A Father for Bella

by Jill Weatherholt

Another roadblock…or the family she’s looking for?

When single mom Faith Brennan discovers the Virginia inn she grew up in is for sale, she’s determined to make a bid. Even if that means going head-to-head with handsome real estate broker Joshua Carlson. But competing with Joshua would be a lot easier if Faith’s young daughter wasn’t growing so attached to him…and if Faith could stop picturing running the inn with Joshua by her side.

Genres: Romance, Love Inspired, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Contemporary

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 17, 2018

About the author

Newsletter Sign-up: JillWeatherholt.Substack.com

Jill Weatherholt is an author of sweet, emotional, small-town romance novels that guarantee a happy ending.

She’s sold over half a dozen sweet romance short stories to Woman’s World Magazine.

Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in North Carolina. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University.

She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard.

Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.

Sign-up for her newsletter at JillWeatherholt.com for the latest news and giveaways.

Instagram: jillweatherholt.author

Reviews

[Shirley Chapel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved everything about this book from the colorful cover to the romancey story tucked between the covers. To me it seemed more real than a work of fiction. I had no trouble being completely swept into the story. I thought that Faith and Joshua would be a match made in heaven and I wanted nothing more than to see them together. Bella was such an adorable child with a cute personality that I couldn't help but be drawn to. I thought this story was uplifting and very well written.
Faith Brennan is a young widow and single parent. Her daughter though sweet and obedient can be a handful at times with all that energy bottled up inside and who knows what she's apt to innocently blurt out at the most inconvenient of times. Faith manages Black Bear Inn and Ski resort in Whispering Slopes but the truth is that she grew up in this big house with her grandparents and twin sister Joy. Now there's a rumor that the current owner will put the inn up to be auctioned off to the highest bidder. Faith can't let this happen and she will do everything in her power to buy it for her and Bella.
Joshua Carlson is the son of the Black Bear Inns owner and he has his own reasons for wanting to be the highest bidder for the inn. He wants to carry out his late mothers renovation plans for Black Bear Inn and adding on to it as well. It doesn't matter to him that the pretty manager of the Black Bear will also be bidding at the auction and has her own plans for the inn. With his money he's bound to be the next owner of this beautiful inn. Oh but plans don't always go the way we want them to go .
I highly recommend to readers of Love Inspired books and fans of contemporary romance.
I received a complimentary copy of A Father for Bella. A review was not requested. All opinions shared here are my own.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weatherholt has created yet another heartwarming tale with more depth than the genre might first suggest. Her prose is fluid, her characters dimensional, and the backdrop of a small inn during ski season in Virginia a cozy setting. I enjoyed the interplay between Faith and Joshua as they compete to bid for the inn that will soon be up for auction. Though Joshua is the one with the money and ties, Faith has her heart set on acquiring the inn that has so much personal meaning for her. What she doesn't realize is that the same holds true for Joshua. This makes for a nice conflict in the will-they, won't-they dynamic. It's a quick, feel-good, summer read.

[Jacqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read Jill Weatherholt's books before (see my review of Second Chance Romance) and she has emerged as my go-to author for Christian romantic fiction. Her latest, A Father for Bella (Harlequin 2018), continues that description. It is a fast-moving, personal read that addresses the messiness and confusion of what really happens in everyday love lives. Faith Brennan, a young widow, finds out that the Virginia inn Faith runs, one that specializes in personal care for guests and a variety of snow sports, is going to be auctioned by the owner. When Faith's husband dies, she promises him she will take care of Bella, their daughter, and give her a bright future. Buying the inn where she has lived and worked almost her entire life seems like the perfect way to make good on that promise. That is until Joshua Carson, another bidder, shows up. Joshua is handsome, rich, and newly-divorced. He too has a promise to keep, this one to his dead mother, and to fulfill his means Faith can't fulfill hers. He arrives at the Inn planning to spend a month investigating it in preparation for the auction, only to become embroiled one time after another in events and emergencies that involve Faith and Bella. It's clear the young girl adores Joshua, a sentiment he shares, so how can he tear apart the life she and her mother have built? 

