What a wonderful romance by debut author, Janine Rosche! The funny, laugh-out-loud moments like, "For Keira, each school day toward the end of May dragged slower than a spoon through cafeteria mashed potatoes," to the heart-warming and heart-wrenching moments, kept me engaged throughout the entire story. If you enjoy clean Christian romance that tugs on your heart strings, give this new author a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

"She stood, waiting. Always waiting for Robbie Matthews. Wasn't that the story of her life? Enough was enough."
Yes, Robbie Matthews and Keira Knudson have a history and it hasn't always been pretty but it's certainly one that will make your heart pound a little harder! Their high school romance ended several years ago and he's now the single father of a four-year-old daughter, but the old feelings of love and mutual chemistry appear to have been smoldering for all of those years.

This Wandering Heart has everything a classic second chance romance should have. Two people who've never stopped caring for each other, life journeys that they've traveled separately, and a chance to reconnect once again. This love lost/love regained story will leave you with a smile on your face and the father/daughter bond between Robbie and his precious daughter Anabelle will melt your heart. One of my favorite quotes occurs when a custody battle looms between Robbie and Anabelle's mother. He is reminded by his sister that "Remember, we serve a powerful God, and he loves a good underdog story."

Author Janine Rosche has written a novel that you won't soon forget. I'm a sucker for second chances at love and I would love to see this book made into a movie. This Wandering Heart is Hallmark movie material, for sure!

I received an eBook copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required and these are my own opinions.

This is a story about second chances in romance, embracing your dreams, and being free to do what God would have you to do.

This novel packed an emotional punch that I was not quite expecting. Keira is a character that has some deep hurts. Mostly from those who were supposed to love her the most. Her father who was a monster and her first and only love, Robbie who betrayed her in unimaginable ways as well. Now Robbie is not a bad guy, he is actually a caring and considerate family man. He just made some foolish decisions when he was young and hurt, that had life changing consequences.

I also feel that this is a story about dreams and goals. And how we can mess up so much and stoop to so little just to get what we think we want. When in reality God has a better life planned for us if we only didn't fight against our better good so much.

I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

Keira Knudsen needs to prove to her past that she is strong, capable, independent, and for years, she has done so through travel. Now, when offered an incredible opportunity to travel the world, she thinks her dreams have come true—except a newly ignited spark with her first love, Robbie Matthews (plus his adorable daughter, Anabelle), presents her with what seems like an impossible choice.

Janine Rosche’s This Wandering Heart is a sweet story of love, adventure, and dreams. Both Keira and Robbie have obstacles in their pasts that make moving forward complicated (and because of these obstacles, Keira can be quite unlikable for a lot of the book), but as they make the tough choices to grow, I could not help cheering for them. I definitely enjoyed their romance and look forward to more Madison River romances in the future.

I have to say this book pulled at my heartstrings. Not with the two main characters at first but definitely because of Anabelle and her on again off again mom. It really made me want to rush in and save the day. No kiddo should have to deal with that. Both parents should be for the best things for the child.

Anyway. Off that soapbox.

There are a few other hard topics as well such as loss and domestic abuse. There are hidden identities and secrets being kept all over the place. And there may be more kissing than you’re ready for.

This is a good book. I really enjoyed reading it. There are a few surprises and things going on that I wasn’t prepared for but mostly it’s a sweet steady read with no great mystery or suspense. Just a bit of drama from an ex.

I enjoyed our blogger. She’s got a secret identity as a travelling blogger and I think that would be so much fun! I love to travel but don’t get to do much of it with all my kiddos currently.

This is a book I can recommend. I do like to state that if you have had issues with domestic violence there are some scenes of that in this book as that is something that formed our main character Keira. And that brings me to my daughter who is Kierrah so I had to think so I didn’t misspell.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This is book one of the Madison River Romance Series. When we start out Keira is getting engaged to John and she notices as the whole town shows up, along with Robbie her ex-boyfriend from years ago right in the front row watching it all. When Keira decides that John is not for her, Robbie and her start to deal with the past and Keira hires Robbie as her assistant. Robbie has his own problems of being a single father to a 5 year old and having the estranged mother of his child re-enter their lives. She abandoned them both when Annabelle was only 9 weeks old, and has not seen the child since. Keira, Robbie and Annabelle gone on a trip across a few states and all bond together. When Keira has to deal with her past, Robbie is also dealing with his past, while Annabelle just wants a mommy and a daddy.... Will Keia be able to stay true to herself and make the right choices? Can Robbie keep his daughter from the mother she has never known? Will this end happily or will the end be disastrous?


I would recommend this book to anyone that is a romantic and like a read that is unpredictable. I liked the characters and was routing for them. Just when you think you knew what was going to happen a twist takes place, at the end of the book, I kept thinking this was the last chapter and then i would turn the page and there was more... it just kept turning...... I am looking forward to book 2 and finding out more about Ryann, Robbie's sister, who touches your heart in book one, she always keeps things into perspective and her brother on track.

