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Six months pregnant, unmarried, broke, and alone, Megan Smith doesn't think things can get much worse and then they do. Stuck on the road without shelter when a tornado appears, Megan barely escapes with her life. And when Will Callahan comes upon her in the road, her life will never be the same. While staying at the Callahan family ranch, she finds herself daring to love again, even while she suspects that Will's affection for her can't be anything but pity. But when she realizes that the townspeople think she's just a gold digger, she can't bear to stay. Can Will convince her that her past doesn't mean a thing when it comes to love? Filled with the easy charm and warmth of Texas, Megan's Hero will have readers believing in the power of love and forgiveness.

336 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2011

90 people are currently reading
515 people want to read

About the author

Sharon Gillenwater

65 books146 followers
aka Sharon Harlow

Bestselling author Sharon Gillenwater writes stories about love—between a man and a woman, of family and home, and the everlasting love of God and Jesus.

She grew up on a ranch in the Rolling Plains of West Texas, near the small town of Colorado City. Marriage took her across the country, but Texas is still dear to her heart. All of her Christian contemporary romances and most of her Christian historical romances are set in small West Texas towns filled with rugged, yet tenderhearted cowboys and strong, yet compassionate women.

While on a trip to England and Scotland years ago, the history and people captured her imagination. After returning home, she discovered Regency romances and another favorite time period and setting. She currently has two Christian Regency historical romances available, along with three sweet historical Regency romances.

She and her husband live in a quiet, rural area of Washington state with a wonderful view of the mountains. A friend once commented, “It’s like a writer’s retreat.” Sharon agrees and is busy dreaming up stories about Texas cowboys or English and Scottish heroes and the women who win their hearts.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Victoria Bylin.
Author 48 books494 followers
July 9, 2011
You know what I love most about Sharon's books? The stories are gentle, sweet and yet so full love you feel the characters in your bones. If I had to pick one word to sum it up, that word would be "grace." Graceful writing. A graceful message. A heroine in need of grace and a hero and family who are quick to give it. "Megan's Hero" is the perfect conclusion to the Callahan trilogy.
3,926 reviews1,763 followers
March 18, 2017
I try to vary my retro reading so I can offer a variety of genres in my Saturday giveaways. For that reason I tried my hardest to resist the siren call of this last book in The Callahans of Texas series. I only lasted two weeks. If you've read any of this series, you'll understand why I caved. Seriously, who in their right mind can ignore a swoonworthy cowboy hero? Not me! And Sharon Gillenwater writes the swooniest!

This story has a heart as big as Texas. It's showcased in the sweet small-town community vibe and in the characters I've come to love. Will, the oldest Callahan brother, is a born fixer. His siblings will tell you that he's plain ol' bossy but really, it's just that he has a heart for service and can't stand to see anyone hurting. The proverbial knight in shining armor riding to Megan's rescue in a worn pickup truck. And her life will definitely never be the same again.

Because something profound happens to Megan on the road heading into Callahan Crossing. A small seed of faith takes root and Will is the cowboy determined to nourish it. Megan's all prickly and wary at first -- and she has good reason for that but Will is one patiently determined cowboy which supplies lots of swoony reading opportunities. Blissful sigh.

A profoundly satisfying conclusion to the series. It reads great as a standalone, but it was so much fun to get more than a glimpse of all my favourites and the author includes a divine epilogue that brings Callahan fans even more happily-ever-after joy.
Profile Image for Karen.
557 reviews6 followers
December 19, 2024
Once agian God worked a Miracle to show himself to a young lady that didn't believe. He showed himself in so many ways it was heart warming through and through. Every time I reread this series they tough my heart. This one because I know what's it's like to be in one of God's bubbles. I'm a Veteran of Desert Storm and in a sand storm our church tent was blown down and only 9 of us faithful Christians were left and asked to go try and save our church since that was the only place we could worship or read his word. When we got down there We prayed, and as we said AMEN God put us in a bubble, we could see the sand swelling around us but it didn't touch us and it took us seconds to find the tent and then only 45 minutes to put it back up and it stood straighter and stronger than before.

