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A Secret Summer Child: A Small-Town Christian Romance
A struggling single mom must share a home with the former bad boy who doesn’t know he’s the father of her child.
When Elena Meeker moves to Abbott Farm for the summer, she hopes the fresh air, sunshine, and small-town kindness will help her bullied eight-year-old daughter get happy again. She's almost desperate enough to tell her high school boyfriend, Stone Smith, that he's the father of her child.
Then Stone moves into the other side of the bunkhouse where she and her daughter are living. Turns out Elena's summer job of helping Pop Abbott start a farm-stay program will require coordinating with Stone, who’s slated to run the organic farm. If they want to help their struggling daughter, they must deal with the feelings that still spark between them… and the differences that tore them apart.
When Elena Meeker moves to Abbott Farm for the summer, she hopes the fresh air, sunshine, and small-town kindness will help her bullied eight-year-old daughter get happy again. She's almost desperate enough to tell her high school boyfriend, Stone Smith, that he's the father of her child.
Then Stone moves into the other side of the bunkhouse where she and her daughter are living. Turns out Elena's summer job of helping Pop Abbott start a farm-stay program will require coordinating with Stone, who’s slated to run the organic farm. If they want to help their struggling daughter, they must deal with the feelings that still spark between them… and the differences that tore them apart.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 23, 2025
93 people are currently reading
14 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 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 11, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
A Secret Summer Child is the third title in the Home to Orchard Springs series, this time bringing us a romance that equally broke my heart and enraged me at the actions of so many people within this community surrounding the Abbott farm… even years later. Stone Smith left his foster home under a cloud, accused of a crime he did not commit. He’s made a good career for himself, and with his knowledge and expertise in his field, Stone is returning home with a two-fold plan. To help revitalize his foster father’s farm alongside his foster siblings, and to somehow work his way back into the good graces of the community that turned on him years ago. It’s going to be an uphill battle. Yet there is more awaiting Stone back home, a woman he loved with all his heart, who, as a young girl, did not stand for him and tell their truth years ago… a woman with a secret that will once again turn his world upside down.
Elena Meeker has moved to Abbott Farm, along with her eight-year-old daughter, Maddie, to work on her portion of the new renovations at the farm. She’ll soon be face-to-face with the man she never stopped loving, with a secret that must be told, if she can find the courage. As Elena and Stone navigate their shared past, the community proves that it has a long memory and cannot willingly believe that Stone wasn’t guilty back then or has changed into an upstanding man in the present… they set out to prove Stone’s innocence, and it will be an uphill battle to find that truth.
A Secret Summer Child by Lee Tobin McClain is a well-written, emotional romance that had me so angry and so hopeful for this couple at the same time. And, I have to admit, that I was more than a bit disappointed in Pop. Yeah, I was. The truth will always eventually come out, and when it does, on both sides, the emotional impact is intense.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
A Secret Summer Child is the third title in the Home to Orchard Springs series, this time bringing us a romance that equally broke my heart and enraged me at the actions of so many people within this community surrounding the Abbott farm… even years later. Stone Smith left his foster home under a cloud, accused of a crime he did not commit. He’s made a good career for himself, and with his knowledge and expertise in his field, Stone is returning home with a two-fold plan. To help revitalize his foster father’s farm alongside his foster siblings, and to somehow work his way back into the good graces of the community that turned on him years ago. It’s going to be an uphill battle. Yet there is more awaiting Stone back home, a woman he loved with all his heart, who, as a young girl, did not stand for him and tell their truth years ago… a woman with a secret that will once again turn his world upside down.
Elena Meeker has moved to Abbott Farm, along with her eight-year-old daughter, Maddie, to work on her portion of the new renovations at the farm. She’ll soon be face-to-face with the man she never stopped loving, with a secret that must be told, if she can find the courage. As Elena and Stone navigate their shared past, the community proves that it has a long memory and cannot willingly believe that Stone wasn’t guilty back then or has changed into an upstanding man in the present… they set out to prove Stone’s innocence, and it will be an uphill battle to find that truth.
A Secret Summer Child by Lee Tobin McClain is a well-written, emotional romance that had me so angry and so hopeful for this couple at the same time. And, I have to admit, that I was more than a bit disappointed in Pop. Yeah, I was. The truth will always eventually come out, and when it does, on both sides, the emotional impact is intense.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
July 23, 2025
A Secret Summer Child by Lee Tobin McClain
A Small-Town Christian Romance (Home to Orchard Springs Book 3)
Book 3 of 4: Home to Orchard Springs
A struggling single mom must share a home with the former bad boy who doesn’t know he’s the father of her child.
When Elena Meeker moves to Abbott Farm for the summer, she hopes the fresh air, sunshine, and small-town kindness will help her bullied eight-year-old daughter get happy again. She's almost desperate enough to tell her high school boyfriend, Stone Smith, that he's the father of her child.
Then Stone moves into the other side of the bunkhouse where she and her daughter are living. Turns out Elena's summer job of helping Pop Abbott start a farm-stay program will require coordinating with Stone, who’s slated to run the organic farm. If they want to help their struggling daughter, they must deal with the feelings that still spark between them… and the differences that tore them apart.
This is Elena Meeker and eight-year-old daughter's story.
This is Stone Smith and eight-year-old daughter's story.
Elena has a secret that could bring them closer together or drive them further apart.
Elena and Stone will be working together .
Elena's summer job of helping Pop Abbott start a farm-stay program.
Stone is to run the organic farm.
A story of redemption, second chances, and family.
I recommend this book.
A Secret Summer Child by Lee Tobin McClain is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain .
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
A Small-Town Christian Romance (Home to Orchard Springs Book 3)
Book 3 of 4: Home to Orchard Springs
A struggling single mom must share a home with the former bad boy who doesn’t know he’s the father of her child.
When Elena Meeker moves to Abbott Farm for the summer, she hopes the fresh air, sunshine, and small-town kindness will help her bullied eight-year-old daughter get happy again. She's almost desperate enough to tell her high school boyfriend, Stone Smith, that he's the father of her child.
Then Stone moves into the other side of the bunkhouse where she and her daughter are living. Turns out Elena's summer job of helping Pop Abbott start a farm-stay program will require coordinating with Stone, who’s slated to run the organic farm. If they want to help their struggling daughter, they must deal with the feelings that still spark between them… and the differences that tore them apart.
This is Elena Meeker and eight-year-old daughter's story.
This is Stone Smith and eight-year-old daughter's story.
Elena has a secret that could bring them closer together or drive them further apart.
Elena and Stone will be working together .
Elena's summer job of helping Pop Abbott start a farm-stay program.
Stone is to run the organic farm.
A story of redemption, second chances, and family.
I recommend this book.
A Secret Summer Child by Lee Tobin McClain is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain .
I am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
July 24, 2025
Stone Smith, the oldest of the Flock of foster children of the Abbotts, returns to help with organic farming. Elena Meeker moves there with her young daughter to help with one of the farm programs and to give her daughter a new start after being bullied at school.
Stone and Elena shared something long ago as teens but both left town, him with an accusation of something he never did hanging over his head and her with a pregnancy she never disclosed to Stone.
Now they’re stuck sharing a bunkhouse, at least for the summer. There are a lot of misunderstandings and secrets from the past, as well as the work to make PA Abbott's farm a success. The summer is a lot more complicated than either expected.
I always come away from a McClain romance with new hope and a greater appreciation for grace. This sweet romance is one of forgiveness, healing, second chances, and new beginnings. Masterfully written, quaintly charming, and poignantly touching, you'll love every minute you spend in these pages
Stone and Elena shared something long ago as teens but both left town, him with an accusation of something he never did hanging over his head and her with a pregnancy she never disclosed to Stone.
Now they’re stuck sharing a bunkhouse, at least for the summer. There are a lot of misunderstandings and secrets from the past, as well as the work to make PA Abbott's farm a success. The summer is a lot more complicated than either expected.
I always come away from a McClain romance with new hope and a greater appreciation for grace. This sweet romance is one of forgiveness, healing, second chances, and new beginnings. Masterfully written, quaintly charming, and poignantly touching, you'll love every minute you spend in these pages
September 14, 2025
Another awesome "Home to Orchard Springs" story involving the foster children of the Abbotts, known as "The Flock". Stone, the oldest, returns home to reunite with Pop and to try and clear his name from an event almost 9 years prior. Emma and her daughter Maddie return to the small town to help her parents and work on the Abbott Farm.
Stone and Emma have immediate chemistry but its hard to maintain a friendship with secrets. I loved the story line, the farm setting and family dynamics. I loved that the other Flock kids are mentioned throughout like Jen, David and Allie; who are all from previous stories. Fun, heartwarming stories-highly recommend! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
Stone and Emma have immediate chemistry but its hard to maintain a friendship with secrets. I loved the story line, the farm setting and family dynamics. I loved that the other Flock kids are mentioned throughout like Jen, David and Allie; who are all from previous stories. Fun, heartwarming stories-highly recommend! I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
November 20, 2025
Great small town romance
Stone is back in Orchard Springs where many people still that he stole money from a church. Elena who had secretly dated Stone many years ago is also back with her daughter Maddie. Both of them are working on aspects of the organic farm, but both of them have to deal with their issues from the past. Can they work together to help the farm grow more productive? What will happen when Stone learns Elena is big secret? Can they get past that?
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses with no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are worked into the story. Read this series in order, as they follow one after the other. Enjoy this story of small town redemption.
Stone is back in Orchard Springs where many people still that he stole money from a church. Elena who had secretly dated Stone many years ago is also back with her daughter Maddie. Both of them are working on aspects of the organic farm, but both of them have to deal with their issues from the past. Can they work together to help the farm grow more productive? What will happen when Stone learns Elena is big secret? Can they get past that?
The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain with a character centered storyline that has a few kisses with no steam. The characters are vibrant and engaging. The Christian ideals are worked into the story. Read this series in order, as they follow one after the other. Enjoy this story of small town redemption.
July 21, 2025
This was a great book. I loved Stone and Elena. They were thrown together and had to find a way to make it work, even though they had had a previous relationship. Stone had a troubled past and Elena had a secret that could either bring them closer together or drive them further apart. I liked how they learned to depend on God and family around them to help them through.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a review.
July 23, 2025
There's no doubt this author will always be on my "must read" list. This series has been great. Secret Summer Child is a tender story of redemption, second chances, family, and what's worth fighting for. I look forward to the next story, with the last sibling in the group looking for her forever love. I was given a copy of this book as part of a launch team. These are my own honest opinions and thoughts.
July 24, 2025
This book is filled with all sorts of interesting events. You will read about a person falsely accused of stealing, secrets kept, a son who is out to destroy his foster brother and take over the Abbott farm. After Stone was accused of stealing from Elena’s house he leaves town. Elena is an amazing person trying to give her daughter a better life than she had growing up. The Flock are a group of amazing people who will do anything for each other. You won’t be able to put this book down.
December 24, 2025
Secrets and a set up
I am a firm believer that the relationship must come first between a man and woman. Therefore, Elana's over the top mothering turned me off. Lots of excuses got old. Stone was set up many years ago, and Elana should have figured that out since he was with her when the money was stolen. I rate this 3 stars because I didn't enjoy it as much as the prior 2 books. I will read the next one.
I am a firm believer that the relationship must come first between a man and woman. Therefore, Elana's over the top mothering turned me off. Lots of excuses got old. Stone was set up many years ago, and Elana should have figured that out since he was with her when the money was stolen. I rate this 3 stars because I didn't enjoy it as much as the prior 2 books. I will read the next one.
August 7, 2025
Stone & Elena
a second chance at love story with a secret baby
I'm going to blame insecurity on the wishy washiness that Elena was feeling going back and forth about telling Stone that Maddie was his child. I'm still not sure that she knows even with them getting married at the end. the book left me a little disappointed because it fell flat for me.
a second chance at love story with a secret baby
I'm going to blame insecurity on the wishy washiness that Elena was feeling going back and forth about telling Stone that Maddie was his child. I'm still not sure that she knows even with them getting married at the end. the book left me a little disappointed because it fell flat for me.
October 30, 2025
A Secret Summer Child
Stone and Eliana have such a wonderful second chance at love story. Their road has been rocky. He had been accused of stealing before he disappeared when they were younger. She has a secret of her own. When they both end up back on Pops farm, will they take the time to forgive, trust, and maybe fall in love again? I recommend you read their story.
Stone and Eliana have such a wonderful second chance at love story. Their road has been rocky. He had been accused of stealing before he disappeared when they were younger. She has a secret of her own. When they both end up back on Pops farm, will they take the time to forgive, trust, and maybe fall in love again? I recommend you read their story.
July 27, 2025
Another great story full of feelings and some teaching moments
I love this series the characters are well written and they tell with real life problems. I know I will reread this series again. Thank for all the wonderful stories you have written.
I love this series the characters are well written and they tell with real life problems. I know I will reread this series again. Thank for all the wonderful stories you have written.
July 23, 2025
The best part of a sequel is getting to revisit the characters, and being reminded why you also loved the other books-
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews