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Wintertime Secrets: A Small-Town Christian Romance
Dumped by her high-profile fiancé, florist Jennifer Ridge returns to Abbott Farm... and her high-school crush, now a hardworking single dad. Jen soon realizes that the farm—and Pop Abbott, her beloved foster father—are on the brink of ruin. Only neighbor Eddie, with his handyman skills and knowledge of the local tourist-farm scene, is equipped to help her save Pop’s farm. Attraction flares as they work together, and burns warmer when they get snowed in together. But Eddie’s keeping a secret that could crush Jen’s world. Can they weather wintertime storms and find their way to a springtime of love?
194 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 12, 2025
141 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
175 books527 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 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 29, 2025
Wintertime Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain is a 2025 publication.
Jenn returns home to her foster dad’s farm after a high -profile break- up only to find Pop Abbott had let the place fall into disrepair after his wife’s death.
Desperate to help Pop and make the farm profitable again, she’ll need to enlist the help of her handsome neighbor, Eddie… the guy she had a huge crush on in high school.
Eddie’s life is in utter turmoil. He needs the job Jenn offered him, but that would put him close to Jenn, and he cannot act on his feelings for her. This is because it might endanger his seven-year-old daughter…
A quick, sweet ‘winter’ romance. I liked the premise- the themes of taking care of family, new beginnings, tackling fear, and of course kids and dogs are always a plus. I liked the scriptures the author used to strengthen the character's resolve, and the way she exposed certain stereotypes.
That said, there was one character who spoke in a very vicious way and got away with it without an apology, and I felt there should have been some dialogue that showed some healing there.
Overall, a nice, gentle second- chance romance. I enjoyed it and will definitely read more books in this series.
Jenn returns home to her foster dad’s farm after a high -profile break- up only to find Pop Abbott had let the place fall into disrepair after his wife’s death.
Desperate to help Pop and make the farm profitable again, she’ll need to enlist the help of her handsome neighbor, Eddie… the guy she had a huge crush on in high school.
Eddie’s life is in utter turmoil. He needs the job Jenn offered him, but that would put him close to Jenn, and he cannot act on his feelings for her. This is because it might endanger his seven-year-old daughter…
A quick, sweet ‘winter’ romance. I liked the premise- the themes of taking care of family, new beginnings, tackling fear, and of course kids and dogs are always a plus. I liked the scriptures the author used to strengthen the character's resolve, and the way she exposed certain stereotypes.
That said, there was one character who spoke in a very vicious way and got away with it without an apology, and I felt there should have been some dialogue that showed some healing there.
Overall, a nice, gentle second- chance romance. I enjoyed it and will definitely read more books in this series.
March 13, 2025
Jenn Ridge returns home to Orchard Springs when her foster father needs help. In order to make his farm a success, she and her foster siblings agree that they'll need help from Eddie Wilson, but Jenn and Eddie have a history.
He was their neighbor back in the day and Jenn had a thing for him but she was too young. He still lives next door, but now he's a single dad. Although Eddie agrees to work for the family, he has a big secret Jenn can never find out.
This talented storyteller is one I can always count on for a deeply emotional story with complex characters whose hearts we come to love, and I’m so excited for this new series. If you’re looking for an inspiring and uplifting romance about faith, hope, redemption, and second chances you’ll love this one.
He was their neighbor back in the day and Jenn had a thing for him but she was too young. He still lives next door, but now he's a single dad. Although Eddie agrees to work for the family, he has a big secret Jenn can never find out.
This talented storyteller is one I can always count on for a deeply emotional story with complex characters whose hearts we come to love, and I’m so excited for this new series. If you’re looking for an inspiring and uplifting romance about faith, hope, redemption, and second chances you’ll love this one.
August 30, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Wintertime Secrets begins the Home to Orchard Springs series, as Jenn returns to her foster parents’ home in Pennsylvania in a combination visit of escaping the humiliation and damage she’s running from, and realizing that her foster father needs far more help than she’d realized.
Running into Eddie again is a mixed bag of emotions. It’s obvious that the boy she’d had a crush on as a teenager has his hands full with his business and his mother’s health concerns. Yet, he’d said that he was too old for her back then, and promised that they’d reconnect when she was older… that never happened. And now Eddie has a daughter, Paisley, and so many secrets to seemingly keep that second-chance romance from ever happening.
I enjoyed Wintertime Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain so very much. It’s a well-written, emotional romance with faith-based characters who have a lot on their plates, not to mention a secret of Eddie’s that must remain unspoken at all costs, even the sacrifice of the future he and Jenn might have had. There is mention of “the Flock”, the foster brothers and sisters who were at Pop’s farm as foster kids at the same time.
