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Sweetheart, Montana #3
Second Chance Dad
Thanksgiving is a time for family…
As a young widow and mother to a three-year-old boy, Sarah Mills’s life is complicated, becoming more so when her high school sweetheart, Daniel, moves back to Montana. He left her behind after graduation and she married his brother, only needing Daniel’s services as a sperm donor when she and her husband couldn’t conceive. Now Daniel's offering her a job as resort manager—but he wants to be part of her son’s life.
Recently retired from pro football, Daniel Hunter is tired of holding on to secrets. He badly wants a relationship with his biological son, and a second chance with the woman he never stopped loving. He builds a first-rate eco resort in Sweetheart, Montana, to give him a shot at a new life post football and proposes to Sarah, thinking it’s the most practical choice for all three of them.
Daniel still makes Sarah’s heart skip a beat, but he’s left her behind once already. She’s convinced he won’t stay this time, either, and now it’s not just her heart at risk.
As a young widow and mother to a three-year-old boy, Sarah Mills’s life is complicated, becoming more so when her high school sweetheart, Daniel, moves back to Montana. He left her behind after graduation and she married his brother, only needing Daniel’s services as a sperm donor when she and her husband couldn’t conceive. Now Daniel's offering her a job as resort manager—but he wants to be part of her son’s life.
Recently retired from pro football, Daniel Hunter is tired of holding on to secrets. He badly wants a relationship with his biological son, and a second chance with the woman he never stopped loving. He builds a first-rate eco resort in Sweetheart, Montana, to give him a shot at a new life post football and proposes to Sarah, thinking it’s the most practical choice for all three of them.
Daniel still makes Sarah’s heart skip a beat, but he’s left her behind once already. She’s convinced he won’t stay this time, either, and now it’s not just her heart at risk.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2022
241 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Joan Kilby
66 books101 followersJoan Kilby is the award-winning author of thirty contemporary romance novels. Originally from Canada, Joan studied to be a marine biologist and worked for many years in the field of environmental biology. In mid-life she returned to her first love--writing--and never looked back. These days Joan lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband and three children. She loves to cook and grows her own herbs, fruit and vegetables. Other interests include hiking, yoga and travel. She once spent six months sailing the South Pacific on a fifty-five foot sailboat built and skippered by her father. Joan belongs to Toastmasters International and is an accomplished speaker--teaching romance writing and giving talks to community organizations. When she’s not working on her latest book she can often be found in a sidewalk café, sipping a latte and indulging in her favorite occupation--people watching.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 16, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
“Second Chance Dad”, by Joan Kilby (Tule Publishing), is a heartwarming and very enjoyable read, with lovable characters and such an arresting matter at the core of the romantic relationship.
Sarah, Daniel and Jeff are great characters and, above all, have interesting and dynamic dialogue and interactions that I loved to watch.
I loved Daniel’s vulnerability, earnestness, kindness, and even the impulsivity that makes him rise important issues in the oddest circumstances.
He’s such a caring and generous man, so thoughtful with everybody.
Daniel and Jeff’s bonding is truly endearing, I really enjoyed watching these two getting to know each other.
I really liked how the author handled Jeff’s birth circumstances, the baggage, hurt and unsolved issues between Daniel and Sarah and both leads’ relationship with Len. The concept of “unequal love” was fascinating. The rebuilding of intimacy was interesting, too.
Other favorite aspect of the story was that instead of simplifying things with easy solutions, Kilby instead introduces more dimensions and complicates the situation a little bit, as happens usually in real life. The characters evolve and grow accordingly.
I loved watching the easy affection and love between Daniel and Jeff; other family elements and their interactions, for example Daniel’s and Len parents, were also engaging and complex. The sibling rivalry was developed well.
I also liked how Daniel and Sarah solved their conflicts and doubts, without excessive melodrama.
“Second Chance Dad”, by Joan Kilby (Tule Publishing), is a heartwarming and very enjoyable read, with lovable characters and such an arresting matter at the core of the romantic relationship.
Sarah, Daniel and Jeff are great characters and, above all, have interesting and dynamic dialogue and interactions that I loved to watch.
I loved Daniel’s vulnerability, earnestness, kindness, and even the impulsivity that makes him rise important issues in the oddest circumstances.
He’s such a caring and generous man, so thoughtful with everybody.
Daniel and Jeff’s bonding is truly endearing, I really enjoyed watching these two getting to know each other.
I really liked how the author handled Jeff’s birth circumstances, the baggage, hurt and unsolved issues between Daniel and Sarah and both leads’ relationship with Len. The concept of “unequal love” was fascinating. The rebuilding of intimacy was interesting, too.
Other favorite aspect of the story was that instead of simplifying things with easy solutions, Kilby instead introduces more dimensions and complicates the situation a little bit, as happens usually in real life. The characters evolve and grow accordingly.
I loved watching the easy affection and love between Daniel and Jeff; other family elements and their interactions, for example Daniel’s and Len parents, were also engaging and complex. The sibling rivalry was developed well.
I also liked how Daniel and Sarah solved their conflicts and doubts, without excessive melodrama.
October 1, 2025
Great beach read
This was a new trope for me - Daniel father's a child when his brother Len asks him to donate for in vitro fertilization . When his brother dies can he persuade his widow that he has always loved her? There is major dysfunction amongst the family but the resolution made for an interesting read.
This was a new trope for me - Daniel father's a child when his brother Len asks him to donate for in vitro fertilization . When his brother dies can he persuade his widow that he has always loved her? There is major dysfunction amongst the family but the resolution made for an interesting read.
September 18, 2022
I received this arc of Second Chance Dad in exchange for my honest review. This is the third book in Joan Kirby’s heartwarming series Second Chance Dad. This story takes place in Sweetheart, Montana. Sarah Mills is a widow with a young son named Jeff. As the book opens, she is hoping to get selected by the town for the job she had been temporarily working after her boss and friend left for a new opportunity. Unfortunately Sarah is not given the job so she is forced to try and find something else as soon as possible. Her late husband’s brother Daniel, who was her high school sweetheart has appeared back in town. He left immediately after school to play for the NFL. Now that he’s retired due to injury, he has returned and bought the new eco resort just built by her friend’s husband. They suggest she apply for a job there as it could be a good opportunity.
Sarah decides to apply for the general manager position and does a great job at the interview with Daniel. He hires her for the job and the two work together to get the resort staffed and up and running. She expects he will eventually return to the NFL team for a coaching job but he promises to stay and run the resort himself. We learn that he is actually Jeff’s biological father because his brother was unable to father a child. His brother resented him and was always in competition with him so it was surprising that he would ask him to donate sperm. Sarah’s mother and Daniel’s parents are unaware that he is actually Jeff’s father. Jeff is thrilled his uncle Dan is back and spending time with him. The two look so much alike that people are asking if they are father and son.
Daniel wants to resume a relationship with Sarah as he realizes he blew it badly years ago. He realizes he loves her. He also would like to be Jeff’s dad too. Sarah has never stopped loving Daniel but is afraid to agree to a relationship because she’s afraid he will leave her again for football. She feels guilty because she never loved her husband as much as she had his brother Dan and she was sure he realized it. What will Dan decide to do when he gets an offer from the Cowboys? What will Sarah do about her relationship with Dan and his wish to marry her and adopt Jeff? The book is so well written and easy to read. I loved the characters and their interactions. I enjoyed seeing the other people we had met in the first two books also. It was a sweet story with some angst. Second chance romances are a favorite genre for me. I highly recommend this book.
Sarah decides to apply for the general manager position and does a great job at the interview with Daniel. He hires her for the job and the two work together to get the resort staffed and up and running. She expects he will eventually return to the NFL team for a coaching job but he promises to stay and run the resort himself. We learn that he is actually Jeff’s biological father because his brother was unable to father a child. His brother resented him and was always in competition with him so it was surprising that he would ask him to donate sperm. Sarah’s mother and Daniel’s parents are unaware that he is actually Jeff’s father. Jeff is thrilled his uncle Dan is back and spending time with him. The two look so much alike that people are asking if they are father and son.
Daniel wants to resume a relationship with Sarah as he realizes he blew it badly years ago. He realizes he loves her. He also would like to be Jeff’s dad too. Sarah has never stopped loving Daniel but is afraid to agree to a relationship because she’s afraid he will leave her again for football. She feels guilty because she never loved her husband as much as she had his brother Dan and she was sure he realized it. What will Dan decide to do when he gets an offer from the Cowboys? What will Sarah do about her relationship with Dan and his wish to marry her and adopt Jeff? The book is so well written and easy to read. I loved the characters and their interactions. I enjoyed seeing the other people we had met in the first two books also. It was a sweet story with some angst. Second chance romances are a favorite genre for me. I highly recommend this book.
March 25, 2024
It is my pleasure to offer this review of Second Chance Dad, Joan Kilby’s third story in her Sweetheart, Montana series. Sarah Mills is a widow and single mom to her three-year-old son Jeff. Her late husband Len died fighting a wildfire. Sarah has help from the grandparents, but life is still very hectic. As the story opens, this fact is compounded when Sarah loses her job and a promotion that she deserved.
Where to find a good job? That’s a real-life crisis that many people have faced. The obvious answer is the new eco-resort being built adjacent to Sweetheart. Sarah must provide for her son and herself, so she applies to be the general manager. Shockingly she is offered the job by the resort’s owner. He has known Sarah since they were high school sweethearts. To compound the situation, the owner of the eco-resort in Daniel Hunter, her husband Len’s older brother.
Daniel has just returned to Sweetheart after being away at college and a pro football career that included winning three Super Bowls. Everyone believes that Daniel is the definition of success. Everyone except Daniel. He lived in the fast lanes of life, never having time for home or family or friends. Now he has returned home to correct the issues that weigh on his heart. He wants to be closer to his parents, his nephew Jeff (who looks just like his uncle), and Sarah who he still loves.
Sarah was hurt deeply by Daniel’s absence in the early years before her marriage. Both must learn again how to communicate with and trust each other. Sarah does accept the job and excels. The Edge of the Wild eco-resort has scheduled Thanksgiving Weekend as their grand opening. Daniel has invited friends and family. Will Daniel convince everyone that he’s in Sweetheart to stay? Will Daniel reconnect with his parents? Will Sarah and Daniel learn to coexist? Will coexistence transform into something more? Will Jeff’s wellbeing continue to be everyone’s focus? Will the little man still be happy when all is sorted out?
Second Chance Dad was a great read! I couldn’t put it down. Sweetheart, Montana is a special town with special friends and family. It is also a wonderful three book series. Second Chance Dad was my favorite book of the series! Rating: 5 STARS!
Where to find a good job? That’s a real-life crisis that many people have faced. The obvious answer is the new eco-resort being built adjacent to Sweetheart. Sarah must provide for her son and herself, so she applies to be the general manager. Shockingly she is offered the job by the resort’s owner. He has known Sarah since they were high school sweethearts. To compound the situation, the owner of the eco-resort in Daniel Hunter, her husband Len’s older brother.
Daniel has just returned to Sweetheart after being away at college and a pro football career that included winning three Super Bowls. Everyone believes that Daniel is the definition of success. Everyone except Daniel. He lived in the fast lanes of life, never having time for home or family or friends. Now he has returned home to correct the issues that weigh on his heart. He wants to be closer to his parents, his nephew Jeff (who looks just like his uncle), and Sarah who he still loves.
Sarah was hurt deeply by Daniel’s absence in the early years before her marriage. Both must learn again how to communicate with and trust each other. Sarah does accept the job and excels. The Edge of the Wild eco-resort has scheduled Thanksgiving Weekend as their grand opening. Daniel has invited friends and family. Will Daniel convince everyone that he’s in Sweetheart to stay? Will Daniel reconnect with his parents? Will Sarah and Daniel learn to coexist? Will coexistence transform into something more? Will Jeff’s wellbeing continue to be everyone’s focus? Will the little man still be happy when all is sorted out?
Second Chance Dad was a great read! I couldn’t put it down. Sweetheart, Montana is a special town with special friends and family. It is also a wonderful three book series. Second Chance Dad was my favorite book of the series! Rating: 5 STARS!
September 14, 2022
Second Chance Dad by Joan Kilby is the third book in the Sweetheart, Montana Series. This is a well named small town because this book s a sweetheart of a story. Jeff, his mom Sarah, and uncle Daniel have a complex history. Sarah married Daniel’s brother who has was killed while performing his duties as a volunteer firefighter. Much more complicated than that especially for the family and the three year old.
All the characters are good people, even the grumpy supporting character. I could appreciate how this all went now that former NFL player is back home planning to stay for good. Past hurts and regrets are a major part of the story that must be overcome before anything else can happen. The plot presents both perspectives which don’t always match. I understood both unable to take either Daniel’s or Sarah’s side completely.
Since life can be messy when goals and careers take precedence over family and love this story has a realistic feel to it. This story is all about second chances. Thank God for second chances. Read today like me you will be rooting for these two to see the second chance and be brave enough to go for it.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
All the characters are good people, even the grumpy supporting character. I could appreciate how this all went now that former NFL player is back home planning to stay for good. Past hurts and regrets are a major part of the story that must be overcome before anything else can happen. The plot presents both perspectives which don’t always match. I understood both unable to take either Daniel’s or Sarah’s side completely.
Since life can be messy when goals and careers take precedence over family and love this story has a realistic feel to it. This story is all about second chances. Thank God for second chances. Read today like me you will be rooting for these two to see the second chance and be brave enough to go for it.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 13, 2022
This is a very sweet second chance romance with a side of family getting back together A perfect bit of escapism for when you want to forget about life for a while
Daniel Hunter broke Sarah Mills heart when he walked away from her after graduation to follow his dream of a career in football. She rebuilt her life though marrying Daniel's brother and starting a family Now she is a widow and Daniel wants back into her life after leaving football behind There is a complication though her three year old son is the biological child of Daniel after she and her husband couldn't conceive Can she give him a chance when if he breaks her heart again he will also break his sons. You will have to read to see if they finally get their happy ever after
Daniel Hunter broke Sarah Mills heart when he walked away from her after graduation to follow his dream of a career in football. She rebuilt her life though marrying Daniel's brother and starting a family Now she is a widow and Daniel wants back into her life after leaving football behind There is a complication though her three year old son is the biological child of Daniel after she and her husband couldn't conceive Can she give him a chance when if he breaks her heart again he will also break his sons. You will have to read to see if they finally get their happy ever after
September 17, 2022
Second Chance Dad brings readers to the scenic town of Sweetheart, Montana. This easy to visualise and truly gorgeous setting is one of the things I loved about the story. The characters are terrific too. Sarah Hunter makes a lovely heroine. Widowed and with a three yer-old son to care fore, she is very family-oriented and protective, hard-working and driven to succeed in her chosen career but also emotionally fragile. Daniel Hunter, her brother-in-law and high school sweetheart is also easy to like and admire. The history between these two and their failure to communicate their true feelings means there’s plenty of emotional tension. The story is well paced and engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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September 14, 2022I love second chance romance. This book did not disappoint. It was everything I look for in a book and so much more. Their story was sad, happy and so very sweet. I could not put this book down. The author did an incredible job telling this second chance story. I felt so many things while reading it and in the end the only thing I wanted was more. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2025
A good read.
A retired NFL player goes back home and sees his first love and has never stopped loving her.
A tad complicated she’s now his widowed sister in law.
They dated in school, he left for NFL and didn’t come back for her so his brother snook in there and married her.
To make it more complicated he donated his sperm as his brother was infertile so lots of raw emotions are on both sides, lots of confusion on does he want me or just his son.
A good story that had wonderful characters.
A retired NFL player goes back home and sees his first love and has never stopped loving her.
A tad complicated she’s now his widowed sister in law.
They dated in school, he left for NFL and didn’t come back for her so his brother snook in there and married her.
To make it more complicated he donated his sperm as his brother was infertile so lots of raw emotions are on both sides, lots of confusion on does he want me or just his son.
A good story that had wonderful characters.
October 15, 2025
Set in the beautiful state of Montana we get to meet Sarah Hunter a widowed mom to 3 year old Jeffy(Jefferson). In high school she dated Daniel until they grew up and he left to pursue a football career. Daniel was gone for over 15 years. I enjoyed these characters, the setting and their second chance at love story. I look forward to continuing with the Sweetheart,Montana book set.
July 27, 2022
I voluntarily read a advised reader’s copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A sweet second chance at love. The story of family coming together and
trying to move on.
Second Chance Dad by Joan Kilby is a the third book in the Sweetheart, Montana
series. A great series and book.
A sweet second chance at love. The story of family coming together and
trying to move on.
Second Chance Dad by Joan Kilby is a the third book in the Sweetheart, Montana
series. A great series and book.
September 22, 2023
This plot is so sad and difficult, not to mention angsty. I always caught myself thinking how it would be like if this happened in real life, it brings lots of discussion of forgiveness, trust and family. I really like when stories in books made me think.
March 4, 2025
I started this little series because the first one was Christmas themed. First one was okay, but really enjoyed the second two! Cute and sweet! Clean and easy to read! I will read more by this author for sure!
September 22, 2025
I took a half star off just for the lack of good editing. I did some of those passages a little distracting, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. New author for me and I will probably read more of her books. The story is unique and quite heartwarming. Loved the characters!
August 17, 2022
Review coming soon
August 27, 2022
Excellent second chance romance.
September 1, 2022
I knew this plot would be good, and it was , also the characters made this and enjoyable read.
Great addition to the Sweetheart, Montana series.
Just a shout out, give it a shot!
Great addition to the Sweetheart, Montana series.
Just a shout out, give it a shot!
March 14, 2025
It wasn’t my cup of tea. Too complicated for a Christmas novel.
September 26, 2025
Unca Dad
Sarah was married to one brother, had a baby fathered by the other brother. When her husband died she was faced with choices that were hard to make.
Sarah was married to one brother, had a baby fathered by the other brother. When her husband died she was faced with choices that were hard to make.
October 2, 2025
Why
I was a great women's fiction. Has to place myself in their position of choices being his brother died and her brother in law is the boys biological dad.
I was a great women's fiction. Has to place myself in their position of choices being his brother died and her brother in law is the boys biological dad.
October 28, 2025
Cute, very likable characters, but kinda long, with the end feeling rushed. And I feel like the author doesn’t know much about football.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews