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Wander Canyon #5
Secrets of Their Past
Facing the past
could change his future.
Veterinarian Neal Rodgers is in Wander Canyon seeking the truth about his past—not to rescue a litter of kittens under his next-door neighbor’s porch. But persistent single-mom Tessa Kennedy is impossible to ignore—especially when she uncovers a family secret of her own. Discovering the hidden facts of their histories could be the key to unlocking everything in this small town.
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
Book 5: Secrets of their Past
could change his future.
Veterinarian Neal Rodgers is in Wander Canyon seeking the truth about his past—not to rescue a litter of kittens under his next-door neighbor’s porch. But persistent single-mom Tessa Kennedy is impossible to ignore—especially when she uncovers a family secret of her own. Discovering the hidden facts of their histories could be the key to unlocking everything in this small town.
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
Book 5: Secrets of their Past
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 22, 2022
6 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Allie Pleiter
115 books618 followersAn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 28, 2022
Okay, okay. If you’ve been following my reviews from Pleiter’s Wander Canyon books, you might remember how I tend to say that each new book is my fave of the series. Well… this time… yep, I’m saying it again haha. But really, when I think about it, each new book is my fave in different ways. As for Secrets of Their Past, when it comes to the Wander Canyon series, I’m totally with one character at the end of the story who says, “This just might be my favorite happy ending of all.”
I hate to say goodbye to this series because I’ve loved it so much (see above), but if it really does have to end, then this is the absolute perfect send-off. Tessa is adorable, and I’m so glad we got to see her happily-ever-after at last. And Neal – blissful sigh. He goes from a broody hero to a swoony one as Tessa’s lovableness begins to get under his skin. Okay, who am I kidding? He was swoony before that, too, but as he falls in love with Tessa and with Wander Canyon, he becomes even more so. The humor of their banter – and of Tessa’s thoughts in general – had me chuckling often. Moments like this below are well-placed throughout the story to bring a smile to your face & leave it there:
“Neal,” the man replied as he crouched next to her. Tessa knelt. Maybe he was going to ask her to pray for the kittens. He looked back at her, laughed and said, “Um…my name is Neal.”
I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoiling anything for other readers, but I will say that the author perfectly ties up any loose ends we may have been waiting for during the series. And does so in such a sweet, tender way that it’s the reason this is my favorite happy ending of the series.
Bottom Line: Secrets of Their Past is a fabulous read from start to finish. Lots of humor and lots of heart share these pages with multi-layered characters you’ll love from word one. Visits with beloved characters from the other books in this series will delight fans of Wander Canyon but it works well as a stand-alone if you’re just jumping in now. A sweet & swoony romance and a town mystery are the icing on this cake – the perfect if somewhat bittersweet ending to a great series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
I hate to say goodbye to this series because I’ve loved it so much (see above), but if it really does have to end, then this is the absolute perfect send-off. Tessa is adorable, and I’m so glad we got to see her happily-ever-after at last. And Neal – blissful sigh. He goes from a broody hero to a swoony one as Tessa’s lovableness begins to get under his skin. Okay, who am I kidding? He was swoony before that, too, but as he falls in love with Tessa and with Wander Canyon, he becomes even more so. The humor of their banter – and of Tessa’s thoughts in general – had me chuckling often. Moments like this below are well-placed throughout the story to bring a smile to your face & leave it there:
“Neal,” the man replied as he crouched next to her. Tessa knelt. Maybe he was going to ask her to pray for the kittens. He looked back at her, laughed and said, “Um…my name is Neal.”
I don’t want to say too much about the plot for fear of spoiling anything for other readers, but I will say that the author perfectly ties up any loose ends we may have been waiting for during the series. And does so in such a sweet, tender way that it’s the reason this is my favorite happy ending of the series.
Bottom Line: Secrets of Their Past is a fabulous read from start to finish. Lots of humor and lots of heart share these pages with multi-layered characters you’ll love from word one. Visits with beloved characters from the other books in this series will delight fans of Wander Canyon but it works well as a stand-alone if you’re just jumping in now. A sweet & swoony romance and a town mystery are the icing on this cake – the perfect if somewhat bittersweet ending to a great series!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
March 3, 2022
I absolutely loved Secrets of Their Past! I read so many books that claim to be inspirational (and in their own subtle way I guess they are), but you will really get the message of relying on God and His grace to help us get through things in our past in this one. No, it's not all preachy - though there is a preacher - I mean they go to church... The message just flows through the book naturally.
