As I've learned to expect, a beautifully written and fun read. McClain writes wonderfully believable stories with flawed but truly good heroes and heroines

I really enjoyed this Christmas story. Reese Markowski runs a program for rescue dogs and at-risk kids. He needs to hire an assistant and can't believe he is hiring his ex-girlfriend, Gabby Hanks. The program is in the red and he needs a grant to save the program. The church is on the fence about making a major contribution, so Gabby jumps in and says that they will produce a Christmas program to show them what they have been doing in the winter daycamps. That in itself made for a lot of humour in this story, which I really enjoyed. The secret part is that Gabby has a 9 month old baby. Is it Reese's baby? They both know it is not as Gabby wanted to be celibate until marriage. It turns out that she was assaulted and Gabby was the result, but she has not told anyone that. Reese is also a vet, who lost an arm in an IED attack and is trying to remake his life. There is a lot to like about this story. You have two great main characters who are strong, yet wounded and you have wonderful secondary characters that add so much to this story. Gabby and Reese are still attracted to one another, but both are fighting the attraction, and they both think they are not good enough for each other. Again, I was rooting for this couple to get beyond their baggage and be honest with each other. They also needed to forgive someone along the way. A very sweet, inspirational, second chance romance. One I recommend. I will be watching for more books in the Rescue Haven series.

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.

Appearances can be deceiving — a notion that Lee Tobin McClain explores at length in her inspirational holiday romance, The Secret Christmas Child, wherein former high school sweethearts grapple with their desires amidst a swirling sea of rumors that trigger old wounds and insecurities.

When Gabby Hanks returns to Bethlehem Springs to take care of her grandmother with her infant daughter in tow, she never expected to work with her first love, Reese and his group of at-risk boys. An encounter that is sure to fan the flames of old wounds. From the conservative community of the small town, not to mention the resignation of her former lover, who believes, deep down, that Gabby betrayed him — an assumption based on a lone photo posted by his cousin on social media while he was on tour in the Middle East — McClain explores the emotional impact of miscommunication and assumption in The Secret Christmas Child.

A military term changed the course of Reese’s life when an IED explosion left him disabled and unable to follow his dreams of carpentry due to limitations with a prosthetic hand. It also accelerated their separation, and so Reese wars with common sense when Gabby returns to Bethlehem Springs. Past heartbreak and the idea of betrayal leave Reese at a loss for words when Gabby’s well-meaning grandmother sends her to Rescue Haven, a non-profit program that pairs at-risk boys with shelter dogs.

Run by Reese, who found solace in training dogs during physical therapy, Rescue Haven acts as a support group for teenage boys with nowhere else to go in Bethlehem Springs, where a sharp line divides rich and poor. Funded by the donors of the local church, the group is Reese’s only hope at a family, as his own insecurities — spurred on not just by his disability, but by Gabby’s “betrayal” — tell the veteran that he is not good enough for love.

Stripped of her agency due to her desire to maintain a family’s image of a deceased son, Gabby keeps her silence in regard to past trauma in the form of a forced “relationship” with Reese’s cousin Brock. This sparks insecurity and heartbreak that pit her and Reese against one another. As old wounds surface when a new wave of rumors ripple through the town, Gabby and Reese must confront their rekindled desires as everything — the program, their relationship, family, and the looming presence of Christmas — threaten to crumble around them.

Although the novel revolves around verse and prayer, rather than push faith on the reader, The Secret Christmas Child explores themes of hope and forgiveness through the power of communication and redemption, even if the characters themselves are rooted in Christianity.

By unpacking assumptions, McClain explores the meaning of second chance romance in her latest holiday special. Though they struggle to combat their inner demons and insecurities, Gabby and Reese come to terms with their past, present and future, all while building a relationship off of trust and emotion rather than physical desire. Though a compassionate spark results in a physical bond between the duo, McClain excels in crafting a realistic relationship in which personality prevails.

While the inspirational novel may be a bit too much for nonreligious readers and feels slightly rushed at times, leaving plot points a little too open (including the long-awaited nativity play), McClain’s latest romance explores the meaning of love by rekindling a compassionate romance in which friends become lovers — after unpacking insecurities and working through assumptions — all while finding their own agency.

A secret child, a war veteran and two people seeking love, forgiveness and themselves. The Secret Christmas Child has it all. Reese, a wounded vet and owner of Rescue Haven, a program geared towards bringing boys to care for dogs gets an unlikely surprise when his high school sweetheart Gabby Hanks, walks back into his life and becomes his employee. Both fueled with emotions towards each other, Reese can’t get over Gabby’s betrayal with his cousin. Through working together, they learn so much about each other, including the cruel circumstances that separated them and their path towards healing and growing together.

