Marrying the Accidental Groom

Christmas in Redemption Ridge #16

by Tara Grace Ericson

She color-codes her planner. He barely plans the next fifteen minutes.

Neither planned on getting married.

When Juliana Emerson finds herself dumped days before her dream honeymoon, she goes anyway—armed with an iron-clad itinerary and determined not to let her ex-fiance dictate her life.

Gideon Reynolds is all charm, chaos, and mountain-man grins. Crashing Juliana’s vacation wasn’t in his plans—and neither was participating in a symbolic island wedding ceremony.

Now, months later and just before Christmas, Juliana shows up in Colorado at Redemption Ridge Ranch determined to fix their symbolic marriage that turned out to be very real. But between his unpredictable nature, a calendar full of holiday events, and a growing attraction that wasn’t part of anyone’s plan, “fixing it” might not be so simple.

As sparks fly and tempers flare, both will have to confront what they believe about control, commitment, and the kind of love worth surrendering to.

Return to Redemption Ridge, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters in this Christian Christmas Romance. Marrying the Accidental Groom is book 16 in the Christmas in Redemption Ridge series, but each of the books can be read on their own.

298 pages, Paperback

Published October 30, 2025

About the author

Tara Grace Ericson

faith, hope, and happily ever after

Tara writes small-town, contemporary Christian romance. She loves stories of modern-day characters struggling to obey God, forgive others, and accept themselves - oh, and finding their happily-ever-after along the way.

She lives in Southwest Missouri with her husband and two sons, writing full-time, in between chasing a two toddlers!

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Reviews

[Courtney Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a meticulous planner and a free-spirited mountain man accidentally tie the knot? You get a charming, faith-filled Christmas romance full of laughter, heart, and the reminder that God’s plans are always better than our own.

Juliana and Gideon were total opposites, but I loved watching them grow together—learning to let go of control, trust God, and open their hearts to something unexpected. Their chemistry was sweet, their banter was fun, and the Redemption Ridge setting made me want to curl up with hot cocoa and stay awhile.

A cozy, faith-centered story about surrender, second chances, and love that feels a little like Christmas magic.

ARC provided for honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying The Accidental Groom is a funny yet emotional story of an accidental marriage that happens on a tropical adventure during Juliana’ s dream honeymoon.  She hadn’t got married as expected, as her fiancé took her best friend and left her holding the bag for a wedding that was never to be.  The honeymoon was already paid for including amenities that were non-refundable so a very emotional Juliana took the plane to her tropical destination.  For a very stiff and scheduled Juliana the airport on the island didn’t meet her likes and her scheduled pickup was late.  Gideon was on a whirlwind adventure of whatever extreme adventurer he could find.  However, he was supposed to be on the other island not this island.  He sees an upset Juliana and went over to talk to her.  The next thing Juliana knew she was in the back of a pineapple truck on her way to the hotel.  Then she was on her way to a bar for dinner with Gideon.  But she lost it when the sky opened up and soaked them.  Juliana was not spontaneous by no means.  She needed everything scheduled in advance.  Since Gideon couldn’t get to the other island he stayed on the couch in Juliana’s room.  The next day she had set up a ceremonial island wedding that Juliana thought was just an act so she asked Gideon to join her.  The last thing Gideon wanted was a real marriage.  But, she assured him it was just an act.

 

After she gets back home, she is back living with her very ruling mother and stepfather.  When she checks her mail she finds an envelope from that tropical island with a very valid marriage certificate.   She knew she needed to go to Colorado and talk to Gideon as she felt even an accidental marriage where vows were said were sacred.  So before she has the marriage annulled she wanted to see if the marriage was made by God’s timing.  Will she find the man she wants to spend her life with or an adrenaline junkie just waiting for his next adventure?

 

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She was married.
To a man she met at a snack bar. A man whose job title might as well have been Charming Island Interruption.
Juliana sat frozen, knees locked, brain spinning. She wanted to scream. Or throw something. Or rewind time to the moment Gideon had pulled her into that pineapple truck. What kind of idiot go fake-married and accidentally turned it real?"

Perhaps Juliana's first problem was keeping her original plans to visit the island. Riding along with a stranger may have not been the best idea. But how could she not like Gideon? When she discovers that the two of them are actually married (read the book to find out why!), she sets out to make things right. But what if she accidentally stumbled into the right ending?

First of all, Juliana is quite uptight. Yet this also makes her hilarious. "Your truck is a convection oven of despair" is one of her many almost high-handed remarks that cause her to be incredibly likeable. Beyond her brittle edges lies a heart of gold.

