The Caretaker's Choice

by Elsabé Welman

169 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 9, 2026

About the author

Although Elsabé gypsied between rural and city living over the years, she now flourishes in the peacefulness of the Karoo. She found herself in very different situations and jobs over the years, and exactly that is what makes her blood flow strong; each new opportunity is exciting. "She turned her can’ts into can's and her dreams into plans." Writing is like daily breathing. She doesn't struggle to dig up stories, even retrieves them from her nightmares! Elsabé is an Afrikaans author and married to Anthonie.

Reviews

[Sanri Du]

I really loved this small town romance (Christian based) set in the background of South Africa.

It was just the right length and was an easy read. The characters were very relatable and true to Elsabe’s writing style, there was lots of life lessons that pulled on the heart strings.

Life throws you unexpected challenges, but with support of loved ones around you anything is possible.

Was a privilege to read this as an ARC.

[Letticia Collet]

Sydney left everything behinds after a dreadful event and now find himself hiding in a little town called Cedarfontein where no one really knows him and work as a caretaker in one of the town's churches.

From the onset of bumping into Nicole, Sydney wanted to know about her but she's been building her own walls over the years, a protection mechanisms to keep away anyone that wants to or even thinking about coming close.

Sydney is also still grief-stricken and navigating life through this. Drawn to this girl with the mask... seen as the town's outcast, he wanted to know more about her and it all started in her garden. As the weeds became less and less, things began to shift between Sydney and Nicole and then shocking revelations began to unfold.

This is a story that demonstrates the affects of past traumas but it's not sentimentalize. Grace, forbearance and trust is strong themes within the pages.

Elsabé really tugged my emotional strings with each of these main characters and I loved it.

Thank you to Elsabé for this ARC for an honest review.

[Madds ♡]

"He was part of her fairy garden," 🥹

~~~~~~~~

The Caretaker's Choice was a quick read and was paced perfectly!!

Introducing Nicola and Sidney, polar opposites with only one thing in common - grief.
Without giving too much away since this is a short read, The Caretaker's Choice by Elsabé Welman is a tale of love, loss, acceptance, and hope!! The story is set in a small town that I desperately would love to visit. I think the small town was my favourite aspect of the story!!

I loved the little town pranks (I'm looking at you, Mr Snake😉), the bonds between the residents and the loyalty, too!!!

Sidney was a joy to read!! A man who is already going through so much and yet tries his best to help others... don't make me cry!! Despite Nicola's rejection, Sidney was relentless in his attempts to help her, and in the end, it was the healing that they both needed. I thoroughly enjoyed Sidney's personality!!! That's another reason why I loved this story!! a short story, and yet nothing felt rushed, and the characters had storylines and personality!! Read this quote and try not to fall in love with Sidney:

"What about a beer?" Ethan offered.
Sidney laughed and shook his head.
"Come up with something better if you want to spoil me.
Beer doesn't do it for me."
"Steak and chips?"
"Now you're talking, Springbok. Now you're talking."

Hahahha, I adore!!! Also, when he promises to share cookies with Fiemies- LOOOVE!!!


Now on the Nicola... I want to give her the biggest hug!! Her story broke me🥹 I'm so glad that she has Sidney now!! I won't go into too much detail because this is a spoiler-free review❤️ Her tomato garden...🥹🥹 BRING ME TISSUES I'M CRYING AGAIN!!!

The plot twist?! Ms Welman, I did NOT see that coming!!! Very impressed🤭😉
Truly!!! I was not expecting such a twist for a short read!! AMAZING!!


This was the easiest 5 stars!! It's my favourite book by Elsabé Welman (I'm sorry, "Kick-off to Love"!!! Still adore you!!)
Also, this is my first 5 star read by Elsabé!!!

[Lizl Kuschke]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
Huge thanks to the author, Elsabe Welman for an ARC of this book. I loved every page, and this review is entirely voluntary.
A contemporary romantic suspense that brings us back to the world of the Our House series, following Sidney and Nicola as their paths cross in a story filled with secrets, emotion and unexpected twists.

Both characters are carrying the weight of past traumas, and finding their way to each other is anything but easy. Yet, as Elsabé so beautifully says in the book: “The land held many secrets. You just had to move slower and notice.” And I think that captures this story perfectly.

At its heart, The Caretaker’s Choice is a story about grief, forgiveness and acceptance — about finding the courage to face the past and allowing yourself to move forward.

I absolutely loved the little bit of humour woven into the story, especially the very clever pun intended with the two dogs’ names! The resulting havoc and confusion had me laughing. 🐾😂

What made this book feel especially authentic to me was the wonderfully South African way the characters speak to each other. Words like braai, bobotie, lekker and so many other familiar little touches made the characters and their world feel genuine and wonderfully real.

Another fantastic addition to the Our House in Jakarandalaan series. ❤️