Child on His Doorstep

Rescue Haven #2

by Lee Tobin McClain

Could the path to forgiveness begin at his front door?

He needed only a nanny…
but in her he’s found so much more.

Suddenly a father after his little brother is abandoned on his doorstep, Corbin Beck has no idea how to care for a toddler. Thankfully, former hometown party girl Samantha Alcorn is making a fresh start as a live-in nanny. As Corbin bonds with little Mikey—and sparks fly with Samantha—they begin to feel like a family. But Samantha’s secret could change everything…

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Genres: Love Inspired

Mass Market Paperback

Published July 1, 2020

About the author

New York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.

Reviews

[Kelsie Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child on His Doorstep by Lee Tobin McClain is book two in her Rescue Haven series.

Professor Corbin Beck finds a crying toddler on his porch. There is also a note, a suitcase and a car seat. Corbin knows nothing about children and is immediately unsure. Why would anyone think him a suitable guardian for a small child?

With Child on His Doorstep Lee Tobin McClain continues her tradition of warm, heartfelt romance. The dialogue, plot and characters are all interesting and compelling and immediately grab your attention. As in the first book of the series, important issues are visited within the context of the novel. This is another great read and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

My thanks to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corbin Beck is hardly prepared to become a father to his toddler brother Mikey when he suddenly appears on his doorstep. When he runs into someone from high school, Samatha Alcorn, and finds out that she is staying in town for a while, and what is more, is experienced in child care, he hires her as a live-in nanny.

Samantha has had a difficult past. As a teen she was all about partying. Then she experienced a devastating loss and turned to alcohol. Although she has not had a drink in over two years, Corbin's difficult past with his parents and their alcohol dependence is something that is a cause of concern for him. He is more than drawn to Samantha and the more time they spend caring for Mikey, the more difficult it becomes for Corbin to face his feelings.

Samantha has more than her past to contend with. She is keeping a secret from Corbin and is sure once he knows what is really going on that any growing feelings developing between them will be dashed to pieces. They must consider Mikey's well-being and why he was deposited on Corbin's doorstep. Then they must deal with how Corbin is more than hesitant to have an alcoholic in his life and future.

Not only is Samantha truly drawn to Mikey and Corbin, she feels so welcomed by the town that held little respect for her while she was in high school. Does she have a future in that town? What is more, does she stand a chance with Corbin.

Child on His Doorstep touches on another serious issue of loss, other than alcoholism. Although a very quick read, this book delivers a full, satisfying story, one with the dependence of faith that leads to real hope. Although this is the second book in the Rescue Haven series, it was such a touching book that I want to go back and read the first, The Secret Christmas Child.

Lee Tobin McClain is a new name to me and I love seeing that she has a nice backlist. Her writing style incorporates faith, love and family and wraps it all up in a wonderful story, one that captured my attention from the very beginning to a very warm ending.

Many thanks to Harlequin Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet read by McCain that I absolutely adored!
I finished this book in a couple of hours because I couldn’t put it down.
I love McCain’s writing because she hits the characters’ emotions head on without missing a beat.
Wonderful plot with great characters!
This book was so uplifting and I appreciated the theme of forgiveness, love, hope and faith.
I didn’t want the story to end because it was so good.
I look forward to reading more by this author
I highly recommend this book to others.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forgiveness is a big theme in this story.
Good supporting characters, likable main couple.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corbin likes to live a neat, organized life, following his self-imposed rules. When his much younger brother, Mikey, who he did not even know existed is left on his doorstep with a note asking him to take care of the toddler, he find himself with more than he can handle.

Samantha Alcorn comes to the rescue, offering to help with Mikey. As they get to know each other, Corbin finds himself questioning his rules and the hurdles of Samantha's past. Will her secret keep them from being a family.

A heartwarming read from beginning to end. I loved the charming twist in bringing the protagonists together. I know some people might say that this book is predictable, but I loved the cozy, cuteness, and charm in this book. Mikey is just adorable, he loves big dogs and wants Corbin and Samantha to go everywhere with him. Corbin and Samantha have great chemistry, and I just found this book as a whole so enjoyable, with sold themes of faith and forgiveness.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Lorrea - WhatChaReadin'? · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

When Corbin finds a two-year old on his doorstep, he is unsure of who he is. The note with him, says he's his little brother. His parents are alcoholics and his childhood was not the best, to say the least. While having, Mikey, his brother in his care, is probably the better option, Corbin has no idea how to take care of a child. In comes Samantha. Corbin had a huge crush on her in high school, and it seems like those feelings haven't gone away. When she tells him that she has a background in child care, Corbin feels like the luckiest man. But, Samantha is a recovering alcoholic herself and has a few secrets she's keeping. Will these things keep Corbin for going for the love he deserves?

Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I loved the idea for this story, but for me, it just didn't hit the mark for me. It felt like everything was very surface level and not much depth to the characters. I don't want to give too much of the story away. This is a romance, but also Christian Fiction. I enjoy both of those genres, but I don't think I will read more books by this author.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is book 2 in the Rescue Haven series. It can be read as a stand alone. I enjoy books set in small towns where people know each other and help out when needed. Corbin finds himself in need of help when his very young brother is found on his front porch. Mikey has been put in his brother's care and Samantha is called in to be his nanny. This book is a little unrealistic in terms of abandoned children but small towns deal with life a little differently. Of course secrets come to life that threaten their budding romance but all's well that ends well. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline.... Highly recommended

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

[Nancy Lepri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child on His Doorstep
by Lee Tobin McLain
Love Inspired
July 21, 2020
10-1335429646
Contemporary Christian Romance
368 Pages


Corbin Beck is single, and a college professor dedicated to his job and doing research. His current study is to learn out how to offer nutritional upkeep for older dogs. When not teaching or studying, he spends time Rescue Haven, a local shelter that places abandoned canines with good homes. He also assists with a group of teen-aged boys who volunteer to walk, feed, and play with the animals.

Samantha Alcorn, who grew up in Bethlehem Springs is back in town looking to make a fresh start. When in school she went off the rails and started drinking and running around with the wrong crowd. She got pregnant, causing disruption in her home life, especially when the boy refused to acknowledge her pregnancy. Sadly, she miscarried at six months and found solace in alcohol to overcome her pain and heartache, but now she's recovering and wants a new lease on life. Her cousin takes her in though she is looking for a job, she also volunteers at Rescue Haven.

One day while at home, Corbin overhears a child crying and believes it is his next-door neighbor's grandchild. When the sobbing doesn't cease, he goes to investigate only to find a two-year-old boy on his doorstep. There is a note with the boy from Cheryl, his estranged mother stating this is his little brother, Mikey. In the message, she asks him to care for him for two weeks. With no other choice, he brings him into his house, baffled as to what to do. He's never raised or been around young children, so how can he handle this situation? Corbin, who suffered a painful childhood due to Cheryl's alcoholism and his father's lack of caring, now finds himself the caretaker for Mikey. What is going on with his parents?

Knowing Corbin needs help with the toddler and this is where Samantha comes in. He hires her to be Mikey's nanny, unknowing she and Cheryl have set this whole thing in motion. Cheryl's drinking prevents her from caring for the child and in addition, her husband is extremely ill and takes up most of her time. She does not want Mikey to be placed in foster care, so what could be better than having Corbin raise him?

While in high school, Corbin had a huge crush on Samantha though she never knew about it. He offers her a spare room in his home to be available when needed, and before long those old feelings rekindle within him. Samantha sees how caring and tender he is with Mikey and her heart warms. This makes her wonder if they could ever become a family, for she's not only falling in love with Mikey, she cares deeply for Corbin, though tries to distance herself from him.

At the shelter, Samantha wants to start a new project that would involve getting the younger children interested in the facility and learning to care for the dogs. The main drawback is acquiring funds, which wealthy citizen, Mrs. Markowski can provide. This woman oversees the making of a float for the Memorial Day parade to gain interest in the shelter, and she offers Samantha the job of decorating it. If it comes up to her standards, she will fund Samantha's project.

However, Samantha is concerned for the woman knows only too well about her past because she attended school with her now-deceased son, Brock. Will this be a detriment to Samantha's proposal?

She is invited to bring her sketches to Mrs. Markowksi's home for her approval and withholds a giggle when she encounters the woman's dog dressed all in pink sparkles. Unfortunately, Mrs. Markowski considers her plans tacky. Feeling shame and beneath her class, Samantha thinks:

"Was she hopelessly low-class?

"She sucked in a deep breath and consciously relaxed her muscles. You're a child of God. A thought came into her mind then, making her smile: anyone who dressed her poodle up in pin rhinestones had no authority to call their float tacky."

Samantha makes changes to suit Mrs. Markowski, for she wants desperately to take on this venture with the children. Her only concern is that Corbin is working on building the exhibit with his volunteer students. She loves being close to him and can tell he's also attracted to her, but she senses some ambivalence and thinks of her secret.

Though sparks are flying, and he would like it, Corbin cannot visualize a relationship with Samantha. He notices her affection for Mikey, yet he fights to hold his emotions at bay. Remembering his childhood when he had to deal with his drunken mother while growing up, he will not consider his feelings to go any further and refuses to possibly endure the same occurring though Samantha faithfully attends AA meetings and has been sober for a while.

As they become closer, Samantha agonizes over the secret she is keeping from Corbin. He doesn't know Samantha met Cheryl in an AA meeting, and they both concocted this plan to have Corbin raise Mikey. How can she tell him the truth without him hating her, especially now that she's fallen in love with him?

For the first time in her life, Samantha feels like she belongs. She has new friends who accept her, flaws and all, but she wonders if she ever will have a family like they've developed, even though they're not really a family. Heartache ensues for them as they try to keep their attraction to themselves, both afraid of past hurts, secrets, and a fear of what the future could hold.

Issue #2 in the Rescue Haven series is about forgiveness, self-acceptance, and a strong faith in God which carries them through. Learning to accept love and healing is what drives Corbin and Samantha to become the best they can be to make this a heartwarming tale.

[Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suspect the storyline for this one will hit home with many people, especially with the ever-changing family dynamic. Families aren't always made up of the traditional mother, father, child, and we get one example of that here. There were parts of the story that I felt were more shallow than others, parts where I would've liked to have seen a bit more depth, but it was still a touching and uplifting story. Corbin and Samantha are likable and easy to root for, and the feels keep coming with a toddler added to the mix. All in all, A Child on His Doorstep is a story about faith and family, and it's a good way to spend an evening or weekend. This is the second book in the Rescue Haven series, but it works well as a standalone.

[Kim Bakos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable story. I usually prefer longer stories where there is more time for plot and character development, but this shorter story has some important things to share with the reader.
1) Don't make assumptions about others, either based on the past, or what you think you know
2) It is never too late to forgive - people can, and do, change
3) You can grow in ways you never expected when He calls you to a challenge
4) He will equip you for what He calls you to do
5) Everything is better with a dog :)

[Joan Arning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Child on His Doorstep is a story of forgiveness and second chances! I admired Professor Corbin Beck for giving his little brother a home when he was left on his doorstep by their mother. Samantha Alcorn was a caring person but I did not like how she misled Corbin and did not admit that she knew his mother. It was nice to read what was happening with the Rescue Haven after visiting it in the first book. I received a complimentary book from Lee Tobin McClain. This is my honest opinion.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story of forgiveness and redemption, I enjoyed seeing Corbin war with his judgmental nature and overcome it, to fall for the girl he has loved since high school. It was a little sad at parts, but still a nice message. Also, saving animals is a huge plus.

[Celia Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚THE STORY📚

Corbin was raised by immature alcoholic parents who left him to fend for himself. Now he’s a successful academic who keeps his life in strict order, placing a huge distance between his present and his past.

Then a toddler arrives on his doorstep. It’s Mikey, a brother he never knew he had. His estranged parents had a late-in-life baby, but now they can’t look after him due to failing health and ongoing struggles with addiction.

Corbin has no idea how to look after a two year old. But he feels obligated to try and give his brother a better shot than he had. So he’s delighted when Samantha, a girl he knew in high school but hasn’t seen since, appears and says that she has child care experience and is happy to help with Mikey.

What Corbin doesn’t know is that Samantha was part of the plan to leave Mikey on Corbin’s doorstep. Having met his mom in AA, Samantha is also an addict in recovery and was tapped by the older woman to help look after her son.

Corbin needs Samantha - in more ways than one. Her bubbly energy, patience, and flexibility make it possible for his rigidly structured life to make room for a toddler, and his lovable nanny. But she’s keeping secrets - like her connection to his mom, and her past issues with alcohol - that threaten to bring everything tumbling down.

💕THE ROMANCE💕

It’s mentioned that Corbin had a crush on Samantha when they were kids, but this story doesn’t really have “high school crush” or “second chance” vibes. Instead, Corbin and Samantha are adults who initially bond over their shared affection for little Mikey.

Due to his childhood trauma, Corbin has a rigid, narrow worldview. He thinks it keeps him safe, but it also limits him. Samantha shows him out to open up and start to enjoy life more freely, and challenges him to let go of some of the judgments and assumptions that have been holding him back.

Samantha likes Corbin, but has a low sense of self worth. She believes that she doesn’t deserve him and that he would never be able to love her, so she often resists or ignores her own feelings. The romance has a few fitful “stops and starts” as they draw close, then find reasons to shut down or pull apart.

✝️FAITH ELEMENTS✝️

Samantha and Corbin take Mikey to church. Samantha initially worries about being judged, since she was known for being a ‘bad’ kid in high school due to her troubled home life. But she actually encounters a welcoming community and messages of forgiveness.

Both characters pray, before meals and during times of difficulty and confusion. Prayer is depicted as a positive influence on characters, helping them overcome unhealthy thought patterns and providing protection and peace.

References are made to the Biblical story of Moses and his mother and older sister, because Mikey’s story parallels it in interesting ways.

📝MY THOUGHTS📝

Though the character of Corbin is never given an explicit diagnosis in the story, his rigidity and avoidance look a lot like complex or developmental trauma - which makes sense given his backstory. As someone who works with teens dealing with this issue, I thought it was a realistic, effective portrayal of the way Corbin’s coping skills both serve him and hurt him, and what healing can look like in relationships and community.

I also really enjoyed the subplot with the dog rescue program that Samantha and Corbin volunteer at.

[BookAddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we get a story that's touching, heartfelt, and so full of feel-goodness you’ll think your heart will burst, unable to contain it all. And we get to revisit Rescue Haven, the program for troubled boys and forgotten dogs, so if you enjoyed Reese and Gabby's story in The Secret Christmas Child, you’ll definitely love Samantha and Corbin's story!

Corbin Beck enjoys his orderly, organized life as a biology professor and volunteer with the Rescue Haven dogs. But when he finds his toddler-age brother alone on his doorstep with a note from his unreliable, alcoholic mother asking that Corbin take custody of Mikey, Corbin’s entire world is upended. Fortunately, Corbin's first crush, Samantha Alcorn, has returned to town to make a fresh start, and she’s willing to step up and help with Mikey's care.

I was so tickled to return to this book world, to revisit the previous characters and to fall completely for new ones. I enjoyed getting to know Samantha and seeing how well she related with the troubled boys as she worked to create a new life for herself. I loved watching Corbin grow and change, opening his heart to not only raise his brother Mikey, but to take Boomer, a large breed adult dog, into his home. And when you get to critical scene with rescue dog Boomer, don’t believe the line about it only happening in movies, because I had a wonderful rescue dog that did something very similar.

