarming story from Sarah. This is book 1 of her new series Hearts Of Deepwater.
Do you suffer from a broken heart? Do you need hope, healing? Come to Deepwater where you heart will heal and you just might find love.
Rebecca newly widowed and seeks something new. She and her late husband own the general store but she's thinking about selling it.
Claude runs a ranch after trouble with business, his brother and wife. He needs to get away from everything and start new. What better place to hide out and heal.
He places an ad for a part time housekeeper. Rebecca thinks this might be her ticket to friendship.
Did I peek your interest? Pick up your copy today and finish the story. Will they heal ? Stay in Deepwater? You won't be disappointed, it might just warm your heart.
Can't wait to read what's to come in book 2.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Claude Merritt comes to Deepwater to get away from a greedy, conniving brother, who stole and sold half of his wealth. Here he answers to no one and nobody can see what he has. He simply owns a home, some land, some cattle, and thats about all anyone in Deepwater knows about him. Rebecca Hartwell, a newly widowed woman, works for her sister and her brother-in-law at their grocery store, mostly at the counter. She realized one day that she is now a free woman! She can do what she wants to do. What can she do? She sees that Claude needs a housekeeper for a few days a week. She immediately goes to his house and applies for the job. She gets it at once. Claude had not had any other takers and besides, there was just “something “ about Rebecca that appealed to him…
After several weeks of cleaning (and cooking) for Claude, they both realize they really enjoy each other’s company and crave it more and more each day. She walks back and forth from her living quarters in town, in the store, each morning and each evening. She enjoys those walks, too, listening to the sounds of the animals and the singing of the birds. Life is going along really well for her. Then, Claude has to take a business trip to Virginia, where his family lives. He buys out his brother’s share of their inheritance from their grandfather, and is very pleased. Rebecca decides to explore a couple of rooms that she was told were not to be cleaned by her, one of which, was his personal office and the other a small study with a gorgeous small roll topped desk, that, when she touched it, the key fell in the floor, and the little desk was not locked. She finds some very interesting things, (documents, etc,) totally by accident. You will need to get this book for yourself to find out what Rebecca found and what she thought about it. Also, how did Claude respond to her being in his private areas of the house?? What a wonderful book and a great ending! I highly recommend this book to all fans of Sarah Lamb! 📕♥️
After several weeks of cleaning (and cooking) for Claude, they both realize they really enjoy each other’s company and crave it more and more each day. She walks back and forth from her living quarters in town, in the store, each morning and each evening. She enjoys those walks, too, listening to the sounds of the animals and the singing of the birds. Life is going along really well for her. Then, Claude has to take a business trip to Virginia, where his family lives. He buys out his brother’s share of their inheritance from their grandfather, and is very pleased. Rebecca decides to explore a couple of rooms that she was told were not to be cleaned by her, one of which, was his personal office and the other a small study with a gorgeous small roll topped desk, that, when she touched it, the key fell in the floor, and the little desk was not locked. She finds some very interesting things, (documents, etc,) totally by accident. You will need to get this book for yourself to find out what Rebecca found and what she thought about it. Also, how did Claude respond to her being in his private areas of the house?? What a wonderful book and a great ending! I highly recommend this book to all fans of Sarah Lamb! 📕♥️
September 20, 2026
Love’s Second Chance
Claude Merritt and Rebecca Hartwell have a heartwarming story. Claude has been a very private person since coming to Deepwater. He has decided to hire someone part time to cook and clean at his home. Since Rebecca’s husband passed away, she has longed to do something besides working with her sister at the general store her husband left her. When she learns of Claude needing part time help, she applies. He did not hesitate to hire her knowing her work ethic. Claude has a well kept secret until a letter from back east reaches him. I recommend you read their story book to learn more.
Claude Merritt and Rebecca Hartwell have a heartwarming story. Claude has been a very private person since coming to Deepwater. He has decided to hire someone part time to cook and clean at his home. Since Rebecca’s husband passed away, she has longed to do something besides working with her sister at the general store her husband left her. When she learns of Claude needing part time help, she applies. He did not hesitate to hire her knowing her work ethic. Claude has a well kept secret until a letter from back east reaches him. I recommend you read their story book to learn more.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Fantastic! Sarah has created another winner.
Rebecca, a widowed store owner, and a very private Mr. Merritt are the stars if this book. Rebecca is not necessarily happy as the store owner. Her sister, Nell, is the outgoing talkative one in the family. Rebecca is much quieter and prefers the background. Claude Merritt, also a quire, private person, has finally decided he needs a housekeeper and wants to post an add at the store for one. Rebecca decides to apply for the job part-time. Just three days a week. The rest of the story is one you won't want to miss. I throughly enjoyed every page!
Rebecca, a widowed store owner, and a very private Mr. Merritt are the stars if this book. Rebecca is not necessarily happy as the store owner. Her sister, Nell, is the outgoing talkative one in the family. Rebecca is much quieter and prefers the background. Claude Merritt, also a quire, private person, has finally decided he needs a housekeeper and wants to post an add at the store for one. Rebecca decides to apply for the job part-time. Just three days a week. The rest of the story is one you won't want to miss. I throughly enjoyed every page!
September 13, 2026
Sweet , Tender, Heartstrings tugged Romance
This book is an incredibly touching and heartfelt story that you won't want to miss. Claude and Rebecca's journey is genuine and moving, drawing you in from the first page. Sarah consistently delivers compelling narratives, and I have fallen in love with the charming town of Deepwater and its wonderful residents. I highly recommend reading this book; you'll be glad you did.
This book is an incredibly touching and heartfelt story that you won't want to miss. Claude and Rebecca's journey is genuine and moving, drawing you in from the first page. Sarah consistently delivers compelling narratives, and I have fallen in love with the charming town of Deepwater and its wonderful residents. I highly recommend reading this book; you'll be glad you did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a beautiful story of second chances! Claude is a recluse and Rebecca a widow. What transpires between these two is a sweet friendship to more. Neither was looking for love and had personal reasons why they didn't want to get married (or married again in Rebecca's case). There's also a wonderful message of forgiveness and moving forward in this story. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Coming back to Deepwater, in Love's Second Chance is like coming home. You will meet some of the characters from earlier books, but we meet some new, like Rebecca and Claude. Claude came to Deepwater to start his life over. He was hurt by family and love back in Virginia. Rebecca has been a widow, that wants something more. She starts working for Claude and they both feel there could be more, but both are afraid to voice their feelings. It seems that people come to Deepwater for different reasons, but realized that it becomes home.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Excellent story! The characters are so easy to love—a beautiful love story where friendship and trust run deep. But forgiveness and family are tested, offering a lesson on how God’s hand can bring joy when we choose His will. A sweet story you won't want to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So very good! I really enjoyed this book! I recognized some characters, and I always enjoy that, this is a good, clean,sweet, closed door, faith based historical romance, story,Sarah Lamb is one of my favorite authors, her stories are so very good!
September 12, 2026
Oh my heart
I don't think I have ever meet two people who deserved their marriage more than these two. Both needed a second chance to forgive them and others and really think about what and who matter most them and brought them together.
I don't think I have ever meet two people who deserved their marriage more than these two. Both needed a second chance to forgive them and others and really think about what and who matter most them and brought them together.
Review of advance copy received from Publishers Weekly
Written in a way that it could be enjoyed as a standalone. Several of the characters and storylines continue in other books.
Second chance
Jacob and Esau with a twist
Second chance
Jacob and Esau with a twist
September 10, 2026
I enjoyed this book a lot! This couple really had their issues yet came together to support and help each other. It was well written and captivating! Highly recommend.
September 11, 2026
I can always count on Sarah Lamb to deliver a story with great characters, life lessons, and an ending that will leave me smiling. I enjoyed this sweet second chance love story.
September 14, 2026
A delightful story about Claude and Rebecca. And a second chance of love for them both. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews