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Once Upon a Church House #1
Abigail
Abigail Price, a recently widowed church secretary, receives a letter from an old friend, urgently requesting her presence for the opening of the Mountain Springs Church in rural Idaho. Though things are difficult at the moment, financially and otherwise, she splurges on a train ticket, not quite knowing how she’ll scrape up the funds for the return trip.
Chad Patterson’s boxing career is cut short when his ailing father insists he return home to Mountain Springs to run the family sawmill. Bitter over his premature exit from the boxing circuit, Chad is even less thrilled to discover his father’s work crew is a hodgepodge of misfits, ex-cons, and all-around troublemakers.
To make matters worse, some do-gooder pastor has arrived into town and won’t quit hounding everyone about attending his church opening festivities. Plus, some hoity-toity church lady seems to think Chad and his men should simply fall in line with her every demand when it comes to cleaning up the church grounds. It doesn’t help that she’s too pretty for her own good and his rascal logging crew is all too happy to oblige. Or the way he finds himself leaping to her aid in the hopes of coaxing one of those rare but intoxicating smiles from her…
ONCE UPON A CHURCH HOUSE is a sweet and inspirational historical western romance series with a dash of magic and time travel.
Pastor Zach Shepherd feels called to plant a church in rural Mountain Springs, Idaho, a place his friends warn him is unredeemable. However, he’s a firm believer in miracles and scoffs at their dire predictions of his pending failure. He quickly sizes up the renegade collection of mostly male town folk and determines what they need (in addition to salvation) is a woman’s touch to straighten them out. Throwing on his matchmaker hat, he prays God will send a few saved and sanctified women his way to get the first marriages rolling. He specifically prays for the kind of women legends are made of — from the Bible days — never dreaming how swiftly nor how thoroughly his prayers would be answered!
Chad Patterson’s boxing career is cut short when his ailing father insists he return home to Mountain Springs to run the family sawmill. Bitter over his premature exit from the boxing circuit, Chad is even less thrilled to discover his father’s work crew is a hodgepodge of misfits, ex-cons, and all-around troublemakers.
To make matters worse, some do-gooder pastor has arrived into town and won’t quit hounding everyone about attending his church opening festivities. Plus, some hoity-toity church lady seems to think Chad and his men should simply fall in line with her every demand when it comes to cleaning up the church grounds. It doesn’t help that she’s too pretty for her own good and his rascal logging crew is all too happy to oblige. Or the way he finds himself leaping to her aid in the hopes of coaxing one of those rare but intoxicating smiles from her…
ONCE UPON A CHURCH HOUSE is a sweet and inspirational historical western romance series with a dash of magic and time travel.
Pastor Zach Shepherd feels called to plant a church in rural Mountain Springs, Idaho, a place his friends warn him is unredeemable. However, he’s a firm believer in miracles and scoffs at their dire predictions of his pending failure. He quickly sizes up the renegade collection of mostly male town folk and determines what they need (in addition to salvation) is a woman’s touch to straighten them out. Throwing on his matchmaker hat, he prays God will send a few saved and sanctified women his way to get the first marriages rolling. He specifically prays for the kind of women legends are made of — from the Bible days — never dreaming how swiftly nor how thoroughly his prayers would be answered!
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2020
71 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Jo Grafford
166 books664 followersJo is an Amazon bestselling author of heartwarming cowboy romantic suspense stories, with a few Texas-sized detours into humor.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
Join Cuppa Jo Readers at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa.... Join her newsletter at https://www.JoGrafford.com.
Jo also writes clean western historical romance and cozy mysteries as Jovie Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
January 26, 2020
Abigail
Abigail who is recently widowed moves to Mountain Springs to work with the new pastor Zach. Abigail meets Chad who has recently moved back to be with father.
I enjoyed both the characters and look forward to reading more of this series. Chad cared for his father who was sick. Abigail was so inspirational. I loved the time travel back to the Bible times.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
Abigail who is recently widowed moves to Mountain Springs to work with the new pastor Zach. Abigail meets Chad who has recently moved back to be with father.
I enjoyed both the characters and look forward to reading more of this series. Chad cared for his father who was sick. Abigail was so inspirational. I loved the time travel back to the Bible times.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
January 21, 2020
Amazing!
Something new and amazing for Jo Grafford. The time travel part was really good and I was hoping to read more of this story. Too bad every story needs an ending. Good thing this one is happily ever after! Can't wait to read more from this new series. Read Abigail. It's worth it. 😉
Something new and amazing for Jo Grafford. The time travel part was really good and I was hoping to read more of this story. Too bad every story needs an ending. Good thing this one is happily ever after! Can't wait to read more from this new series. Read Abigail. It's worth it. 😉
March 23, 2020
A very unique romance.
I love the premise of this series. A pastor is called by the Lord to build a new church in a very rundown town in Idaho (it’s 1891). He prays for many things to assist with the church build and one of them is a church secretary. Fortunately he knows someone that will fit the bill, recently widowed Abigail Price.
Abigail receives an asked for sign from God that she should take Pastor Zach’s offer. She spends the last of her money on a train ticket west/northwest to Idaho.
Chad Pennington is a champion boxer and receives a letter from his pa that he needs to come home to Idaho. His pa is sick and wants to see his only son before he passes.
The attraction between Chad and Abigail is instant but neither of them have any plans to act on that attraction. God and Pastor Zach have other plans.
I really enjoyed this story. There are elements I certainly did not expect but by the end I came to appreciate. Both protagonists are very likeable. Chad is very engaging and swoony. Abigail is not the preachy woman I expected to meet. Instead she is a strong woman trying to change her miserable circumstances by trusting in the Lord, although skeptical because she feels forsaken by Him.
My one criticism is that the reader is not treated to more of what brings both characters to the other. Both are attracted but then it is a whirlwind that moves them from attraction to love. I would have rather had the whirlwind stretched a bit.
I also want to note that I don’t search out Christian fiction/romances. I have stumbled on several Christian romances that I’ve loved. This book’s theme is most definitely grounded in Christian themes and redemption. That said, I was very pleased with the way the author braided Christian themes into the plot.
It was well done, without being religious or preachy. I will be reading the next book about Rachel.
I love the premise of this series. A pastor is called by the Lord to build a new church in a very rundown town in Idaho (it’s 1891). He prays for many things to assist with the church build and one of them is a church secretary. Fortunately he knows someone that will fit the bill, recently widowed Abigail Price.
Abigail receives an asked for sign from God that she should take Pastor Zach’s offer. She spends the last of her money on a train ticket west/northwest to Idaho.
Chad Pennington is a champion boxer and receives a letter from his pa that he needs to come home to Idaho. His pa is sick and wants to see his only son before he passes.
The attraction between Chad and Abigail is instant but neither of them have any plans to act on that attraction. God and Pastor Zach have other plans.
I really enjoyed this story. There are elements I certainly did not expect but by the end I came to appreciate. Both protagonists are very likeable. Chad is very engaging and swoony. Abigail is not the preachy woman I expected to meet. Instead she is a strong woman trying to change her miserable circumstances by trusting in the Lord, although skeptical because she feels forsaken by Him.
My one criticism is that the reader is not treated to more of what brings both characters to the other. Both are attracted but then it is a whirlwind that moves them from attraction to love. I would have rather had the whirlwind stretched a bit.
I also want to note that I don’t search out Christian fiction/romances. I have stumbled on several Christian romances that I’ve loved. This book’s theme is most definitely grounded in Christian themes and redemption. That said, I was very pleased with the way the author braided Christian themes into the plot.
It was well done, without being religious or preachy. I will be reading the next book about Rachel.
January 15, 2020
This was definitely an unexpected story line for me! I don't want to give away any spoilers but it was intriguing! When Pastor Zach shows up in this godforsaken town in Idaho, I think I would have just kept traveling on! It really was a "nothing" kind of town! However, he felt called to be there so he stayed a wanted to renovate the church there that was practically falling down. There were no women in town so he invites a woman that he used to know to move there and be his church secretary named Abigail! She's a spunky thing! All the men in the town are pretty much rabble rousers!!! The sawmill owner's son, Chad, comes to town and he certainly needs religion in his life so Abigail sets out to teach him a thing or two. Pastor Zach and Abigail were very relentless in their attitude of being witnesses of Christianity and charity to the whole town! They literally change the attitudes of people in the town just by being kind. I think that's a lesson for all of us! Great story!
February 8, 2020
I clicked on this book without reading the blurb and was glad I had no preconceived ideas about what was going to happen in its pages. Because, let's face it, it went to a very unexpected place! 😊
I enjoyed Abigail (and Chad's) story. The things she had suffered were awful and I was so glad Pastor Zack wrote to Abigail because she needed a serious 'out' of her situation!
Chad's character grew on me, but that often happens with the gruff, rough-and-tumble types. 😉 His protective tendencies warmed my heart.
