What do you think?
Rate this book
A Reason to Love #4
A Reason to Trust
Ethan’s a lifelong runner, but he can’t outrun the past.
Ethan Hawkins is an all-star soccer player for the Spokane Sounders and engaged to the runway model Amelia Ricci. By all appearances, he should be happy, but he isn't. There's something missing in his life but he just can’t pinpoint it. When tragedy strikes in his hometown of Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, nearly ten years after leaving, Ethan must take a trip to his past. It’s here where Ethan can finally find the answers to the questions his heart has held onto for so many years.
Facing the most painful parts of our past isn’t always easy, but with God’s help, it can bring healing. Our brokenness can be mended when we turn to our Creator and let Him guide our steps in the right direction.
Can Ethan find joy in surrendering? Can he overcome his giants? Find out when you pick up your copy of the inspirational Christian romance, “A Reason To Trust.”
172 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 8, 2019
244 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
T.K. Chapin
108 books245 followersT.K. CHAPIN writes Christian Romance books designed to inspire and tug on your heart strings. He believes that telling stories of faith, love and family help build the faith of Christians and help non-believers see how God can work in the life of believers. He gives all credit for his writing and storytelling ability to God. The majority of the novels take place in and around Spokane Washington, his hometown. Chapin makes his home in the Pacific Northwest and has the pleasure of raising his daughter with his beautiful wife Crystal. To find out more about T.K. Chapin or his books, visit his website at www.tkchapin.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
April 1, 2019
I received an advance reader copy of A Reason to Trust from the author, T.K. Chapin. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I am a huge fan of T.K Chapin. All his books deal with real life, every day scenarios and he so effortlessly draws you into the lives of his characters.
I have grown to love Spokane and Diamond Lake through the stories told by Chapin. I was taken by surprise when the main character in this book, Ethan, leaves Spokane to return to his childhood home in Texas, only to admit he was living a lie in Spokane. Such a twist. You had me totally confused their T.K. Good one on your part.
A Reason to Trust is a beautifully written story tackling redemption. One of my favourite quotes of all time - spoken by the thief hanging alongside Jesus that dreadful Friday afternoon - is: "Jesus, remember me when you come I to your kingdom". To which Jesus replied: "Today you will be with me in paradise". Many of us feel undeserving of this grace. But this story so innocently portrays that no matter if you are young with years ahead of you or whether you are old and frail on your death bed, Jesus redemption is there for you. All you need is to believe and accept.
A great story dealing with loss, redemption and love.
I am a huge fan of T.K Chapin. All his books deal with real life, every day scenarios and he so effortlessly draws you into the lives of his characters.
I have grown to love Spokane and Diamond Lake through the stories told by Chapin. I was taken by surprise when the main character in this book, Ethan, leaves Spokane to return to his childhood home in Texas, only to admit he was living a lie in Spokane. Such a twist. You had me totally confused their T.K. Good one on your part.
A Reason to Trust is a beautifully written story tackling redemption. One of my favourite quotes of all time - spoken by the thief hanging alongside Jesus that dreadful Friday afternoon - is: "Jesus, remember me when you come I to your kingdom". To which Jesus replied: "Today you will be with me in paradise". Many of us feel undeserving of this grace. But this story so innocently portrays that no matter if you are young with years ahead of you or whether you are old and frail on your death bed, Jesus redemption is there for you. All you need is to believe and accept.
A great story dealing with loss, redemption and love.
April 3, 2019
A Reason To Trust by T.K. Chapin is a contemporary Christian novel that explores love and loss, faith and forgiveness, restoration and new beginnings.
Once again T.K. Chapin has written a marvellous novel that reveals the heart of God. “I deserved Hell but You gave me life.” God does not give us what we deserve because of Jesus. He loves us with an everlasting love. God longs for us all to walk with Him. When we wander off, He leaves the ninety nine to relentlessly pursue us. “You [a character] might have left me, but I learned that God stayed.” Even when others or ourselves walk away, like the father in the prodigal son, God watches and waits before running towards us when u-turn towards Him.
Loss hurts. Loss plus guilt weighs heavy. “He thought he’d had more time.” We are not guaranteed tomorrow so must not let the sun go down on our anger.
As Christians we have the hope of Heaven but we still grieve. Death hurts but “Christians don’t grieve like the world but like people with hope.” Our goodbyes are really ‘see you laters”
The novel explores what true treasure is. It is God and people. No amount of money will ever be greater than the love that others have for us.