Family isn’t always blood, but often found and chosen, and we’ll casually meet them all, knowing their stories will one day be told. There is heartache and confusion for both Jenn and Eddie before their situations can be resolved to give them the happy-ever-after future they both deserve. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Wintertime Secrets begins the Home to Orchard Springs series, as Jenn returns to her foster parents’ home in Pennsylvania in a combination visit of escaping the humiliation and damage she’s running from, and realizing that her foster father needs far more help than she’d realized.
Running into Eddie again is a mixed bag of emotions. It’s obvious that the boy she’d had a crush on as a teenager has his hands full with his business and his mother’s health concerns. Yet, he’d said that he was too old for her back then, and promised that they’d reconnect when she was older… that never happened. And now Eddie has a daughter, Paisley, and so many secrets to seemingly keep that second-chance romance from ever happening.
I enjoyed Wintertime Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain so very much. It’s a well-written, emotional romance with faith-based characters who have a lot on their plates, not to mention a secret of Eddie’s that must remain unspoken at all costs, even the sacrifice of the future he and Jenn might have had. There is mention of “the Flock”, the foster brothers and sisters who were at Pop’s farm as foster kids at the same time.
Family isn’t always blood, but often found and chosen, and we’ll casually meet them all, knowing their stories will one day be told. There is heartache and confusion for both Jenn and Eddie before their situations can be resolved to give them the happy-ever-after future they both deserve. I’m definitely looking forward to continuing this series.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
November 20, 2025
Great intro to the series.
Jenn is back to check on her foster father Pop in Orchard Springs.. Then she finds out that her high school crush Eddie is still living next door and has been helping Pop out. Eddie is worried about working with Jenn to bring the farm back to life because he has a major secret that involves his 6-year-old daughter Paisley. This secret keeps him from letting himself get involved with Jenn except as a worker. But can he manage that or will Jenn work her way under his skin? What if this secret brings a difficulty to Paisley? Read this to find out.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the storyline and not just added in. This was a nice introduction to this series
Jenn is back to check on her foster father Pop in Orchard Springs.. Then she finds out that her high school crush Eddie is still living next door and has been helping Pop out. Eddie is worried about working with Jenn to bring the farm back to life because he has a major secret that involves his 6-year-old daughter Paisley. This secret keeps him from letting himself get involved with Jenn except as a worker. But can he manage that or will Jenn work her way under his skin? What if this secret brings a difficulty to Paisley? Read this to find out.
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the storyline and not just added in. This was a nice introduction to this series
May 31, 2025
An emotional story of secrets and second chances, author Lee Tobin McClain gives us a story that kept me turning pages quickly to see what happened next.
Jen was a foster child who made a family with other foster children who lived in the same home. It was heartwarming to read about since family isn’t always about blood. We see that their bond has remained well into adulthood as “The Flock” rallies around Jen. Eddie has a secret and his mother is a piece of work. Can all of them set the past in the past and move forward? And you’ll love little Paisley. What a sweet girl.
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with a bit of (clean) sizzle, I highly recommend Wintertime Secrets.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Jen was a foster child who made a family with other foster children who lived in the same home. It was heartwarming to read about since family isn’t always about blood. We see that their bond has remained well into adulthood as “The Flock” rallies around Jen. Eddie has a secret and his mother is a piece of work. Can all of them set the past in the past and move forward? And you’ll love little Paisley. What a sweet girl.
If you enjoy contemporary Christian fiction with a bit of (clean) sizzle, I highly recommend Wintertime Secrets.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
January 19, 2026
This was my first time reading this author, and while I enjoyed the overall story, it didn’t completely win me over. Romance and HEA readers will likely appreciate it, especially for its emotional tone and supportive community dynamic. One of my favorite things in books is children who bring humor with their unfiltered comments; while this story didn’t lean into that, Paisley was still undeniably cute.
The author handled the themes of resilience and camaraderie well, and the “Flock” consistently showing up for Jenn and routing for her and Eddie was a strong point. At times, though, the story felt more focused on reinforcing that support system than on deepening character development, which kept me from fully connecting. Still, it was a solid read with heart, and I’d be open to trying more from this author.
The author handled the themes of resilience and camaraderie well, and the “Flock” consistently showing up for Jenn and routing for her and Eddie was a strong point. At times, though, the story felt more focused on reinforcing that support system than on deepening character development, which kept me from fully connecting. Still, it was a solid read with heart, and I’d be open to trying more from this author.
October 13, 2025
Wintertime Secrets
This is such a heartwarming story. Jennifer Ridge has lost her high profile fiancé and her coveted job in one fell swoop. She returns to visit her foster father in Orchard Springs to find him and his farm in a horrid condition. Leaning on her high school crush for help was not on the agenda. Eddie has a secret that he needs to keep from Jennifer so he should not accept the job she has offered: but he needs the job desperately as a single dad. I highly recommend you read their story.
This is such a heartwarming story. Jennifer Ridge has lost her high profile fiancé and her coveted job in one fell swoop. She returns to visit her foster father in Orchard Springs to find him and his farm in a horrid condition. Leaning on her high school crush for help was not on the agenda. Eddie has a secret that he needs to keep from Jennifer so he should not accept the job she has offered: but he needs the job desperately as a single dad. I highly recommend you read their story.
