I’ve been blogging for several years, but was stunned earlier this week when I realised I haven’t reviewed any of Kimberly Rae Jordan’s books.
I’m a big fan of KRJ. I preorder all her ebooks (top tip: she heavily discounts them when they first hit Amazon!), read her newsletters when they sporadically land in my inbox a few times each year, and recommend her novels to pretty much anyone who loves Christian romance dashed with reality.
She’s also Canadian, writes stories set in snowy winters (which always fascinates this Aussie!), and was writing hockey romances before they were “in”.
If I had to pick an all-time KRJ series favourite (The Halversons are on my TBR so they aren’t included in this “scientific study” 😉), it would be The Callaghans & McFaddens.
This big, blended Canadian family captured my attention—and then stole my heart—back in November 2018 when I stumbled across A Change of Heart. After reading all 11 books (a prequel about how Steve Callaghan and Emily McFadden fell in love, plus 10 Callaghan and McFadden “kids” romances), I enjoyed journeying with each couple through all their triumphs, trials and more than a few moments that had me blinking back tears.
A Handful of Flowers is the prequel about the patriarch and matriarch of this “Brady Bunch” blended family. I recommend starting here… even though I didn’t find a copy until after reading the ninth book! A sweet introduction to the family you’ll come to love and such fun seeing the children before they grew and found love.
Then came A Change of Heart, the book that started it all for me. Ethan and Makayla’s workplace romance drew me into KRJ’s world, and I never looked back. It’s a faith-filled, family-oriented story showing how a God-loving family can be a place for the hurting to find healing, friendship and love.
For the Love of Grace pulled me onto a different kind of ride. It’s an emotional rollercoaster focusing on Bennett and Grace’s complex and, at times, seemingly impossible relationship. This story deals with unrequited love, grief, crippling fear, and the lies we tell ourselves.
By the time I reached The Love of Her Life, I was addicted. Gabe and Maya’s thought-provoking romance tackled some tricky situations, particularly Maya’s struggle with Gabe’s “daredevil streak”. This conflict felt relatable and added real-life layers to their story.
Believing in Tomorrow was a standout for its raw and authentic “crisis of faith” theme. Levi and Sammi’s journey hit me hard. KRJ tackles a topic not often explored in Christian fiction with such honesty and compassion, and I loved her for it. A reminder that God’s grace is bigger than any stupid choices we make.
From there, Crossing Center Ice brought a semi-sports romance, semi-family saga front and centre in Kenton and Avery’s story. This book spotlights many healing journeys—physical, relational and otherwise—within the Callaghan and McFadden clan. A page-turner that hooked me from start to finish.
A Touch of Romance changed the pace with a slow-burn romance between Mitch and Belle. I enjoyed seeing how different Mitch was from his twin, Gabe. However, along with the romance came not-so-good news about my favourite character, Ryan, so I ended this novel desperate for the next book!
That next book, A Little Ray of Sunshine, was Ryan and Hannah’s heartbreaking story and by far my favourite of the series. This novel gutted me (in the best way!). For those like me who fall in love with little Ryan in A Handful of Flowers, might I suggest a detour via The McKinleys and BlackThorpe Security series, where Ryan plays a role. If I could redo my discovery of KRJ, I’d read those books before A Change of Heart.
Reaching Her Heart was a mess-with-your-head-and-heart single parent romance. Tristan and Shayna’s journey is another moving story. We’d glimpsed Shayna’s history in a previous book, but seeing everything unfold “in real time” still broke my heart for them both.
When I started Yesterday’s Promises—Danica and JD’s second chance romance—it felt like the calm before the finale. Bittersweet and filled with truckloads of emotional baggage, this satisfying tale of forgiveness also paved the way for the final book.
Finally, When He Returns ended the series with both a bang and a neat bow. Dalton and Sierra’s romance revisits characters from early in the series and was a joy to read… even if I was sad to say goodbye to everyone.
If you love faith-filled romance with real-life issues, family bonds that run deep, and characters who stick with you long after “The End”, The Callaghans & McFaddens should be added to your TBR, pronto!
Have you read any Kimberly Rae Jordan romances? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time,
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