Where Love Grows

The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast #3

by Heidi Chiavaroli

They have nothing in common except love for music and a donut-shop drive thru.

Shy Lizzie Martin lives a quiet life. She has a part-time job teaching music and helps her family run their bed and breakfast but longs to record the songs of her heart. Sometimes she dreams about meeting the handsome man who pays for her coffee in the donut-shop drive thru. Yet when a mischievous sister connects Lizzie with her drive-thru dreamboat over the airwaves, she learns he is nothing as she expected.

Former triathlon extraordinaire and owner of a multi million-dollar extreme sports company, Asher Hill is wheelchair bound after a freak accident that had nothing to do with the sports he loved. Now, his most enjoyable moments are spent in his truck, pretending he’s the man he used to be.

Lizzie has trouble reconciling drive-thru Asher with the man she meets in person. Asher is brusque and off-putting, certain that Lizzie feels more pity than attraction for him. But beneath his brooding nature, Lizzie senses a tenderness that calls her out of her shell. Surprised by his efforts to help her achieve a life-long dream, Lizzie must decide if she has the courage to show Asher that a life worth living can include love—with or without a wheelchair.

This is Book 3 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on the well-loved classic, Little Women. Readers will fall in love with the Martin family—Maggie, Josie, Lizzie, Bronson, Amie, and their mother Hannah—each trying to find their own way in the world and each discovering that love, home, and hope are closer than they appear.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christian

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

Heidi Chiavaroli is a hope-inspired storyteller writing from the deep curiosity of her own heart. Her debut novel, Freedom's Ring, was a Carol Award winner and a Christy Award finalist, a Romantic Times Top Pick, and a Booklist Top Ten Romance Debut. Her Carol award-winning novel, The Orchard House, inspired her to create The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, a contemporary twist on Little Women. Heidi makes her home in Massachusetts with her husband and two sons. Visit her online at heidichiavaroli.com.

Reviews

[Heidi Chiavaroli]

Do you remember Beth March?

Her story and sweet character has touched many, and so it was with caution and awe that I approached my parallel character for Book 3 in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series, Where Love Grows. This was the story I couldn’t wait to tell. I felt a special connection with Lizzie—the way she sometimes draws into herself, the way she struggles with her fears, and the way she loves being in nature.

I’ve often wondered what would have happened to little Beth March if she had lived in the modern-day world. Quite likely, she would have lived. And so it was fulfilling to write a character that mirrored her. It was fun to give Lizzie a different ending.(It's okay that I spoil that much, right?)

What was even more fun was creating her romantic counterpart. A man who buys her coffee habitually at a donut shop drive-thru. A man she can't get up the nerve to talk to. It's only when a nosy sister calls in to the local radio station's Connections hour that Lizzie will meet her drive-thru dreamboat...and find he's nothing as she expected.

Dear Readers, I hope you enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed writing it!

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy sigh.

In this third book of the series, Lizzie Martin's character is inspired by Beth March. In modern times, Beth may well have survived her illness. While Lizzie has a few limitations, she's in remission from cancer and primarily leads her life without focus on her former illness. I related well to Lizzie's love of nature, hiking specifically, and not wanting to be in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Asher Hill is full of bitterness after an accident leaves him in a wheelchair and no longer able to participate in the extreme sports he loves.

The way the two meet is adorable. As is the initial name for him "Mr Coffee" and the way he calls Lizzie "Martin".

Sweet romance that shines a light on living with a disability.

Glad the series is not yet over!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

so loved this beautiful romance

This book deeply touched my heart. I have been planning on reading it for a year, and finally put it priority on my massive TBR pile. Lizzie is my favorite type of heroine, so sweet, authentic, sensitive and kind hearted. Asher was a hero that I grew to love and respect. Through tragedy we saw him learn, grow, fall deeply in love and then accept forgiveness and become a strong man of God. Watching Asher and Lizzie falling in love brought me great joy. I highly recommend this sweet, special, beloved book!
Update: I loved this book so much I am reading it for a second time, after reading the first two books in the series :). I just finished reading this book for the 2nd time and I loved it even more! Asher and Lizzie have a very special place in my heart ♥️

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series has gotten better and better. This one is by far my favorite! Lizzie is my favorite of the sisters and I was so happy to read her story! I enjoyed this book so much that I read it all in one day! I can’t wait for the next book in the series to see what comes next for everyone!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series continues strongly here in book three. Lizzie Martin gets her story, though by personality, she’d be hard pressed to tell it to you herself. She prefers to stay in the background and hesitates to put herself out there. In remission from a childhood illness, she’s realistically reserved and used to being sheltered and worried over by her family. However, she feels ready to make her own path, even if that is leading a simple life helping in the family bed and breakfast, writing and singing her songs, and connecting to God and her inner self out in nature.

Asher Hill is on a different path, one of bitterness after an accident leaves him in a wheelchair. Searching for his new identity after being a pro at extreme sports – so much so that he built a company for it – he and Lizzie seem to be complete opposites. Pity and disdain turn to curiosity, surprise, and friendship. The romance is so tender and sweet, slowly building throughout the story. Even more endearing are the inner changes taking place in both Lizzie and Asher – not based on just romance – that make the character development superb.

This series is just so well done. Chiavaroli brings each sister to life with their own unique voice and personality. I am so glad there are more books to come about the other two siblings.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel; this review is my honest opinion.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This was incredible. I came across book 3 through one of the book sale companies I use. I am so glad that I did. This is the first time I have read anything by this author. This is a stand alone but I will enjoy reading books one and two.
Asher and Lizzie are both well written characters. Asher has a former life of extreme sports while Lizzie is very much a home body with just a love for average hiking.
Lizie introduces Asher to God and I love how as the book proceeds Lizzie realizes how she has come to a point of living a life on her own and returning to her first.Love.of God. A very profound moment.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. It's one of love and family, and new loved and going beyond a comfort zone. Very clean read and has God sprinkled throughout.
2 thumbs up for this read.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book yesterday and it was so good that I found it impossible to set down. I only stepped away from it when absolutely necessary and ended up reading it all in one day.

I loved the way these two met, their rather tumultuous beginning, the growth of a working and friendly relationship, to much more. I was impressed with the way the author handled the challenges that Asher dealt with both emotionally and bodily. And I thought that the struggle that Lizzie faced as she grew to love Asher when he was not a believer to be very realistic. She had some hard choices to make.

I simply loved this story from start to finish and even though I had only read book one of the series, I had no trouble jumping into this one.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great 3rd installment in the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series! If you haven't read the first 2, you won't be lost at all, but the main characters in those books do play background roles in this one, so you get a fuller picture of the family dynamics in the Martin household if you have. This book follows Lizzie Martin, the quiet peacemaker of the family, and Asher Hill, the outgoing owner of an extreme sports store whose life had recently been turned upside down. When Lizzie's sister Amie decides to take matters into her own hands and call a radio show on behalf of Lizzie, Lizzie's quiet life becomes a bit chaotic. While I admit that I didn't much care for Lizzie or Asher in the beginning, the character growth and development throughout the book was stellar and by the end, I was cheering for both of them. I enjoyed the story line, the romance, and of course the character development. Once again, this author has hit me right where I live. The first book in this series, which dealt with grief over the loss of the family patriarch came shortly after my dad died. This one, which is about Lizzie (who happens to be a cancer survivor) and Asher (who has also come to learn to live with a disability that completely upended his life) came right on the heels of a cancer diagnosis in my household, which will completely upend our lives. So this packed a pretty solid punch to me with the emotions and the faith struggles. I'll also add to this review the disclaimer I've added to the others in this series - while this series is a modern take on Little Women, with each book highlighting one of the Martin sisters (patterned after the March sisters), I have never read Little Women, but have still enjoyed this series very much. I would imagine if you are a fan of the classic, you might enjoy it more as you make some connections that I've been missing, but for those like me, you can still very much enjoy this story and this series without having read Little Women.

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Meghann Whistler · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of this book shared a personal story about the inspiration behind this book on Facebook, and I was so intrigued I had to read it! I enjoyed the hero's character arc, and I liked seeing the heroine gain more confidence in who she was.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story about Lizzie and Asher and I didn’t want it to end. This is the third book in a series, but it can easily be read as a standalone. I definitely recommend this for contemporary Christian fiction fans.

[Chantelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

First I would like my 5 bucks back.. Second this is a rip off of the book “Me Before You” by Jojo Moyes. The h Lizzie or Martin was so annoying, meek and cowardly. The brother was annoying. The only character that wasn’t annoying was the H Asher. I was rolling my eyes throughout this whole book.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite so far in this series. Being married to a man in a wheelchair, I found the descriptions of Asher’s experiences pretty realistic.

