An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus

 An Unexpected Companion

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

 

Title: An Unexpected Companion 

Series: K-9 Companions #31, Legacy Ranch #1 

Author: Mindy Obenhaus 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: April 1, 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

With his dog by his side… Is a second chance within reach? 

After losing his family and his leg in a car crash, widower Dirk Matthews dedicates his solitary life to woodworking and his mobility service dog, Molly. That is, until a troubled kid steals from his truck. Desperate to reach her grieving oldest son, widow Tessa Wagner agrees to have the boy help Dirk work on her family’s ranch. Only she doesn’t expect her own connection with the carpenter. Soon they’re feeling more than the shared loss of loved ones. But will past heartbreak stand in the way of their future? 

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Harlequin | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

Also Available:

Mobility Dog

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About the Author

Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching heartwarming romance movies.

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

Old Bunk House

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My Thoughts

An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus is a sweet story.  I enjoyed getting to know Tessa and her kids, Grayson and Bryce as well as Dirk and his mobility service dog, Molly.  Tessa’s aunt was a delight. Molly is a sweet dog who knows when someone needs her.  I liked seeing Tessa, Dirk, and her boys grow closer over the summer.  I felt for Grayson who obviously had something that was troubling him.  I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of the ranch and the buildings that Dirk is renovating (I want to live in the converted cabin).  The romance is the slow burn type which suits the story.  Both Dirk and Tessa need to overcome the past before they can embrace the future.  Faith is woven throughout the story with scripture and insights. 

An Unexpected Companion is a story about healing, forgiveness, family, love, hope, and forgiveness.  I hope we get to visit the ranch again and see one of Tessa’s sisters find the right individual for them.  While An Unexpected Companion is the 31^st book in the K-9 Companions series (I believe it is the first book in the Legacy Ranch series), it can be read as a standalone.  An Unexpected Companion is an emotional tale with summer retreat, a sullen son, a guilt-ridden widower, a kindly aunt, ranch renovations, holding onto hope, and a friendly canine. 

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of An Unexpected Companion 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 April 2, 2025 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on April 9, 2025. 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.

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An Unexpected Companion is available from Amazon.  Their Texas Christmas Redemption is the second book in the Legacy Ranch series and it will be out on September 30 (I cannot wait to read it). You can find Mindy Obenhaus's other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I am still on the hunt for a company to fix the insulation and vapor barrier on my home.  I was surprised to discover that a business did not have a phone in their office.  The owner uses his cell phone and his message does not mention the business.  As you can guess, I went on to the next company on my list.  I will return tomorrow with my review of For Sure and Certain I Do Not Love Henry Yoder by Jennifer Spredemann.  I hope that you have a cheerful day.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway!  Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Courting Daniel's Daughter by Mindy Steele

 Courting Daniel's Daughter

Book Summary

Jesse Plank promised to keep a secret. A secret that drove him away from his home eight years ago. But when his father is injured, Jesse must return to help provide for his family. Finding Catherine still the beauty he remembered might convince him to stay.

Becoming Amish wasn’t the same as being born Amish. Thankfully for Catherine Raber, her terrible school years are behind her and life is looking up. That was until the last person she ever wanted to see again arrived in Miller’s Creek. Worse, her father just gave him a job.

My Thoughts

Courting Daniel’s Daughter by Mindy Steele is a sweet story.  I like the author’s friendly writing style which makes the story easy to read.  The point-of-view switches between Catherine and Jesse.  I thought the main characters were developed and realistic.  They were characters with strengths and flaws. The story has family secrets and an individual who is still troubled by childhood bullying.  Jesse fell for Catherine when they were young, but she is being courted by another fellow in the community.  Jesse is hoping to find opportunities at work and at the Raber family farm to show Catherine that he has changed.  Faith is nicely woven into the story.  Courting Daniel’s Daughter has humor, love, family, forgiveness, and faith.  Courting Daniel’s Daughter is the first book in Daniel’s Daughter series. I look forward to returning to Miller’s Creek, Kentucky in Saving Daniel’s Daughter which features Jesse’s friend, Paul Eicher and Catherine’s sister, Rosemary Raber. 

Courting Daniel’s Daughter is available from Amazon and it can be read for free if  you are a member of Kindle Unlimited.  Mindy Steele has Hunting for a Husband coming out June 15 and it is the ninth book in The Heart of the Amish series.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I will be sharing my thoughts on An Unexpected Companion by Mindy Obenhaus.  I am off to find a contractor to install insulation and vapor barrier.  Hurricane Milton destroyed it underneath our home.  I hope it is easier to find a company for this work than for the carport (which should begin work on May 19).  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford

 Amish Country Killer

Book Summary

An unsolved mystery…

Seeking the truth could be fatal.

Reopening the investigation of her mother's disappearance puts chief of police Diana Fisher in someone’s lethal sights. As she delves deeper into the mystery, a murderer resurfaces, targeting the Amish community. Detective Micah Nissley, whose fiancée went missing a decade ago, joins forces with Diana to stop the threats and bring the killer to justice. But can they uncover the connection between Diana and the culprit before she becomes the next victim?

My Thoughts

I began reading Amish Country Killer by Mary Alford and, after doing the evening chores, I stayed up late to finish it. I enjoyed all the suspense, action, and mystery.  I followed Diana, Micah, and Kip as they worked to solve the string of murders.  The killer was always one step ahead of them.  I was amazed that Diana and Micah were able to keep going after what they went through (I would want a paid four-week vacation after catching the killer). Kip, Diana’s K9 officer, is clever, brave, and a sweetheart.  

I had fun solving the whodunit. There are twists and turns throughout the story. I never knew what would happen next.  It is a good thing that Diana and Micah had each other to rely on (once Diana learns to trust him that is).  Naturally, with the duo spending considerable time together, it is inevitable that sparks will fly between them. Given the challenges the pair face, Diana and Micah will find their faith indispensable.  I like how the story ended.    Amish Country Killer is an enthralling tale with a narrow escape, hits to the head, a serial killer, teens trapped in a mine, an unexpected find, a trusty canine, a twisted mind, and a tenacious chief of police.

Amish Country Killer is available from Amazon. Want to read the first chapter of Amish Country Killer?  Visit Harlequin and use the Look Inside feature to preview the story. Mary Alford has Framed in Amish Country coming out July 1.  You can find Mary Alford's other novels here.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I will be sharing my thoughts on Courting Daniel's Daughter by Mindy Steele tomorrow.  There are many great books coming out this month (my TBR pile is quite large).  We are currently going through a hot spell in Florida (86 degrees is the high today).  I hope we will have a little more spring before the heat sets in for the summer.  What is the weather like in your area?  Do you have any book recommendations?  I hope that you have a cool day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.