This Wandering Heart was a great story! The two main characters got a second chance at love, but it was not easy. There were old hurts to recover from, fears on both sides, an ex who was causing nothing but problems, and questions about what future both Keira and Robbie truly wanted. There was also a sweet little girl, who was at first a reminder to Keira of all that had gone wrong, but soon captured her heart.

I really enjoyed seeing Keira and Robbie work through their past and current issues throughout this story. It was hard at times, because Keira was very reactionary. I thought that she grew a lot by the end of the book. I also enjoyed the interaction between not only these two main characters, but also seeing them with Robbie’s daughter, Anabelle.

The travel added a nice dimension to the story and the author made me feel like I was really there, traveling alongside Keira. I felt like the legal aspects of the story relating to the custody dispute involving Anabelle were spot on.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This is a great debut novel! I liked Keira and her adventurous spirit. She goes through different emotional trials that are real and relatable. I liked the spiritual growth and the spiritual truths woven throughout the story. And Robbie! I loved Robbie from the first chapter and only fell more in love with him as I read more! The story has a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and character growth that create a deep and touching book. I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more by this author!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Debut author Janine Rosche writes a contemporary romance that has us traveling the world, only to be missing home.

Well written characters made this adventurous story a delight. Keira struggles with who she is and what she really wants from life. Single dad Robbie learns how to juggle friendship, parenthood, and a surprise ex. And then there’s Anabelle, an adorable three year old who I came to love.

If I had one problem with the story it was that the main characters, though Christians, spend quite a bit of time alone being more intimate than really appropriate. All in all, however, this story has a great plot with plenty of adventure and romance while Rosche’s characters grow, making for a great read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

This Wandering Heart by Janine Rosche is a such a lovely read from beginning to end. I was thrilled to get the chance to read this book. I expected it to be a good read by a debut author. However, this book blew me away. It is not just a good book, it’s an excellent book at the level I would expect from an author writing her third or fourth book. I read a lot of mysterious and they hook you pretty easily with action. This book did not need suspense to hook me from the very first page. Instead, I was immediately hooked by the vivid characters and dialogue. I stayed up quite late a few nights because I could not put this book down. I am definitely a fan of Ms Roche’s writing and I cannot wait for the next book in this series. This book is perfect for readers of women’s fiction and adventure. Anyone who loves a well told story will not be disappointed. It is a wonderful read! I received a digital copy of this book from the author with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This Wandering Heart is the first book I have read by Janine Rosche. After reading this first installment to her Madison River Romance series, it will not be the last. I adored Keira and Robbie’s story. They were true to life characters that made me feel as though they were real. So many readers will be able to relate to quite a few issues covered in the book. I enjoyed the fun and entertaining humorous scenes. There are some wonderful messages within the book, such as, faith, hope, and redemption. I loved the beautiful town of West Yellowstone, Montana.

I am giving This Wandering Heart four and a half stars. I look forward to reading the next book from the Madison River Romance series to see what happens next. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy sweet and inspirational romance. I thought it was a great read!

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

A sweet romance with a dose of hard-hitting truth. I think many of us can find a bit of Keira inside us. That hope and dream we have hidden away, afraid to let it free. Afraid to fail. What would we do if failure wasn’t an option? Fact is, failure is always possible, but facing the possibility and going forward anyway…that takes courage.

I enjoyed the journey Janine Rosche created for Keira and Robbie. Both traveled through a painful past in hopes of finding a brighter future.

Sometimes, what you thought you wanted isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Finding new dreams, accepting what might be, and having the strength to stand in the face of adversity are the key things I took away from This Wandering Heart.

Should her heart be tamed? Can it? I say that’s a travesty. Keira has her anchor set with God, and there’s nowhere better she can be. I love that this was a strong element throughout the novel for both Robbie and Keira. They followed their hearts, but God led the way.

And a hearty bow to all the secondary characters, who were so well done I found myself wanting to know more about all of them. Even Vivian, who we’re supposed to dislike but can’t help feeling a little worried about.

An excellent novel I would highly recommend for all fans of contemporary romance.

I requested a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Can Keira, a history teacher by day and a travel social media presence by weekend; and Robbie, an expert builder but non-intellectual; get honest enough with each other to explain their past issues and build a new future?
This Wandering Heart, #1 Madison River Romance by Janine Rosche was a Hallmark-type Christian romance. I wasn’t sure what to think of Keira. I really liked her, but she didn’t seem to know her own mind. She had a rough past, but when things got tough, it was hard to predict which way the wind would blow. She does show tremendous growth when she finally stands up to her father and tells her mother, “...courage isn’t something we’re born with. It’s a choice.” Keira does find the bravery needed to make some other changes in her life that create great life choices for her.
I immediately liked Robbie for his great, tender care of his daughter by himself. He was totally dedicated to Annabelle. Robbie has several issues to sort out, all coming to a head at once. He was wise enough to lean on God and his family to help him produce the resources he needed to weather some very tough storms.
Annabelle was another show-stopper. How could anyone not fall in love with this sweetheart?
I even loved how Vivian was drawn as more than 2- dimensional. Sometimes the villain only seems to have one side- bad. But I could actually identify with Vivian as Ms. Rosche wrote her.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinions, which are solely my own.

A great debut that captured my heart and attention from the get go. It is interesting and contains a sweet romance amid the chaos of life. I enjoy the travel aspect and could visualize the photos that Keira was taking. The addition of Annabelle was genius as she makes me smile and warms my heart. Robbie and his family make you want to visit and sit a spell. A wonderful story of second chances, forgiveness, family, and Faith. I found this imaginative and highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

This work of Christian fiction tells the story of how geography teacher Keira Knudsen finds a home. After turning down a proposal from her longtime boyfriend and principal of the school, Keira dons her alternative identity of travel blogger Kat Wanderfull and takes a trip. She is offered the travel opportunity of a lifetime. Meanwhile, her first love Robbie faces a challenge when the mother of his daughter reappears and wants custody. Keira and Robbie form a partnership to get them each what they want. But secrets threaten to tear their growing relationship apart.

I loved the unique angle of this story. Kat isn't just a damsel in need of a man and Robbie's not just the ruggedly handsome man she left behind. They each have depth that carries the story forward. The ending is satisfying and not totally predictable. Each faces realistic obstacles that can be truly heart wrenching. The plot kept me reading and interested until the very end. Definitely one I'd recommend.

I don’t think I have been more invested in two characters before meeting Keira and Robbie. They have a long history together which the author shares with grace and love. Keira is a carefree person who is afraid to put down roots. Her childhood was tainted with abuse. I can understand her need to be independent because all her life she has had this dream that never went away. I loved her other persona and all the thrills she had traveling to places with photos that capture her thirst for life. The more I got to know Keira the more I fell in love with her sweet disposition.
Robbie is a wonderful father to his adorable daughter Annabelle. Raising her alone has given him a purpose to be the best person he can be. I loved reading how family oriented he was. Robbie has loved Keira since forever and seeing her again brings back strong emotions. The author unwraps their relationship slowly as we glimpse into their struggle to be together. Keira is afraid of commitment and Robbie still feels the pain when she walked away from him years ago. Or perhaps they both struggle with pride and can’t get past asking for forgiveness from each other.
I love stories about second chances. It gives hope to a situation that seems impossible, it allows forgiveness to take place and it removes doubt and past sins to be forgotten. There is so much emotion written in this story that I could feel when Keira felt lost or Robbie wanting to tell Keira that he never stopped loving her. I love the unexpected twists which added to the story of two people finding their way back to each other. The faith element in the story is good and I really liked how Robbie always followed God’s direction. This book will remind you that when you find love, the past is forgotten. There is now a new beginning with hope, joy and above all unconditional love.
“That’s the thing about grace. It’s most appreciated by the ones who deserve it the least.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

This contemporary romance debut is set in Montana. The author does a nice job of describing the picturesque town. Keira Knudson is a high school geography teacher that has a side job with a travel blog. I loved that she followed her dream and turned it into a lucrative opportunity. Coming from a dysfunctional family and having had her heart broken in college, she is slow to trust.

Robbie Matthews (see broken heart above) has never gotten over Keira. Their interactions are at times spunky, but a bit immature for their age at other times. The tension created by characters John and Vivian definitely added to the story.

This author shows a lot of promise and I plan to continue reading the series.

An amazing debut story from a new author.
A sweet, romantic story with heart and some intense issues to face and resolve.
I really liked Keira. She's a sweet, sweet girl with quite the story. Her growing up years were difficult, and we see bits and pieces of her backstory as we go through the book.
Her life is quite interesting. She has an online persona that none of her friends know about.
Then there's also the fact that her first true love, Robbie, is back in her life, and also his all-too-adorable daughter Annabelle. Keira wants to do all she can to guard her heart. But, she also really wants a chance at true love.
This author does a fabulous job at giving us a beautiful love story to read.
I loved the travel details, and the Montana setting was also quite spectacular.
A sweet romance that is well worth the read.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Loved this book, loved the themes of second chances and travel. Loved Kiera and Robbie and was definitely excited about the story in general. The book takes you through a mass of feelings though and deals with some tough topics with lots of grace. I loved Robbie and his heart... you can't help but love him too and Anabelle to such a delightful character. Kiera had her struggles but I kind of warmed up to her from the start because I wanted to know more about what pushed her. It was definitely an exciting read and I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All opinions expressed are solely mine

This story had an intriguing premise that drew me in. Personal preference, but I like stories when the characters already have a past with each other because the romance feels more authentic. The character development was very well done. The tension and emotion as they tried to reconcile were easily felt. The character growth was both thought-provoking and raw. There were places were I would have like to see some more suspense to keep the pages turning more, but that could also very well be just because I'm having a hard time reading right now while under quarantine. Also could be me, but there were also a few places where I was reading and it felt like the POV swapped between Robbie and Keira mid-scene. I did enjoy the story though and can't wait to see what the author comes up with next.

*I received a copy of this book through CelebrateLit and NetGalley. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.