An Unexpected Texas Reunion: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance – A Single Dad Second Chance Ranch Story

by Heidi Main

Rebuilding a life
one paw print at a time.

After a traumatic experience, Brenna Park hopes that leading a youth summer camp with her emotional support dog, Lulu, will help ease her back into her life. Only, she didn’t expect to be sharing the responsibility with the man she left behind a decade ago. Recently widowed, Owen McCaw returns to his family’s ranch with his infant daughter to mend his estranged relationship with his parents and agrees to help out at his mother’s camp. As Brenna and Owen clash over every decision, they can’t ignore their growing connection either. When camp comes to an end, the two must decide if risking their hearts is worth a second chance at love…

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&

Genres: Romance, Inspirational, Clean Romance, Second Chance, Family, Love Inspired, Christian Romance

368 pages, Paperback

Published December 30, 2025

About the author

Heidi Main is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author. Her sweet inspirational romance novels celebrate small-town life, faith, and the beauty of second chances. Though she lives in the suburbs, Heidi dreams of acreage and horseback riding—longings that find their way into her novels through wide-open ranches and loyal horses. A perfect Saturday is spent relaxing on the deck with her husband and watching the birds that visit their backyard. Learn more about heidi at heidimain.com.

Reviews

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heidi Main writes to show us that past trauma doesn’t have to define us.

Owen McCaw, 28 years old, widowed, and a new father, returns home to Serenity, Texas and moves back in with his parents after losing his wife. He’s not prepared to work so closely with his high school girlfriend.

Brenna Park is renting from the McCaws and working for them at their Victory Youth Camp. She’s got enough on her plate trying to work through a traumatic experience without having to work alongside an old boyfriend.

Sometimes the very thing we try to avoid is exactly what God has in plan to soften us and encourage growth. Brenna and Owen discover this for themselves.

Main spotlights the value of walking closely with God, of leaning on Him and of relying on Him. I loved her thought that sometimes God has a different plan for the next season of our lives. I think the message with the most impact was that we are stronger than we believe.

Although I’ve started this series at the end (this is the fifth and final installment of the Triple C Ranch series), I’d like to go back and learn more about the McCaw family and the ranch.

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Brenna is way to much in her own head.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet second-chance romance! Brenna has agreed to help at the McCaw family’s ranch for their summer camp. She needs this time to heal from a traumatic event that’s taken her longer than expected to recover from. What she doesn’t anticipate is having to share the job with Owen… now a widowed single father, and not someone she has the best history with. Years ago she walked away from him without ever explaining why, and now the two of them are like oil and water. But the youth at camp need them to figure it out.

If they’re going to work together, Brenna will have to come clean about what she’s healing from so he can support her, and about why she left him all those years ago so he can finally heal from his first broken heart. And maybe, just maybe, the two of them can mend enough to see a future together?!

A truly sweet story! Brenna’s healing takes time, and Owen’s grief and guilt over his wife’s death also needed space... Add in their unfinished feelings and unspoken words from years ago, and it makes for such a heartwarming second-chance romance.

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Debbie Gill-ty Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A very cute read with a happy ending. I actually picked this book up because the dog on the cover looks like my Berne doodle! They are such sweet dogs! I love any books with a support dog in it and Lulu plays her role well in this saga. This book was a quick read for me and touched on relying on God for daily guidance and decision making.
In this story there are two young adults, Owen and Brenna who grew up in Serenity, Texas. In high school they were in love, but upon graduation they had split and each left town, after a misunderstanding.
Now years later, both have coincidentally ended up back at home in Texas at the same time. Both have experienced tragic blows in their life and have fled home hoping to heal. No better place to do this than back at Triple C Ranch in Texas where Owen’s family runs a cattle ranch. Mom and dad have always opened their arms to Brianna, even though she was Owen’s X girlfriend. So now she is staying in the studio above the garage. Brenna was recently brutally attacked and assaulted in a home invasion and has never been the same. Hence: support dog.
Uh-oh, here comes Owen with his own set of woes. Can they exist in the same bubble? There are questions why Brianna ghosted him years ago.
Currently, Owen’s wife has tragically died, leaving him as a widow, and now he is left with his two year old daughter to raise…Time to go back home to mom and dad’s place and regroup, he thinks.
Unfortunately, mom has fallen and broken her leg. She needs help running their summer ranch camp and she has asked Owen and Brianna to co-operate the camp. This becomes the challenge for Owen and Brianna. Can they work side by side?
Hmm…Maybe?
Life has challenges and we follow theirs until they figure it all out.
I love the spiritual touch to this story. Remembering to pray about circumstances is something we forget to do sometimes.

