A Mother's Prayer JustRead Tour {book review and giveaway}

July 01, 2026

A Mother's Prayer JustRead Tour {book review and giveaway}

A Mother's Prayer JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for A Mother's Prayer by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: A Mother's Prayer
Series: Sweetwater, Arizona #3
Author: Chris Maday Schmidt
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Release Date: June 30, 2026
Genre: Inspirational Romance

Can an unexpected turn
lead her right where she belongs?

Pregnant, single and stranded in a storm with her two young kids, Olive Hart is out of options—until gruff mechanic Hank Valentine comes to their rescue. When her housing falls through, he reluctantly offers them shelter at his ranch in exchange for help at his garage. It’s just a temporary arrangement…but Olive’s chaotic, lovable crew begins to warm his guarded heart. They’ve both been burned by the past, but can they find the courage to build something lasting…together?

More in This Series

Excerpt

“Can we play outside, Mr. Big?”

Eyes like Olive’s blinked up at him.

Hank crouched to eye level. “Where’d your friends go?”

“Their mommy had a ’mergency at the zoo.” A thatch of hair, darker than Olive’s, flopped over Simon’s eye.

“I’m not sure your mommy would want you getting wet.”

Still in her rain slicker, Holly dropped her gaze to her boots.

“We’ve got on boots!”

Hank chuckled. “Well—why didn’t you say so?”

He straightened and took their hands. Together, they headed to the exit.

Holly broke free and darted into the gazebo, its built-in benches shielding them from the mist.

“Let’s play Shrek!”

Simon climbed in beside her.

“Yeah, you be the ogre and—”

Hank blinked. The boy had grown like quack grass.

“Me, the ogre? Since when am I green?” He let out a growl. The kids shrieked with laughter.

“What’s going on in here?”

Hank startled, eyes snapping to Olive.

How had he missed her approach?

And his reaction was immediate. The cat Annie rescued last year got his tongue. Especially as he took in her wild, caramel-colored waves tumbling over her shoulders. A lightweight jacket flapped open to reveal an oversized floral T-shirt skimming dark leggings.

Zebra-print rainboots—matching her daughter’s—finished off the look.

On anyone else? Mismatched.

On Olive? Adorable.

My Thoughts

A Mother's Prayer is third in the series, set in Sweetwater, Arizona. My interest was captured from page one, and kept me reading throughout.

I can relate to Olive, since I was once a young single mom myself. And giant man that he is, Hank has a soft, tender heart. Olive's children, and the family's dog, really add a sweet dimension to the story.

If you enjoy sweet, contemporary romance with a dose of faith, I recommend this one for your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

About the Author

Chris Maday Schmidt is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author who writes contemporary inspirational romance—real-life fairy tales filled with hope, humor, and heart. A member of Faith, Hope & Love Christian Writers, she is the author of the Love Inspired Sweetwater series for Harlequin, including her latest release, A Mother’s Prayer (June 30, 2026). Her debut novel received a 5-star review in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest.

Connect with Chris by visiting chrismadayschmidt.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a book tote, a B&N gift card, and a signed print copy of A Mother's Prayer!

(1) winner will receive a Sweetwater, Arizona book bundle: A Father's Vow, The Fire Chief's Surprise, and A Mother's Prayer! (print for US winner, ebooks if winner is outside the US)

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 30, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 7, 2026. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for print copies & book tote. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!