Of course, Gideon is extremely laidback. He likes to live on the edge. His terrible wisdom is also quite funny. And he also has some of the best one-liners. He may think he does not want responsibility. Yet Juliana just might bring out the best in him and see him as he really is.

The heart and humor in this book equal a wonderful read. Even though the trope was a bit predictable, the storyline was creative. This one is one of my favorite books in the series.

I did get to read an advanced copy of this book. I wanted to read and review it. All opinions are my own.

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I have been looking forward to Gideon’s book ever since I read the other siblings’ books! Marrying the Accidental Groom was a wonderful addition to the series. Gideon and Juliana were opposites and yet they were the perfect match. Marrying the Accidental Groom is written by Tara Grace Ericson the 16th book in the multi author series Christmas in Redemption Ridge.
I loved both of these characters. Gideon was such a sweetheart and he was scared of not being enough. Juliana was trying to figure out life especially as things seemed to be spiraling out of her control. They were brought together by accident but were they willing to trust that God was the one in control of their life.
Both Gideon and Juliana had to grow throughout the book, they were both stretched in different ways. I really liked how they pushed each other to be better and tried to be encouraging to each other. They had their differences, but they were really trying to make their relationship work.
The story was so interesting and I ended up finishing it in one day. I was cheering on Gideon and Juliana as they interacted and tried to work out their relationship. They had some obstacles to overcome but they learned to trust God together. I really liked the faith aspects of this book along with the family themes.
This was a sweet read! I adored the characters and reading about them finding each other. Marrying the Accidental Groom is a clean Christian contemporary romance.

I received a complimentary copy

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When obsessive planner Juliana's groom dumps her days before the wedding, she refuses to let him win - so she takes her honeymoon alone. At least, she planned to be alone, until the failure of her booked shuttle to turn up throws her together with Gideon the spontaneous, who makes it his mission to help her see the joy of an unplanned - or less planned - life. But his ready agreement to join her in some of her planned activities backfires on them dramatically when a 'cultural ceremony' turns out to have been a legal wedding. They both believe marriage vows are sacred, but they're strangers who are poles apart. Now what?

I'm not a Gideon as such, but I found it a lot easier to identify with him than with ultra-organised Juliana - and probably as a result I particularly enjoyed watching her learn to relax, accept that some things can't (or shouldn't) be organised and planned to the tiniest detail. At the same time, it was heartwarming to see Gideon come to terms with his position and role in the family, which he's been struggling with for years. These two are opposite in many ways but fit together so well, partly because each cares enough about the other to want what's best for them rather than focusing on personal needs and desires. It's also nice to see a bit more of some old friends from previous books in the series, though it can be read as a standalone. All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julianna is an event planner. A few days before her perfectly planned wedding, her fiancé and best friend announce they are together. Since the honeymoon is non-refundable, she goes to the small island resort. She has her planner color coded and confirmations of everything. Gideon has taken a last minute trip to the island. He will be a part owner of Redemption Ridge Ranch when he marries, but he doesn't want the responsibility. He is a free spirit. He meets Julianna in the airport and they hitch a ride in the back of a pineapple truck to the resort. When they get there, Gideon realizes he is on the wrong island. The last boat to the other island had already left. Julianna lets him stay in her bungalow. The next day he convinces her to do some fun things on the island. That night she has an island ceremony scheduled. Gideon agrees to participate with her. Neither of them realize it was real until a few months later when Julianna gets the marriage certificate in the mail. She goes to Colorado to meet with Gideon. She believes that marriage should not be taken lightly. She stays and they get to know each other. Gideon gradually wears her down and makes her not as structured. Julianna's mother divorced her father and married her stepdad for the money. She always wanted Julianna to marry for money. Julianna never had any control of her life so she keeps things so structured so she feels like things are in control. Such a sweet book. Gideon saw her potential and was so patient with her. They were a good fit. He loosened her up and she gave him structure to his life.

[Christie Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Julianna’s fiancé leaves her for her best friend 24 hours before the wedding, she decides to take the pre-paid honeymoon alone. She is controlled by agendas, timetables, and spreadsheets. Gideon arrives at the island paradise about the same time as Julianna. Due to a mix-up in his accommodations, he is stranded on the island without a place to stay. Juliana invites him to crash on her room’s sofa until he can get his own room. Gideon is as spontaneous and adventurous as Julianna is planned. When they find themselves accidentally married, will they decide their differences are totally incompatible, or did the Lord put them together for a purpose?

This book is totally enjoyable and funny, yet with spiritual depth. Biblical principles include prayer, trusting the Lord knows what is best for us, and commitment.

