Will a fresh start heal old wounds? His high school sweetheart returns with a baby…And a devastating secret. Reese Markowski can’t believe he’s hiring his ex-girlfriend–but to save his program for dogs and at-risk kids, the veteran needs Gabby Hanks. Single mom Gabby’s fierce love for her infant daughter is undeniable, as is the child’s effect on Reese’s wounded heart. Their holiday reunion … Their holiday reunion is a joyful surprise, but nothing prepares Reese for the truth about Gabby’s baby…
Rescue Haven
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Gabby was easy to connect with. She was running from a past that she had to face eventually. Small towns are hard to keep secrets in. I loved the work that was being done with the at risk boys, and the rescue dogs. While this was a Christmas story, it doesn’t really have to be read at Christmas. I think it would be enjoyable any time of the year.
I loved this story of romantic second chance. The plot was unique and fun to read. I will recommend this book to my friends.
A heartfelt and tender tale of young adults in their 20s trying to navigate life with all its hurdles during Christmas time.
Reese Markowski and Gabby Hanks have faced more turbulence and drama in their young lives than some people throughout their lives. Yet their fate in God and his guidance is strong and unwavering. The author wrote this delicate tale with such talent and deep emotions, the characters’ faith in God is a natural and central part of the story, well embedded into the flow of the plot.
I admired the protagonists, their desire to work with the at-risk kids, their ardent will for making it the Rescue Haven succeed for the children’s sake.
The history between Reese and Gabby, the quick judgment of hurt feelings that had dire consequences, the hurt, pain, and the redemption from the past, forgiveness, and compassion they felt, it was genuine and deep, so profound that it could have been dealt in a little longer time frame.
There are many touching moments throughout the story that brought even tears to my eyes, especially when the at-risk boys dealt with the dogs.
A wholesome tale of one challenging Christmas time at Rescue Haven where mercy, grace, and love reigns.
~ Four Spoons
Who are Reese & Gabby? Why is Gabby apologizing? What happened after Gabby was seen on social media with Reese’s cousin? What secret is she hiding? What is Nana up to? That lady is up to no good I fear, just 2 chapters into the story. Who are Jacob and Connor? Where are they coming into town from? What happened the previous summer with Jacob? Mr. Romano is a scrooge! UGH! Who is Izzy? Who is her father? What do we learn that made my heart break for Gabby? Who is Brock? I don’t like him or his parents! When the hard truths come out, can what is broken be fixed?
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin’ With M. Brennan.
I enjoy all of Lee Tobin McClain’s books, and THE SECRET CHRISTMAS CHILD is one of my favorites. This novel hits all the right marks for me. Veterans who still want to serve live in every community, and Reese is one of these. He has a special soft spot for at-risk kids and dogs who also need rescuing, so being involved in life and making sacrifices are important themes of McClain’s book. The female lead is someone we can identify with. Gabby has experienced love and heartbreak. While she, like many of us, has a secret, she is a warm and caring young woman who also is willing to make sacrifices for those she loves. This story has characters who are real, a story that is complex and interesting, and ideas which are relevant in today’s world. As this novel is published within the “inspirational” family of romances, readers may discover answers to some of their own challenges. For this reason, readers may find THE SECRET CHRISTMAS CHILD especially meaningful. I highly recommend this Christmas story for readers who want to enjoy a heartfelt story during this season of caring. (less)
At first I wasn’t completely drawn into this book but then closer to the end I was completely into the story. What a emotional rollercoaster. I must admit my eyes were wet in the ending chapters. To be honest this reader was reaching for the Kleenex box. If a book has the ability to grab me into the story to that extent than I feel it deserves five Stars.
This story is about two teenagers in high school that dated and planned a future together in the years to come. The boy graduated and entered the service. The girl promised to wait for him but then something terrible went wrong and everything changed from that point on.
