Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Easter in Gilead #1

Her Unlikely Hero

Rate this book
Redemption and second chances abound in this small-town, single-mom romance with a former bad boy set at Easter.
Connor Hamelin’s Kansas farm boss offers wages through the winter if he’ll try out for the annual passion play. Connor’s been drifting, but sticking around sounds good. Figuring he can channel Judas, he auditions… and is cast as Jesus. Ugh, but maybe he’ll finally understand all the religious nuts in his life.

Single mom Zoey Matthews helps in the wardrobe department for the local passion play as well as participating in crowd scenes with her young daughter. Zoey might be intrigued by the unlikely guy cast as Jesus in this year’s production, but she’s not looking for romance, especially not with an unbeliever too similar to her bad-boy ex.

Connor doesn’t deserve a chance to make amends for his past nor another chance at love. He definitely doesn’t deserve the forgiveness of the Savior he’s portraying… but God is a God of redemption and second chances.

Her heart longs for a hero. He’s no one’s idea of a champion.

Visit Gilead, Kansas, and enjoy five romances behind the scenes at the town's annual passion play! Five beloved authors of Christian contemporary romance have teamed together to present Easter in Gilead. Read all five for a rich experience.

USA Today bestselling author Valerie Comer is the author of dozens of Christian contemporary romance stories that focus on engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith — clean, wholesome, sweet, and inspirational romances. If farm romance, cowboy romance, or small-town romance are what you love to read, you’ve come to the right place!

Check out her Christian romance series:
Why not pre-order HER UNLIKELY HERO today and enjoy Easter in Gilead?

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2023

110 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Valerie Comer

87 books229 followers
Valerie Comer is constantly amazed that living, talking, dreaming characters appear in her mind and flow from her fingertips and, from there, to her delighted readers. She only hopes her creations enjoy their happily-ever-afters as much as she does hers, sharing rural life in western Canada with her husband, adult children, and adorable grandkids.


Valerie is a two-time USA Today bestselling author and a two-time Word Award winner. She is known for writing engaging characters, strong communities, and deep faith into her green clean romances.


CONTACTING VALERIE
Newsletter | Website/Blog | Facebook | Pinterest
valerie@valeriecomer.com

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
110 (71%)
4 stars
35 (22%)
3 stars
7 (4%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for ♥Milica♥.
1,902 reviews748 followers
April 23, 2025
I've been meaning to start this series since last Easter, but didn't have time to, and then I thought okay, I'm gonna do it next Easter.

While I didn't finish Her Unlikely Hero in a timely manner *cough* it's the Wednesday after Easter *cough*, the thought still counts, right?

What really intrigued me about this is the Passion Play aspect, because that's not something my branch of Christianity does, and I honestly had no idea it even had a name until maybe two years ago? So yeah, that was an interesting theme to follow, especially with Connor signing up to play Judas and getting the role of Jesus instead.

You can see how playing Jesus changes him for the better, and eventually leads to him having a relationship with his son, as well as a relationship with Zoey and her daughter.

There are ups and downs like in any story, but with faith anything is possible, and these two manage to come out on top.

It was a sweet story overall, I'll definitely be checking out more of Valerie Comer's books.
Profile Image for Gretchen Louise.
443 reviews162 followers
February 22, 2023
Have you ever read an Easter romance? I hadn't either. Until Her Unlikely Hero. But what a powerful way to look at the story of the Resurrection with fresh eyes! The multi-author Easter in Gilead series contains five stand-alone stories surrounding the annual Passion Play in a small town in Kansas. Now I'm looking forward to reading the other books!

In Her Unlikely Hero, Connor Hamelin commits to taking part in the local church community's annual play so that he won't lose his job as a seasonal farm worker. (It doesn't hurt that he's always loved drama!) But when he's not cast as he expected, he's forced to come face to face with the Hero of Easter. Not to mention a cute member of the costume crew…

As always, Valerie Comer spins a compelling romance with flawed, human characters who end up feeling like people you'd like to know. One of the things I've always loved about her books is the way the community and characters are connected and of course, this is no different. A wonderful read for Easter or any time of year!

Disclosure: I received an early digital review copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,628 reviews
March 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! If you've read any Valerie Comer books, you'll enjoy meeting up with a number of characters from her Urban Farm Fresh Romance series and some from the Montana Ranch series with the Cavanaughs. The unlikely hero has a background from the Urban Farm Fresh series, but if you haven't read them, you'll still enjoy this book, and Comer covers the background you need to know. There are plot twists that challenge both the hero and his sweetheart, but Comer does a good job with helping them work through those challenges. Connor's path to faith in Jesus is believable and well written. I liked the depth of the spiritual growth in several of the characters, and there's plenty of humor too.
Profile Image for Barbara Campbell.
1,778 reviews41 followers
March 30, 2024
It's Easter week and so I decided to step out of the current series I am reading to find a book set at Easter. I thoroughly enjoy Valerie Comer's books, so I was hopeful I would like this one... and I did! If you want a nice romance, you will find it here. BUT you are going to find so much more! We get to watch how God uses others (those of us with willing obedient hearts) to influence and encourage those who don't believe. We also get to see how their influence, prayers and God's Word work together with the Holy Spirit to open a heart to see the truth. There are many tense moments.. a romance that is on and off.. issues with fear and past mistakes holding folks back... but the greatest gift in this book for me, was watching Connor fall in love with Jesus. Well done, as always Valerie!