March 11, 2025
This was a great book. Jenn had a crush on Eddie when she was in high school, but he was too old for her. Now she living next door to him again and those same feelings return. And Eddie has feelings for Jenn, but also has a secret that will keep them apart. I loved how they learned to lean on God’s strength instead of their own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to post a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to post a review.
September 1, 2025
Entertaining story of returning back to her foster home after social disasters hit a young woman who wants to help out her now widowed foster dad. With a childhood crush on Eddie next door, she's surprised he has a six-year-old daughter living with his medically incapacitated mother. Yet, despite an attraction, secrets about Paisley prohibit it from going any further. A different plot that maintains one's attention throughout.
March 13, 2025
Lee Tobin McClain’s book: Wintertime Secrets
In this book you will read about a unkept promise and a secret. Jenn and her foster family are special people ready to help each other when needed. Eddie is a wonderful person who is taking care of his mother and daughter. The author will have you flipping the pages of this book to see what happens next.
In this book you will read about a unkept promise and a secret. Jenn and her foster family are special people ready to help each other when needed. Eddie is a wonderful person who is taking care of his mother and daughter. The author will have you flipping the pages of this book to see what happens next.
March 15, 2025
Good story
Didn't know what kind of a story I was going to get and it was truly inspirational. Jenn was back to take care of Pop, her foster Dad, and found it pretty bad. She needed to get him back on track and asked the height Eddie to help. Eddie had a big secret and didn't want Jenn to know. Good cast of characters and storyline.
Didn't know what kind of a story I was going to get and it was truly inspirational. Jenn was back to take care of Pop, her foster Dad, and found it pretty bad. She needed to get him back on track and asked the height Eddie to help. Eddie had a big secret and didn't want Jenn to know. Good cast of characters and storyline.
May 4, 2025
Great story
A great story that emphasizes trust, faith & family.
She grew up in a foster home & came back when Pop needed help. Her foster siblings consulted & helped her set up things for Pop & attempt to make the property profitable.
She hired the neighbor to help renovate the barn, buildings & fields.
HEA
A great story that emphasizes trust, faith & family.
She grew up in a foster home & came back when Pop needed help. Her foster siblings consulted & helped her set up things for Pop & attempt to make the property profitable.
She hired the neighbor to help renovate the barn, buildings & fields.
HEA
March 5, 2025
Family is everything, and this small town story is full of family -the good and sometimes not so good times. Watching Jenn and Eddie work through their family issues to find each other was a pure delight. I received this book as part of a launch team. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 12, 2025
This was a great story by Lee Tobin McClain. Wintertime Secrets is the 1st in the Home to Orchard Springs series. There's a dog that adds the perfect touch to an already great story. Jenn and Eddie's story is a must read. I can't wait to see what's next in the series.
March 13, 2025
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025
I loved this story and how the author makes the characters come to life as if I am right there alongside them in the book. I loved that there is a dog in the story. This story reminds me that if I let go and let God then all things are possible.
I loved this story and how the author makes the characters come to life as if I am right there alongside them in the book. I loved that there is a dog in the story. This story reminds me that if I let go and let God then all things are possible.
March 18, 2025
always a great story
The characters are so well written and the dialogue is great. The descriptions of the people in the pets are great. I had to keep the Kleenex handy. I’m looking forward to the next story in the series.
The characters are so well written and the dialogue is great. The descriptions of the people in the pets are great. I had to keep the Kleenex handy. I’m looking forward to the next story in the series.
October 1, 2025
Great Story
This is a really awesome story and I really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see all the Flock get their happily ever afters. This really is a truly good story.
This is a really awesome story and I really enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see all the Flock get their happily ever afters. This really is a truly good story.
March 12, 2025
All around wonderful, feel good story!!!
A reminder that if you let God lead the way, it doesn't take long for your life to change.
A reminder that if you let God lead the way, it doesn't take long for your life to change.
April 4, 2025
Very good, opening for a series, am trying to wait patiently for the next book
August 31, 2025
Decent book
I liked the storyline, the characters were ok, they seemed wishy washy at first, but they grew on me. It could be an interesting series with the other siblings.
I liked the storyline, the characters were ok, they seemed wishy washy at first, but they grew on me. It could be an interesting series with the other siblings.
September 21, 2025
I sure love this book ! I love second chance at love ! I love that Eddie and Jen final became a family after all the Secret came out.
November 9, 2025
Great Characters & Interesting Storyline!
This is well written and kept me reading until the end. Very descriptive and a storyline that pulled me in & kept me turning the pages!
This is well written and kept me reading until the end. Very descriptive and a storyline that pulled me in & kept me turning the pages!
October 7, 2025
A pleasure to read. Reading #2 now.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews