REVIEW: The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain

The Forever Farmhouse by Lee Tobin McClain is the first book in the new Hometown Brothers series which is based on three foster boys’ homecomings to Teaberry Island. Betty and Wayne Raines were unable to have children of their own, so they fostered troubled teenage boys. Their farmhouse on the shoreline of Teaberry Island provided them with a place to heal and find themselves. Ryan, Cody, and Luis weren’t brothers by blood but became brothers of the heart living with the Raines, whose house had a sign saying “Forever” on it to signify the boys would always be welcomed and have a place there. This was Ryan’s homecoming story.

After Wayne passed away all the boys were worried about Betty, especially when she quit contacting them. Ryan Hasting had left the island and hadn’t returned to the island in years but since his brothers weren’t able to go, he went to check on Betty. He had never gotten over Mellie, his first love, and seeing her again brought back all the feelings he had for her.

Mellie Anderson’s heart was broken after Ryan left the island after their one night together. Toher to keep her secrets now that he was back on the island, she needed to avoid him. She struggled with this decision because Alfie, her brilliant son, needed Ryan’s advice and guidance.

Mellie was a caretaker of everyone and such a sweet character. She truly thought she was protecting her son by keeping the truth from Ryan. As she came to know him again, she realized her mistake and she planned to tell him the truth. Ryan struggled after his abusive childhood to connect with others and believed he couldn’t be in a relationship. His feelings for Mellie scared him but spending time with her and Alfie had him yearning for family life. Will they overcome their fears for a second chance together?

This was a charming second chance and a small-town romance that will touch your heart for sure. It was beautifully written, and the storyline and characters were lifelike. I loved Alfie, who was just adorable. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for Cody’s story which will be next.

Book Info:

Publication: September 6, 2022 | Harlequin | Hometown Brothers #1

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.