The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County

by Madison Love

Four beanbags. Three nosy busybodies. Two hearts entwined and one game that unites us
Cornhole—where board -om doesn’t exist, and the unexpected can happen .

Josie

Married for years and happily in love, Morgan and I trade in our city-slicker lifestyle after I’m diagnosed with the big, bad “C.” It’s not the end of the line. It’s only the beginning.

Wanting peace and quiet, we move to a small town in the heart of Texas where the bovines outnumber the people 50 to 1, and chucking corn is considered a professional sport.

Embracing the Christmas spirit and needing something to do, I volunteer us to run the afterschool program. It turns out that I bit off more than I could chew.

Thankfully, I have God, my husband, and the “Baggersville Biddies” on my side. The one thing I’m afraid I don’t have is…

Time.

Morgan

A riding lawnmower, a suped-up truck, and a trunk full of cornhole boards sounds like the start of a joke, but it’s my life.

Moving from the city to the country, I’ve traded in my tailored suit and shiny shoes for butt-hugging jeans and cowboy boots. I’ll admit, it’s a good look for me, and my wife agrees.

With a bat of her lashes, Josie wrangles me into building the backyard game as a fundraiser to help the community. After she ends up in the hospital, it’s the community that comes to our rescue.

I’ve never cared about getting presents before, but this year I ask for a gift that only God can give. Because what I really want more than anything is a Christmas miracle. My Josie.



*** The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County is a Christian, Sweet, Kisses-only romance series prequel that's sure to make you smile and is free from profanity, promiscuity, or cheating by the protagonists in the story. It's an introduction to the main characters in the follow-on books.



TRIGGER (Note from the author) Although there is plenty of humor and banter in this story, this book touches on the topic of cancer, which is no laughing matter (The humor found within the pages is not related to this sensitive topic). If this subject is a trigger for you, please do not read this prequel. It is never my intention to harm or hurt anyone, but this story is near and dear to my heart. I do my best to treat the subject matter with the utmost respect, care, and consideration. And like all my books, it ends with a HEA.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Christmas, Christian Romance

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2024

About the author

Best Selling, Award Winning Author, Madison Love enjoys writing clean and Christian romances while intertwining humor, faith, and suspense. She has spent most of her life traveling abroad, discovering new places, and meeting wonderful people. She spent twenty years in the military before settling in a rural town outside of Buffalo, New York, where she now lives on a forty-acre farm with her husband, son, and two dogs. Having been afforded the time and opportunity to bring her ideas and stories to life, she seeks to give her readers the ‘happy ever after’ they seek.

***2024 Global Book Awards Gold Medal Winner in Women's Christian Fiction***

***2024 Global Book Awards Silver Medal Winner in Clean Romance***

*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Shining Knight Protector Series ***

*** Recipient of the 2025 Christlit Book Award for The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County ***

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County by Madison Love is a cozy, clean Christian small-town romance that serves as a heartwarming introduction to a series of connected love stories centered around quirky townsfolk, deep friendships, and a game of cornhole that brings everyone together in unexpected ways.

At its heart are Josie and her husband Morgan, who move from city life to the friendly town of Baggersville, Texas after a serious health diagnosis, and find themselves wrapped up in community life, faith, and opportunities for gentle, sincere growth as they lean into what truly matters most. It is part of The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County series, which blends humor, faith, and tender romance with wholesome, uplifting character arcs.

Love, laughter, and grace spilled into every page is how I’d describe my experience with this book. From the very beginning I was charmed by how Madison Love writes her characters as real, warm people who laugh with their neighbors, struggle with hardship, and find strength through faith and community support. Josie’s vulnerability after her diagnosis and her decision to embrace a slower, more meaningful way of living made me root for her in the gentlest, most personal way; there’s a sincere honesty to her thoughts and fears that felt like a conversation with a friend.

Morgan’s steady devotion and good-hearted humor balanced her moments of doubt beautifully, creating a partnership that feels grounded in mutual respect and hope. The town of Baggersville itself is a delightful character, full of spirited friendships, shared cornhole games, and tender kindness that genuinely warmed my heart.

While the book is light on overt romantic heat, it more than makes up for that in emotional warmth, faith-centered moments, and the joy of discovering love in everyday places.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
This felt like a gentle hug of a story, rich with community spirit and faith-filled optimism. I adored the way it walks with its characters through laughter, challenge, and hope, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves clean, cozy Christian romance with heart, humor, and a truly uplifting message.

[Sarah (tn.bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

closed door romance

This is the first book by Madison Love that I have read. Since Josie and Morgan are married when the story begins, I wasn’t sure if there was going to be enough romance for me, but it’s the perfect mix of quirky characters, sweet romance, and Jesus. The Baggersville Biddies were a favorite of mine. They kept me laughing!

I can’t wait to read more books by Madison!

Content Warning:
-Main character with cancer
-Kisses only
-No language

*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read some of Love's thrillers but this is the first humorous Christian romance I've read. It was really fun. Part of the entertainment comes from the characters. Love has given readers really interesting ones. Josie and Morgan are so in love their relationship almost seems unbelievable. But I think that's how God designed a marriage to be. The high school kids are polite and helpful. There's one named Connie Jo Jim Bob, southern to the core. But, of course, the ones who really steal the show are the Baggersville Biddies, those three seventy-something year old women bicker like crazy but are so loving.

The plot centers around Josie and Morgan moving to a quieter place with a slower life style after her battle with a brain tumor. That allows Love to explore the serious issue of why God heals some and not others. It supplies the insight that an event we don't understand may be the very one God uses to change our lives forever. I was impressed with the depth and clarity of the Christian faith message the book contained.

Delightful characters and a serious plot but with some great humor tossed in made me laugh and cry. This is a touching novel so have your box of tissues nearby as you come close to the end.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan and Josie, happily married and in love. They’ve experienced the joy of success and the deep pain and concern of unplanned health issues. Moving to the small town of Baggersville gives them opportunity to have a healthier balance of life in all areas. It also lets them experience healthy, caring relationships. Find out how they came to this conclusion: “Baggersville may not have been where I envisioned putting down roots, but there’s no doubt ..this is where we belong. It doesn’t matter how we got here..”

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County is Book 0.5 in A Christian Small Town RomCom by Madison Love. This is such an enjoyable book. Josie is recovering from cancer and along with her husband, Morgan, had moved to small town Texas. I think this author does an amazing job of writing a story that touches on Josie's cancer with dignity and respect. Morgan and Josie are volunteering in the community and the story shows how small town residents come together to support the transplants from NY. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story. It was a page turner and the suspense was sweet and romance. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn't even put it down. They never knew that can falling in love with each other in this moment of as their lives will will change in a big way. The chemistry between them was captivating and physical attraction was intense of emotions. Things was about change in a good way.

I highly recommend this book and you won't be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the beginning of a series. It is a great clean, Christian romance.

Josie and Morgan moved to Baggersville, Texas from New York. Josie has been fighting a cancerous tumor in her brain. they decided to spend the remaining time together and relaxing and loving each other. They end up getting involved with the youth at church building cornhole boards and just supervising after school activities. Both are believers as it most of the town. They believe in giving back to their community.

This was a great book and had several faith testimonies. It focuses not only on the main character's romance but also the start of others. I read the second book first and enjoyed it so much that I had to come back and read the first one. Loved it!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County

I liked this story about Josie and Morgan who moved from NY to a small town in Texas named Baggersville. They wanted to live a quiet life after Josie gave up cancer treatments for brain tumors when the treatments stopped working. Attending the local church showed them how caring and friendly the people in their new hometown were. The characters were lovable, and there were a lot of funny moments. I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy Christian small town stories where miracles happen. This is my voluntary and honest review.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely Christian story of love and friendship. New Yorkers Josie and Morgan move from the big city life to a small town in Texas. After a life changing diagnosis, Morgan will do anything to look after the love of his life and make sure they prioritize Josie’s health. Their new life brings them closer to their Christian faith and they both volunteer to run the local youth centre at the church. There, they build everlasting friendships and I look forward to reading all their stories as this book is the prequel to the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Rachelle LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspiration novella with a FMC who has a brain tumor.

Josie and her husband, Morgan, decide to sale everything and leave New York for a small Texas town. They end up settling down in Baggersvile, TX to be closer to Josie’s sister.

I really liked the Baggersville Biddies. They were just awesome side characters.

The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County is a nice inspirational novella.

Thank you @madisonlove_romance for the ARC to read and review.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

My cup runneth over with this delightfully , heart-stopping yet light and heartwarming book by Madison Love. She’s taken a subject that the whole of the human race fears and has shed tears over and approached the subject well with a quiet reserve of dignity in the telling. Josie is not the big C , it doesn’t define her , yes she has had invasive nasty treatment and her hair is still growing but she’s here and she is going to live out her life with her man by her side . Yes there’s going to be tears but not sad ones y’hear? Morgan and Josie traded in the big city as native New Yorkers life for a slower paced lifestyle in the Texan countryside town of Baggersville,with fresh air and cow pats, there’s so many of em you can sling em like frisbees . I mean with the bovine population outnumbering humans by fifty to one , you’re sure to tread in one. It’s the Corn that gets chucked here I forget they have a specially designed board with corn holes cut out. It’s almost an Olympic sport! They’re the Beanbaggers of Cornhole County . This is the most profound story ,told with dignity and grace about a couple who turn to a gentler pace of life , he even has a change of vehicle type , a great big lawn mower with a collector attached , he’d be alright navigating that around the Big Apple!…. Moreover he’d run over some apples if not corn on their acreage of farm. Josie needs to feel useful and do something ,not sat about doing nothing all day. She needs involvement ,her brain to function. Not only sit down and pray her day away. Maybe a hobby if there’s anything here , she’s determined she’s going to get herself a job or volunteer …she needs some sort of release from the boredom sat in their home while her husband roams their land which is mighty grand. So Josie takes it upon herself to sign them up to run the after school program the Pastor mentions with all good intentions and not many hours during the week so to speak. Alas it turns out to be more than they could have foreseen….she ends up in hospital,it’s a worrying time, but with a town like theirs and quite a few prayers , the town rallies round giving their time . With Faith , found family and a strong community sewn into the very fabric of the 2000 population town ,it is really something special to behold and it has taken its hold on the New York couple and made them natives of Baggersville in their own right . So they’re staying right?… There’s one big theme running through the town and that’s corn. Corn hole teams are extremely popular and competitive indeed and theres many a league to join and take part , there’s the Teenagers and of course not forgetting the Baggersville Biddies don’t let them fool ya , underestimate them at your peril..The competition maybe fierce but the community spirit is a joy and gift and from this town our couple will not drift. They’ve taken root like the ears of corn ,they maybe wind torn but they’re still wafting in the breeze and happy with their lot . Their plot of land ,friends so grand and their faith in God and his will. Their path may have meandered but it’s led them where they’re meant to be and that’s right here still. Excellent storytelling , so profoundly sound , a good solid heartfelt tale . A washing machine whirl and ebb of emotions with fun and laughter spun in .This was an immersive experience , with the heartfelt scenes , their hopes and dreams and also worries coming across perfectly, along with great well timed humour that was described excellently. This from the great mind of Madison Love who has a writing style all her own. Be proud of this great Christmas love story. ❤️🥹

[Michelle Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Beanbagges of Cornhole County” by Madison Love is the prequel in the fun-loving, uplifting novella in “The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County”; a Christian small-town rom-com series self-published by Madison Love.

Get ready to be swept off your feet by a heartwarming tale set a decade ago! Three years after receiving a devastating diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor, Josie makes a bold choice to embrace life on her terms through God’s help. She and Morgan leave behind their old lives in New York for the tranquil charm of Baggersville, Texas—the vibrant heart of Cornhole County—seeking a fresh start filled with hope and community.

As they settle in, a thrilling opportunity arises: a chance to dive deep into community engagement! With a shared spirit of adventure, Josie and Morgan take the leap, launching into a whirlwind of goodwill, connection, and transformative love. They find themselves along with a group of eager students and old Biddies, learning to grow alongside them!

But then, in a heart-stopping turn of events, Josie collapses and is rushed to the hospital. The town, a patchwork of heartstrings and compassion, unite in an incredible display of music, prayer, and unwavering faith! What unfolds next is nothing short of astonishing—a true miracle that will leave you breathless!

Immerse yourself in this beautifully crafted story, and witness the wave of love and blessings Josie and Morgan share with their community. It’s a tale of resilience, hope, and unexpected joy you won’t want to miss! Grab your copy today and experience how a small town and two remarkable souls can change lives forever!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandrina Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very beautiful story
I really loved it
It was a really good story and I really enjoyed reading it
I loved the characters and their story and friendship.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jewel Carrie Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is amazing. It deals with slow living, church community, and tough themes of illness. Because of this, Love tackles tough questions from the characters about why God allows for some people to be healed by illness while others are not.

*I received this book as an advanced reader copy with no expectation for a favorable review.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a 10/5 I would do that in a heartbeat!

I was smiling, laughing and crying pure joy tears while reading this book.

This is a start to another excellent series and I can’t wait for the next book.

I absolutely love all the characters and their faith in God and the people around them.

A spiritually uplifting experience!

Amen!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is 0.5 in A Christian Small Town Romcom series by Madison Love.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable, and touching story, that I highly recommend!
Yes, the story deals with cancer, but it is such an uplifting story!

Josie has been diagnosed with cancer, so after living life in the big city, she and her long-time husband, Morgan, move to the small town of Baggersville,Texas located in Cornhole County. They want to relax more, have less stress, and become a part of the community where the church is the focal point. As Christmas nears, Josie volunteers to run the church’s after-school program with Morgan at her side. In the community, cornhole is as popular as football, so there are two teams who participate in Cornaments. With Josie and Morgan’s leadership, and the teenagers in the church’s after-school program, they grow cornhole into a business that benefits all.

This small town has memorable and lovable residents, including The Baggersville Biddies, who contribute a great amount of humor to the story. It is a community full of hope, love and caring! There is a turning point with Josie on Christmas Eve. The Christmas Eve portion of the story touched my heart! As the community comes together to show Josie and Morgan how much they really care about them, a Christmas miracle may be possible!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Sandy birmingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

Wonderful characters! This is a very uplifting story! I had to read it in one sitting crying and laughing! Thank you and bless you!

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about faith, love, starting a new life, and cornhole? Count me in! I received this book for free as an ARC copy and am voluntarily writing a review.

You had me at cornhole. No really. I've spent some time in the cornhole circuit and have made some great friends (some I get to watch on ESPN from time to time) and connected with family through the game. It really does create a great community of people so this book really drew my attention. But aside from all the cornhole lingo (and learning a lot of terms I'd never heard used) the two main characters Josie and Morgan are the kind of married couple that just show so much love, respect, and kindness to each other. This was such a beautiful small-town story filled with all the good feels and I enjoyed it to the very end and I think you will too! I've already pre-ordered the next book and look forward to reading it.

[Wren Woodland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Morgan and Josie are unapologetically in love

I wasn’t quite sure about this but it sucked me right in and I couldn’t stop reading. Yes it deals with the big “C” and the feelings it invokes, not only on the person but family and friends. It’s raw and real in moments. The decision to volunteer for the after school youth group at church, even if it seemed so small, is actually massive and life-changing all the way around. This is very much a Christian story but in all the best ways. The town, with the quirky Biddies, and the teenagers that symbolizes all that is good are all part of the special that’s in a small hometown. Don’t forget Chester the therapy pig.

[Catherine Perschke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beanbaggers of Cornhole County is such a delightful start to Madison Love's new series! I admired Morgan and Josie Gallagher's relationship! Their love and open affection for each other reflects a relationship that we all crave! I really appreciate how Madison makes Morgan and Josie's faith, even in extremely hard situations, seem as natural as breathing! I was so excited to get an early copy and share about Morgan and Josie's wonderful adventure! I am hooked and can't wait to read about all of the fascinating people in Cornhole County!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEANBAGGERS OF CORNHOLE COUNTY is the prequel to a series of Christian small town romcoms by author Madison Love. While there are moments that border on improbable (I wanted to use "preposterous"), the story and the love the characters have for each other overrides any thoughts that Baggersville and its residents might be too perfect.

