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Noah's Crossing #4

Daddy Next Door

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A past set in stone…
From the time she was born, Alyssa Douglas was told who she was supposed to be, first by her father and mother, then by her ambitious husband. But in the blink of an eye, her husband passed away, leaving her on her own to raise their two sons… and to determine who she really wants to be.

An uncertain future…
Alyssa returns to Noah’s Crossing, Wisconsin, the only place on earth she ever felt comfortable in her own skin. But when a fire nearly destroys her cabin on Rainbow Lake, Alyssa finds herself relying on her kind and handsome neighbor, Ben Cooper—a single father with problems of his own—instead of standing on her own two feet.

A present filled with promise…
As wonderful as Ben is, Alyssa can’t let herself love him. Not until she builds a life to call her own. Can she learn to trust God so that she can embrace the blessings He has given her and begin to blend her life and family with Ben’s?


Daddy Next Door is the third book in Carol Voss’ Noah’s Crossing series. A loving story of faith, second chances, and community, this inspirational romance novel is approximately 57,000 words long.

221 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

230 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Carol Voss

15 books30 followers
Carol Voss has received two Golden Heart nominations and two Maggie Award nominations. She has won the Heart of the Rockies contest, the Four Seasons Award, the Golden Pen, the Silver Quill, and the Published Beacon. She has published four books with Harlequin, three of which are Love Inspired inspirational romances.
A BABY FOR SARAH is Carol’s fourth inspirational romance. The book received third place in the Short Contemporary Category in the 2015 Inspirational Readers' Choice Award and launched Ms. Voss into the world of self-publishing.

After the Wedding is her fifth inspirational romance but slips into No 2 in the Noah's Crossing series, thereby bumping each novel a notch. She blames her muse for any confusion that might ensue.

In January, 2020, Leah's Hope rounded the series to six books. Book seven, Rachel's Song, will release May 22, 2025.

Please sign up at www.carolvoss.com to receive book announcements and to be included in occasional sales or drawings for free books

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5 stars
152 (62%)
4 stars
61 (25%)
3 stars
23 (9%)
2 stars
6 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
Profile Image for Julia Griffis - The Romance Bibliophile.
1,113 reviews87 followers
September 23, 2014
"Daddy Next Door" was phenomenal and one of the best Christian romance novels I have read in awhile. The storyline and characters were absolutely superb. I completely fell in love with Alyssa, Ben, Joey, Robbie, and Hope. They made a lovely family, and I was thankful to have been able to read their story and go on this journey with them. I also loved the author's style of writing: it was easy to follow and relate to, and it flowed really well. Carol Voss is an extremely talented author and I have enjoyed her Rainbow Lake series immensely. I can't wait to read more from her!
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,389 reviews39 followers
May 22, 2017
I loved this 3rd book's story line. I loved Alyssa's character. I loved Alyssa's strength in this story. I loved how Alyssa stood up for herself. I loved Ben's character. I love Joey, he is adorable. I loved the ending. I loved the message in this story. Awesome job Ms. Voss.
753 reviews5 followers
May 22, 2017
I expected this to be a run of the mill Christian type romance but we had some real curve balls. I loved how the characters were introduced and we were able to see where they were coming from and how they arrived at the point they were in. Then we were able to see them come together.
Profile Image for Love.
1,747 reviews5 followers
December 13, 2016
Beautiful Love Story

Sometimes the hardest things to do are the things that gives us the best reward in this beautifully told love story both the main characters and the the kids have to take a leap of faith in God's plan for Them and others people to have what they want a family.
1 review
September 5, 2013
I love this book the details it has and all the Great emotions u have in the story makes it a great book to read
Profile Image for Tj Walker.
302 reviews4 followers
July 11, 2017
Great read

Alyssa needs to prove that she can be independent and raise her children alone. Recently widowed, she moves to her grandmother's summer cabin but it is winter. She can do this all alone, at least that is her plan. But when she lites the fire in the fireplace, she finds out that the chimney had yet to be cleaned out. Her neighbor and his dog came to the rescue when the cabin caught fire. She was forced, by circumstances, to stay at Ben's house while the cabin is repaired.
Great story follows......
2,407 reviews13 followers
August 23, 2021
Daddy Next Door.

This was a sweet story of Alysia and Ben . Alysia had moved to Noah’s Crossing, to live in her Grandmother’s cabin. When she arrived with a u haul trailer and two kids, it was freezing cold outside. They went inside and she built a fire in the fireplace. Problems with the fireplace, causing smoke inside the cabin. Her neighbor Ben called 91 1 for emergency help. This was the beginning of their acquaintance and finding true love. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Dana Leet.
42 reviews14 followers
July 31, 2018
This was one of the best love inspired books I have read in a very long time, if you have not read this book and this authors work, you really should. It is amazing you will laugh and cry is all I will say and God‘s healing is amazing.
666 reviews3 followers
August 8, 2018
BEAUTIFUL!!!

What a beautiful story of second chances. A new beginning for a family blended together with the chance for children to grow together with two parents who love each other and their children with God the center of the family!!!
315 reviews2 followers
September 24, 2018
Great series

Each book was better than the last! This about a woman who overcame tragedy and had to stand on her own feet, finally realizing she could give her weakness to God and rely on His strength to allow her to become the woman she was meant to be.
120 reviews
December 8, 2020
Learning that accepting help is not weakness

Alyssa is determined to make it on her own, finding accepting help from her handsome neighbor difficult to handle. Releasing her problem to God helped change her attitude.
Profile Image for Sue Stinnett.
1,374 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2018
Blending Families

A great story that gives insight into blended families. You will also be able to catch up with characters from previous books.
Profile Image for Nikolina.
358 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2018
As with the rest of the books in the series the characters are predictable and likable. I found this a sweet read and though the ending is predictable I enjoyed it and would read another.
Profile Image for Janet Steffensen.
122 reviews
August 22, 2018
Review of Daddy Next Door.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a clean romance. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to.
628 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2020
Daddy Next Door

Awesome. Dealing with the past and overcoming setbacks while moving ahead and handling conflicts before finding what's right for you.
325 reviews
November 30, 2020
A heartwarming tale

The characters grow and become better people in spite of past failures and tragedy. There is fun, struggle, and lots of kindness.
Profile Image for Tressan Moore.
78 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2020
Very good

Really enjoyed this book. It left me with a smile on my face. The author did a good job of telling a story about two familie's trying to find a way to be together.
39 reviews
November 13, 2023
Love it!

I love this series and that it has Christ right in the middle! We need more books that are wholesome, clean and inspiring.
Profile Image for Beth.
920 reviews17 followers
March 19, 2021
Simple but enjoyable Christian romance from an author I've liked.
706 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2017
Daddy next door

This was an okay story of one trying to assert her independence way to hard. In doing so, she almost missed the chance to heal and reunite with family and find new love.
Profile Image for Laura.
Author 39 books654 followers
August 7, 2016
Title: DADDY NEXT DOOR
Author: Carol Voss
Publisher: Love Inspired
August 2013
ISBN: 978-0373878345
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Not Your Everyday Hero

Nearly setting her house on fire isn't the way Alyssa Douglas is supposed to begin her new life. Luckily Ben Cooper, her handsome new neighbor, is there to charge to her rescue. A widowed single mother, Alyssa has moved to Rainbow Lake to build a future for her young sons in the big-hearted Wisconsin seaside town. And she's getting a warm welcome from Ben, a crusading reporter struggling to raise his daughter. With his help, Alyssa starts to believe that anything is possible—even second chances. But are Ben and Alyssa finally ready to trust each other with a love that can make two families one?

DADDY NEXT DOOR is the first book I read by Ms. Voss. It is a formula romance and fairly predictable. Alyssa is a strong heroine who doesn’t think she is. After the death of her husband she wants to take care of herself and her sons, but no one will let her, so in retaliation she moves to her grandmother’s summer cottage, determined to prove herself to her well-meaning friends and family who want to help her.

Ben is a giver, caring and kind, and not the first person Alyssa needed to meet, especially when she accidentally sets the chimney on fire. He’s quick to step in to help and she’s just as quick to get prickly. Alyssa needs to learn that sometimes it’s okay to allow others to bless us, because that is a blessing to them. But it’s a long road to get there.

A quick and easy read. Discussion questions are included at the end. $5.99. 215 pages. 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Anna Marie.
1,451 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2023
I'm not saying it was awful, but I am saying that:

1) This book R.E.A.L.L.Y. drags. It was so difficult for me to get into, because it's basically like reading three weeks out of your next door neighbor's life. 'Today I worked in an office and took my kids to daycare'. 'Today I went to church and ate doughnuts'.

2) I'm finding it hard to understand why it's okay for Alyssa to shack up with Ben, with both of them unmarried. And the church has *NO* problem with this. ?!?!?

3) The theology is not sound. First it's "Joey's daddy's in Heaven". No, he's not - and that's not Biblical. The allegation that church is an example of 'two or three gathered in My name' is preposterous. Especially when Christ called churches 'open graves full of rotting corpses' (<< His words, not mine.)

4) This is the SECOND 'Love, Inspired' book I've read in which a single mother astoundingly is given a part-time job at a church with free daycare RIGHT downstairs, *AND* they offer health insurance. A church that functions on tithes. For a part-time office person. Riiiiiight.

5) WHY in the world is this fundraiser - which is basically gussying up some Victorian house and having a silent auction in it - garnering state-wide attention? Because the author says so? I mean, if it were Frank Lloyd Wright's house or something, but... mmmmmmmno.

6) The author's idea of teaching a 3-year old to joke is having him call people names. And not only okay, but funny? (((sigh.)))

NOT a keeper.
Profile Image for June.
1,542 reviews17 followers
November 18, 2013
Alyssa lost her husband while pregnant with their second child. Bed rest and sorrow caused her to need to depend on others. Now, a year later she is in need of her independence. Her grandmother passed away and left a cottage to her and Alyssa sees this as the answer to her problems. Only within minutes of arriving, the cottage catches fire and needs major repairs.

Ben lives next door with his daughter Hope. Almost instantly he's a goner. Alyssa's sons Joey and Robbie capture his heart. As does Alyssa. Having nowhere else she can go, Ben Ives them into his house for the two weeks it will take for the repairs to be done. Joey and Hope bond instantly and things go well until Hope starts feeling threatened by Alyssa and her boys being there. She's always had her fathers full attention.

So the question of independence has to be addressed as well as the fear of losing someone you love. Very enjoyable story. The characters were great.

Profile Image for Michelle.
446 reviews10 followers
May 29, 2015
Rainbow Lake
Book 3

I am a sucker for a great father story! Benn (or Coop, whichever name you perfer) was a GREAT dad! He took a baby, not his own, and raised her as his own. Now at the age of 12, Hope feels she's going to lose her father to someone else.

Alyssia is a sweet single mother who just wants to take care of herself and her two young sons with nobody's help. She struggles with this. Her four year old, Joey, worries about losing those he loves since his dad was killed in an accident after running a fast errand to a nearby store. My heart goes out to all of these!

I didn't feel like there was quite enough drama in this for a "four star" book, but I really liked the father/daughter story and the issues Hope faced. I liked how Coop dealt with it all as well.
Profile Image for Gail.
Author 25 books217 followers
July 7, 2015
Nice little story. Heroine is a widow trying to stand on her own feet. She has 2 boys, one an infant. The hero lives next door and is a rescuer, including the 12-year-old daughter he adopted. So when the heroine's house catches fire in a blizzard the day she tries to move in... This is a sweet story with a reasonable amount of angst. All the conflict seems to be wrapped up in a bit of a rush, but it's an enjoyable read. I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews