Lee Tobin McClain

Ready for Romance by Debbie Macomber & Child on His Doorstep by Lee Tobin McClain is a 2022 Harlequin publication.

I checked this book out on impulse at the Overdrive library. This is a two book bundle pack of previously published Harlequin romance novels.

I encourage publishers or authors who have control over their book rights to digitize their older books- so I’m glad to see so many of Debbie Macomber’s vintage titles are available in e book format. The first book featured in this two-fer was originally published in 1994- nearly thirty years ago!

Naturally, a Harlequin romance written several decades ago will be somewhat dated. But, other than some truly cringeworthy workplace casualness, for a lack of a better word, and the premise of hiring a woman for matchmaking purposes, rather than for her job skills, the story was still readable and enjoyable. It’s an average story, nothing especially memorable here, but it was fun to read one of Macomber’s early works.

3 stars

The second ‘bonus’ book is a more recent release, and as such, I thought it was the better story- so this is the one I’m going to review. This is also a Harlequin publication- originally published in 2020 for the ‘Love Inspired’ faith based imprint.

Corbin’s parents were alcoholics leaving him bitter and resentful towards them. Then he discovers, he has a much younger brother, when his mother drops him off on Corbin's doorstep.

Corbin knows nothing about children, but thankfully, and quite fortuitously, he finds Samantha, a woman looking for a fresh start, with a background in childcare, to become a his live-in Nanny.

Little does he know that Samantha’s involvement is slightly orchestrated.

As Corbin and Samantha get to know one another better, they both feel a spark between them- but Samantha’s past struggles with substance abuse causes Corbin to put up all his immovable defenses. Yet Samantha is slowly softening his resolve to never get emotionally involved with an alcoholic. But what would he do if he found out that Samantha has been keeping a big secret from him?

I’ve been meaning to give this author a try for a while, and this was a great way to sample her work. The story is quick, with a strong message of human frailty, being judgmental, and about being open to forgiveness and hope.

This is a nice story with mature characters, and I got a good first impression of this author. I think Lee Tobin McClain has moved, as did Debbie Macomber, into the women’s fiction category, and I’m looking forward to reading a few of her newer books in the near future.

3.5 stars for this one

Overall, this is a solid pairing of older books by two authors who have both progressed with their writing. I do wish readers had a better idea of how old the Macomber book is before going in, as I thought it might be a bit misleading. It didn’t bother me because I don’t really mind reading older books, but others might be confused by the pub date and the updated cover.

Other than that, this was a nice, warm, comforting way to spend a cold January Sunday afternoon.

Three+ stars for the bundle- overall.… (meer)

Bestselling romance author, Lee Tobin McClain, pens a new heartwarming romance series, kicking it off with The Forever Farmhouse. Ryan Hastings hasn’t come back to Teaberry island much since he left for college, but when he gets word that his foster mother isn’t coping well after the death of her husband he decides to bring his research with him and come back to the place where he left his heart. Mellie Anderson, was more than the girl next door, she was Ryan’s first and only love. Like his foster mother, she is widowed, but has a ten-year-old son and seems to be doing just fine. But the reality is, she is not coping well being in such close proximity with her son’s father. Although he is an esteemed scientist, Ryan isn’t very good with dates and has no idea that he fathered a child, something Mellie is fine with him never knowing. But as they start to gravitate towards each other again and Ryan starts to fall back in love with the island and with her – secrets are bound to come out. Narrated calmly and expertly by Tanya Eby who breathes life into the small-town Chesapeake Island community. Extremely slow moving and filled with every inspirational trope imaginable, this audio is only recommended for those who like their romances to be all fluff and no substance.… (meer)