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Rescue River #1
Engaged to the Single Mom (Rescue River) by Lee Tobin McClain
Single mom Angelica Camden's determined to fulfill her sick son's every wish. At the top of the list is moving back to her hometown to be near family. His second request? Lots of dogs! Gathering her courage, Angelica asks her former fiancé, a veterinarian with a dog rescue farm, for a job. Though they're growing close again, Angelica can't bear to tell handsome, honorable Troy Hinton the painful truth about why she fled town and broke his heart. Yet when he discovers her son's biggest wish is for a father, Troy's shocking suggestion of marriage may just make all their dreams come true.
Mass Market Paperback
First published February 10, 2015
69 people are currently reading
812 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
173 books526 followersNew York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 9, 2016
Angelica returns home for the first time in seven years with her 6-year-old son who has leukemia. She's desperate for work, so she answers an ad from her former fiancé, Troy, to work on his dog rescue farm. When Angelica broke off their engagement, she left town with no explanation to Troy. When Troy sees her again, and with a young son, he feels she betrayed and cheated on him during their engagement. He wants to turn her away but finds he still has feelings for her, and he also can't resist helping her sick little boy.
This was a wonderful second-chance romance with extremely likable and sympathetic characters. Angelica was a very strong heroine. She was a victim of rape and her son, Xavier, was a result of that. She kept the rape a secret from Troy because she felt shame and thought that he wouldn't want her anymore. Troy felt that she betrayed him with another man but yet he still can't help but care for her, and so he proposes a marriage of convenience to help her out and to be a father to Xavier, who so desperately wants one. I really loved that Troy rescued dogs who were unwanted, and the dogs in the story were so lovable. Little Xavier was such an adorable boy who had faced so much hardship in his young life, and he stole every scene he was in. A very enjoyable, heartrending, and heartwarming story.
This was a wonderful second-chance romance with extremely likable and sympathetic characters. Angelica was a very strong heroine. She was a victim of rape and her son, Xavier, was a result of that. She kept the rape a secret from Troy because she felt shame and thought that he wouldn't want her anymore. Troy felt that she betrayed him with another man but yet he still can't help but care for her, and so he proposes a marriage of convenience to help her out and to be a father to Xavier, who so desperately wants one. I really loved that Troy rescued dogs who were unwanted, and the dogs in the story were so lovable. Little Xavier was such an adorable boy who had faced so much hardship in his young life, and he stole every scene he was in. A very enjoyable, heartrending, and heartwarming story.
February 17, 2015
Engaged to the Single Mom by Lee Tobin McClain is more than a Christian romance. This book delves into serious issues, cancer ,violence and broken dreams.
I loved the character of Angelica and how she dealt with trauma and the life threatening illness of her son.
The character of Troy shows us a man dealing with conflict and finding his way back to God's grace.
If you are looking for a book with no conflict and forgiveness, then this is not the book for you.
This book was another excellent book by Lee Tobin McClain.Thanks again and I look forward to more.
A copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the character of Angelica and how she dealt with trauma and the life threatening illness of her son.
The character of Troy shows us a man dealing with conflict and finding his way back to God's grace.
If you are looking for a book with no conflict and forgiveness, then this is not the book for you.
This book was another excellent book by Lee Tobin McClain.Thanks again and I look forward to more.
A copy of this book was given to me in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2017
Good storyline, but I wanted to slap the major characters upside the head.
May 6, 2020
I absolutely loved this novel. This is the first novel I have read by Lee Tobin McClain and it was definitely a tearjerker but it keeps you hanging onto your seat at every chapter. The twist towards the end of the book definitely makes you want to read the last three chapters without stopping.
I enjoyed the character of Angelica. She was a strong woman who dealt with danger, fear, trauma, and motherhood with God at her side and she definitely shows how it can be difficult at times to put your trust in Him and, sometimes, the uncertainties that come with it, but she kept pushing. And she it with such grace, even at the most difficult times.
