The Family Blessings books from Stephanie Dees contain stories of unconventional families and sweet, sweet romance. I had a lot of fun getting to know these lovable characters, their fears and dreams, their quirks and strengths, all in a small-town setting. Each one has challenges to overcome, but they never have to do so alone.

In The Dad Next Door, Joe Sheehan unexpectedly learns he’s the father to a twelve-year-old girl, while Claire Conley renovates an inherited mansion to host foster children. Together, they explore ideas of home, belonging, and finding healing for the hurts of the past.

In A Baby for the Doctor, Jordan Conley becomes a foster mother for an adorable but hurt little boy, while Ash Sheehan uses his doctoring skills to help her out. Their story helps them to learn to trust, love, and take a risk or two.

In Their Secret Baby Bond, Wynn Sheehan and Latham Grant reunite when she returns to Red Hill Springs pregnant and ashamed. He needs help with his grandfather, and she needs help renovating a cottage. The more time they spend together, the more they begin to see how dreams can change for the better.

In The Marriage Bargain, Jules Sheehan is willing to do anything for two sweet girls in her care—including proposing a marriage of convenience to their uncle, Cameron Quinn. For the plan to be a success, the pair must set aside their ideas of perfection and let go of the past.

All in all, the Family Blessings series is a highly enjoyable set of books to read. With family, romance, and a lot of fun, they’re easy to recommend.

Thanks to JustRead Tours, I received a complimentary copy of Family Blessings series and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

Here's my review:

"The Dad Next Door" is a love inspired novel about taking risks and finding love.

Claire has inherited an old rundown farm from her estranged father in an inheritance. As she starts her quest to transform this land to a foster home rehab; she finds herself falling for hot cop Joe.

Joe has his own set of issues. While recovering from being shot in the line of duty, his estranged twelve year old is dropped on his and his mother's doorstep and wants nothing to do with him.

Meeting Claire changes everything, his daughter opens up, life is moving well until the town comes to arms to stop the foster home. Will Claire's dreams be crushed before they even begin? How will Joe and Claire grow closer, will they find true love?

Even though this isn't my usual cup of tea, I find myself drawn to it more and more. Overall I find myself giving this novel five stars! The writing flows effortlessly and there's twists and turns along the way to keep you engaged. It leaves you wanting more whenever you have to part with it, but I think the ending wrapped things up with a nice little bow.

Thank you Ms. Dees for re-introduction me to a genre I long so forgot.

"This review is done on my own accord, I received the book for a free honest review and am no way obligated to give it high ratings." ( )

4.5 Stars

Have you ever read the first book in a series and loved the characters so much, you immediately check to see who will star in the other books in the series? Well, that’s exactly how I felt after reading Stephanie Dees’ Dad Next Door (book one in the Family Blessings series).

There is so much to say about this book, the longing for a place to call home, the discovery that family comes in all shapes, sizes, and configurations, that small towns have prejudices that newcomers often have to overcome, that building trust takes time, and more. Dees addresses each of these (and more) in a cohesive way that draws the reader in and invites them within the circle of community she’s created.

Joe Sheehan and Claire Conley find common ground in their childhood and both still struggle with finding a place they belong. Add in a twelve-year-old daughter who Joe wasn’t aware he had until recently, and the cycle repeats itself. But the hope of that being broken with Claire’s dream of a home where foster children can find love and belonging shines throughout this story.

And the best news? There are three more books in the series so I get to spend more time with the people of Red Hill Springs.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )