Tag Archives: Chris Maday Schmidt

Spotlight on Romance — A Mother’s Prayer

2 Jul
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

A Mother's Prayer

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?

Excerpt

“Hank, I—”

“Olive, please—”

They spoke over each other. He lifted a hand, palm up. “Ladies first.”

That earned him a tiny grin and a win in his book.

“I hate to be a burden—” 

He opened his mouth, but she stopped him with the same look he’d seen her level on her kids when they misbehaved.

“As you probably figured out, my family needs a place to stay a bit longer—” 

She licked her lips—a mouth he had no business noticing—then brushed a hand over her ponytail. At first glance, she looked young, but exhaustion clutched her like an extra layer.

He was too old—and too worn down himself—to be getting any ideas. Wasn’t he?

“So the sooner I can start work at the garage—” she took a deep breath, then exhaled “—the sooner I can pay our way.”

“Look, Olive, you’re—”

She didn’t miss the flicker in his eyes toward her ample middle.

“I’m what…pregnant?” Humor laced her tone.

He shrugged. “Well—yeah.”

Her bottom lip jutted out. Way too full, if you asked him.

Olive squared her shoulders and sat a little taller on her chair. “I’m starting on Monday.”

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

More in This Series


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)

A Mother's Prayer blog tour giveaway JustRead

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!

JustRead Publicity Tours

Spotlight on Contemporary Romance — The Fire Chief’s Surprise

2 Jul

The Fire Chief's Surprise JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Fire Chief’s Surprise by Chris Maday Schmidt, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About The Book

The Fire Chief's Surprise

Title: The Fire Chief’s Surprise
Author: 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.

Excerpt

Masking a nervous chuckle, Josh coughed against the back of his hand, his cheeks growing warm under her scrutiny. 

“Um…got anything in my color?” 

Tapping her thumb against her cheek, Annie’s eyes twinkled with merriment as she considered his inquiry with feigned seriousness before snagging his shirt sleeve with her fist and tugging him around the countertop. Imagining he looked much like the stray pup the Wellses had adopted into their home, he chuckled under his breath. 

After a thorough once-over, she released her grip and rummaged through a drawer. “I’ll find something.” 

She straightened, a cheeky grin splashed across her face as she held out a black-and-red-checked apron appliqued with cartoon bears and pine trees. “Here we go!” 

He muffled a groan, grateful his crew wasn’t around or he wouldn’t live down this act of cruelty directed toward a civil servant. 

Under her appraisal, one eye squeezed shut and her head cocked, his skin grew hotter under the collar. Snatching the apron from her hand, he shrugged it over his T-shirt and shorts.



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

Also Available


About The Author

Chris Maday Schmidt

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!

The Fire Chief's Surprise JustRead Tours blog tour giveaway

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!

JustRead Publicity Tours