Lost Without You

by Emily Conrad

When her assignment to photograph small-town Chimney Creek collides with his mission to save an endangered lynx, Bailey and Luke are forced to work together.

To save the land beside Chimney Creek State Park from a mining operation, jaded park ranger Luke Fielding must show the Wisconsin legislature the property’s value. The federally threatened Canada lynx that treks through might help him turn skeptics into allies, but the animal proves elusive and the legislature demands evidence that might not exist to find, even for a skilled outdoorsman like Luke.

Photographer Bailey Sterling is broke, but with her upbeat attitude, her camera, and her teardrop camper, she’s set to camp out in Chimney Creek State Park until she can earn some income from the local tourism board. While there, she’ll cross the northern lights off her bucket list, thanks to the park’s famous overlook. Or so she hopes until a Northwoods blizzard brings trouble even the grumpy park ranger, who tried to convince her to leave before the storm, failed to predict.

Forced together by the storm and duty, Luke and Bailey soon discover they need each other, and not just to salvage her assignment and protect the land he loves. But claiming a future together would mean doing something neither is ready for—admitting they’d each be lost without the other.

This warmhearted and faith-filled romance is book 2 in the loosely connected Chimney Creek Romances.

277 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 2, 2026

About the author

Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life’s relevant questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she’s living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound and two lop-eared bunny rescues. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com.

Reviews

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I've had Emily Conrad on my radar for several years now, but only recently finally got the chance to read a few of her books. Four books in and it's safe to say I'm a fan. Each story I have read from her has been a perfect blend of romance that will have you swooning with strong messages of faith pointing us to God. This one was no exception. From the moment we meet Luke and Bailey, I couldn't help but enjoy the dynamic between these two. Let's just say, they didn't get off to the greatest start. But as they end up working together throughout the story, they eventually start to thaw and we see this really sweet chemistry between them. Both characters have some hurts in their pasts that they are healing from, but their story truly did have a feeling of finding home that I really enjoyed. A hint of mystery and a race to help his park add more great elements to this story and truly made it a great winter read.

Lost Without You is a Christian romance with kisses only and no language. It is the second book in the Chimney Creek Romance series. Having not read the previous book, I was able to enjoy this one just fine as a standalone.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily Conrad has done it again! Lost Without You was another stellar, faith-filled romance that I couldn’t put down. I loved it so much!

The author has a knack for writing authentic characters who are easy to root for. Bailey and Luke are so relatable! I loved getting to know them. They were such a great pair. Bailey had such an upbeat personality and an optimistic attitude about things. But there’s some hidden pain beneath her positivity. Luke was a bit of a grump. He was always seeing the worst possible outcome for things. And, my goodness, I could relate to that! I really admired his commitment to finding the lynx and saving the land.

I thought the setting really came to life. It was 80 degrees where I live while I was reading this book, but I could almost feel the wintry chill of snowy Chimney Creek. I loved that! If you’re a fan of contemporary romance with a strong thread of faith, don’t hesitate to pick up a copy of this book. I can’t recommend it highly enough!

I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Sarah Jacobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Author

I loved reading about Bailey and Luke. I enjoyed their personalities (they reminded me of people I know in real life), the elements of faith and the overall storyline. Also reading about a made-up town in my home state of Wisconsin was the cherry on top.

[Sue · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Lost Without You is a sweet romance featuring Bailey, a sunny optimist, and Luke, who isn’t. Bailey is a photographer determined to finish a friend’s bucket list while working, having been hired to photograph the heart of charming Chimney Creek, Wisconsin. Luke is the state park ranger who takes his job of protecting campers in the park very seriously, even those who insist on staying in her tiny beat up campers during a blizzard.

But Bailey and Luke are not shallow characters from a meet cute. Bailey is searching for God and a home after a lifetime of being ignored by her parents. Luke was abandoned as a baby and adopted into a loving family who continues to foster. Both have deep hurts that shape how they view others and react to situations and especially relationships. Only after careful observations of the other do they see the real person underneath the sunshine or the grump, a lesson applicable to everyone.