This is a heartfelt love story with a holiday tie-in and a story line that will have you grabbing for the tissues. Both Reese and Gabby definitely have their baggage and each find redemption with the other through working alongside each other. Their love is there, real and raw and full of untangling emotions. You become invested in their pain and in their journey to self-healing. Both characters are both easy to invest because they were both like-able. Gabby and Reese didn’t seem like the cliche scorned sweethearts I thought I was walking into. Their story was much more complex than that. Gabby and Reese were able to work through it all, even the secret baby she was withholding at the beginning.

Gabby’s and Reese’s story while romantic and heart tugging was the only story that caught my attention. The supporting characters also played a major and vital role in this story. From the young boys finding healing through caring for the dogs, to Gabby’s grandmother, each supporting character added to the overall warm feeling of the story. Add-in a Christmas pageant and a wintery vibe and you have a holiday read that is a quick page turner that makes you wanting more.

I really enjoyed this sweet heartwarming Christmas story by Lee Tobin McClain. I couldn't put it down until it
was finished and these are special characters that will leave you thinking about them long after the story is finished.
They are also easy to make friends with. Gabby especially. Gabby is that's she's caring, kind, and compassionate about what she does.
Reese still has a lot of "growing up to do" as they say. I too had a hard time liking him. But he eventually "won"me over as they say.
Ever hear of that old saying you can run but can't hide? It's actually true! And secrets, lies, or whatever the case may be, it tends to come out and living in a small town makes it that much harder!
My husband is perfect example! He got in a little bit of trouble and the whole town knew before he did!
I love this story because it's full of forgiveness, second chances and those are my favorite kinds of stories. I think what I really like about them is that all of these events can happen in real life.
Forgiving someone even if they don't want it is more for yourself than anything!
I love Lee's style of writing because she write from the heart. I tend to think that she's experienced some of these life events herself. All of us have really.
Another reason I like these Love Inspired novels is that they're relaxing and short reads. I finished this one in less than a day. It was one of those books that wouldn't let you go until you finished it.
Overall five star rating for this awesome story!
My thanks to the author and Netgalley for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked how it touched on at risk boys, and them helping the rescue dogs that need the most help.
This was funny and sad. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Thank you netgalley and harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

Title: The Secret Christmas Child

Author: Lee Tobin McClain

Series: Rescue Haven book 1


Pages: 224

Genre: Christian Romance

Rating: 5 Stars

Publisher: Love Inspired
The Secret Christmas Child by Lee Tobin McClain is a sweet Christmas romance from Love inspired it a short 224-page novel. That is easily a book that can be finished in a day. Reese Markowski is a wounded solider who’s life and life plan changed completely when a roadside bomb in Iraq took more than his hand from him. Gabby Hank’s plans for a future with her high school sweetheart changed in the blink of an eye. They are then thrown back together just before Christmas. Can this Christmas prove to be a second chance for two high school sweethearts?
This short and sweet romance shows that all things are possible with God.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

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 enjoyed reading this book. It’s a heart-touching story, and I felt an instant compassion for Gabby. She was a brave young woman who, despite her trouble and heartache, cared deeply for others and loved her baby. I had a harder time connecting with Reese. I really wanted him to be the “grownup” early on in the sad situation and help Gabby out. But he has much to overcome, too, so I finally came to like him. I thought the author did a very nice job with this book, and I’ll be looking forward to reading more by her!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was beautiful. I won't lie, you might need a few tissues (or a small box) on hand, there are a few tear jerker moments. You know from the start Reese and Gabby belong together, but it's a long road to get there. The boys of Rescue Haven will steal your heart as the boisterous crew navigate their own obstacles. A masterfully woven, heart-warming story that will remind you of the real spirit of the holidays, and that even out of sorrow can come great joy.

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.

This truly is a love inspired story, featuring an injured veteran, Reese Markowski, trying to make life better for dogs and at risk boys in the town where he spent his teen years. He hadn't anticipated seeing his high school sweetheart, Gabby Hanks, again and certainly hadn't realised she'd had a baby since they last met. 


This is a story where the lies and actions of someone else have negatively impacted on the relationship and lives of people around them. It is a moving story of trusting in God to help you move forward after trauma and believing He can help you make the right choices. However, life isn't that simplistic for Reese, who feels so betrayed by Gabby but also still so attracted to her. As the two work with the boys and dogs to try to secure funding for the centre for another year, there will be secrets to be shared, lives to be changed and love to be found. It is a heartwarming story about not being judgemental until you know all the facts and about trusting what you know to be true.


I thoroughly enjoyed reading this delightful, Christian story and thank the publishers for gifting me a copy of it via NetGalley and look forward to reading more about this community in future.

This is a well rounded holiday red. Chock-full if forgiveness, love, lies, secrets, and second chances. It was a great book to put you in the holiday spirit. This is a new author to me but the blurb just grabbed me and wouldn’t let go.

The characters are likable and it such a great story they are telling. Old high school sweethearts are reunited when Gabby comes home. She is hiding something and when she comes home she brings a child.

She gets a job at the least likely places she wants to. She needs it so she takes it. She fits right in. I loved how they still had that attraction and bond that they did when it went bad. There is more to their story but Reece does know. He jumps to conclusions because the town and one particular person, in general, make him believe it. Looks can be deceiving but when he finds out the truth. There is no stopping him.

This book as good and the twists and turns along with the people kept me glued to this holiday read. Their story was great then they fell apart and I love reading them finding their way back to each other.

This book was a delightful read of young love finding a way to overcome snap judgments and old hurts. I really enjoyed that the main characters were trying to help at risk youth, especially while they themselves were in their early twenties. The faith aspect of the story was well woven through where it didn’t feel forced and it brought an extra depth to the story and the characters.

When Gabby Hanks walks back into Reese Markowski's life as his new assistant, Reese is stunned to learn she has a baby girl. They were inseparable and planning for a future together until she went to college and he joined the Army. He knows he's not the baby's father, and he can't believe her morals would have changed drastically in the last 18 months, but her baby girl tells a different story. Already devastated by the loss of his right hand in a bomb blast, Reese's self-esteem is as low as it has ever been. Helping at-risk boys by pairing them with at-risk dogs has become his new purpose. Can he and Gabby work together to turn the program around before a lack of donations can close it down?

Gabby has always loved Reese but she knows that her daughter complicates his feelings for her. If he learns the truth, it could destroy what little family he has left, and will he ever look at her again with love in his eyes? She can't take that risk, but as her feelings for him continue to deepen, how can she continue keeping her secret?

This story was very powerful! Gabby proves that a mother's love for her child can overcome a world of evils. Reese was quick to jump to conclusions, but it's hard to be objective when those who are supposed to love you harp on the disability you now have instead of praising what you can still do.

I always enjoy Lee Tobin McClain's stories, and this one really grabbed my heart. I definitely recommend!

High School sweethearts reunite before Christmas, could this be their second chance at love?


Reese Markowski has returned to his hometown to work with at risk youth and dogs. He hires his ex-girlfriend, single mom, Gabby to work for him, they reconnect, but will the secret about her daughter keep them apart?



It is uncomfortable for Reese and Gabby at first, seeing each other after so long, and on the terms that they had broken up. Gabby is excellent with the children, and has big ideas to help the program. While Reese finds himself bonding with Gabby's young daughter.



I really enjoyed this story, it had a lot going on with the kids, dogs, Christmas program, and the relationship between Reese and Gabby. I also really liked the side characters, like Nana and Jacob.



Overall, a heartwarming Christmas read about second chances and love. I really liked how everyone just falls in love with Izzy, especially Reese and Jacob. Enjoyable read, definitely recommend!





I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Veteran Reese Markowski isn't exactly thrilled about hiring his ex Gabby Hanks, who is a single mother, to help with a program for at risk children and dogs but she seems to know what shes doing. Assumptions are made, old feelings arise and things get complicated but maybe by helping eachother they can make this holiday and program a good one.

Overall this was an interesting little contemporary romance. I enjoyed getting to know the characters as the book gone on and really appreciate the dual point of views to see whats really going on in their heads. I loved seeing them work together when it came to the program trying to improve things and making a difference in the children lives. Then there is the christmas spirit that goes around where the children have to show how well they are around eachother putting on a show and getting the dogs to join as well. It was just a cute book and a bit heartbreaking but you'll see why if you pick up this book. Great book highly recommend around this time with the holiday season approaching.

If you're looking for a second chance romance with loveable characters, this is the book for you. Gabby and Reese were high school sweethearts that were town apart by cruel circumstances. When they finally reconnect they are little more broken, but still in love. My heart broke for both of them and I was instantly hooked as they tried to find their way back to each other (I was rooting for them the whole time). I also loved the rescue dogs helping troubled teens heal and find their way in this world. This book was such a heartwarming and inspirational Christmas romance read that I reccomend to romance readers everywhere!

This book does contain some difficult topics that may trigger some readers so I'm including a TW for rape, drunk driving, wounded vet, and loss of a child. Even though these are difficult topics, I felt they were well written by the author.

Thank you Netgalley and Harlequin for a gifted egalley in exchange for an honest review. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!