Little Miss Hard to Handle

by Shelbey Kendall

Sophie Summers wants to leave it all behind.

The rumors she eventually made true. The mistakes that feel forever branded on her forehead. The small town that will never be able to see her as anything other than a lost cause.

When she leaves Dusty Hollow, Texas, in an old Volkswagen Bus with an empty bank account, a growing TikTok following, and absolutely no plan, Sophie is finally free to be whoever she wants to be. At least . . . that’s what she tells herself.

Then on a desperate day stranded in what feels like the capital of desolation, Logan Reyes shows up with a warm grin and a fake fiancé title. It isn’t supposed to matter, but when a dream brand campaign turns their fake relationship into a very real paycheck, pretending becomes too good for Sophie to pass up.

Now Sophie is hiking mountains with a handsome man who somehow always makes the coffee first, sharing quiet moments that feel a little too real, and trying very hard not to fall for the guy who keeps telling her that God loves her.

Because Logan has an infuriating habit of looking at her like she’s worth believing in.

A road-trip redemption story about a woman who toes the line and is still fully loved by a wonderful Father in Heaven.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Christian Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian, Adult Romance

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

Shelbey Kendall writes heartwarming, hope-filled fiction for readers of all ages. As the author of The Sonshine Sister Club series, she blends faith, family, friendship, and a touch of humor to encourage young readers that no mess or mistake is too big for Jesus. In addition to middle grade fiction, Shelbey also writes kisses only, no-swearing romance filled with real emotion and characters you’ll root for. Whether she’s crafting stories for kids or grown-ups, her mission is the same: to offer light in the darkness and remind readers that grace is always within reach.

When she’s not writing, you’ll likely find her sipping coffee, listening to country music, or spending time with her family. She lives in small-town Kansas and is always dreaming up her next story.

Follow her on Instagram: @shelbeykendallauthor

Reviews

[Shelbey Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hi. It's me. The author.

I don't rate other books (just a personal preference as an author), but I do rate my own mainly because 1) I decided to be my biggest fan a long time ago. If I don't believe in what I write, how can I expect you to? We have to root for ourselves, friends. And well . . . I'm the president of the Shelbey Kendall fan club. She's pretty awesome. And 2) I have read this book more times than any reader will. Hundreds of times. And I still love the story. That has to count for something.

So here we go.

I will brawl for Sophie. I know . . . I know . . . turn the other cheek . . .

But here's the deal. Sophie is nothing like me and yet, she's just like me. She's not perfect. She's made mistakes. She's hurting and wondering if she even deserves anything good.

And somewhere along the way in penning this story, it didn't feel like I was writing a book. It felt like I was writing what Sophie needed me to. To give an account for how beautiful she is in all her mess. To represent women who are still absolutely, deeply loved by our Savior when they are "nothing like us." To do it her way.

She's flirty. She's honest. She's bold. Maybe reckless. And a little hard to handle.

But then there's Logan, who meets her where she is. Who sees her for who she is. The mess. The hard. The broken. And he shows up for her every. single. time. Not because Logan is perfect but because he wants to show her what that Gospel-love looks like.

I'm fully aware my words aren't for everyone. But here's the deal: They are for some.

And this book is for the some.

Those reviews that come through saying I feel seen should be a reminder to us as readers that there are men and women everywhere relating and feeling seen in characters who we don't understand. And it doesn't make them wrong. Or worse than. Or anything other than fully loved.

That's the point of stories. To connect us in new and different ways.

I don't know who needs Sophie's story. I did.

But whether you love this book or not, I hope you know that you are a delight.

As for this book. 5 stars. Easy. I love Sophie and Logan, and always will.

[Lily · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Lily’s Content Guide

💋 Romance level: Kisses Only
🗣️ Language: None
⚠️ Content Warning: None
📚 Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎀 Lily’s verdict:💖 Absolutely loved it

This story draws you in immediately with characters you can’t help but want to know more about!

Watching Sophie’s redemption arc unfold was so beautiful and I loved it SO much! This was such a heartwarming story🥹

And Logan?!? THE ENTIRE GREEN FOREST🌲🥹 He was so patient, caring, and loving toward Sophie. I absolutely adored the way he treated her!

And that ending🥹🥹 My heart could hardly handle it! It was pure perfection, and I absolutely adored every second!

🏔️Flirty Banter
🌸He Falls First
🏔️Faith Themes
🌸Redemption Arc
🏔️Emotional Healing
🌸Slooowww Burn

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew, I shed a lot of tears reading this one! They were mostly happy ones, but some were from my heart being a little broken for Sophie. I am really nothing like Sophie at all, but she is an absolutely magnetic character who you just cannot help but adore and root for. And her brokenness and eventual return to knowing God and his unending love was so thoughtfully written and overall quite sad at points, but also so beautiful.

Logan's constant and gentle love for Sophie in the way he continually pointed her back to Christ over and over again was my favorite part of this book. He just kept confidently showing up for her and I love main characters like that because sometimes it's not about the grand gestures (even though we can argue some things he did in the book that seemed small were actually quite a big deal), but it's about the choices you make each and every day to show your person that you love them and they are worth the effort.

The dedication and note from the author in the beginning were also so lovely and I teared up quite a bit reading those before even starting the book. Overall, Shelbey Kendall did an absolutely incredible job writing this story; Sophie and Logan had so much heart and I just loved them so much. This series has quickly become one of my all time favorites that I will buy hard copies to reread often and to share with my girls when they are in their late teens/early twenties.

I am so honored to have received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Grace Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of BETA reading Little Miss Hard to Handle and I can confidently say that Shelbey has outdone herself yet again with this second Little Miss book!

After book one (Little Miss Goody Two Shoes) we have the honor of meeting Sophie, one of Sadie's sisters -who is the complete opposite of Sadie in every way possible. We go through this book alongside Sophie navigating a deep rooted insecurity that is masked by a care free, live her life to the fullest, sometimes with bad decisions, lifestyle.

Then we meet Logan when they cross paths during her road trip! With Logan we meet a man who is confident in his identify, immediately attracted to Sophie (for more than her looks) & shows up each and every time she needs him (even if she doesn't realize it).

The beauty of this story, is that we get to watch Sophie's mask fall apart little by little with Logan by her side and watch her learn that her identity isn't in what people think or say about her (or what she thinks of herself)...but in who she is in Christ. It was a beautiful story of redemption, finding a relationship with Christ again after years of being unsure if she is loved by Him and ultimately finding that one person who see's and loves her despite her flaws (because don't we all have them?!).

I could go on and on about how amazing this story is. Another 5 star Little Miss book!

Thank you Shelbey for trusting me and allowing me the privilege of reading your story as a Beta reader. <3

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely an amazing story. When all she wants is to go around and drive her van, post on the socials and continue living life finding what or who makes her happy. He is a photography paid to go around the state make beautiful shots nature, wild life and more. But when the wagon dies and Sophie has to get her fixed but she grabs Logan to help her not get ask for more of what is needed to fix the wagon and this is where their story begins. Visit homes, sister's chat, states to visit, a man who keeps showing up, an ex who can't stay away and a wagon who is giving her all to take Sophie one state at a time. This story has it all, laugher, happiness, hard moments, hard people, moments of putting your heart out, a social media following who wanted to see more and a man who gave her a nickname every girl would love. So well written, I did not want it to end. It was such a wonder story of someone who is a little hard to handle but the right person can find the best in her. Love love love it so so much! Sophie and Logan gave me a story I will not forget.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little Miss Hard to Handle by Shelbey Kendall is one about forgivness, and finding trust.

This one was a tough one, tough in the sense of facing mistakes, and finding fogiveness for yourself when you only see the bad you have done. Sophie was lost, as lost as she can be, untethered in life and fighting a battle she thought she lost long ago. Society is cruel, and I understood what Sohpie was and how she thought she had to be someone different than she was. And then there was Logan, one who sees the beauty in anything worn and battered down.

One who runs and the one who chases. The chemistry between these two was electric, but there was so much fear, so much hatred for the self, and these two gave each other a chance. One who was scared to stay, one who was willing to follow. It was such a beautiful read.

If you want to revel in beautiful writing, this is the one for you.

Thank you Shelbey Kendall for the free book.

[Nova Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC copy of this book but all opinions are my own)

This book was so good!!!! I seriously loved it!! watching the characters grow and just the character development in general was so beautiful! 💕 I also loved the banter and tension!! There were definitely some mature conversations, but I feel like that just added to the testimony of these characters!! I definitely recommend!! 🩷

Some of my favorite quotes

"The sun was made for her, I’m sure of it. Somehow she always looks like she belongs exactly where the light hits her."

"And every time she looks for me, I’m already looking."

⬆️ This was literally such a sweet line! 🥹🩷

"There’s something about her that feels like gravity, and yet not exactly grounding. Maybe she’s momentum. She pulls you so hard toward her that you forget where your feet were supposed to stay planted in the first place."

[jaylynn_faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a advance copy from the author



First I’d like to say thank you to Shelbey for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book before it comes out! Ok now onto the book, this book had me hooked from page one! It was definitely a page-turner, and the way Logan cares for her how he’s also there when she needs him ugh my heart he’s literally so sweet! And through it all he helped her realize that no matter what God loves her, and that’s what made this book all the more special. This book is truly amazing and definitely going on my favorites shelf!

[Cami · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW: Thank you Shelbey for writing another amazing book! I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to receive an advanced ready copy of Little Miss Hard to Handle and being able to walk through Sophie and Logan’s love story, how they met, and their journey through ups and downs. I LOVED watching how Sophie’s character developed throughout the story and Logan was a constant factor no matter the distance! Please go give this book a read!!!