Love Pact with the Hero

Heroes of Freedom Ridge #2

by Liwen Y. Ho

Two best friends. One little girl’s prayers. And a love pact that may be the answer to all of their Christmas wishes.

Haven Alexander used to believe in happy ever afters—before she lost her husband and became a single mom. These days, she keeps herself busy as the event planner at Freedom Ridge Lodge, helping to make other couples’ dreams come true. Her other job? Humoring Miah, her spunky three-year-old daughter, who has a dream of her own: finding herself a daddy. This task proves challenging, though, when Miah sets her sights on Haven’s childhood friend who comes home for a visit.

Jeremiah Gilbert left Freedom a dozen years ago with a bad reputation and an even worse regret: not confessing his love for his best friend, Haven. He has returned, however, older and wiser, and ready to rekindle their friendship—and more. There’s a promise on the line, one they made in high school, that he longs to fulfill. Winning over her daughter, Miah, is easy, but helping to heal Haven’s broken heart proves to be nearly impossible.

When Miah gets into a dangerous situation, these old friends must put the past behind them and find new ways to trust in each other and in the One able to meet their deepest needs.

Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas Romance.

Genres: Romance, Christian Romance, Christmas, Christian, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Christian Fiction

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 21, 2020

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Liwen Y. Ho works as a chauffeur and chef by day (AKA a stay at home mom) and a writer by night. Her strength is in creating character-driven, deep POV romance infused with faith, humor, and happy ever afters.

In her pre-author life, she received a Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Western Seminary. She loves makeovers of all kinds, especially those of the heart and mind. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her techie husband and their two children (AKA munchkins).

Sign up for Liwen's newsletter for news about her upcoming releases, book giveaways and more at http://liwenho.com/free-book!

Reviews

[Judith McNees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I love romances with children. This was so sweet. I laughed so many times, and I even teared up a little too!

Recommended for those who enjoy small town contemporary Christian romances.

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and flirty holiday escape read.

I love the friends to more trope and this one is fabulous. There's an immediate connection between Haven and Jeremiah from the first time they meet...er re-meet...even though they've both been through a lot personally. But it's as if the fates have conspired to bring them together under the perfect little matchmaker's watchful eyes. Jeremiah is totally on board, but Haven is wary of trusting her heart and her future again.

Love the way the romance develops -- the way they slide back into their easy 'best friends banter' which is all kinds of fun. Especially since now there's an undercurrent of electricity that wasn't there before. Sometimes that charged atmosphere is in danger of melting all the lovely holiday snow! And Jeremiah's pursuit is so tender and thoughtful and weighted in prayer.

Which brings me to this lovely fact: as much as the romance is all kinds of fun, there's also a touching inspirational thread and brings added depth to this tender love story.

"God has been good to me. He took the mess I'd made of my life and brought me through it. I can honestly say that I'm grateful for everything that happened. Without the brokenness, I wouldn't have understood how much I needed Him to make me whole." (p 108)

A sweet romance centered around friends and family and the hope that comes from placing your trust in a loving Father. His plans are always the best ones!

https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...

[Rose | Adventurous Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ehh, I wish that Haven could make up her mind.
Also, I really don't like that Haven named her daughter after her childhood crush. And add to that that Miah's father (Haven's husband) literally just died. That is just weird. Am I the only one who thinks that?

[Abigail Harris]

RTC

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

“But faith without hope wasn't faith at all; it was just a pipe dream."

It's another sweet contemporary romance from Liwen Y. Ho. This series takes us to Freedom Ridge, Colorado where old high school best friends Haven and Jeremiah reconnect. They haven't kept in touch for more than ten years but the wedding of Haven's friend and Jeremiah's twin sister Jess and a “love pact” they made back in high school bring them together. In the intervening years, Haven has suffered tremendous loss and her risk-adverse, overthinking nature has turned fearful. Jeremiah, on the other hand, has shed his bad boy attitude and has fully grown up to be a steadfast, loyal, loving, patient, faith-filled man. Their story is about finding hope, holding on to love, rediscovering joy, and trusting the One who knows and loves us better than we do. If you've read the author's Billionaire series, you'll recognize Gabe Brooks in the story when he makes a cameo appearance.

