A heartwarming second-chance romance!

Johanna had always dreamed of being a preacher’s wife, but when Parker, the love of her life, decided to leave the ministry, Johanna walked away. Ten years later, she’s a widow with a young daughter, and Parker unexpectedly returns to town. But the questions remain: Does she still have feelings for him? And does he feel the same? As Johanna navigates her past emotions and motherhood, a new threat emerges, someone is targeting her for reasons she can’t understand. As the mystery unfolds, Johanna must decide if she can risk her heart with Parker again, especially after walking away once before. Can they overcome the past, or will it repeat itself?

This story is a beautiful, slow-burn second-chance romance, filled with healing, faith, and hope. It was especially meaningful to me since the main character shares my first name. I’m so thankful to have had the chance to read and review this sweet, touching story.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

“I have the right amount on my shoulders. With God as bearer of my burdens, I neither struggle nor strain. I am blessed to have Him as my stronghold and refuge.”

Faith abounds in this second chance romance, with a good does of danger and suspense and of course a twisted villain.

Joanna has had some trials and they seem to just keep piling on. I loved that she didn’t back down or cower. Her strength, determination, and faith were beautiful. Her realization of her love for Parker and her growth in her faith and listening to God’s leading heart-warming. Her Emily is a precious little girl. Em’s interactions with Parker left me in a puddle. 🫠 I liked Parker’s determination to be a witness for God in his profession. His growth and steps in faith were amazing and his love for Joanna swoony. I loved Parker’s mother. What a wonderful example of listening, praying, encouraging, and gently directing a child (even a grown one) to their faith and purpose in God.

I loved seeing Judge Ashbury’s protective side and Marvella’s matchmaking is a delight. Her “hat wars” was so fun. The epilogue was fantastic!!

A few quotes:
“I fine, Mama. Daddy found me.” Daddy? Johanna raised an eyebrow at Parker. He smiled and shrugged. “She said it. But I am happy to take on the title and role, if you approve.”

“God has given me a new calling now.” “And what is that?” She smiled. “To love you.”

This ARC was provided by the authors. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

Sometimes you just need a good story to occupy yourself with... Peterson and Woodhouse have written a number of books together now and I have enjoyed each one that I have read.
I have a soft spot for a book set in Montana, since that is where I was born and lived for almost half my life.
The characters in this one are relatable, if a bit predictable, but I think most people are to a degree. There were several moments where I was eager to press on and find out what was coming next.
Yes, it's a typical romance where you know the characters are eventually going to end up together. Yes, it's Christian and very faith-filled.
Yes, it was an easy and quick read.
All of those are reasons why I will absolutely pick up a Peterson-Woodhouse book any time I need to unwind and enjoy a quiet moment reading. Really enjoyed all the books of The Jewels of Kalispell series! I am so glad that I was allowed to read an advanced copy of this story and I am more than happy to leave my honest review.

We are back in Kalispell, Montana in 1905. for the third book in the Jewels of Kalispell series. Marvella is back at her matchmaking, this time with young widow Johanna. Close-knit community and family tie the story together with twists and turns along the way, including a central villain. We also get to catch up with the characters we have come to know in the first two books. If you are looking for a heartwarming tale of years gone by, this is a faith-filled, moving, and rewarding read!

This is a book that became a page turner for me, yes it was a bit predictable at times, but I enjoy the way this author weaves a story.
Johanna St. John has experienced a lot in her young life, she has loved and lost and loved again. She lived the life she dreamed of and has a precocious two year old daughter, Emily.
Parker Bennett has left Kalispell, and has been doing what he thought the Lord wanted him to do, acting and sharing the God's word.
As this story begins life has changed for both the main characters, Johanna is now a widow and struggling to raise Emily and make a living. Parker has gotten his team of actors to come to his hometown and paths do cross.
There is another man whom wants to woo Johanna, her brother-in-law, he is a successful lawyer, and has a lot of plans.
I did need answers and the pages flew, were the answers what I wanted? Will justice come for those whom are doing Evil? Answers come!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

"An Unexpected Grace" is a Christian romance set in 1905 in Montana. This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Ten years before, Parker went to seminary, intending to marry Johanna and become a preacher in Kalispell when he finished. Without consulting anyone, he quit school and accepted a position as an actor in a travelling acting troupe, mainly performing Shakespeare. He expected Johanna (whom he knew felt called to marry a preacher) to happily marry him--love is enough!--and create their family on the road. She's shocked. That wasn't what she agreed to, and she called off their engagement.

When he returns 10 years later, he's growing tired of traveling, misses his family, and realizes that fame hasn't presented him with the opportunities to present the Gospel that he'd expected. Johanna's still wonderful, and her daughter's charming. He once again made his decisions about his future without consulting anyone, which made things hard on Johanna, who loved him but thought a relationship meant she'd have to join his traveling lifestyle with a toddler and a father who needed her help.

At the same time, Johanna's dead husband's brother was determined to marry her despite her repeated and clear statements that she would never marry him and didn't trust or like him. He's determined to force her into accepting him, either from financial need or to stop his threat of accusing her of being a poor mother and so take her daughter from her. Happily, Johanna asked for help from the Judge (her friend) and had friends in the community. The villain descended into insanity, determine to kill those she loves--like that would convince her. The end got a little far-fetched. Also, the villain's ability to prevent Johanna from learning of her inheritance (which he wanted) seemed unrealistic to me.

The romance was predictable but enjoyable. The villain thought himself very clever but was illogical and stupid. I liked Johanna, but I was exasperated that Parker didn't learn from the past and discuss with Johanna his changing feelings about life as a traveling actor. Johanna trusted God despite the hard things happening to her family. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of the series.

Johanna St. John was not that young girl anymore that was so infatuated with Parker Bennett. She was a widow raising her young daughter alone.



But can she trust her heart? Parker is back in town after being away for a few years.



I loved the story. There was plenty of action and romance. James, her brother-in-law was one to watch out for. I didn't like him. His intentions were evil.


This book was written by two of my favorite writers: Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse. I trust that the story will be Christian based and entertaining. And I was right with this book!!

This is the third book in this lovely series that takes place in Kalispell, Montana. Each of the books in this series really are stand alone. Only one set of characters carries forward--and they aren't primary.

This book is clearly the conclusion of the series based on how it ends. It was a good conclusion. Unlike many other books on the Christian fiction market, you can always count on solid biblical based fiction with characters striving to get closer to God.

The plot--it honestly was pretty predictable. But that's okay. It's good to have low key books that you know will have happily ever after.

Of the three, I liked this one the least.

3 stars as it was just okay. :)

*thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

AN UNEXPECTED GRACE is the third novel in The Jewels of Kalispell series by TRACIE PETERSON and KIMBERLEY WOODHOUSE, but it can easily stand alone. It is a beautifully written book, with unforgettable characters and a strong Christian message on which it is based.
Both Johanna Easton St John and Parker Bennett are eager to follow the Lord’s leading in their lives, using their God- given ralents to His glory……
When Parker comes back to Kalispell in 1905 with the Franklin Travelling Theatre Group, a famous actor who has not only lost Johanna, his first love, but also seems to have lost his first lost love for His Lord and Saviour, he has many things to put right in his life. First of all with his mother and sister, Cora, after not being home when his beloved father died, and then to see how he can help the widowed Johanna who is battling with a toddler and sick father. It also seems as though their little family’s lives are in danger……..
I love the way the authors take us right into their characters’ emotions…….
There are a couple of villains and many twists and turns in the story with the suspense making things very excitng. There are also some lovely characters such as matchmaking Marvella and three year old Emily St John ……
I cannot recommend this most enjoyable and inspirational book highly enough.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse make a powerful writing team. They have added another great
book to their resume!
I'm glad that Johanna could have 2 true loves in her life. She was a very
strong character.
I also liked Parker and was so glad that his father had left him a letter. That was a major point in his story.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Another wonderful Tracie Peterson book in the books.
This one was fast-paced as always and some twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
I love this masterful storyteller! I love how she draws her readers in from the get go. I was sad to see this end.
There are some unsavory characters that I didn't like right off. Real life people are like that too. You usually can tell.
Timing is everything in thing in this story and of course God's plans too.
It was impossible to put this book down because it was sooooo good! I finished this book at 2 am this morning.
A story that will leave your heart full and satisfied.
Sometimes it just takes time and a little growing up to do to make God's plan come together for the good.
5 stars for another excellent read. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.