The characters are so well-written, and I really am going to have to go back and read the prior books in this series. The characters from those books make appearances in Secrets of Their Past, and I want to know their stories. I loved Tessa, and though she's younger than I am, I could relate to her struggles concerning her son Greg. I had tears running down my face many times while reading, but her struggle with her son "growing up" is so relatable! How quickly they grow from a toddler telling you "T'ank you, Mommy" to a young adult (in my case). Other times I had happy tears in my eyes over the tiniest things in this sweet story. I mean I am a cat lady, so those interactions with the kittens and their potential owners just brought on the waterworks.
As I mentioned, I haven't read the prior books, so don't let the fact that you haven't deter you from reading this one. It easily reads as a stand-alone story. It's adorable and romantic and silly and just downright heartwarming. If you love inspirational romance (and loving kittens, of course), I think you're going to enjoy Secrets of Their Past immensely! I definitely did!
The characters are so well-written, and I really am going to have to go back and read the prior books in this series. The characters from those books make appearances in Secrets of Their Past, and I want to know their stories. I loved Tessa, and though she's younger than I am, I could relate to her struggles concerning her son Greg. I had tears running down my face many times while reading, but her struggle with her son "growing up" is so relatable! How quickly they grow from a toddler telling you "T'ank you, Mommy" to a young adult (in my case). Other times I had happy tears in my eyes over the tiniest things in this sweet story. I mean I am a cat lady, so those interactions with the kittens and their potential owners just brought on the waterworks.
As I mentioned, I haven't read the prior books, so don't let the fact that you haven't deter you from reading this one. It easily reads as a stand-alone story. It's adorable and romantic and silly and just downright heartwarming. If you love inspirational romance (and loving kittens, of course), I think you're going to enjoy Secrets of Their Past immensely! I definitely did!
February 14, 2022
I have read and loved every single title in Allie Pleiter's Wander Canyon series, and reading the fifth and final book was really bittersweet for me. I loved this heartwarming story about a couple needing to come to terms with their past before they can move on in the present, but I'm honestly so sad to see this series come to an end. It's become a favorite of mine right from the first installment, and while I'm definitely sad to see it go, this final title sends the series off on the perfect end note, and I can't possibly recommend it enough.
Secrets of their Past had so many of my favorite elements all wrapped up into one lovely and captivating read. We have a couple who meet under strange circumstances. We have a romance that first starts out as a beautiful friendship. We have a mystery that ends up leading into places that I never personally saw coming. We have a more in depth look into one of Wander Canyon's least liked citizens. We have plenty of cameos from the characters in the previous books, and perhaps best of all, we have a story that heavily focuses around a momma cat and her adorable kittens, and the part they play in bringing the lead couple (Neal and Tessa) together.
Allie Pleiter is an extremely talented storyteller, and this beautiful new romance from her is truly her at her best. I could barely bring myself to put it down, and I loved that she included a little hint about her upcoming series in this one, as it's definitely giving me something more to look forward to. I appreciate how effortlessly the faith element is always blended into her Love Inspired stories, and Secrets of their Past was no exception.
I can't say enough good things about this one, and I recommend picking up the entire Wander Canyon series as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
Secrets of their Past had so many of my favorite elements all wrapped up into one lovely and captivating read. We have a couple who meet under strange circumstances. We have a romance that first starts out as a beautiful friendship. We have a mystery that ends up leading into places that I never personally saw coming. We have a more in depth look into one of Wander Canyon's least liked citizens. We have plenty of cameos from the characters in the previous books, and perhaps best of all, we have a story that heavily focuses around a momma cat and her adorable kittens, and the part they play in bringing the lead couple (Neal and Tessa) together.
Allie Pleiter is an extremely talented storyteller, and this beautiful new romance from her is truly her at her best. I could barely bring myself to put it down, and I loved that she included a little hint about her upcoming series in this one, as it's definitely giving me something more to look forward to. I appreciate how effortlessly the faith element is always blended into her Love Inspired stories, and Secrets of their Past was no exception.
I can't say enough good things about this one, and I recommend picking up the entire Wander Canyon series as I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
Final Rating: 5/5.
Thanks so much to Allie Pleiter for allowing me to advance read and review this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary advance reader copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
March 4, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel even though I had not read any of the other books in the Wander Canyon series! I loved the way the relationship developed between Tessa and Neal. It was very realistic in its pacing and they way these two got to know each other as neighbors over the four weeks of the story made a lot of sense.
Both Tessa and Neal were dealing with things that weighed on them emotionally throughout the story. And although Tessa worked hard to be optimistic throughout everything and Neal started out a bit grumpy and emotionally unavailable, they were drawn to each other and helped each other to get through things.
I really enjoyed seeing as Neal’s true character began to shine through. He was definitely a great guy and I wanted only the best for him and Tessa as the story wrapped up. I enjoyed seeing that things would work out for them, yet I also wished there had been a few pages more, with an epilogue to the story to maybe show them a few months to a year in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Both Tessa and Neal were dealing with things that weighed on them emotionally throughout the story. And although Tessa worked hard to be optimistic throughout everything and Neal started out a bit grumpy and emotionally unavailable, they were drawn to each other and helped each other to get through things.
I really enjoyed seeing as Neal’s true character began to shine through. He was definitely a great guy and I wanted only the best for him and Tessa as the story wrapped up. I enjoyed seeing that things would work out for them, yet I also wished there had been a few pages more, with an epilogue to the story to maybe show them a few months to a year in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 26, 2022
Do not miss your final visit to Wander Canyon in Secrets of Their Past by Allie Pleiter. Y’all, the author gives this series a proper send off from the cameos of previous characters readers have grown to love and showing us more depth in one of the town’s least likable residents plus there are kittens!
Once Neal and Tessa meet, you’ll be rooting for them to find their truths and realize their dreams. I appreciated how Pleiter took this relationship from acquaintances to neighbors to friends and finally to love. The progression was believable as the two spend time together and share their secrets, fears, and hopes with each other.
Pleiter gives us everything we could want in a series finale and then some. While I’m sad to say goodbye to this little Colorado town with its iconic carousel, I can’t wait to find out where Pleiter takes us next.
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.
Once Neal and Tessa meet, you’ll be rooting for them to find their truths and realize their dreams. I appreciated how Pleiter took this relationship from acquaintances to neighbors to friends and finally to love. The progression was believable as the two spend time together and share their secrets, fears, and hopes with each other.
Pleiter gives us everything we could want in a series finale and then some. While I’m sad to say goodbye to this little Colorado town with its iconic carousel, I can’t wait to find out where Pleiter takes us next.
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.
February 21, 2022
In Secrets of Their Past, Allie Pleiter takes readers back for one last visit to Wander Canyon, and what an emotional visit it is.
Neal Rodgers has taken a one-month hiatus from his Minneapolis veterinary practice to search out the truth of his past. His search has led him to Wander Canyon, and he is somewhat horrified to discover that the woman he has come to meet is almost universally disliked in the town for her unbending sense of right and wrong and her overly critical nature.
Tessa Kennedy's 15-year-old son has left for a 3-week visit with his father, leaving her at very loose ends. When she discovers the neighborhood stray has had kittens under her porch, she's distressed to find that one of the kittens is struggling. It's fortuitous that her new neighbor is a vet and she's not willing to take his no for an answer. As Neal and Tessa work together to save the kitten, a reluctant friendship forms. Can Tessa help Neal find out the secret behind his birth? What happens when Tessa's research into her own family history uncovers a secret involving her own birth?
Having read all of the other Wander Canyon series books, one character has carried through from book to book - Norma "Old Biddy" Binton. Hyper-critical, nearly everyone in town has at one point been the victim of her unwarranted critiques. No one really counts her as a friend (which is sad on so many fronts.) In Secrets of Their Past, Norma's story is finally told, and she gets some redemption for why she is as she is. In all the other books, I dreaded when she came on the scene, and so did the book characters. In this one, Norma still resembles the Wicked Witch but readers learn the reason for her extreme bitterness, and it's a heart-changer.
If you are a fan of Love Inspired novels, you will definitely want to read this one. This one has all of the "falling in love" vibes along with the secrets that both Neal and Tessa seek to uncover. Ms. Pleiter brings a story that will grab the heart and hold on until the last page is turned. I absolutely recommend this!
Neal Rodgers has taken a one-month hiatus from his Minneapolis veterinary practice to search out the truth of his past. His search has led him to Wander Canyon, and he is somewhat horrified to discover that the woman he has come to meet is almost universally disliked in the town for her unbending sense of right and wrong and her overly critical nature.
Tessa Kennedy's 15-year-old son has left for a 3-week visit with his father, leaving her at very loose ends. When she discovers the neighborhood stray has had kittens under her porch, she's distressed to find that one of the kittens is struggling. It's fortuitous that her new neighbor is a vet and she's not willing to take his no for an answer. As Neal and Tessa work together to save the kitten, a reluctant friendship forms. Can Tessa help Neal find out the secret behind his birth? What happens when Tessa's research into her own family history uncovers a secret involving her own birth?
Having read all of the other Wander Canyon series books, one character has carried through from book to book - Norma "Old Biddy" Binton. Hyper-critical, nearly everyone in town has at one point been the victim of her unwarranted critiques. No one really counts her as a friend (which is sad on so many fronts.) In Secrets of Their Past, Norma's story is finally told, and she gets some redemption for why she is as she is. In all the other books, I dreaded when she came on the scene, and so did the book characters. In this one, Norma still resembles the Wicked Witch but readers learn the reason for her extreme bitterness, and it's a heart-changer.
If you are a fan of Love Inspired novels, you will definitely want to read this one. This one has all of the "falling in love" vibes along with the secrets that both Neal and Tessa seek to uncover. Ms. Pleiter brings a story that will grab the heart and hold on until the last page is turned. I absolutely recommend this!
March 1, 2022
This is the fifth book in the Wander Canyon series, but I felt right at home like I was already old friends with the characters in this inspirational small town romance. So if you haven't read the first four books, you'll be absolutely fine. I will admit that now I want to go back and revisit all of those stories, though!
I liked the premise of this one because it was different than most of the small town romances I have been enjoying as of late. Neal has come to town on vacation, but really, he's seeking answers to his past. Tessa, his well-meaning neighbor, ends up involved in his search and ends up finding mysteries in her own past as well. Neither one of them has been looking to pursue any kind of relationship with anyone else, but as they become friends and embark upon their searches, they strike up a close friendship that slowly burns into something a little bit more. Definitely more realistic than those quick-love stories that I so often find.
Watching their relationship build as they work to unravel their pasts made for a great evening read. I enjoyed my trip to this town and will have to go back for more!
Thank you to the publisher and Prism Book Tours for my requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I liked the premise of this one because it was different than most of the small town romances I have been enjoying as of late. Neal has come to town on vacation, but really, he's seeking answers to his past. Tessa, his well-meaning neighbor, ends up involved in his search and ends up finding mysteries in her own past as well. Neither one of them has been looking to pursue any kind of relationship with anyone else, but as they become friends and embark upon their searches, they strike up a close friendship that slowly burns into something a little bit more. Definitely more realistic than those quick-love stories that I so often find.
Watching their relationship build as they work to unravel their pasts made for a great evening read. I enjoyed my trip to this town and will have to go back for more!
Thank you to the publisher and Prism Book Tours for my requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 1, 2022
Secrets of their Past by Allie Pleiter
Wander Canyon Series Book Five
Tessa Kennedy was born and raised in Wander Canyon, Colorado. She loves the small town with all its quirks. Tessa is hoping to write a book on the town’s history, but, in her research, she finds something about her own life.
Dr. Neal Davidson is a veterinarian from Minnesota. He’s come to Wander Canyon to try and find answers to his past. He rents a house next to Tessa, and his vacation is soon interrupted by his new temporary neighbor.
Adorable kids and kittens, a bitter older woman, and old secrets come together to make this another page-turning story. So if you cry easily…tissue alert, keep them handy. It was sad to say goodbye to Wander Canyon with its unique carousel and nosy but loving residents.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Wander Canyon Series Book Five
Tessa Kennedy was born and raised in Wander Canyon, Colorado. She loves the small town with all its quirks. Tessa is hoping to write a book on the town’s history, but, in her research, she finds something about her own life.
Dr. Neal Davidson is a veterinarian from Minnesota. He’s come to Wander Canyon to try and find answers to his past. He rents a house next to Tessa, and his vacation is soon interrupted by his new temporary neighbor.
Adorable kids and kittens, a bitter older woman, and old secrets come together to make this another page-turning story. So if you cry easily…tissue alert, keep them handy. It was sad to say goodbye to Wander Canyon with its unique carousel and nosy but loving residents.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
March 11, 2022
This is one of those books that will hit I think most readers a little different. I really liked this book I felt like it go to the heart but also left you laughing in parts as well. I loved Tessa she was a forced to be reckoned with. She was a single mom to one and a mom to all. She had a big heart and set out on a mission to tell her towns story. Neal on the other hand keeps his cards close to his chest and finds it hard to let people in. I found the journey he took to find out who he was, was not easy but for many who read this story will find it relatable. I like that the author kept this book a clean read so that it will be suitable for all. Overall this is a fun read and takes you on a journey for sure.
February 23, 2022
Sweet and sentimental
I love these series!
“Friendly is how we do things here in Wander Canyon. Well, friendly with a strong dose of nosy, but most of us mean well.”
Favorite part:
“Neal,” the man replied as he crouched next to her. Tessa knelt. Maybe he was going to ask her to pray for the kittens. He looked back at her, laughed and said, “Um...my name is Neal.”
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.
I love these series!
“Friendly is how we do things here in Wander Canyon. Well, friendly with a strong dose of nosy, but most of us mean well.”
Favorite part:
“Neal,” the man replied as he crouched next to her. Tessa knelt. Maybe he was going to ask her to pray for the kittens. He looked back at her, laughed and said, “Um...my name is Neal.”
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.
February 25, 2022
I love all of Allie's books! Tessa and Neal's story is another good one. The final book in the Wander Canyon series did not disappoint. The way Tessa and Neal work through past issues to come together is more like reality than a lot of romance books that I've read so it makes you love them even more.
July 10, 2022
I really liked Tessa and Neal. This is a good book, in a great series.
March 1, 2022
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2022/03/01/4-...
Secrets of Their Past: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance is the fifth and final book in the Wander Canyon series by Allie Pleiter. It’s the only book I’ve read by Ms. Pleiter, and there was enough background information that I didn’t feel lost. It was a touching story, welcoming and inspirational, with many references to God and their beliefs through prayer.
Secrets of Their Past is Tessa and Neal’s story, and it goes from friendship to more with lots of twists and turns. Neal is a vet who’s on a month’s vacation in Wander Canyon, living in a rental next to Tessa, a single mom whose son is off visiting his father for several weeks and seeming to have the time of his life.
Tessa and Neal hit it off from day one, but he’s skittish since he has a secret, and it’s the reason he’s in town. There is definitely chemistry building between them. Many storylines are woven together, and we go back and forth between them. A cat and her kittens draw Tessa and Neal together no matter how often he wants to resist.
There is a nice flow to the story, and it proceeds at a nice pace. There are family and friends along with solid friendships, peaceful lives even if they have a lot going on, and the chance for unexpected happenings.
There are several moving instances of prayers, the church, pastors, and church members. There are vivid descriptions of the small town, the businesses, the mountains, the homes, the activities, and events. I love the importance of the merry-go-round to the town and the people who live there. There were both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments.
Secrets of Their Past had a nice closure and a few happily ever afters in the offing, but I would have liked the story to go on just a little longer. The cover is peaceful, and I love how the mountains are portrayed.
Ms. Pleiter has penned a lovely Christian romance, tugging on all the right heartstrings. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I rated it 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
https://novelsalive.com/2022/03/01/4-...
Secrets of Their Past: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance is the fifth and final book in the Wander Canyon series by Allie Pleiter. It’s the only book I’ve read by Ms. Pleiter, and there was enough background information that I didn’t feel lost. It was a touching story, welcoming and inspirational, with many references to God and their beliefs through prayer.
Secrets of Their Past is Tessa and Neal’s story, and it goes from friendship to more with lots of twists and turns. Neal is a vet who’s on a month’s vacation in Wander Canyon, living in a rental next to Tessa, a single mom whose son is off visiting his father for several weeks and seeming to have the time of his life.
Tessa and Neal hit it off from day one, but he’s skittish since he has a secret, and it’s the reason he’s in town. There is definitely chemistry building between them. Many storylines are woven together, and we go back and forth between them. A cat and her kittens draw Tessa and Neal together no matter how often he wants to resist.
There is a nice flow to the story, and it proceeds at a nice pace. There are family and friends along with solid friendships, peaceful lives even if they have a lot going on, and the chance for unexpected happenings.
There are several moving instances of prayers, the church, pastors, and church members. There are vivid descriptions of the small town, the businesses, the mountains, the homes, the activities, and events. I love the importance of the merry-go-round to the town and the people who live there. There were both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments.
Secrets of Their Past had a nice closure and a few happily ever afters in the offing, but I would have liked the story to go on just a little longer. The cover is peaceful, and I love how the mountains are portrayed.
Ms. Pleiter has penned a lovely Christian romance, tugging on all the right heartstrings. I look forward to reading more from this author.
I rated it 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
March 4, 2022
My review of Secrets of Their Past can be found on my blog...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
https://quirkybookreads.wordpress.com...
February 10, 2022
This was another delightful read from Allie Pleiter. This final trip back to the charming town of Wander Canyon did not disappoint. It was great catching up with old friends and meeting new ones.
I was so happy that Tessa got her own story. She's been such a fixture in this series, such a loyal friend, and deserved a sweet love story of her own.
Neal was a bit of a grump when he was first introduced, but he ended up being quite charming and an all-around great guy who I couldn't help but root for. He was in town to solve a very important personal mystery, and I was really hoping for the best outcome for him.
And I've gotta say, I really enjoyed getting to know more about a certain other town resident. No spoilers, but I always wondered what their backstory was.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys sweet and inspirational contemporary romance.
I received an early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I was so happy that Tessa got her own story. She's been such a fixture in this series, such a loyal friend, and deserved a sweet love story of her own.
Neal was a bit of a grump when he was first introduced, but he ended up being quite charming and an all-around great guy who I couldn't help but root for. He was in town to solve a very important personal mystery, and I was really hoping for the best outcome for him.
And I've gotta say, I really enjoyed getting to know more about a certain other town resident. No spoilers, but I always wondered what their backstory was.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys sweet and inspirational contemporary romance.
I received an early copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
February 4, 2022
Absolutely loved this whole series! Felt like I really got to know the town and the people in it. I literally read the whole series in a week, I just couldn't put them down!
March 28, 2022
Neal comes to Wander Canyon for a month to seek out who he thinks is his birth mother. He rents the house next door to Tessa. Normally Tessa's son is there with her but for 3 weeks he's off visiting his dad.
Neal learns that the woman he wants to speak to is disliked by everyone in Wander Canyon. Why is she like this? She seems to be very critical about everything and has her own opinion.
Tess finds a litter of kittens and their stray mother of which one is in distress. She refuses to take no for an answer so Neal has to help her with this kitten. They form a friendship over the kittens. Can they spill the secrets between them to each other? Can Neal get the courage to talk to this woman? 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
Neal learns that the woman he wants to speak to is disliked by everyone in Wander Canyon. Why is she like this? She seems to be very critical about everything and has her own opinion.
Tess finds a litter of kittens and their stray mother of which one is in distress. She refuses to take no for an answer so Neal has to help her with this kitten. They form a friendship over the kittens. Can they spill the secrets between them to each other? Can Neal get the courage to talk to this woman? 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
March 5, 2022
I always enjoy returning to Wander Canyon; meeting new friends and sometimes catching up with old friends. In Secrets of Their Past, author Allie Pleiter introduces us to Neal and Tessa. When kittens throw them together life gets interesting and I just had to keep reading.
Both characters are well written, and dealing with things many of us deal with. Neal is looking for direction and answers. Tessa is looking to move beyond a broken marriage and raise her son the best way possible. Neal starts out rather grumpy, and Tessa is a glass half full kind of gal. Their interactions made me laugh as I cheered them on.
Relationships build slowly, starting as acquaintances, going to friends, and then who knows what will happen. You’ll have to read it to find out. I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Both characters are well written, and dealing with things many of us deal with. Neal is looking for direction and answers. Tessa is looking to move beyond a broken marriage and raise her son the best way possible. Neal starts out rather grumpy, and Tessa is a glass half full kind of gal. Their interactions made me laugh as I cheered them on.
Relationships build slowly, starting as acquaintances, going to friends, and then who knows what will happen. You’ll have to read it to find out. I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
June 16, 2022
Allie Pleiter is one of my favs! She writes such heartwarming stories! I have LOVED the Wander Canyon series. Who wouldn’t like to live in a town that has a carousel in the middle of town where a newcomer always gets their first ride for free? I’m sad to see it come to a close, but oh what an ending! I love a book that has me laughing out loud one moment and near tears the next. This particular book brings all the feels!
Veterinarian Neal Rodgers has come to Wander Canyon for a month long vacation in search of his birth parent. He gets roped into helping rescue some kittens with his temporary neighbor, Tessa Kennedy. Tessa is doing a history of the town and discovers a mystery from her own past. The two of them work to help each other discover the truth of their pasts. This story has some surprising twists as it moves toward a sigh worthy ending.
Veterinarian Neal Rodgers has come to Wander Canyon for a month long vacation in search of his birth parent. He gets roped into helping rescue some kittens with his temporary neighbor, Tessa Kennedy. Tessa is doing a history of the town and discovers a mystery from her own past. The two of them work to help each other discover the truth of their pasts. This story has some surprising twists as it moves toward a sigh worthy ending.
December 8, 2025
Secrets of Their Past follows Neal Rodgers as he returns to Wander Canyon in search of answers about his past. His quiet investigation takes an unexpected turn when he meets his neighbor, single mom Tessa Kennedy—who has just inherited a litter of kittens.
When she learns Neal is a veterinarian, she asks for his help, and before long, a gentle connection begins to grow. As their lives intertwine, Tessa becomes curious about the real reason behind Neal’s visit.
A sweet, engaging read with just the right blend of mystery and heart.
When she learns Neal is a veterinarian, she asks for his help, and before long, a gentle connection begins to grow. As their lives intertwine, Tessa becomes curious about the real reason behind Neal’s visit.
A sweet, engaging read with just the right blend of mystery and heart.
April 21, 2022
Secrets of their past
I loved Neal and Tessa story. I loved visiting Wander Canyon again. Such a great town. I loved how Tessa found the kittens and cared for them. The kittens fit in the story so well, brought so much to the story. Loved the mystery with both Neal and Tessa. Just a great book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
I loved Neal and Tessa story. I loved visiting Wander Canyon again. Such a great town. I loved how Tessa found the kittens and cared for them. The kittens fit in the story so well, brought so much to the story. Loved the mystery with both Neal and Tessa. Just a great book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. This book review is my own opinion.
July 20, 2023
Not my usual genre, but received this book at a writer's conference and heard Allie Pleiter speak. Learning family secrets, though hard to hear, can help us understand our journeys. And can push us into places of healing.
Read
February 1, 2022Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #5)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #5)
Read
February 1, 2022Categories
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #5)
Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Small Town & Rural Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
Wander Canyon (Book #5)
March 27, 2022
Sad to see it over!
June 10, 2022
Very good read! I laughed, I cried. I could relate well to Tessa's mothering blues and her nosy-investigating tendency. Great story.
March 24, 2024
Read in early 2024. LIS. Vacation of vet searching family roots.
May 16, 2024
Started out slow but enjoyed the ending! Great book!
June 10, 2024
A uplifting read
April 2, 2025
Wow this was a really good book. Kittens, drama, secrets, love - I’d read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews