An Unexpected Christmas Helper

by Lee Tobin McClain

Sometimes forgiveness
is the best present.

After discovering he has a toddler daughter, engineer Evan Dukas needs all the help he can get—even if it comes from Vanessa Johnson, the woman who once crushed his heart. With financial worries mounting and Christmas just around the corner, the single mom agrees to be little Lily’s temporary nanny, and vows not to let working for Evan derail her recovery from an eating disorder. With her service dog, Snickers, at her side, Vanessa is on the path to healing, and soon old feelings reawaken between her and Evan. But when buried secrets regarding Vanessa’s son are revealed, they must decide if what they have is worth fighting for…

From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

K-9 Companions

Book 1: Their Unbreakable Bond by Deb Kastner
Book 2: Finding Her Way Back by Lisa Carter
Book 3: The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn
Book 4: Her Easter Prayer by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 5: Earning Her Trust by Brenda Minton
Book 6: Guarding His Secret by Jill Kemerer
Book 7: An Unlikely Alliance by Toni Shiloh
Book 9: A Reason to Stay by Deb Kastner
Book 10: The Veteran's Holiday Home by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 11: An Alaskan Christmas Promise by Belle Calhoune
Book 12: A Steadfast Companion by Myra Johnson
Book 14: A Friend to Trust by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 15: Her Alaskan Companion by Heidi McCahan
Book 16: A Companion for Christmas by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 17: Her Christmas Healing by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 18: Finding Their Way Back by Jenna Mindel
Book 19: Their Inseparable Bond by Jill Weatherholt
Book 20: Bonding with the Babies by Deb Kastner
Book 21: Her Son's Faithful Companion by Jill Weatherholt
Book 22: Training the K-9 Companion by Jill Kemerer
Book 23: A Companion for His Son by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 24: Her Loyal Companion by Heidi Main
Book 25: A K-9 Christmas Reunion by Lisa Carter
Book 26: His Christmas Salvation by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 27: Guarding Her Christmas Secret by Jill Weatherholt
Book 28: A Faithful Guardian by Louise M. Gouge
Book 29: The Veteran's Valentine Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 30: Rescue on the Farm by Allie Pleiter
Book 31: An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 32: Earning the Veteran's Trust by Lisa Jordan
Book 33: Holding Onto Secrets by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 34: His New Companion by Jill Kemerer
Book 35: The Soldier's K-9 Companion by Belle Calhoune
Book 36: Her Surprise Neighbor by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 37: Healing the Veteran by Ciara Knight
Book 38: An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 39: The Rancher's Christmas Gift by Jolene Navarro
Book 40: An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Family, Contemporary Romance

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan Dukas has recently found out that he has a daughter, Lily. He knows he needs help to raise her, so he heads home to his grandmother. He know she won't be able to look after her, but she will be able to teach him how to do that. When he arrives at her house, he finds out that she is in the hospital and won't be able to help him at all. He also finds Vanessa Johnson, her son and her service dog Snickers, living at his grandmother's and acting as her caretaker. He and Vanessa has once had a relationship, but she left him with a broken heart. He isn't sure what to do, but when he sees how easily Vanessa calms Lily, he offers her the job of taking care of her and including room and board. She agrees to be his temporary nanny, as Christmas is approaching and she is in financial straights. Vanessa has secrets, one is that she is still recovering from an eating disorder that could end her u in the hospital if she has a relapse. As they spend more time together, old feelings begin to resurface, and both their hearts, and Vanessa's health could be in danger.

