A Mother's Strength

Wander Canyon #4

by Allie Pleiter

Will finding her son a friend

lead to forever love?

Single mom Molly Kane will do anything to help her son overcome his anxieties—including enlisting former police officer Sawyer Bradshaw to give him golf lessons. Sawyer’s a loner, yet he quickly forms a bond with little Zack. And with Molly. But protecting Zack means Molly must keep her heart off-limits from Sawyer, even as her little boy draws them together…

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

Wander Canyon

Book 1: Their Wander Canyon Wish
Book 2: Winning Back Her Heart
Book 3: His Christmas Wish
Book 4: A Mother's Strength

Genres: Love Inspired, Contemporary, Romance

163 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2021

About the author

An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read]

This is a clean romance, and this is the 4th book in the Wander Canyon series. I have to say that I tried very hard to get into this book, but I just could not. This is the type of book I normally loved, so I was very sad it was just not for me. The writing style in this book was just not for me. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Wander Canyon series by Allie Pleiter, and with each new book I think “Ok, this one is my favorite.” But y’all, I really super duper mean it this time: A Mother’s Strength is my hands-down favorite.

The way Pleiter writes children is a delightful mix of adorable humor and heart-tugging depth without being over the top cutesy, and I particularly can’t wait for you to meet Zack in A Mother’s Strength. Love his heart, I could relate to him with his anxiety issues, and I melted all over the place at the dignity & affection Sawyer instinctively knew to give him from the beginning. Speaking of Sawyer, he wears quite nicely the ‘broody hero who is flabbergasted at how quickly these people worked their way inside his defenses’ persona, and I loved watching him fall hard for Molly & her son Zack in spite of the walls and armor around his heart. He and Zack were the source of most of my smiles in this book, including a few chuckles, and their similar personalities – nearly exact opposites of ‘flood of sunshine’ Molly – add an extra layer of sweetness to the story.

Molly and Sawyer’s slow burn romance is super swoony, and I really liked how Pleiter paced their journey from casual acquaintances to falling in love with a tentative friendship in between. Their kisses range from tender to passionate, but undergirding each one is a depth of emotion that brought tears to my eyes (even as I was fanning myself with delight). Watching them help each other overcome their internal and external struggles touched my heart, their opposites-attract personalities allowing them to complement each other’s strengths & weaknesses.

Bottom Line: A Mother’s Strength by Allie Pleiter is a sweet & swoony romance that also explores deeper issues like paralyzing anxiety and wounded hearts. Molly, Zack and Sawyer’s paths toward healing delightfully intertwine, and readers will experience a range of emotions as they follow the journey. From chuckling out loud to grinning like a fool, swooning blissfully, and wiping away a few stray tears, I enjoyed every page of this read and I am already eager for the next visit to Wander Canyon!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have such a soft spot for the town of Wander Canyon and the heartwarming group of people who call it home. I always get excited when Allie Pleiter chooses to return her readers to this favorite fictional town, and this beautiful story of redemption, family and God's never ending grace was exactly what I hoping for and have come to expect from this author's stories.

I found myself pulled into this story pretty quickly, and found myself sympathizing with Molly, Sawyer and especially Zack. As someone who knows first hand what a lot of these struggles can feel like, I thought the author did a fantastic job of giving these issues an authentic feel, while still properly demonstrating the struggles and frustrations surrounding those who experience them and their loved ones.

I'm someone who really enjoys when healing is a large focus of a story, and the journey that Molly and Sawyer go on throughout the pages of A Mother's Strength had me both tearing up and not wanting to put the story down. I found myself rooting for them as a couple from the start, and I loved how much Zack added to the overall story and to the developing romance.

While you definitely can read these stories out of order, they are all such fantastic stories that I don't recommend missing out on any of them. Start at the beginning, and find yourself falling head over heels for Wander Canyon and it's many caring, compassionate residents who do their best to shine a light for Jesus in their day to day lives.

Another great read from Allie Pleiter, and another highly recommended book from me.

Final Rating: 4/5.

Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for providing me with a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel to read and review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brooding man hiding out, a little boy with anxieties so big he doesn’t fully live life, and a mother who brings them together are just a few things to love about A Mother’s Strength.

Allie Pleiter welcomes readers back to Wander Canyon with some familiar faces and places, but the best part of this book is the relationships formed between Sawyer and Zach and Sawyer and Molly. The bond that quickly forms between Sawyer and Zach—two humans who are scarred and hurting—is heartwarming and proves right off that beneath Sawyer’s mysterious person and his preference to be alone, his true desire is connection.

Molly’s willingness to try something crazy to help her son is admirable. Her ability to put Zach first in everything while also wishing she could fix him is genuine. But her incessant cheerfulness is something that would definitely take some getting used to if you aren’t used to it or are trying to avoid it.

