Rebuilding His Trust by Jenna Mindel

Rebuilding His Trust
by Jenna Mindel

ISBN-13: 9781335621412
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired
Released: January 27, 2026

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Jace Moore has been afraid to love since losing his parents as a teen. But when he meets equine therapist Meredith Lewis and her horse Bella, something shifts inside him. Soon, constructing her indoor riding arena turns into volunteering with her therapy program just to spend more time with them. Initially wary of Jace’s charming ways, Meredith can’t deny her attraction to the off-limits builder, especially when he shows such kindness to one of her young clients. But as sessions with the animals—and Meredith—begin to heal Jace’s closed-off heart, can he convince her that love is worth the risk?


My Review:
Rebuilding His Trust is a Christian romance. I assumed the author knew something about horses, or would at least have an actual equine therapist (or riding instructor, for that matter) read through it to correct any errors. However, the author didn't spell "canter" correctly. Seemed to think "harness" referred to a halter or a bridle--she used it in place of both--when it's neither. Had Meredith describe one of her horses as blond (not what a horse person would use for a horse's color). Had the characters riding Western style (neck reining and a horn on the saddle) but had them post (which is typically only done in English-style riding). And not just posting when the horse was trotting, either, but at a walk and canter. And so on. Meredith had no credibility as a equine therapist as she got so many things incorrect. I read an ARC, so hopefully these errors will be fixed in the final version.

Anyway, Meredith's dad cheated on her mother, and they got divorced when she was young. Her mother told Meredith that a handsome man like Jace would never stay true to her, and Meredith already believed that her red hair and freckles made her ugly. Jace lost his parents when he was young, so he had trouble committing to relationships due to his fear of losing someone he loved. He's come to Christ, accepted God's forgiveness, and is trying to do things right now rather than casually dating around. But Meredith refused to believe he'd stay true to her, let alone find her beautiful (which he does).

Frankly, Jace fell in love with Meredith's horses while building her riding arena. He seemed to credit her with helping him, but she refused to be his therapist. There was a lot of 'I'm not interested in him, but I can't keep my eyes off his lips' and repeatedly stating 'we can't have a relationship because you're building my area and it'd also put my professional reputation at risk' but when he kissed her and then apologized, she's all 'Why? You must secretly not like me after all!' Sigh. It also annoyed me that Jace would fix things around her house when she said she was okay with them as they were. It just seemed controlling and disrespectful, though she liked it.

At least Jace was very supportive of Meredith's business and had a knack for showing up when needed. There was no sex or bad language.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.