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A Mother's Gift: A Mother For His Child/The Mommy List

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This Mother’s Day, they’re finding new mums…in these two irresistible novellas


Friendship could blossom into more in Lee Tobin McClain’s A Mother for His Child when single dad Blake Evans’s six-year-old daughter announces she wants her babysitter, Zoey Grey, to be her new mummy. And in Kathryn Springer’s The Mummy List, a little girl plays matchmaker between her dad, Gage Lawrence, and their next-door neighbour, Megan Albright…but are they ready to take that leap?

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2024

41 people are currently reading
47 people want to read

About the author

Lee Tobin McClain

175 books527 followers
New 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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5 stars
77 (62%)
4 stars
32 (25%)
3 stars
10 (8%)
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5 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,129 reviews126 followers
October 21, 2024
I really liked the Mommy List, but I did not rally like A Mother for his Child.
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,129 reviews126 followers
October 20, 2024
2.5 stars, I thought this was an ok read.
Profile Image for Kelsie Maxwell.
430 reviews85 followers
May 16, 2024
A Mother’s Gift is a duo of Harlequin Love Inspired inspirational romance novellas by Lee Tobin McClain and Kathryn Springer. Both are inspiring stories about mothers and relationships to celebrate Mother’s Day. I highly recommend this book to readers of Christian fiction.

A Mother for His Child by Lee Tobin McClain is set in Holiday Point, a place she’s written about before. Blake and Zoey are neighbors and friends, best friends even. Are they becoming more? This is a 5 out of 5 stars novella that is up to McClain’s usual high standards. The story is well-written and enjoyable.

The Mommy List by Kathryn Springer is inspirational romance in a contemporary setting. Gage meets Megan while trying to avoid his daughter’s “mommy list” and soon finds himself in a rapidly growing friendship. This is also 5 out of 5 stars. Springer is a new author to me but will now be on my must-read list.

My thanks to the authors for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% my unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Kati.
192 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2024
The Mommy List by Kathryn Springer, the second story in this book, is an excellent novella - well-paced, credible characters, tension without drama, and dogs are written as true characters not just accessories to the story. I enjoyed reading this one a lot.
Profile Image for Hsiau Wei.
1,832 reviews7 followers
October 5, 2024
In "A Mother's Gift," I loved how McClain crafted the friends-to-sweethearts story. Widower Blake valued Zoey's care as a babysitter for his daughter and cherished their friendship, but it took time for him to realize he was in love with her. The emotional ups and downs of their lives kept me hooked, reading late into the night.

In "The Mommy List," Springer opened with a twist that surprised me. I loved how Gage's daughter's Mommy List led him to adopt a dog, ultimately bringing him to Megan, the dog rescue owner. Springer did a great job showing two sides of workaholics and how this theme played a key role in both characters' growth.

Both authors explored the emotional impact of Mother's Day when you've lost your mom, handling this sensitive topic with grace and compassion.
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
662 reviews82 followers
May 11, 2024
BOTH stories were a 5 for me.

I've read books by both authors and man can they tell a story! It's a challenge to write a short story and not feel like it was too short. But both of them nailed it and managed two short love stories that packed all the feelings, backstory, second chances at love and happily ever afters! I loved this.

Just a quick sum up...
"A Mother for his Child" - Lee Tobin McClain
The first story was about Blake and Zoey who are what friends. After Blake's wife passed away Zoey became the babysitter to Wren their daughter and she also was their neighbor. As Mothers Day comes along Wren finally feels the urge to want a mother again, and she's determined that it needs to be Zoey. It makes Blake and Zoey uncomfortable,forcing them to take a look at their friendship and how it's confusing to Wren. So they start distancing themselves from each other, and trying to date other people. But the heart, wants what it wants...Can Wren get her mothers day wish of Zoey as her Mom?

"The Mommy List"-Kathryn Springer
Megan Albright, had retired from being a firefighter and has moved to Pine Bridge for a fresh start. She's still healing from an accident, and she's bought a large property to start a dog rescue. All is going as planned until she runs into her new customer, neighbor and local contractor Gage. Gage's daughter Ava recently had made a "TOP SECRIT:MOMS" list of all the women she thinks could be a good Mom for her. Which of course has Gage rushing to find a solution, distracrion: a dog! As he applies for a rescue he meets his beautiful neighbor and as he works to get approved for a dog, he and Ava volunteer to help her set up her rescue. Of course that moves Megan to the top of Ava"s possible Moms list... BUT Megan isn't looking for a relationship, and Gage isn't even considering a relationship either. But enough time together... someone is bound to get their way. But will it be Ava? Will she get the puppy she's been dreaming of AND a Mom for Mothers Day? Or is that one list that won't be fulfilled?!
Profile Image for Karen Baney.
Author 42 books449 followers
March 25, 2024
Both McClain and Springer delivered delightful novella-length stories in this book. Both used the daughters of single dads to help bring the couples together in an engaging way.

In A Mother’s Gift, I loved the way McClain developed the friends-to-sweethearts trope. Widower Blake knew he appreciated Zoey’s influence and care as a babysitter for his daughter. He treasured her friendship, but it took him time to finally identify his feelings as love. The ups and downs of their lives kept me turning pages late into the night.

In The Mommy List, Springer surprised me with the opening. I loved the way she used Gage’s daughter’s Mommy List to spur Gage to adopt a dog! Without his daughter’s list, he never would have met Megan, the owner of the dog rescue. I particularly liked the way Springer showed two sides of workaholics and how that theme played an important role in both characters’ growth.

Both authors included a glimpse into what Mother’s Day can be like when you’ve lost your mom. They handled this painful topic beautifully with compassion and courage.

Fans of clean, sweet, Christian romance will enjoy both Mother’s Day themed stories. I highly recommend this two-story volume.

Romance: Very clean. Light kissing.
Faith: The faith elements were there, but took a bit of a backseat in these shorter stories. All the characters strived to grow in and apply their faith.

Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,081 reviews209 followers
April 19, 2024
Just in time for Mother's Day, meet two little girls who desperately want a mother. That also means a wife for their single fathers who aren’t interested in marriage or on board with their daughters' plans.

Lee Tobin McClain takes us back to Holiday Point where we meet Blake Evans and his daughter Wren. Blake is a professor at the local college who often relies on his best friend and sometimes babysitter, Zoey Grey. With a nudge from little Wren, Blake and Zoey see each other in a new light and become the family Wren has been missing.

Katheryn Springer takes us to Pine Bridge where we meet Gabe Lawrence and his daughter Ava. Gabe is the classic workaholic who's doing his best as a single father. When Ava begs for her own puppy, this takes them to Megan Albright and her dog rescue. As the three spend time together, Gabe finds balance in his life and Ava gets the mother she’s been longing for.

Both of these stories are unbearably sweet and oh-so charming. With underpinnings of faith, these stories are a celebration of mothers everywhere. Tender, heartfelt, and inspiring, you won’t want to miss these phenomenal, touching romances.
355 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2024
When two of my favorite authors collaborate, it's always a good thing. Scheduled to be released in April.

Two sweet stories together in one book. A good read, especially as a gift for Mother's day. Lee Tobin McClain's "A Mother for His Child", single dad Blake Evans six year old daughter wants her babysitter Zoey to be her new Mommy. Difficult for Zoey, a waitress, to let go of her foster care past, to feel worthy of a professor.

As a little girl plays matchmaker in "The Mommy List" by Kathryn Springer, is next door neighbor Megan ready to take the leap with Gage?

I received a complimentary an e-copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
Profile Image for Karen Baney.
Author 42 books449 followers
March 25, 2024
Both McClain and Springer delivered delightful novella-length stories in this book. Both used the daughters of single dads to help bring the couples together in an engaging way.

In A Mother’s Gift, I loved the way McClain developed the friends-to-sweethearts trope. Widower Blake knew he appreciated Zoey’s influence and care as a babysitter for his daughter. He treasured her friendship, but it took him time to finally identify his feelings as love. The ups and downs of their lives kept me turning pages late into the night.

In The Mommy List, Springer surprised me with the opening. I loved the way she used Gage’s daughter’s Mommy List to spur Gage to adopt a dog! Without his daughter’s list, he never would have met Megan, the owner of the dog rescue. I particularly liked the way Springer showed two sides of workaholics and how that theme played an important role in both characters’ growth.

Both authors included a glimpse into what Mother’s Day can be like when you’ve lost your mom. They handled this painful topic beautifully with compassion and courage.

Fans of clean, sweet, Christian romance will enjoy both Mother’s Day themed stories. I highly recommend this two-story volume.

Romance: Very clean. Light kissing.
Faith: The faith elements were there, but took a bit of a backseat in these shorter stories. All the characters strived to grow in and apply their faith.

Disclaimer: I requested and received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kristy.
56 reviews
February 29, 2024
If you love christian romance, small towns, and happy endings, A Mother's Gift: an Uplifting Inspirational Romance needs to be on your TBR (to-be-read) list.
Two irresistible novellas.

A Mother for His Child by Lee Tobin McClain
When Blake's daughter, Wren picks her babysitter, Kelly to be her new mom, could they be more than friends?
Alec, Zinna, & Kelly from A Companion for Christmas, return in this book.

The Mommy List by Kathryn Springer
When single dad, Gage finds a list of possible new moms, in his daughter, Ava's pocket, he decides to distract her by adopting a puppy from the new neighbor, Megan.
Is a new pet all they will be getting?
Profile Image for Dali Castillo.
672 reviews18 followers
July 12, 2024
Sweet Reads

Two sweet, entertaining quick reads that are wrapped up in love.

A Mother for His Child by Lee Tobin McClain
Blake Evans and Zoey Grey have been friends for ages. They would remain in the friend zone forever, except that Blake’s daughter, Wren, has other plans. Will this little one be able to scramble the friend zone line?

The Mommy List by Kathryn Springer
Gage Lawrence is a workaholic, and his daughter, Ava, has plans to change that. When their neighbor, Megan Albright, enters their lives, things begin to change. Will Ava, with the help of some adorable and sometimes naughty canines, get her plans to become a reality? 
Profile Image for Karen Topf.
3 reviews
August 19, 2024
I loved the 2 stories in one with this novel. Finding love and overcoming obstacles while helping others is what makes a great story. Wren one of the little girls in the first novel is trying to set her dad up with a new wife . She really wants a mom. I highly recommend this book. I really enjoy reading books with this author.
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,002 reviews88 followers
February 15, 2024
A sweet story. Many heartwarming and heart-breaking moments. It was nice to read of the growth in understanding of several of the characters. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
1,400 reviews7 followers
March 6, 2024
Zoey and Blake’s story is truly inspirational. In this book you will read about two friends who have more deep feelings for each other. Wren is an amazing little girl who wants a mommy so bad. You will be on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next in this wonderful book.
Profile Image for Katie.
239 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2024
A Mother's Gift is the sweet combination of 2 short novellas. Both tell the story of a single dad, falling in love with the girl next door. Sweet little romances that feel heartwarming the minute you read them. True Love Inspired stories!
Profile Image for Miranda Summerset.
727 reviews5 followers
September 24, 2024
3/5 STARS! This is a heartwarming and cute book about 2 different Mothers Days for single dad's whose daughters want a mom. Both stories are adorable and I enjoyed the plots in each. I highly recommend this as a gift for mothers day & anyone looking for a fluffy romance.
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,344 reviews38 followers
August 13, 2025
I liked this book's storyline. This book's storyline was sad 😔. I liked the Christian ✝️ theme in in story. I liked Zoey's character. I felt sorry for Zoey. I liked Blake's character. I loved ❤️ Wren. My heart broke 💔 for Wren. I liked the ending.
470 reviews
May 11, 2024
I love this story for stat to the end

The characters are so well written and the storyline great I love the dogs and their parts in the story Happy reading
149 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2024
Both stories very good and some laughter!!!
641 reviews14 followers
July 3, 2024
96 pp
A sweet story about a single dad and his neighbor who become friends and fall in love and marry.
Profile Image for Susan  Faloon.
1,133 reviews
May 17, 2024
"A Mother's Gift" is a sweet set of two stories that center on single fathers of young daughters. I loved both of these stories. I received the e-book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Lee Tobin McClain offers, "A Mother for His Child". Zoey is the all-around helpful neighbor next door. She has been there for neighbor Blake and his little girl, Wren for the two years since the death of his wife. They have become best friends while dealing with grief and the adjustment to life. A waitress, Zoey babysits Wren when needed. When the five-year-olds grandparents come around it is obvious that the snobs look down on her, causing heartache. Why is she around the professor and child?
"The Mommy List," by Kathryn Springer is the story about a determined 6-year-old, Ava, who wants a mother. She has written a list of choices for a mom. Her father, Gage decides to distract her with a puppy. Surely that will take her mind off of the list. It's a pretty good plan until they visit their neighbors' dog rescue and meet Megan.
Both stories are worth reading more than once.
7,766 reviews50 followers
March 18, 2024
Both had a heartwarming plot, dealing with a loss. Taking those first steps, can love be found again. Wonderful characters, delightful plot that I enjoyed. Recommending this book .
Given arc for my voluntary review.
1,625 reviews28 followers
April 13, 2024
A Mother's Gift by Lee Tobin McClain and Kathry Springer
This Mother’s Day, they’re finding new moms
…in these two irresistible novellas
Friendship could blossom into more in Lee Tobin McClain’s A Mother for His Child when single dad Blake Evans’s six-year-old daughter announces she wants her babysitter, Zoey Grey, to be her new mommy. And in Kathryn Springer’s The Mommy List, a little girl plays matchmaker between her dad, Gage Lawrence, and their next-door neighbor, Megan Albright…but are they ready to take that leap?
A Mother for His Child by Lee Tobin McClain
This is Blake Evans, daughter Wren and Zoey Grey's story.
Blake Evans rushed into the Point diner, ignoring the rain dripping down his neck.
“Hi, Daddy.” His five-year-old daughter, Wren, waved casually from a booth where she was sitting with a family he knew. She stuck a french fry in her mouth and went back to coloring beside her friend Zinnia.
Whew. Wren was fine.
Zoey glared at him. “What else could I expect from an absent-minded professor?” Then her face broke into its usual smile.
She held up a hand. “Blake. It’s fine. She’s been playing with Zinnia for the past hour.” She put her hands on the small of her back and stretched. “Let me guess. You’re starving.”

The Mommy List by Kathryn Springer
And in Kathryn Springer’s The Mommy List, a little girl plays matchmaker between her dad, Gage Lawrence, and their next-door neighbor, Megan Albright…but are they ready to take that leap?
This is Megan Albright,Gage Lawrence and daughter Ava's story.
Hurry up Daddy! I don't want to be late!
I'm right behind you. GAGE Lawrence grabbed his jacket and followed his daughter out the door.
Megan Albright their new neighbor and champion of dogs in need of rescue.
She'd only moved to Pine Bridge a few weeks ago.
I recommend reading.
A Mother for His Child by Lee Tobin McClain and The Mommy List by Kathryn Springer is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was under no obligation to post a review.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain and Kathryn Springer .
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

7,766 reviews50 followers
April 23, 2024
Both had a heartwarming plot, dealing with a loss. Taking those first steps, can love be found again. Wonderful characters, delightful plot that I enjoyed. Recommending this book . Given arc for my voluntary review.
2,023 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
An Mother,s Gift contains two novella ‘s. Each story is written by a different author. I enjoyed both of the stories and recommend them. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy. This is my unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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