While this is book 2 in the series, the books are related almost solely by location and can be read independently of the other. This is Christian fiction so expect prayer and discussions of faith.

I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to everyone.

Family friendly.

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

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story that author Emily Conrad portrays in Lost Without You encompasses situations when people neglect to put God first in their lives but then helps them to see the light and to know and trust God in their lives. A divine romance slowly takes off as Bailey arrives in small town Wisconsin to complete a photography project and meets Luke, the gruff park ranger. Luke is a bit beside himself with all of Bailey’s ambitions. Both of their pasts have hurt and regret that they need to let go of to move forward.

Conrad’s novel embeds many different aspects of life in a small town and includes how the government and land ownership can impact state parks. Surprisingly there are also family dynamics that are sprinkled throughout the story. Emily depicts many different family relationships that many different readers can relate too. However, she continuously brings the main characters back to reality and takes the reader into their weakest moment. In that moment it is evident how much the characters need God in their lives. A page turner for sure!

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

[Michelle Nezat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am once again, honored to be an advanced reader of one of Emily Conrad’s books!

Emily has a knack for developing characters who feel real, with honest struggles that make their romance feel (mostly) possible, not forced. And she’s done it again in Lost Without You.

What hit home for me was the shared thread of abandonment between Bailey and Luke. Just like it plays out uniquely in my own life, it informed both characters responses in healthy and unhealthy ways — inspiring me to consider my own responses.

The freezing Wisconsin setting is so different from my Louisiana reality and added interest and believable obstacles for the characters to overcome. And the relational twists that pop up throughout the story kept me on my toes saying “I didn’t see that coming!”

If you like heartwarming, realistic Christian romance set in a vivid place, you’ll enjoy Lost Without You.

[April Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bailey runs from place to place seeking a home and a relationship with God. Luke runs from relationships with people because they always walk away. They both must choose to stop running and start living with God as their guide.

They are polar opposites in their personalities that has been shaped by their past experiences. But being forced together in an emergency situation, they become friends and look further than the surface to clearly see each other. They have ups and downs and struggles but they show up for each other in spite of everything. They get a sweet HEA.

I enjoyed the novel. It is a clean, Christian, and wholesome read. I received a complimentary copy from the author and these are my voluntary and honest opinions. I was not required to leave a positive review.

[Melissa Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost Without You is a sweet Christian romance with more depth than a typical opposites-attract story. Bailey, a cheerful photographer searching for faith and a place to belong, is paired with Luke, a grumpy park ranger carrying his own past hurts. As they get to know each other, they learn there's much more beneath the surface than first impressions.

I really enjoyed how both characters felt real and relatable, and I loved the faith elements woven throughout the story. While it's the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

A heartwarming, family-friendly read that I'd definitely recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Trudy Cordle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Luke and Bailey's story! Luke and Bailey meet when she comes to town to mark something off her bucket list. They don't like each other at first. Bailey is too sunny and perky for Luke, and Luke is too grumpy for Bailey. When Luke goes out of his way to help Bailey, she realizes she may have misjudged him. The more they learn about each other, the more they realize their assumptions were wrong. Luke teaches Bailey more about God, and she does him, too. Love how they depend on God to get them through, and learn they can also count on each other!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.

[Rochelle · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Lost Without You is a contemporary romance with depth. The story mentions foster care and an unwanted pregnancy. The realities of those situations are tough. Also, Luke is working to conserve land and protect some Lynxes. So there are some hard and realistic topics in the book. The author balances it with some humor, lots of snarky banter, and a smattering of tender romance. My favorite is the opening chapter and the scene where Luke meets Bailey. The story is cleverly written with faith and trust in God as a significant theme.

I received a copy of this story. A positive review was not required. This is my opinion.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and I am reviewing because I really enjoyed this book. There were side characters that really added to the story. There were hidden surprises that came out. There was a family that was a big part of the story and they were unique in some ways. The main characters both had a lot to deal with from their past. Trusting wasn't easy. There were some very inspirational moments with faith having a big part of the story. Once you get into the story you will want to keep turning pages and rooting for a happy ever after!

