Cruz Maldonado has vowed to provide for his beloved cousin's orphans. With his estranged mother's health failing, they might soon be Cruz's only family. But the kids' immigration status brings complications. Mostly "Miss Rory"--their idealistic young teacher--and Cruz's court-appointed co-guardian. Cruz has the means to give the kids a good home, yet Rory Gallagher wonders whether he has the heart. That is, until she glimpses the sweet small-town boy inside the polished, handsome Wall Street exterior. Soon they both begin to wonder if this temporary partnership could turn into more--a chance to raise the children as husband and wife.
Multi-published, award-winning, bestselling author Ruth Logan Herne is living her dream of being a published author and having the time of her life doing it. Born to a poor family in Rochester, NY, Ruthy draws on her early years and her many years of dealing with today's young families and businesses to create beautiful, heartfelt small-town stories of faith, hope and love... while adopting her favorite non-Scripture quotes "Plenty of time for rest in the grave" (Ben Franklin) and "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission." (Eleanor Roosevelt) and one can always depend on Yoda "There is no try. There is do or do not." Succinct... and true. :) She loves chatting with readers on facebook at Ruth Logan Herne or follow Ruthy on Twitter, visit her website or stop by Seekerville (www.seekerville.blogspot.com) or pop by the Yankee Belle Cafe where Ruthy and several lovely authors share recipes, facts, photos and just plain old life! (www.yankeebellecafe.blogspot.com
Ruth Logan Herne just writes good books! I love her heart, which shines through in her words. This one carried a wonderful message. Only God can turn a heart around that has been hurt through neglect. I loved how the author weaved that message of God's grace, redemption and forgiveness throughout this book.
The lessons learned from the secondary characters touched my heart as well. It is going to impact my walk with the Lord.
*I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.
The third book in the Grace Haven series though it can be read as a standalone too. (But, seriously, you're going to love the Gallagher sisters so much you might as well give in to temptation and get An Unexpected Groom and Her Unexpected Family.) Love the way this author creates a small town vibe. Community and faith and everybody knowing your business about sums it up. :-)
Under duress, a somewhat jaded Cruz returns to the town he grew up in. He's every inch the Manhattan business tycoon and I was prepared to hold him at arms length because he totally wasn't my type...for all of about 8 pages. And then my tummy started doing back-flips and my brain got all fuzzy and I might have started hyperventilating every time he showed up in a scene. So now I'm all about Team Cruz.
And Rory is too, though she's trying not to because she's a hundred percent small-town girl and Cruz can barely wait to escape back to the city. Such a conundrum because these two connect in a toe-curling way. And they've come together for the benefit of two adorable children who deserve a secure future. But bitterness and sorrow must be overcome first before hearts can heal enough to welcome God's handiwork in their lives. And, oh my goodness, does He ever have amazing things in store!
PS -- check out page 148 -- most sigh-worthy scene ever!
What a sweet story! I especially loved Lilly and Javi! What cute kids. I really liked how both Cruz and Rory were able to put aside their preconceived notions and work together for the benefit of the children. A little romance into the bargain is always a nice touch, too. 3.5 stars
I truly enjoy this author’s writing style. This is the third book in the Grace Haven series which is set in a beautiful area of upstate New York; it can be read as a standalone but you get more of a depth and richness, if you read the series in order.
Compassion. Tenderness. Tears. Love. Family. Regrets, sorrow, remorse. Prayer. Community. Faith. Romance. Humor. An occasional hokey/sappy/ridiculous moment that inspired a few half eye-rolls from me. Some sweet hand-holding that felt, perhaps, a bit premature or “over done” or unnatural (??). More tears (that’s a good thing, not bad!). Sweet forgiveness. Letting go of the past. Coming home, really home. Sweet, precious, adorable children. Skirting the “pc”/”non pc” oh-so-current topic of legal/illegal immigration. Willingness to change and forgive and offer grace.
So, overall, a really good story. Some bits were 3-star and some bits were 5-star. Strong theme of faith in God and the importance of prayer, but no real mention of salvation through Jesus Christ alone. She/he has “gone home to heaven to be with God” --- well, that’s lovely, but there’s no mention that Jesus is the only way to get to that home in heaven. Because of this, I would say the book would be inspirational for those who already have faith in Christ, but it does not lay out a path for others who do not know that a relationship with Christ is vital.
p. s. -- Okay, seriously? I can’t let it go. What was it with all the hand-holding in this book? Am I living under a rock? Do women walk along holding hands with eligible guys that they’re (maybe) attracted to but nowhere near involved with yet, in fact still more like acquaintances?? I promise I’m sincerely not against hand-holding, but I think it was a bit weird in this book. Maybe I just need a hug …. or someone to hold my hand! 😊
I loved this wonderful story filled with forgiveness and hope!
Their Surprise Daddy is a delight....a story filled with family and small town charm, tears and smiles, adorable kids.....and filled with all the emotions surrounding a beautiful romance.
Cruz Maldonado returns to his hometown of Grace Haven to straighten out some obligations before returning to his high-powered financial job in New York City. I liked this strong man who hid his childhood wounds by focusing on hard work and a determination to succeed on his own. It's heartening to watch him become a better man as he realizes important truths about life.
I so admired teacher Rory Gallagher. She is such a good example of living for others. She is self-sacrificing as she strives to do the best she can for the two precious children placed in her care and for the disadvantaged children she wants to help with her struggling preschool.
The ending took my breath away.....perfect love with perfect solutions! Ruth Logan Herne writes emotionally satisfying stories with beautiful happy-ever-after conclusions. I loved Their Surprise Daddy and hope you will too!
Favorite quotes: "Whenever God shuts a door, He opens a window. This will all work out in His timing." "We make the first step to humility by putting others first."
*I received a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. It is an honor to offer my honest opinion about this story.
Ruth has an exceptionally great flow of words- easy to read, exciting, with unexpected twists and turns! Don’t peak at the ending of the story! It has a Super-Duper Ending! It is an Excellent read!!!
Grace Haven is descending into formula 'Love, Inspired'-dom, and it's ugly.
In this book, (like the last book), the man has two small children, a boy and a girl. Like in the last book, one of them is challenged (speech impediment that's inconsistent in the book, and forgotten half the time). Like in the last book, there's insta-attraction, BUT. There's always a 'But'. It's formula. It's tedious and mind-numbing. It's what I wish 'Love Inspired' wasn't, but often is. It smacks of a story-for-a-deadline more than a story-wanting-to-be-told.
Cruz was raised by a woman who absolutely loves him but verbally and emotionally abused the heck out of him as a child, kicked him out, but LUVVVVV. ?!?!?! At least he was smart enough to get gone and not look back. That his dad didn't leave with him and keep him from that shows how little his father truly loved him, frankly. But we're told his father was *SO INCREDIBLE!!!* Actions speak louder than author's typed words.
Rory is the preschool teacher for the two kids, who are illegals from Mexico, and who were discovered living with Cruz's mom who is acting as guardian to them. It's... convoluted, but basically this is all about keeping small children from being deported by calling in a Manhattan-rich uncle (Cruz) to co-represent the kids' case with Rory (because why write a social worker in when you can use an uncertified non-gov't barely teacher). You *KNOW* that ain't how it works. CPS would be all over this. But not in 'Love, Inspired'. We suspend reality.
It also didn't make sense that Rory - who we're not even sure if she's certified to teach children - is hellbent on opening an early start preschool OUTSIDE of the HeadStart and public school early enrollment programs offered by the state - because 'disadvantaged kids'. Who... are totally allowed in both HS and PSEEPs. But *HERS* is better, for undisclosed reasonzzz.
Cruz's mom ran an event center/vineyard, which somehow got into total and utter disrepair, but we don't know how/why, because all of the local employees were what kept it going, so... why didn't they keep it going within the well-oiled machine of the business, again...? One woman getting older doesn't constitute the demise of a large, well-managed business/farm. Again, it's because the author says so.
And naturally the ENTIRE TOWN comes out to garden, weed, paint the house, plant flowers, feed the workers... and Allllz for FREEE!!!! Cuz 'Love, Inspired!'.
The whole Sue/Millicent side arc has absolutely NO bearing on the story, and really just made the heroine less likeable. It was cliched (rich kids iz snobs, while poor kids overdose), and trite. It was as if the author felt she had to add dimension to the story, but really she did it in the most shallow and lacking of ways.
Rory's dad has been battling a brain tumor/cancer for the past TWO books, and suddenly he's out cutting and wrapping grapevines in the hot summer heat all day? Really. You're serious?! More, he had an experimental surgery with only a 40% chance of working, with a high expectancy of brain damage/motor function, but because 'Love, Inspired', he walks away with nary a side effect and absolutely no lasting impediments. ((((((sigh.))))))
Of course Cruz stays, marries Rory and they adopt his niece/nephew and live HEA at the now-thriving vineyard-slash... PRESCHOOL. ?!?!?! For disadvantaged kids. Who can't afford to schlep out to a vineyard for special preschool.
I. Can't. Even.
Overall, I wish this had been less of a 'cheater' book. Let's hope the next one is better...? Because two three-stars and a two-star isn't a great track record...
To read a book with the name Ruth Logan Herne on it is pure delight for me. From her contemporary love stories to her cowboy stories, this author always delivers a book that is filled with tender moments, learning experiences and sweet love. Also, a few little ones may be tucked into the cast of characters which always brings more warmth and love to the story.
Her newest book for Love Inspired is Their Surprise Daddy. It is the third book in her "Grace Haven" series, and while it can be read as a standalone book, I know you will want to get the two previous books, An Unexpected Groom and Her Unexpected Family. The books tell the stories of the Gallagher sisters. In this third book in the series we meet Rory Gallagher, a small town girl with a big heart for disadvantaged kids. I guarantee you will fall in love with her as soon as you meet her.
Cruz Maldonado did not win me over for at least a few pages. Here is a man who has made his mark and money in Manhattan and now he finds himself back in his hometown tending to an issue that requires him to become one of the caretakers to his cousins two young children. I must admit I was holding my breath for awhile in the hopes of loving his character. I didn't have to wait long until I was envisioning his character as good looking Antonio Cupo (who plays in a lot of Hallmark movies) and his personality and tenderness for his two young charges melted my heart.
The author knows how to create a wonderful small town atmosphere where everyone knows everybody in town and are protective of their own. Her towns make you want to visit them and maybe hang out for awhile. Which of course, you can do, by picking up a copy of this wonderful book. I highly recommend it!
On a 5-Star Scale - 5 HUGE Stars! I loved this story!
I would like to thank the author, Ruth Logan Herne, for my copy of Their Surprise Family. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review.
The Grace Haven series is one you don't want to miss out on!
First, there's An Unexpected Groom, with Kimberly Gallagher and Drew Slade. . . then comes Her Unexpected Family, with Emily Gallagher and Grant McCarthy. . . and finally Their Surprise Daddy, with Rory Gallagher and Cruz Maldonado.
Their Surprise Daddy deals with two orphaned cousins, who need someone to care for them after their guardian takes sick. There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, but in the end will everything work out for everyone involved? You'll have to read the story to find out -- I'm not telling!
This a a great series, with characters you’ll fall in love with! Ruthy has created a small town that’s safe, beautiful, historic, and inviting. . . what more can I say to convince you it's a great town -- and a great series!
This series touched me more than some others, although with Ruthy's books, it's difficult -- if not impossible -- to pick specific favorites, because they're all so good!
So grab your tissues and start reading. If you haven't read An Unexpected Groom and Her Unexpected Family, I can honestly say you'll enjoy them -- and I'd suggest getting all three and reading them in order. You'll be blessed by them!
I loved this whole story. You sometimes wish you could go back and do things differently before something happens to them and the main character was able to do that and change his life around for the better
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Ruth Logan Herne created another beautiful story with Their Surprise Daddy. I was enthralled with the story and kept reading till the epilogue. I love all of Herne’s stories surrounded with families, small towns, adventure, trials, faith, love, and God’s amazing message of hope, mercy, grace, second chances and unconditional love.
Their Surprise Daddy is realistic with Liliana and Javier, Cruz Maldonado orphaned cousins, who needed someone to care for them after Cruz’s mother health became more complicated. The issue with the children’s immigrant status presented more complications for Cruz. Cruz grew up on a vineyard working hard with his father outside of Grace Haven, while his mother was focused on socializing and building her entertaining business which she loved. Add in Liliana and Javier’s pre-K teacher, Aurora Gallagher, and you have a charming, loving and a fighter for those less fortunate as Cruz soon discovered. The estrangement between Cruz and his mother added to the mix made this a captivating story. Will Cruz be able to find peace and salvage the vineyard and home he was a part of for so many years? Or will he continue with his investment business in New York? There are multiple unexpected events that will cause hurt feelings, misunderstandings and testing of each individual’s faith and love.
Their Surprise Daddy can be read as a standalone in the Grace Haven series; however, I would highly recommend reading An Unexpected Groom and Her Unexpected Family with their delightful plots and characters. I always look forward to reading Ruth Logan Herne’s books with a strong message about faith, family and friends. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and was not required to write a positive review. This review is my honest thoughts about another 5 star book from Herne.
Their Surprise Daddy by Ruth Logan Herne is the third book in Grace Haven series. The third sister Rory Gallagher. She has been appointed so-guardian of a little girl and little boy. The children belonged to Cruz Maldonado's cousin who has died and left the children in care of Cruz's mother. Cruz mother was never a mother to him. He hadn't seen her in years and her health is declining. Cruz goes to Grace Haven for a few days to see to the children. When he gets there things change. His mother has changed and sorry for the way she treated Cruz. Cruz stays to fix up his mothers place. They own a vineyard. Cruz falls in love with the children he is in charge of, also Rory. A real nice romantic story.
We've read and loved the stories of the Gallagher sisters, Kimberly and Emily, and now it is Rory's turn. Even if you haven't read the first books in the series, you will love Rory's story and the romance she unwittingly enters into when she takes on co-guardianship of two orphan children she has come to love. In the midst of trying to acquire funding and a site for the preschool she dreams of opening, Rory puts her own hopes and dreams on hold as she moves the children to the forefront oh her endeavors. Cruz is a home town boy, but found his way to the big city and a lucrative job in a New York financial firm. Adopting the Wall Street lifestyle has changed him in many ways, but no one is more surprised than Cruz when the small town of his youth begins to call him homeward. With the health of his estranged mother failing, Cruz is devastated to find his childhood home in need of much repair if it is to survive, much less be sold should his mother's demise be imminent. How is he to take on co-guardianship of his cousin's children with this the plight of his mother and his home as well as his job's urgent calling to return to the city? Cruz and Rory clash from the beginning, understandable with their diverse lifestyles, and yet they must take on the orphans as a team with a united front, the children's best interests at heart. As they they become closer each begins to glimpse in the other, admirable qualities their preconceived perceptions did not allow to be seen. Though they fight it, an undeniable transaction takes hold. Will it claim their hearts or will Cruz leave it all behind when he returns to the city? Is Rory's dream gone forever due to Cruz seeking financial gain? The story of Cruz, Rory and two adorable children will capture your heart as you once again make an unforgettable journey to the charm of Grace Haven that always seems to inspire sweet romance.
Have you ever loved a book so much that you wanted to move to the town & live next door to the characters? That’s Grace Haven! I just loved everything about this book!! **Special Note** The men in all of the Grace Haven books were named in honor of fallen police officers. What an incredible way to honor our most honorable!
This was the first that I read in the Grace Haven series. I thoroughly enjoyed it and really liked that there were Latino main characters. There was an emphasis on the struggle of immigrant families without getting in too deep and bogging down the story while helping you understand their plight.
I will definitely pick up the other in the series.