Watching the character development in Troy was absolutely amazing. He had been through tough times himself with Angelica and he wasn’t so easy to let her back in. But seeing her relationship with God and how she trusted Him regardless of the circumstances, helped Troy develop his own relationship with God as well. He became a better man throughout the novel and it was so amazing the read about.
This novel was definitely a keeper for the bookshelf.
I enjoyed the character of Angelica. She was a strong woman who dealt with danger, fear, trauma, and motherhood with God at her side and she definitely shows how it can be difficult at times to put your trust in Him and, sometimes, the uncertainties that come with it, but she kept pushing. And she it with such grace, even at the most difficult times.
Watching the character development in Troy was absolutely amazing. He had been through tough times himself with Angelica and he wasn’t so easy to let her back in. But seeing her relationship with God and how she trusted Him regardless of the circumstances, helped Troy develop his own relationship with God as well. He became a better man throughout the novel and it was so amazing the read about.
This novel was definitely a keeper for the bookshelf.
February 25, 2021
OMG!!! Bring tissues. Angelica is back in her home town with her young son. Troy offers her a job and a place to live. Her son is ill. He only wants dogs and a dad.
One thing leads to another and her secret is reveled. At first, Troy believes her. But he hears a different story and is mean to her until the ladies descend.
I had tears in my eyes.
One thing leads to another and her secret is reveled. At first, Troy believes her. But he hears a different story and is mean to her until the ladies descend.
I had tears in my eyes.
August 12, 2025
This is the 2nd book I read by Lee Tobin McClain. I loved ❤️ this book's storyline. This book's storyline was heartbreaking 💔. I loved ❤️ the Christian ✝️ theme in this story. I loved ❤️ Angelica's character. My heart broke 💔 for Angelica. I loved ❤️ Xavier. Troy's character was okay. I loved ❤️ the ending. Awesome job Ms. McClain.
July 17, 2025
A really good story about forgiveness and second chances, it does refer to sexual assault throughout the story and pregnancy as a result. But hope abounds in this sweet romance and I highly recommend it.
February 15, 2019
Excellent story with a HEA ending!
December 30, 2019
I have trouble with stories where the characters can't communicate and be honest with one another.
January 29, 2020
this one tugged at my heart strings
July 21, 2020
great book
Read
March 22, 2024This is bull shit rating is O bad junk !
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
A nice little story.
June 28, 2025
I got really tired of all the repeated off-on scenes. Too much.
July 26, 2025
A inspiring story of rape and how it affected the victims life raising her six year old child that has Luekemia. A very emotional story with twist and turns through out.
December 30, 2019
Very emotional story about survival and forgiveness!
March 6, 2017
Very good
I really loved this book. To write wispy real life and something so painful takes a really great author and Lee Tobin McClain is that author. Can't wait to start the next book.
I really loved this book. To write wispy real life and something so painful takes a really great author and Lee Tobin McClain is that author. Can't wait to start the next book.
February 5, 2015
Engaged to the Single Mom by Lee Tobin McClain
*Book Description*
Angelica Camden does NOT want to do this. To ask the man she loved, and lef,t without warning 7 years ago, for a job as his assistant...but it wasn't about her. It was about making her 6 year old little boy happy and if he wanted her to work at the kennel, she'd do everything in her power to make his dreams and requests come true. Though her grandfather is against the idea, Angelica gets the job as Troy Hinton's newest assistant. She thinks it'll work...until a crazy suggestion makes her head and her heart spin. Can they ever trust one another again? Will her little boy get the daddy he deserves?
Troy Hinton can't believe he gave the job of assistant to his former fiance...the same fiance that ran off and apparently cheated on him. Trying to get over the attraction between them, and get around with a broken leg, he's more confused then ever. Then he goes and asks her to marry him! Can he be the father that Xavier needs? Can he ever trust the woman that left him with no explanation?