And then there’s Zach. This little boy is written so well, my heart hurt for him. I wanted him to learn that life serves up its disappointments, but it also includes such joy along the way, he didn’t want to miss it.

Readers of the other books in the series will enjoy the cameos by some of the Walkers and a few other Wander Canyon residents, but if your new to Pleiter’s books, you can pick up A Mother’s Strength and follow along without feeling like you’re missing something. I am also happy to hear this won’t be my last visit to Wander Canyon.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peace in the storm
Welcome back to Wander Canyon where “everybody knows everybody else and pokes their nose into everyone’s business”! Allie crafted a very emotional story with an optimistic “flood of sunshine” heroine, a dark and brooding hero, and “the extraordinary connection between him” and a little boy that just might heal them both. Characters path to joy will give you hope in your own sadness and struggles!
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.

[Pam Graber · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet, sweet story! So many reasons to love these characters. Sawyer, who blames himself for a tragedy and hides away in tiny Wander, working for the one business guaranteed to keep him separated from the friendly town. Molly, the strong single mother who is willing to go to the mat for her son, and who sprinkles joy and optimism in her wake. Zack, the seven-year-old bundle of anxiety who brings them together.

I didn't know who to feel the most invested in. They each had compelling reasons for their soul-deep issues.

I've always loved Allie Pleiter's books, and this visit back to Wander, Colorado was a joy. I highly recommend!

[Janice Sisemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mother’s Strength

I loved Molly, Sawyer and Zach story in A Mother’s Strength. It is part of a series but a stand alone story. I loved that the carousel was part of the story. Molly is a single mother who asks Sawyer to teach her son golf. To give her son something to do. Of course, Sawyer and Molly has their own problems to work on. This is such a special story. Molly just wants the best for her son. The friendship between Sawyer and Zach is so great.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the whole story. A mother always tries to do the best for her children and it’s hard to ask for help when you are struggling Allie Pleiter is one of my favorite authors.

[Becky Dempsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was nice to be able to visit Wander Canyon again. I had read the first book in the series, but not the two in the middle. I think having the background about Mountain Vista Resort from reading the first book helped but I wasn't totally left in the dark with having missed the middle two books. I liked Molly and Sawyer. They were realistic and easy to relate to. I liked the biblical thread woven through the story and how the characters were portrayed as perfect. Zack was a nice addition to the story. He had a multi level character that was well done. I look forward to reading more books by Allie Pleiter.

I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received for my review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. I liked Molly, she was always trying to find the positive in every aspect of her life and her sons life. I loved how she would do just about anything to help Zack fit in and calm his anxiety. Sawyer facing his own rough patch wants to help Zack but knows he is not the best but even his heart is in the right place. I really enjoyed how the author kept everything clean and the story is suitable for all. Overall such a sweet love story. so well worth it.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a heartwarming read. It's the fourth book in the Wander Canyon series, and even though I highly recommend reading the previous installments because they were so good, this one can be enjoyed perfectly fine by itself.

I really admired Molly and her willingness to try anything, even if it seemed outlandish, to help her son Zack with his anxiety. It was so great to see a parent fight for their child like that.

I could definitely relate to Zack. I've dealt with anxiety for pretty much as long as I can remember, so I really felt for the little guy and was rooting for him.

I liked Sawyer right from the very beginning. He had an air of mystery to him that had me so curious to find out more about him. He was definitely struggling with some things, but you could tell that he was a genuinely good guy. And, I've gotta say, his connection with Zack was so sweet. It was great watching him find ways to help Zack cope with his anxiety.

All in all, this was a wonderful read that really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved it and can't wait to visit the charming town of Wander Canyon again.

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Melinda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mother's Strength by Allie Pleiter is book 4 of Wander Canyon series. You can read this without reading the previous books in the story but you will enjoy the story even more if you do. Molly 's son Zack has a probably with anxiety. Molly would do whatever she needs to to help her son. Molly asks Sawyer to help Zack. It is interesting to watch the relationship between Zack and sawyer develop as well as Sawyer and Molly. Allie Pleiter develops her characters and their relationships so you feel they are friends or neighbors. I loved how Zack's anxiety was dealt with and the ways to deal with it. I enjoyed going to Wander Canyon again.

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

[Anna Mattocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mother's Strength is a heartwarming novel that I would read over and over again.

[Kaye Wingo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic book....one everybody should read

[Elaine Applebury · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story that goes through a path of darkness to get to the light! Seven-year-old Zack is a basket case of nerves! Literally! Single mom Molly Kane is so worried about all the fear and anxiety that her son, Zack, endures that she is willing to try anything to help him. Sawyer Bradshaw is a security guard at the local elite resort. Molly asks him to teach her son golf lessons. Sawyer is a somber loner who is hiding something in his past.