We all have that God-shaped hole that only He can fill. We chase after all sorts of worldly things when we really need to be still and be caught by God.
T.K. Chapin has written another perfect story revealing the heart of God. This book is full of scripture that has the power to draw you closer to God.
I want to leave you with my favourite and powerful quote on loss:
“God doesn’t take them away… They were only on loan to us.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Once again T.K. Chapin has written a marvellous novel that reveals the heart of God. “I deserved Hell but You gave me life.” God does not give us what we deserve because of Jesus. He loves us with an everlasting love. God longs for us all to walk with Him. When we wander off, He leaves the ninety nine to relentlessly pursue us. “You [a character] might have left me, but I learned that God stayed.” Even when others or ourselves walk away, like the father in the prodigal son, God watches and waits before running towards us when u-turn towards Him.
Loss hurts. Loss plus guilt weighs heavy. “He thought he’d had more time.” We are not guaranteed tomorrow so must not let the sun go down on our anger.
As Christians we have the hope of Heaven but we still grieve. Death hurts but “Christians don’t grieve like the world but like people with hope.” Our goodbyes are really ‘see you laters”
The novel explores what true treasure is. It is God and people. No amount of money will ever be greater than the love that others have for us.
We all have that God-shaped hole that only He can fill. We chase after all sorts of worldly things when we really need to be still and be caught by God.
T.K. Chapin has written another perfect story revealing the heart of God. This book is full of scripture that has the power to draw you closer to God.
I want to leave you with my favourite and powerful quote on loss:
“God doesn’t take them away… They were only on loan to us.”
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
March 27, 2019
I liked this book because it proved that we can trust GOD no matter what. He is always willing to pursue us even we reject Him. He lets us go thru the pains of our wrong choices but always has His arms open to receive us back. Father Son Holy Spirit is love & have included us in their relationship. When we open our eyes as Ethan did we see the reality of His never leaving us or forsaking us! And when we are willing to forgive we can get our trust back as Jessica learned.
April 8, 2019
When Ethan returns home after a decade he realized that his life in Spokane was empty. Watching Ethan and his siblings relationship start to grow will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. Jessica is a amazing woman who is trying to make a good life for her son. Jessica and Ethan are struggling to get past just being friends. Ethan’s life completely changes when he sits down and reads his fathers prayer journal. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. This book is truly inspirational and you won’t be able to stop reading it. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
March 31, 2019
First, I want to thank T.K. Chapin for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.
T.K. Chapin is back with an extremely powerful book that immediately pulls on your heart strings on A Reason to trust. T.K. keeps out doing himself in every book he writes. His material he writes gets better and better and this one proves my point. You will want to call your father after this book is done, hold your son or daughter a little closer, and mend any fences may need mending.
One major thing I commend T.K. on is that he designs and creates the most beautiful covers. They are so classy and the couples look so much in love! It is one of the aspects that draws you into the story.
In true T.K. form his characters try to find their way back to God.
If you have read his other books you will see two of my favorite characters revisit. Charlie and Serenah from Diamond Lake pay a visit with their little girl. With as much as I read about Diamond Lake I now want to go visit there! It sounds beautiful.
T.K. Chapin dedicated A Reason to Trust to his beautiful wife Crystal. She is his inspiration and his muse. She is a wonderful wife, amazing mother, and the best person he has ever met. She has stood by him with every decision he has ever had to make along the way. Being a faithful reader of T.K.’s you can just tell how much he loves his wife and family. His admiration shines through In his written word.
Thank you T.K. for taking the opportunity to thank us early readers for reading your book. You opened up my eyes to a whole new genre that I have fallen in love with. I am blessed that Candid Book Reviews introduced us years ago and that I joined your ARC team shortly after that. With each book your writing has grown as has your subject matter. I should be thanking you for the opportunity to review for you.
T.K. Chapin is back with an extremely powerful book that immediately pulls on your heart strings on A Reason to trust. T.K. keeps out doing himself in every book he writes. His material he writes gets better and better and this one proves my point. You will want to call your father after this book is done, hold your son or daughter a little closer, and mend any fences may need mending.
One major thing I commend T.K. on is that he designs and creates the most beautiful covers. They are so classy and the couples look so much in love! It is one of the aspects that draws you into the story.
In true T.K. form his characters try to find their way back to God.
