Finding a Christmas Home is the third book in the Rescue Haven series, but it can be read as a standalone story. Hannah Antonicelli's sister died of a drug overdose. She never told anyone, except Hannah who the father of her twins was, and made her promise not to tell anyone else. When she died, Hannah became their legal guardian. They are living with her mom, and Hannah is working part time training dogs. When her neighbour's son, Luke, moves back home to take care of his father, Hannah is in trouble. Not only is she attracted to him, but he is the girl's uncle. As they begin to mean more to each other, and he is amazing with the girls, how can she keep her sister's secret any longer?

This was a sweet and uplifting story that I really enjoyed. I really liked Luke. He was a "bad boy" who has struggled to clean up his act. He lived in a home while he recovered from his alcohol addiction and found God. He moved home to take care of his dad, even though he knew his reputation preceded him and he would not be accepted easily. He was absolutely adorable when he was with the girls and I couldn't wait until he found out they were his nieces. Hannah was stuck between a rock and a hard place and the author did a great job realistically writing that part of the story. Luke's dad was unlikable at first, but he grew on me as he mellowed and changed. There has to be some angst in a romance, and there is some here. As usual the kids steal the show, and they were so adorable. Although Christmas is in the title of this book, besides being set at Christmas, it is not really a Christmas story. This is a clean, uplifting romance with a Christian undertone. I recommend this one to those who enjoy a heartwarming, faith based romance.

Hannah is guardian to her twin nieces and never expected for their uncle to relocate nearby. Luke is trying to help his father out knowing full well he's going back to a hometown way too small and still sees him and his family is a negative light. Hannah isn't about to let Luke know her little secret about the twins but now that they work together its going to be hard to keep things quiet for long.

I mean this book was pretty predictable but still a fun read anyways. I mean yea Luke's family had a past and his brother is currently in jail so in connection he's not seen as a good guy on top of that Hannah's sister made her promise that she wouldn't reveal the child's fathers name. It was only a matter of time till everything came out and it was interesting seeing how everything played out. Until the moment of truth it was sweet seeing that romance between Hannah and Luke and understanding how much more complicated things were about to be. Overall I enjoyed this book it was a nice light read.

Finding Christmas Home by Lee Tobin MCclain is the third book in the Rescue Haven series and technically can be read a stand alone but would have slight spoilers for the first two books. This one was a sweet Christmas one about second chances and the love that is found at Christmas. Though not my favorite of the series I still enjoyed it.




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.

Luke Hutchenson's focus is mainly on his father as he is having some issues. But when he meets his new neighbors, especially Hannah Antonicelli, who is the guardian of his nieces, he is about to learn something that will change his life. Hannah has a secret about the beautiful girls and that secret is sure to change a lot of lives.

Hannah is very sad that her sister has passed away but she now has custody of her two nieces. Before her sister died, she made Hannah to keep a promise about a certain secret. Will keeping this secret from Luke go towards destroying growing feelings between both of them?

What a lovely story of faith and forgiveness, especially when secrets were held with very good intentions. Finding A Christmas Home is the third book in the Rescue Haven series and I look forward to seeing if there are any further books in the secries.

Many thanks to Harlequin Love Inspired and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Title: Finding a Christmas Home
Author: Lee Tobin McClain
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Two little girls need a family…in this novel by New York Times bestselling author Lee Tobin McClain

They are his nieces…

But she can never tell him.

As the new guardian to her twin nieces, Hannah Antonicelli is determined to keep her promise to her late sister—that she’ll never reveal the identity of their father. But when the girls’ uncle, Luke Hutchenson, moves in next door and takes a job where Hannah works, the truth threatens their growing connection. How can she keep the secret when she can’t even guard her own heart?

I’ve read the previous book in the Rescue Haven series, but it isn’t necessary, as these are standalone novels. Hannah was so determined to be awkward and unpretty that it was a bit annoying, but I liked her. It was also nice to see Luke get that chip off his shoulder. This was a pleasant read.

Lee Tobin McClain is the bestselling author of small-town romances. Finding a Christmas Home is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Harlequin in exchange for an honest review.)

An animal rescue, a set of adorable 18-month old twins, and a reformed bad boy. Finding a Christmas Home had me with those 3 things, and Lee Tobin McClain did not disappoint. The story is definitely emotional, and my heart went out to Hannah as she dealt with everything thrown at her - the loss of her sister, instant motherhood, and a secret that maybe shouldn't stay a secret. Of course, her romantic interest would have to be tied to that secret. And of course, said love interest would steal my heart as well. I really liked Luke and Hannah together, and those babies are just too sweet for words. It's much less exhausting reading about that age than the reality, and the twins were great for tempering the emotions of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, emotions and all. It's a story of family, loss, faith, and finding that special, one-of-a-kind love.

A quick holiday story to get the season started. After her sister Marnie dies the secret about who is the father of her twins is left with her sister. Her dying wish is not to reveal this information.

This becomes tricky when their guardian Hannah starts working with their Uncle Luke and he along with his father live next door! As their personal relationship grows she's tempted to tell him it before she can, his dad, the twins grandfather figures it out. Can they move forward past this deception? Can Luke forgive Hannah for not telling him the truth? You'll want to read this story to find out.

I received a Free Arc ebook from Net Galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest opinions.

Author : Lee Tobin McClain
Finding a Christmas Home (Rescue Haven Book 3)
‎Love Inspired (September 28, 2021) 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
224 pages
Description:
Two little girls need a family. They are his nieces…But she can never tell him. As the new guardian to her twin nieces, Hannah Antonicelli is determined to keep her promise to her late sister—that she’ll never reveal the identity of their father. But when the girls’ uncle, Luke Hutchenson, moves in next door and takes a job where Hannah works, the truth threatens their growing connection. How can she keep the secret when she can’t even guard her own heart?
🎄🐕 MY REVIEW🐕🎄
Finding a Christmas Home is a heartwarming christmas romance full of kids , doggies , second chances , secrets, love , and sadness. Marnie the mother of 18-month-old twin girls, Emmy and Addy dies from a drug overdose. Just before Marnie dies she makes Hannah ( her sister ) promise not to tell anyone who the father of the twins is because of who he is and the fact that he is in prison convicted of being an accessory to murder.
Right from the start i knew Hannah Antonicelli and Luke Hutchenson's story was going to be an emotional story. It was well written with us getting both of thier pov . Both of them had to work through deep childhood issues while dealing with this secret. After all Keeping this big of a secret from the man you are falling in love with .......what could possibly go wrong ????? LOTS !!!!! Even though this is book 3 in the Rescue Haven series it
definitely can be read as a stand alone. One of the many reasons I love reading books by Lee Tobin McClain is that her stories are heartwarming all while dealing with some serious subjects. Can't wait to read the next story.
#LeeTobinMcClain
#LoveInspired
#bookwormlife #bookstagrammers #joycestewartreviews #FindingaChristmasHome #RescueHaven

I truly loved this story. It had so much going on that just made you fall in love with the characters.
Cozy, sweet story to read.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is a delightful Love Inspired Romance
With twin girls needing support and a fresh chance
After the death of their Mum they're with the Aunt and Gran
Their Dad doesn't know they exist - that was their Mum's plan
But plans have ways of needing to be changed
As fate intervenes, things must be rearranged.

Hannah Antonicelli is the twins' guardian so
She's determined to love and help them grow.
She promised their Mum not to tell their Dad
But that decision now has her worried and sad.
Their Uncle and Grandfather live right next door
Will she be able to keep the secret for ever more?

Attraction between Hannah and their Uncle Luke grows
How can she rest until she reveals to him just what she knows?
They're working together at the Rescue Haven where
They love the rescue dogs and the children in day care.
With a project to complete, hard work is what's in need
As it will benefit them all if it will succeed.

This is a contemporary, Christian romance
With the need for forgiveness, love and a second chance.
It is a heartwarming story of returning home
And making fresh starts, no longer to roam.
Thanks to Harlequin Love Inspired and NetGalley, too,
For my copy of this book, this is my honest review.

After A Child on his Doorstep (Rescue Haven #2) I was pleased to find book 3, Finding a Christmas Home, in the selection of books for a Harlequin blog tour.

Book 2 got me hooked on Lee Tobin McClain's writing style and her depiction of relationships (family or otherwise) in writing.

I try not to feature too many Christmas books on my blog before December, but I wanted to review another book by Lee Tobin McClain so could not miss this chance.

Hannah's sister passes away suddenly and she takes care of her young twin nieces, Addie and Emmie.

Luke was her crush from years ago.

What will she do when he's back in town and at the Rescue Haven dog rescue center where she is working?

Will Luke be up to helping out with Addie and Emmie? Will he still have feelings for Hannah? Will she for him?

Thanks to Lee Tobin McClain and Harlequin for my ARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

Finding a Christmas Home is a story of hope, second chances rebuilding your life and I love the authentic, true-to-life characters.

4 stars

This is a Clean Romance, and this is the third book in the Rescue Haven series. This is a bad boy/good girl romance, and that is not my favorite type of book. I really hate that Luke kept talking down about himself. I did really love the storyline, and I loved the twins and the training dogs parts. The characters where developed, and I think the two main characters fit together very well. I really enjoyed most of this book, and if the Bad boy/Good Girl thing was not in this book I would have give this book 5 stars. I loved books with twins and animals. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Love Inspired) or author (Lee Tobin McClain) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

I really enjoyed this sweet read of redemption, forgiveness and yes even love.
These two little girls will steal your heart right from the beginning.
McCain does an awesome job of bringing these wonderful characters to life and as I said these two little ones will steal your heart.
Of course we have secrets and many other things that are included in this story.
I love reading McCain's books because they offer hope and many times a future for all the people who are involved.
The twins are so endearing and sweet! I love how McCain has brought them to life so that we may enjoy them too!
I found myself rooting for these girls!
Yes, sometimes my heart ached for them and Hannah and Luke too.
Each one has a difficult past and I really enjoyed reading how each overcame it.
My heart was full and satisfied.
I recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
5 stars!

What a lovely and heartwarming Christmas story! Hannah is a dog trainer and the guardian of her deceased sister’s twin toddlers. She is hiding a secret about the father of the girls, but she promised her sister not to tell. Her promise ends up causing her a lot of problems with Luke Hutcheson, her neighbor and the girls’ biological uncle. The story itself is a simple one, with secrets and romance and children who just need to be accepted and loved. The addition is that the adults in this story need to find acceptance and love, too. Although the ending is predictable, it was such a sweet read getting there. With dogs added to the mix, it was a perfect story that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was entertaining as well as inspirational to read how the relationships developed with the people and with God.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. 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.”

Hannah's life is upended when her sister dies and leaves her custody of two sweet little 18-month nieces, Addie and Emmy. She moves back home with the kiddos so that her mom could help with them. But before her sister dies of an overdose, she makes her promise not to say who the twin’s father is (Luke’s brother who is serving time in prison) and this will make it hard for her because Luke, our Hero, just returned home to take care of his father and he is falling for Hannah & her nieces.

This was a sweet little story with likable characters and the twins were just adorable.

Received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest review.

This is a wonderful read. I enjoyed this book very much. This is the third book in the Rescue Haven series. Luke and Hannah both work at Rescue Haven, they are also next door neighbors. Hannah is raising her sisters twin toddlers. Luke is home taking care of his Dad. Through a series of events we lean how their lives cross.

I have reviewed this novel for New York Journal of Books where it will be posted on their site the evening prior to the release date!

"Finding a Christmas Home" by Lee Tobin McClain
Love Inspired
September 28, 2021
10-1335409491
368 pages
Contemporary Christian Romance

Publicity Contact: olivia.monardo@harpercollins.com

Reviewed by Nancy Carty Lepri

Hannah Antonicelli is heartbroken when her older sister Marnie succumbs to an overdose. She prayed she could have helped Marnie with her problems, which riddles her with guilt as well as grief. Not only is her sister's death a loss to Hannah and their mother, but Marnie left two 18-month-old twin daughters, Addie and Emmy, and a secret she begged Hannah never to reveal.

Not about to abandon her precious nieces, Hannah moves in with her mother in Bethlehem Springs, OH, as her home is much larger, and they both can care for the orphans. Never having experience with youngsters, Hannah is stretched thin and frustrated, but most of all, totally in love with the little ones. She vows to do right by her sister and raise them to be happy children, and she thanks God every day her mother is helping because she cannot do this alone.

Gabby Markowski, a friend of Hannah's, gives her the part-time position as a dog trainer at Rescue Haven, a canine shelter that she and her husband Reese own. The center, connected to the Learn-and-Play, a daycare facility for children, is where she can leave the twins while working, knowing they are getting good care.

Hannah encounters Luke Hutchenson while on the job; Luke, is a neighbor and an old friend of Marnie's. Hannah had had a crush on him since she was a little girl when he helped her out of a difficult situation. Surprised to see him, she learns he is back home to help his ailing father, who needs surgery.

Upon seeing Luke, her heart quickens, and she finds herself tongue-tied around him. Known as a "bad boy," with his brother Bobby incarcerated for his part in a robbery and murder and his father a cantankerous drunk, the Hutchenson family has gained a reputation around town. Yet the old spark remains with Hannah as she glances at the handsome grown man.

Luke is also now working at the shelter, and Hannah trembles at the thought of seeing him every day. Flustered and nervous, she doesn't know how to relate to him, though she daydreams about being his girl, which she understands can never happen. Shy and awkward around men, Hannah doesn't even date.

Mrs. Markowski, Reese's aunt, and another wealthy benefactor have offered the rescue center a proposal to contribute money to turn it into an up-to-date canine training complex.

As Hannah exclaims her gratefulness for the twins being able to stay at the Learn-and-Play, Reese adds tells the group about their challenge:

". . .'Mr. Romano and my aunt have teamed up to offer us funds to renovate the old storage barn into a new dog-training facility. They're hoping we can use it for the dogs here, plus bring in paying customers from town who'll help fund our programs. And, as a bonus, we'd get more townspeople interested in Rescue Haven.'. . ."

Of course, there's a catch: they need to get the barn cleared out and all the main construction done by the end of the year before Mrs. Markowski heads to Florida for the winter.

Realizing there is a lot involved and time is of the essence, Hannah is determined to make a go of it. This would mean a permanent full-time job and benefits, which she desperately needs for the girls. But when she learns she'll be working closely with Luke, her insides turn to jelly.

The two manage well together and develop a camaraderie in which Hannah feels safe and protected. As they grow closer, they divulge secrets from their pasts. Luke states how he sunk very low and had become a person he was not happy to be but managed to change his life and is now an upstanding man. Hannah discloses an incident she faced when she was 12 that made her shy and withdrawn. With them conversing and becoming close, Luke finds he admires Hannah more and more. All the while, Hannah falls deeper in love with him, though with their history, they both realize there could never be a future for them. Luke, once a wild child, and his family are still being belittled by the townsfolk. And Hannah, promising never to give up Marnie's secret, knows she cannot even consider a relationship with the information she withholds.

Hannah would love a husband, family, and loving home but fears this will never happen. Meanwhile, Luke, now settled and more mature, realizes he wants the same as Hannah.

"Finding a Christmas Home" is book number three in the Rescue Haven series. It is fast-paced and a quick read, yet the character's points of view often become confused and jumbled together. Emotions run wild as both Hannah and Luke harbor feelings of insecurity and pain from their pasts, as well as self-doubt about what lies ahead. Though this could seem depressing, the acceptance and love of two little girls help lighten the shared heartaches bringing joy to the story.

I just could not get into this book. It was a quick, easy read. I found it a bit boring and predictable.

Nothing wrong with some clean romance when you have your sights set on the town bad boy. The book is about faith and compassion but honestly how to come clean with yourself. My first by this author and I’d read more.

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.

this was such a sweet story. the backbone is all about chances and trust and faith. admittedly the secret was the glue but once out all lived happily ever after.