[Rhonda Sledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is one most people can relate to. The main characters both have something missing in their lives, a huge hole they are desperately searching to fill. One is constantly running towards the next big thing, while the other is quickly slamming the door in case the next good thing turns sour. Neither recognizes that they already have the only thing they need. Emily Conrad does a great job of telling an entertaining story while weaving the truth of God throughout the book. I received an early copy of this book from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Elizabeth Koivunen-Fitzgerald · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of Lost Without You by Emily Conrad. From the first page, you can feel both the chill and coziness of life in northern Wisconsin—the warmth of the community and the beauty of the outdoors. Luke and Bailey, each lost in their own way, help one another discover the beauty of letting someone in, even when they believe they do not deserve it or are better off alone. The story draws you through every chapter and is difficult to put down. This is one of Emily Conrad’s best stories—a must-read.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts out cute and funny but slowly builds to so much more. As Bailey and Luke learn to work together and then so much more, the external events intensify as well. I love how both of them learned and grew through the experience. The reminders to trust God were beautifully done. I loved learning about the wild animals and DNR work in Wisconsin. I look forward to more stories in Chimney Creek, WI and hope they all involve Luke’s amazing family!

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Allison Joy Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a girl who was born and raised in the south, I've never seen the northern lights or experienced a true northern winter. My lack of personal experience didn't stop me from loving this delightful winter tale! Reading about Bailey and Luke made me feel like I was making a new best friend, just like I always do when I read Emily Conrad's books! This new release (which I received in advance from the author) is filled with faith, learning to trust, and a good dose of laughter. It's perfect to read while snuggled up by the fire with a warm cup of hot chocolate!

[Kylie Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily has done it again! 😍

I was swept into this story from page one, and what a beautiful story it was! I absolutely loved all the characters. So relatable!

I laughed (out loud 😅).
I cried (had to put the book in a momentary time out 🥹).
And I so, so, SO enjoyed this book!! ❤️

📚 ARC Review: I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Emily Lauterbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of Emily Conrad’s writing, and this book completely blew me away! I was hooked on Luke and Bailey from page one. Their efforts to keep their distance made watching them fall in love so entertaining and satisfying. I also love how naturally Emily integrates God’s greatness into her narratives—it gives her books such a personal, meaningful depth. Every time I picked this up, I couldn't put it down! (I received this book as an ARC)

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Bailey Sterling is a photographer hired by Chimney Creek to provide publicity photos of the area. Luke Fielding is a ranger at the park where she parked her camper, but he feels she isn’t prepared for the winter weather. They are drawn to each other but he’s afraid to get involved because she’ll be moving on once her job is complete. An engaging book about trust, moving forward into the future and trusting God.

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

The characters were wonderful. They seemed realistic. The way they reacted in some situations was based on things in their pasts, and they made perfect sense. There was so much hurt for them to deal with and such deep emotion.

I loved the strong Christian element in the story. The couple earned their HEA

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Choose to enjoy yourself. Choose to hope for the best.” When you’re meant to be together, you can’t walk away with your heart intact.” We can choose what kinds of pain we’ll risk. I’d rather experience the pain of someone deciding to leave me than the regret of walking away from someone I should’ve stayed for.” luke and Baley's story is full of love, faith, family, and finding your heart

[Words And Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had been too long since I read one of her books. I fell right into this one and loved every moment. Luke was such a good grump. I love a good grump. He felt very human. The dynamics of his family and Bailey's history made for a very compelling struggle. This is so well written and I really enjoyed the faith elements.

[Caitlin Nikolai · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new favorite Emily Conrad book!

The story is well-developed and flows beautifully. The characters feel like real people. There is depth, beauty, encouragement, and so much in this story.

Plus, there's Bigfoot. What's he up to?

I love this story and definitely recommend it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like the way these characters overcame all the obstacles put in their paths. Very well done!