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Once Upon a Farmhouse
The prodigal granddaughter has returned
And the love from her past is waiting
Helping her grandmother sell the farm and escaping back to Chicago are all Molly Jansen wants out of this trip—not to reunite with her ex. Single father Jack Behrens will always be the man who broke her heart even if he is the current tenant farmer. But turning Jack and his son out—and not catching feelings for them—might prove more difficult than she realized…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
And the love from her past is waiting
Helping her grandmother sell the farm and escaping back to Chicago are all Molly Jansen wants out of this trip—not to reunite with her ex. Single father Jack Behrens will always be the man who broke her heart even if he is the current tenant farmer. But turning Jack and his son out—and not catching feelings for them—might prove more difficult than she realized…
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published August 23, 2022
14 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Angie Dicken
19 books194 followersAngie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she's an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer's Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. You can connect with her
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 22, 2022
The cover is appealing and goes perfectly with the theme of the book.
Second chance romance books are a favorite of mine, also small town romances which this is.
Taking place in Iowa drew me to the book as my daughter lives there and I could picture the scenery as I was reading. Iowa is a beautiful and scenic state.
A slow burn second chance inspirational romance you'll really enjoy reading.
Recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Second chance romance books are a favorite of mine, also small town romances which this is.
Taking place in Iowa drew me to the book as my daughter lives there and I could picture the scenery as I was reading. Iowa is a beautiful and scenic state.
A slow burn second chance inspirational romance you'll really enjoy reading.
Recommended!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
February 12, 2023
I could not get into this book. The characters were way to awkward.
August 10, 2022
Firstly, as I’ve stated many-a-time, I love second-chance stories! Bonus points if it takes place in a small town and farm town, possibly because I’m a small-town country girl at heart who fell in love with an amazing farm town boy. (True story! Ha)
Secondly, Once Upon a Farmhouse is a great title. It sets the tone for the entire book, and pulls me in, quickly.
Thirdly, the story is inspiring, touching, and awesome! Jack and Molly are easy to connect with and I rooted for their second chance. I love that Jack is a single father and I empathized with his predicament. I also felt for Molly, who runs into quite a snag while helping sell her grandmother’s farm.
And lastly, I’m wearing a smile. This is a lovely inspirational romance. I’ve read a couple other books by this author and look forward to reading more of her work.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Secondly, Once Upon a Farmhouse is a great title. It sets the tone for the entire book, and pulls me in, quickly.
Thirdly, the story is inspiring, touching, and awesome! Jack and Molly are easy to connect with and I rooted for their second chance. I love that Jack is a single father and I empathized with his predicament. I also felt for Molly, who runs into quite a snag while helping sell her grandmother’s farm.
And lastly, I’m wearing a smile. This is a lovely inspirational romance. I’ve read a couple other books by this author and look forward to reading more of her work.
Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
August 18, 2022
I love second chance romance. I especially loved the Iowa setting having lived across the street from Iowa, literally as a young girl. The title drew my attention immediately and I ended up totally loving the story. I love the books that this author writes and the sweet romance! Yup, loved it! Returning to her grandfather's funeral was touching to me because my husband passed last week and our grandkids were his life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own.
August 23, 2022
"She feared spending too much time on the walls of this place would inevitably lead to crumbling the walls around her heart. The work of tearing down one would inevitably expose the other."
Heading home to Iowa to help Gran fix up and sell the farm, Molly Jansen doesn't want to be there any longer than she has to be. The last thing she expected to find when she arrived was her ex boyfriend, and single dad, Jack Behrens. She tries to fight her attraction to the father and son and focus on her budding career as an architect in Chicago. Jack is right there for her, helping repair the old farmhouse. He's hoping she'll have a change of heart and stick around. However, the pain of the past may be too much for Molly to overcome....
This is a sweet second chance love story. The characters work through some difficult life experiences to realize the true meaning of family and home.
My thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC of this book. I was only asked to write an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heading home to Iowa to help Gran fix up and sell the farm, Molly Jansen doesn't want to be there any longer than she has to be. The last thing she expected to find when she arrived was her ex boyfriend, and single dad, Jack Behrens. She tries to fight her attraction to the father and son and focus on her budding career as an architect in Chicago. Jack is right there for her, helping repair the old farmhouse. He's hoping she'll have a change of heart and stick around. However, the pain of the past may be too much for Molly to overcome....
This is a sweet second chance love story. The characters work through some difficult life experiences to realize the true meaning of family and home.
My thanks to the author/publisher for the ARC of this book. I was only asked to write an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 23, 2022
What a splendid novel!!
Angie Dicken's heartwarming romance kept my attention cover to cover. Molly and Jack are a memorable couple along with his young son, Tate.
During moments in the story, I found myself imagining what it'd be like to live on a farm in Iowa, the lush fields, adjoining quaint town filled with friendly folks, it's idyllic.
I absolutely enjoyed this contemporary romance novel, and look forward to more by this wonderful author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to post not write a review.
Angie Dicken's heartwarming romance kept my attention cover to cover. Molly and Jack are a memorable couple along with his young son, Tate.
During moments in the story, I found myself imagining what it'd be like to live on a farm in Iowa, the lush fields, adjoining quaint town filled with friendly folks, it's idyllic.
I absolutely enjoyed this contemporary romance novel, and look forward to more by this wonderful author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to post not write a review.
August 23, 2022
Oh, how I loved this story of a 'prodigal granddaughter' reluctantly turning home and being shown just what she lost by leaving! Molly Jansen left Polk Center to find fame and fortune as an architect in Chicago and she was well on her way until she returned home to help her grandmother deal with her husband's death. What she didn't count on was the flood of memories that wash over her, and finding that the person who broke her heart as a teenager is now her grandmother's farm manager. So many emotions...why didn't she return while her grandfather was still alive? How can she deal with working with Jack Behrens, if only for a few weeks?
Molly, Jack, and Gran are special characters, but a sick little boy named Tate grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. I also loved the farm setting and the major role that Molly's grandparents played in her life. Author Angie Dickens totally captures Molly's confusion and Jack's realization that old feelings can be dormant and then blossom again. This is a wonderful story of second chances, believing that God has a plan, and trusting Him to help you along the path. Once Upon a Farmhouse is a heartwarming, inspiring story and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
Molly, Jack, and Gran are special characters, but a sick little boy named Tate grabbed my heart and wouldn't let go. I also loved the farm setting and the major role that Molly's grandparents played in her life. Author Angie Dickens totally captures Molly's confusion and Jack's realization that old feelings can be dormant and then blossom again. This is a wonderful story of second chances, believing that God has a plan, and trusting Him to help you along the path. Once Upon a Farmhouse is a heartwarming, inspiring story and I highly recommend it to all who enjoy contemporary romance!
I received a copy of this book from the author but there was no obligation for a positive review. These are my own thoughts.
September 1, 2022
I love an inspiring second chance romance!
Molly Jansen is headed home after many years away to say goodbye to her grandfather, and to help her Gran sell the family farmhouse. What she doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face with the boy that broke her heart. A lot has changed over the years in each of their lives. Molly is a determined architect who has just gotten out of a very toxic relationship, and Jack Behrens recently lost his wife, and is a single father to a sweet little boy with cystic fibrosis. Both are putting on brave faces but both are struggling with far more than just the death of the family patriarch.
I felt the heaviness of this novel from the beginning. Maybe it’s because I lost my grandfather a few months ago, and those wounds are still very fresh, but though the subject matter is on the heavy side, there is so much inspiration on these pages. I am the mom of a child with a chronic illness, so I could definitely relate with that aspect, and appreciated this addition to the story so much. Jack and Molly are that kind of couple that you can’t help but root for and deserve their happy ending.
There was no epilogue, which made me sad, so I am hoping that these two show up in later stories, even though I am unsure if this novel is a part of a series or not. I hope it is, as Polk Center is utterly charming, and I loved that it is set in Iowa. I’ve never been there personally, but I also haven’t read many stories that are based in Iowa, so I really enjoyed this picturesque place.
Even without the epilogue, it was still a happy and perfect ending for a wonderful couple and a charming story. It’s touching, heartwarming, and I felt all the feels! I now want to live in a farmhouse in Iowa, I am not even kidding! Truly a joy to read!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
Molly Jansen is headed home after many years away to say goodbye to her grandfather, and to help her Gran sell the family farmhouse. What she doesn’t expect is to come face-to-face with the boy that broke her heart. A lot has changed over the years in each of their lives. Molly is a determined architect who has just gotten out of a very toxic relationship, and Jack Behrens recently lost his wife, and is a single father to a sweet little boy with cystic fibrosis. Both are putting on brave faces but both are struggling with far more than just the death of the family patriarch.