I really enjoyed this Christian Fiction Story. Vanessa's character has been through a lot and she has worked hard to get where she is now. She is a good mom, but her son pushes the boundaries. Evan steps in a few times and Vanessa gets angry. Who is her to discipline her son. As she sees that having a male role model helps him, she begins to back off and allow Evan to get closer to him. We gradually learn her story, but when Evan finds out, he shuns her and passes judgement. Evan is at his wit's end. He didn't know that his ex-wife was pregnant when they divorced, and now he wants to do what is best for Lily. Lily has some delays, but living in a happy home, she picks up quickly, letting Evan know that Lily is doing a great job with her. Evan's grandmother is a great character. She is loving and caring, and the one person that can get Evan to stop being so judgmental and perhaps look at Vanessa's heart and forgive her. I can't forget, Snickers. I've not heard of service dogs that supported people with eating disorders. He was a sweet dog and not only helped Vanessa, but was part of the family as well. This is a story of reconciliation, forgiveness, family, recovery and more. Even though it was a bit predictable, I enjoyed the journey to romance at the end. I listened to this book, narrated by Tanya Eby. She is the perfect voice for this story, and used voices to bring the various characters to life.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Evan Dukas is an engineer with a geeky kind of personality... and he's a bit of a perfectionist. So, when his ex-wife shows up at his door with his 18 month old daughter, (Lily) who he was never told existed, what else can he do but head back to Chesapeake Corners and his grandma who raised him?? He has NO IDEA how to handle a baby...

But, when he arrives at her home, he is surprised to find that his old HS girlfriend, (Vanessa) and her young son (Declan) are living in his grandma's house. AND, grandma is in the hospital! 😮😮. Turns out that Vanessa was helping grandma, as a kind of live in aide... and is not sure what she is going to do now. What if grandma Vi does not come home? She won't have a job...

And now, on top of all else, her old love is back in town... with his adorable daughter...

Evan soon finds out that Vanessa has had an eating disorder for quite some time, and also has a service dog named Snickers (YOU HAVE TO LOVE THAT NAME!!!) who is continually helping her to get through some of her tough patches...

But, Evan is very opinionated... and when he finds out some of her back story, he is amazed... and stunned... and not sure if he can ever talk to her again.

This was sweet. This was very Christian based. It was also a bit repetitive. And a bit harsh…
And, I wanted to reach through the book and give Evan a few smacks in the head... from me!
I mean, he's been given a GIFT... or maybe two... and really, he's that judgemental???

But anyway, it all turns out the way it is supposed to in the end.

4 stars for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#AnUnexpectedChristmasHelper: K-9 Companions, Book #38. Yes, it can be read as a standalone.
This is by @LeeTobinMcClain and narrated nicely by @TanyaEby.

*** THIS ONE HAS NOT YET BEEN RELEASED!! PLEASE 👀 LOOK 👀 FOR IT ON 10/28/25!! ***

Thanks so much to @NetGalley and @HarlequinAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine

Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️

[Kav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Inspired Christmas cover art is among the best and they really out did themselves with this irresistible cover! If that doesn’t say ‘buy me’, I don’t know what does. And the story inside is just as charming.

Lee Tobin McClain knows how to create an emotionally compelling romance that pulls at a reader’s heartstrings and this one is full of holiday cheer as well. A winning combination!

Doting (but untried and completely clueless) daddy Evan makes for a great flawed hero. He made me laugh and swoon and even wince a few times. And I might have wanted to throw a projectile at him once or twice as well! Vanessa feels much the same way and their rollercoaster, ‘will they or won’t they give their reunion romance a chance’ escapades held me captive (while alternately cheering and groaning!)

Thankfully, there’s lots of Christmasy distractions and two cute kids and a very special dog to deflect the angst. I love the way McClain blends humour with raw emotion and all kinds of real life tough stuff. And the significant faith elements in this novel bring an even deeper satisfaction to the read.

This is #41 (!) in the K-9 Companions multi-authored series and I am amazed at how much I’ve learned about service dogs and all the varied assistance they can provide. Snickers’ job was a total surprise for me. I had no idea that a dog could be trained to serve in that way.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘An Unexpected Christmas Helper’ narrated by one of my favourite voice performers, Tanya Eby. She does a wonderful job bringing these characters to life in.a way that enhances McClain’s storytelling and creates a captivating listening experience.

My thanks to Harlequin Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

https://kavsbestreads.ca/2025/10/09/a...

