Her Motherhood Wish

by Keli Gwyn

BUILDING A FAMILY

En route to the Double T Orphanage to work on its expansion, carpenter Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt discover two orphaned children--and become their caregivers. But Chip's determined not to let himself get too attached to the children who just lost their widowed father...or to the lovely woman helping him care for them. Especially since Callie and the little ones just don't fit into his detailed plans for the future.

Callie can't help but fall in love with the orphans, and despite her better judgment, she's falling for Chip, too. Her dreams of being a wife and mother were not quite like this. But Callie believes a plan bigger than Chip's brought them all together...and now she just has to help him see it, too.

Genres: Love Inspired Historical, Love Inspired, Romance

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published March 7, 2017

About the author

Keli Gwyn's stories transported readers to the 1800s, where she brought historic towns to life, peopled them with colorful characters, and added a hint of humor. She has retired from writing and is spending time with her husband and adorable cat.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed Callie and Chips story about extreme losses in their past and over coming them. Our hopes, dreams and plans are not always what God's plans as Chip Evans finds out. The question is whether or not he's to stubborn to see the blessings right in front him.

Caroline Hunt is excited to be starting her new job at the Double T Orphanage where she can love on all the children. She learns that Chip Evans is heading that same way and offers to give her a lift and they come across a tragic scene.

So much to like about this book but I don't want to give anymore away so you'll just have to get this book and enjoy it yourself! :)

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chip is a make-a-plan-stick-to-the-plan kind of guy. You might say he has blinders on, too busy looking ahead to the next part of the plan to see what's right in front of him. That would be Callie and two endearing orphans. Only finding a wife and starting a family is three years into the future, according to the aforementioned plan. This stupendously dense hero needs a good smack upside the head to knock some sense into him. :-) Lucky he is handsome cowboy material (even if he is a carpenter) with courtly manners, an over-zealous protective streak and the ability to use gentle persuasion to win over small children. He's perfect in every way -- except for that dratted plan!

Callie fights the attraction -- which isn't too hard when Chip brings up his plan -- but the rest of the time it's near impossible to resist this hero's ready smile and kind overtures. Even so, Callie strives to guard her heart because she knows she'll never measure up to that confounded grand plan of Chip's. Tender, sweet, infuriating romance ensues. Along with a bonus suspense thread that brought some added tension and a whole lot of action to the story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Motherhood Wish is another fun read by Keli Gwyn. On the way to work at the Double T Orphanage, Chip Evans and Caroline "Callie" Hunt, find two newly orphaned children, Ruby and Jasper. Not only did they find them, they became their caretakers! Chop does not want to get too close to Callie or the children because he doesn't want to mess up his future plans. On the other hand, Callie has fallen for the children......and Chip! How is that suppose to fit into her own plans?

Her Motherhood Wish is one of the reasons Keli Gwyn is among my favorite authors. I thought Chip could be infuriating to me and I felt like he needed some good sense knocked into him. I wanted to scream at him and say, "Look what you have right in front of you!" But then he shows his soft side and I see why sweet Callie was falling for him.
I thought this book was great. There was a little mystery and suspense to make this sweet and clean story a perfect mix.

Highly recommended.

5 plus stars

I received this book from the author, but was not required to write a review. This review is of my opinion,

[Trixi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if the carefully laid out plans for your life aren't what God's perfect plan is for you? That's what Chip Evans & Callie Hunt discover in this delightfully charming story!

Some may call it happenstance, but I call it God's will that Chip & Callie come across two recently abandoned children on their way to the Double T Orphanage. When they discover the reason these two are alone, they know the perfect place to bring them to. Thus begins the journey that binds all of their lives together! I do admire Chip for his determination to stick to his life plan, but at the same token, even he admits he didn't consult God in the first place! Callie had some heartbreaking news as a child, God shows her in the end that He never sees her as broken. Five year old Jasper & two year old Ruby are delightful additions, grief stricken at first, but I loved watching them bloom like flowers in the end! Throw in a little suspense, great secondary characters, and you got yourself a tale of romance, discovering what matters the most, lives bound together by love, and God's perfect plan coming about in many surprising ways!

Here's a few snippets I enjoyed; page 38 where Callie & Chip are talking to each other:

Callie jerked her head up. “The Good Book says that 'all things work together for good to them that love God.' I firmly believe that. Don't you?”
(Chip) “I believe God can bring good out of bad, but He doesn't promise that life will be easy.”
(Callie) “No, but He does promise to be with us no matter what comes our way. That's a promise that fills me with hope.”

* I received a complimentary copy from the author. No favorable review was required and all opinions expressed here are strictly my own. *

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely cover…and the story inside is just as beautiful!

Her Motherhood Wish is filled with sweet moments as carpenter Chip Evans and loving Callie Hunt discover their happily-ever-after as they work at the Double T Orphanage. Callie’s dearest dream is to be a mother, but she faces some problems. I sympathized with her as she confronted the reality and disappointment of her situation. She is strong and accepting of her fate. As for Chip, many times I was quite displeased with him. He is protective and hardworking, but blindly adheres to the rigid plan he detailed for his future. However…. he completely redeemed himself in my eyes with the execution of his beautiful plan at the conclusion of the story. A precious ending!

I adored the two orphans, Jasper and Ruby, who warmed my heart with their needs and vulnerability. The occasional appearances of other characters from earlier books were a delight, but this book can definitely be read as a stand-alone. The suspense element in this story is an intriguing bonus.

Author Keli Gwyn always includes interesting historical detail in her stories, such as the art of cabinetry in this book. Her books touch my heart with their gentle message of faith and leave me with a happy sigh at the end. Great storytelling! I hope you enjoy Her Motherhood Wish, with its beautiful conclusion, as much as I did.

Favorite quotes:
“The best we can do is love, support and encourage them, all the while praying that the Lord will work His healing.”
“…the Lord has a way of bringing joy from heartache.”
“You’re a beloved child of God, and He has plans for you.”

*I was given a copy of this book. I’m pleased to offer my honest review.

[Julie Graves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie Hunt and Chip Evans are on their way to the Double T Orphanage run by Tess and Spencer. Callie is hoping for a job at the Double T and Chip is on his way to make some furniture for a new dorm that the orphanage is adding. On the way they find Ruby and her brother Jasper who's father has just been taken by robbers. Fearing for their father's life Chip goes to find him. The news he brings back is not good and what is worse, the robbers didn't get what they were looking for so now the children's lives are in danger as well.

As Callie and Chip grow to care for Ruby and Jasper they also grow to care for each other. Unfortunately Callie doesn't fit into The Plan that Chip has mapped out for his life. In The Plan Chip doesn't plan to court for another 3 years. So he and Callie can only remain friends. But in Chips dreams Callie fits the perfect wife for him, if only they hadn't met before he was ready. Callie is quickly learning to see that Chip is a wonderful man and would make a wonderful husband and father. Callie realizes though that Chip is very set on The Plan and that his plan leaves no room for Callie or the children that Callie has quickly fallen in love with.

I really enjoyed Her Motherhood Wish. I loved that there was some suspense added to the story! I've seen several other people comment that they would like to have smacked Chip upside the head, add me to the group! Oh my goodness was he thick-headed! Such a good man and so thoughtful and caring towards others, very protective even, but that blasted plan of his was going to be the end of me! I loved catching up with Tess and Spencer from Family Of Her Dreams and I definitely loved Chip and Callie. If you haven't ever read a Love Inspired Historical before I highly recommend them.

[Becky Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not only are Keli Gwynn’s books fun to read & well written, but they are filled with fascinating history tidbits which are fun to verify & to learn more about them. Things like Soldier’s Heart; Eastlake’s Hints on Household Tastes In Furniture, Upholstery, & Other Details; William Morris’s larkspur pattern; and the sugar cure for cholera. I loved how Callie kept noticing & listing to herself Chip’s wonderful character traits, but I was saddened when Callie felt useless, broken & of no worth. One of my favorite quotes was: “God had a way of using broken people to do His work in the world.” And I was frustrated with Chip for being so stubborn to keep sticking to THE PLAN, and not submitting his plan to God’s plan for him! I also loved the overall theme of adoption in this story, comparing it to God adopting us into His family, as well as the other themes of forgiveness and choosing to be contented where we are in life. The mystery in this book kept me reading until the end! Excellent, excellent book, and I highly recommend it!!!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers will be enthralled with Keli Gwyn’s latest release, Her Motherhood Wish. This book was an endearing story with Chip and Callie, along with two cute orphaned children, Jasper and Ruby, they found along their way to the Double T Orphanage that captured my attention. They were the perfect caregivers to care for these children after their own losses during childhood.

Chip knew the robbers and murderer of their father was sure to be hunting for them after learning from Jasper that their father was going to open up a jewelry store in Placerville. Mama Tess and Papa Spencer, who had the Double T Orphanage, welcomed the children as Chip and Callie arrived for Chip to continue building furniture for the orphanage. Miss Callie was hired to be an assistant to Chip with her history of working in the lumber company. Callie and Chip had their own baggage to content with but they saw the qualities of each other as they cared for Jasper and Ruby. However, Mr. Chip had A Plan and marriage was not for him until three years later. Miss Callie desire was to have a child, but knew what had happened during a childhood injury. After visiting Becky and James O’Brien from her book, A Home of Her Own, Callie made an appointment with Dr. Wright who only confirmed her worse fear. How would Chip ever be able to accept Callie as an his wife when she could not bear him his own children?

Gwyn’s characters were realistic and well defined with struggles that one would have expected back in 1875. This story is action packed and filled with characters that cared for orphans with their dedication, hard work to make a lovely place for them to stay while instilling God’s Word and life skills into their young lives. Unexpected twists and turns with suspense kept me reading until I finished the book in one sitting. Will lives be spared when the robbers are so close by? Who finally discovers the jewels Jasper and Ruby’s father had purchased?

I have fallen in love with Keli Gwyn’s Love Inspired Historical books. It was nice to catch up with the characters from Gwyn’s other LIH books in this astonishing book. I look forward to reading more great stories by Gwyn filled with realistic characters, God’s love and mercy, and plots that are page turners. I won a copy of Her Motherhood Wish from the author’s giveaway on her blog post. I was not required to write a review, but have shared my honest opinion.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Keli Gwyn has done such a wonderful job of combining subtle romance, suspense and drama with an element of faith, it makes a wonderful story to read. I love her books!
Chip is a man with a plan. A strict plan of what and when things are going to happen in his life. He is a talented builder, carpenter and wood carver with a really good heart.
Callie has such a loving and giving heart, she feels she can't give a man what he wants because she cannot have children She's going to work in an orphanage where she can be around lots of children to love.
Chip and Callie are friends, Chip finds her to be very attractive and very easy to talk to. But it is not the time for a woman in his life, according to his plan. Oh, how I wanted to hit him over the head with that plan!
As the two work together at the orphanage to care for and protect the children they found on the road, they begin to see what a life together could be if Chip could change his plan.
Mama Tess, Papa Spencer, & the staff at the Double T have created such a warm welcoming place for orphans. I loved their characters.
I was very satisfied with the ending of this book.
*I received this book as a gift and chose to review it. The opinion expressed is entirely my own.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Motherhood Wish by Keli Gwyn. It is a Historical Romance taking place in 1875. Chip Evans is on his way to the Double T Orphanage to work on the additions to the place. Caroline Hunt is riding along with him. Caroline is going there to work. On the way they hear crying. They find a three year old girl and a five year old boy hiding. When Chip went to look for the wagon they were in he found their father killed. He was a gem dealer and was going to open his own store. The bad guys did not find the gems he was carrying. The children were taken to live at the Orphanage. The bad guys tried to kidnap the children. At one point they did kidnap the children and Caroline. Chip and two other guys went after the kidnappers. They rescued the children and Caroline. Chip and Caroline ended up getting married and adopting the two children. A very good read.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

En route to the local orphanage friends Chip and Caroline comes across two young children who recently lost their father. As they help the kids transition to being without their parents, Chip and Caroline battle their growing attraction. Chip has a 5 year plan and his feelings for Caroline do not fit. Caroline knows she loves Chip but understands that one of the items on his plan, having children of his own, is something she can never fulfill. This genre doesn't normally fit into my wheelhouse but I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Chip and Caroline, how their romance grew even as they tried to battle their feelings. I also enjoyed the suspense over who was trying to hurt the two young, lonely children. Fun read!