[LisLovesReading E.Espinoza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Love Grows, by Heidi Chiavaroli, is the third book in The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast Series. Made especially delightful by the literary echoes of characters and themes from the classic novel, Little Women, this novel is altogether enjoyable. Thoroughly engaging from beginning to end, this contemporary romance is well-written and touching. As it offers a moving story of faith, friendship, and family, it certainly entertains and inspires. 
 
Page by page this novel unfurls a story that is thoughtful and meaningful. As it explores valuable themes such as ambition, vulnerability, authenticity, faith, and even physical disabilities, this novel becomes emotionally-stirring and relevant. The characters in this story grapple with life-altering experiences that challenge their self-perception, their relationships, and their goals. The story is captivating as the characters find the courage to reflect on their priorities, nurture their faith, and open themselves to new possibilities. While the characters pursue wholeness and redemption, perfectly woven threads of drama, romance, and faith, come together to reveal a picture of love and grace that is wholly uplifting and memorable. 
 
Where Love Grows is a truly special novel. With an appealing plot, relatable characters, and worthy themes, this book is joy to read. Throughout Where Love Grows, the author’s talent for storytelling is undeniable. It is a creative and endearing novel, and I sincerely recommend it. I will definitely be reading more books in this series. 
 
*I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

[Shellee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Heidi totally got me on the ending with this one! You will definitely need some Kleenex.
Lizzie was easy for me to relate to in many ways. To be honest, I did not like Asher at all. But now that I am done I can appreciate what Heidi was trying to portray through his character. To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from saying a whole lot. But I was so concerned where the story was taking me that I just wanted to be done with it even up to the last 50 pages. Needless to say, the ending was satisfying.
I so wish the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast was a real place. I would love to spend a day with the Martin family. They are so authentic and funny and just make you feel like you have come home. How fun it would be to sit down at their dining room table and have a slice of something yummy that Mrs. Martin has baked and listen to the lively chatter of the different family members!
My favorite character has to be Bronson. I am so looking forward to his story! He is the epitome of a good brother especially to four sisters. If I had a brother, I would want him to be just like Bronson.
Learning about how a paralyzed person lives was also interesting. There were so many things I didn't realize they could still do, but also some definite challenges to trying to achieve a sense a normal.
I would recommend this book. The only thing I really didn't like was some light alcohol consumption and euphemistic language that is inappropriate for Christian fiction.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Love Grows by Heidi Chiavaroli is an excellent fictional novel that is the third book in the amazing series titled: An Orchard House Bed and Breakfast (the first being Where Grace Appears).This series is a contemporary twist and adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.

This newest book is just as great as the first two. I loved being able to visit the Martin family in Camden again. The first book focussed on Josie, as well as introducing us to the extended family, and the second book featured Maggie, her husband Josh Acker, and his children from his previous marriage. This time we get to follow Lizzie Martin’s story and her relationship with Asher Hill. Such a great, great story.

Lizzie is such a complex and beautiful character. Mirrored and inspired by Beth, she reflects the concept that there is so much more deep inside then what is initially outwardly being reflected. Asher Hill is a good person, but has experienced significant changes and trauma in his life. Still working through this complicated set of feelings, emotions, and alterations…both are searching for direction and purpose. Both looking for that missing piece…love…hope. Both end up finding it through their face, each other, and in that process…within themselves.

I loved the pacing, the plot, the transitions, the transformations that the characters exhibit throughout the book and in the face of adversity, and the positive changes and resolutions that result. The ending is perfect, and I truly enjoyed the uplifting message and promise that I felt when I finished.

Truly a gem of a novel and I cannot wait until the next installment: Where Memories Await that comes out later this year. The sneak peak is truly wonderful and is right up my alley!

I cannot recommend this book enough!

5/5 stars

Thank you to the author for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, and Instagram accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 10/26/21.

[Diane Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet, thoughtful, and well written. The ending was too quick, not enough time for a true change of heart, but that’s just me. I really like Lizzy and Asher. She is so fearful and he is so fearless. The story spent so much time on her, her fears, her hang ups, I wanted to know more about the practical aspects of falling in love with a guy with a spinal cord injury who is prone to illness and may or may not be able to give her a healthy sex life and children. And what about him, facing life with a woman who may have cancer again in the future. I just thought these were things that should have been explored. But this is clean Christian romance so we don’t get the wedding night.

[G Myrtle Grimm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story

I have only one problem with this series. They are so well written and warm that I cannot put the books down until I've read them to the end, then I willingly and happily start the next one in the series. Thank you for such wholesome books!!

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Lizzie’s story.
Very touching and sweet
Full review to come

[Shannon Nordgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet story! So different from other love stories, and the characters were so well written. My favorite (so far) in a great series.

[Blessed & Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Love Grows is the third book in the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series by Heidi Chiavaroli. It’s a contemporary series inspired by the March family in Little Women, and as a long-time fan of Jo March and her siblings, I have fallen in love with the Martins of the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast.
This book highlights the story of Lizzie Martin, inspired by Beth March, and gives her the chance at a full life we all wished for the original March sister. I loved Lizzie. Out of all the sisters, I identify with her quiet, thoughtful nature the most. I loved how she connected to God by walking through the beauty of His Creation, and how she poured her worship into the songs she wrote. She is an old, kind soul. The kind of person you’d want cheering you on in life. I loved watching her blossom into her own unique woman in this story.
Asher is a man broken down physically and spiritually. I cannot imagine the roller coaster ride of emotions he has experienced, but I am grateful for stories like these to give me a better perspective into other people’s journeys in life. Trying to fall in love with this hero was not easy. He’s more prickly than perfect, but one thing I love about him was how easily he made Lizzie feel off-balance, which often led to her taking chances and chasing dreams she wouldn’t have done otherwise.
Their relationship was definitely different. It was far from a rosy, puppy-love kind of romance. But it was so realistic and genuine. It was something they had to fight for, and that makes it all the more precious.
This story is full of deeply emotional topics. You will feel the pull on your heartstrings more than once as you watch the characters struggle. But the journey is so, so worthwhile. I highly recommend this story (and the entire series) to any fan of contemporary Christian fiction. If you enjoy novels by Becky Wade or Courtney Walsh, you will enjoy this series. Happy reading!
I was given a copy of the book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Love Grows is the third book in Heidi Chiavaroli’s Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. This is Lizzie’s story.

I have always loved Beth in Little Women and I loved Lizzie in the first few stories of Heidi Chiavaroli’s retelling, so I’ve been extra excited to read Where Love Grows. It didn’t disappoint! Lizzie is as sweet and forgiving as I expected. She has a deep strength, too, something that only the right person knew how to bring out. That person is Asher Hill.

Asher is an extreme sports adventurer who took his love of the outdoors and developed a highly successful retail chain. However, he moves from LA to Maine after suffering a devastating accident where he becomes paralyzed from the waist down. I am not in a wheelchair, so I cannot judge how well the author told his story from that perspective. However, in reading it, I could identify with him, as he could identify with Lizzie who had her thyroid removed after a bout of cancer as a teen or Meg’s son who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in Book 2. He was real and one of my favorite characters in the series so far.

Where Love Grows is not only a wonderful story, but makes me anticipate the rest of the series and the romances they will tell. I love the characters in the Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series so I’m rooting for the whole Martin family! I hope you will love them, too.

—
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better...if that's even fair because all the books have been fabulous! In Where Love Grows, Lizzie (who's named after Beth from Little Women) has the chance at a life full of adventure, if she wants it. Or she can choose a life of peace and familiarity, if that's the route she wants to go. But either way, she must choose. Lizzie has a beautiful relationship with the Lord and I loved seeing how she walked and talked and relied on Him! I also enjoyed her blossoming friendship with Asher. Asher is a young man who is not only physically broken, but emotionally and spiritually as well. He had everything the world has to offer, good looks, success, money. But his confidence is thrown when he's struck by a car and left paralyzed in a wheelchair. When all your self worth is wrapped up in a neat little physical package, your world is rocked when your physical freedom has changed. These two characters were a delight to read about. Their struggles and their journey is realistic and relatable. I highly recommend this story as well as the entire series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though I really enjoyed the first two books in this series about the Martin family, I felt a real connection to Lizzie because of our similar personalities, especially the love of home, family, and a simple life. When she is intrigued with the handsome man in a truck ahead of her in the coffee shop drive-thru who pays for her coffee week after week, she can only dream, not actually do anything to meet him. She's pushed by her sisters into doing things she doesn't have the courage to do on her own. When she does meet Asher Hill, the man in the truck, he isn't anything like her dreams. I thought the development of their friendship seemed very realistic, as did the faith element. In this series the author has tackled some difficult life issues and shown how faith in God can make a real difference and give hope. I highly recommend Where Love Grows, along with the rest of the series. I'm looking forward to the next book. A complimentary copy of the book was given to me. All thoughts are my own.

[Sue Batt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi doesn’t disappoint!! loved loved this book!!

This is the 3rd book in “The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series” and with each book you start to get a feel for all the Martin family members and fall in love with these books a little more. I loved Lizzie and Asher’s story and was rooting for them from the get go!!
When you fall in love with someone, “really love” someone, you love the whole person and don’t see them as disabled. Heidi weaves Asher’s spinal cord injury beautifully through the book. Lizzie struggles with her feelings for Asher, especially his unbelief in God.
Lizzies brother and sisters love, support and protection they feel for Lizzie are wonderful and they question the friendship they see developing with Asher. I highly recommend that you read the books in order to understand the dynamics of the family!!

[Verena · Rating 5 out of 5]

There had been always too little focus on one important, beloved character from Little Women: Elizabeth March.
I love an idea with having her not only surviving, but also finding romance.
There had been never a romance for her in Little Women ?
Well, at least there could have been.
I'm a determined shipper of her and Frank Vaughn, the English invalid at Camp Laurence-
even more I was excited to see a similar young man, struggling with the consequences of an accident.
Asher, as actually broken character, is a satisfying counterpart for her.

Beth is important in the original novel, as she also inpires Jo to write and Amy to improve her character. And I'm glad that she does not have to die for that....

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could see some of myself in Lizzie. More so than Josie but maybe not as much as Maggie. I am enjoying seeing how I relate to each girl, just like I enjoy doing when I read Little Women.

One of the themes I saw in this book was that it's okay to want and to enjoy simple. Not everyone needs to have grand dreams or goals. That doesn't mean they are missing out or settling. Some people have quiet dreams and that is perfectly okay.

I also liked how Lizzie found her voice. She learned to be herself and show her family who that is. But my favorite thing was how Chiavaroli mirrored LW with Josie and her story!!! I just loved that!

A sweet addition to the series. Recommended for 21+ due to some adult topics and themes that are handled well but not meant for teens.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Love Grows is my favorite! And I have been loving The Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series by Author Heidi Chiavaroli. I absolutely loved everything about Where Love Grows from the timid yet strong Lizzie Martin dreaming of meeting the handsome pickup truck driver who has paid for her coffee in the drive-thru every Friday for weeks, to the handsome Asher Hill who is still having trouble adjusting to life in a wheelchair after being hit by a car two years ago. Sweet, funny, authentic, engaging, it could not have been any better! LOVED it!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy, all opinions are my own.

[Lynne Tagawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed this author's split-time historicals, but I hadn't read another of her more recent books before I picked this up. I'm not really into cosy sweet romance, but the Little Women vibe intrigued me, and I was drawn in! The heroine, Lizzie, is well-drawn and a relief from the "strong" female characters we see so often. Lizzie is real and has real challenges. The guy in this story was an interesting person too, and his disability lent another layer to the drama. The spiritual element is there too, very well done. The author did a great job of fleshing out the issues a paraplegic faces, IMO. Well-executed story, clearly part of a series, but I enjoyed it as a stand-alone.

[Cheryl Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Love Grows is the third book in Heidi Chiavaroli’s Orchard House Bed and Breakfast series, a modern retelling of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. This is Lizzie’s story.

Where Love Grows drew me in from page till the last page! And then you want to keep reading more of the story! Each character become like family members, and as you watch their growth, personally and spiritually, you will find yourself cheering them on!

Truly a gem! I cannot wait till Where Memories Await that comes out later this year.

[Clarice James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first four books in The Orchard House Bed & Breakfast series. Heidi Chiavaroli does an amazing job creating distinct characters, each with their own set of strengths, fears, sins, weaknesses, and victories. Even the love stories for each of the female protagonists were vastly different and equaling engaging. Another plus: This author is skilled at intertwining the stories (and updating the readers) WITHOUT resorting to repetition, long explanations, or adding an obvious synopsis. Bravo, Ms. Chiavaroli! Can't wait for the next one!