There is a beautiful moment near the end of the book when it's revealed that something Josie and Morgan have been praying for has had a resolution that reaffirms my faith in God. (I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free, but I want to shout a resounding YES from the rooftops.)

The epilogue sets up several future books, all of which I'm looking forward to reading. Brava, Madison Love!

I received an advance reader copy from the author through BookSirens, for which I thank them. All opinions are mine.

[Kenisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book just like her other books this didn't let me down either. I love how it revolve around small Texas town and family, friends, and community children.

I love how you can see each character personality and you see them grow also. The end is beautiful and hopefully it more to these series.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Every minute of it through the laughs and tears and I really didn't want it to end. So excited to read the rest of the books. It's such a different storyline and it's amazing. I loved all the colorful characters. Josie and Mason are so inspirational and this small town is where I'd want to live. This book will surely touch your heart. This is the perfect series for fans of entertaining, uplifting women's fiction. I really loved reading this story and I can't wait for the next one.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful story that shares a love story of a married couple facing cancer. They prioritize doing for others and sharing their faith (but not by preaching- action instead). They transform a community as well as themselves. I love to see how little things became such a large impact and how the community rallied behind them as well.

I learned a lot about cornholing as well - never understood much about the game. It sounds fun to play.

I heartily recommend this story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect with the title to this book. I have played cornhole, I’m a native Texan so I had no problem reading and understanding the ‘accent’, and I do understand we do things a little different here. That said, I found a funny and inspirational story and I can’t wait to see what is happening ten years later.

[Becky Durstenfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this quick easy read. It is a sweet clean love story between a married couple. It is about their faith in God. It is about the community they found in the small town they moved to. It is a very heartwarming story and it is well written. Though there are some serious things in the book there is also a bit of silly fun things, too.

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Things Are Possible Through Christ

In a nutshell - my title encompasses the entirety of the book from start to finish. This is the Prequel book to The Beanbaggers of Cornhole County series. It is a closed door, Christian rom-com.

This book references Jesus, worship, forgiveness, anger, gratitude, and a host of other emotions and feelings as multiple people are trying to find their way in life. There is an eclectic (today the least!) group of characters in this small town - the Beanbag Biddies being hilarious! These three ladies help offset the seriousness of the themes that run throughout this book.

I won’t give anything away but I really loved the ending with all of the kids back together. They’ve all had their own trials and tribulations but have found a “family” in their hometown that accepts them as they are and embraces them.

4 stars

[John Belcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie and Mason found out the hard way that money cannot buy your health from cancer. Even being Billionaires didn't prevent Josie from getting cancer. After over a year of chemo Josie decided to stop treatment since it was no longer effective, deciding that quality of life was better even if shorter than the side effects of the treatment extending her life. Quitting thier jobs and moving from NYC to Beanbagger TX for a more peaceful and restful way of life. Madison Love has done an incredible job of developing the pros of a quiet life and the heart wrenching affects of cancer on the daily life. If I could give more than five stars I would. Thank You Madison!

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining and fun romance book that is sweet and captures your attention and holds it from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities and strong chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book encompasses everything I want from a Christmas read. Romance, spiritual, and the true meaning of Christmas. Then throw in some great long lasting friendships
If you have a deep faith and enjoy clean reads this is a great book for you. It embodies the miracle of Christmas.
Josie and Morgan left their high powered life in NYC for the sweet quiet life in Texas. They came to this decision after Josie was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
They settled in a small town of baggersville which got its name from the carpet baggers from many years ago. Now it's famous for its competitive Cornhole teams.
This town is just where they need to be. From the amazing teenagers who also have a deep faith to the biddies who have the history of the town and their faith. These two groups of people mean so much to this couple who paves the road to making this town better.
I really can't describe how this book gives the reader the whole holiday message of faith, miracles do happen.