*I won this book from a GoodReads giveaway

[Isidora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chip has a thought-out life plan, and Callie has a new job at Tess' orphanage. They like each other well enough but Chip's 'life plan' is getting in the way of romance. On route to the orphanage, the two encounter two orphans. Chip and Callie grow fond of the orphans, as they do of each other (eventually), but Chip needs to learn about flexibility.

This book was more romantic than some of the others I have read, similar to this one. It still lacked a bit of passion, but I can chalk that up to it being the 19th century. However, there was some wonderful tender love and other delightful plot twists, that brightened the book right up!

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars.

Chip Evans and Caroline Hunt are on the way to jobs at the Double T Orphanage when they stumble across a pair of siblings, obviously orphaned.

As the two of them bring the children to get settled at the orphanage and start their new jobs, they have a chance to get to know each other better, and find they share common interests and a mutual faith in God and His provision. They also share a common attachment to the rescued orphans, and despite Chip's resolve to adhere to his carefully structured five-year Plan, his emotions and heart become firmly engaged.

Keli Gwyn does a beautiful job of creating likable, well-rounded characters. The plot moves along smoothly, with a bit of suspense on the side. It's easy to see the love of God reflected in Callie and Chip's hearts, and to see our own stubbornness in theirs as well. As they come to see the wisdom of yielding to God's ultimate plan, so do we...

Ms Gwyn's story is a pleasure to read, and I very much look forward to enjoying her future writing (God willing, of course! ;) )

[Veda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do does Chip Evans, a carpenter, who has a life plan written out and Caroline Hunt, single, but wants to be a mother, have in common? At first glance, nothing, but then two orphans drop into their lives. This story had some twists that I wasn't expecting. There is a little mystery, love, but will there be a happy ever after? And what is God's plan for Chip, Caroline, and the two orphans?
This was a very good book, and I totally enjoyed it.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Callie has lunch with carpenter Chip, then they later meet as Callie is waiting for the stagecoach. Chip offers her a ride to the Double T Orphanage as he is working there and she is hoping for a job. On the way they find two children and their adventure begins.

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This man ought to have graveled about 10x more. He was so rude and such a tease to poor Callie, making her feel broken and unlovable for most of the book.

But the plot and suspense was really great. I enjoyed it a lot. Just would have enjoyed it more if Chip wasn’t so insufferable.

[Lynsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. Loved the little bit of suspense. A little predictable- I had one part figured out before a hint was given in the story.

[Awjtf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[June · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story. Some suspense mixed with a story of love, acceptance and learning to follow God's real Plan.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought the children were particularly well written.

[Harlequin Books]

"There is strong character development, particularly in relation to Chip. While his reluctance to veer from his plan is a bit frustrating at times, it is obvious that his faith and determination are strong. The author has a connection to the story, which adds to the realism. There is a nice bit of mystery thrown in as well" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

[Ann Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Motherhood Wish


    Take a man who has his whole life planned out and a woman who feels she isn't whole and therefore not marriage material add in two orphaned children and the outlaws after them and add God into the mix.

    The story of Chip and Callie is a wonderful story where Chip learns to let God be the author of his plans.  Callie learns that God does fulfill the desires of her heart.

[Britney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Motherhood Wish is a wonderful story! Callie embraces life and Chip is a "bit too regimented”, which leads to an engaging and entertaining journey. I loved their interactions with each other and the children at the Double T Orphanage, and I also enjoyed revisiting several beloved characters from Gwyn’s earlier books. Historical tidbits, inspirational messages, and tender romance are woven together to create a most delightful tale!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Jovita Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, sweet Christian love story. I really loved the kids in this book; they were adorable. I also love the way God opened the hero's heart and mind to warm to the idea of adopting.

[Marissa Ekback]

too predictable