For an emotional, heartwarming, wholesome romance, this gifted wordsmith is, hands down, my favorite. She gives us perfectly flawed, imperfect characters that are relatable and endearing, then fills their stories with hope, healing, forgiveness and redemption. It’s impossible to read her words and not have them impact the reader in some profound way. This positive, uplifting, inspiring writing is something we need desperately in our world these days. Give yourself a break from the busyness that surrounds you and immerse yourself in this wonderful book world. Your soul will be touched and your heart will be eternally grateful.

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of professor Corbin Beck and Samantha Alcorn is a sweet, warm romance. Everyone knows from the beginning where the story is headed, but it was so entertaining getting to the end. Of course, there was plenty of conflict between the two of them and drama with toddler Mikey. The story was not totally realistic, but it was a heartfelt story about addiction and the repercussions to your life and that of others. I enjoyed meeting all of the characters, especially Samantha. She was smart, smarter than she gave herself credit for, and so determined to help Mikey fit into Corbin’s life. Corbin was likable, but a little too stubborn and opinionated for me. Samantha had a lot of friends, most notably Hannah, and the promise at the end is that Hannah’s story will be next in the series. I’m looking forward to that one because Hannah is wise beyond her years and has already learned the secret to happiness, i.e. forgiveness. The author devotes about half a chapter to telling about how to be forgiven, but it fits seamlessly into the story, so it’s not like she is proselytizing. I enjoyed the book, found it to be a fast read and really liked how all of the characters flowed together to make one happy town. Fans of clean Christian romance will love this book and become a fan of this series!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

[Katherine Hayward Pérez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book #3 for Dewey's Reverse Readathon 2020.

Corbin loves his life his way and is used to organisation and rules.

So when he finds a 2 year old toddler on his doorstep along with a note and a car seat, he is really surprised. His shock grows when he finds that the toddler is his brother Mikey. His task: to take care of his brother. He needs someone's help and that help comes in the form of Samantha Alcorn.

I loved the twisty but nice way they got to know each other and truths and secrets are discovered throughout the book.

Samantha is great with Mikey and Corbin has a learning curve ahead of him, but the journey was a fun ride. Mikey is cute and a real character with a love of big dogs and a wish for one. He was pining after his mother but is being with Samantha and Corbin enough to take his mind off that?

Together, Samantha and Corbin have to get to know each other and take care of Mikey. But will things be temporary or permanent? Wher's Mikey's mother?

Sweet, heartfelt and engaging, Child on his Doorstep kept me hooked for the duration of the book which was a few hours.

Join Mikey Samantha and Corbin on a journey of faith trust and self discovery.

Thanks to Lee Tobin Mclain and Harlequin Love Inspired for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntery review.

4 stars.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about an adorable little boy, Mikey, who finds a new home with his “big brother”. Corbin Beck had no idea he had a little brother, and as a single guy focused on his career, had no idea as to how to take care of a toddler. His high school friend (and secret crush), Samantha, seems to be the perfect person to help him take care of Mikey. But the circumstances with Samantha and Mikey aren’t quite what they seem, and Corbin finds himself facing some difficult challenges.

I liked Mikey’s part of the story well enough to keep reading the book to find out where his “forever home” would be. The two main characters’ personalities didn’t really reach out to me, and I wasn’t particularly interested in their part of the story. But since there’s a sweet little boy and an adorable dog, I had enough to still be glad I read the story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

[Nancy Carty Lepri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have reviewed this book for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on their website.

"Child on His Doorstep" by Lee Tobin McLain
Love Inspired
July 21, 2020
10-1335429646
Contemporary Christian Romance
368 Pages

Publicity Contact: Lisa.Wry@harlequin.com

Reviewed by Nancy Carty Lepri

Corbin Beck is single, and a college professor dedicated to his job and doing research. His current study is to learn out how to offer nutritional upkeep for older dogs. When not teaching or studying, he spends time Rescue Haven, a local shelter that places abandoned canines with good homes. He also assists with a group of teen-aged boys who volunteer to walk, feed, and play with the animals.

Samantha Alcorn, who grew up in Bethlehem Springs is back in town looking to make a fresh start. When in school she went off the rails and started drinking and running around with the wrong crowd. She got pregnant, causing disruption in her home life, especially when the boy refused to acknowledge her pregnancy. Sadly, she miscarried at six months and found solace in alcohol to overcome her pain and heartache, but now she's recovering and wants a new lease on life. Her cousin takes her in though she is looking for a job, she also volunteers at Rescue Haven.

One day while at home, Corbin overhears a child crying and believes it is his next-door neighbor's grandchild. When the sobbing doesn't cease, he goes to investigate only to find a two-year-old boy on his doorstep. There is a note with the boy from Cheryl, his estranged mother stating this is his little brother, Mikey. In the message, she asks him to care for him for two weeks. With no other choice, he brings him into his house, baffled as to what to do. He's never raised or been around young children, so how can he handle this situation? Corbin, who suffered a painful childhood due to Cheryl's alcoholism and his father's lack of caring, now finds himself the caretaker for Mikey. What is going on with his parents?

Knowing Corbin needs help with the toddler and this is where Samantha comes in. He hires her to be Mikey's nanny, unknowing she and Cheryl have set this whole thing in motion. Cheryl's drinking prevents her from caring for the child and in addition, her husband is extremely ill and takes up most of her time. She does not want Mikey to be placed in foster care, so what could be better than having Corbin raise him?

While in high school, Corbin had a huge crush on Samantha though she never knew about it. He offers her a spare room in his home to be available when needed, and before long those old feelings rekindle within him. Samantha sees how caring and tender he is with Mikey and her heart warms. This makes her wonder if they could ever become a family, for she's not only falling in love with Mikey, she cares deeply for Corbin, though tries to distance herself from him.

At the shelter, Samantha wants to start a new project that would involve getting the younger children interested in the facility and learning to care for the dogs. The main drawback is acquiring funds, which wealthy citizen, Mrs. Markowski can provide. This woman oversees the making of a float for the Memorial Day parade to gain interest in the shelter, and she offers Samantha the job of decorating it. If it comes up to her standards, she will fund Samantha's project.

However, Samantha is concerned for the woman knows only too well about her past because she attended school with her now-deceased son, Brock. Will this be a detriment to Samantha's proposal?

She is invited to bring her sketches to Mrs. Markowksi's home for her approval and withholds a giggle when she encounters the woman's dog dressed all in pink sparkles. Unfortunately, Mrs. Markowski considers her plans tacky. Feeling shame and beneath her class, Samantha thinks:

"Was she hopelessly low-class?

"She sucked in a deep breath and consciously relaxed her muscles. You're a child of God. A thought came into her mind then, making her smile: anyone who dressed her poodle up in pin rhinestones had no authority to call their float tacky."

Samantha makes changes to suit Mrs. Markowski, for she wants desperately to take on this venture with the children. Her only concern is that Corbin is working on building the exhibit with his volunteer students. She loves being close to him and can tell he's also attracted to her, but she senses some ambivalence and thinks of her secret.

Though sparks are flying, and he would like it, Corbin cannot visualize a relationship with Samantha. He notices her affection for Mikey, yet he fights to hold his emotions at bay. Remembering his childhood when he had to deal with his drunken mother while growing up, he will not consider his feelings to go any further and refuses to possibly endure the same occurring though Samantha faithfully attends AA meetings and has been sober for a while.

As they become closer, Samantha agonizes over the secret she is keeping from Corbin. He doesn't know Samantha met Cheryl in an AA meeting, and they both concocted this plan to have Corbin raise Mikey. How can she tell him the truth without him hating her, especially now that she's fallen in love with him?

For the first time in her life, Samantha feels like she belongs. She has new friends who accept her, flaws and all, but she wonders if she ever will have a family like they've developed, even though they're not really a family. Heartache ensues for them as they try to keep their attraction to themselves, both afraid of past hurts, secrets, and a fear of what the future could hold.

Issue #2 in the Rescue Haven series is about forgiveness, self-acceptance, and a strong faith in God which carries them through. Learning to accept love and healing is what drives Corbin and Samantha to become the best they can be to make this a heartwarming tale.

[Rosemarie Grainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotionally gripping story.

Corbin is shocked to find his toddler brother Mikey on his porch, when he didn't even know about the child. Since he knows nothing about caring for a child, he is thrilled to find out that his old classmate Samantha is an experienced child care worker. But she has a major secret, that could ruin everything that they are trying to do. What will happen when Corbin finds out what that secret is? They also start working with Rescue Haven, a charity to help at risk teens and unwanted dogs. Will that work help them figure things out?

The pace is engrossing and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some kisses but no steam. The characters are vivid and endearing. The Christian ideals are woven into the fabric of the story. Forgiveness is a major theme. Read this series in order.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

CHILD ON HIS DOORSTEP...Lee Tobin McClean
Corbin working at home, doing research for the nutritional needs for senior dogs. If he could get a break through maybe his position at the university would be more secure. A child crying was it a grandchild next door, no a note saying it was his brother, two years old. Cheryl probably at a bar, and why for the two weeks. Growing up without parents at home, how could he be there for Mickey. What will Corbin’s reaction be when he finds this was a set up by his mother. A story of one who felt desperate and the love she had for Mickey her child. She took a daring step and hoped it would work out. A family broken thru the years, by choices. The healing and love that came from a child. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Child on His Doorstep
Author: Lee Tobin McClain
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.5 out of 5

I felt like the feelings between Corbin and Samantha developed basically out of nowhere, although Corbin did have a crush on her back in high school. However, he just moves her into his house now with no hesitations or questions or anything, so that struck me as odd. And who would seriously think dropping off a kid on someone’s doorstep and tricking your way into taking care of said child was a good idea? Really?

Apart from the logic leaps that seemed to me to be lacking in logic, I enjoyed the story, more or less. Solid writing and interesting characters. I loved that all Corbin and Samantha’s friends were Christians, and how supportive the town was, it was the characters’ actions that I struggled with making sense of.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.)

More reviews at Tomorrow is Another Day

[Dawn Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lee Tobin McClain gave us a self-professed nerdy professor for a hero in this thought provoking book. Your friend wants to drop off her young son on her grown son's doorstep unannounced and wants you to insert yourself in their lives to watch over the child without telling him you know his mother. What would you do? Great story!

This is the second book in the Rescue Haven series. It's not necessary to read The Secret Christmas Child first but that's a great book that I highly recommend as well. I received a copy of this book from the author but was not required to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Dana Busenbark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who are Samantha, Mikey, Corbin, Cheryl, and Paul? How do these folks know one another if anything? How does what is happening set the tone to the story at the beginning? What event happens that starts to change the tone of the story? What is said? What happens at the cookout with family and friends? During the parade, something comes to light, a secret, what is it, and what happens? Read and see what happens in this second book of the Rescue Haven series!

RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT from Netgalley FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corbin's mother Cheryl is an alcoholic. She did not really take an active part in raising him. She used to put a leash on him so that he would stay where he was supposed to. But despite everything he grew up and became quite the man.

Now he is a Professor and he has found a two year old child on his doorstep. His Mother left his brother there for a little while. He knows nothing about taking care of a child

Really enjoyed the book think you will too

[Barbara Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I got a bit frustrated with Corbin at times because he was rather unforgiving and judgmental. But I really like how all of that was resolved.

I did enjoy seeing this fastidious, somewhat uptight, structured man having to adjust to having a toddler and a free spirit in his life.

[Janice Particka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child on his doorstep

This is an amazing story. There is drama and heartache in this story. You want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. He hires Samantha to be his live in nanny. He is a professor at a university. Then his father gets sick. Samantha and him break up over problems that occured.

[sandy moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child on His Doorstep

What a fun heartwarming story. The powerful influences of what alcohol does to families and the forgiveness given because God forgives us is so strong in this story

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

A great story about a little boy with sick parents struggling to survive. The little boy is left on a professor's door step.
The characters learn about forgiveness and how to trust. It was hard!. Happy ending