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
(K-9 Companions Book 38)
Book 36 of 40: K-9 Companions
Sometimes forgiveness
is the best present.
After discovering he has a toddler daughter, engineer Evan Dukas needs all the help he can get—even if it comes from Vanessa Johnson, the woman who once crushed his heart. With financial worries mounting and Christmas just around the corner, the single mom agrees to be little Lily’s temporary nanny, and vows not to let working for Evan derail her recovery from an eating disorder. With her service dog, Snickers, at her side, Vanessa is on the path to healing, and soon old feelings reawaken between her and Evan. But when buried secrets regarding Vanessa’s son are revealed, they must decide if what they have is worth fighting for…
Vanessa and son Declan Johnson.
Evan Dukas daughter Lily and Gramma.
My favorite quote is
He bounced her like he’d seen other parents do, but she clenched her tiny fists and opened her mouth, wide.
He braced himself in anticipation of the noise. In the three days he’d had Lily, he’d learned that she had the lung power of a world-class athlete.
I recommend this book.
An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.

[Lghiggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book checks off lots of boxes for me, especially:
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Support Dog (Snickers)
Inspirational Romance.

When Evan’s ex-wife drops off a toddler he didn’t know he had, he heads to Chesapeake Corners to get advice from Gramma Vi who raised him. Unfortunately, she is in the hospital. Her caregiver Vanessa and her son Declan live with Gramma Vi. There is immediately conflict because Vanessa had broken Evan’s heart when they were in high school. They now have some troubled waters to navigate as they try to coexist in Gramma Vi’s house.

Both Vanessa and Evan had troubled homes as children that caused trust issues as they became adults. Vanessa is caring, kind, and a good mother to her son Declan. Evan is smart and generous and wants to be a good dad to his neglected daughter Lily. They are both Christians, but that doesn’t mean they are perfect. Sadly, Vanessa’s past causes self-worth issues, and Evan has a judgmental streak. They need to work on individual issues before they can have a successful relationship.

The dog Snickers and the two children, Declan and Lily, are key characters throughout the book. All three are delightful and realistically portrayed. Both Vanessa and Evan make their children’s well-being a priority in all of their decisions. This is a great read (or listen) for the holiday season.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when your ex-wife dumps an eighteen-month-old little girl on you that you never knew about? If you’re Evan Dukas, you head back home to Chesapeake Corners and the woman who raised you, Gramma Vi.

Except when Even arrives, he finds his grandmother is hospitalized after a fall and her caregiver is the girl who broke his heart years ago. And Vanessa has a ten-year-old son, Declan. And in the midst of past and present colliding, Evan has to figure out how to parent his young daughter. For a logic and numbers guy, it's a lot of uncertainty to deal with.

Vanessa hasn’t had it easy, first being raised in foster care, then dealing with an eating disorder, and now as a single parent. Through her church community, supportive family, and her service dog, she's been handling life's stresses fairly well, but being around Evan threatens all progress she's made.

There's a reason this gifted storyteller is my go-to when I need an inspiring, uplifting, feel-good romance. Just when I think I’ve read her best, she delivers an even more compelling, heart-felt romance full of faith, grace, and forgiveness. A charming, heartwarming story of healing, redemption, and second chances, this sweet romance will feed your soul and make your heart merry, so don’t miss it.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Christian romance centering around engineer Evan Duke, who recently discovered he had a toddler, Vanessa Johnson, single mom to Declan and caretaker of Evan’s grandmother and Snickers, her support dog to help with Vanessa’s eating disorder.
When Gramma Vi falls and needs to go to the hospital and rehab, Evan hires Vanessa as Lily’s nanny. Years ago these two were about to become more than friends, but Vanessa left without a word.
Though Vanessa’s help with Lily is extraordinary, Evan still doesn’t trust her with his heart. Especially after he found out about her past. A past that was also difficult for Vanessa.
Will Evan accept that people are human and make mistakes? Especially if those mistakes were unintentional? Will these two trust their hearts and faith to find their HEA?
The story was engaging and the author’s information on anorexia accurate and well presented, while still being sensitive to the individual. In this case, Vanessa.
It’s a story about new beginnings, hope and second chances in life and love.
The narration was well executed by Tanya Eby.
I was entrusted a copy of this audiobook by Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an inspirational romance done by a talented story teller. These are two people who are adrift and both need help in different ways. Evan needs to learn how to be a father and Vanessa has been through difficulties in her past.