Allie Pleiter has created a story with all the feels! It was nice to return to Wander Canyon and the town’s carousel. Good story, good characters, and satisfying ending. I look forward to seeing what the carousel has in store for the characters of her next book!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mother’s Strength by Allie Pleiter
Wander Canyon Series
Molly Kane tries her best to stay optimistic. But, with a son like Zack, that can be challenging. Her seven-year-old son is anxious about everything. Her ex-husband is out of their lives, which didn’t help Zack either. So when the counselor suggests something that can help Zack, Molly grabs the idea and is about to ask a stranger the favor of a lifetime.
Sawyer Bradshaw moved from Denver to Wander Canyon to hide. He works at the hated golf course as a night-shift security guard, and being the town hates the course, he hopes they’ll stay away from him. However, he has secrets that he prefers to keep hidden.
Sawyer is a bit blindsided when the barista he gets his coffee from every morning after work throws out a favor. He, of all people, is not someone to help a young boy. And yet, something about the bouncy barista has him willing to say yes to anything she asks. So ends up, he understands Zack and likes the kid. Great story. Keep tissues handy if you cry easily.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

i won this ebook from the author, thanks so much! 9 29 2021

she works in a coffee shop. she had her pastor sit there when she asked a repeat customer to teach her son , who had problems, to golf. she offered free coffee for a year. he really didnt want to.

he had been a cop in another town . during a high speed chase a family was killed in the car accident. he blamed himself and left the police to work nights security at the golf course

the lady at the coffee shop had had cancer, her husband left her and their son and had no part in his life

the former cop stepped up and helped her son. he became attached to them but feared what would happen when she found out who he was

she looked into it and it didnt change the way she felt about him. he joined their church and proposed to her. she said yes and her son was happy

[Dotty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I dearly loved this book.
It is well written and clean. It can make you laugh and even could make you cry. You will feel right there as part of the story.
Molly is a single mom with and awesome special son Zack. Zack has big anxiety problems and it makes it hard for hi to be a kid and live his life as such. Molly is pretty awesome herself and is great with Zack.
Sawyer is a cop hiding out in Wander Canyon with his own hurting and scared life.
Can Sawyer and Zack help each other to heal and learn? Grab the book to find out.

I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Single mom Molly Kane is worried about her young son Zack, who struggles with fear and anxiety. Molly is ready to try anything, so she asks Sawyer Bradshaw to teach her son golf. But will Sawyer's past cast a shadow on their growing relationship?

A heartwarming story with characters that will melt your heart. My heart instantly went out to Molly and Zack, and I could just picture little Zach right away, his struggles were portrayed realistically and in such a relatable way.

Engaging story that had me emotionally invested from the start. I loved the friendship between Zack and Sawyer, and how they both help each other deal with what they are working through. Such a beautiful story, heartfelt, by the end I felt like the characters were my dear friends. Highly recommend!


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to return to Wander Canyon. One of these days I’m going to visit there in person. At least I’d sure love to because author Allie Plieter makes it sound like a wonderful place to visit.

A Mother’s Strength has well developed, true to life characters that you will grow to love. I wanted to hold little Zack close and make the hurts go away. Molly and Sawyer have issues, too, that need to be dealt with. I so appreciate Plieter’s way of writing honest characters that struggle just as we all do.

Heartwarming, heart tugging, and even a bit zany in the lengths that Molly will go to, I highly recommend A Mother’s Strength.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly is a single mother to a child who has sever anxieties. Trying to get him out of his shell she gets former police officer Sawyer to help her out. Sawyer just wants to be left alone but it seems he can't just say no to Molly and somehow she and gets him to be more open to those around.

This was a pretty cute book. It was heartwarming seeing how Molly figured out ways to get Sawyer out there. She slowly but surly got to him to get out there and I loved seeing how he was with her boy. Her boy was a ball of anxiousness and it was sad seeing how he had a hard time with things and Sawyer really got him and really helped him. I loved seeing the cute moments between Molly, her boy and Sawyer. This was a sweet clean romance and I really enjoyed it.

[Andi Tubbs]

I hate writing these types of reviews. I was approached by the author to read this book and as much as I tried to read it I was not drawn into the story. What I did read felt like a combination of a cheesy Hallmark movie and a Kleenex commercial. I don’t believe that is what the author intended but that’s what came to my mind every time I picked it up to read.
I also didn’t know that this book was part of a series.
I adored the little boy. He made every scene he was in better because he was there.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #4)

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #4)

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that deals well with a child's anxiety, everyone's need for acceptance, and a mother's desire to do whatever she can to help and support her child.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the entire Wander Canyon series and just love each and every one. I feel like I know the people and the cute little town.

[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

I could not finish this book. The characters drove me crazy.

[Julie Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how her faith was so strong even when she struggled

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a heartwarming and uplifting read that will resonate with fans of inspirational romance and stories of family, faith, and the transformative power of love and connection.

[Jennifer McClurkan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a heartwarming story about a special needs boy and his mom. I loved the romance. I want to read more by this author.