The Dad Next Door

Family Blessings #1

by Stephanie Dees

A Place to Call Home

Lawman Joe Sheehan is desperate to bond with the daughter he's just discovered he has. But as a virtual stranger to twelve-year-old Amelia, the task seems impossible. Until Claire Conley moves to town. A social worker renovating a mansion into a foster home, Claire is the first person to get through to Amelia. Falling for the single dad was not on Claire's to-do list. But with Joe and Amelia around, the house finally starts to feel like home. Claire's ready to fight to convince Joe that together they've done more than fix a house...they've built a family.

Genres: Romance, Love Inspired, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

224 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published April 18, 2017

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dad Next Door

Stephanie Dees


THE DAD NEXT DOOR is the first book in the Family Blessings series. To be honest, I fell in love with the cover the minute I saw it. I knew I would read it anyway, because I love the story description, but the cover really pulled me in. I loved everything about this beautiful story and I'm excited to continue the series. Stephanie Dees has a way of grabbing her readers and she never lets us go. Claire is moving back to her biological father's home that he left her and her sister when he passed away. It is really a mansion, the governors mansion to be exact. She is going to open it as a foster home.


Claire meets Joe Sheehan the first day she is at the mansion. Joe is now living with his estranged twelve year old daughter, Amelia, who wants to be anywhere but in Red Hill Springs. They are only supposed to be staying there temporarily as Joe is rehabbing after being shot. But you know what they say about life's plans, they hardly ever turn out the way you thought they would but they are sometimes exactly what you need. Neither Joe nor Claire are looking for a relationship with Joe moving back to Pensacola shortly. It was cute watching these two dance around their feelings for each other.


THE DAD NEXT DOOR is filled with twists and turns and had me staying up way too late one night to finish! I had to know where Stephanie Dees was taking us and what would happen to Amelia. I really loved how the whole community came to Claire's aid and only wanted her to feel loved and welcomed! The same goes for the kids! There is so much heart in Stephanie's writing that I was left with a huge smile on my face and my heart very happy. I could totally see THE DAD NEXT DOOR becoming a Hallmark movie and I would love to see it. All of the characters are very interesting and believable, so much so that I felt as if I've known them for a long time.

[Hallie (Hallie Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Family Blessings books from Stephanie Dees contain stories of unconventional families and sweet, sweet romance. I had a lot of fun getting to know these lovable characters, their fears and dreams, their quirks and strengths, all in a small-town setting. Each one has challenges to overcome, but they never have to do so alone.

In The Dad Next Door, Joe Sheehan unexpectedly learns he’s the father to a twelve-year-old girl, while Claire Conley renovates an inherited mansion to host foster children. Together, they explore ideas of home, belonging, and finding healing for the hurts of the past.

Read the full series review on Hallie Reads.

Thanks to JustRead Tours, I received a complimentary copy of Family Blessings series and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.


Reading Challenge Categories:
-#Ampersand2019 Reading Challenge: The first book in a series
-Beat the Backlist Reading Bingo: Animal on the cover
-#Booked2019: New to you author
-January Bookish Bingo: First in a series
-#LitsyAtoZ: D
-Modern Mrs. Darcy Reading Challenge: Three books by the same author
-Read Harder Challenge: A book published prior to January 1, 2019 with fewer than 100 reviews on Goodreads
-#ReadingUSA: Alabama

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dad Next Door is about second chances especially after some major life interruptions and revelations. Joe Sheehan is back in his hometown to recover from his injuries he sustained as a police officer. He is back at his hometown where he was considered trouble until his adoptive parents took him in and showed him the kind of love he did not even realize he was starving for. And to his great shock, he finds out that he has a twelve-year old daughter by an ex-girlfriend who drops her off and takes off. Now he has to figure out what his life is now going to look like with a daughter he didn’t know about but whom he already loves. But Amelia will hardly speak to him. Enter Claire Conley who has a bittersweet past of her own and with her Joe and Amelia just might find out what being a family is all about.

Claire is trying to open a children’s home to help get kids off the street and to do something useful like caring for animals, all the while being brought up in an environment where they can be safe to just be children. However some of the town is not willing to let Claire open her children’s home. Despite the outward challenges, Claire and Amelia hit it off immediately and the more time Joe and Claire spend together renovating her mansion inherited from her estranged late father, the closer they become. But the road to true love is filled with many obstacles and sometimes the biggest ones are those we make for ourselves.

I enjoyed getting to know this couple, this town, and their extended families. I am looking forward to reading more of this family series.

I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...

[MJSH · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun start to the Family Blessings series! The author has an easy-to-read writing style, a fluid plot that is paced well, and memorable characters whom I hope will continue to grow as the series continues.

This first book in the series introduces Joe, a former delinquent now turned lawman, and Claire, a former social worker now renovating an old family home for foster children. Joe is compassionate, loyal, hard-working, and tender while Claire is a bit wacky, sunny, and passionate in her all-encompassing love. They both have insecurities and uncertainties from their pasts that they must overcome. Joe’s preteen daughter Amelia adds spunk and drama to the storyline and Joe’s adoptive family makes for great secondary characters.

I can’t wait to read more about Joe’s adoptive siblings as the series continues!
I was given a copy of the book from the author/publisher via JustRead Publicity Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

[Suzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Have you ever read the first book in a series and loved the characters so much, you immediately check to see who will star in the other books in the series? Well, that’s exactly how I felt after reading Stephanie Dees’ Dad Next Door (book one in the Family Blessings series).

There is so much to say about this book, the longing for a place to call home, the discovery that family comes in all shapes, sizes, and configurations, that small towns have prejudices that newcomers often have to overcome, that building trust takes time, and more. Dees addresses each of these (and more) in a cohesive way that draws the reader in and invites them within the circle of community she’s created.

Joe Sheehan and Claire Conley find common ground in their childhood and both still struggle with finding a place they belong. Add in a twelve-year-old daughter who Joe wasn’t aware he had until recently, and the cycle repeats itself. But the hope of that being broken with Claire’s dream of a home where foster children can find love and belonging shines throughout this story.

And the best news? There are three more books in the series so I get to spend more time with the people of Red Hill Springs.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story! Both Joe and Claire came from rocky backgrounds, yet they each ended up with good families to love them. Claire had such a wonderful heart for children and I loved watching her interact with Joe’s daughter, Amelia. Seeing Joe and Amelia bond during this story was especially heartwarming, as well.

The Dad Next Door is a great beginning for this series, filled with family, romance, and the start of new things. It was fun to be introduced to Joe’s family and the small, fictional town of Red Hill Springs, AL. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dad Next Door by Stephanie Dees is a sweet story about finding a place to call home. Dees’ delightful story is light, fun, and a quick-to-read story. A main focus in the story is the bonds and relationships of family and friendship within a small town community. It’s also about a small town overcoming prejudices and coming together to help one another. This is a heartwarming story about a father and his daughter and the blessing of a woman that comes into their lives. This is story that readers will want to cozy up with.

Series: Family Blessings
Genre: contemporary, romance
Publisher: Love Inspired
Publication date: April 18, 2017
Number of pages: 224

Other books in the series:
2-A Baby for the Doctor
3-Their Secret Baby Gond
4-The Marriage Bargain

A review copy of this book was provided by the author via JustRead Publicity Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Milinda Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanie Dees has created the sort of small town we would all like to be a part of-- Red Hill Springs where friends are family and family are friends. In this sweet community, you’ll find baby goats, horses, kittens, a donkey, a little girl who has finally found a home, and a really sweet love story. Written with skill, compassion, and a deep understanding of children whose lives have been damaged by the grownups who are supposed to care for them, Dees has woven a story that will melt your heart and leave you singing.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romance, as a genre, is sort of a side bar for me. I don't pick up a book because it's a romance like so many others. I pick up a book because it has a story line that catches my interest and happens to contain romance. I mean, instalove is the cliche fallback for a lot of romance books, and a ginormous pet peeve of mine. I'd not read Stephanie Dees prior to starting the Family Blessings series with 'The Dad Next Door'. I chose this book, this series, because the synopsis intrigued me. I don't read a lot of contemporary romance so that was a refreshing tick on the interest list as well. I'm just gonna say that Dees did not disappoint me and I'm super glad that I'm stocked up and ready to read this entire series!

For a breezy simple 'boy next door-ish' romance that is really an engaging and quick read there are some heavier topics discussed that might be upsetting for some readers. Joe, and subsequently his daughter Amelia, grew up with mother's who struggled with addiction. Both know the struggle of being neglected and going being hungry, not feeling safe, and in Joe's case a little juvenile delinquency to go along with the neglect he suffered. Claire, also had been through the system. Not due to neglect but as a child of adoption she struggled to feel her value and worth which led her to some unhealthy coping mechanisms as a teen including self-injury. None of this was covered in a manner that was graphic or overt but managed to embrace you into the world that children like them find themselves in each and every day, especially through the foster care system. Which is ultimately Claire's goal, to open a home for hard to place children. Children with delinquent backgrounds, sibling groups, older children, they are all harder to place not only in the system but through adoption as well. This heaviness did not darken the story but enriched it. The deeper themes of this book actually brought hope and the simplicity of life to light instead of weighting it down.

Claire is finally about to realize her dream after the loss of her adoptive mother and the brief meeting of her birth father before he passed and left her his plantation home. Joe is trying to return to his dream with the addition of a tween daughter he never knew existed and her own baggage of a mother who couldn't care for her due to her own demons and addictions. Everyone has baggage but what I loved is that instead of wallowing in a pity party they used that baggage to grow their future and the future of other children like them. All in a small southern town where everybody knows every-bodies business, has an opinion about it, and the idea of change is about as enticing as not going to Heaven. And they aren't afraid to share that opinion, literally. I loved the theme of finding family, finding community, and finding redemption. Claire and Joe and all of Red Hill Springs find all of that and so much more, and no instalove!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Just Read. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Originally posted at https://fizzypopcollection.com/the-da....

[Meagan Myhren-Bennett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dad Next Door
Family Blessings #1
By Stephanie Dees

Joe Sheehan is back in Red River Springs, Alabama, a place he thought he'd left behind him. But life has a way of giving you what you least expect. And he wasn't expecting anything about his current situation. Recovering from a gunshot wound, his dad recently deceased, and a twelve-year-old daughter he never knew about. And then there is the opinion of those in town who remember his reputation as a kid before the Sheehan's made him part of their family.

Claire Conley is returning to her roots - roots that she was unaware of until recently when she and her twin sister Jordan inherited their biological father's home shortly after meeting him. Claire is determined to turn the plantation home they inherited into a foster home for hard to place children. With limited funds and a tight timeline, Claire has her work cut out for her.

With Joe's need for a home for himself and his daughter, Amelia and Claire's need for help in her renovations seemingly a perfect trade-off they find themselves helping Amelia to come out of the protective shell she has erected around herself. And Claire's animals are a big part of her healing. Now if only Claire can convince the residents of Red River Springs that what she's planning on offering will be a blessing to the whole community and not a blight.

Life isn't easy but the characters encourage one another as they face the adversities life has thrown at them and they just might find love and the home of their hearts along the way. Claire, Joe, and Amelia must face the past so that they can accept the future that is waiting for them

If you're looking for a heart-warming and inspiring read give The Dad Next Door a chance. This is clean reading that deals with issues of worth and acceptance. Sometimes the best way to have good neighbors is to one yourself.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author through JustRead Publicity Tours with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Stephanie Dees’ 4 books in the Family Blessings Series, and I must say, I was impressed not only by Dees’ writing but also how she handled the characters life situations.

The books are geared more toward those over 16, and also those not new to the Christian faith.

Dees adeptly illustrates that becoming a Christian doesn’t get you a “golden ticket to a life free from sin. Mistakes will be and are made, consequences occur and lessons are learned.

I haven’t read Harlequin Inspirational books in years. However, this series intrigued me. I am glad I decided to read it. The author does a great job with interweaving a Biblical message while at the same time handling some very complex and realistic stories. We have all made mistakes in our lives, and Dees illustrates how God can take some of those mistakes and as a portion of Isaiah 61:3 says “... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; ...”

The Dad Next Door, book one in the series, introduces us to Red Hill Springs, Alabama. I enjoyed reading about a small town, full of the good and the bad that one encounters there.
The story takes three lost, broken people, Joe Sheehan and his daughter, plus Claire Conley, and shows how with help from God, friends and family things can become better and home can become home.

I ached for both Joe and Claire. Joe wants so desperately to bond with his daughter, Amelia. However, in typical hurt, bewildered and angry pre-teen fashion she pushes him away. Claire came to Red Hill Springs with such high hopes wanting to help foster children. But her inheritance is nothing like the picture she saw. Both must work hard to overcome many obstacles and the town’s preconceived ideas.

I received this series from JustRead Tours. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire and her sister Jordan have inherited a farm in Red Hill Springs. It was owned by their biological father who gave them up for adoption when their birth mother died and he didn't think he could handle twin babies. Joe is a former juvenile delinquent who was adopted by the Chief of Police and his wife when he was a young teen. When Joe returns to Red Hill Springs after he was shot in the line of duty, he discovers a daughter he didn't know he had. Claire and Jordan renovate the farm house to use as a foster home. Both Joe and Claire face challenges in the community as they see acceptance for who they are now when members of the community see only the problems they "represent."

The novels Family Blessing series are great stories about overcoming adversity. Faith in God is evident in the lives of the main characters. Their challenges with faith are not sugar-coated. Stephanie Dees appears to have done her homework in learning about all the aspects of the lives of the characters she has created. I am sure her experiences as a pastor's wife have also worked their way in to the lives of her characters. By the end of the fourth book you feel like the Sheehan family is one you'd like to get to know better. The books are well-written and enjoyable to read. I'm personally hoping for more books about the Sheehan family.

The series reminds me of the Baxter family books by Karen Kingsbury. If you are a Karen Kingsbury fan, you will probably enjoy the Family Blessing series by Stephanie Dees.

I want to thank Stephanie Dees and JustRead Publicity Tours for the complimentary copies. A positive book review was not required. All opinions expressed are my own.

[~❤️Minnie❤️~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Under the Moonlight Book Blog

The Dad Next Door is a small town story about second chances in life.

Claire Conley just receive a plantation home from her biological father and she wants to convert it into a foster home. Her adoptive mother had died recently and she has just broken up an engagement and so she is looking for a new beginning.

Joe Sheehan is back home recuperating from an injury and has recently found out that he is a father. His daughter is 12 year old Amelia and she is being a difficult child. Joe has no idea what to do about her and when she opens up to Claire, Joe is desperate to know how to make her do the same thing with him.

I really liked this story. I felt like Joe and Claire had a connection because of their similar past. I think Claire helped Joe with understanding Amelia and giving her the space that she needs. I also think Joe help Claire with her insecurities about opening up the house for children that needed the help.

I really love the connection with all the characters, not just the main characters, and the small town feel.

I requested just this first book because I didn't know if I would like the author but after reading this book I will be definitely picking up the rest of the series.

I really recommend this book to anybody.

Disclaimer:
♥♦♥ This copy was provided by the publisher via JustRead Tours for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of it or the content of my review.♥♦♥

[Becky Van Daniker · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Dad Next Door” is the first book I have ever read by Stephanie Dees and it most definitely will not be my last. This was a super adorable read that would make a wonderful Hallmark movie.

Sometime after Claire meets her biological father who passes away shortly after and her adoptive mother passes, she learns that her father left her his plantation house. She finally has the opportunity to begin on her dream of turning the plantation house into a home for delinquent backgrounds, sibling groups, older children, basically children who would be harder to place into homes.

Joe is one of my favorite fictional guys. He is your boy-next-door with a great heart and compassion towards others, but he too is carrying baggage of his own. He was once a delinquent as a child until the town’s police chief took him in and helped him turn his life around. Now he’s a cop who has returned to Red Hill Springs where he learns he has a 12-year-old daughter that he never knew existed and struggles to bond with her.

Both of these characters deal with longing to belong, especially in their adoptive families, feeling that they are never good enough, amongst other topics. While there are some very real and dark topics that occur in the book, none of this is described in the book. It is actually a light and fluffy read which inspires hope. This is a book of finding family, finding love, finding community, and finding redemption.

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot and will definitely be reading her future works. Highly recommended!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Jami Bennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Dad Next Door is the beginning of a series titled Family Blessings. Each story in the series focuses on a sibling in the Sheehan family. I enjoyed being introduced to Joe Sheehan's family.

Stephanie's writing was really fluid and enjoyable. Not overwhelmingly preachy, the story had just enough of an inspirational touch to it. Christian themes that appealed to me include forgiveness, mercy, and recovery.

The characters were written nicely: no overly perfect characters, but not overly flawed either. The transition toward a relationship between the hero and heroine was organic and smooth. Another aspect toward their relationship build that I appreciated was the fact that there wasn't a crazy amount of what I call back and forth "He loves me, he loves me not" between the characters. For example....

One thing that annoys me about some novels is that first kiss where one of the characters says, "Oh, forget I did that. That was not a good idea." Then maybe there's a second kiss somewhere along the way, and the other one takes a turn sharing a grievance about kissing. I know that's often part of the formula for romance writing, but I wish it wasn't such a frequent formulation. Thankfully, Stephanie's story avoids that back and forth!

Back to the topic—The Dad Next Door! The plot of the story was well written, and I found myself absorbed by the situations as they unfolded.

I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Stephanie Dees' writing was very pleasant and enjoyable, and I highly recommend The Dad Next Door.

[Becky Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The four books in Stephanie Dees’ Family Blessing Series are full of faith, family bonds, sacrifice, determination, and love. While the stories share many characters and commonalities, each one can also stand-alone. However, anyone choosing to read the entire series will undoubtedly enjoy getting to know the many characters a bit more intimately.

One word of caution; reading the series out of the intended order may cause confusion. In order to be fully appreciated, The Dad Next Door should be read first, followed by A Baby for the Doctor, Their Secret Baby Bond and finally The Marriage Bargain.

Each book contains a tenderhearted romance mixed with an unconventional twist such as Cam and Jules’ deal to save two orphaned girls in The Marriage Bargain. Many readers will relate to Joe’s difficult past and Claire’s dream of fostering children in The Dad Next Door. Some persons such as Bertie, who has a motherly connection to virtually every character, are an anchoring constant in every story.

Stephanie Dees, with her fiercely independent female characters and strong but soft male characters mingled with conviction and sturdy familial relationships, is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

***The publisher provided a free book. However, all opinions included in this review are entirely my own.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of the “Family Blessings” series which focuses on the Sheehan family, their extended family, friends and town members. I love reading about the Sheehan family and I hope there are more to this series! There is so much love, fun times, and real life situations portrayed in every book.

In this first book we are introduced to Joe, his mom, and angry daughter Amelia who is abandoned suddenly by her mom on Joe’s doorstep. Clair Conley moves into town after inheriting a mansion and has dreams to turn it into a foster home and equestrian therapy.

Claire receives major push back from town members about providing a safe haven for troubled and neglected foster kids; but with the help of Joe, Bertie and Amelia her dream is finally coming true. Claire is able to reach out to many town members, including Joe’s daughter; to show them how a safe place, equestrian therapy and animals can help heal a person.

I highly recommend this book and this entire series! This will be a set of books that I keep on my bookshelf to read again and again! I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this for RT Bookreviews Magazine: https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...

Numerous heartwarming scenes are woven throughout this second-chances story, and there is the reminder that faith can change any situation. The characters are realistic and relatable, as are their struggles. The author does a great job of incorporating foster care, bullying and equine therapy into this latest Family Blessings story.

Social worker Claire Conley is new in town. She wants to renovate a local mansion to create a foster home to give kids a second chance at a happy life. However, some people in town are less than thrilled with her plans. Joe Sheehan is desperately trying to connect with his daughter Amelia, who he never knew existed. He is having a hard time bonding with the 12-year-old. Yet Amelia is drawn to Claire and her therapy animals. Can Claire convince the community that her project will be beneficial for everyone? Will Joe find a way to build a relationship with Amelia? (LOVE INSPIRED, Apr., 224 pp., $5.99)

[Dj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Place to Call Home...(Lawman) Joe Sheehan is desperate to bond with the daughter he's just discovered he has. But as a virtual stranger to twelve-year-old Amelia, who he didn’t know existed, dropped off at her grandmother’s house while the mom said she was going to rehab. The task seems impossible. Until Claire Conley moves to town. A social worker renovating a mansion, left by her biological dad whom she never knew, into a foster home, Claire is the first person to get through to Amelia with her animals. Falling for the single dad was not on Claire's to-do list. But with Joe and Amelia around, the house finally starts to feel like home. She didn’t really want to have to fight the townspeople to make her dream a reality, but the local interim chief has a bee in his bonnet about ‘juvenile delinquents’ coming to his town. Claire's ready to fight to convince Joe that together they've done more than fix a house…they've built a family.

[Stephanie Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Dad Next Door is the first book in the Family Blessing series. I fell in love with this series from the first five pages. It isn't your typical romance series. It is filled with realistic characters and situations. It is a story about life and love. Claire meets Joe Sheehan when she arrives at a mansion she inherited. Joe, who is off due to an injury at work, has a twelve-year-old daughter who falls in love with Claire and her cats. While Joe is healing him and his daughter helps Claire out with fixing the house. This heartwarming story takes you on their journey of love and life. It is full of twists and turns. I could not put this book down. This series would make an amazing show on Hallmark or the Up Christian network. The best part is even though this is a Christian romance novel it isn't preachy. Stephanie Dees does an amazing job of showing what a true Christian is without being preachy.

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after reading book 2 in the series, so I had already connect with Joe, Claire, and Amelia, but I enjoyed reading about their start as a family. I admire Joe for the way he stepped right into fatherhood, even with some bumbling and learning, he was immediately steadfast and gave it his whole heart. At the end he paints a picture for their future that melted my heart. I promptly sighed and read it to hubs. A foster brood sounds about perfect to us too.

As a former foster mom, I admired the passion that Claire poured into renovating the house with the intention to foster a bunch of kids who needed love and God's care, despite the hurdles that pop up. Having read the rest of the series, I know we get to see Claire more, and this aspect come out more and more.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this story. All opinions are honestly my own.

[Joanne Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Conley works to find purpose in the inheritance of her estranged father. Renovating an old mansion for the sake of placing foster kids, she discovers that there's more time and energy needed than she thought. But with the help of lawman Joe Sheenan, and his twelve-year-old daughter Amelia, Claire finds more than enough love and support to make her dreams a reality.

A litter of kittens begins pulling Amelia from her shell, providing Joe an opportunity to become the father he always wished he'd been. Claire finds her own bit of belonging when the three of them create a family chemistry that can't be matched. This story was sweet and intriguing. I recommend it for anybody who needs to make room for dreaming again.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored this book and the story line. Characters with broken pasts trying to build something new, quit literally in fact.

Claire has a heart for helping children and for them to see their worth and be loved.

Joe is a tough guy, who doesn't plan on staying around town long but I had a feeling that might all change as his relationship with Claire developed. But you never know, I could be wrong. You'll just have to read to find out.

There was just enough tension and questions to keep this book interesting. I really enjoyed it and can't wait to read the others in this series.


A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own. 

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joe and Claire both overcame challenging circumstances in their pasts and went on to lead productive lives with careers that helped others. Joe's daughter, Amelia, is a great addition to the story and I loved her connection to animals. I enjoyed the pace of the relationship between Joe and Claire. I really liked Joe's mom, Bertie, and I'm hopeful that she gets her own happy ending in a future book in this series! If you like contemporary Christian fiction, I recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

New to town, but coming into it with plenty of fresh ideas for the inheritance she has gotten from the former mayor. A true challenge that many face when wanting to make a change to a small town and my bringing in foster children. There is a bit of romance thrown in but it didn't really seem to be the main point of the story.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for realistic drama, romance, with a touch of sadness this is for you. It has relatable issues, tough skinned main character, and what life is about living in the south while trying to fit in to a new town. A fast past quick read that is touching and inspiring. * I received a copy of this book in return for my review, all the above is my own opinions.*

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story that portrays Gods love and grace. God never gives up on us created each of us for a specific purpose. The characters come to the story broken, each with their own unique background. Their stories are woven together to make something beautiful from the ashes.

[Emily Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flowing plot with a few well placed twists throughout this contemporary Love Inspired romance with just the right amount of tension to keep it interesting. Lots of heartwarming and touching scenes. Little Amelia was so sweet and adorable.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome series that I ended up reading in reverse order. I loved all 4, and this was as good as the other three. Warning: the whole series will tug at you emotionally and make you wish you could help kids too

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want to read a quick and heartwarming story, then check this one out! :D