Unexpected Son

Hometown Reunion #1

by Marisa Carroll

A compelling stranger comes looking for the family he never knew and some meaning to his chaotic life.

A lonely young preacher, newly widowed, befriends him, risking Tyler's disapproval and her place at the head of the pulpit.

An explosive fire throws Tyler into turmoil. All fingers point to the stranger, and Reverend Sarah is torn. She's given him room and board...but an alibi? Does she have enough faith to confront the inevitable scandal?

Genres: Romance, Harlequin

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Marisa Carroll is the pseudonym for sisters Carol Wagner and Marian L. Franz. The sisters also write under the names Joellyn Carroll, Jo Bremer, and Malissa Carroll.

Reviews

[Danthony74 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reverend Sarah Fleming is in turmoil when the homeless man she has given shelter is accused of a crime.

[Tiffany Muellner · Rating 3 out of 5]

As expected, mixed thoughts on returning to Tyler, WI. The romance was to be desired. I fear it was a product of both the time the book was written and the tropes just in general not being my favorite. I did throughly enjoy reading about some of the characters from the original series. Liza is still my favorite. Ultimately, what kept me reading is the secrets and the mystery of it all. I just gotta know...who did it? Can't wait to find out.

[Malinda Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael came to town to learn his family history and it turns in to love and trouble. Did he set the fire? Can the preacher lady help him find his way?

[Kerrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t mind this book and it was a quick read but I thought the character development was strange. I was surprised by the actions and attitudes of the main characters especially because it seemed like the pious reverend was much more loose with her morals than the supposed drifter bad boy. What resolution there was at the end, didn’t make much sense.

[Elena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy small town stories! Tyler won't disappoint me, I know. There are secrets to uncover, a crime to solve, meddling neighbours, adorable children and a whole lot of people to pair up. This book introduced me to a whole bunch of characters which will make for a very interesting and fun reading. The main story is about Michael Kenton, an ex-con who came to Tyler with the intention of learning about his past, and Sarah Flemming, a widow and pastor of one of the churches in Tyler.

I'm glad Sarah is a person of faith and one who practices what she believes and struggles to keep true to the tenants of her faith. Michael, on the other hand, has been too hurt to find refuge in religion. He is a good man and respectful of Sarah and felt he didn't deserve to be loved by someone like Sarah and yet he couldn't deny himself or her the opportunity to find love and happiness in Tyler. And they did finally found their HEA.

One of the many secrets was revealed but its repercussions are going to be part and parcel of the rest of the books. There's a fire to investigate, a fire that destroyed the livelihood of most of Tyler's residents. Was it accident? Apparently there are some doubts. More to come and I can't wait.

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished reading the book. It's for adults, talked about a christian preacher and her love story.
While reading the last pages, I was looking for an answer about the person who set the fire. I was thinking of Jeff! However, the author did not mention the arsonist even though that was an important aspect of the story. I felt there is something missing!!! Maybe it was left for readers' imagination but I think leaving a serious problem unexplained like that is not a likable idea.
Overall, the story is ok although you can expect what's next sometimes.

[Sandra Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

After that huge book I read last, I felt the need for something light and easy. This book hit the spot. A sweet love story with a bit of mystery to it, but nothing fatal or creepy. Just what I was in the mood for.

[Harlequin Books]

Miniseries: Hometown Reunion
Category: Home and Family

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute, easy book to read. Some of the plot was really obvious and easy to figure out, but it didn't distract from the overall feel. Fun, light read.

[Hina Tabassum Khatri · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was OK

[Jannell Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story with a great plot - be careful of those skeletons in your closets.