I feel these three books should and could become the next great family tv show.
Profile Image for Kristyn.
413 reviews17 followers
February 20, 2013
My favorite of the series! Through the rest of the other books, Will seems more serious and reserved. But he ends up being the sweetest, biggest softie of them all! I thought the shopping chapter was so cute. I really liked Megan too, and all of the characters throughout these books.

The series has real-acting, sounding people, with realistic lives. Quite refreshing and interesting. A lot of research (or personal experience) has gone into all three books with the farming, ranching, and cowboy explanations.

This one was quite born again Christian for a while.

Very enjoyable series.
Profile Image for Kame.
802 reviews38 followers
February 13, 2012
I adored this book! It was my favorite of the Callahan's of Texas series.

It takes place one year after Emily's Chance. Megan is a young unwed mother that must find a safe place during a tornado. After God spares her and her unborn child she promises to get to know God. And off she goes walking to find help, to be found by Will Callahan.

Megan left a horrible home life at 16 - her home life was the opposite of everything Will knew growing up. But somehow her true heart comes forward, but her past is what she must overcome to believe she is worthy of the Callahan's. Will must learn to trust his feelings, I applaud him for getting to know Megan and not letting what people may think stop him from finding if he can have a love like his parents with Megan.

I am sad this was the last in the series as I have come to really enjoy spending time with the Callahan Family - but Ms. Gillenwater gives us a nice Epilogue three years later to see how the family is doing.
Profile Image for Polly.
1,550 reviews7 followers
October 18, 2012
This is book 3 in the series. I loved it. From the exciting, scary miracle that was the start of the book, to the wonderful family scene at the end. These books by Ms Gillenwater are wonderful. Each one a rich tapestry of a story centered around the Callahan family, their love for each other and for God.
Profile Image for Ashley LaCombe.
22 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2011
If you are a fan of Christian romance then you will like this book. I really enjoyed it, I just wish there was a little more conflict then there was...it was a little predictable but overall a good book :)
Profile Image for Virna.
3,175 reviews4 followers
July 17, 2011
this story is sweet with a good message about god ,and great ending .
Profile Image for Charlotte.
6 reviews2 followers
September 26, 2011
Good clean love story. Thought the author could have made it more suspenseful. Overall a good book, great characters, good storyline.
Profile Image for Ellen Ramey.
187 reviews12 followers
June 7, 2012
I loved this entire series. Stories of faith, hope, courage and love. Thank you, Ms. Gillenwater. I've already downloaded your other available Kindle works.
Profile Image for Guadalupe Long.
22 reviews1 follower
October 23, 2013
Book was better than the second book but not as good as first. Still a good Christian romance very sweet. I enjoyed the ending and the epilogue was a treat glimpse into all their futures!
Profile Image for Anna.
252 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2019
Megan was caught in a tornado while she was driving her minivan through farm country. She huddled in a shallow ditch and prayed for her and her unborn baby's safety while the storm howled overhead. When the winds died down, she got up and started walking to get help, bruised, bleeding, and covered with shattered glass from the windshield of her car.

When Will sees a heavily pregnant woman stumbling down the road, he immediately jumps in to help. He gives her a job and a place to stay at his family's ranch. Plot development was painfully slow and unexciting.

I got halfway through before I choked on all of the scripture quotes and skimmed the rest. The story was really predictable and came across as a lot more preachy than inspiring. The characters were bland and other than the first few chapters, they didn't experience any significant challenges.
1,024 reviews12 followers
November 26, 2019
Six months pregnant, unmarried, broke, and alone, Megan Smith doesn't think things can get much worse--and then they do. Stuck on the road without shelter when a tornado appears, Megan barely escapes with her life. And when Will Callahan comes upon her in the road, her life will never be the same. While staying at the Callahan family ranch, she finds herself daring to love again, even while she suspects that Will's affection for her can't be anything but pity. But when she realizes that the townspeople think she's just a gold digger, she can't bear to stay. Can Will convince her that her past doesn't mean a thing when it comes to love?
269 reviews15 followers
August 26, 2022
A much shallower story than I was expecting based on my memory of reading books by Sharon Gillenwater in the past. Now I wonder if my memory is faulty. I also wonder who the audience for this book is supposed to be. I doubt many non-Christians read Christian romances, but the spiritual content in this book is so surface-level that it consists of messages that Christians have already heard thousands of times.

And I didn't believe in the love story between the two leads. It really seemed like her "love" was based on gratitude and his was based on wanting to "save" her. Is that really enough to base a long-term relationship on?
Profile Image for Sarah Orser.
23 reviews
March 7, 2024
This book was so good. The love story was beautiful. It showed how good God is and how He can take a bad situation, turn it around, and do so much good with it, reminding us just how powerful (and creative) He is.
This was my second read through (I read it probably 10 or so years ago the first time) and it was about as smooth as butter.
Highly recommend it, as well as the two preceding books in the trilogy.
2,383 reviews13 followers
May 15, 2025
Megan’s Hero

This was a rely great story. Megan, a young lady, pregnant, came to this town. She met Will Callahan. The Callaghan’s were well off in this town. Will met Megan, she became someone who he interested him. More to come, enjoy their story,
Profile Image for Meg.
718 reviews22 followers
July 26, 2018
This book was so good! I read it because my name is in the Title, and I am glad I did. Great plot and the characters had good chemistry. I loved the Texas references.
Profile Image for James Mallison Sr..
26 reviews
September 7, 2023
Awesome book

This whole series is very interesting and consists of a great family's values and beliefs.

I think that you will have a wonderful experience reading this series.
114 reviews2 followers
October 12, 2016
love this series... first lot of books of yours i have read and i loved them.. i will have a look at what other novels you have.. thank you
Profile Image for The Literary Maidens.
70 reviews19 followers
July 7, 2013
// Review By Madi //

I love this book so much! This entire series is great. The other two books in this trilogy are Jenna's Cowboy and Emily's Chance, and I have read them both, but this has to be my favorite out of the three. I've read "Jenna's Cowboy" and "Emily's Chance" multiple times, but my library didn't have Megan's Hero so I just bought it (a bit frivolous I know, but I had to know how the Callahan's story ended!). And I'm so glad that I splurged a little bit, it was totally worth it! Will Callahan not only wooed Megan Smith, but me as well. All the Callahan boy's made me swoon, to be completely honest. I mean, who wouldn't fall for a bunch of rich, Christian and gentlemanly cowboys? Not many. Not me. I have a problem with falling for fictional characters. Well, some people would call it a problem ;) . Anyway, back to the book. It was totally worth the time, which wasn't long because I couldn't put it down. On to the Pros and Cons.


Pros:
•Will was a total cowboy. Sorry, but in the eyes of just about every southern gal, that's worth some major brownie points.

•All the men were well bred Christian gentlemen. Emphasis on gentlemen. Wish there were more of them. They all have their temper's, but it hasn't gotten the best of them. In a while.

•Megan comes from the worst circumstance's imaginable, yet she finds love in the eyes of Jesus (oh, and Will too). It's a great reminder that God meets us where we are, not where we should be.

•The story took place in a small town, which makes it feel more authentic.

•Despite the cowboy's and horses, this isn't your normal old western. They have computers and phones, don't worry you old time-y goodness haters ;). Just kidding. But for real.

•The plot was well thought out and written.

•The story grabs hold of you and won't let you go, from start to finish.

Cons:
Can't think of a single one.


Bottom Line: If you like contemporary westerns, this trilogy is a jackpot. A pot-o-gold. A diamond in a haystack. You'll be happier than a squirrel with a lifetime supply of acorns. You get my point. Now don't be "muscle minded" and go read this darn thing. (See what I did there?).
Profile Image for Seven.
69 reviews1 follower
March 2, 2014
I am reading this in reverse chronological order, now I got spoilers for first and second book (ू˃̣̣̣̣̣̣︿˂̣̣̣̣̣̣ ू). I should've look this up on goodreads first, I thought this is a stand alone. Anyway I am lost in the story of Megan and Will. The story talks about faith, hope, friendship, love and many more. But what I admire most is faith, not just faith in others but faith in God. I have read another book that involves faith in God too but it has some mishaps that had me waver my faith.. not really waver but It had me sulking because of some plot twist. It was so good to realize that God is always there and He has plans for you, you just have to listen hard and be good. The wisdom of the characters enlighten me in some areas of life, especially during the baby shower when Frannie share some guidance regarding motherhood and stuff.

"Enjoy your little girl. Take time to play with her, to teach her, to love her as only a mother can. Treasure her laughter, comfort her tears, ease her fears. The Lord has his hand on this child, dear. He has claimed her--and you--as his own. Rest in that assurance."

I almost well up tears on those words of wisdom from Frannie. I am no near of being a mother, in fact I am still a teenager but those words somewhat preparing me or easing me into what future might bring.

The setting had me craving to pack my stuff and fly straight to a country side area. Texas is a good place and I am heading there right now (jk). Seriously though I always love country sides and this book just fueled my desire more.

This book is romance in a way that it is ethical. Simple words from a charming cowboy had your heart spiraling. No lustful stares or dirty talks. Purely virtuous. I would surely read the rest of the series. I should start with the first book now -_-.

Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
September 23, 2011
Title: MEGAN’S HERO
Author: Sharon Gillenwater
Publisher: Revell
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-8007-3355-1
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary romance

Megan Smith is pregnant and on the run. She’s not sure where she’s going, but she had to get out of her apartment, give up her job, and has been living in her van. But a tornado in West Texas blows the windows out of her van and she takes cover in a bar ditch, begging God to spare her baby.

Will Callahan finds her on the road, and he makes sure she gets taken to the hospital and checked out. Not only that, but he makes sure she is provided with a home and a job until the baby is born. Megan begins to fall in love with Will, but how does she know that he isn’t just looking at her as a stray? And how will Will be certain her past won’t get in the way of a future?

MEGAN’S HERO is the third book in the Callahan’s of Texas series, but it easily stands alone. I fell in love with Megan, who has innocence completely at odds with her past, and with Will, who is a true hero. I think this book was the best one out of the entire series (and yes, I read all three.)

I completely enjoyed reading about Megan, Will, and getting reacquainted with the characters from the previous books and seeing where they are in their lives. This is a very well written, realistic story, and it held my attention from the beginning when the tornado ripped across the pages of the book. If you are looking for a contemporary romance, you won’t want to miss MEGAN’S HERO. $14.99. 335 pages.



582 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2016
This final book mainly focuses on Will, eldest Callaghan son. We see a different side of him than we did in the first two books where he was more serious and sedate. He rescues Megan from the ravages of a tornado, and though she is pregnant with another man's child, Will wants to get to know her. In the process, he falls in love with her and is very protective of her in a loving, soft, tenderhearted way.
He prays the God has brought them together for a reason, not just for his family to help her get on her feet.
The Callaghan family is an excellent expression of God's loving hand on earth. They are ready and willing to aid someone who is in need of assistance and TLC.
The ending is beautiful. The entire Callaghan family has gathered together, as usual, and Sue and Dub, the patriachs, express gratitude and thankfulness to God for the legacy they will be passing on to future generations--love of God,love of family, and love of the land.
Maybe there will be more to the series??
Profile Image for Nancy Stopper.
Author 16 books189 followers
November 15, 2013
I think what I liked most about this book is how the relationship between the female character and God was different in each book of the trilogy. In book one, Jenna's relationship with God was long-standing. In book 2, Emily had come to Christ as a young adult, after living a "less than pure" life. In book 3, Megan came to God at the beginning at throughout the book. Each started the story in a different place and had different struggled to overcome. I liked Will a lot in this story and happy he finally found his happily ever after with Megan. I felt that Megan's fear of her past coming back was a bit contrived to create drama but otherwise really enjoyed the storyline and the wrapping up of the stories of this family - would love a "callahan's, the next generation" with stories about Zach, Mari Beth, etc finding their loves.
532 reviews1 follower
May 21, 2014
MEGAN'S HERO - THE CALLAHANS OF TEXAS #3 - (Megan and Will)

Six months pregnant, unmarried, broke, and alone, Megan Smith doesn't think things can get much worse--and then they do. Stuck on the road without shelter when a tornado appears, Megan barely escapes with her life. And when Will Callahan comes upon her in the road, her life will never be the same. While staying at the Callahan family ranch, she finds herself daring to love again, even while she suspects that Will's affection for her can't be anything but pity. But when she realizes that the townspeople think she's just a gold digger, she can't bear to stay. Can Will convince her that her past doesn't mean a thing when it comes to love?

Filled with the easy charm and warmth of Texas, Megan's Hero will have readers believing in the power of love and forgiveness.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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