Carla's Book Crush

The Fire Chief’s Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt
Publisher:  Love Inspired
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Genre:  Inspirational Contemporary Romance

He wasn’t looking for love…

Until one little boy came into his life.

Fire chief Josh Rogers has just three months to get married or risk losing custody of his late foster brother’s infant son. So when Annie Greene offers to help him find a wife in exchange for repairs at her bakery, it seems like the perfect solution. As the three spend time together, Josh can’t help but feel that Annie’s the only person he can picture filling the role of Finn’s mother. But can they set aside their past insecurities and embrace a chance at happily-ever-after?

From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

PURCHASE LINKS:
Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon
Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop | BookBub

I think it’s only fair to the author to mention that I read this book during a traumatic event in my life, when nothing has been able to spark real joy. I want to reread it (yes, it’s definitely good enough for that) at a time when my emotions are in a better place.

With that being said, let’s discuss The Fire Chief’s Surprise a little more.

Josh Rogers is the fire chief for a small town called Sweetwater. The position is challenging on its own, but he’s also the single father to Finn, who was left in his care after his foster brother and sister-in-law passed away in an accident. Josh loves being Finn’s dad, but his brother left a stipulation in the will—Josh has three months to marry in order to keep custody. Local baker Annie Greene cares deeply about Finn and wants to make sure he stays with Josh, so she offers to help him find a wife.

This is an endearing story of loss, forgiveness, Christ’s love, and a close-knit small town.

I appreciated that Schmidt wasn’t afraid to address sensitive subjects and wove them into the story in a way that gets to the heart of the matter. I really liked Annie and felt I could understand her internal dialogue. Josh and Finn’s connection is sweet and heartwarming. I love the way Josh confidently carries a diaper bag like it’s no big deal.

I did struggle with the number of characters, the background information about them, and keeping everyone straight. Eventually, I stopped trying to focus on the secondary characters and turned my attention to Josh and Annie—which helped a lot.

If you’re a small-town romance fan, you’ll enjoy this book. Readers who seek out books with Christian themes will appreciate the message of our Father’s love throughout. Pick this up—you won’t regret it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author.
All opinions are my own.

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About the Author

A self-professed princess and Publishers Weekly bestselling author, Chris Maday Schmidt believes it’s always the “write” time for real-life fairytales brimming with hope, humor & heart. She’s a member of Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers, and her debut novel—A Father’s Vow—received a 5-star reader review in the 2024 Readers’ Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest. The Fire Chief’s Surprise is Chris’s second inspirational romance for Harlequin. She also writes heartwarming stories for Woman’s World, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Guideposts, and assorted magazines. She and her real-life hero reside in a cabin in Northern Arizona.

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 Reader’s Prize Bundle which includes a scented candle, bookmark, and bookish socks, glass cup, and canvas bag, as well as a print copy of A Father’s Vow, also by Chris Maday Schmidt!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight July 1, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on July 8, 2025. 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. 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!