Book Review of 'The Surprise Next Door' by Tara Randel

Happy Tuesday Bookworms!

Love that is unexpected is one of my favorite stories to read, and the novel that I am featuring today highlights this in the best way possible. I hope you enjoy my thoughts on this contemporary romance and don’t forget to scroll to the bottom of this post and enter the amazing giveaway from JustRead Tours.

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Surprise Next Door by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Surprise Next Door
Series: A Golden, Georgia Romance #1
Author: Tara Randel
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Should they take a chance… On unexpected love?

Chasing her escape-artist rescue dog, Gus, into the neighbor’s yard wasn’t on Nicole Connelly’s agenda for her first day back in her hometown. Especially when Gus’s antics bring her under the suspicious gaze of the gorgeous single dad next door. Staying on the move has kept her heart safe for twelve years. But veterinarian Ethan Price and his adorable daughter make Nicole wonder if staying in Golden might be worth the risk. Is she ready to overcome the past and find her forever home with a loving instant family?

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging.

My Review

I don’t know what it is about veterinarians in clean romances that makes my heart pitter-patter, but they do. Then throw in an adorable little girl and a rambunctious canine, and I am a goner. So charming and swoon-worthy, which is exactly how I felt about The Surprise Next Door.

This is a heartwarming novel that was truly inspiring. There is a brightness to this novel despite a lot of the story being self-reflection and the fight for forgiveness and acceptance when it comes to Nicole and her family. While the family dynamic was interesting, I adored the aspect of dressing up a small town for a photo shoot and could clearly see the picturesque scenery in my mind’s eye. There are some charming scenes, particularly the afternoon on the boat, which was wonderful! It brought back such delightful summer childhood memories of my own, spent on my grandparents’ boat, soaking up the Texas summer sun.

I adored watching Ethan, Nicole, and Holly bond so much. Every time they were together was so wonderful, and it’s evident that they were meant to be together. Holly is so precocious and immensely adorable, and Gus, the golden retriever, had me smirking quite a few times. This was a sweet escape in the best way and exactly what I needed.

My Rating: ★★★★★

Also Available

About the Author

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets and beautiful weather inspire the creation of heartwarming stories. Tara has received the Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.

Connect with Tara by visiting tararandel.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card, a bookish tote bag, 2 autographed books by Tara Randel, and a bookmark!

(1) additional winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 3, 2025 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 10, 2025. Winners 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 JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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