I received a copy of the book from the author and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt like the characters were very immature, considering everything they had dealt with in their past. So many aspects of the story annoyed me.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful, clean romance with lovable characters, both the leading characters and Miah, Haven's adorable daughter. Haven has been a widow for four years and misplaced her faith with the death of her husband. Jeremiah has returned after a tour of duty and has his faith back after straying in high school. The old friends soon fall back into a comfortable pattern, except that they are very attracted to the other. Watch out for the prayers of little children! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this well-written story of their romance and their faith. There's a fantastic HEA. I highly recommend this to readers of clean/wholesome romance and to Christian romance readers. You won't be disappointed! I plan to read more in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series and more of Liwen Ho's books.
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this touching romance.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet Christian romance with strong characters in Haven and Jeremiah. Best friends in high school ,separated for years as their lives move forward , made a pact .. if they were both single at 30 they would marry each other. This is their story. It's well written with descriptive and detailed scenes,moves fluidly and is an entertaining read. I was hooked from start to finish and would highly recommend reading.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Esther · Rating 2 out of 5]

The entire storyline constantly gave me the ick. Haven is widowed (and speaks well of their late spouse) but then goes back and talks about her childhood crush as the one she's always loved (and as others have mentioned, naming her child after him) all really bothered me. The mother also was really pushy and very manipulative to use the 3 year old to push for a relationship. Lastly, they talk about how they don't truly know each other after only knowing as teenagers 15+yrs ago. Then they are married 3 weeks later. Not a solid foundation for a marriage.

(Side note: a 3 year old would not think "Maya/Miah" is the same name as "Jeremiah")

[Ann's Reading Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this book! It is a very cute story that made me lol several times. It was very touching watching Haven struggle with her past and overcoming the baggage of it. The ending I believe could have been handled better. It felt a bit rushed and not very realistic. But overall it was a good read and I am passing this book onto my reading buddy Temperance Johnson for her to enjoy ❤️

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven and Jeremiah have such a great relationship, even after being separated for a decade. The chemistry hummed between them. I enjoyed reading how their relationship grew and the challenges along the way. Miah was adorable and the perfect example of children will lead them. Loved it!

[MaryEllen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
Haven has had a hard time of it and now she's just going through the motions of life and faith, except in her interactions with her baby girl.

Miah was adorable. She stole the show! It was her simple, sincere prayers that opened the door to others believing that she's be getting a new daddy soon... and the nickname she gave to Jeremiah kinda gave away who she had in mind for the position!

And Jeremiah was, of course, the perfect hero—strong, capable, God-fearing... and patient.

[Renee Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet Story

I received a copy of this book...
Sweet characters.
Sweet Story.
Looking forward to reading more books in the series...

[Donna Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Two best friends. One little girl’s prayers. And a love pact that may be the answer to all of their Christmas wishes.

MY TAKE
I've loved every one of Liwen Ho's books I've read. This sweet and tender Christian romance is charming and heartwarming. Having been a young widow myself (though I had 2 children under 4 years), I understand how hard it can be. Poor Haven had lost her faith in God when she lost her husband to cancer.

Enter her long-lost best friend Jeremiah, who's changed his life around. With the help of God, these two are able to get past their wounds of the past and find a future together. With the help of a love pact.

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in this series! After meeting Haven in the previous book, it was so nice to see how she got her happy ending. I've become super partial to the name Jeremiah after reading some books where that's the leading man's name and that leading man is totally swoonworthy. This book is no exception. Jeremiah gave me all the feels. Also, Miah was just absolutely adorable and so full of faith. Leave it to an innocent child to teach us some of those deep lessons. Even though this book was written by a different author (as each in the series is) I think they still flowed together well. Now it's on to book #3.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very cute friends to more story! I loved how both characters had to go through some hard things in their lives before they were able to be together. I loved how they had to learn to trust that God was leading them even though things were scary. I loved the little girl and her faith that God could bring her a Daddy for Christmas. It was a really sweet book and I really enjoyed it.

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.

[Jaycee Weaver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super romantic

Swoony and sweet, Love Pact with the Hero is a perfect wintery romance that’s as packed full of melty kisses as it is faith truths. Just the sort of stories we’ve come to expect from Liwen Y. Ho, and I’m looking forward to checking out the Freedom Ridge books by other authors as well.

[romancejunkie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute. Jeremiah was a sweet gentleman, i adored their romance. ❤

[Priscila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Pact with the Hero is the second book in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series but it can definitely be read as a standalone.