There are 3 other books in this series.. each written by a different author. Looking forward to reading through them all during this Easter season.
Profile Image for Deepeabee .
77 reviews1 follower
October 16, 2023
"Her Unlikely Hero" is a heartwarming tale of redemption and second chances set against the backdrop of a small-town, single-mom romance during Easter. The story follows Connor Hamelin, a former bad boy, who finds himself at a crossroads when his Kansas farm boss offers him a unique opportunity: a chance to participate in the annual passion play in exchange for winter wages. Connor, who's been drifting through life, decides to give it a shot, hoping to channel the role of Judas. To his surprise, he is cast as Jesus, a role that forces him to confront his past and understand the religious aspects of his life.

Enter Zoey Matthews, a single mom who plays a crucial role in the passion play's wardrobe department and participates in crowd scenes with her young daughter. Zoey is intrigued by the unlikely choice of Connor as Jesus, but she's not looking for romance, especially with a man who appears to be a non-believer and shares similarities with her bad-boy ex.

The story beautifully weaves together the themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the power of second chances. As Connor steps into the role of Jesus, he undergoes a profound transformation, allowing him to connect with the religious aspects of his life in unexpected ways. Zoey's reluctance to open her heart to romance adds depth to her character, making her journey of self-discovery equally compelling.

The setting of a small town and the backdrop of the passion play add a unique and charming dimension to the story. The characters are well-developed, and their emotional journeys are both relatable and inspiring. "Her Unlikely Hero" is a heartwarming, faith-based romance that explores the intricacies of love and redemption, making it a must-read for those who enjoy stories of personal growth and second chances.
Profile Image for Mandy.
1,768 reviews29 followers
December 27, 2024
Contemporary Christian romance. This story is set in Gilead, Kansas where the church puts on an annual Passion play during the Lent season. Connor Hamelin recently moved to the area and is trying to figure out what to do next after his seasonal work at a local produce farm is over. The owner, Larry, says he will pay for Connor to stay on through the off-season if he tries out for the play. Connor is a bit reluctant as he is not a Christian, but can't say no to more job security. Zoey has lived in Gilead her whole life and has a role on the wardrobing team for the play. When she sees Connor's audition she is moved, and finds herself encouraging the stranger.

As the show is cast, Connor finds out that he landed the role of Jesus. Trying to give his character the attention he deserves, Connor starts reading the Gospels. He keeps running into Zoey and her daughter Wren, and soon all 3 of them realize they want to spend more time together. But Zoey has "been there, done that, got the baby," and is scared to open her heart up again.

I don't know that I've ever read a story set around Easter like this, and I look forward to reading the other three books in this multi-author series. It was fun to see some of the character from Comer's other books, namely Dafne, Blake and Gavin and then Jasmine and Nathan. I liked the focus on redemption and forgiveness in this story.
Profile Image for Tina at Mommynificent.
661 reviews18 followers
February 28, 2023
I always love a good redemption story, especially for a bad guy from a previous book, and I've "known" Connor Hamelin as a bad guy for a long time (and in three different series!), since 2016 when he left 16-year old Dafne alone, pregnant, and scared in Comer's Other Than a Halo. He was still not doing so well in 2018 in Comer's Wishes on Wildflowers, and I had to give up hope of his ever reconciling with Dafne last year when she found her much deserved happily-ever-after with someone else in Kiss Me Like You Mean It, Cowboy. With Connor's and my long history :), this book had all the feels as he finally met Jesus and became the man he was meant to be. I absolutely loved how Comer showed his brokenness and how his childhood had made him who he was, and then how Jesus redeemed all of that and made it into something so very beautiful! I loved how Comer brought in characters from her other series and how they reacted to Connor's transformation. I also enjoyed meeting new characters in this new community of Gilead, Kansas. I especially fell in love with Larry and Karen, who took Connor under their wing as if he was their own son and loved him into the Kingdom. To me, they were the real heroes of this story (other than Jesus, of course!)
1,164 reviews6 followers
March 16, 2023
LOVED this book!! I did NOT want it to end, and did NOT want to put it down!! Connor meets Zoey when he tries out for the part of Judas in the Gilead Passion Play. Connor's sure he's meant for that role. When Zoey sees Connor's audition for the part of Judas, she's taken with his performance. The more time these two spend together, the more they like each other. However, the more Connor reads the Bible to find out more about the play, the more he questions his male friends to find out more about Jesus. Connor's search for Jesus is only the beginning his changing life. As God changes Connor's heart, Zoey has to come to terms with her own weakness and lack of trust in Him. Only when both come to totally depend on God can they open themselves up to finding love. I know Gilead is fictional, as is this particular Passion Play, but I'd love to go there and see it!! Loved this story of forgiveness, redemption, and new life in Christ!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
Profile Image for ELMorehead.
286 reviews1 follower
February 28, 2023
Can God Give Zoey Beauty for the Ashes of Her Life?