Weatherholt's characters are imbued with moral strength and ethical beliefs that drive their actions and mold the story's plot. Weatherholt also includes such a wonderfully rendered snowy setting that I might even decide to vacation in the mountains--if I didn't like warm weather so much.  One final characteristic of her writing that--like the Christian roots--keeps me coming back is the way she can spin words into a mental picture I can't forget:

“He never skied without his own gear. It would be like using someone else’s toothbrush. “
“He’s never liked the sound of time passing him by”

After a fully-satisfying story, Jill provides personal reflections on how this story is rooted in her own life. Have no doubt, if you like this genre, A Father for Bella will resonate with you.

[Laurie Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FATHER FOR BELLA, by Jill Weatherholt, reminded me of the wonderful writing of Grace Livingston Hill. For those of you who don't know who that incredible author was, it's a HUGE compliment. And Weatherholt's well-written story made me cry. Happy tears. Another HUGE compliment.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotions engaged and heart all a-flutter about sums up this touching contemporary romance. Bella is sweetly determined to keep Joshua around -- preferably as her daddy! Joshua is coming around to the idea but things are a whole lot of complicated thanks to Faith and her desire to own the same inn he's determined to bid on -- and win -- in an upcoming auction. But Black Bear Inn and Ski Resort is home to the widowed mom and her daughter. And their livelihood. If Joshua follows through on his plans Faith and Bella will be left out in the cold.

Weatherholt does an incredible job of weaving the lives and hopes of this hero and heroine into a captivating love story. Both have an emotional connection to the inn and valid reasons for wanting to own it. Usually in this type of story I'm firmly on one side or other but I felt for both Joshua and Faith. Talk about emotional yo-yoing! Fractured dreams have the potential to become new memories if these two have the faith -- and the fortitude -- to create a future together.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Father For Bella by Jill Weatherholt. This is such a cute book. Single mom Faith Brennan wants to buy the Inn she is working at. It is the Inn her and her sister grew up in. She has a daughter Bella, who wants a daddy. One evening Bella took off following her puppy. Faith was looking for her when Real Estate Broker Joshua Carlson is getting ready to sign in to the Inn. When he hears a woman yelling for Bella. He takes off to help her fine Bella and the puppy. He was a stranger to Bella but she held his hand walking back to the Inn. He smelled like peppermint Bella told him. His favorite gum he said. Bella liked peppermint also. They hit it off. Not so much Faith when she finds out Joshua want to buy the Inn. A sweet romantic story. Bella is the hit of the book. I enjoyed it very much.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute story and an quick and easy read. I liked this story about 2 people both fighting to own an Inn they both love and the adorable little girl who brings them together.

[charmaine White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing

Quick moving,there's something going on all through the story.I really enjoyed this book.I laughed and I cried and I cried then I laughed some more.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received my copy of 'A Father for Bella' yesterday and finished it today. Jill Weatherholt's writing is filled with warmth, compassion and kindness. Her reminder to believe and trust despite the circumstances is inspirational. As with her debut novel, 'Second Chance Romance,' Jill Weatherholt offers an uplifting ending with many twists and turns along the way. She creates characters that you want to meet IRL ... and she makes you crave a really GOOD cup of coffee!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Jill Weatherholt takes me away from the nasty world out there, and places me gently and comfortably into a place where love wins. And through her words, her readers understand the possibilities, and believe in them. In Weatherholt's second book, her writing is even more evocative and descriptive - the setting in the Virginia mountains is perfect for a scared widow and mom of an adorable young daughter. The Inn she manages means security and peace for Faith, yet with the season of snow and wind, in barges the son of the Inn's owner, intent on making changes that will leave Faith homeless and less able to handle her loss. But through faith and joy (names of two characters, as well as two attributes that help all the characters find themselves), love succeeds. Beautifully written. I finished the book believing in happy endings.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the story and how you can overcome adversity and trust God

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young widow and a real estate broker compete to win the bid on an inn in Virginia. For Faith, it means owning her childhood home. For Joshua, it means hanging on to his deceased mother’s favorite place in the world. Five-year-old Bella, Faith’s daughter, just wants a family with both a mom and a dad...
(Opening line)-“After a cold day on the slopes, come in for a warm stay at the Black Bear Inn and ski Resort, voted Shenandoah Valley’s most popular inn!”-radio advertisement
A sweet, gentle read. The characters are drawn realistically, the romance is there but not overplayed, and the plot is attention-grabbing. Very enjoyable; great for reading in a bubble bath!