If you have read his other books you will see two of my favorite characters revisit. Charlie and Serenah from Diamond Lake pay a visit with their little girl. With as much as I read about Diamond Lake I now want to go visit there! It sounds beautiful.
T.K. Chapin dedicated A Reason to Trust to his beautiful wife Crystal. She is his inspiration and his muse. She is a wonderful wife, amazing mother, and the best person he has ever met. She has stood by him with every decision he has ever had to make along the way. Being a faithful reader of T.K.’s you can just tell how much he loves his wife and family. His admiration shines through In his written word.
Thank you T.K. for taking the opportunity to thank us early readers for reading your book. You opened up my eyes to a whole new genre that I have fallen in love with. I am blessed that Candid Book Reviews introduced us years ago and that I joined your ARC team shortly after that. With each book your writing has grown as has your subject matter. I should be thanking you for the opportunity to review for you.
April 2, 2019
A Reason to Trust is another in a long line of captivating books by T.K. Chapin. T.K. has the ability to create such real characters that you almost feel as though you are reading about someone that you actually know. He makes you care about the characters, and he makes you think about them after the book has finished. A Reason to Trust centers around a rising soccer star, Ethan, who left his hometown and his family years ago and never looked back. A tragedy back home forces him to return to the town he never wanted to see again, and to people that he thought he put out of his life forever. Not long after his return he is faced with the "one who he let go"--Jessica. It is a difficult reconnection and doesn't go as smoothly as Ethan had hoped it might.
The storyline for this book is great, I only feel that the last third of the book was a bit rushed. The characters are so well-developed, I really wanted more detail on their reconnection. I wanted more depth to that part of the story. I hope that we see them again in a future book so that we can continue to learn more about their relationship and how it has progressed.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The views expressed are completely my own.
The storyline for this book is great, I only feel that the last third of the book was a bit rushed. The characters are so well-developed, I really wanted more detail on their reconnection. I wanted more depth to that part of the story. I hope that we see them again in a future book so that we can continue to learn more about their relationship and how it has progressed.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The views expressed are completely my own.
April 6, 2019
Often, we allow our past mistakes to keep us from the blessings God has for us. In this story by TK Chapin, we are presented with this issue.
Ethan is a man who has walked away from his family and friends because of a mistake he made. Can he right the wrong? Or is it too late? Does he even want to go back to that time and relive all the pain?
This story is a story about forgiveness and healing, and yet it also is about loss and love.
Whenever I pick up a TK Chapin book, I know it will touch me deeply. This book did just that. It was full of life lessons and bits of hope. I always love when a book has many wonderful quotes to tuck inside of our hearts. This book has many. One should quote is:
“There are mistakes in the past that people regret long after God has already forgiven them. The only difficulty a person encounters is their inability to let God’s forgiveness wash over them. For if a person does let forgiveness invade their life wholly, they would have no other option but to forgive those who have wronged them.”
Wow! Those are powerful words!
Thanks, TK Chapin for writing this story. I know it will touch others in a deep way.
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Ethan is a man who has walked away from his family and friends because of a mistake he made. Can he right the wrong? Or is it too late? Does he even want to go back to that time and relive all the pain?
This story is a story about forgiveness and healing, and yet it also is about loss and love.
Whenever I pick up a TK Chapin book, I know it will touch me deeply. This book did just that. It was full of life lessons and bits of hope. I always love when a book has many wonderful quotes to tuck inside of our hearts. This book has many. One should quote is:
“There are mistakes in the past that people regret long after God has already forgiven them. The only difficulty a person encounters is their inability to let God’s forgiveness wash over them. For if a person does let forgiveness invade their life wholly, they would have no other option but to forgive those who have wronged them.”
Wow! Those are powerful words!
Thanks, TK Chapin for writing this story. I know it will touch others in a deep way.
I highly recommend you pick this book up and read it.
