This book is a good fit for readers looking for an uplifting story about second chances, family, and the journey to forgiveness and redemption.

I loved this sweet Christian romance that focused on faith, forgiveness and second chances. I love forward to the next book in the series.

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.

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.

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.

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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:is to take care of his brother. He needs someone's help and that help comes in the formof Samantha Alcorn.

I loved the twisty but nice way they got to know each other and truths and sec rets 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.

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.”

Corbin has landed himself a toddler on his porch with baby supplies and little else. Unsure how to care for the child Samantha offers her services. Little does he know that she has a bit of secret and even worse as they both start to confess attraction with the secret looming over her shoulder it could ruin things for them.

If you like predictable, contemporary books you'll like this. Personally I found this predictable but it was still no less enjoyable. I enjoy get to know these characters and rooting for the best when it comes to the three because the baby is in their life and if he's here to stay is the question. Then theres the whole thing where Samantha didn't have the best reputation is trying to make something of herself and prove herself and it was interesting seeing how she was doing that. This book was a clean romance which I appreciate. Overall this was a pretty cute book

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

An unexpected delivery and fresh start. 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…
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.
Lee Tobin McClain is a bestselling author. Child on His Doorstep is her newest novel.
(Galley courtesy of Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.)

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Corban and Samanthas story was a nice one. Not sure I agree with the actions of his mom but looking out for his little brother really changed them.

Child on the doorstep. Was a difficult book to read. The characters are not easy to get involved with. I can’t recommend this book

Cute sweet story, with an uplifting message about hope and forgiveness. Although I wasn't in love with this tale I could definitely recommend this story to others who'll enjoy light uplifting entertainment.