Master Storyteller Valerie Comer is one of my Favorite Authors. She's had a fring character, that has been mentioned in several of her Series (Although, this is a stand alone Novel). He finally gets his Redemptive 📗 and 💗, in "Her Unlikely Hero (Easter in Gilead Book 1)".

How does God use a role in a Christian College's Easter Passion Play, to draw Conner Hamelin to Salvation? Who is toddler Wren's Mr. Sparkles to her? How do Zoey and Conner end up in a Lifetime 💞? I Highly Recommend You 📖 this Outstanding, Page-Turning, Inspirational, Christian Romance, to find out!

Thank you VC, for highlighting what Easter is Really About. I ❤️d this Engrossing 📗 so much, I 📖 it straight through. I'm eagerly waiting for the next Story in the Series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Ausjenny.
397 reviews
March 9, 2023
Billionaires get a lot of requests for money, but when my great-grandmother asked me to set up a scholarship at her alma mater, I was happy to oblige. Anything to make my GG smile.

But I made the mistake of mentioning that the Bible college where she met her one true love was gearing up for their annual Easter play. GG’s response? Stay in Kansas and lend a helping hand.

Such a terrible idea. Not only is it challenging to run a billion-dollar business remotely, it also means spending more time with Wendy Hall—the beautiful young widow who makes me want to help with more than just the play. So I’ll do my part at the concessions stand, and I’ll see what I can do about the secrets bringing Wendy down.

Easter is a time for new beginnings. A second chance at love might be the last thing Wendy wants, but I’m here to show her it’s exactly what she needs.
1,400 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2023
In this book you will read about mistakes made as a teenager, amazing people who are willing to help others and a amazing play that effects others. Conner was lost when he came to Bed of Greens Truck Farm. When his boss offered him a way to keep his job during the offseason he accepted. Zoey is a single mom living with her father and daughter. Watching Conners life change during this time will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review.
Profile Image for Amy Petrowich.
317 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2023
Beautiful story of redemption

There’s so much to love in this story. It was beautiful to see grace and redemption and forgiveness played out through the pages as two ordinary people struggle with the truth of the gospel.
Watching Connor find Christ and seeing Zoey learn to trust God and herself was like watching Easter lilies bloom.
The author does an amazing job of making the characters jump off the pages.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance or looking for a good book to help you learn to share the gospel in a more natural way.
Profile Image for Samantha Ball.
Author 6 books19 followers
March 7, 2023
A heartwarming Easter romance

A great start to the Easter in Gilead series! I can't wait to read the rest.
I thoroughly enjoyed this heartwarming, uplifting, delightful story about Connor and Zoey. The character development was superbly done, and I loved the wonderful gospel message of the Passion Play. And Wren, Zoey's daughter - well, she's just the cutest young lady I've ever met! She totally steals the show as far as I'm concerned.
But, I'm so glad Connor finally found redemption and purpose in his life, and that Zoey got her HEA. I highly recommend this book.
34 reviews1 follower
March 22, 2023
A sweet story of forgiveness and redemption

I really enjoyed this sweet story of forgiveness and redemption. Seeing the transformation of the hero of the story from a doubter to a believer was very heart warming. And watching both hero and heroine give and receive forgiveness was encouraging and true to life. It is awesome having a story based on and around Easter, a time for hope and new beginnings. I would definitely recommend this book to all who like happy, fuzzy feelings and happy endings.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
March 25, 2023
My thoughts: HER UNLIKELY HERO is an Easter romance chock-full of the gospel and redemption story. Part of the reason I love Valerie Comer's books is because of the strong faith message and a true-to-life romance, complete with drama and heartbreak. I fell in love with Connor in this story and Wren was a tiny sweetheart. I loved HER UNLIKELY HERO and highly recommend for a read now book--or to tuck into your favorite romance reader's Easter basket. Grab your copy and one for a friend now! I was given a copy free and all opinions are my own.
300 reviews1 follower
April 29, 2023
oh my goodness

This book took me on a spiritual journey in the most awesome way. I loved Connor & Zoey’s spiritual awakening and how the author drew these two opposite characters together, one who didn’t think he deserved forgiveness and the other who claimed Jesus, but claimed she took care of everything herself. Once they realized that how great their need was for Jesus they were a perfect match. But there were a few eye opener for me too. Wonderful book. Highly recommended this book
2,094 reviews19 followers
March 6, 2023
Inspiring

I lived the passion play idea. What a truly inspired way to bring the Gospel to life for people in a 'real' way. I truly enjoyed Connor. He's humble, honest, and caring. Zoey, on the other hand, was somewhat irritating. I understand about being a single parent. Her fear instead of faith irked me. Apart from that, it was a great read full of kids, growth, supportive others and a great ending. The next book in line sounds like a good one too.
5 reviews
March 6, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this first installment of this spring series around Lent, leading up to Easter, describing the come-to-Jesus journey of a former bad boy Spokane resident from the wonderful Urban Farm Fresh series. Of course, I loved 3yo Little Bird, aka Wren, and little man Gavin. I am so grateful for clean, wholesome Christ-centered books, showing how people meet their Savior and grow in faith. With a guaranteed happily ever after.
153 reviews3 followers
March 8, 2023
Judas or Jesus

Connor - the guy who wanted his pregnant, teenage girlfriend to have an abortion - has grown up. He's in Kansas now, a long way from Washington state. A part in the local Passion play ensures him a job through the winter so he auditions - for the part of Judas (it seemed appropriate). As he journeys through his time on the play he's changed.

Zoey doesn't trust easily, her relationship with Conner is marked by fear.
2,246 reviews12 followers
April 14, 2023
Great story!

This is a wonderful story full of faith, forgiveness, hope, and trust as well as romance. When Conner’s boss offers him a job after the off season if he participates in the Passion Play the college, he did not know just how much that would change his life. Single mom, Zoey, also works with the play. She is fascinated by the guy trying out for the part of Judas. Why would anyone deliberately want to be Judas?
139 reviews
February 26, 2023
This was an enjoyable story about second chances, restoration, and forgiveness. It was nice to see the characters put their trust in God and God move in their lives.

I was happy to see Blake and Dafne from the author’s Cavanagh Cowboys Romance series. The reader is also introduced to Tate from the author’s upcoming Sweet River Ranch Romance Series.
870 reviews7 followers
March 2, 2023
Extra great story

A great redemption story of 2 single parents finding their way.
The author's development of Connor is artistic, skilled & true to life. Conor's path to redemption is available for anyone who chooses to follow it.
Wren is the cutest 'helper.'
1,840 reviews24 followers
March 2, 2023
heroes need Jesus too

This is a nice love story, but mostly, we can learn a lot from it. I like how it shows us that even Christian’s are not automatically perfect. We need to be quick to forgive as Jesus has forgiven us. I can’t wait for the next book!
514 reviews1 follower
March 16, 2023
Point was somewhat belabored

It's a good message. The most adorable part is when Wren tells Connor that she loves him. The book is formulaic in the sense that Tate's story would be next.
Profile Image for Katrinalee.
337 reviews6 followers
April 19, 2025
Beautiful Easter Story

Reading this book was a nice way to celebrate Holy Week. I liked all the characters in the town of Gilead. This is a beautiful story about understanding Jesus as the true hero in our lives.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews17 followers
March 2, 2023
Totally awesome story. The use of the Passion Play including most of the towns people was skillfully rendered. Loved it!
126 reviews3 followers
May 1, 2023
I did like the characters and the romance. However, there was way too much religion, at some point it felt brainswashy.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,401 reviews
March 12, 2023
A unique start to a multi-author five romance Easter series. As a German American I am familiar with the famous Oberammergau Passion Play. I also have seen The Great Passion Play of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. As a German and pastor's wife Easter has many church and family traditions. Few authors write stories with an Easter setting, therefore this story is a special treat - second chances, redemption, plus the Biblical Easter story. A romance with believable characters (Zoey, Connor and Larry, the owner of Bed of Greens Truck Farm), page turning plot - especially with the Passion Play auditions and play practices, and a believable resolution. While the premise is different, I was somewhat baffled about how Zoey and Connor's more intimate moments were described. Not what I expected in a Christian romance.
3 reviews2 followers
May 21, 2025
Fabulous read

At age 52 I’ve only just started to enjoy reading, and I loved this book and found myself up reading at midnight.
Profile Image for Jeannette Harbottle.
738 reviews10 followers
March 16, 2023
It’s always fun when a minor character in a series you loved pops up unexpectedly as the hero of another book but not in the same series. Combine Connor's story with an Easter story, about the real meaning of Easter- Jesus his death and resurrection - and you have a winner! Another Valerie Comer book that is just as good as all the others!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.