*What I liked*
I really loved "Zavey Davey" as Angelica affectionately called little Xavier. I also loved that Lee focused on the "rough, tough, no one wants them" dogs to be the focus of Troy's rescue. It shows people, and animals, aren't always as they seem..and neither are situations.
*What I didn't like*
Troy jumped to a lot of conclusions throughout the book. I don't know what I would do in his place but at times it was aggravating. In the end though, the book was really good and I wouldn't have changed anything. If you're looking for a romance, I should tell you that there was only one kiss throughout the book. So you know. ;)
*My Rating*
My rating for Engaged to the Single Mom is...
4 1/2 stars!!
*My overall opinion*
Engaged to the Single Mom by Lee Tobin Mcclaire is a heart wrenching, sweet story on trust, hope, and second chances. Worth it's 4 1/2 stars!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
http://bookreviewsforchristians.blogs...
*Book Description*
Angelica Camden does NOT want to do this. To ask the man she loved, and lef,t without warning 7 years ago, for a job as his assistant...but it wasn't about her. It was about making her 6 year old little boy happy and if he wanted her to work at the kennel, she'd do everything in her power to make his dreams and requests come true. Though her grandfather is against the idea, Angelica gets the job as Troy Hinton's newest assistant. She thinks it'll work...until a crazy suggestion makes her head and her heart spin. Can they ever trust one another again? Will her little boy get the daddy he deserves?
Troy Hinton can't believe he gave the job of assistant to his former fiance...the same fiance that ran off and apparently cheated on him. Trying to get over the attraction between them, and get around with a broken leg, he's more confused then ever. Then he goes and asks her to marry him! Can he be the father that Xavier needs? Can he ever trust the woman that left him with no explanation?
*What I liked*
I really loved "Zavey Davey" as Angelica affectionately called little Xavier. I also loved that Lee focused on the "rough, tough, no one wants them" dogs to be the focus of Troy's rescue. It shows people, and animals, aren't always as they seem..and neither are situations.
*What I didn't like*
Troy jumped to a lot of conclusions throughout the book. I don't know what I would do in his place but at times it was aggravating. In the end though, the book was really good and I wouldn't have changed anything. If you're looking for a romance, I should tell you that there was only one kiss throughout the book. So you know. ;)
*My Rating*
My rating for Engaged to the Single Mom is...
4 1/2 stars!!
*My overall opinion*
Engaged to the Single Mom by Lee Tobin Mcclaire is a heart wrenching, sweet story on trust, hope, and second chances. Worth it's 4 1/2 stars!
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts were my own and I was not compensated in any other way.
http://bookreviewsforchristians.blogs...
April 16, 2015
Engaged to the Single Mom is a Christian love inspired novel by Lee Tobin McClain. It is a novel that explores rape and its aftereffects on the victim and the man who loved her. Unfortunately, the rape also had the effect of producing a baby. Violence is inferred but not shown.
Angelica Camden has returned to her hometown. She and her son moved in with her Grandfather at the Senior Towers; but they were limited to a two week stay. She was determined to get a job and find an apartment for herself and her son, Xavier. She has raised him by herself for the last seven years which due to his having leukemia was a very difficult task. Until her death, she did have the help of her aunt; but now has only her Grandfather. Now she is headed to the local vet to answer his ad for an assistant. He also rescues dogs. Xavier wants her to get the job so he can play with the dogs. What he doesn’t know is the vet is Troy Hinton, her former fiancé. She left him without explanation seven years ago. However, to fulfill her son’s dream of being surrounded by dogs, she is willing to face him and ask for the job.
Troy Hinton is confused and angry. He is angry at himself for trying to roof the barn by himself and for falling and breaking his leg. Now he has to find someone to help him run his practice and his dog rescue farm. The problem was there was only one applicant for the position- Angelica Camden. He was terribly hurt seven years ago when she suddenly left and he had been unable to find out why or where she went. He really wants to order her off his land; but another part of him wants to see her- to see how or if she has changed. When he realizes she wants this job more for her son than for the salary, he finds he can’t be the one to dash Xavier’s dream.
As Angelica and Troy try to find a middle ground on which to work together, Duke, Troy’s sometime assistant and a friend of Angelica’s from high school, comes on the scene to ask her for a date. Angelica would refuse; but she has some idea of dating someone to be a stand in father for Xavier. He wants a Dad. Troy finds himself jealous and angry that someone else is going out with Angelica. Can they resolve their differences? What about Xavier’s leukemia? Who is his father and where is he?
Angelica Camden has returned to her hometown. She and her son moved in with her Grandfather at the Senior Towers; but they were limited to a two week stay. She was determined to get a job and find an apartment for herself and her son, Xavier. She has raised him by herself for the last seven years which due to his having leukemia was a very difficult task. Until her death, she did have the help of her aunt; but now has only her Grandfather. Now she is headed to the local vet to answer his ad for an assistant. He also rescues dogs. Xavier wants her to get the job so he can play with the dogs. What he doesn’t know is the vet is Troy Hinton, her former fiancé. She left him without explanation seven years ago. However, to fulfill her son’s dream of being surrounded by dogs, she is willing to face him and ask for the job.
Troy Hinton is confused and angry. He is angry at himself for trying to roof the barn by himself and for falling and breaking his leg. Now he has to find someone to help him run his practice and his dog rescue farm. The problem was there was only one applicant for the position- Angelica Camden. He was terribly hurt seven years ago when she suddenly left and he had been unable to find out why or where she went. He really wants to order her off his land; but another part of him wants to see her- to see how or if she has changed. When he realizes she wants this job more for her son than for the salary, he finds he can’t be the one to dash Xavier’s dream.
As Angelica and Troy try to find a middle ground on which to work together, Duke, Troy’s sometime assistant and a friend of Angelica’s from high school, comes on the scene to ask her for a date. Angelica would refuse; but she has some idea of dating someone to be a stand in father for Xavier. He wants a Dad. Troy finds himself jealous and angry that someone else is going out with Angelica. Can they resolve their differences? What about Xavier’s leukemia? Who is his father and where is he?
February 12, 2015
Healing through love and faith
This is a very emotional story to read, one that deals with childhood cancer, a violent crime of rape and the damage that leads to a broken relationship. It is a stark reminder than pain and heartache also happens to good Christian people. As this story unfolds I was captivated with the characters and how each person must deal with heartache. Angelica lives with shame and fear, but her son Xavier is the light of her world. She is so strong and compassionate with her child, not knowing if his cancer will come back and take him away. To come back to her hometown and face Troy, the man she loved and was engaged to before her world crumbled. It is a reminder that we should be careful about our actions and doing things that we know are wrong which makes us vulnerable. As the story unfolds with its twist and turns I hurt for all the pain one terrible night caused for so many people and for so many years. It is also a reminder to be careful of what you say in the heat of anger, because those words cut deep. The ending of the story with its HEA ending gives us hope that forgiveness and healing can happen.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thought, opinions and ratings are my own.
This is a very emotional story to read, one that deals with childhood cancer, a violent crime of rape and the damage that leads to a broken relationship. It is a stark reminder than pain and heartache also happens to good Christian people. As this story unfolds I was captivated with the characters and how each person must deal with heartache. Angelica lives with shame and fear, but her son Xavier is the light of her world. She is so strong and compassionate with her child, not knowing if his cancer will come back and take him away. To come back to her hometown and face Troy, the man she loved and was engaged to before her world crumbled. It is a reminder that we should be careful about our actions and doing things that we know are wrong which makes us vulnerable. As the story unfolds with its twist and turns I hurt for all the pain one terrible night caused for so many people and for so many years. It is also a reminder to be careful of what you say in the heat of anger, because those words cut deep. The ending of the story with its HEA ending gives us hope that forgiveness and healing can happen.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thought, opinions and ratings are my own.