In this book, we find Haven, an event planner, widow, and single mom to three-year-old Miah, who has lost much of her faith in God since the passing of her late husband. On the other hand, there's Jeremiah, a bodyguard who's done some mistakes in his past, but has since found and experienced the Lord's forgiveness and grace in his life. So, what brings these two together? Among other things, the aforementioned three-year-old, Jess's wedding (she's Haven's best friend and Jeremiah's twin sister), and, of course, the love pact they both signed back in HS ;)

What I loved about this book was how prominent the second chance theme is throughout this story. And while, yes, that's the "trope" for Haven and Jeremiah's romance, it's so much more than that. It's the fact that we all need second chances in our lives for the mistakes we do, and even though it's so undeserved, thanks be to God for His indescribable gift of love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace 💙 (2 Cor. 9:15). Of course, I also enjoyed the Clean/Sweet yet swoony romance, the bit of mystery/action (though I'd have definitely loved it if there had been more build-up for it throughout the book), the nicknames, Miah's interactions, the friendships and importance of family relations, as well as the Easter eggs of Billionaire Gabe Brooks #socool and Maddy the Pomeranian ;) #socute 🐕

So, if you love swoony heroes (the tall, dark and handsome type), sweet redheads (both the nearly-thirty-year-old and the three-year-old type), and second chance stories in your Christian Fiction, then you'll surely enjoy this one. Don't pass it up! ~4.5 stars

[Stox4story · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backup plans are good right? But what about plans made when you were a teenager and now you’re way past those teen years? Surely you’ve forgotten that plan by now. But when a letter arrives in the mail with that teenage plan, do you laugh and toss it aside or do memories flow back into your mind…. memories that have laid dormant for 10 looooong years.

Jeremiah and Haven were best friends in those teenage years. But life separated them and they haven’t seen each other for a decade. She’s now a single mother with a capricious three year old daughter named Miah. As for Jeremiah, he’s no longer that teenage bad-boy. He’s grown, and changed into a strong faith filled man.

The big question is, can Haven allow Jeremiah into her and Miah’s life? She’s full of hurt and pain since her husband’s death. She’s leery and has trust issues. After losing her husband, she’s lost a lot of her old self. She’s fearful and overthinks. But Miah, that precious three year old daughter, has a mind of her own. l loved reading how this spunky little girl plays her mom… okay ‘plays’ might not be the best word but that’s how I kept seeing it…. but in a good way. 😇

This is a book about growth, about love and about reclaiming what was lost by learning to trust in the One truth that is real.

I was provided an advance copy of this book. I think I’ve read just about everything this author has written and never am disappointed.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven, Jess, and Jeremiah were best friends but Jeremiah was more interested in the popular crowd and running off to join the military than staying connected. Haven is still dealing with the pain of losing her spouse and the worry raising her four year old daughter Miah, who prays daily for a daddy. She discovers she booked the wrong day for her best friend Jess's wedding at Freedom Ridge Resort, but doesn't jump right on trying to fix it and instead keeps getting distracted. Jeremiah reminds her of their teenage pact to marry each other by age thirty if they aren't with someone else and she wants to be with him, but she doesn't want anyone to know, and then she pushes him away. Jeremiah is a bodyguard, but I didn't read much about him working except for when there's a bomb threat. I was surprised that he would be with one to meet with the event planner and not his boss' assistant. Miah is a sweet precocious four year old who often speaks her mind including asking Jeremiah to be her father and deciding to call him Uncle Daddy. This was a clean faith filled romance.

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Christian Romance
🚨TW: bomb threat , stuck in the elevator

Read it if you like
🌸 Dual character story
🌸 Happily Ever After
🌸 Family
🌸 Friendship
🌸 Love Pact
🌸 Childhood friends to lovers/ Best Friend’s Brother
🌸 Christian Values
🌸 Christmas

Favourite Moments
🌸 sweet moments with Miah.
🌸 Front of the door scene (read then you know it)
��� Them relying on God
🌸 The wedding incident (read then you know it)
🌸 Them planning his sister’s wedding.
🌸 their birthdays are at the same day.
(lots more)

Swoony Moments
🌸 He cares for her and Miah
🌸 He loves the way she is
🌸He is always there for her and respected her

Review:
2nd book of the 1st Season of Heroes from Freedom Ridge Series. Love the relationship with Haven, Jeremiah and Miah. They are just so sweet together like a happy family. Miah nickname for Jeremiah is just so cute and the girl really prayed for a daddy. Love that Jeremiah tries to win Haven heart and letting her feel secure when she pushes him away but he didn’t give up. These childhood friends made a promise together that when they turned 30 and they are not married they will marry each other. But because something happened in Haven’s life she is afraid to go through all over again (can’t spoil much read then you will know it) Slowly and with the help of God and their friends advices they slowly get closer again and also you can see that they are also growing in the Lord. This book made me smile, swoon and warm.

What I learn:
“Ask and you shall receive.” The little girl prayer for a daddy. It’s so sweet. It reminds me of when I was younger I prayed for a baby brother and then God answered my prayer. God really do answer our prayer we just have to have faith. Some prayers will be answered immediately some prayers we have to wait and some prayers God will give a firm no. There are three answers that God will give us which is Yes, No and Wait. So continue to have faith in God and leave everything to Him.

Can’t wait to read the next story from this series. Next will be Healing the Hero by Elle E.Kay. It will be Daniel’s story an army ranger who also runs a restaurant in the Lodge. It will be another great read.

You can purchase Liwen Y.Ho books from Amazon and it is available in KU.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this clean and sweet Christian romance! It always tugs at my heart when a child prays for a new mommy or daddy, and little Miah brought tears to my eyes with her simple faith. It was so sweet to see how she adored Jeremiah, and he couldn’t help but respond and fall head over heels for her as well. It was the perfect happy ending, but it took a lot more convincing for Haven to accept that Jeremiah and God loved her that much. There were times I wanted to shake her because she was so stubborn, and she couldn’t see God working in her life to put such a wonderful man right in front of her. But like with all of us, God had to work a miracle in Haven’s heart first to bring her back to Himself. Thank you, Ms Ho, for such a beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption, and restoration. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author, and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

When they were 16 years old, best friends Haven and Jeremiah had a class assignment where students were to write themselves a letter saying what they hoped their lives would look like at the age of 30. They each expressed their hopes and dreams and then they agreed on a backup plan: if they were still single when they reached the age of 30, they would marry each other. The story begins with their receiving their old assignment in the mail from that long ago teacher just before their 30th birthday. But who would honor a love pact made so long ago? Not to mention that they haven’t actually spent any time together in years. I loved this premise and the book only got better as I read along. It was quite a page turner! Highly recommend! I was entrusted with a copy of this book by the author and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Vicki or Dennis Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a sweet second chance romance that will pull your heartstrings and leave you smiling at the end! But within the pages - expect some laughs, chuckles, and even tears - as this story beautifully unfolds. See how Haven and Jeremiah feel about an assignment they did in school when they were 16. Add in some sweet family members that add just the right amount of persuasion to put this couple in a great spot for their HEA. Finally, Miah only adds an extra layer of God's loving Grace as she searches for her own "daddy". I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys Christian-based sweet romance. I am sure you will enjoy this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book. This is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.

[Elizabeth]

Oh my word, this book has all the emotions. I cried, I laughed, I cheered them on.
Ever since Haven was a teenager she had been secretly in love with her best friend Jeremiah. When Jeremiah left her behind it broke her heart. Now a widow years later with a young daughter he returned. Still harboring those feelings for him but also feeling like she can't go on without her husband who died.After after getting out of the army and returning to his hometown on assignment as a bodyguard, Jeremiah comes across Haven once again. He regretted leaving her the way he did and but also still harbors feelings for her. Hoping to reconnect with her and seeing if he can get closer to her and have her open up to him.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful, tender, touching, romantic story. Haven and Jeremiah made a pact back in high school when they had a class assignment to write. It was fun to find out more about the pact. It was sad to realize that Haven had been a widow for four years with a cute, little red headed daughter named Miah. Miah was at the age she noticed other children had both a mommy and a daddy and she wanted a daddy too. I really liked this story from the great characters to the beautiful Freedom Ridge Resort. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. This book is a keeper and I could not put it down. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father for Christmas
Sweet story of second chances that will warm your heart and add some chuckle to your day!

“There’s nothing going on between us.” Haven’s stomach twisted, though, when she said those lines. If almost-kissing your friend was the definition of nothing, she needed a new dictionary.

“Some things aren’t meant to be, and that’s okay. When that happens, I trust that God has better things in store.”

I received an ARC of this book for review. I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Demi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven and Jess were best friends growing up. Jess' twin brother Jeremiah joined their ranks in high school. Haven and Jeremiah grew apart as Jeremiah went through a stage of rebellion. Then after high school he joined the service and Haven was married and had a child. Sadly the marriage ended and she is left to raise her daughter alone. Jeremiah returns home for his sisters wedding. They are both thrilled to see one another yet they both have baggage to sort through. This is a lovely book about strength and trusting in God to help you see the way. Sweet clean romance

[S B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every sweet

This was definitely Haven's story. She needed to learn to live and love again. To grow and keep her faith. And it was fostered by the faith her daughter had.

Jeremiah was a sweetheart. He knew his life was a mess, and yet he embraced the grace given by the Lord to overcome his shortcomings. Which can be difficult.

Their story was sweet and unconventional (especially with the way Haven spelled her daughter's name). But I couldn't put the book down!

A very merry christmas book indeed.