The Stained Glass Window: A Sweet Small Town Romance

Love in Willow Creek #5

by Crystal Walton

She’s fighting to heal him. He’s risking everything to protect her. In the line of fire, they’ll need a miracle to survive.

After seven years of chasing her goals, Shelly Peters is finally one interview away from becoming a flight nurse—until a malpractice investigation and a promise cornering her into caring for a headstrong veteran put her entire future in jeopardy. Now, to keep her calling alive, she’ll have to break her own rules or risk watching the man she’s falling for succumb to a fate he might not survive.

Former soldier Clayton Briggs doesn’t just need medical care. He needs a reason to live. Disillusioned by the IED that ended his career, Briggs will do anything to fulfil his vow to keep his best friend’s hometown safe. But when a new injury leaves him at the mercy of a home nurse who sees past his scars, the battle becomes personal. To protect Shelly and his friends, he must embark on a treacherous rescue mission and confront the one enemy he fears the most.

As the local cartel’s reach tightens and medical stakes surge, a dangerous storm puts Shelly and Briggs in the crosshairs of a choice they can’t cling to the safety of their shattered plans, or trust God to lead them through the wreckage.

For fans of Mandi Blake and Kimberly Rae Jordan, let the Love in Willow Creek series be the next small-town Christian romance you can’t put down.

Buy The Stained Glass Window, Book 5 in the Love in Willow Creek series, today and be swept into a fast-paced small-town romance rooted in faith, healing, and the hope of grace.

Categories/
Small Town Romantic Suspense
Military Romances
Sweet Small Town Romance
Christian Fiction Romance
Small Town Medical Romance

328 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 18, 2026

About the author

Crystal writes sweet romances with humor, broken characters, and emotional plots full of grace and hope. When her hands aren’t full with her very active, little blue-eyed heroes, she's delving into the wonder of words, supporting her Starbucks habit, or laughing over movie quotes with her husband.

Join her on Facebook at facebook.com/crystalwaltonwrites for fun giveaways, chats, and more.

Reviews

[Jordan Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I possibly put into words the riveting ride I just went on through The Stained Glass Window? You know a book is truly unforgettable when you turn the final page and immediately feel sad it’s over. That’s exactly what happened to me with this one.

I have loved every single book in this series, but wow… The Stained Glass Window is on another level entirely. Epic. Iconic. Legendary. Crystal completely surpassed every expectation I had with this story.

Set in the breathtaking mountains of Virginia, this small-town romance swept me away from the very first chapter. The chemistry between nurse, Shelly, and the war veteran, Briggs, was absolutely electric, but what made this story so powerful was the depth behind their relationship. Their journey wasn’t easy—it was raw, emotional, faith-filled, and layered with real-life struggles, healing, sacrifice, and redemption. You don’t just read this book… you feel it.

This story had me holding my breath one moment and wiping away tears the next. It’s an edge-of-your-seat, binge-worthy page turner packed with suspense, heart, witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and thought-provoking themes that stay with you long after the story ends. Crystal has a way of weaving faith and hope so naturally into her stories that it never feels forced—only deeply moving and authentic.

What I love most about this entire series is how the town and characters begin to feel real, like people you know and care about. Every book pulls you deeper into their lives, but this one especially left its mark on my heart.

If you love heartfelt romance, small-town charm, strong faith elements, suspense that keeps you guessing, and characters who fight through impossible obstacles for love, then this book NEEDS to be on your reading list immediately.

Without question, this is one of the best books I’ve read this year, and Crystal deserves every bit of recognition for the masterpiece she created. Book 5 absolutely proves why this series is impossible to put down.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Briggs' military career is cut short by an IED, he loses his purpose in life - so when his best friend's hometown of Willow Creek is in danger, he promises to help protect it. But a fall in the woods leaves him with another injury to make that even more difficult. Shelly's dream of becoming a flight nurse is finally almost in sight - until everything falls apart. Finding Briggs nearly dead in the woods is only the beginning, and her attraction to him when she's determined not to fall for anyone doesn't help. As the pair work together to fight the evil men who have Willow Creek in their sights, each will have to face their greatest struggles, and only trust in God will take them safely through. But will they come through together?

An inspiring but intense read that kept me engaged from the very first page. I've enjoyed the whole series so far, and this was no exception, so it was great to revisit Willow Creek and see more of some previous characters. However, this was also somewhat heavier on the action than previous books, so it made for an interesting change of pace - a change of pace that suited Shelly and especially Briggs very well. Along with the action, though, there's plenty of character development as Shelly faces her reasons for wanting to be a flight nurse and Briggs comes to terms with his career-ending injury. And of course, there's also lots of romance - these two are clearly meant for each other, but fight it like mad, made easier by everything that's going on. Note that this series is 'semi-standalone' - each romance is complete and satisfying, but there is a suspense arc that follows through the whole series and provides background and context to each book, so they are probably best read in order for that to make sense. All in all, a great read and I'm looking forward to the next book already.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Marylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, from the get-go, was full of events that will take your breath away. It’s another story set in the sweet town of Willow Creek. This town has gone through so much, and it’s just trying to heal after other dangerous and crazy things happened. Now, we find two individuals seeking purpose and meaning in their lives after hardships.
Can they all survive all the crazy events coming their way?
I have never wanted to be a rock/mountain climber, and this book truly validates that thinking. The author has her characters go through one thing after another, and it was hard not to feel sorry for them. I just wanted them to have a quiet moment, but wow! The adventures kept coming. There’s a fair amount of suspense and action surrounding what's happening, but the author has woven in sweet moments of wonderful friendships and intense protectiveness throughout this story. We see heroic moments from all of the characters.
I’ve always loved reading books that evoke emotions and feelings, and provide me with a life lesson to take away, and this author has done that.
Crystal Walton writes beautiful stories that address many issues we all face. The fear of losing someone we love, the fear of rejection, the fear of safety, and the fear of never being enough. However, she also demonstrates a deep love for family and friends, and a passion for making a difference in others’ lives. She wraps all this up with a sweet story of hope, trust, and faith. She blends these stories so smoothly.
This book flows so that you really feel you know these characters and understand what they are struggling with.
This book and series do that, and I highly recommend you pick them up.
I received this book from the author, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean, Christian romance. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. However, if you’ve read the previous books, you definitely see where the story came from to now.

Shelly is a nurse and practicing to be recruited for AirMed. She is on a hike to better her chances and comes across Clayton Briggs, who is injured from a cliff fall. She helps him and gets him to the hospital and saves his life. However, he is stubborn and wants to check himself out. He does if she will be his home health nurse. The doctor she has been working for has a malpractice suit against him, so she is unable to work for him right now. There is a guy, Xavier, who is in jail and they figure it is his brother-in-law, Morelli, bringing the charges. Morelli has been plaguing the town with issues to try and get Xavier released and for retaliation. Briggs is supposed to be protecting Lily, but how can he do that injured? How can they keep the town safe?

There is a lot happening in this book. From trying to protect others, a romance blossoming, severe weather, a flood, and people getting injured. Shelly is definitely showing how she can work under pressure, but need to start believing in herself and a better relationship with God. Briggs is definitely a stubborn man, ex-military. Both have issues they need to work on before coming together. They need to get past their fears. It sort of hangs on a cliffhanger, so you’ll need to read the next story to see what happens with the town and its people.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

After nurse Shelly rescues ex-military Clayton, when he is mountain climbing alone in the Smokey Mountains, they become partners in protecting people in the town they love. They both have decisions to make concerning their futures. How will the Lord influence those decisions?

This is an extremely adrenaline-filled book with edge-of-the-seat excitement. It was very hard for me to put down. The treacherous situations come back-to-back, stretching Shelly and Clayton to prove themselves over and over again.

Favorite quotes: “I think we have to do our best to try and trust God to step in where we can’t.”
“I have to believe my suffering wasn’t for nothing. That even if He didn’t cause it, He can still use it – that He can still use me.”
“I don’t think changing direction in life is what derails it. I think not trusting Who’s leading it does.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Lisa's Quips · Rating 5 out of 5]

High stakes drama meets faith filled slow burn

Crystal writes fantastic swoon-worthy chemistry! The chemistry between Briggs and Shelly sizzles off the page from very early in the book which built my anticipation for how their story would progress.
Intertwined events and what appear to be insurmountable obstacles unfolded in quick succession. The way these events ultimately point to faith and God's divine purpose in our lives resonated strongly with me.
I love the character development as both Briggs and Shelly dish out advice they struggle to take themselves and gain fresh perspective on defining moments from their past.
I'm in a love-hate relationship with the cliff hangers in this series and I'm now eagerly anticipating Book 6.
If you love small town romance which will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a must-read.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest perspective.

[Gena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in the "Love in Willow Creek" series. There is a lot of
love and getting there in this story. It's exciting, mysterious, suspenseful, dangerous,
romantic and most of all, full of faithful nuggets that move your soul - everything you
want in a book.

While hiking, Main Female Character, Shelly, comes across Main Male Character, Clayton
after he's had a mountain climbing accident. She rescues him and because she's a nurse,
she helps him with recovery. With some uncertainty in their town, they work together to
try and restore peace in their community.

To get the full impact of what's going on, you should read all the previous books as the
story is a continuation and blends together.

I received this ARC from the author - my opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stained Glass Window is a fantastic addition to the Love in Willow Creek series! I really loved the characters in this book! Shelly, a nurse, is determined to become a flight nurse. As a nurse myself, I really felt SO much that she was going through! Briggs, on the other hand is an absolute charmer, trying to make a connection with Shelly…but at its root, that is a ruse to distract himself from not being allowed active military duty due to injuries.
As with all of this author’s books, the characters are so well written that you feel like you are in the book experiencing everything right along with them! It is full of suspense and camaraderie with a side of love story. I know you will love it as much as I did!
I received an advance copy of this story from the author. All opinions within this review are my honest opinion.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish! We've met both Briggs and Shelly in previous books in the Love in Willow Creek series. I really love both of these main characters. Briggs is home after being medically discharged after stepping on an IED and he isn't happy with this new path his life has taken. Shelly is working hard to help people she feels needs it the most. As their initial exchange keeps them together, they quickly realize that they like each other but neither knows how to proceed. The ongoing story line continues and we get to catch up with previous main characters. I just loved their love story and how fast paced this was. As with every Crystal Walton book, it's a 5 star read and I'm already looking forward to the next one!!!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved this book. It's a great continuation of the "Love in Willow Creek" series. I think this was my favorite one yet. It kept me on the edge of my seat, and was so hard to put it down when I had other things I needed to take care of. I just love Briggs and Shelly. They meet when she finds him injured after a fall in the mountains and develop a friendship. Shelly struggles with trusting God, and Briggs tries to encourage her. They face so many unimaginable challenges in the book, and God protected them through each of them. I HIGHLY recommend this book. You won't be disappointed. If you get a chance, you should read the entire series.

[Penny Leidecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been reading this series, you’ll recognize the two main characters of this book, Shelly and Clayton. Shelly is a nurse and wants to become an AirMed nurse and Clayton has been medically discharged from the military and is wondering what’s next for himself. This book tells their beautiful story while keeping us flipping the pages to see what happens next. If you love stories with romance, suspense, faith, and family set in a small town, you’ll not be disappointed with any of these books. Grab your copy and see what happens in book five in the Love in Willow Creek series.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Willow Creek with Shelly and Briggs’ story in The Stained Glass Window. What a wild adrenaline rush their story is, too! There is so much going on throughout that kept me on the edge until I finished. There is suspense, danger, an ongoing mystery, romance, faith, and so much more. This is the fifth book in the Love in Willow Creek series. I suggest you read all of them for the mystery which is scattered through each of the books. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stained glass window

I really loved the story. This series just keeps getting better. I loved that Shelly wanted to be a flight nurse. Shelly was a very good nurse. She saved Briggs, then Shelly and Briggs had a great adventure in trying to find the bad guys. The stained glass window was a very exciting story, I am ready for the next book.

I received an advanced copy of the book from the author.
This book review is my own opinion.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I finished the book and realized I had been holding my breath until the last page. Fast paced, suspense filled, danger at every turn, mystery, crime, love, faith, and more, fill the pages of this great story. I can't wait for the next story in this series. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.

This is a Christian story. The main characters, the whole town, actually, are still caught up in drama thrust on them. While the main couple flirts, they deal with several high-adrenaline situations and fall in love.

It's a well-written, hope-filled, high-energy story.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crystal’s books never disappoint. Shelley’s and Briggs’ relationship is one I look forward to seeing where it leads. The message of this book is a good one. God never promises us that life will be easy and without trials, but He walks with us through every one. I’m always excited when the next book is on the pages.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Crystal Walton! The fifth book in this series is full of suspense, danger and romance. It’s great that previous characters make appearances and they stay involved in the storyline. The mystery from the previous books still has not been solved, but it does bring more action to this little town. This is a page turner, and I didn’t want it to end.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! So good! I've loved every book in this series! I love all of these characters and I'm so glad to see them in all the books! I can't wait to read the next one!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

[Sharon Strathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Read it in 2 days in between doing day to day necessities. Great character development. Kept my interest from start to finish. Can't wait for the next in the series.

[Michal Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this action packed romance about Shelly and Clayton falling in love as they help each other solve a mystery.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Stained Glass Window is a a heart pumping, edge of your seat, romantic suspense adventure. As Shelly and Clayton work to solve the latest mystery, they get their HEA. This story is full of crime, danger, faith, love and all the great people in Willow Creek. It grows increasingly hard to wait for the next book in this awesome series! I received this book from the author, which did not influence my review in any way; all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book with great characters with relatable relationships and feelings. Lots of tough situations to work through but in the end love prevails!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book in the Love in Willow Creek series by Crystal Walton. Shelly and Briggs are wonderful characters and go through so much together. I found myself holding my breath, crying, in need of tissues, and smiling when things were going well. The ending just makes me anxious to read what comes next in this series. I highly recommend this author, series, and book!

[Ruth Jessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book flies at 1000mph. Once you pick it up you’ll have a hard time putting it down. The mystery continues, suspense, tension, struggle, and finally peace - the plot and characters are so well written!

I received an ARC, but also always buy the book when it comes out.

TW: PTSD, medical trauma, natural disasters