It was a fascinating story, to say the least, although I'm personally not one that processes whirlwind romances (pardon the pun... you'll get what I mean when you read the novel!) very well. I felt Abigail and Chad's relationship was rushed once they stopped squabbling... but each to their own!
NB I received an ARC of this book.
I enjoyed Abigail (and Chad's) story. The things she had suffered were awful and I was so glad Pastor Zack wrote to Abigail because she needed a serious 'out' of her situation!
Chad's character grew on me, but that often happens with the gruff, rough-and-tumble types. 😉 His protective tendencies warmed my heart.
It was a fascinating story, to say the least, although I'm personally not one that processes whirlwind romances (pardon the pun... you'll get what I mean when you read the novel!) very well. I felt Abigail and Chad's relationship was rushed once they stopped squabbling... but each to their own!
NB I received an ARC of this book.
February 17, 2020
Abigail is book one is Jo Grafford’s new series Once Upon a Church House. It is a quick read so the characters aren’t deeply developed but you do learn enough about them to care about what happens to them. The premise of the series is an interesting one - a town with only one woman (and she’s old and only mentioned once) until a pastor comes to town and rebuilds the old church. In the process he starts bringing women to the town. The book also has some time travel to Biblical times which implies time travelers had a role in the outcome of the Biblical event they visited. I look forward to reading more in this series.
There would not be a problem adding this clean romance novel to my k-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary e-copy Abigail. This is my honest review.
There would not be a problem adding this clean romance novel to my k-12 Christian school library.
I received a complimentary e-copy Abigail. This is my honest review.
January 14, 2020
Loved this book!! I admit, I'm not a huge fan of time travel, so wasn't sure how I was going to like this book, Jo's first with time travel in it. However, I LOVED it!! I like that both Abigail and Chad went back, and the unique way it happened!! I love that Chad was open to changing, and that he realized what God was trying to do through Abigail. Abigail knew she was falling for Chad, but also realized how much Chad needed God. Can't wait to read the next one!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
January 25, 2020
Christian time travel with supernatural.
This is a sweet Christian, sort of, time travel. Unlike traditional time travel this is from the "wild West" of 1880's to Biblical times. I love the writing, Character development and storyline. It just seemed like the differences between the Hero and heroine could have been explored and a little more time in developing a relationship before the marriage proposal. The ending chapter felt a little rushed to me. Looking forward to the next book.
This is a sweet Christian, sort of, time travel. Unlike traditional time travel this is from the "wild West" of 1880's to Biblical times. I love the writing, Character development and storyline. It just seemed like the differences between the Hero and heroine could have been explored and a little more time in developing a relationship before the marriage proposal. The ending chapter felt a little rushed to me. Looking forward to the next book.
January 25, 2020
I want to start by saying I usually do not like time travel stories, but I loved this one. Strangely it made sense. The second thing I’d like to tell you is if you are not already familiar with the story of David and Nabal, it is in 1st Samuel 25. If there were two people you would not put together it would be Abigail and Chad, a believer and a scoffer. Jo Grafford brings wonderful characters and story line to this book. The worse part was finding out I have to wait until March for Rachel to come out.
January 22, 2020
The characters were OK, but the language was all over the place, chronologically speaking––a strange mix of slang from the 17th to 20th centuries plus an attempt at 1600s English dialog for characters set in Judah in 1018-1010BC. (Why?)
The romance kinda hit from out of nowhere, as did his change of heart, but I guess because it's such a short story...
I'm not sure what the purpose of the time travel bit was except to show the main characters a side of the other that they'd not seen yet.
The romance kinda hit from out of nowhere, as did his change of heart, but I guess because it's such a short story...
I'm not sure what the purpose of the time travel bit was except to show the main characters a side of the other that they'd not seen yet.
February 2, 2020
Abigail (Once Upon a Church House Book 1)
This was an emotional story. Poor Abigail had such a hard time. Her husband had died, she had three miscarriages, and her brother in law had evicted her from her elegant home. She had to Kiev in a one room store room. She had received a letter from a pastor friend w acting her and her husband to come to Idaho to help with a church he was starting. She decided to go and it was a new beginning for her.
This was an emotional story. Poor Abigail had such a hard time. Her husband had died, she had three miscarriages, and her brother in law had evicted her from her elegant home. She had to Kiev in a one room store room. She had received a letter from a pastor friend w acting her and her husband to come to Idaho to help with a church he was starting. She decided to go and it was a new beginning for her.
February 23, 2020
Abigail
Great story filled with romance and humor. I very much enjoyed both the faith and time travel element. I wasn’t sure how those two elements would play out! The author used them quite effectively to further the story line. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I’ve enjoyed this author’s books and look forward to enjoying reading more in the future.
Great story filled with romance and humor. I very much enjoyed both the faith and time travel element. I wasn’t sure how those two elements would play out! The author used them quite effectively to further the story line. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I’ve enjoyed this author’s books and look forward to enjoying reading more in the future.
May 25, 2020
Wonderful story.
I enjoyed this first story in this series. It has a really good surprise in it, and I am assuming it will be in all the books in this series.
Get ready for a great adventure for both the hero and heroine.
Rule breaking minors in a very run down town with no law.
I highly recommend this story of a historical western town and a new preacher who was sent to this run down town who also becomes a matchmaker in this all men and one woman town.
I enjoyed this first story in this series. It has a really good surprise in it, and I am assuming it will be in all the books in this series.
Get ready for a great adventure for both the hero and heroine.
Rule breaking minors in a very run down town with no law.
I highly recommend this story of a historical western town and a new preacher who was sent to this run down town who also becomes a matchmaker in this all men and one woman town.
January 17, 2020
Do you ever wish you could meet somebody in history or just go back in time. When you have faced trials and heartache do you dream of a second chance for happiness? Abigail has seen hardship in her life and wants a second chance. We know time travel is imaginary fun. This short novel will encourage and give hope for a second chance.
January 26, 2020
This was an absolutely charming story. I didn't expect the time travel element and the faith of the pastor determined to open a church where no one wants it. The relationship of Abigail and Chad who are both unbelieving of miracles will be given a wonderful gift. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
March 18, 2020
I’m not very fond of time travel books but I have to say this book surprised me. I loved the characters, especially Abigail. I had goose bumps at the descriptions of landing back in the time of David. The author just brought so much of the beauty of God about in this story. The romance is sweet and clean. I’m so excited for the next story!
April 14, 2021
Abigail
This book tells the story of a young woman who was forced,by her in-laws, to leave her home after her husband’s death. She meets a young man who is called home as his father is very ill. The town is very uncivilized with no women present and only rough and rowdy men. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This book tells the story of a young woman who was forced,by her in-laws, to leave her home after her husband’s death. She meets a young man who is called home as his father is very ill. The town is very uncivilized with no women present and only rough and rowdy men. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
January 14, 2020
The surprise elements
This is a refreshing book with elements of old west,religion,time travel and romance. I can't wait to read the next one. One would wonder how these elements could be wound together but the author does so seamlessly. A delightful book.
This is a refreshing book with elements of old west,religion,time travel and romance. I can't wait to read the next one. One would wonder how these elements could be wound together but the author does so seamlessly. A delightful book.
January 14, 2020
Loved this Biblical Time Travel
I love how Chad and Abigail 's romance went from 1890's AD back to 1100 BC! Salvation and hope for new beginnings were the theme of this book. Characters were real and funny. Must read! - Babs
I love how Chad and Abigail 's romance went from 1890's AD back to 1100 BC! Salvation and hope for new beginnings were the theme of this book. Characters were real and funny. Must read! - Babs
January 15, 2020
Time to travel to another place
Very unexpected. The preacher had unwavering faith. He knew where God was leading him. Because of his obedience great favor was given
Very unexpected. The preacher had unwavering faith. He knew where God was leading him. Because of his obedience great favor was given
January 17, 2020
Loved this! Such a unique story! I could hear the rams horn blowing. So inspiring to see Abigail find her faith again. I highly recommend Abigail if you like inspirational stories with a twist.
January 18, 2020
This was a fun and
very interesting book. It had a time travel element that was easy to read. I really liked the story line.
I recieved an advanced copy of this and voluntarily left my review.
very interesting book. It had a time travel element that was easy to read. I really liked the story line.
I recieved an advanced copy of this and voluntarily left my review.
January 21, 2020
Different
This book was different. I finished it and can't wait for the next one, but it was just different then what I'm used too.
This book was different. I finished it and can't wait for the next one, but it was just different then what I'm used too.
January 22, 2020
Wonderful story with the old west, Religion and time travel in twined all together. Delightful story and can’t wait for the next one.
September 16, 2020
Great book!
March 1, 2024
GREAT
This was such a great book… LOVED IT!! I loved the characters and the environment. This was a fun book to read.
This was such a great book… LOVED IT!! I loved the characters and the environment. This was a fun book to read.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews