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Cowboy Crossing #3
A Secret Baby in the Show Me State
A midnight tryst, an unknown admirer and a baby that is delivered to church with just a short note.
On the day Deacon Hudson was set to be ordained, a bundle shows up at the church with a simple note on it. Deacon Hudson is the father. Take care of her.
Deacon knows he’s not the father. The Immaculate Conception was a one time thing. But the baby needs a parent, and he has to decide if he will give up his life dream of being a pastor to take the child, despite the fact that the note is a lie. Can he do it without resenting the child?
Blair Dixon made an unthinkable decision and sacrifice, driven by the unfathomable love a mother has for her child.
She served her time. Now she’s back to fix the mess she made.
It might not be possible to straighten everything out.
It’s definitely not possible for her to get everything she wants – the best everything for her daughter and the love of the cowboy she chose to be the father.
But small town gossip can be vicious, and unless she comes up with a plan, she could ruin his life a second time.
After what she’d done, love was impossible. Or was it?
Books in the Cowboy Crossing series:
1. Best Friends in the Show Me State
2. Sold! in the Show Me State
3. A Secret Baby in the Show Me State
4. The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State
5. A Marriage of Convenience in the Show Me State
6. A Second Chance in the Show Me State
7. A Mistletoe Mishap in the Show Me State
8. His Best Friend’s Sister in the Show Me State
On the day Deacon Hudson was set to be ordained, a bundle shows up at the church with a simple note on it. Deacon Hudson is the father. Take care of her.
Deacon knows he’s not the father. The Immaculate Conception was a one time thing. But the baby needs a parent, and he has to decide if he will give up his life dream of being a pastor to take the child, despite the fact that the note is a lie. Can he do it without resenting the child?
Blair Dixon made an unthinkable decision and sacrifice, driven by the unfathomable love a mother has for her child.
She served her time. Now she’s back to fix the mess she made.
It might not be possible to straighten everything out.
It’s definitely not possible for her to get everything she wants – the best everything for her daughter and the love of the cowboy she chose to be the father.
But small town gossip can be vicious, and unless she comes up with a plan, she could ruin his life a second time.
After what she’d done, love was impossible. Or was it?
Books in the Cowboy Crossing series:
1. Best Friends in the Show Me State
2. Sold! in the Show Me State
3. A Secret Baby in the Show Me State
4. The Beast Gets His Cowgirl in the Show Me State
5. A Marriage of Convenience in the Show Me State
6. A Second Chance in the Show Me State
7. A Mistletoe Mishap in the Show Me State
8. His Best Friend’s Sister in the Show Me State
165 pages, ebook
Published May 26, 2020
848 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
April 16, 2021
I borrowed A Secret Baby in the Show Me State from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Blair Dixon comes back to Cowboy Crossing, her hometown to help her mother and the try to make up for her mistakes. She is an ex-con trying to turn her life around for the better.
Seven years ago she left her infant daughter, Tinsley with Deacon Hudson and mess up his chance to become an ordained pastor. He has raised Tinsley as his daughter, loves her completely and doesn't regret how God changed his life.
Deacon works at a mill part-time, farms and is an unpaid assistant pastor. Blair seems an unlikely soul mate, but that is what he finds with Blair in A Secret Baby in the Show Me State, which is an awesome Christian romance.
Blair Dixon comes back to Cowboy Crossing, her hometown to help her mother and the try to make up for her mistakes. She is an ex-con trying to turn her life around for the better.
Seven years ago she left her infant daughter, Tinsley with Deacon Hudson and mess up his chance to become an ordained pastor. He has raised Tinsley as his daughter, loves her completely and doesn't regret how God changed his life.
Deacon works at a mill part-time, farms and is an unpaid assistant pastor. Blair seems an unlikely soul mate, but that is what he finds with Blair in A Secret Baby in the Show Me State, which is an awesome Christian romance.
July 10, 2020
Too preachy
The story line is ok but the emphasis on the religious really detracts. The fact that this is a religious tone is not made clear in the blurbs introducing the book, nor does it in the write up of the following books.
The story line is ok but the emphasis on the religious really detracts. The fact that this is a religious tone is not made clear in the blurbs introducing the book, nor does it in the write up of the following books.
February 21, 2021
A Secret Baby In The Show Me State is a story of a girl named Blair Dixson that was part of the popular crowd in high school and when she became pregnant she left as to not hurt her Mama anymore. The day that Deacon Hudson is being reviewed to become a minister, a baby girl in a carseat is left on the church's front steps with a note that Deacon was her Daddy. He was not named the minister of Cowboy Crossing that day but, he stepped up and followed the plan God set in front of him to raise that little girl. He never complained about it as it was something that needed to be done. It is five years later and he finally was approved to be a full fledged minister however, they had already hired a full time minister so Deacon was working a full time job and helping out doing volunteer work that the minister could not get all done.