Favorite quotes:
“But I know You don’t waste things. If there’s something in this I’m supposed to learn…help me see it.”
“She needed to know whether this was really a mistake…or something God allowed for a reason.”
“But life doesn’t care about plans. I’m starting to think that maybe the detour’s the only part of the trip worth remembering.”

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is entirely voluntary and unbiased.

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good marriage of convenience story but how about a married by accident story?? You don't get too many of those but poor Juliana and Gideon find themselves in that exact position. Juliana finds herself on her honeymoon...alone. And because she's a planner, she refuses to cancel the special ceremony she insists is just symbolic. Gideon, a very go with the flow guy, shows up to be the stand in groom. Only they find out soon enough, it was more than just symbolic. So begins a journey of deciding if they want this marriage to stick or not.

These two are such opposites and it definitely means their interactions are not at all boring. Gideon and Juliana push each other's buttons but they also really challenge each other in good ways. Man, at first you may really question why Juliana is just so uptight and want to tell her to loosen up like Gideon tries to encourage her to do. But as you learn more about her awful mother, it all starts to make so much sense. Then you also start to understand Gideon and his fear of commitment and taking on responsibility when he's afraid to disappoint his dad. Their growth journeys apart and together is just so sweet. I love them. I definitely encourage adding Marrying the Accidental Groom to your TBR.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can two opposites be a perfect match? In the case of Juliana and Gideon the answer would be yes. He is a free spirit who doesn’t mind last minute changes or hiccups. On the wrong island? That’s okay, and in the long run, being on the wrong island leads Gideon to Juliana. Juliana, however, is the ultimate planner, with color, coordinated charts and lists to follow. Changes are cause for alarm and she prefers to follow her detailed plans and schedules. When her engagement ends just before her carefully planned wedding, Juliana decides to go on her honeymoon by herself. She never expected Gideon to show up or to participate in a ceremony she had arranged for her and her ex. Receiving a marriage certificate with her and Gideon‘s name on it leads her to search him out in Colorado. Together, they must decide on a path forward.

I loved the banter between them and their unexpected and deep connection. They learn to trust each other, to communicate and compromise, and to have faith in God’s guidance as well as in each other. This sweet and heartwarming book has my heartfelt recommendation.

[Natalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightfully Accidental, Color-Coded Romance
Marrying the Accidental Groom is everything its title promises—accidental, adorable, and just the right amount of chaotic. This rom-com that feels like someone organized their emotions in a spreadsheet… and then promptly spilled coffee all over it.
We’ve got a heroine who color-codes her travel documents and quite possibly schedules her emotional breakdowns in thirty-minute increments. And honestly? Relatable. Then there’s the hero who basically greets her with:
“Welcome to Redemption Ridge. Home of accidental husbands and very uncomfortable conversations.”
Is that not the perfect tourism slogan?
Their dynamic is equal parts sweet, awkward, and “how did we even get here,” which makes every page a delight. It’s a Hallmark movie that wandered into a small town full of nosy neighbors, wedding rumors, and feelings no one penciled into their planner.
If you love accidental marriages, slow-burn charm, and characters who try very hard to stay organized while life absolutely refuses to cooperate—this one’s for you.

[Deena Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tara Grace Ericson’s novels make my heart smile. After she rips it out, gives it a squeeze that makes my eyes leak, then puts it back.

And then it sighs, and smiles.

Gideon doesn’t like responsibility. It’s not that he can’t be responsible. He just prefers free and easy. So when he gets to his island vacation destination and learns he’s booked on a different island, he rolls with it.

Juliana has to be responsible. For everything. Every single, tiny little detail. So when her color coded charts and lists and carefully curated plans for her wedding are gone like the groom and her best friend, she spirals.

Until her rigidity collides with his laidback. An unexpected happenstance forces them to reconnect after island time is passed. Can they come to an agreement and walk away with hearts intact?

You’ll just have to read it to find out! I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation, and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!

[Blessed & Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several Tara Grace Ericson books over the years, and I never get tired of the genuine and unique stories she crafts!
I absolutely loved the opposites attract dynamic between Juliana and Gideon. It was so much fun reading their journey. And while their story is not all fun and games (I got misty-eyed a time or two.), Gideon is a great guy to have around for a laugh. One aspect I really enjoyed was despite their differences, they didn't have to compromise who they truly were for each other. They did change as their relationship grew but it was because they were growing together as a couple.
Overall, this is the perfect story to have at hand when you've got a cozy blanket and a hot cup of tea. It will warm your heart this winter season. Take a chance on Redemption Ridge! You won't be disappointed.

I was given a copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, sweet romance set at the Redemption Ridge ranch.  The book immediately caught my attention with the fun banter between Juliana and Gideon, and I enjoyed Juliana's sarcasm.  I found it interesting how they both participated in an island ceremony and found out later they were married. I liked that these two characters were opposites.  Gideon was more relaxed and enjoyed life and his freedom.  Juliana was more into lists and color-coded planners.  I enjoyed reading to find out how everything would turn out. I liked how Juliana believed marriage was a sacred covenant and not a contract that could easily be broken and how both characters learned how God's plans were better than their own plans.  Looks like the pineapple truck detour worked for them! I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chase to write an honest review.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this accidental marriage story. I was a little skeptical to start. I mean, how do you accidentally marry someone?! But in this story...it worked and I loved the journey it took the characters on.

Both Gideon and Juliana grow quite a lot throughout the novel. I really enjoyed seeing how loving each other helped them grow as individuals as well.

My favorite part was how well Gideon's family welcomed and drew Juliana into the fold. For someone who hadn't always been welcomed in her life, it was so good to see Juliana be given the family she deserved.

Overall, it was definitely a sweet, cozy Christmas story! If that's what you're looking for, make sure you add this one to your TBR!

[Madge E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juliana and Gideon

I enjoyed this story and actually read it late into the night to make sure it had a happy ending. Juliana has spent her life planning her life down to the minute so nothing could go wrong. Then her fiance runs off to Paris with her best friend three days before the wedding. The honeymoon was a nonrefundable trip to an island resort so she decided to go anyway rather than waste it. When she gets to the small island, she finds that the people there live on island time and don't follow the strict schedule her life demands. At the airport, she meets Gideon, who is happy egos lucky and lives his life spontaneously. Is there any way that two such opposites could fit together? I loved how the two of them worked to figure that out.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and now I need to read about the rest of the family members in freedom ridge. This book starts out with heart break when the fmc’s fiancé runs off her best friend. The honeymoon was non refundable so she decides to go herself. She has everything planned out but then she meets someone who makes her go off her plans.
Do you ever think things happen for a reason ? That there’s one person meant for each other?
I love them together. They balance each other perfectly. He makes her go outside the box and she helps reign in his wildness. He treats her with kindness and support instead of ridicule and demands.
If you love no spice romance and want an accidental marriage then go read this

[Brittany Searfoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Gideon and Juliana’s story! The laugh out loud moments, witty and sarcastic banter, and unconventional wedding were so funny and refreshing. I wanted them to have a loving and successful marriage, and I appreciated the real life conversations and situations they had to work through, especially with Juliana’s cruel mother. The Christmas scenes were so festive and the biblical truths about love, different family relationships, and God’s trustworthiness and faithfulness were very encouraging to me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys inspirational romance, and I am looking forward to reading the author’s next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book for the author. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

[Elizabeth Fiscus · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me really smile! Picture this...type B personality that hates responsibilities and schedules meets strict type A personality that lives by her color coded planner for her whole existence. Then picture the fireworks that ensue when their paths merge! WOW! Gideon and Juliana are absolutely polar opposites in every way, except they both view marriage as something that should be forever. So when they find out the "symbolic" vacation ceremony was legally binding, they aren't hasty to get an annulment. Read this book to find out ALL the ups and downs the two of them traverse to see if their accidental marriage is worth fighting for. I know you will love it as much as I did! I received an advance copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Heather Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this!

Well, getting married accidentally isn't exactly a popular trope, but I absolutely LOVED it in this book. I so admired Juliana's commitment to an accidental covenant, and Gideon's willingness to meet her and work it out. Gideon's gentleness with Juliana is just the sweetest. I absolutely adored their banter back and forth, and the way Juliana's sarcasm and wit would sneak out.

Overall, I just loved the reminder that no matter what we choose to do to attempt to control (or give us a semblance of control) our lives, God's plan is better. He knows best what we need, and letting go of the fear and constant need for control is the only path to true peace and freedom.

[It's Sunrise Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marrying the Accidental Groom is a small-town, Christian romance. Filled with hope and second chances, it is an uplifting and inspiring read. Gideon and Julianna's story was perfectly written. Gideon's go with the flow style is beautifully contrasted to Julianna's planned every moment in a color-coded schedule. It was awesome to see how both Gideon and Julianna grow throughout this story, and how that growth impacted their relationship. These two opposites adventure was so enjoyable to read.

I would highly recommend Marrying the Accidental Groom to anyone who enjoys small-town, hope-filled, Christmas, Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed several books in this faith-based book series but this one is my favorite so far. It was an opposites attract romance that had me laughing out loud from time to time. In spite of their opposite personalities, I loved that both Juliana and Gideon took their vows seriously despite the fact that they thought they were just participating in an island tradition and didn’t realize that they were taking legally-binding marriage vows. Although the book is part of a series, readers will have no problem understanding and enjoying the story as a standalone. Highly recommend! I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love this book! I love this whole series from multiple authors and I love Redemption Ridge and all the wonderful characters. I started reading this book and I admit in chapter one I was like, where is this story going? Where does Redemption Ridge fit in and then chapter two, our fun loving, life's o.k. just like it is, Gideon appears and every chapter gets better! This is the greatest story! It will tug at your heart strings as Julianna struggles with things in her life but oh the aww moments make it worth it! And of course you get little tidbits that just has you waiting for the other shoe to drop and mess everything up but hang on! This is one of my favorites of the series!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome home Gideon and Juliana

I have liked Gideon since we first met him in Season One - Marrying the Rancher's Daughter. I wasn't sure about Juliana at first, but she grew on me very quickly and now I love them both! Gideon and Juliana are trying to find where they fit; in life and if they as a couple fit together. I enjoyed watching free- spirited Gideon and itinerary loving Juliana grow - not only as individuals, but also as couple; and learn to trust God knows what He's doing and has a plan, especially when we don't see how it's possible. Isn't that something we all could do? Come home with me to Redemption Ridge Ranch and see how God is moving.

[Denice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this story, it is so fantastic! Juliana is a planner of every minute almost, her ex dumped her right before they were to be married, but she went ahead and went on the vacation that they had planned. There she has a meet-cute with Gideon who is a fly by his pants type of person. When they are forced to spend time together, they go to activities together and one leaves them married but they didn’t know it. I loved the flow of this story, the banter, the sweet and swoony romance and their happily ever after. Wonderful story you don’t want to miss.

[Kitty Elder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grabbing this book was pretty much a no-brainer for me. I love the author, and I love both the Freedom Ridge and the Redemption Ridge series.
This is a great opposites attract book. I love that we see a lot of faith, as well as a lot of emotional growth with both of the characters. They are exactly what the other needs, even though it may not look like it to them.
This book can be read as a stand-alone book, or you can read it in order with the Redemption Ridge books. I highly recommend it either way!

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading this book. Juliana and Gideon are a wonderful but very opposite couple. I loved that Juliana decided she wanted to try and honor the wedding promises even though they thought it was simply a traditional ritual, not real. Such a shock to them both. Learning to give up control and trust in God is extremely difficult for her. I love all the interactions between them, especially Gideon’s care and consistency towards her. Wonderful story.
I received this book from the author and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Sandra Hartzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an ARC for this book, but this is my voluntary and honest opinion. Julianna Emerson’s fiancé ran off with her best friend just before their wedding, so she goes on the honeymoon trip alone. She meets Gideon Reynolds who entertains her on the trip, and she asks him to go with her to a symbolic wedding ceremony. Once back home she discovers it was a legal wedding, so she goes to Redemption Ranch to see if they can figure things out. Both believe marriage is forever, but can opposites attract? This book is an interesting look at falling in love, and working together.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different and interesting book and story. At first you might not think the sudden marriage between two strangers works but give it a chance! Gideon and Julianna meet when they are both on vacation. She is there alone, it was going to be her honeymoon but the wedding ended up being canceled. When they decide to spend the time together they never realize that the island ceremony they go to is really a ceremony marrying them. Julianna goes to his family’s ranch and they work at figuring out their life !

[Sharon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition to the Christmas At Redemption Ridge series this one by Tara Grace Ericson.
“Who says you can’t do a honeymoon by yourself?”
Juliana’s ex dumped her right before the wedding for her “best friend“ but being Juliana she goes on the honeymoon anyway.
She doesn’t do spontaneous, island time is going to drive her insane! She’s never wasteful so she’s her alone on her honeymoon.
To Gideon spontaneous is a way of life especially when he’s out of Redemption Ridge.
“Thank You, Lord. For the unexpected.”
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.

[Debra Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Surrender may be the way to peace'

Juliana is so ridged and so focused on controlling every situation, she is like a rubber band fixing to snap! Gideon is so carefree and just enjoying life the may be the one to snap her rubber band.
Tara Grace has such a way of blending her words into a spiritual story of how God sees each character and how He sees their lives. It warms my heart to read a story full of God's love,His mercy and His grace. Thank you for writing what god leads you.