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When real estate broker Joshua Carlson arrives at the quaint old inn his father plans to auction off, it’s with mixed feelings. His mom loved the building, and he wants to honor her wishes with a large-scale renovation, but his dad is determined to sell it out of the family portfolio- so, he’ll just have to do it without him knowing.

Faith Brennan has a long history with the Black Bear Inn; she grew up in the house and is now the single mom is the inn’s manager. She’s determined to save her heritage for her young daughter, Bella, and if that means going up against the handsome Joshua to win… well, game on.

I love Bella, she’s a scene stealer, lol.

This is a sweet romance between two damaged souls and the little angel who brings them together. A wonderful read!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title is a bit of a give away, but while reading I began to think it impossible. This can be labeled as a second chance story but not what usually comes to mind. While the story is about Faith and Joshua, it's Bella that stole my heart!
This was such an enjoyable story to read. It's believable, it's a clean read with a slow building romance and the characters share their faith or the lack of it. The author did a wonderful job of describing the scenes without over doing it. I'm anxious to read more from this author.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a bit too much annoyance wirh Joshua o Faith’s part for me to totally enjoy this book. However it was very cute!

[Toth Jo-Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a special story. Its about 2 people who have lost someone at different points in their lives. Faith Brennan lost her husband to her husband to a few years ago. While Joshua Carlson lost his mom just recently. Then there is Bella. Its a story of letting go and a coming of terms. Its also about acceptance for Faith. She blames herself for the death of her husband. Its a well written story that gives you a little look into loss. It also gives you a idea of the struggles of a single parent. A lot of single parent homes are not by choice. Its usually by the loss of someone. Its a well written story that was a joy to read

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story with lots of tension and believable characters.

Bella is a child who desires a father. When she meets Joshua, she becomes very attached to him which her widowed mother worries about since he is a temporary guest at the inn she manages and lives at.

However, is Joshua just a guest passing through or someone who may cause Bella and her mother, Faith, to lose their home?

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FATHER FOR BELLA by Jill Weatherholt is the heartwarming story of Faith Brennan – widowed Mom and the manager of the Black Bear Inn and Ski Resort in Whispering Slopes, her adorable 5 year old daughter Bella, and Joshua Carlson - real estate broker.

Faith and Joshua have a similar goal – to own the inn. Faith is determined to be the high bidder when the inn goes on the auction block. She’s not about to lose the place she has always known as home much less uproot her daughter. Joshua is equally determined to fulfill a promise to his dying mother – the only one that showed him love and direction growing up – to keep the inn in the family. A little part of him also wants to prove to his dysfunctional, unfeeling, hardnosed father that he can make it on his own. To Joshua, money is no object. Even when his father cut off his trust, he is able to get financial backing.

Each have their own share of heartache from the past. Faith’s husband died fighting a fire in an occupation she had pushed him into leaving her to raise Bella on her own. Giving her all her love, she still wonders if she is adequate in playing the part of both parents. Joshua was divorced by the woman he loved over money – or lack of it rather. When he had the falling out with his father and left the firm, the temporary lack of money and status had her running into the arms of a wealthier man leaving him broken.

Bella, on the other hand, has all she needs – a Mom that loves her and Plato her loveable new puppy – except for her own true dream – a Dad. From the moment she sets eyes on Joshua when he finds her lost in the big black forest on that cold late afternoon, she fell in love with him and felt he would be her Dad someday. She wraps herself around his heart with her smile, endearing ways and by just being Bella.

Who is going to have the high bid to get the inn? Will dreams be shattered? Will a fire at the inn bring them all closer? Even if they join forces, will outsiders derail the plans? Can Joshua’s father’s heart be thawed when faced with events of the past? Can Bella’s desire for a father come to fruition?

Jill Weatherholt does an amazing job of presenting both Faith’s and Joshua’s side that there’s no way to choose sides but rather you ride the middle hoping that the distance between them merges into one. A FATHER FOR BELLA is about determination, forgiveness, hope, love and faith all rolls into one truly amazing story. It’s a story that will have you crossing your fingers and hoping right along with Bella.

I immensely enjoyed reading A FATHER FOR BELLA and I feel you would too. I highly recommend it!

[Marian Beaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love triangles and a delightful daughter with a personality plus populate the pages of this endearing novel, A Father for Bella. A “Love Inspired” novel of faith and forgiveness, Jill Weatherholt’s second book entices the reader with family secrets, long-buried dreams, and a simmering love story.

As the book blurb suggests, “When single mom Faith Brennan discovers the Virginia Inn she grew up in is for sale, she’s determined to make a bid. Even if that means going head-to-head with handsome real estate broke Joshua Carlson.” The author’s skilled use of dialogue as she reveals character, along with her vivid description makes the novel a page-turner for more than just the plot resolution. I was not surprised to learn that the author has a college degree in psychology and a background in paralegal studies, both qualifications that contribute to the novel’s ring of authenticity.

Early on, readers learn that Faith has lost her husband: “ . . . dressed in a tan pantsuit with a long-sleeved chocolate turtleneck underneath, Faith topped off her coffee and placed it into the microwave for one minute. Her heart squeezed as she recalled how special Sunday morning coffee used to be before Chris died.” As the novel progressed, readers learn how accidents involving both fire and ice inform the motivations behind the main characters’ decisions.

In an open letter to readers at the book’s conclusion, Weatherholt assures the reader that faith is an antidote to fear, a fear she herself has experienced firsthand. Do visit the fictional town of Whispering Slopes in the verdant and real Shenandoah Valley and immerse yourself in a heart-felt story with a happily ever after ending.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. When Joshua Carlson comes to stay at the Black Bear Inn for an entire month Faith is surprised. Most guests only stay for a quick weekend of skiing. That name, Carlson, sounds familiar to Faith, but Joshua isn’t saying much about who he is or why he’s there. She won’t press. After all, he did help her out in a tremendous way respecting her young daughter, Bella, as soon as he’d arrived.

Eventually, Faith finds out about Joshua’s real intentions and she’s heartbroken.
Presently, living in the little cottage on the Inn’s property has been home for Faith and Bella. Thinking about having to say goodbye to the property is overwhelming. But focusing on that while trying to manage the Inn’s restaurant is counterproductive, so instead Faith pours her energy into finding a way to keep her home.

Bella is getting attached to Joshua, and Faith is getting worried. But is she concerned about little Bella’s feelings for “Mr. Joshua,” or her own?

There’s so much to love about A Father for Bella. The wintry setting drew me in with its ski resort and cozy inn. Little Bella was adorable, and Faith’s reluctance to let go of the memory of her deceased husband while also fighting her attraction to Joshua kept me engaged in the story until the end. Add to that an accident, a calamity and a bit of mystery, and you’ve got a story that will keep you guessing and entertained until the final page.

If you enjoy a sweet read with a HEA that will leave you feeling relieved and fully content, then A Father for Bella is for you.

[Hayley Tackett-Sebring · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It’s Joshua. I’ve got our girl, and we’re on the way home.”
Is by far my favorite quote in this story.
That was all Faith heard before the phone went dead in the middle of a snow storm. This should have been her sign that Chris was okay with her moving on and letting Bella have a dad. The only thing this six year old has ever wants. The story was extremely hard for me to get into in the beginning. Why would you let a total stranger help you find your kid within two minutes of knowing him? Due to that, the whole story made me feel very detached, just about up until the quote I mentioned above. I like Josh, and I like Faith. But I don’t like how Faith is constantly being so rude to Josh. They can both want to purchase the inn for different reasons and not have to be completely against each other. Eventually they end up seeing eye to eye and decide to try and put their differences aside and become partners and pool their money in order to purchase the inn. Only this doesn’t go as planned… Read “A Father For Bella” today to find out if Bella, Faith and Joshua get their “happily ever after” or if their dreams will never happen. The reason I didn’t rate this story 5 stars is because I felt so detached, until over half way. As well as the fact that I felt the story was rather “bulked up” with useless storylines. I would have rather seen the relationship between Bella and Josh, as well as Faith and Josh grow and prosper, as well as seen a better ending to the story.

[Dora Hiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raised in a household with an absentee dad, Joshua intends to buy the Inn his late mother adored, the one his father plans to auction. Yeah, I know, right? Talk about dysfunctional. Cue single mother Faith. She manages the Inn now, but has lived on the property since childhood. Buying the Inn will provide her and daughter Bella with a forever home and follow through with a dream she shared with her late husband. Both want the Inn for very strong reasons. Jill Weatherholt really knows how to ramp up the conflict!

This book has it all! A kind and handsome hero who wants to do the right thing. A feisty single mom who’s willing to fight for the security she craves for her and her daughter. An adorable little girl who speaks her mind and has her heart set on claiming Joshua as her daddy. A light, organic spiritual thread. Conflict that keeps ratcheting up, leaving you to wonder if Faith and Joshua would ever get their happily-ever-after. And just when you think the book’s drawing to a close, BOOM! Another obstacle! How could I stop turning pages?? I didn’t! lol.

Disclaimer: I purchased my copy of A Father for Bella. This review is my fair and unbiased opinion, and I was in no way compensated.

[Irene Frances Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just have to commend this author for the way she gradually let readers know of the past that mattered to the current story, without info-dumping in the very first scene. It takes skill to do it right, and Ms. Weatherholt excelled at it.

And who doesn't want to read a story about the most adorable young girl in the literary world?! Bella is fully transparent with her wishes and knows how to go about making those wishes come true.

I thought it was very admirable that the author didn't make everyone in the book perfect...we're not perfect, so why should fictional characters be perfect? Faith is untrusting and sometimes overreactive...sound like anyone you know? Of course, it does. And Joshua is delightful in every way but he has demons he needs to wrestle and as is always the case when us imperfect humans attempt that wrestling match, we falter along the way. And this, readers, is just a few of the factors that make this story so relatable.

Thank you, Ms. Weatherholt, for painting a picture with imperfections that make the total look of the masterpiece more realistic. Wonderful story...I can hardly wait for the next one from this author.

[Sherida Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Father for Bella is a joy to read!

With a hero like Joshua Carlson...responsible, honest, hardworking, handsome, caring, tender and faithful, I knew from the start A Father for Bella would be a wonderful, satisfying romance....and reading just got better as I came to know Faith Brennan and her darling daughter, Bella. With the charming setting of the Black Bear Inn being the center of contention between the couple, tension mounts as the two confront painful pasts and attempt to work together, both to save the inn and to bring happiness to a fatherless child.

What I loved about this story: a virtual visit to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley during the winter season, the many interesting characters, especially little sweetie Bella, and the gentle reminders of walking in faith. I shed a few tears during the difficult moments, but joyfully celebrated a touching ending. I loved this story and look forward to more books by Jill Weatherholt.

Favorite quote: “You’re never alone when you put your trust in Him.”

[Luanne Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just realized that I had forgotten to review Jill Weatherholt's second book. I had read and reviewed Second Chance Romance, and although I was not used to reading Christian Romance, I loved the book. The question for me was "can Jill pull it off again?"
Yes, she did. A Father to Bella pits a young widow against a handsome realtor when they both want (no, need) to buy the old inn that Faith manages. Faith's young daughter Bella knows a good man when she sees one, but it will take Faith much longer--through plot twists and turns. I enjoyed the read enormously and am hoping for the TV movie version SOON! Loved this book!

[Bette Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A handsome man who wants to do the right thing. An independent single mom who’s battling for the security for herself and her young daughter. And then there's Bella, Faith's little girl who desperately wants a father. There are plenty of obstacles for all three main characters to overcome and the author knows how to keep readers turning the pages. "A Father for Bella" was a well-written love story on many levels. ~Bette A. Stevens, author or award-winning picture book AMAZING MATILDA and other books for children of all ages and adults too.

[Mary Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant

I found this treasure of a book especially poignant and moving. Technically, the book is almost perfect in written form. The author writes in a way that makes the reader feel the good times and bad times of each character. It was refreshing to see both the ups and the inner turmoil of the characters as that is real life. I could see a movie based on this book, and especially if Christmas is thrown in at the end. Five stars.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy stories about charming inns and this one was such a delight to read. Both main characters were seeking to make good on promises to loved ones and were after the same goal. How Faith and Joshua went about trying to achieve their goals made for a page-turning read. Little Bella was such a heartwarming part of the story. With its snowy setting, it’s a great book choice for winter (or anytime!).

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story of loss, forgiveness, love and hope for the future. I especially love the character Bella. She has a special way of touching the hearts of the people in her life. Great read. I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.

[Gail Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winter resort, an adorable 5 year old, a mother, and a desperate man. All wrapped up with a romantic bow. This was my first book by Jill Weatherholt. It won't be the last. Loved her writing, characters, and plot.