Reese Markowski is that young boy who turned into a hero while in the service. He was wounded and had his right arm and hand amputated below the elbow. He went through his healing process and extensive physical therapy and was released from his service. He went back to his hometown, Bethlehem Springs in Ohio. There he set up a centre where he took in at risk boys during after school hours to help keep them out of trouble. Each boy was assigned to train a problem dog that had no where else to turn. Reese himself was a hurting man. His parents had died in a car wreck when he was very young and he was sent to live with his Aunt and Uncle who didn’t really want him.
Gabby Hanks had dated Reese in high school. The couple had split up due to a misunderstanding while Reese was enlisted in the service. Gabby, who works in the other side of the state, returns home to be with her grandmother over the holidays. Nana, up in her mid eighties has been sick and is slow to recover. Gabby didn’t return alone but came with a nine month old baby girl. She needed a job and Reese needed an assistant to help him run Rescue Haven. Reluctantly he hires Gabby to fill that role.
Jacob Hanks is Gabby’s half brother. She hardly knows him because her mother sent her to live with Nana at a young age. Jacob is a troubled youth and his father sends him to spend time with Nana during the holidays. Reese takes him under his wing to try to help him stay out of trouble during Christmas break.
As I said earlier this book has lots of twist and turns. It all comes together and makes a beautiful story. All readers of Christian Fiction or Contemporary Romance should read this Christmas Love Inspired Romance. I hope you will put it in your want to read pile. It comes highly recommended by this reader.
I borrowed a paperback edition of this book. A favorable review was not requested. All opinions expressed and shared here in this review are my own.
I was hooked on this book from the first page to the last. This author is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects and did a wonderful job. I loved the story and the characters. One thing that I liked was that she was able to show the consequences of making snap judgements without all the facts. One line stuck with me, probably because I needed it. “God is in control, so you don’t have to be.” This was a great book and I would recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
The Secret Christmas Child is book one in Lee Tobin McClain’s Rescue Haven series. Lee Tobin McClain is one of my favorite authors, and she did not fail me with this novel.
Reese Markowski is a veteran who runs, Rescue Haven, a program for at-risk kids and dogs. He feels that caring for and training dogs will give the boys purpose and keep them out of trouble. Reese can’t believe that his high school sweetheart, Gabby Hanks, will be working for him. He was tricked into the arrangement by Gabby’s grandmother.
Gabby Hanks, Reese’s ex-girlfriend, and her nine-month-old daughter, Izzy, are temporarily living with Gabby’s grandmother. Gabby is surprised that the job Nana has arranged for her is working with Reese. This job is perfect, though, because it allows her to be close to her elderly grandmother and Izzy while she works.
Though both Reese and Gabby have romantic feelings for each other, the past seems too much to overcome.
Ms. McClain has knocked it out of the park again. The characters are well-conceived and completely relatable. The dialogue is vivid. There are surprising plot twists. The author touches on potentially controversial issues. The Secret Christmas Child is a great read. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it to readers who enjoy romance with a little suspense.
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.
Reece and Gabby have a history and made promises to each other that Gabby didn’t keep. She returns to town to a sick grandma with a baby girl in tow and secret that could hurt Reece.
She needs a job he needs help , he thinks he’s crazy but he hires her and she’s great with the troubled teens. Can they overcome the past?
I was hooked From the beginning couldn’t hardly put it down
Lovable characters? Check. Conflict that keeps you reading to see how it is solved? Check. Broken pasts and second chances? Check. Finding love in the midst of heartache? Check! Now add to that Christmas, babies, and puppies… and you have Lee Tobin McClains latest heartwarming story – the first in the Rescue Haven Series (and i cannot wait for the next!) I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author, but no review was required. These are my own honest thoughts. Truly, after being consistently pleased with her stories, I always look forward to this author’s next book.
Forgiveness, healing, redemption, grace and second chances are the themes of this emotional, moving holiday story. From the hurt and betrayal felt by the two main characters to the rowdy but loveable boys and the discarded dogs getting a second chance, there are a lot of tugs to the heart, and you’ll want to have your tissues handy. For a fairly short read, the characters are complex, the setting picturesque and a little quirky, and the wholesome storyline is rich, captivating and poignant.
When single mother Gabby goes home to Bethlehem Springs to help the grandmother who raised her, she didn’t realize her estranged fifteen-year-old stepbrother Jacob would be part of the deal. She also never expected the job opportunity her Nana suggested would involve working with Reese, the boy who broke her heart after high school.
After Reese lost his arm fighting for his country, his own rehab lead him to open Rescue Haven, a place for troubled boys and rescue dogs. He really needs help since losing his assistant, but can he set aside his anger and hurt over Gabby’s apparent betrayal with Reese’s cousin no sooner than Reese enlisted and work side by side with her? If that’s not enough of a challenge, his charity is about to lose its funding and he needs a plan to save it.
This is one of those books I wish would never end. I want to watch baby Izzy grow up with all of the Rescue Haven boys as her honorary big brothers, and I want to see Jacob and the other boys become strong, compassionate men and find out what they do with their lives. Fortunately, there’s more to come from Rescue Haven, its boys and dogs, so we’ll have more opportunities to visit again, and I know without a doubt that it will feel like coming home. Don’t miss this wonderful premier book in an amazing, touching new series!
Gabby Hanko’s Nana has been ill so Gabby and her baby daughter Izzy return to Gabby’s hometown to help out with Nana. She has lost her job so staying with Nana is a blessing. She just needs to find a job if she wants to stay. Unbeknownst to Gabby Nana has set up a job interview for her with her former boyfriend Reese Markowski. Reese is a wounded war veteran who originally planned to work as a carpenter but losing his right hand to an IED while overseas meant a change of career. Now Reese has established his Rescue Haven Program which helps boys at risk and abandoned dogs. The boys each have one of the abandoned dogs assigned to them to help take care of them. This therapy is beneficial to the boys and the dogs. Gabby is very surprised to find herself at a job interview with Reese. Reese seemed a little cold towards her the previous evening when he delivered groceries to Nana and now at this interview he seems reluctant to hire her but he does decide to hire her. There are instances of miscommunication and insecurities on both sides but can they overcome all that and get back together?
The Secret Christmas Child by Lee Tobin McClain is the first book in her new series, Rescue Haven. This author delves into a dark subject in this story yet manages to tell her tale graciously and with a happy ending proving that people who believe and love can indeed overcome adversity. There are many lighthearted scenes throughout the story which evoke warm feelings and bright Christmas spirit. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more in this series.
The full truth is not always apparent! I admired Reese Markowski who lost his hand in the military and now works with at-risk boys and dogs! The boys and dogs help heal each other! Reese’s former girlfriend, Gabby, now has an infant daughter and hasn’t told anyone who the father is. Reese knows it isn’t him though some people in town think so. Gabby needs a job and is great with the teenage boys. Gabby is a strong protagonist who does what she feels is the right thing but learns we sometimes need to share our needs with others. I recommend The Secret Christmas Child to others. I received a complimentary copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
Super story of second chances with lots of emotions to deal with. Very well written. Thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas story. Highly recommend. I received an advance reader copy from the author. Opinions are my own.
When Gabby comes home to help Nanna she knows she has to avoid Reese. Reese is shocked when he comes into Nanna’s house and hears Izzy crying. Gabby is trying to raise Izzy and help Nanna . Reese is trying to help me the boys he is in charge of. The characters in this book are all very special people who you will love reading about. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next. 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. You will feel God working throughout this inspirational story.
This is a heartfelt story of second chances, past mistakes, secrets, redemption, and love. Gabby and Reese are likable characters, and the setting of the youth center and dog training program add to the charm of the story. I’m delighted that it is the first story in a new series and I look forward to returning to Rescue Haven in future stories.