February 17, 2015
Another one of Lee's books that I really liked. She tackles some touch issues in this one - rape, a child dealing with leukemia, and mistrust because of past issues, but she handles them in a beautiful way as she shows through the story line that with God's love and mercy anything can be overcome and there is forgiveness and second chances. I was wrapped up in the lives of the characters from the first pages and read the book in one setting because I couldn't put it down. I was given a copy of this book in return for an honest review, and this is another one by this author that I can whole heartedly recommend.
March 13, 2015
Engaged To The Single Mom by Lee Tobin McClain was a very good book. Single Mom Angelica Camden moves back to her home town to be near her grandfather. Her son is very sick. She applies for a job working for Troy Hinton. He is recovering from an injury from a fall. Troy needs help at his dog recovery and vet office. Troy and Angelica were engaged seven years ago and she left town without telling anyone why. They have a rocky relationship now. A lot goes on in this story. A very good book. A must read.
January 2, 2016
A lot of emotions in this book! A single mom who has a lot of baggage is trying to figure out how to make her son's life wishes come true. She would do anything for her son, yet the past keeps coming up and being a stumbling block with some people. Will she be able to forgive those that did wrong to her and forgive herself for the pain that she inflicted upon herself so that she can have a future? A well written book with a lot of things that people can relate to...I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2016
This book was GREAT! I loved the emotions, the fights, the blaming, and the figuring things out. I can't say much without giving stuff away, though what happened to the heroine is pretty obvious from the beginning. There were times I absolutely hated the hero, but I think he was very human. The emotions in this book were so intense and so great - I could hardly put the book down!
The story of Xavier was very good as well...His story was emotional.
I am already reading the next book in this series!
The story of Xavier was very good as well...His story was emotional.
I am already reading the next book in this series!
March 24, 2016
This was a great book. I was caught up in it from the very beginning. The characters were very real. I was amazed at Angelica's trust in God after all she had been through and I got frustrated with Troy more than once. The last 3 or 4 chapters I read with a Kleenex box and I had to keep stopping to blow my nose and wipe my eyes before I could continue, but I didn't want to stop reading. I would recommend this book.
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was sent an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 9, 2015
I had the honor to review this book for the author. Angelica and Xavier's story is really sad. When she looses her special aunt and moves back to her grandpa her life changes. Watching Angelica struggle to raise her sick son is so sad. When she goes to Troy for a job her life will start to get better. Watching Angelica and Troy's relationship grow to help Xavier is beyond words. You will feel God working on these characters. You won't be able to stop reading this beautiful story.
February 13, 2015
I just finished Engaged to the Single Mom and loved it. I was engaged from the first paragraph and experienced a wide range of emotions throughout this book. Pain for Angelica as well as sadness. Anger at Troy for his immature reactions after he said he had forgiven Angelica and his lack of trust. Truely a wondeful book. I was given a copy of this book by the author for a fair review. Highly recommend this for all.
April 16, 2015
I enjoyed this story. Some actions are very hard to forgive and Angelica is asked to forgive one of the worst. Love how this woman will do anything for her very ill son, even brave her former fiancé's scorn, in order to bring happiness to a little boy.
Pick this one up! It's a quick read with a lot of depth to it.
Pick this one up! It's a quick read with a lot of depth to it.
Read
January 12, 2016"The author makes a solid Love Inspired debut. At only 6 years of age, Xavier is a strong character who will tug at the readers’ heartstrings. Angelica demonstrates that it is possible for one to keep their faith through life’s struggles" (RT Book Reviews, 4 stars).
May 5, 2015
Received via Goodreads first reads.
Lovely read with a hint of a Romeo and Juliet feel.
Well-written story that I would recommend and an author who I will be reading again in the future.
Lovely read with a hint of a Romeo and Juliet feel.
Well-written story that I would recommend and an author who I will be reading again in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews