An Unexpected Texas Reunion: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

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, Family, Love Inspired, Christian Romance

202 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication December 30, 2025

About the author

Heidi Main is a Publishers Weekly Bestselling Author, a Holt Medallion finalist, and a Faith, Hope, and Love Christian Writers Reader’s Choice Award finalist. 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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mental health issues, healing from past traumas, restoring relationships are themes I am always interested in. Add to these a VERY accurate setting in TX (I am so grateful the author described the TX weather and little life details that go with it so truthfully, like getting hit by A/C blast, or the constant sweating outdoors). Also, I appreciated the focus on the support dog Lulu. I learned a lot about her "job."

[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.

[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!

[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

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Brenna, her emotional support dog named Lulu and her second-chance-at-love hero, Owen McCaw, is one that is heartwarming, filled with secrets and a need to be honest, and a story packed with action and some unexpected twists. Brenna is a teacher who had an emotionally disturbing event happen in the big city where she was teaching, so returning to a small town and the camp she attended as a child is a no-brainer way for her to recover. At least she hopes that being a leader at the camp will help her pull away from her self-doubts and restore her confidence. What she didn’t count on was being a co-leader with her former boyfriend Owen, the camp owner’s son. The two of them don’t really know each other now since they have spent years apart, and both are reluctant to share with the other one the traumatic events that have brought them both to the camp. I enjoyed the story, especially the way that Brenna turned her baking hobby into a way to earn money. I also liked how protective Owen was towards Brenna once she shared her life-changing event. He was realistically portrayed as caring but not overwhelmingly sappy or domineering. In short, he was just what Brenna needed. There was conflict as the two tried to work out past differences and look toward a brighter future. With dynamic characterization and a plot that moved quickly to a satisfying resolution, this is a perfect book to enjoy and make you reflect on things to be thankful for instead of all of the problems. That is a lesson that Brenna and Owen both needed to learn and they help teach each other.
I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed 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.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main
Book 38 of 43: K-9 Companions
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…
My favorite quote is
“Brenna, my mother told me that you need to help run camp. You have reasons, but she wouldn’t explain.”

She swallowed and started to play with her fidget rings.

“I don’t think I could live with myself if I didn’t help an old friend in need.” He lowered his voice. “We were friends once, weren’t we?”

“We were. I hope we still are.” She rested her hands on her lap and met his eyes.
I recommend this book.
An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main is a 5 -star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Heidi Main.
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.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main a sweet and emotional second chance romance. I thought the story was well-written with steady pacing. I enjoyed getting to know Brenna, Owen, little Evie, and catching up with the McCaw family. I felt for Brenna and Owen. Each of them has had an emotional upheaval in their life. Returning to Serenity gives them a chance to heal. The chemistry between Brenna and Owen was apparent. I was rooting for them. I thought the youth summer camp was a great idea. I like the faith messages that Owen shared with the youth. I love Owen’s daughter, Evie and Brenna’s emotional support dog, Lulu. An Unexpected Texas Reunion is the fifth and final book in the Triple C Ranch series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but I do recommend reading all the books in the Triple C Ranch series. The themes in An Unexpected Texas Reunion are forgiveness, healing, and second chances (for romance and careers). An Unexpected Texas Reunion is a special story with a darling daughter, happy parents, a serene ranch, curious campers, comforting support dog, exploring opportunities, and a second chance romance.

[Becky of Becky's Bookshelves · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion K-9 Companions by Heidi Main is a sweet Love Inspired romance and part of the K-9 Companions Tale book 40. It is a standalone story. Brenna Parks comes back to her small town with her support dog, Lulu, to ease back into life after a very traumatic experience. She is hoping to co-lead a summer camp with her friend. But things change, and she is now working with recently widowed, Owen McCaw, her past boyfriend from high school. Do they have a chance?

This is a beautiful second chance romance, and the author did a great job helping me to connect with characters and story through her writing. Main characters Brenna and Owen both transformed in the story and I was rooting for them to have a happily ever after. I loved their tender conversations. The story explores themes of grace, forgiveness, and trusting.

This will be a 2025 favorite for me and I highly recommend An Unexpected Texas Reunion by Heidi Main. A delightful story that you will connect with through the themes, characters and sweet love story!

I was given a complimentary copy and not required to write a positive review.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, An Unexpected Texas Reunion is book 40 in this series, but each is a stand alone so jump in wherever you’d like.

As always, author Heidi Main brings her characters to life. So much so that I’m sure I could go visit. Brenna has been through a lot and is healing from an assault with the help of her emotional support dog. Who, by the way, is so sweet. You’ll love Lulu! (Yes, we read about the assault but little detail is given.) Owen is a single parent and he believes that he’s too blame for that, so he is also walking out his healing.

A story of second chances, healing through God and love, and the cutest baby imaginable, this book is a sweet read that I couldn’t put down. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review. All thoughts are my own.

[Jane Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two former friends and a therapy dog. Brenna Park has suffered a traumatic event and has come to help with a youth summer camp with her dog, Lulu, in hopes she will get her confidence in life back. Owen McCaw left town and his family thinking he knew what to do with his life better than his parents. Owen is now a widow and returns home with his tail between his legs because he needs family help with his young daughter. Mom wants him to help Brenna with the summer camp, but Owen thinks he knows how to run this camp better, after all it is his family's camp. Owen learns humility with Brenna's help and Brenna gets her confidence back. I recommend this book as a great book of kindness and redemption. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher, but these are my thoughts and words.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenna Park is at the Triple C Ranch to help with the summer camp program since the McCaw’s offered her a place to stay after experiencing a trauma. Owen McCaw came home with his infant daughter not expecting to be co-leading camp with Brenna. There past ended abruptly so both were shocked they would be paired to lead camp by Mrs. McCaw. Main penned a gentle, emotional and inspirational story surrounding Brenna and Owen. They both had a lot to overcome but with family, friends, renewed faith and learning to lean on God instead of their own will they found new peace and beginnings.

I received an early copy of this book from the author and publisher without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts.

[Betti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe her past trauma would not always define her.

What a wonderful, heartwarming story of second chances. The author has done a fabulous job of showing the reader how difficult it is to recover from a home invasion/assault as well as the untimely death of a spouse. Learning to lean on God and letting Him be first in your life is a lesson we all can learn - one that Owen needed reminding of, particularly as he faces an unknown future. For Brenna, with the help of Lulu, her emotional support K-9, she is learning to overcome fear and then to trust.

Will this reunion of old friends result in a well run summer camp as well as direction for the future? This Love Inspired Romance was received through BookFunnel. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

[Heather Pickett · Rating 5 out of 5]

In An Unexpected Texas Reunion, by author Heidi Main, Owen McCaw, a widower with a baby girl, is back home, determined to make amends with his family. Brenna Park, the woman who ghosted him a decade earlier, is at the McCaw farm to try and heal from a traumatic experience. Now they have to work together to run Owen's mom's summer camp.
This story is sweet, but feels real. I love how the characters work through the emotional baggage each carry. It's not overnight. It's not without effort. This book is not only about a second chance at love, it's also a second chance at LIFE. You'll plow through (farm pun intended) turning page after page, plus it has my favorite, an epilogue!
My thanks for the complimentary copy of this book. My opinion is entirely my own.

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a touching, second chance story of former high school sweethearts who find themselves working together after ten years apart. Tragic events in each of their lives color the way these two look at life now. Working together is not made any easier by past misunderstandings and lack of communication. There are a series of ups and down that kept me engaged and reading to see what would happen next. Although part of a series, this book can stand alone.

I highly recommend this moving tale of reconciliation, forgiveness, and overcoming fears through trusting God. I received an advance copy to read but all opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Debbie]

This is a perfect "second chance" story. When Brenna and Owen end up working together at a summer camp, they have to put their past behind them and do what is best for the camp. Is it keep everything the same or is it make some changes and make the camp a better experience? As they try to navigate working together, they begin to grow closer and the camp benefits. But what happens when summer is over?? You'll have to read the book and find out. I received an advance copy from the author but all opinions are my own.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brenna Park has returned to town and will be working with her emotional support dog Lulu at the summer camp. Recently widowed, Owen McCaw has returned home with his infant daughter and will be working at the summer camp. Brenna was Owens high school love until she left town. Brenna is not the girl he knew before. Brenna is working thru the attack she experienced months before and Owen is living with the quilt of his wife's death.

[Evelyn Foreman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most encouraging, sweetest story I’ve had the privilege of reading in some time. Wonderful characters, life changing plots, second chances at both life and love, emotions deeply felt, I could go on and on, as I’m sure everyone who opens the pages of this book will concur! Exceptional writing, exceptional author!

[Ethelann · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Unexpected Texas Reunion was such a wonderful sweet story. I usually read romantic suspense, but I totally enjoyed this wonderful book. It's a great story of overcoming trauma, and second chance at love. I highly recommend this wonderful book.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story.  It drew me in right away and made me care about the characters.  Their story moved me and kept me engrossed until the last page.  I couldn't quit reading.  I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.