Kayla Harding is down on her luck after a divorce—so down that her cupboards are bare. When she walks into Loaves of Love, a community food bank, she finds more than she had hoped for. The owner asks if she would like to volunteer to make bread, and she soon finds herself standing face-to-face with her high school crush, Sean Copeland. Sean remembers Kayla’s sweet nature from school, and the more he gets to know her, the more he sees that she’s still that same caring individual. But Sean isn't sure he'll ever be able to move on from the loss of his wife.

Once I pick up this book, I don’t want to put it down!

This story takes me back to a time and place that—while some might like to forget—I treasure because it made me stronger. Asking for assistance with daily needs is not easy, and Gray manages to capture the raw emotion of doing so through Kayla. Kayla's vulnerability and fear feel all too real—you can feel it in your bones. Sean is a compassionate person who loves his job as a coach and enjoys volunteering at Loaves of Love. Sometimes, however, he sticks his foot in his mouth. He has no idea what Kayla is going through, so a few of his comments make her wince. But Sean quickly realizes when his words or thoughts miss the mark and works hard to be even more compassionate than he already is.

I really enjoyed the side story of Edna, the director of Loaves of Love. It's always wonderful to see different seasons and types of love in a romance, and Edna’s straightforward but loving character is amazing.

Their Surprise Reunion is touching, heartfelt, and full of real emotion. It’s the kind of story that makes you dream of better things.

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

Enjoyed the food bank setting as it was a bit different.
Good storyline, well written. A quick read.

This was soooo good and soooo wholesome.
I fell in love with the sweet and caring characters and Jackson was just the best 🥰❤️😂
This book is such a nice palette cleanser in between all of the fantasy I’ve been reading lately.
This talks of a strong woman who allows herself to be vulnerable loved and cared for by the right man (finally).

Super grateful to NetGalley for the ARC!

I did not expect to enjoy this story as much as I did. Their Surprise Reunion is the story of 2 classmates, both previously married, who cross paths in the most unconventional of ways. Kayla is facing an extraordinarily difficult time in life, when she visits a food bank to receive assistance. While there, she ends up volunteering, and seeing Sean. They become acquainted again and the rest is history. Adorable little love story!

Shelley hit a home run with this story! A story of a young lady hitting rock bottom and trying to find a new way of life without others knowing how bad it is. How long can she keep this a secret?

Life isn’t easy on the fainthearted. The life we knew and depended upon can change in a second (as I’ve learned from personal experience). We never know what tomorrow may bring, but strength comes in many guises, and Their Surprise Reunion, the first story in the Matchmaker Knows Best series, proves that so well as Sean, Kayla, and even little Jackson face what life has dealt them with dignity and strengths that they didn’t know they had.

Kayla is dealing with the aftermath of a devastating divorce. She’s trying to hold it all together but is losing that daily battle. A job she hates, a nearly empty bank account, and practically bare cupboards have her sitting outside the Loaves of Love food bank in her small town. She’s forcing herself to go inside, just for a few things; it’s not like she can’t help herself, but the reality is that she needs the blessings of this uplifting food bank. It shouldn’t matter that strangers will see her struggles and, hopefully, no one she knows will ever discover her weakness in needing help. But the funny thing about hitting rock bottom, there is nowhere to go but up from there. And her future happiness is within that building, she just doesn’t know it yet.

Sean is a volunteer at Loaves of Love, he helps make the amazing breads that are offered. He’s a coach at the local high school, and the delight of his life is his six-year-old son, Jackson. They’ve known heartache as Sean’s wife, and Jackson’s mom, had passed away a few years ago, and they are still finding their footing without her. Sean is a lovely man, a bit on the quiet side, convinced that romance is not for him ever again. I also found him to be a bit slow to come to obvious conclusions about Kayla. Assumptions don’t help anyone.

Their Surprise Reunion melds together everything I love about Shelley Shepard Gray’s stories: love, compassion, and a well-written romance with touches of reality woven within the chapters. I first fell in love with little Jackson, but Kayla and Sean soon followed as we watched love and understanding grow between two people who deserve happiness.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author's team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

4.5 stars

Shelley Shepard Gray’s books always leave my heart feeling warm and cozy, but Their Surprise Reunion touched me more than most. The food bank setting where we begin the story allows readers to put themselves in the shoes of an adult with food insecurity – namely, our protagonist Kayla whose financial struggles are not of her own doing. Her divorce left her with literally nothing, and she’s embarrassed to reach out for help but at least the people at Loaves of Love are strangers, right? Well… except that for old crush of hers that’s volunteering there. (More on him in a minute) But it reminded me, especially with my husband’s job loss last year and long wait to find a new job, that any of us are one or two unexpected life-altering circumstances away from bare cupboards and empty bank accounts. And in so doing, it filled me with a renewed sense of compassion and empathy for those who need the extra help and reminded me to treat everyone with dignity, no matter their circumstances. I love novels that stick in my heart like that!

Kayla is such a wonderfully multidimensional character. Her personality makes her easy to embrace and to cheer for her success and, while I just wanted to reach in and fix everything for her, I also recognize that her journey across this novel was all the sweeter for the struggles. (There’s a spiritual life lesson in there too, isn’t there?) And speaking of sweet… Sean and his adorable little boy Jackson – and the friendship they form with Kayla – was equal parts uplifting and tender, and I just adored all three of them together and the gaps they fill in each other’s lives. While Kayla heals from the aftermath of her brutal divorce, Sean and Jackson are still grieving the loss of their wife/mom who passed away a couple of years ago. Gray acknowledges the trauma that these losses have caused and doesn’t put a ‘falling in love fixes everything’ bandaid on it, which I deeply appreciated. Instead, as their friendship grows into something more, they learn to adjust to each other’s flaws and hurts and fluctuating emotions – though not without some bumps in the road – and I loved the authenticity. Sean can also be pretty darn swoony when he sets his mind to it, even though he’s endearingly out of practice, and Jackson’s observations on Kayla’s propensity to cry even when she’s happy made me giggle.

Bottom Line: Their Surprise Reunion bakes up a lovely story full of delightful characters and a heartwarming plot. The sweet & swoony romance between Kayla and Sean develops gradually from their newly reacquainted friendship as they sift through emotional layers like food insecurity, divorce, the death of a spouse, and single parenthood. And their rocky (or rock bottom) road to happily ever after is well worth it in the end because their relationship is so loving and affirming. Sean’s adorable son Jackson made me smile so big nearly every time he was in a scene, and I absolutely loved his relationship with Kayla. Don’t count the food bank’s director Edna out of things, either – she not only has an important role to play in Kayla’s story but she gets her own compelling subplot too. Their Surprise Reunion is – not surprisingly – another wonderfully engaging novel from Shelley Shepard Gray!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Life happened...

This was a very nuanced book, clean, dealing with hunger, a food pantry, feelings and life after the first marriage. I liked Kayla, who had the courage to go to a food pantry for food (something very relevant), ended up baking bread and reuniting with Sean, a former football star when they went to high school together. They both married other people, Kayla married and divorced a bad guy. Sean married Dannette and had a son but he is now widowed. They are both dinged by the changes life threw their way after high school.
Are they read y to move forward together?
Recommend.

Their Surprise Reunion by Shelley Shepherd Gray is a sweet story. I enjoyed getting to know Kayla, Sean, and Jackson. We get to meet some delightful characters including Edna who runs Loaves of Love, a local food bank. I think that it is a wonderful organization, and I wish there were one in every city. I like the growth we get to see in the characters, especially Kayla. Sean’s son, Jackson is a sweetheart, and he adds humor to the story. I enjoyed this heartwarming story. I finished Their Surprise Reunion with a smile on my face. I am looking forward to the next A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance. Their Surprise Reunion is an uplifting tale with a helpful food bank, an understanding soul, a thoughtful teacher, a caring child, baking bread, an intimidating manager, a shameful secret, and a hopeful future.

This is a story of second chances. Kayla is recently divorced and is struggling to make ends meet and she works up the courage to go to a foodbank for assistance and while there is asked to help make bread and she reconnects with Sean who Kayla knows from going to high school together. Sean is a widower and teaches high school and has a six year old son named Jackson. Both Kayla and Sean have to deal with their pasts so that they both can have a second chance at love.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/Netgalley. The review expressed here is my honest opinion

Sweet Second-Chance Story

Kayla and Sean have had their share of difficulties, albeit for different reasons. They haven't seen each other since high school, but that all changes when they reconnect at Loaves of Love. While each of them is there for a different reason, it sparks a new beginning for them. That's when this sweet second-chance story takes off.

And that's where my heart went, right along with Kayla and Sean. I followed their journey, which was at times sad, at times funny, at times reflective, and at times highly emotional, but completely endearing and heartfelt. Theirs is a wonderful story that should not be missed.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. All comments and opinions are voluntary and completely my own.

Their Surprise Reunion
A Matchmaker Knows Best Romance – Book 1
Harlequin Heartwarming #?
By Shelley Shepard Gray
May 2025
Sweet Contemporary Romance

Kayla Harding's divorce had left her in a difficult position. With very little income, she knew she could go to her family for help. But with her father going through radiation treatments, she just didn't want to bother or worry anyone. She had finally resolved to go to the local food pantry, but when she arrived, she was mistaken for a volunteer. Luckily, the owner had quickly, and ever so kindly, realized the error. Still, Kayla was more than willing to help. Everyone was baking bread, and she stepped up to the table only to see Sean Copeland, former high school star football player.

Sean was happy to run into Kayla and reconnect with her. They hit it off, and she was able to help him when he needed someone to watch his son. Widowed for a few years, Sean missed his wife, and regretted the fact that their son didn’t have his mother to watch him grow. He knew she would want the best for the both of them, and he was enjoying his time with Kayla. The more time they spent together, the more he shared his most personal feelings.

However, Kayla found it difficult to be truthful of her current circumstances.

Their Surprise Reunion is a sweet romance of two individuals overcoming their personal challenges to find a future together. I understood why Kayla was reticent to ask for help, but she did have a solid family that could have helped if she had only opened up about the true circumstances she was in. Unfortunately, as shown in the book, some people are unwilling to ask for help when they need it, due to their own, or others' prejudices. A Matchmaker Knows Best is a story of healing, second chances, the joy of helping others, and love. I look forward to the next story in the series.

Kathy Andrico - KathysReviewCorner.com

Their Surprise Reunion is another sweet romance by Shelley Shepard Gray. I loved everything about it! Kayla and Sean knew each other in high school and now they meet up several years later after she's divorced and he's widowed with a little boy. They just happen to meet at Loaves of Love where he's volunteering making bread for those in need and she's there to receive food. He's helpful to Kayla but doesn't realize the extent of her dire circumstances. This had a nice progression to their romance and the little guy stole the show!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: 29 April 2025

Their Surprise Reunion by Shelley Shepard Gray
Friendship can turn to more…
When you least expect it!
Kayla Harding knew she’d reached rock bottom when she forced herself to walk through the front doors of Loaves of Love, the food bank in Medina, Ohio, one Saturday morning. Happily, what she finds there is a loving community of people who offer her not just food, but friendship and hope. She also finds Sean Copeland, a former crush, father to six-year-old Jackson and small-town football coach, who volunteers at the food bank. But Kayla is still reeling from her divorce, and Sean is a recent widower. Can they find it in their hearts to fall in love again?
This is Kayla Harding , mom and father's story.
This is Sean, Dannette and son Jackson Copeland's story.
This is Jack, Kim, and two kids Brennan and Sophia Copeland's story.
Kayla is in a rough spot since her divorce. She needs help and arrives at Loves of Love. Due to a misunderstanding, she starts volunteering to make bread. During her first shift she meets Sean. Sean and Kayla went to school together. Sean was the star football player who got the scholarship and the college girlfriend. Now he is widowed with a son Jackson. Sean and Kayla reconnect.
Sean glanced at her, then stilled.
It was obvious that he remembered her. And why wouldn’t he? It wasn’t like their high school in Avon Lake had been that big.
“Sean and Wyn, this is Kayla. Kayla, Sean and Wyn have both been baking bread here for quite some time. They’ll be able to show you what to do better than I can.”
Sean noticed. “Let me know if you need a hand.”
“I’m good. I moved south for a while but now I’m back. I’m working at Medina High.”
“Coaching football?”
“Yeah. I’m the assistant. I coach football, wrestling and teach American history.”
I recommend this book.
Their Surprise Reunion by Shelley Shepard Gray is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
I am looking forward to reading more books Shelley Shepard Gray.

Finding solace and friendship at a food bank, Kayla unexpectedly reconnects with her former crush, Sean. Both reeling from past heartbreak, they must decide if love is possible a second time around.

If you’re a fan of clean and wholesome romance, this book is for you. It’s a wonderful story with well-developed characters and a found family theme, which I love. The story world is uncomplicated and sometimes unrealistic, like a Christmas movie with feel-good appeal.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Their surprise reunion

I loved this book so much. Enjoyed Kayla, Sean and Jackson and all the other Characters. Sean and Kayla went to the same high school several years ago. Both had been married. Sean has a son named Jackson. I love how the food bank was in the story. I could see this book as a hallmark movie. I hated for the story to end. Loved the characters so much.

I received an advanced copy of the book from NetGalley. This book review is my own opinion.

This is a sweet, feel-good second-chance romance with a touch of real-world struggle and a whole lot of heart. The book weaves together the quiet strength of a woman rebuilding her life and the compassion of a widower trying to move forward—all set against the cozy, community-driven backdrop of a small-town food bank called Loaves of Love.

Kayla, once a shy choir girl, is picking up the pieces after a painful divorce that left her emotionally and financially drained. Sean, a former high school football player and now a widowed father, finds comfort and purpose in his Saturday volunteer shifts baking bread for those in need. Their reconnection over flour, kneading, and quiet conversation is both charming and believable, and their chemistry grows organically from friendship into something deeper.

The emotional tone is warm, hopeful, and clean—Kayla’s pride and quiet resilience, paired with Sean’s genuine kindness, make them easy to root for. That said, there are a couple of small quibbles: the financial realism of Kayla’s new job as a paraprofessional doesn’t quite ring true, and her emotional vulnerability never fully opens up “on page,” even by the end. Still, these don’t overshadow the overall charm of the story.

In short, this is a heartfelt, fluffy read that celebrates new beginnings, kindness, and quiet romance.

This is a clean romance with some drama built into the story that kept me fully engaged. Kayla Harding returns to her hometown of Medina, Ohio after a rough divorce. There she finds herself needing to use a food bank because her resources are low and her cupboards are almost bare. At Loaves of Love, Kayla meets a former friend from high school, football star Sean Copeland who is now a widower and an assistant coach. Raising his six-year old son Jackson alone since the death of his wife Danette the previous year, Sean is kind-hearted and jumps right in to help Kayla learn how to make a loaf of bread at the food bank. Their friendship progresses normally, with Kayla hiding secrets and Sean leery about a new relationship. I enjoyed the humility that Kayla showed and also the realistic scenes in which she was ashamed to have to ask for food. I really liked the character of Edna, the lady who ran the food bank and who helped Kayla feel more comfortable about needing help. There were a lot of characters in this sweet romance, including Kayla’s demanding boss and Sean’s teasing family. The cast of characters added to the drama as well as the character development of the protagonists. The novel was an entertaining read that also presented the truth about what can happen when you are starting over and have little recourse but to ask for help. Told with compassion and a lot of love, this is a memorable story of a couple who find each other in the most unlikely place and who help each other to discover truths about themselves and each other.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own.

My favorite part of this story was Loaves of Love and how they ministered to the community. They did it while preserving the dignity and self worth of each individual involved.

Sean, Jackson and Kayla were great characters. Jackson is only 6 but had so much love for those around him. The interaction between Sean and Kayla was sweet as they both confronted their past.

Thanks to the author and publisher for the arc. The opinions are my own.

Author Shelley Shepard Gray is a talented author of heartwarming stories. Their Surprise Reunion highlights friendship, forgiveness, and understanding. When Kayla Harding hits rock-bottom and finds herself still reeling from her divorce, she forces herself to walk into Loaves of Love, a food bank, for help. She runs into a former crush, Sean Copeland who volunteers at the food bank. Sean is a recent widower with an adorable six-year-old son, Jackson, who sometimes is more the adult than Kayla or his dad Sean. As Kayla, Sean, and Jackson spend more time together and secrets are unveiled will feelings develop into more? Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging from Author Shelley Shepard Gray and Harlequin.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and author. The opinions are my own.