[Tara Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books by this author and she never disappoints me with her awesomely well written stories!! An unexpected Texas reunion was no exception!! I absolutely enjoyed reading about the wonderful characters. Widower Owen McCaw was probably my favorite one. My heart went out to him and his little girl. A sweet story with second chances, small town, adorable service dog, forg, family, healing from emotional trauma, love, hope and faith. A must read for sure!! I was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a big fan of Heidi Main. I also have enjoyed several of the books in this series of K-9 Companions. This novel centers around Owen McCaw and Brenna Park. They dated in high school but they have not seen each other for ten years. They both have emotional baggage which they did not have when they were together before. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship evolve throughout the book. I also really enjoyed reading about the relationship between Owen and his family. This story was even better because it contained a cute baby as well as an adorable sounding service dog. This plot revolved around forgiveness, healing from emotional trauma, and second chances. I highly recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions in this review are my own.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen, a widower with a baby returns to his parent's ranch. Brenna, his high school girlfriend is living there. The characters have many layers, and the chemistry is still there even after 10 years. The story is heartbreaking, but very inspirational and uplifting as well. I loved the spiritual struggle they both face in coming to grips with the past.

I couldn't stop turning the pages as Owen and Brenna's relationship goes in a different direction. Both face many changes, but then God knows best. The ending wrapped up everything nicely. Overall, a beautiful story about how life can change when you least expect it. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (liked it.)

“rebuilding a life one paw print at a time.”

starting over, second chances, and summer camp at the triple c ranch!

owen returns to his family’s ranch, recently both a widower and a father, not looking for anything remotely close to romance. while figuring out what to do next, however, he helps with his mother’s summer camp—alongside none other than his high-school sweetheart. he has no idea why brenna ghosted him a decade ago, but it might just be the right time to find out…

beside this secret, brenna has a few other issues to work through, too, and it’s so sweet and wholesome to how she and owen reconnect (and butt heads), find new ways to move forward, and ultimately, lean on God a little more. though it was a little annoying that it took her so long to tell him the truth, it ended up making enough sense how it all played out.

all in all, a heartwarming romance.


✨ considerations:
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: strong themes and mentions
—content: loss of spouse, mentions of assault, guilt


(i received a complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.)

[Karla Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main is a heartwarming story of healing and second chances.

Owen, who recently lost his wife, moves back to his parents' home with his baby daughter. As it happens, his mother, who runs a summer camp for youth, has broken her leg. Owen naturally agrees to help out at the camp. He discovers that his high school girlfriend, Brenna, also works for his mother, and they'll need to work alongside each other at the camp through the summer. Conflicts arise with Brenna's PTSD, Owen's learning curve of being a new father, and their past relationship. The story revolves around how they work through those issues.

The youth camp was a compelling setting. Also, I enjoyed reading about Brenna's emotional support dog. Overall, a very sweet story.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All views expressed are my own.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion is a sweet, emotion-packed Christian Romance read, the conclusion to the Triple C Ranch series featuring the McCaw family of Serenity, Texas. It is a story of emotional healing, patching up family relationships, and second chances. The narrative centers around the relationship between Owen McCaw and Brenna Park reuniting after a decade apart to run a youth summer camp to help vulnerable Brenna rebuild confidence lost after a traumatic home invasion assault. This awkward reunion forces them to confront the past and rekindles unresolved feelings as they clash over camp decisions. I quickly became invested in Owen and Brenna's journey to restoration and new beginnings that kept me turning pages quickly to see what happened next. Brenna's interaction with emotional support dog Lulu and her bonding with Owen's daughter Evie add warmth and emotional depth to the story. I love how Owen's faith journey leads him to walk closer with and learn to lean on God. If you are looking for an uplifting, faith-driven read, try this one.
I read an early copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read the synopsis for this story this was an immediate want to read for me. It sounded awesome and it did not disappoint! This was my first book by Heidi Main, but it will not be my last. This story touched every part of my heart. The depth of story and the spiritual threads were so well done. I loved seeing the healing that both Brenna and Owen had during the story and I thoroughly enjoyed their second chance romance. I will definitely be looking for the books for Owen’s siblings and those stories will be a 2026 reading goal for me. I will be adding Heidi to my must read list from here on out.

I received a copy of this book from JustRead Tours and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Renee Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book.
Great Story and Wonderful Characters...
Looking forward to reading more books by this author.

[Asheley T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second-chance romance between Owen, a widower with a young infant daughter, and Brenna, who has recently suffered a traumatic event that took her away from teaching. Brenna has moved to the Triple C Ranch for recovery, and this is where she finds Owen, who has recently moved home after the death of his wife. The two co-lead a summer camp hosted by the ranch, and the experience helps them both heal from past traumas. It also helps them heal from the way their relationship ended years ago.

Their romance was sweet, as was the loving way that Brenna nurtured Owen's baby girl. Owen's mother Cora continues to be a standout character in the way she shows her entire family love, and Owen's brothers and sisters are supportive and fun.

I love this family and this miniseries, and I ADORE Lulu, Brenna's support dog. Owen and Brenna were gentle with one another throughout their healing, and they were supportive in one another's plans for a future that has had to change paths. I understand that this will be the last offering in this series, and I have loved each installment. I can't wait to read what Ms. Main publishes next.

Many thanks to the author for sending an early digital copy my way. These thoughts are my own.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion is a heartfelt contemporary romance centered on second chances, family, and rediscovering love where it all began. This is written by Heidi Main. I was drawn into the story immediately.

Brenna is leading a summer camp with her emotional support dog. She is working on rebuilding her life. She finds herself paired with Owen.

She’s shocked to see him. He has been recently widowed. He’s moved back home with his infant daughter to mend his relationship with his parents.

I loved seeing these two characters interact. I loved seeing how you can heal from past trauma. I also loved seeing them seek Gods path in their lives.

The story is well written. The storyline is engaging.
Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[SARAH TAYLOR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing inspirational second chance as Brenna Park and her K-9 friend Lulu is helping Owen McCaw's family at their summer camp can she mend her relationship with the man she left a decade ago and trust her feelings for a second chance! I highly recommend this book I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion!

[Wendy Andrus]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion is the first book I have read by Heidi Main. Now I look forward to reading more of her works.

This is a captivating story, with some hard places to read, covering some tough situations. Throughout the story, God's mercy and strength shine through, bringing healing to both Brenna and Owen. It's sweet to see how their relationship grows, in spite of their determination to not allow it.

Let's face it, any story with a dog in it is a must read, as far as I am concerned. Lulu is such a sweet, comforting companion, and sensitive to Brenna's every mood. Oh, to have a support dog like Lulu! (grin)

If you enjoy inspirational contemporary Christian fiction, sweet romance, with a dog thrown in, be sure to add this one to your TBR list.

I received a complimentary copy. These opinions are my own.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about Brenna Parks who goes back to her home town to recover after an assault. She is thrown together with her old high school fling Owen. Both have suffered trauma and loss. Author Heidi Main dives into these hard experiences, while also forcing Brenna and Owen to work together at a summer day camp, giving them a second chance at love. A sweet Hallmark-style story that readers will enjoy.

A complimentary copy of the book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heidi Main writes such wonderful, inspirational romance books, and An Unexpected Texas Reunion is one of them! It’s the final book featuring the McCaw family. I’ve read all of them, but you can easily read this without reading the others. This second chance romance features Owen McCaw, a widower with an infant daughter, who has returned to his small town to raise his daughter where she will be surrounded by the love of her grandparents, aunts, and uncles… and cousins to play with! What he doesn’t expect to find is his high school love, Brenna Park, along with her emotional support dog, living in his parents’ garage apartment. Furthermore, neither of them expect to be co-running the summer camp at the McCaw ranch. Owen's mom has always been the one in charge, but a broken leg keeps her sidelined. After a lot of bumps, Owen and Brenna find a way of working together.

Those bumps come in the form of misunderstandings and miscommunications. They manifest in trust issues, but in reality, both Brenna and Owen have recently experienced life-changing traumas. Until Brenna finally opens up to Owen about the trauma that led her to return to this small town, he doesn’t understand the reasons Brenna needs the specific help that she needs. Their love is rekindled through their daily interactions and meaningful chats. Owen becomes much closer to God throughout the camp experience too since he is in charge of doing the devotionals. Both Brenna and Owen’s faith deepen throughout the book. That’s one thing that I really appreciate about Main’s books. She makes sure that faith in God is always shared in a way that the reader knows what is truly important…our relationships with our Savior.

I completely adored this book. With its small town setting, second chance romance trope, well-developed plot, wonderful characters, and strong spiritual message, An Unexpected Texas Reunion is a must read for inspirational romance lovers! I highly recommend it!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

[Michelle C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read all the books in the Triple C Ranch Series by Heidi Main. Even though this is book 5 of a series you can still read it as a stand alone book. In this book Owen returns to his family’s ranch. He is recently widowed with an infant daughter, and is trying to repair his relationship with his parents that became strained when he left home. When he comes home he is surprised to find his ex girlfriend at the ranch living in the apartment he had planned on using. Breanna is there healing from a traumatic experience she endured at the invitation of his parents. She ghosted Owen a decade before, but never got over him. Despite the awkwardness of their past relationship they have to work together to run his Mother’s beloved camp session.

This book focuses on the themes of faith, forgiveness, healing and second chances. It also has the emotional support dog aspect the story is built around for the K-9 Companions series. It is a sweet story, and I felt the growth of the characters was believable. Maybe I’m the only one, but I felt like the timeline for getting over the loss of Owen’s wife was awfully fast. I received a complimentary copy of this book, but the opinions expressed are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet reunion romance. Both Brenna and Owen were recovering from events in their lives which were heartbreaking. As Brenna worked to grow stronger with the support of her service dog, she didn’t expect to begin falling for her former high school boyfriend again. And becoming a recent widower and new father was taking all of Owen’s emotional energy. He certainly didn’t foresee his feelings for Brenna returning so quickly.

These two had a lot to overcome, both in their recent pasts as well as confronting the reasons behind their breakup at graduation. The way Brenna handled her fears back when she was a teen made a lot more sense when viewed through the lens of her difficult home life. She and Owen had to work a lot on learning to communicate in this story and they both also had to give their fears over to God and learn to trust His guidance in their lives.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and lovely second chance romance. It's a heartwarming read with relatable and real characters. Each are hurting and healing in their own way but have a connection worth fighting for. The book is wonderful, well written and such a joy to read. Full of heart and charm this beautiful story had all the feels.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author did a wonderful job telling this story and picked a great title too. Owen and Brenna go through some traumatic events yet they both keep going with life eventhough it is difficult. Ironically they both come back to Texas where they ended their relationship years ago to heal from their traumatic events. I love the faith aspect of the story as well as the second chances and forgiveness that happens in the story.

[Nancee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summer camp as co-leaders end up .. reuniting Brenna and Owen.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a sweet story about loss and second chances. Owen has moved home to heal from the loss of his wife and to take care of their baby girl. His wife died in a car accident and Owen feels guilty because he didn't drive her to the baby shower. If he had been with her, maybe the accident wouldn't have happened. What he doesn't expect is to come face-to-face with his old girlfriend. He had thought that they would have a life together, but Brenna didn't even break up with him, she just ghosted him. Now here she is 10 years later looking really good. It is too soon for him to be thinking of someone else. Brenna has come home after experiencing trauma. She needs time to heal, and Owen's mother has invited her to stay on the ranch. She didn't expect to see Owen with his adorable baby girl. As they work together, Brenna is getting stronger and Owen is thinking less about the past. Can they find a way to make it work?

[Kay Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN UNEXPECTED TEXAS REUNION by Heidi Main is the fabulous, captivating story of Brenna Park and Owen McCaw. With a past history that ended under strange circumstances, they now find themselves a decade later flabbergasted to not only be home at the same time, but are to co-lead the Triple C Ranch summer day camp. How will this ever work!

Brenna, as a teen, was crushed to find out Owen’s dream was to be a police officer. After a horrible home life and refusing to kill his dream, she knows what she must do. With no explanation, she moves away and blocks Owen on her phone. Recently, she suffered the horrors of a home invasion. While healed physically, she’s still struggling mentally. With counseling and the help of her service dog, she’s making headway. Teaching no longer feels like something she wants to do. She moved back to her hometown, unaware to her parents. Cora McCaw graciously offered her their garage apartment and work at her summer camp.

Brenna’s sudden leaving left an empty spot in Owen’s heart and many unanswered questions. He did end up falling in love and marrying. Expecting their first child, a car accident took the life of his wife. His precious baby girl survived. Knowing the dangers of being a cop has him looking for other ways to make a living. He moves back home. After being estranged from his family, which he realizes was his fault and highly regrets, he’s determined to make amends. Maybe helping his mother with her summer camp will help.

Due to Cora’s injury, Brenna and Owen find themselves co-lead on the summer camp. Did Brenna squash those feelings from the past? Can she get Owen to do what she can’t after being attacked without telling him why? Will Owen finally get some answers? Who is this woman in Brenna’s body that seems so frightened and frail? While each having their own ideas, can they figure out a way to work together? Is it possible for a baby to be the bridge to a newfound friendship? Will it dishonor to his wife for Owen to have feelings for Brenna?

AN UNEXPECTED TEXAS REUNION is a magnificent feel-good story that you’ll crave to read in one sitting. Each character’s backstory will pull you their way until you feel like taffy being pulled back and forth only to find that the end result is sweeter than any candy. Heidi Main gives us a story of friendship, hardship, family, integrity, healing and second chance romance and then wraps it in a wonderful thread of faith. This all adds up to a FIVE STAR book that I highly recommend to everyone!

AN UNEXPECTED TEXAS REUNION is the 40th book in the K-9 Companions series, but it can most definitely be read as a standalone book.

I received an ARC of this book with no requirement or expectations of a review. All opinions are completely my own.
#AnUnexpectedTexasReunion #K9Companions #HeidiMain #LoveInspired #InspirationalRomance

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun novel. Nothing really suspenseful about this one, but lots of sighs and coos and plenty of cute. You’ll love this romance that includes both a dog and a baby. Plus some fun along the way as well.

Owen is recently widowed. And he blames himself. Now he’s a single dad to his daughter Evie, who is only four months old. Due to the nature of his job, he decides to quit(as a police officer) and move home to stay with his parents. They’ve had an estranged relationship. While his dad is just glad he’s back, the relationship with his mom is going to take some work. So when she asks Owen to help run her camp while she’s laid up with a broken leg this summer, he says yes. He’ll do anything to try to fix this.

Except he didn’t realize his high school girlfriend, whom he had planned on marrying, was going to be his partner in running the camp. Or that she came with her own baggage that would run the show unless he could help her overcome it.

So Owen has baggage, what about Brenna?
Brenna was attacked by two men in her apartment, where she moved to teach school. After the attack, she was hospitalised, and now she has a support dog to help her with her overwhelming anxiety. When the McCaws offer her their garage apartment and work helping with the camp, she takes it. It’s got to be better than what she was living with.

But can she overcome her anxiety? Can she deal with people? And can she make sure the camp runs smoothly while working with her ex-boyfriend?

This is a sweet second-chance at romance story. I love Evie. Of course, I am partial to babies, though. This was a fun novel. I would read it again. If you find you have time on your hands to read more than one novel, which is actually part of a series on the McCaw sons and you should read all five of the series.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning to overcome past traumas and move into a positive future is the focus of this contemporary inspirational romance story featuring some unique human and canine characters . . .

Brenna Parks has returned to her hometown after suffering a traumatic experience that has left her feeling weak and broken. She is in a vulnerable state, so she and her emotional support dog, Lulu, move to the McCaw family's property as they prepare to open their annual summer camp for children and teens.

One of the McCaw's sons, Owen, is returning to his family's home as a young widower along with his newborn daughter, Evie, after his wife's unexpected passing. He wants to mend his estranged relationships with his parents and siblings and he willingly accepts that he needs their assistance and support to be a good father to little Evie.

Brenna and Owen were high school sweethearts until she left town abruptly ten years ago leaving Owen grieving the loss of his best friend and love. When they meet at the ranch at the beginning of this book, the tension between them is powerful and the sparks fly making their working together on Mrs. McCaw's camp extremely difficult.

Lulu, Brenna's adorable support dog, is a delight and adds a sparkle to the story along with young Evie who quickly captures Brenna's heart. As the story develops both Owen and Brenna open up about the past and reach out to each other in friendship.

This story will leave fans of this genre with feelings of hope, healing, and a positive future for everyone involved.

I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

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[Monica H (TeaandBooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you like books with dogs as part of the story? I do. I have a doodle similar to the service dog on the cover of An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main. I have to admit the dog aspect made me want to read the book.

Brenna Park and Owen McCaw were once boyfriend and girlfriend. Then Brenna broke up with Owen because she didn't like his chosen career based on her own family life growing up. Instead of explaining, she didn't give him reasons. She just ghosted him and walked away. Then he eventually married someone else, who passed away as the result of an accident and left him with a baby daughter.

Now Owen has come back home. Brenna and Owen are running a summer camp at his parents' ranch because Owen's mother broke her leg and can't physically do it. Can Brenna and Owen put the past behind them and work together?

An Unexpected Texas Reunion is a happy ending Love Inspired book. I like to read these occasionally when I am in the mood for a quick read with a happy ending. This one had a lot of miscommunication and lack of communication issues between characters to start with. That isn't one of my favorite tropes so it made this book a bit more difficult for me to get into. However, if you don't mind that aspect then you will likely enjoy the book. A least as the book went on, it was good to see some of the issues resolved. I did enjoy the dog, Lulu, being part of the story as a service dog too. Also, An Unexpected Texas Reunion is part of the Triple C Ranch series. I read this book as a stand-alone and it may have been more meaningful if I had read the other books in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All opinions are my own.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone deserves a second chance at love and life. The two characters in this story both needed a fresh start and a second chance.

Breanna Park needs time to heal after a traumatic experience. Cora McCaw has given her a place to stay and an opportunity to lead a youth summer camp, which she hopes will ground her and help with her healing process.

Owen McCaw, who recently lost his wife, has arrived back at his family's ranch with his baby daughter. Owen is grieving and carrying a load of guilt on his shoulders over his wife's accident. Cora decides that Owen and Breanna can co-lead the camp. Neither one is happy with this arrangement.

This story was an emotional and uplifting story. Although the background and reasons for Breanna and Owen being where they are today was sad, it was also an opportunity to grow and give love a second chance.

I loved the whole premise behind the summer camp. Cora was brilliant placing these two together and letting them spread their wings and fly. Fear is a liar and will suck the joy out of life, which is something both Breanna and Owen have to realize, so they can give it up and give it over to God as they remember who is control.

This inspirational romance was uplifting and pleasant to read. Lulu was Breanna's emotional support dog, and she would, at times, steal the show, along with Owen's daughter, Evie. You cannot possibly read this book without smiling, while also feeling satisfaction for two people who needed to find peace in their lives.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two individuals with a scarred past and recent traumas surprisingly reconnect and are forced to work together. What first seems like a burden ends up being the biggest blessing of both of their lives in more ways than one.

Second chance romances aren’t a favorite of mine, but I do have to say that there is hope in these stories. In An Unexpected Texas Reunion, a woman finds healing and strength after a horrific attack, and a man tries to find his footing as a recent widower with a young infant daughter. Brenna and Owen are unexpectedly back in one another’s lives just when they both need one another the most, whether they like it or not.

It’s always great to see a woman once again find her strength, and seeing Brenna find her bravery again was a major highlight of this story, though her backstory was slightly triggering to me. I am grateful that there weren’t many details, and it was all alluded to, but it doesn’t make what happened to her any less terrifying. Owen’s situation is also incredibly tragic, but I love how his family is there for him during such a dark time.

This was a very sweet story that touches on some tougher subject matter, but I still found myself craving something more. Everything is what you’d expect with no surprises, and I wish the narrative could’ve been mixed up a bit. This was a comfort read during the holidays that, while sweet, didn’t hit as hard as other stories in this series.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.