I felt the heaviness of this novel from the beginning. Maybe it’s because I lost my grandfather a few months ago, and those wounds are still very fresh, but though the subject matter is on the heavy side, there is so much inspiration on these pages. I am the mom of a child with a chronic illness, so I could definitely relate with that aspect, and appreciated this addition to the story so much. Jack and Molly are that kind of couple that you can’t help but root for and deserve their happy ending.
There was no epilogue, which made me sad, so I am hoping that these two show up in later stories, even though I am unsure if this novel is a part of a series or not. I hope it is, as Polk Center is utterly charming, and I loved that it is set in Iowa. I’ve never been there personally, but I also haven’t read many stories that are based in Iowa, so I really enjoyed this picturesque place.
Even without the epilogue, it was still a happy and perfect ending for a wonderful couple and a charming story. It’s touching, heartwarming, and I felt all the feels! I now want to live in a farmhouse in Iowa, I am not even kidding! Truly a joy to read!
*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
August 20, 2022
Once Upon a Farmhouse by Angie Dicken is a sweet heartwarming love story. Molly Jansen is returning to Polk Center, Iowa for her grandad's funeral and to help her grandma put her farmhouse for sale. She wasn't prepared to run into Jack Behrens at her grandparent's farm. The last time he was there, he broke her heart. Much has changed in both their lives since Molly took off and went to college never to return. Jack Behrens is now a single father to a cute 4 year old son named Tate with cystic fibrosis. He's been the farm manager of Molly's grandparent's farm for 3 years now. Both of them are struggling with her grandad's death, but as time passes they both discover that they're also struggling with other issues as well. Guilt, past hurts and wrongs, dreams, memories, love, and faith are just a few issues they are dealing with as they fix the farmhouse to put it on the market. I really loved that this story was in Polk Center, Iowa. Not many stories are set in Iowa and I loved the small town feel of Polk Center. I do love farmhouses, so I was very interested in this story. It has complex characters struggling with how they are feeling and what they should do next. My one disappointment is that no epilogue was in sight. I felt that an epilogue would really have tied this one up neatly. Still, I loved the ending. It was satisfying. I don't think it's a series, but I wouldn't mind it if it was. I'm not ready to say goodbye to Polk Center. I was given a copy by the author, but all opinions are my very own!
August 18, 2022
Come visit the farmlands of Iowa in Angie Dicken’s Love Inspired Contemporary debut, Once Upon A Farmhouse.
Rising architect Molly Jansen takes time out of her busy (and impersonal) Chicago office to help her grandmother Gertie ready the farm to sell after her grandfather’s death. She’s still trying fit in work, though, aiming to impress her boss for a potential huge new project.
Widower Jack Behrens is Gertie’s farm manager, and the last person Molly expected to see when she pulls up to the farm. Oh, it’s been years, but Jack dumped her right on that farmhouse porch during their senior year of high school, and it still stings.
Molly and Jack now have to work together to get the farm ready, even though it’s going to put Jack out of a job. A job he needs to care for his sweet young son. As they spend more time together, can Molly let go of the hurt from a teen boy, and see the man that Jack has become? Can Jack open his heart again after losing his wife/Tate’s mom? You’ll want to find out…I’m glad I did!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
Rising architect Molly Jansen takes time out of her busy (and impersonal) Chicago office to help her grandmother Gertie ready the farm to sell after her grandfather’s death. She’s still trying fit in work, though, aiming to impress her boss for a potential huge new project.
Widower Jack Behrens is Gertie’s farm manager, and the last person Molly expected to see when she pulls up to the farm. Oh, it’s been years, but Jack dumped her right on that farmhouse porch during their senior year of high school, and it still stings.
Molly and Jack now have to work together to get the farm ready, even though it’s going to put Jack out of a job. A job he needs to care for his sweet young son. As they spend more time together, can Molly let go of the hurt from a teen boy, and see the man that Jack has become? Can Jack open his heart again after losing his wife/Tate’s mom? You’ll want to find out…I’m glad I did!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.
September 23, 2022
Oh I do so love a coming home story! Dickens has captured all the angsty feels -- regret, loss and the uncanny feeling of being stuck back in time when what you really want to do is move forward.
And such a bittersweet start to Molly's prodigal journey -- coming home to attend her grandfather's funeral and help her grandmother sell the farm which just happens to mean selling out her ex-flame's livelihood! Their high school romance went awry a decade ago but in some ways, Molly feels like nothing has changed. The hurt still feels fresh and that irritates her to no end! Lots of stomach churning inner turmoil and wary stutters towards reclaiming what they once had.
I really enjoyed the way their new relationship reflects their maturity. Conflicts and obstacles abound, but Molly and Jack are able to navigate through with a lot more finesse than their teenage selves. I really like that they weren't stuck playing the blame game like sometimes happens with this trope. And Jack's impish young son brings a special energy to this reunion romance.
Heartwarming and uplifting.
https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...
And such a bittersweet start to Molly's prodigal journey -- coming home to attend her grandfather's funeral and help her grandmother sell the farm which just happens to mean selling out her ex-flame's livelihood! Their high school romance went awry a decade ago but in some ways, Molly feels like nothing has changed. The hurt still feels fresh and that irritates her to no end! Lots of stomach churning inner turmoil and wary stutters towards reclaiming what they once had.
I really enjoyed the way their new relationship reflects their maturity. Conflicts and obstacles abound, but Molly and Jack are able to navigate through with a lot more finesse than their teenage selves. I really like that they weren't stuck playing the blame game like sometimes happens with this trope. And Jack's impish young son brings a special energy to this reunion romance.
Heartwarming and uplifting.
https://bestreads-kav.blogspot.com/20...
July 24, 2024
Years ago Jack broke Molly's heart. Now Molly is back in town and fixing up and selling the farm he loves.
After the passing of Molly's Grandpa and one of Jack's closest friends, the farm needs to go on the market. Molly's Grandma is ready to move and needs the home/ farm sold. But Jack loves the farm and can't afford to lose his job as the farm manager. He has a son that is very sick and he needs this income. But Molly's doesn't like being in town, it's mixed with many past sad memories. She wants in and out and doesn't want to stay. It's hard though, as she reconnects with her childhood sweetheart and starts to regain feelings for him as she watches the man/father he's become. But she has no future in that town. And he has nothing to offer her with a sick child, and a job that is about to be undercertain. What's to come of this couple? Can they mend their past? Do they have a future?
This is a slow burn. Molly and Jack are both healing and that takes time and doesn't instantly open them up to love and considering loving each other again. But I think you'll enjoy the story as you watch them slowly make room for each other in their lives.. even if it's only temporary.
After the passing of Molly's Grandpa and one of Jack's closest friends, the farm needs to go on the market. Molly's Grandma is ready to move and needs the home/ farm sold. But Jack loves the farm and can't afford to lose his job as the farm manager. He has a son that is very sick and he needs this income. But Molly's doesn't like being in town, it's mixed with many past sad memories. She wants in and out and doesn't want to stay. It's hard though, as she reconnects with her childhood sweetheart and starts to regain feelings for him as she watches the man/father he's become. But she has no future in that town. And he has nothing to offer her with a sick child, and a job that is about to be undercertain. What's to come of this couple? Can they mend their past? Do they have a future?
This is a slow burn. Molly and Jack are both healing and that takes time and doesn't instantly open them up to love and considering loving each other again. But I think you'll enjoy the story as you watch them slowly make room for each other in their lives.. even if it's only temporary.
August 14, 2022
What a wonderful inspirational romance by Angie Dicken. Once Upon a Farmhouse has authentic, engaging characters, and an idyllic setting. Molly Jensen left the farm she grew up in to become an architect and never looked back. That didn't mean she didn't see or talk to her grandparents, just not at the farm. Her wise Gran and Granddad were salt of the earth and raised her after her mother left. She has to return home for her Grandad's funeral and to help her Gran get the farmhouse ready to sell. The first person she encounters is her ex-boyfriend and former high school football star Jack Behrens, who also broke her heart. Jack is now the tenant farmer on her grandparent’s land and is the single father to a precious boy who struggles with cystic fibrosis. "Yet, little Tate just had a way of drumming up joy these past few days, without even trying."
A tale of past, and present, new dreams, healing, and second chances. Lovers of contemporary romance will really enjoy Once Upon a Farmhouse.
A tale of past, and present, new dreams, healing, and second chances. Lovers of contemporary romance will really enjoy Once Upon a Farmhouse.
August 15, 2022
Talented author Angie Dicken has penned a charming second-chance love story in her new book, Once Upon a Farmhouse. When architect Molly Jansen returns to help her grandmother fix up and sell her Iowa farm, she didn’t count on finding Jack Behrens, the man who broke her heart many years ago, working as her grandmother’s farm manager. I was able to easily visualize the small-town setting and imagine the feelings of Molly coming back home after many years away.
With realistic and engaging characters, including Jack’s adorable son Tate, this tale hit all the right parts of my heart and left me highly satisfied. Although the ending was quite predictable, Dicken added enough creativity and inspiration to keep it fresh and sweet. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean contemporary romances.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
With realistic and engaging characters, including Jack’s adorable son Tate, this tale hit all the right parts of my heart and left me highly satisfied. Although the ending was quite predictable, Dicken added enough creativity and inspiration to keep it fresh and sweet. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean contemporary romances.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. All opinions are my own.
January 23, 2023
This is my first Angie Dicken book, but hopefully not my last! This is a heartwarming story that has such a real feel for each of the characters. This second chance romance is set on an Iowa farm. The little boy, Tate, has cystic fibrosis, and all the details about the disease
are true. (This part of the story line hits close to home as I have close family members with this disease.) My granddad also sharpened pencils for me with his pocket knife, just like Molly’s did for her in the story.
Molly Jansen left the farm for the big city to become a successful architect. She returns to her grandparent’s farm due to her grandfather’s death, planning to help her grandma update the house to put the farm on the market. She discovers that her high school boyfriend, Jack Behrens, is the farm manager at her grandparent’s place.
are true. (This part of the story line hits close to home as I have close family members with this disease.) My granddad also sharpened pencils for me with his pocket knife, just like Molly’s did for her in the story.
Molly Jansen left the farm for the big city to become a successful architect. She returns to her grandparent’s farm due to her grandfather’s death, planning to help her grandma update the house to put the farm on the market. She discovers that her high school boyfriend, Jack Behrens, is the farm manager at her grandparent’s place.
September 1, 2022
As a farmer's daughter and having lived in a farmhouse most of my life such as the one in Once Upon A Farmhouse, I throughly enjoyed reading Angie Dicken's book. Ah, the memories this storyline brought back to me while reading sure warmed my heart. Loved the characters Gertie(Gran), Molly, Jack and Tate! Jack was my husband's name and this Jack reminded me of my wonderful husband! Tate, the rambunctious son dealing with cystic fibrosis was definitely my favorite! This amazing read has family drama, second chance romance, grief of loved ones, and love abounds. Thanks to the author, Angie Dicken for writing a great novel and sending me an ARC to read! All thoughts and opinions are my own and I sure will be reading more of her books in the near future!
July 25, 2022
This is a story about second chances and family. I love that Jack is a single father. His son Tate is precious. Molly comes back to the farm to help her Grandmother get ready to sell the farm when her Grandfather dies. I love their relationship and how the memories are shared throughout the story. I like how Molly and Jake still have feelings for each other but have a lot of things to try and work through. It is a very easy fast paced read. I love it and look forward to reading more from this author.
July 1, 2023
Once Upon a Farmhouse tells a wonderful story that explores themes of family, home, and second chances. Molly Jansen is a related character for anyone who has lived the experiences of both rural and metro life and understands the complexities around leaving and returning home. The story is heartwarming and well-written, and I highly recommend it to fans of clean contemporary romance. Once Upon a Farmhouse is one of a three part book series through Love Inspired and can be found on a variety of formats and platforms as well as accessible formats for large prints needs.
August 29, 2022
This was one of my favorite inspirational romance stories that I have ever read. I usually like my stories with some suspense but this was wonderful. I loved Molly and Jack and how they find each other after years apart. My favorite character of all was Tate. I love how it shows how brave this child is that has a terrible disease. This story is very inspirational. I did not want to put this book down. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
May 24, 2024
Just the right amount of cheesy and drama to keep me hooked. A fun read.
June 24, 2024
Will be thinking about this
April 8, 2025
Loved this story
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews