Hometown Home Run: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance

by Annie Rains

He’s got one last chance to hit it out of the park…


The opportunity to play baseball means everything to her son, who has cerebral palsy, but protective mum Adaline Harper has reasons for wanting to avoid the baseball diamond. The new coach is her ex-sweetheart — and Will’s father. Daniel Matthews has returned to Prairie, North Carolina — along with a tsunami of complicated emotions. And as Daniel bonds with the boy he has no idea is his son, Adaline isn’t sure she’s ready for this reunion. He broke her heart once; she doesn’t want him to break Will’s as well. But Daniel could be more than the coach her son desperately needs…if he’s ready to step up to the plate.

Genres: Romance

272 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 28, 2026

About the author

Annie Rains is a contemporary romance author who writes small town love stories set in fictional towns on the coast of North Carolina. Raised in one of America's largest military communities, Annie often features heroes who fight for their countries, while also fighting for a place to call home and a good woman to love. When Annie isn't writing, she's spending time with her husband and 3 children, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

If you enjoyed the Hero's Welcome series, don't miss the short wedding story for Kat and Micah (Welcome to Forever). Get it here for FREE: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/aTSl1

For other books and happenings, sign up for my newsletter on my website: www.annierains.com

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really dislike book where the baby mama does not tell the father, he has a child!!

[Kimmies Bookish Social · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Home Run in Every Way!

I just finished Hometown Home Run, and I absolutely loved every page. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect because Barry and I went to the Winston-Salem baseball game last night, and we even got to see his boss throw out the first pitch! It felt like the perfect way to celebrate finishing a story centered around baseball, family, and second chances.

Annie Rains has such a gift for creating characters that feel real, and I was completely invested in Adaline, Daniel, and especially Will. Will completely stole my heart. His determination, strength, and love for baseball made him such an inspiring character, and I loved seeing how everyone rallied around him.

The second-chance romance between Adaline and Daniel was full of emotion, forgiveness, and hope. Watching Daniel discover the truth about Will and step into fatherhood was both touching and beautifully written. Their journey wasn’t easy, but it felt authentic and heartfelt every step of the way.

I also appreciated the themes of faith, grace, and community woven throughout the story. They never felt forced—they simply added warmth and depth to an already beautiful romance.

If you’re looking for a sweet, uplifting romance filled with lovable characters, family, second chances, and plenty of heart, this book is a must-read. It left me smiling, tearing up more than once, and cheering for this family until the very last page.

Annie Rains knocked this one out of the park. Highly recommend! And now I’m officially in the mood for another great baseball romance—if anyone has recommendations, send them my way because I’m not ready to leave the ballpark just yet!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books step up to the plate and hit you right in the heart—and Hometown Home Run by Annie Rains is one of them. This is such a delightful story, filled with memorable characters and plenty of warmth. Will absolutely steals the show. He is an eight-year-old with cerebral palsy, but he never lets that define him or hold him back. His courage, confidence, and faith shine so brightly that he becomes an inspiration not only to the characters around him, but to readers as well. I especially appreciated the faith-filled messages woven through the story, particularly the reminders about forgiveness and embracing the way God made each of us. One of my favorite lines is, “God made us different and that’s a good thing.” I also loved Will’s response when people were saying unkind things about him at a baseball game: “The secret to success is ignoring the meanies. They’re just jealous because they can’t be as brave as me.” How can you not cheer for him after that? The second-chance romance added such a tender touch, and I loved seeing Will and Adaline learn that with forgiveness, open hearts, and faith leading the way, new beginnings really are possible. The ending was cute, satisfying, and left me smiling long after the final page—now that’s what I call a grand slam of a story!

[Shari Summers · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a heartwarming, clean romance that feels like a Hallmark movie, Hometown Home Run by Annie Rains is a great choice.

This story has all the elements of a sweet small-town romance—a second chance at love, family secrets, forgiveness, and a happy ending. While there weren't a lot of surprises along the way, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it's nice to settle into a comforting story where you can simply enjoy the journey.

I especially appreciated the inclusion of Will, Adaline's son, who has cerebral palsy. His love of baseball adds both heart and purpose to the story, and watching the relationships develop around him was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The romance between Adaline and Daniel unfolds at a gentle pace as they work through past hurts and learn to trust again. The themes of faith, forgiveness, and hope are woven naturally into the story, making it an uplifting read without feeling overly heavy.

Overall, this is a very clean, wholesome romance with a cozy, feel-good atmosphere. If you're a fan of Hallmark movies or enjoy inspirational romances with happy endings, you'll likely find Hometown Home Run to be an enjoyable escape.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Harper wants to play baseball more than anything else, but he has cerebral palsy, and his mom, Adaline, isn’t sure he would be welcome on the team. When Will meets the new coach, Daniel Matthews, he’s overjoyed when Daniel tells him he can be on the team and goes out of his way to help Will. Adaline is thrilled that Will’s dream appears to be coming true, but she’s not so thrilled about the coach. Adaline and Daniel have a past. Daniel is Will’s biological father and doesn’t know it. He left town years before, broke Adaline’s heart, and never kept in touch so she wasn’t able to tell him. It’s just a matter of time before she’ll have to let Daniel know. How will he take the news? Now it’s not just her own heart that’s in danger, again, but Will’s too, because he’s fallen head over heels for his awesome coach.

A heartwarming story about faith, hope, dreams coming true, forgiveness, second chances, and shows that even people with disabilities can be capable of great things. Will is a brave, strong, delightful young man willing to give his all.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Vicky Sluiter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story by Annie Rains (a new to me author). While I typically don’t prefer the secret baby genre, Rains put a lot of thought and emotion into this one and kept me turning the pages.

Second chances, forced proximity, it’s all there wrapped up in an adorable 8 year old who loves his baseball coach and just wants a dad. I really liked how young Will was taught that even though he uses a walker he is still a regular boy, and can play the game of baseball that he loves. Both Mom Adaline and Coach Daniel work hard for this to happen. Great characters!

Can Adaline and Daniel open their hearts to each other again? Find not only forgiveness but trust? I highly recommend Hometown Home Run!

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

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet, second chance romance, clean, Christian themes (a lot of them). Will is Adaline and Daniel's son from a young adult relationship. He is 8 years old and has cerebral palsy, but it doesn't get him down. He has a wonderful attitude about his differences and desperately wants to play on the baseball team that Daniel coaches. Adaline is resistant, but eventually Will and Daniel wear her down.

I enjoyed the story, but be warned that it is heavily faith-based. I have read other books by this author that weren't as vocal. Not that this is a bad thing by any means, just surprised me a bit. It didn't take anything away from the story, though.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hometown Home Run is a sweet, small town romance, second chance at first love, and faith based family story. Daniel and Adaline were high school sweethearts but when Daniel went away to college, he broke up with Addie not knowing that she was pregnant. Now Adaline is a single mother to a son who has cerebral palsy and doesn't let anything stop him including playing baseball for the local little league team that is currently being coached by Daniel who has returned home to help his family with the farm while his dad recovers. As Daniel and Addie begin to re-connect, they both have secrets that they must reveal and put their faith in God's hands to carry them through to their happily ever after. This is a truly wonderful, uplifting story that will bring peace to your spirit as you turn each page.

I received this book from the author but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Asheley T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet second-chance romance featuring Addie, her 8-year-old son Will, and Addie's first love Daniel, who has just returned to town after many years away. When Daniel begins coaching little league, it puts he and Addie back into close proximity, which forces them to air their grievances and find a pathway to forgiveness after past hurts. I love young Will's role in this story, as I seldom read stories featuring disabled characters. Daniel's family, especially his mother, is wonderful and caring. Just a good story full of hope and positivity. I have enjoyed everything I've ever read by this author.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you Harlequin Love Inspired!

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hometown Home Run is a heartwarming story of redemption, second chances, and the realization that all things work out with forgiveness and faith. At the center of this story is Will, an eight year old boy with cerebral palsy whose dream is to play baseball and whose faith in God is strong and unbending. With the patience and guidance of Daniel, he is able to get that chance. This is also the story of Adaline and Daniel, high school sweethearts, whose choices tore them apart. By opening their hearts, choosing to forgive, and letting their faith guide their steps, they learn that anything is possible and dreams do come true.

[Barbara Selman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this wonderful ARC for my review. I have to be honest. I absolutely love Annie Rains as she never disappoints. She is the ultimate storyteller that pulls you in to her story and makes you feel as if you are right there on the journey with her special characters. Hometown Home Run is the story of a single Mom pushing forward and doing her best to give her son who has a disability the est life she can. But then an old flame returns to town. Will they be able to have a second chance? Or will obstacles and withheld secrets of their past get in the way? I can’t express how much I,over this Christian romance. I promise you will love it.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hometown homerun by @Annie Rains

If you're looking for a heartwarming, clean romance that feels like a Hallmark movie, Hometown Home Run by Annie Rains is a great choice.

faith. At the center of this story is Will, an eight year old boy with cerebral palsy whose dream is to play baseball and whose faith in God is strong and unbending.

Will's mom, Adaline, and Dan have a past. Can they over come their differences and give Will what he want? You'll have to read it to find out!

This is definitely a good, inspirational must read. Thank you NetGalley for the Arc copy. #hqnshamelessromantics

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet second-chance romance featuring a single mother raising a son with cerebral palsy and her former love returning to town to rebuild his life. The characters were likable, and I appreciated the focus on family and perseverance.

I did not realize before starting that this was a Christian romance, and faith plays a major role throughout the story. That level of religious content isn’t really my preference, but readers who enjoy Christian romance will likely connect with the message and find a lot to appreciate in this book.

[Susan DeVries]

This was my first book I read about someone with a disability. This time, his name is Will and he has Cerebral Palsy which limits what he can do. His mom has been raising him alone since his dad died when he was two years old. At 9, Will decides that he wasn't to play baseball. He get's to join the team and has the best time and he loved Coach Dan most of all. Will's mom, Adaline, and Dan have a past. Can they over come their differences and give Will what he want? You'll have to read it to find out!

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A christian second chance clean romance. Addie and Daniel were high school sweethearts, but he moved away when he was done with school. Ten years later he has returned to town and finds Addie is a widow with a son that is 9 years old. Her son, Will is nine years old with cerebral palsy. Will wants to play baseball and Dan is the new coach. Soon secrets come out of, who the real father is to Will.

I thoroughly enjoyed this second chance romance. Love Annie Rains books! I highly recommend.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hometown Home Run is a heartwarming story dealing with love, forgiveness, trust, and second chances. It also deals with Will, an adorable eight year old, living with cerebral palsy. He has so much enthusiasm and excitement with his dream of playing baseball, but will he be able to with such a difficult disability? He is a testament to the determination that anyone can do anything. He easily became my favorite character in the book. This is definitely a good, inspirational must read.

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOMETOWN HOME RUN by Annie Rains
Release date July 28, 2026

This book definitely has the right title. Because it was a home run all the way. And one of my favorite tropes. Second chance!

Daniel is back in town to help his mother, take care of his sick father.

Adaline/Addie is a single mom to an amazing son. Will has cerebral palsy but he has never let it define him. He will steal your heart as he did mine.

If you are looking for a clean, Christian, uplifting, wholesome romance then I highly recommend this one! Annie is my go author for a cozy, comforting story.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone.
Single mother struggling to keep everything going on her own after the sudden death of her husband.
Young boy with a physical disability wanting to do everything his friends do but his latest dream may require some heavenly intervention.
The pastor's prodigal son and her ex returns
Second chances
Found faith and family
Secrets revealed change everything
When a child prays with absolute faith...

[Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was everything I love & expect from the love inspired line - a heartbreaking situation that becomes a reason to maintain your hope in what God will deliver. And love…*swoon* love always wins.

Will was such a beautiful character - I truly enjoyed this book.

Thank you so much to Annie Rains, HQ’s Love Inspired, & NetGalley for this heart warming read.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! A single mother is raising a son who has cerebral palsy and her high school sweetheart is his biological father but doesn’t know that! The biological father is extremely understanding about the mother keeping the son from him! He broke up with her and she married another man quickly after.The man she married died.

[Marie Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great feel good book….if you’re a fan of second chance romance then you’ll love this one 💞 your heart will be stolen by 8 year old (soon to be 9) Will & his determination to play ball & be like the other kids on the team. This book releases on 7-28,grab a copy & see if Will’s dream of having a dad in his life works out.

[Denise Schenk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adaline Harper's son has cerebral palsy, but he wants to play baseball. Daniel has returned to his hometown after being gone for 10 years. When Adaline finally allows her son to play Daniel is the coach. Daniel left town to pursue his dreams but actually failed at his dreams. Adaline has kept it a secret that Daniel is Will's father; now they need to get the secrets out of the way.

[Elise Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this story! As a mom, I completely understand Adeline’s feelings of never feeling like enough, and making sure she’s everything for her son. It was such a beautiful love story of forgiveness and a true partnership. I had tears in the corners of my eyes for most of the book- and I’m not usually moved like that. Just beautiful! Thank you Ms. Rains for a great, heartfelt story!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story so wonderfully written you will easily fall in love with heartfelt, strong and realistic characters, especially sweet Will. This was a page turning second chance romance full of forgiveness and a beautiful thread of faith. Such a heartwarming, entertaining story about becoming a family. I went through every emotion reading this touching story. This book was a joy to read.

[Jeanne Alfveby Crea · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story of second chances, a wonderful small town, and the faith and resilience of a charming and determined young boy with cerebral palsy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend Hometown Home Run!

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story of Adaline, Will and Daniel. There is so much going on in this story and to write a lot would spoil the. Will, is child with a disability and wants to play baseball. See what happens. A GREAT READ.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you read an Annie Rains novel, there is no turning back. With characters that leap off the page and emotion that runs deep, Hometown Home Run stakes it's claim on the soul. Heartache speaks it's truth and finds redemption waiting on the other side.

[Kristen Karter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt romance story

This was one of the most heartfelt romantic stories ever. I loved the chemistry between Daniel and Ada line, how Daniel took Will under his wing and helped him throughout the story. Highly recommend this to everyone.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got an arc copy of this book. Cute clean hallmark like book. There is a small town and a second chance for love. All you would want in a small town romance and a hallmark movie in book form. FMC kids love his baseball coach and just wants a dad in his live like all his other friends family.

[Tracy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t have read this book at a more perfect time!! It ministered to me on so many levels!! I loved it! Beautiful story!