I was given this book by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 30, 2019
Reading Ethan’s story reminded me of an expression I have heard: “You can never go home.” Maybe some would say it depends on how you define home. The story may shed a new perspective on that, although it’s not the premise of this book. Ethan stayed away ten years and didn’t go back until he received a call from his sister that their father had died. Even as he was on his way, he questioned if he should continue or go back to his current life. He had practically burned his bridges when he left, so going back for just a few days for a funeral was difficult. Although his father was now gone, his siblings and many of his old friends were still there. It was too late to apologize to his father but what about others he had done wrong or neglected? Could he make things right with them? Did he even want to? Only God could make a difference and he had lived a number of years away from God. What a mess he had made of important relationships! Maybe you have messed up some relationships. Learn from Ethan and don’t wait too long. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
September 20, 2019
In book 4 of “A Reason to Love” series, Ethan is an all-star soccer player and a lifelong runner that can’t outrun his past. He is engaged to the runway model, Amelia Ricci, and should be happy, but he isn’t. He can’t pinpoint that something that is missing in his life. Then ten years after leaving his home town of Cotton Falls,Kansas, a tragedy strikes and Ethan must take a trip back to his past. Will he finally find the answers to the questions his heart has been holding onto for so many years? Even though it isn’t easy, will he find God again and bring healing by facing the most painful parts of his past? Will Ethan find mending for his brokenness and joy by surrendering to his Creator by letting Him guide his steps in the right direction? Can he forgive himself and overcome his past? “A Reason To Trust” is a well written Christian romance of forgiveness with great characters. I loved this book by author T.K. Chapin. I was gifted this book, but this honest review is done by my choice.
April 8, 2019
A Reason to Trust is another winner by TK Chapin. As with all his books, it deals with real life issues and emotions. This is story of a father's unconditional love, redemption and restoration. The characters in his stories are realistic and relatable.
Ethan left home ten years ago to persue his own life. He left Jessica behind when she needed him most. He cut himself off from his father completely and turned his back in God. Now he returns home for his father's funeral. He comes face to face with his siblings, Jessica, his own life choices and the void and loneliness that had become his life.
This is an easy read but emotional.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ethan left home ten years ago to persue his own life. He left Jessica behind when she needed him most. He cut himself off from his father completely and turned his back in God. Now he returns home for his father's funeral. He comes face to face with his siblings, Jessica, his own life choices and the void and loneliness that had become his life.
This is an easy read but emotional.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2019
Wow!
With each book T.k.Chapin for as a writer and a Christian.His inspirational stories touch my soul.
In this book we see Ethan's journey to God's healing,redemption and forgiveness.I loved the story especially the parts about the prayer journals and sharing the Gospel with his shop teacher.
This book affirms the fact that the death of a loved one can bring you closer to the Lord.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic fiction with a strong inspirational message.
With each book T.k.Chapin for as a writer and a Christian.His inspirational stories touch my soul.
In this book we see Ethan's journey to God's healing,redemption and forgiveness.I loved the story especially the parts about the prayer journals and sharing the Gospel with his shop teacher.
This book affirms the fact that the death of a loved one can bring you closer to the Lord.
This book is recommended for those who love Christian romantic fiction with a strong inspirational message.
January 4, 2020
It is a contemporary romance, but it is so much more
This is a contemporary romance, but it is so much more! It is more a story of God's amazing grace and forgiveness for us. In all our sin, turning our backs on Him, He chooses to forgive. In this story, Ethan has been estranged from his father for the years and needs to find forgiveness for what he thought was coldness in his father's part. When Ethan left, he had broken up with Jessica who had miscarried. Read this amazing story of true forgiveness!
This is a contemporary romance, but it is so much more! It is more a story of God's amazing grace and forgiveness for us. In all our sin, turning our backs on Him, He chooses to forgive. In this story, Ethan has been estranged from his father for the years and needs to find forgiveness for what he thought was coldness in his father's part. When Ethan left, he had broken up with Jessica who had miscarried. Read this amazing story of true forgiveness!
March 29, 2019
Whew, so much emotion in this book. Loved it! How God can use friends and family to lead us into giving and receiving forgiveness, drives this story. How painful to believe we can stuff old hurts and manage to live a fruitful life is also highlighted. Such an exceptional author writing such exceptional books!!!! Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
April 4, 2019
This is a story of a father’s eternal love and the prodigal son coming home to finally find and except forgiveness, mercy and peace through a reconnection with his faith. As in all of T.K. Chapin’s books, you see real life situations that you can identify with personally or know first hand someone that can. He makes his characters come to life as though it’s you or someone you know, making the reading experience both touching and personal. Another exceptional Christian novel!
April 7, 2019
Ethan captured my heart right off the bat!! My heart ached for him as life dealt him a blow that he was not ready for! He left home years ago leaving behind his family and his first love. Now he has to go back home and face them all while denying his feelings and his relationship with God. The author has tackled another issue many of us have in our lives with dealing and compassion. I read this story in one sitting. I received a free copy of this book and chose to write a review.
April 8, 2019
Somethings can be put off too long. T. K. Chapin brings a story of a family with a riff that has gone on too long. Ethan left his family ten years ago never dreaming he would never talk to his father again. His father’s unusual will forces Ethan to make some hard choices. This is a great story of forgiveness, understanding and family unity.
July 28, 2019
AMAZING!!!!!!!!
This book is amazing!!! It proves beyond a shadow of doubt, at least to me, that God will repay to his children, a hundred fold what the enemy has stolen from us. This is a poignant reminder to me that God loves beyond the ability for us to understand and He cares for us and desires a relationship with us.
This book is amazing!!! It proves beyond a shadow of doubt, at least to me, that God will repay to his children, a hundred fold what the enemy has stolen from us. This is a poignant reminder to me that God loves beyond the ability for us to understand and He cares for us and desires a relationship with us.
August 11, 2023
T.K. Did not disappoint. He uses situations that are ever present in these times and I always learn more about who God is. God never leaves our side and uses circumstances to bring us back to Him. Trusting in Jesus is an every day occurrence and putting Him first is very important in out Christian walk.
February 15, 2024
Fantastic ending to a Contemporary Christian fiction series!
This was a fantastic ending to a Contemporary Christian fiction series! After reading this series, I would love to visit and see Diamond Lake for myself -- if such a place actually exists in Washington state? Recommended for older teens and above.
This was a fantastic ending to a Contemporary Christian fiction series! After reading this series, I would love to visit and see Diamond Lake for myself -- if such a place actually exists in Washington state? Recommended for older teens and above.
April 11, 2019
A sudden death brings a new life
So many lost years with his family, Ethan is forced to look at his life to see what he is really lacking. A beautiful journey back to God and the best He has to offer.
So many lost years with his family, Ethan is forced to look at his life to see what he is really lacking. A beautiful journey back to God and the best He has to offer.
April 25, 2019
Ethan and Jessica
A lovely story written from a Christian viewpoint. Ethan and Jessica were childhood sweethearts but grew apart. He became a star player for a soccer team and she became a teacher. When Ethan's father died and he has to return home things are set in motion.
A lovely story written from a Christian viewpoint. Ethan and Jessica were childhood sweethearts but grew apart. He became a star player for a soccer team and she became a teacher. When Ethan's father died and he has to return home things are set in motion.
May 28, 2019
A Reason To Trust
Once again I am able to say how much I enjoy Chapin's books. They cheer me to see how God is so entwined in their everyday lives. Each book is an encouragement that we can entrust our lives into the hands of the One who knows and loves us best.
Once again I am able to say how much I enjoy Chapin's books. They cheer me to see how God is so entwined in their everyday lives. Each book is an encouragement that we can entrust our lives into the hands of the One who knows and loves us best.
January 9, 2024
Loved it
What an awesome story about how true love can bring such happiness. Especially when God is in the center of it all. I wish much happiness for Ethan, Jessica and her son, Andrew.
What an awesome story about how true love can bring such happiness. Especially when God is in the center of it all. I wish much happiness for Ethan, Jessica and her son, Andrew.
April 8, 2019
This book is so good! T. K. writes about real life issues and the characters are so real. The book was hard to put down. I enjoyed reading this book so much. Can’t wait for the next book!
June 17, 2019
Inspired author!
T.K. Chapin may become my favorite author! This is the second book I have read by T.K. Both were outstanding, can't stop reading! Looking forward to the next one.
T.K. Chapin may become my favorite author! This is the second book I have read by T.K. Both were outstanding, can't stop reading! Looking forward to the next one.
January 29, 2020
A series I was sad to see end. The interwoven characters and theme were so good.
May 3, 2021
Love it
Taking the long way back home. Good story.
Fav quote
....his heart swelled with thankfulness. Though he couldn’t understand just how deep God’s love was for him.....
Taking the long way back home. Good story.
Fav quote
....his heart swelled with thankfulness. Though he couldn’t understand just how deep God’s love was for him.....
April 9, 2023
Love survival
I liked how he was able to admit his faults and return to God' s Word. I like how after many challenges his girlfriend was able to trust and marry him.
I liked how he was able to admit his faults and return to God' s Word. I like how after many challenges his girlfriend was able to trust and marry him.
December 22, 2023
Ethan caused so much pain when he left his hometown 10 years ago. It was a story filled with emotion and the healing that only Jesus brings us.
November 1, 2019
Kindle Unlimited
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews