Moving to Montana Series is in progress!
- Susan Brenning
- Sep 16
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 12
The Moving to Montana series kicks off with Rancher, Baker, Family Maker, the story of Alexander Phillips Long and Chloe Brown. This, my second series, intertwines themes of faith, love, redemption, and personal growth. I'm counting on that after four years of creating storylines and compelling characters, the journey will be complete, but for now, it is a work in progress. This article offers a peek into the series as it develops, its key themes, characters, and what readers can expect from its dramatic finale.
A Journey of Faith, Family, and Love
The Moving to Montana series follows the lives of four couples as they navigate the complexities of love, faith, and personal growth in the fictional rural town of Liberty, Montana. Each book interweaves romance, family dynamics, and a search for spiritual understanding in relatable and engaging situations.
Each couple has unique struggles, but the heart of the series shows how faith affects our decisions, relationships, and life choices. Whether it's through risking your heart, challenging your fears, or navigating through grief, the series ultimately emphasizes the necessity of surrendering your plans to the Lord’s guidance.
In short, the main theme in Rancher, Baker, Family Maker is finding family. Both Alex Phillips Long and Chloe Brown are going through the process of redefining relationships, faith, and identity.
When Alex, a city engineer, inherits a rundown Montana ranch — and a six‑month ultimatum, he must decide if rural life, cows, and building a family with his baker neighbor is worth the effort.
The main theme in Logger's Choice is coming of age. While Melody struggles with auditory-gustatory synesthesia, Sam struggles with preconceptions of city-bred people of a certain age.
When Melody, a young city barista, and her rugged logger brother-in-law, Sam, are thrown together, they have to decide whether to let age, culture, and relations come between them.
Trimming Tyler focuses on the theme of Spiritual Struggles. Hope Phillips Long has been looking for love in self-destructive ways. Tyler Roberts is learning that security isn't always found in money.
When lovelorn Hope keeps finding Mr. Wrong, she gives up and stumbles across Mr. Right in the wrong setting of rural Montana. There are mountains of spiritual struggle that both parties will need to climb to find contentment.
Self-discovery is the main theme of Kaipo's Carpenter. Kaipo Anela Long is a peacemaker and servant of others, struggling to establish an identity of her own. Ethan Woods has settled for less than his dream, letting his low self-esteem guide his choices.
When two people struggling to find self-esteem get together, they face the challenge of stepping out of their comfort zones or fading into second-rate versions of themselves.
The four couples interact and help each other throughout the series. Follow their paths and join the journey of faith as they grow and become more Christ-like.
Characters That Resonate
One of the key strengths of the "Moving to Montana" series lies in its relatable characters. Each protagonist reflects real-life struggles and triumphs that resonate with readers. Each character's arc is not only about finding romantic love but also about self-discovery and deepening one's relationship with God.
Let's take a closer look at some of the characters from the series:
 | Chloe Brown | A strong widow, raising her three-year-old daughter, Zoe, and running Brown’s Baked Goodies as owner and baker. Traits like warmth, humor in stressful situations, as well as vulnerability make Chloe engaging. |
 | Alexander Phillips Long | An engineer turned dairy farmer whose grief makes building meaningful relationships a challenge. Alex is engaging because he is determined to succeed despite challenges, his caring nature, and humor that shows vulnerability amidst seriousness. |
 | Melody Phillips Long | As the youngest sibling, Melody has the reputation of being a free spirit who is more willing to take risks, naturally funny, and creatively inclined. These qualities make her appealing to those who meet her. |
 | Sam Hill | Chloe's older brother shares the property with her. He is a logger working on becoming a rancher. His work ethic and family focus draw the interest of others. |
 | Hope Phillips Long | Hope struggles with feeling loved by God and family. Scars from losing her parents at a young age make it difficult to find her personal worth. She uses her beauty to win attention, but ends up in bad relationships. Those who struggle with self-esteem can relate to her situation. |
 | Tyler Roberts | Young banker working his way to financial manager. Tyler is a perfectionist and struggles with the need to feel in control of his circumstances. He is seeking help from his pastor, but his longing for a meaningful relationship is what keeps him on track. |
 | Kaipo Anela Long | Originally from Hawaii, Kaipo has lived in the system in Massachusetts since she was orphaned at a young age. Her servanthood and peacemaker attitude make her a valued member of her adoptive family. |
 | Ethan Woods | Ethan builds houses but wants to build furniture. His low self-esteem renders him powerless to dare to take the risk of quitting his job. His quiet spirit and calm demeanor make him appealing to those he encounters. |
 | George Long | George worked in a large industry baking sweets until his untimely death three years ago. His sorrow of leaving his family in Montana and struggles with raising an adopted family in the city made him apathetic. |
 | Elizabeth Jones Long | Widower for three years, lives in the Cambridge area, caring for her four adopted children. She fled from Montana at a young age to marry her boyfriend against her father’s will. She hasn’t returned to Montana since, and if she gets her way, won’t. |
Thematic Depth
The series delves into issues that are pertinent to modern readers. Common themes include:
🌿Faith in Times of Trial: Characters face situations that challenge their beliefs, leading them on reflective journeys that guide them back to God.
👨👩👧 Community and Support: The importance of fellowship is highlighted through various supportive friendships and church involvement, offering a sense of belonging.
💔 Forgiveness and Healing: Characters often confront past hurts, learning the power of forgiveness as a path to healing and moving forward.
🛤️ Calling and Purpose: Throughout the series, characters strive to understand their divine purpose, inspiring readers grappling with their life paths.
The Grand Finale
After years of love, loss, and redemption, Kaipo’s Carpenter delivers a deeply satisfying conclusion. I just haven’t written it yet. Expect emotional revelations, restored faith, and unforgettable romantic moments that will leave you reflecting long after you turn the final page.
✨ Personal Triumphs: Characters confront their fears and embrace new opportunities, affirming their faith as a bedrock for their futures.
❤️ Romantic Resolutions: Difficult relationships are tested but ultimately rewarded, providing a heartwarming sense of closure.
📖 Spiritual Growth: Each character not only finds love but also a deeper understanding of their personal relationship with God, leaving readers with a sense of hope and encouragement.
Final Thought and a Peek into the Question of a New Series
The completion of the "Moving to Montana" series marks the end of the road for readers who have followed these characters on their inspiring journeys. The characters will experience both the joys and challenges of love and faith in today's world. As readers turn the final pages of "Kaipo's Carpenter", they can reflect on the growth, love, and lessons shared throughout the series. Though the story may conclude, my prayer is that the reflections and insights gained from this beloved series will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.
For those who seek romance infused with faith and the promise of hope, follow my blog for sneak peeks at my ideas for a continuation or possibly a completely new series.
First out in the Moving to Montana series is Alex in “Rancher, Baker, Family Maker”. Follow Alex as he learns of love that yields growth, a journey where every twist and turn leads to an ultimately compelling destination. Available December 11, 2025.
Comments