Enter Snickers who is a lovable service dog. He does a great job caring for Vanessa and helping her find her way to second chances and new beginnings. I particularly liked how he was used for a different reason than people normally associate with this type of dog. Someone out there may have found a helper for their own struggles just by reading this book.

I love that this is a healing tale that is perfect for the holiday season. I enjoyed the characters and the realistic struggles portrayed by two people trying to raise two wonderful kids.

I did get a copy of this in audio rather than print. This was not my favorite narrator. Some of the emotions were conveyed well but some felt a little disconnected/mismatched for me to the material at hand. However, it was good enough to do justice to the story.

[Danyelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book. It was a cute book. It had a cute baby and a dog in it.

Evan Dukas found out that he has a daughter, Lily. Lily's mother just dumped her off with him. Evan know he needs to help to raise her. He goes to his grandmother's house because he knows that she will help him. When he gets there, he discovers his grandmother is in the hospital. He finds his ex, Vanessa Johnson, her son and her service dog, Snickers. Vanessa and him had a relationship in the past and she left him. She broke his heart. He offers her a job of taking care of Lily and including room and board. She agrees to be his temporary nanny. Does Evan and Vanessa rekindle their relationship and fall back in love? You would have to read and find out. I listened to this book. It is narrated by Tanya Eby.

I got this audio book from Netgalley. It is an ARC. Thank you Netgalley for the book.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engineer Evan Dukas finds he has a toddler daughter that his ex-wife just dumped on him. He knows nothing of children and arrives at his grandmother's home to find her in the hospital. Vanessa Johnson with her son is living in his grandmother's home and had been helping her until she fell and needed to go to the hospital. Evan had no idea that Vanessa was living there; she is a girl he knew years ago that broke his heart. Vanessa is recovering from an eating disorder and has a therapy dog with her; she agrees to help Evan with his daughter on a temporary basis. Vanessa and Evan need to open up to each other about what happen years ago to heal the broken hearts.
I really enjoyed to navigator in this story.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian Romance Engineer Evan Duke, who recently discovered he had a toddler, Vanessa Johnson, single mom to Declan and caretaker of Evan’s grandmother and Snickers, her support dog to help with Vanessa’s eating disorder.
When Gramma Vi falls and needs to go to the hospital and rehab, Evan hires Vanessa as Lily’s nanny. Years ago these two were about to become more than friends, but Vanessa left without a word. Though Vanessa’s help with Lily is extraordinary, Evan still doesn’t trust her with his heart. Especially after he found out about her past. A past that was also difficult for Vanessa. Don't judge someone by their past as it is not always cut and dry. This is a little too fluffy for me but a nice understory. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very emotional story about moving forward from your mistakes

Evan is going to see his Grammy after learning he had an 18 month old daughter, Lily. When he gets there, he doesn't find Grammy, but his first love Vanessa and her 10-year-old son Declan. Evan doesn't know a thing about babies and was hoping for Grammy's advice. Will he accept help from Vanessa? Then there is the mystery of Vanessa's past and Declan's father. This is an emotional story.

The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are realistic and engaging. The Christian ideals are woven into the story and move it along.

[LizNReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

So many tropes in this book: #ChristmasRomance #SmallTown #ForcedProximity #SecondChances #EatingDisorder #ServiceDog (#Snickers) #SingleDad #SurpriseToddler #SingleMom

This book is narrated by none other than Tanya Eby, and I just love how good of a narrator she is!

This book follows the story of Evan Duke, a guy who became father to a toddler girl overnight, and Vanessa Johnson, a single, determined mom to a young boy who is going through some big emotions. Evan and Vanessa have history together, and when Evans finds out she is living at his grandmother’s house, past feelings are rekindled.

Beautiful story written by Lee Tobin McClain

Thank you NetGalley & Harlequin Audio for this ALC.

[Joan Arning · Rating 4 out of 5]

What complicated relationships! I admired Evan, an engineering geek, who steps up to the task when his ex-wife dumps a toddler on him that he doesn't even know if he fathered! Who would he turn to for help but the grandmother who raised him! But he arrives to discover his grandmother has fallen and is in rehab leaving his old girlfriend, her service dog and her son staying in her house. There is no way things can go smoothly. I found the old girlfriend's eating disorder and service dog very interesting. You won't want to miss the complications of this Christmas romance! I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Christian story. Family, forgiveness and romance. Evan has his daughter he didn’t know he had brought to him to raise- in finding she’s been neglected and delayed in development strives to do and learn anything to help her grow and in the process learned his own flaws and worked on his own growth and development. Thank you Net Galley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. Tanya Eby does an amazing job giving each character depth and makes you fall in love and get mad at each one. Great holiday read.

This is a review of the audiobook.

[Marjorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

realizing we are all flawed

Evan doesn’t realize how flawed he is until he meets Vanessa again. They had dated 12 years ago and she had broken up with him. Evan finds himself with a daughter he didn’t know he had so he takes the baby to his Gramma’s to get guidance. Vanessa has been staying with his Gramma because she is elderly and now the Gramma is in the hospital. It is Vanessa who helps him with the baby but they go through a lot of trials before finding their HEA.

Great book.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you will read about two single parents, heartbroken people and an amazing grandmother.
When Evan came back to stay with his grandmother he is shocked when his ex girlfriend opens the door. Vanessa and her son have been taking care of the grandmother for a place to stay. Can these two stay under the same roof until Evan can find a permanent child care after the holidays. The author will have you flipping the pages to see what happens next. Truly a wonderful inspirational story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I met Vanessa and her son Declan in a previous book, Holding Onto Secrets and I liked reading her story. I was surprised to learn that a service dog could be trained to help with eating disorders. The interaction between Vanessa and Evan was difficult, and learning the back stories later on in the book made everything come together. I enjoyed reading this book.
I received a copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain, narrated by Tanya Eby. K-9 companions series # 38. Lots of ups and downs when you can’t shake your past. Another sweet read for the holidays. Thank you to #NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for this arc. This is my honest review. Releases Oct 28,2025

[Denise Houghtlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Audio for allowing me to listen and review this book. This was a very sweet and inspirational story. There was a lot of ups and downs and emotions with Evan all of a sudden finding out he had a toddler daughter. This was good but not really my cup of tea for a book

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Christmas romance. It was different from a lot of the books I've read in that Vanessa was dealing with anorexia and coming to terms with a shameful past. Her past relationship issue was not obvious or overused which added to my interest, and the reconciliation between her and Evan was not rushed, as in many romances. I highly recommend.

[April Kidwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story about second chances and healing, centered on a single dad, a determined mom, and an adorable little girl at Christmas. While the plot was a little predictable (and not my favorite trope), it was still a cute, heartwarming read with gentle themes of faith, forgiveness, and family. Readers who enjoy cozy, feel-good romances will likely find this one comforting and uplifting.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain is part of the K-9 Companions series. This a great read. Evan and Can essays story is a story of a single mom who becomes nanny for Evan. Evan discovers he has a toddler daughter and needs help. The K-9 part comes from Van essays service dog Snickers. I recommend this book and can't wait to see what Lee has in store next.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but would be best if read in order. Some of the characters may overlap.
Second chance
Surprise baby
Deals with depression, anxiety, eating disorders
After affects from childhood trauma
Christian theme

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Christmas Helper by Lee Tobin McClain This was such an inspirational romance story with such amazing characters and a K-9 Companion that would keep you drawn in from page one I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion

[Stacey Cochran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story! It was sweet, touching, and great character development.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #38)

[Harlequin Books]

Inspirational Romance, Contemporary Romance, Holiday Romance, Animal Fiction, Wholesome Romance
Miniseries
K-9 Companions (Book #38)

[Elaine. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. Everyone has a past that may show up when they are older

[Kristy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating holiday hometown Christian romance that you'll be eager to read beyond bedtime.