What she knows will change everything…at Redemption Ranch Arianna Shrader’s new nanny gig is more than a job–it’s an opportunity to bond with the infant boy she gave up to her sister for adoption. But widower Jack DeMoise doesn’t know she’s not just his child’s aunt. As Arianna grows closer to the ranch veterinarian and his son, can she find a way to reveal her secret…and become a permanent … a permanent part of their family?
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The Nanny’s Secret Baby is a sweet inspirational romance with themes of forgiveness and starting over. Widower Jack has just received some difficult news about his adopted toddler son–he is autistic. At least now the reason why his son thrives with routines is clear; unfortunately, finding someone who understands who can watch him while Jack tends to his busy veterinary practice is proving difficult. His sister-in-law Arianna is out of work and back in town to start over–asking her to temporarily be Sammy’s nanny seems like the perfect solution. Or is it?
Jack and Arianna had a sweet romance, though at times it felt a bit doomed. At first Arianna struggled with her secret–she knew Jack should know, but didn’t know how to tell him without ruining their fragile bond. She was right to worry–Jack does not take it well when he does find out, and for a short while there it seemed as if their HEA was out of reach. It’s hard to argue that Arianna kept her big secret from Jack a bit longer than she should have, except for two factors: her own sister’s insistence that she do so, and the legal strings surrounding the closed adoption Chloe (Arianna’s sister and Jack’s wife) had insisted on. I couldn’t help but feel that Chloe deserved more of the blame here than she was getting–yes, she has passed on, but a lot of both Arianna and Jack’s issues with Sammy and with their relationship stemmed from her actions when she was alive.
Fortunately, Jack and Arianna do manage to move past their problems and find their way to an HEA. The ending is absolutely adorable, and made up for much of the aggravation I felt earlier while reading.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars / B-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
What a great read that deals with the difficulty of giving up a child for adoption and finding your way back into his life. Secrets can cause more pain and the truth can set us free to be who God intended us to be. I loved the compassionate way Sammy is written and that he is shown as important as sometimes autism is viewed in a negative light. This is an enjoyable read that delighted my heart with its realistic characters and great plot line that is well developed. Besides how can you not pick this up because of the adorable cover.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
First I would like to mention that I absolutely LOVE the cover. I mean I could just pick up that little cowboy and his bear and hug him to pieces!!
This story was a wonderful tale. Jack and his late wife adopted Sammy in a closed adoption. Unbeknownst to Jack, Sammy is his sister-in-law’s baby. Arianna has a child out of wedlock and she knows that adoption would be the best thing for her child. Even if giving him up breaks her heart, she wants the best for her baby. Her sister Chloe, unfortunately, can’t have children and convinces Arianna to let her and her Jack adopt him but on the condition that Jack doesn’t know who the birth mother is.
The road to a HEA is a difficult one here. It is strife with guilt and a sense of betrayal. How these two grow close and to each other and overcome obstacles, is a true gift to behold. This is a sweet, clean romance that is faith-filled. I adored reading this story and getting into contact with the characters’ frame of mind with the dual POV that it is written in. To me, it draws me closer to the characters, plot and humanizes the characters.
If you love a faith-filled sweet, clean romance, then read this one. I haven’t read the prior stories in this series and can see where prior characters are making appearances by reading their synopsis. I highly recommend this story to anyone.
I had a bit of trouble with the H in this one.
Jack comes off as a bit judgmental right out the gate
He had an inkling his little partner was autistic but now that the diagnosis is confirmed he decides to hire a nanny to ensure little Sammy gets a head start ensuring the best for his future
Arianna Sammy’s aunt ( as for as Jack is concerned) offers to help but Jack is not to keen on the idea of someone so vibrant and full of life caring for his little guy- How can someone so full of life stay organized? How could she possibly care for little Sammy properly? – and cue me not so happy with Jack
Arianna has her secrets but she also had her reasons. I enjoyed the strength she showed and that she took the time to evaluate how her decisions would affect everyone, not just her.
As Jack spends time with her and begins to see past the label he originally placed on her he finds his original judgment may have been a bit harsh.
This is an inspirational story about acceptance, forgiveness, and family.
#TheNannysSecretBaby #NetGalley
Hidden emotions, life-changing secrets, regrets of the past, and one little boy in the middle of the mayhem – an emotional read that brought a range of feels to the top and had me reacting from smiles and sighs to tears and even with displeased annoyment.
I loved little Sammy. He was such a joyful boy, facing his challenges, and trying his utmost to communicate and show his love to his guardians.
Arianna Shrader was misjudged and mistreated by those who were supposed to have her back and guard her against the hurdles of the world. She was easy to relate to and I admired her determination and giving spirit. She knew that some of her choices in the past caused pain to others, she owned up to them, and often put other’s needs in front of her own.
At first glance, Jack DeMoise seemed like a good, kind, generous, considerate man. I liked him, I understood why Arianna would fall for him. I liked his honesty, him standing up for Arianna and for the possible relationship they could have – until he didn’t.
Jack and Arianna had a connection, they had a lot in common, they shared the interests, they shared the faith in God, and they both loved Sammy. The attraction was palpable, even though they were slow to act on it. What happens when Arianna’s secret is revealed, was a tough setback to me. Jack takes the betrayal, that wasn’t necessarily Arianna’s, to the next level, and his behavior becomes something that is hard to look over or get redemption from. I struggled with this, and how it affected others around Jack, mostly to Sammy but also to Arianna.
In a way one could say it is what it is – even Christian people can be hateful and mean, even people of faith make mistakes and judges others unfairly. And that is all true. Yet despite the sweet romance, the growth in faith Arianna experience, the adorable Sammy, the hope-filled ranch, and Jack standing up to his father when needed, the way Jack continued to react after the secret is revealed – that was a bit harsh towards Arianna. And the reason why I will give this book
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
I absolutely loved this book. A look at what keeping secrets can do to a family. Will there be second chances? You must read to find out. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
I loved this story. The characters are flawed but to be admired for their efforts. They’ve made mistakes and now have to deal with them. Secrets always come out in the end, and the results can be disastrous. Adriana and Jack have to find a way to get past the results and find a way to help little Sammy. A fast paced, touching story that is now among my favorites. I received a copy of this book from the author, which in no way influenced my review. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
I loved this book. Arianna and Jack were wonderful characters and Sammy was just a delight. It is a great addition to the Redemption Ranch series. I love how the characters’ faith is an important part of the story. I stayed up later than usual, reading and crying, to finish. I definitely would recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
Review Jack is surprised when Arianna shows up at his house. Jack needs to find someone to watch Sammy while he works. When Arianna offers Jack doesn’t think it would work. Sammy and Arianna have a great time together while she is also helping him. Jack and Arianna want what is best to help Sammy. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful book. The characters are like a big family. I had the honor to review this book for the author for a honest review. I would give this book a higher rating than a five star review if I could.
The Nanny’s Secret Baby: A Fresh-Start Family Romance (ebook) by Lee Tobin McClain …this is my first book by Lee Tobin McClain…I’m giving this book 4 stars…I enjoyed Arianna and Jack’s story ..but there was a little to much angst for me…I cried ugly tears and some happy ones at the end..Their story of love, betrayal, forgiveness and finding their way to a very HEA ( all this and Sammy touched my heart…)