When Blair comes back to Cowboy Crossing to see how her Mama is doing she finds her MS was progressively getting worse. She feels she will have to stay and care for her but knew she would need a job. Deacon seen her the day she got back to town. He had a crush on her but did not run in the same crowd as she had. This time with his weekly visits with Mrs. Dixson he meets her after all these years. He had heard she had served time in prison but didn't know why as he had been busy with college and getting all his minister requirements. As soon as he sees her it brings the feelings back. Deacon is a man that believes God can forgive any past sins and you can build a new reputation. There are whispers at church and Blair knows they are about her. Deacon had asked her Mama to teach the junior church but when he seen her that day he knew she was worse. He asks Blair to teach in her place and all the parents were so excited at the job she did. The complainers were people that just wanted to complain. Deacon had a comeback that was not mean but instead stated he would put them teaching that class then you heard all kinds of reasons they couldn't teach. Blair and Deacon working together become more and more in love. They tell him to leave her if he wants to take over being the full time minister. He said she is what God meant for him and come what may.
When Blair comes back to Cowboy Crossing to see how her Mama is doing she finds her MS was progressively getting worse. She feels she will have to stay and care for her but knew she would need a job. Deacon seen her the day she got back to town. He had a crush on her but did not run in the same crowd as she had. This time with his weekly visits with Mrs. Dixson he meets her after all these years. He had heard she had served time in prison but didn't know why as he had been busy with college and getting all his minister requirements. As soon as he sees her it brings the feelings back. Deacon is a man that believes God can forgive any past sins and you can build a new reputation. There are whispers at church and Blair knows they are about her. Deacon had asked her Mama to teach the junior church but when he seen her that day he knew she was worse. He asks Blair to teach in her place and all the parents were so excited at the job she did. The complainers were people that just wanted to complain. Deacon had a comeback that was not mean but instead stated he would put them teaching that class then you heard all kinds of reasons they couldn't teach. Blair and Deacon working together become more and more in love. They tell him to leave her if he wants to take over being the full time minister. He said she is what God meant for him and come what may.
June 6, 2020
Deacon Hudson was a good guy who always wanted to be a preacher. Just when he thought everything was going to work out great, a newborn baby girl shows up on his doorstep with a note attached saying that he was the baby's father. He had never had a relationship with anyone so he knew that was an impossibility but this baby needed a father so he took it on but in the process lost the opportunity for his dream job.
Years later, Blair Dixon returned to the small town of Cowboy Crossing where she had grown up. She had a bit of a wild reputation and had served a prison term for something that happened when she was hanging out with the wrong crowd. She knew that Deacon Hudson's little girl, Tinsley, was really her little girl, but no one else could know her secret. But, when Deacon began to spend time with Blair and seemed to enjoy their time together and even wanted more, she wasn't sure she deserved his love. She could never measure up to the kind of good person that Deacon was. But, Deacon wouldn't buy that. He knew that God forgave our sins because we are all sinners who need forgiveness.
I was a bit frustrated with the hypocritical attitudes of some of the gossipy locals who didn't want to see Blair get a second chance. I know that happens, especially in a small town, sometimes, but I was so glad that there were some, including Deacon and his family, who were supportive of Blair's desire to change and be a better person.
There is a wonderful happy ending which I absolutely love. This book is a clean romance with no foul language and no graphic sexual details. This book is about forgiveness and the healing power of love.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Years later, Blair Dixon returned to the small town of Cowboy Crossing where she had grown up. She had a bit of a wild reputation and had served a prison term for something that happened when she was hanging out with the wrong crowd. She knew that Deacon Hudson's little girl, Tinsley, was really her little girl, but no one else could know her secret. But, when Deacon began to spend time with Blair and seemed to enjoy their time together and even wanted more, she wasn't sure she deserved his love. She could never measure up to the kind of good person that Deacon was. But, Deacon wouldn't buy that. He knew that God forgave our sins because we are all sinners who need forgiveness.
I was a bit frustrated with the hypocritical attitudes of some of the gossipy locals who didn't want to see Blair get a second chance. I know that happens, especially in a small town, sometimes, but I was so glad that there were some, including Deacon and his family, who were supportive of Blair's desire to change and be a better person.
There is a wonderful happy ending which I absolutely love. This book is a clean romance with no foul language and no graphic sexual details. This book is about forgiveness and the healing power of love.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
June 29, 2020
A Secret Baby in the Show Me State was such a beautiful story! I loved getting to finally read Deacon's story and how despite he's having made a father out of the blue, he always submitted to God's will; of course, even though he is a really nice guy to everyone around him, it was nice to see that he still sees himself as God does: as a sinner saved by grace. Also, it was fun getting to see things from Blair's POV, why she did the things she did, and how by the time the story starts, she's had a change of heart and is trying to get to know the Lord better, as well as do right by the ones she wronged. However, life after a prison sentence is not an easy one and she has to bear some of the town's whispering behind her back, though this also served to see Deacon's standing up for her.
I also loved all the Truth and Bible references that are sprinkled throughout this book, and even though there may be a couple of opinions I don't exactly agree with, I think they were minor and didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.
As for things I didn't like, one would be when Blair finally gets to meet with Tinsley. I mean, yes, she gets to spend a long amount of time with her, but since it's not one-on-one but rather with a whole group of kids, I didn't feel like it was enough for Blair to really get to know her (or maybe I just wanted a bit more of the conversation that happened while they were eating *shrugs*). The other thing would be that the ending seemed a bit too rushed since I honestly thought the revelation of her secret would happen differently.
Overall, this is a Christian Clean Romance and a great addition to the series (the reader even gets to see previous couples featured in this book). Can't wait for the next brother's book :) ~ 4.5 stars
I also loved all the Truth and Bible references that are sprinkled throughout this book, and even though there may be a couple of opinions I don't exactly agree with, I think they were minor and didn't take away from my enjoyment of the story.
As for things I didn't like, one would be when Blair finally gets to meet with Tinsley. I mean, yes, she gets to spend a long amount of time with her, but since it's not one-on-one but rather with a whole group of kids, I didn't feel like it was enough for Blair to really get to know her (or maybe I just wanted a bit more of the conversation that happened while they were eating *shrugs*). The other thing would be that the ending seemed a bit too rushed since I honestly thought the revelation of her secret would happen differently.
Overall, this is a Christian Clean Romance and a great addition to the series (the reader even gets to see previous couples featured in this book). Can't wait for the next brother's book :) ~ 4.5 stars
May 26, 2020
A deliciously, clean romance!
Deacon Hudson's lifelong dream was to become the pastor of his church Cowboy Crossing but that dream derailed when someone left a baby in the church with his name on the birth certificate. After seven years, he is no longer resentful and loves his daughter Tinsley. He is contented in his role as an assistant pastor but he is hoping that God will provide him with a loving wife and more children someday.
Blair Dixon is back home in cowboy Crossing after many years and a stint in prison. She wouldn't come back at all if it wasn't for her mother's illness but the MS is getting worse and her mother's good days are getting fewer and farther between. Everyone in town knows her past and they won't give her credit for the changes she has made in her life. Her 18 months of training to become a farrier will give her the income she needs to pay bills and care for her mother as long as needed but then she will leave Cowboy Crossing and her past behind.
When Deacon comes to visit Blair’s mother it is obvious that he's still the sweet clean-cut guy she knew and liked in high school. Whenever Blair is around him she feels a little stirring in her chest but a girl like her has no business even having those thoughts about a man like him.
This is such a great clean Western romance series. Jesse Guzman combines elements of faith in God with great storytelling in a way that always satisfies my love of romance but makes me feel uplifted at the same time. I don’t need steamy to enjoy a good romance. Some hand-holding and kisses work just fine for me. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
Deacon Hudson's lifelong dream was to become the pastor of his church Cowboy Crossing but that dream derailed when someone left a baby in the church with his name on the birth certificate. After seven years, he is no longer resentful and loves his daughter Tinsley. He is contented in his role as an assistant pastor but he is hoping that God will provide him with a loving wife and more children someday.
Blair Dixon is back home in cowboy Crossing after many years and a stint in prison. She wouldn't come back at all if it wasn't for her mother's illness but the MS is getting worse and her mother's good days are getting fewer and farther between. Everyone in town knows her past and they won't give her credit for the changes she has made in her life. Her 18 months of training to become a farrier will give her the income she needs to pay bills and care for her mother as long as needed but then she will leave Cowboy Crossing and her past behind.
When Deacon comes to visit Blair’s mother it is obvious that he's still the sweet clean-cut guy she knew and liked in high school. Whenever Blair is around him she feels a little stirring in her chest but a girl like her has no business even having those thoughts about a man like him.
This is such a great clean Western romance series. Jesse Guzman combines elements of faith in God with great storytelling in a way that always satisfies my love of romance but makes me feel uplifted at the same time. I don’t need steamy to enjoy a good romance. Some hand-holding and kisses work just fine for me. I received an advance copy but my review is honest and voluntary.
May 31, 2020
This ls a redemption story with a twist(s).
I couldn't wait to read Deacon's story from when I first met him and I wanted to find out why he was raising a daughter (Tinsley) that wasn't his blood, from the first page of his book, his story had me hooked I couldn't stop reading I picked it back up when i woke up the next morning and finished it.
Alot of the time in stories the man has the tarnished reputation and the woman is the goody two shoes, it was refreshing to see that switched
I didn't know what I was gonna think of Blair (i didn't read the description of the book before i started reading it) after i found why she gave up her baby i felt for because she had " made an unthinkable decision and sacrifice, driven by the unfathomable love a mother has for her child." I also felt for Blair because she couldn't forgive herself for giving up her baby ( nobody knew she had a baby not even her mother) and her past reputation, many of the towns people wouldn't let her forget reputation but Deacon build her up even though she felt unworthy of forgiveness and to have good things in her life which made me adore him more than I already did.
I'm happy that there wasn't a big blow out on Deacon's part when he found out the truth about Tinsley.
Im giving this story a 4.5 because I wanted to see Tinsley more in the story, I wanted to see the Daddy/ daughter relationship but other than that this story made you feel alot of different emotions like a romance book should.
I'm so ready to read Inez's story, I can't wait!!!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I'm voluntary leaving my honest review
I couldn't wait to read Deacon's story from when I first met him and I wanted to find out why he was raising a daughter (Tinsley) that wasn't his blood, from the first page of his book, his story had me hooked I couldn't stop reading I picked it back up when i woke up the next morning and finished it.
Alot of the time in stories the man has the tarnished reputation and the woman is the goody two shoes, it was refreshing to see that switched
I didn't know what I was gonna think of Blair (i didn't read the description of the book before i started reading it) after i found why she gave up her baby i felt for because she had " made an unthinkable decision and sacrifice, driven by the unfathomable love a mother has for her child." I also felt for Blair because she couldn't forgive herself for giving up her baby ( nobody knew she had a baby not even her mother) and her past reputation, many of the towns people wouldn't let her forget reputation but Deacon build her up even though she felt unworthy of forgiveness and to have good things in her life which made me adore him more than I already did.
I'm happy that there wasn't a big blow out on Deacon's part when he found out the truth about Tinsley.
Im giving this story a 4.5 because I wanted to see Tinsley more in the story, I wanted to see the Daddy/ daughter relationship but other than that this story made you feel alot of different emotions like a romance book should.
I'm so ready to read Inez's story, I can't wait!!!
I received an ARC of this book from the author and I'm voluntary leaving my honest review
May 26, 2020
(4.5 stars) - Not my will but Thine be done
Deacon is one of those rare souls who loves the Lord so much that he trusts Him. Doesn't mean he doesn't get frustrated or upset when things don't work out the way he expected or wanted (which was good because otherwise he might have been too good to be believable), but he accepts that what happens is God's will for his life.
Blair is a train wreck that happened but is trying to turn her life around. What I love about her story is that she doesn't know God, but she knows Deacon. She experiences God thru Deacon's life, and his positive example & expression of God's love. Because of Deacon, she wants to know the Lord.
The author manages to do this organically, without being overly preachy or cloying (there is some preaching, he is ordained after all), while simultaneously portraying a natural physical attraction that leads to interest and then more, that is romantic without making their relationship about lust - or Blair's conversion about making Deacon hers.
I did wrestle a bit with the "bad guys" here - esp one in particular. It's based on a popular negative stereotype of Christians as hypocrites which annoys me. Unfortunately, most stereotypes are built upon some truth, and I can't exactly say it's wrong, either. I have known real people similar to that, sadly.
Jessie Gussman has a gift for writing conversion & redemption stories with positive yet believable themes of forgiveness and mercy. This is definitely one of her best!
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
Deacon is one of those rare souls who loves the Lord so much that he trusts Him. Doesn't mean he doesn't get frustrated or upset when things don't work out the way he expected or wanted (which was good because otherwise he might have been too good to be believable), but he accepts that what happens is God's will for his life.
Blair is a train wreck that happened but is trying to turn her life around. What I love about her story is that she doesn't know God, but she knows Deacon. She experiences God thru Deacon's life, and his positive example & expression of God's love. Because of Deacon, she wants to know the Lord.
The author manages to do this organically, without being overly preachy or cloying (there is some preaching, he is ordained after all), while simultaneously portraying a natural physical attraction that leads to interest and then more, that is romantic without making their relationship about lust - or Blair's conversion about making Deacon hers.
I did wrestle a bit with the "bad guys" here - esp one in particular. It's based on a popular negative stereotype of Christians as hypocrites which annoys me. Unfortunately, most stereotypes are built upon some truth, and I can't exactly say it's wrong, either. I have known real people similar to that, sadly.
Jessie Gussman has a gift for writing conversion & redemption stories with positive yet believable themes of forgiveness and mercy. This is definitely one of her best!
*Clean romance level: sweet kisses, nothing graphic
May 21, 2020
A Secret Baby in the Show Me State
Jessie Gussman
Deacon was all set to become a preacher man. They were going to question him that evening and he was deep in prayer in the church. He hears a car seat being set down where he is in prayer when he finishes talking to God he noticed the baby and a pink paper written saying the baby is his. Clearly shocked knowing he hasn’t ever been with a woman he cries out to God and hears him say it’s his plan... Tinsley is now his life. He couldn’t imagine life with out her.
Blair came home to Cowboy Crossing. He mother isn’t doing well. She has MD and struggling to move. Blair has a past that she isn’t proud of. She was in prison and before that she has a baby, she had someone drop the child off to Deacon before she was locked up.
As soon as her mother is well enough she plans on leaving again. But Deacon and God have other plans!
Great story, I enjoyed reading this book.
My disclaimer...
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Any book or novels I leave reviews on are not dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. No one influenced my voluntary review for any of the books or novels I read, they are my own opinions.
Jessie Gussman
Deacon was all set to become a preacher man. They were going to question him that evening and he was deep in prayer in the church. He hears a car seat being set down where he is in prayer when he finishes talking to God he noticed the baby and a pink paper written saying the baby is his. Clearly shocked knowing he hasn’t ever been with a woman he cries out to God and hears him say it’s his plan... Tinsley is now his life. He couldn’t imagine life with out her.
Blair came home to Cowboy Crossing. He mother isn’t doing well. She has MD and struggling to move. Blair has a past that she isn’t proud of. She was in prison and before that she has a baby, she had someone drop the child off to Deacon before she was locked up.
As soon as her mother is well enough she plans on leaving again. But Deacon and God have other plans!
Great story, I enjoyed reading this book.
My disclaimer...
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Any book or novels I leave reviews on are not dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. No one influenced my voluntary review for any of the books or novels I read, they are my own opinions.
May 31, 2020
Deacon always knew what he would be when he grew up, so did everyone else. Up until the day he was to be ordained he knew he would be doing the work of God in ministry. He was that guy. Never any trouble. Never out of line. Always there when you needed him. That day he was needed by someone else. She had lived life against the rules and had paid the price. Now she's home and things are worse than she thought. She's made changes in her life but not everyone can let the past be the past. His story is one that reminds us that God's plan, God's will, God's time, may not always be what we want but it's always on time. Her message is one that will remind us that God heals, restores, and can wash us clean as snow, it's us who have to forgive ourselves.
The message is clear and delivered from many angles. This author does that well. In her stories there's always something that touches you. Something that always reaches those corners that are dark and burdened. I love her characters and her stories always walking away with that feel good type of feeling. Love her books.
The message is clear and delivered from many angles. This author does that well. In her stories there's always something that touches you. Something that always reaches those corners that are dark and burdened. I love her characters and her stories always walking away with that feel good type of feeling. Love her books.
April 22, 2022
Is she worthy or is she not?
I downloaded this book from Audible. Almost from the very first paragraph in the prologue I was in tears. Just as Deacon was to be ordained to be a preacher someone dropped off a baby with a paper saying the baby was Deacon’s. Of course it wasn’t but Deacon took her and nurtured her. Years later, Blair came back to town to help her mother with MS. She had just gotten out of prison. She felt all the people in her home town were looking at her with judging eyes and it was true of some people. I can’t imagine anyone reading this story would not be touched in the heart. An apropos quote from the book: “It was frustrating that things one did in one’s youth could close doors to opportunities for the rest of one’s life.” A few of the townspeople weren’t afraid to tell Blair to her face that she was not worthy of Deacon because of her past. Deacon could not help telling them that that was in her past but that did not seem to matter to some people. Deacon didn’t care what Blair did in her past because he loved Blair no matter what. This was very encouraging for me to listen to this story. Jessie did a wonderful job of writing this story and Jay did an incredible job of performing it. I can easily and wholeheartedly recommend reading and/or listening to this story.
I downloaded this book from Audible. Almost from the very first paragraph in the prologue I was in tears. Just as Deacon was to be ordained to be a preacher someone dropped off a baby with a paper saying the baby was Deacon’s. Of course it wasn’t but Deacon took her and nurtured her. Years later, Blair came back to town to help her mother with MS. She had just gotten out of prison. She felt all the people in her home town were looking at her with judging eyes and it was true of some people. I can’t imagine anyone reading this story would not be touched in the heart. An apropos quote from the book: “It was frustrating that things one did in one’s youth could close doors to opportunities for the rest of one’s life.” A few of the townspeople weren’t afraid to tell Blair to her face that she was not worthy of Deacon because of her past. Deacon could not help telling them that that was in her past but that did not seem to matter to some people. Deacon didn’t care what Blair did in her past because he loved Blair no matter what. This was very encouraging for me to listen to this story. Jessie did a wonderful job of writing this story and Jay did an incredible job of performing it. I can easily and wholeheartedly recommend reading and/or listening to this story.
November 20, 2022
On the day Deacon Hudson was set to be ordained, a bundle shows up at the church with a simple note on it. Deacon Hudson is the father. Take care of her.
Deacon knows he’s not the father. The Immaculate Conception was a one time thing. But the baby needs a parent, and he has to decide if he will give up his life dream of being a pastor to take the child, despite the fact that the note is a lie. Can he do it without resenting the child?
Blair Dixon made an unthinkable decision and sacrifice, driven by the unfathomable love a mother has for her child.
She served her time. Now she’s back to fix the mess she made.
It might not be possible to straighten everything out.It’s definitely not possible for her to get everything she wants – the best everything for her daughter and the love of the cowboy she chose to be the father.
But small town gossip can be vicious, and unless she comes up with a plan, she could ruin his life a second time.
After what she’d done, love was impossible. Or was it?
May 23, 2020
Deacon, a small town man, always wanted to be the pastor in his church. On the day that he was to be ordained, he was praying in the church and a baby appeared at his side, with a birth certificate that named him as the father. Although he knew it wasn't his child, he lost the chance at that time. He's raised the baby as his own and works as the assistant pastor in the church in a voluntary role.
Blair comes back to town to help her mother. Her mother is suffering from MS. Blair also wants to see the baby girl that she left with Deacon. No one knows that the baby was hers. And who was the father?
When they come together for the good of the church, there is an immediate attraction but she's a bad girl, wanting to reform and he's always been so good. Can the small town accept her as his wife?
This book is a clean romance with a heavy Chrisitan storyline. Another well written story by Mrs. Gussman.
Blair comes back to town to help her mother. Her mother is suffering from MS. Blair also wants to see the baby girl that she left with Deacon. No one knows that the baby was hers. And who was the father?
When they come together for the good of the church, there is an immediate attraction but she's a bad girl, wanting to reform and he's always been so good. Can the small town accept her as his wife?
This book is a clean romance with a heavy Chrisitan storyline. Another well written story by Mrs. Gussman.
January 17, 2021
Blair and Deacon 💞
Blair was a cheerleader and homecoming queen in high school. Deacon had his heart set from early childhood that he would be a pastor one day. So even though they were in the same class, they were not friends.
Blair fell into the wrong type of crowd, and ended up getting pregnant, and having to serve time in prison.
On the day of the decision to be voted on for Deacon to be ordained, a mysterious stranger brought a baby into the church and left. The note attached said Deacon was the father.
Seven years later, Blair comes back to town to help her mother who has MS. How will she endure living in the same town seeing her daughter with Deacon?
Lots of emotions in this story, just as in Chandler’s. And the author was spot on with how judgmental church people can be. They focus on past sins, instead of how miraculous the sinners’ redemption through Christ has changed their life. So sad.
Blair was a cheerleader and homecoming queen in high school. Deacon had his heart set from early childhood that he would be a pastor one day. So even though they were in the same class, they were not friends.
Blair fell into the wrong type of crowd, and ended up getting pregnant, and having to serve time in prison.
On the day of the decision to be voted on for Deacon to be ordained, a mysterious stranger brought a baby into the church and left. The note attached said Deacon was the father.
Seven years later, Blair comes back to town to help her mother who has MS. How will she endure living in the same town seeing her daughter with Deacon?
Lots of emotions in this story, just as in Chandler’s. And the author was spot on with how judgmental church people can be. They focus on past sins, instead of how miraculous the sinners’ redemption through Christ has changed their life. So sad.
May 27, 2020
This book reminds one that we are not defined by our past but by our love for God. Blair needed to forgive herself because God had forgiven her. I liked that Blair was a brave women and was able to turn her life around from her teenage years. She was able to return home to help her mom and tell her mom she was sorry. I think this book did a great job of showing different relationships and marriages and what kind of marriage Deacon was looking for.. I especially enjoyed getting to know Deacon and how he came to love the little baby, Tinsley that was left in his care many years ago. Deacon's story is one of hope and redemption and the cycle of life. I was so thrilled with how the story evolved and ended. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
August 18, 2020
What was God thinking?
Some tough things happen to good people in this book...shouldn't they be entitled to live a 'charmed' life? But that isn't what happened and it isn't the end of the story. There is laughter, heart warming moments and romance but once again we have a story which goes beyond physical attraction and makes us think.
This is one of my favorite quotes: “Don’t you worry about it, sweetheart. You’re right. There were a lot of late nights, a lot of tears, a lot of time on my knees begging God for you. But you know...” Her mom tilted her head and smiled tremulously. “It was hard, true. But it brought me so much closer to the Lord. In a way I needed. It wasn’t fun, and it wasn’t easy, but don’t apologize for doing something that made me a better person.”
I requested a review copy and am willingly posting my impressions of this title.
Some tough things happen to good people in this book...shouldn't they be entitled to live a 'charmed' life? But that isn't what happened and it isn't the end of the story. There is laughter, heart warming moments and romance but once again we have a story which goes beyond physical attraction and makes us think.
This is one of my favorite quotes: “Don’t you worry about it, sweetheart. You’re right. There were a lot of late nights, a lot of tears, a lot of time on my knees begging God for you. But you know...” Her mom tilted her head and smiled tremulously. “It was hard, true. But it brought me so much closer to the Lord. In a way I needed. It wasn’t fun, and it wasn’t easy, but don’t apologize for doing something that made me a better person.”
I requested a review copy and am willingly posting my impressions of this title.
May 20, 2020
I really like this series by Jessie Gussman. I loved that this book was about Deacon. I have been wondering about his story from the first book. I love that he is such a good man that he was willing to take in a baby that wasn’t his even though it threw off all his plans. I love how he helps Blair to heal and to know that her past doesn’t have to define her. I love that although neither of these people are perfect, they are perfect for each other. I love the theme of forgiveness and being able to start again to be better that is in this book. I look forward to the other books in this series.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
May 27, 2020
Book 3 in this series, and it sure doesn’t disappoint.
An interesting concept of leaving a baby at the feet of the man about to be ordained. But instead of being bitter he rises to the challenge and gave that child a happy home.
What was even more intriguing was when Blair comes back to town, she’s there to take care of her ageing mum but she also gets to meet the daughter she gave up so many years ago.
It was a touching story, you couldn’t help but feel for the both of them and it only compounded it when the town just wouldn’t give her a chance. Deacon gave her unconditional love and this helped her to heal and move forward. Loved their love story and you will too
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
An interesting concept of leaving a baby at the feet of the man about to be ordained. But instead of being bitter he rises to the challenge and gave that child a happy home.
What was even more intriguing was when Blair comes back to town, she’s there to take care of her ageing mum but she also gets to meet the daughter she gave up so many years ago.
It was a touching story, you couldn’t help but feel for the both of them and it only compounded it when the town just wouldn’t give her a chance. Deacon gave her unconditional love and this helped her to heal and move forward. Loved their love story and you will too
I received this as a complimentary copy and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
May 30, 2020
Deacon Hudson has known for a long time that he wanted to be a pastor. He lived his life to that end only to have it upset at the last moment. A baby is left at the church with a note naming him as the father. Even though he knows he is not the father, he does what is best for the child and decides to raise her as his own. Blair returns home to help her mother and meets up with Deacon once again. There is an attraction but she has served time in prison. Jessie writes stories with a lot of heart. The characters are so very real and you feel like you know them. Her stories are hard to put down. This is a wonderful sweet and clean read!
I received an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
July 23, 2020
A Secret Baby in the Show Me State
Deacon a well known and loved man who had been a loyal member of the church in his home town was preparing himself to be ordained in his home church when someone dropped off a baby beside him in the church on the day he was to be ordained. Blair the young girl who had been in trouble in her younger years came back to town to look after her mother who was suffering with MS. Blair did a lot of things in her life she was not proud of but felt she owed her mother her life and her time as she was getting sicker all the time. This was a great story on how God does not judge us on what we do or don't do. His only wish was for all people to know he died to save us from sin. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Deacon a well known and loved man who had been a loyal member of the church in his home town was preparing himself to be ordained in his home church when someone dropped off a baby beside him in the church on the day he was to be ordained. Blair the young girl who had been in trouble in her younger years came back to town to look after her mother who was suffering with MS. Blair did a lot of things in her life she was not proud of but felt she owed her mother her life and her time as she was getting sicker all the time. This was a great story on how God does not judge us on what we do or don't do. His only wish was for all people to know he died to save us from sin. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
August 28, 2020
The prologue had me! I LOVED this book, once again Jessie captured my attention, held it and captured my heart with the story. It is clean, full of humour and situations that are real‼️ My heart ached for Blair all through the book. Coming back to her hometown where the gossip and disapproval of her past was a hard choice. But her mom needed her and Blair needed to reconnect and apologize to her mom. She also needed to go back for a couple of other reasons but you can read the story to find out those😀. Deacon also captured my heart as he is the cowboy every girl dreams of...kind, compassionate, encouraging, supportive and a gentleman through and through ❤️ I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review.
March 6, 2021
I honestly think this book should become recommended reading for all new Christians. While all the Hudson brothers are good men, Deacon embodies what forgiveness and compassion should look like as a Christian.
Blaire on the other hand feels like a real person I know (maybe even myself sometimes) who has some major regrets or is coping with bad decisions. This is another fabulous story by this author with amazing characters and unique stories to tell.
Jay Dyess is an incredible narrator with a gift for voices. He brings every character to life with a unique sound and manages to retain voices when characters appear in multiple books. He has set the bar very high when listening to other audiobooks.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and original review.
Blaire on the other hand feels like a real person I know (maybe even myself sometimes) who has some major regrets or is coping with bad decisions. This is another fabulous story by this author with amazing characters and unique stories to tell.
Jay Dyess is an incredible narrator with a gift for voices. He brings every character to life with a unique sound and manages to retain voices when characters appear in multiple books. He has set the bar very high when listening to other audiobooks.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. This is my honest and original review.
January 15, 2022
How Does God Redeem Blair Through Deacon's 💗?
Though raised by a Christian Mom, Blair's poor choices as a teenager/young adult ended with her in Prison. But she gave her baby the best Father she could think of. Jessie Gussman tells Blair's Story several years later, in "A Secret Baby In The Show Me State".
Deacon loves his daughter Tinsley, even though she wasn't biologically his. He was kept busy in his Jobs, waiting for God to bring him a loving Helpmate. Could that person be Blair?
I ❤️ how Deacon sees Blair through Jesus eyes of forgiveness, not Judgement. She's very scared to tell him, that she's Tinsley's Mother. How do they get to their Lifetime 💕? I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Outstanding, Engrossing, Poignant, Inspirational, Romantic 💎, to find the answers. ❤️📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Though raised by a Christian Mom, Blair's poor choices as a teenager/young adult ended with her in Prison. But she gave her baby the best Father she could think of. Jessie Gussman tells Blair's Story several years later, in "A Secret Baby In The Show Me State".
Deacon loves his daughter Tinsley, even though she wasn't biologically his. He was kept busy in his Jobs, waiting for God to bring him a loving Helpmate. Could that person be Blair?
I ❤️ how Deacon sees Blair through Jesus eyes of forgiveness, not Judgement. She's very scared to tell him, that she's Tinsley's Mother. How do they get to their Lifetime 💕? I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Outstanding, Engrossing, Poignant, Inspirational, Romantic 💎, to find the answers. ❤️📖 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 24, 2020
Deacon Hudson was looking forward for some time to his ordination. He was a man of God awaiting his next chapter in life and church. Surprises can come in small packages or bundles, and his was one of monumental proportions. Inez Cromwell was a wonderful widowed Mom to her six children. Deacon loved Tinsley, his young daughter, with all his heart. Blair Dixon was back in town caring for her very ill Mother. All combined makes for a beautiful story. I know Jessie Gussman is a proud author of yet another enjoyable read. The more you read her books the more you want. This ARC
reader is happy to leave an unsolicited review.
reader is happy to leave an unsolicited review.
May 31, 2020
This was a story of the quiet romance of redemption and forgiveness. The romantic sizzle to be found in unselfishly seeing less in self and giving more to your significant other; even when it is no longer easy. Even when it is hard.
Deacon has loved Blair for years. Abandoned by her father, Blair looked for love in shallow relationships and for grabbing attention with momentary excitement. When she gets spiritual counseling from Deacon, she sees him for the man that she wishes that she could aspire to. Prison and other bad choices make being with him impossible, or does it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
Deacon has loved Blair for years. Abandoned by her father, Blair looked for love in shallow relationships and for grabbing attention with momentary excitement. When she gets spiritual counseling from Deacon, she sees him for the man that she wishes that she could aspire to. Prison and other bad choices make being with him impossible, or does it.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I’m leaving a voluntary review.
July 2, 2020
This book touched me on so many levels. Deacon’s unconditional love for his daughter despite the circumstances of her birth showed him to be a man of integrity. He sacrificed his life plan out of love for this little girl. He also sees the best in Blair. This made him one of my favorite heroes.
Blair didn’t think she had a choice when she left her daughter with Deacon. Now she’s back home. I like the way her character was written, she sacrificed for love of her daughter—giving her the life she deserves with Deacon.
This book is full of emotion, and real life situations. I was invested in the story from the very beginning to the very end. I loved this book.
Blair didn’t think she had a choice when she left her daughter with Deacon. Now she’s back home. I like the way her character was written, she sacrificed for love of her daughter—giving her the life she deserves with Deacon.
This book is full of emotion, and real life situations. I was invested in the story from the very beginning to the very end. I loved this book.
August 17, 2020
Loved getting to know Deacon and Blair. Blair was a popular girl in her youth that ended up in prison. Deacon always knew he was to be a Pastor, but the day he was to be ordained a baby was left at the church, with a note saying he was the Father. Blair comes home to take care of her sick Mom and can't seem to forgive herself for her mistakes in her life. The Assistant Pastor helps her find hope for a new life. I laughed and cried during this book. If you like clean stories with heart you can't go wrong with 'Secret Baby in the Show Me State'. I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
December 17, 2020
Depth of true love
This another great story by Jessie and it seems each one I read just gets better. Deacon and Blair were a very special couple who you wouldn't have ever have expected get together. Deacon for a time lost his chance to be ordained as a pastor because of Blair leaving her baby daughter at his side with a note stating he was the father, which he knew he wasn't , but he didn't state. He loved said she were his own. Ultimately she returned to care for her mother met deacon, they fell in love and after rough times due to her past and got married. Deacon had been ordained in the meantime and was associate pastor in their little hometown. Great story!
This another great story by Jessie and it seems each one I read just gets better. Deacon and Blair were a very special couple who you wouldn't have ever have expected get together. Deacon for a time lost his chance to be ordained as a pastor because of Blair leaving her baby daughter at his side with a note stating he was the father, which he knew he wasn't , but he didn't state. He loved said she were his own. Ultimately she returned to care for her mother met deacon, they fell in love and after rough times due to her past and got married. Deacon had been ordained in the meantime and was associate pastor in their little hometown. Great story!
November 21, 2021
Jessie Gussman has written an impressive story about a young mother who made the greatest sacrifice to ensure a better life for her child. At the time, the young woman did not foresee how her action would affect the young man, who was listed as the baby's father on the birth certificate. Jessie's writing and character development inspire me to want to make better decisions in my life. I am moved by her writing and I recommend her stories to others. Jay Dyess' narration was affecting and tender and his singing as the character was commendable. I was given a free copy of the audiobook and I have voluntarily left this review.
December 25, 2021
Deacon has been patient and waiting for years for God to bring him a wife. When Blair came back home to care for her mother, he was quite sure that God had been answering his prayers…
Blair was a character easily to relate to. The continuous rehashing of mistakes, having a hard time to let go and forgiving oneself sound familiar. Accepting God’s grace in its fullness is such an enormous gift and too easy. At least when one speaks about it, much less so when one starts living it. Enjoy this amazing story, as you accompany Blair as she deals with her past, confronts her doubts, and starts walking a new path in faith.
Blair was a character easily to relate to. The continuous rehashing of mistakes, having a hard time to let go and forgiving oneself sound familiar. Accepting God’s grace in its fullness is such an enormous gift and too easy. At least when one speaks about it, much less so when one starts living it. Enjoy this amazing story, as you accompany Blair as she deals with her past, confronts her doubts, and starts walking a new path in faith.
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