Takeover + Review Blitz: The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Forever Farmhouse

Series: Hometown Brothers #1

Author: Lee Tobin McClain

Publisher: HQN Books

Release Date: September 6, 2022

Genre: Sweet Contemporary Romance

A Chesapeake island homecoming—and a life-changing discovery

When Ryan Hastings first came to Teaberry Island, he was a troubled teen on his last chance. He’s returning as a renowned scientist, checking in on his widowed foster mother. But one thing hasn’t changed—Ryan’s feelings for the girl next door whom he loved…and left. Mellie Anderson has a son now, and a good life that Ryan believes he’s still too damaged to share. But he knows he can help young Alfie, who’s getting picked on at his new school.

Mellie is grateful her gifted son is getting extra support, and torn about where it’s coming from. Ryan has no idea he’s Alfie’s father. No matter how valid her reasons were, could Ryan ever understand why she didn’t tell him? But in this close-knit community, friendship and forgiveness are always near at hand, and forever love might be waiting just next door.

MY REVIEW

I really enjoyed reading The Forever Farmhouse. From the beginning the characters are wonderfully engaging, evoking all the emotions in me.

Ryan is such a sweetheart. Having gone through what he’s gone through in his past you would think that he would hold onto bitterness and anger, but he’s instead channeled his feelings for good, and is hoping to make a difference to the island that is home. Hearing about the abuse is gut-wrenching, but it also shows how far he’s come, and made me love him all the more.

Mellie is the literal girl next door that Ryan deserted after they spent one magical night together. What Ryan doesn’t realize is something was created that night, a secret that Mellie’s kept for many years, and it is this secret that is both a blessing and a curse. Mellie is a lovable character, but the longer she holds onto this huge secret the more I found myself resenting her and her fear. I found myself whispering to myself, “Haven’t you ever heard of the truth setting you free?” I know this is easier said than done, and that the secret is supposed to be what keeps the reader in suspense, but honestly I felt like the more drawn out it was the more it hindered this otherwise flawless narrative for me.

The romance is a slow burn, but I was ok with that, especially with my waning feelings about Mellie. I understood her motivations, but if you truly love someone wouldn’t you want to be completely honest with them no matter what?

Alfie was definitely the sunshine in this story, but I also adored Ryan and Betty. My grandmother lost my grandfather almost a year ago and seeing what Betty went through eerily mirrors my grandmother’s journey. The strength to go on after losing the love of your life is a long, slow process, and seeing Betty grapple with her new existence is powerful.

I do love the air of community and support that this small town brings to this character-driven novel. I do feel like it was a tad on the wordy side, especially when I started to notice things being repeated over and over, so there were moments that I caught myself skimming, but other than those brief moments I was completely engaged. The overall novel is pretty subdued, a sort of sweet sadness shrouding the entire story, but it was a calming read that was exactly the escape that I needed.

My Rating: ★★★★★

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lee Tobin McClain is the New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. A professor-turned-writer, she finds inspiration in her beautiful and brilliant daughter, her goofy goldendoodle, and her aptly named cat, Trouble.

Connect with Lee by visiting leetobinmcclain.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a print copy of The Forever Farmhouse, a cute tabletop farmhouse decor piece, and a $25 Amazon gift card!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight September 6, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on September 13, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.