Author & Sewing Designer June McCrary Jacobs: ~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE SURPRISE NEXT DOOR ~

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~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~

-- 'THE SURPRISE NEXT DOOR' --

AUTHOR TARA RANDEL

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The Surprise Next Door JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Surprise Next Door by Tara Randel,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

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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.

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EXCERPT:

With a chuckle, Ethan placed his phone on the counter and returned to the glasses in the sink,then out of the corner of his eye he noticed a streak go by. From his view, he saw Gus galloping toward the swing set, his leash dragging in the grass behind him. Then Nicole came into view, chasing after her wayward dog, who had a significant lead.

He couldn’t tear his gaze from her, dressed in a floral sundress, the jaunty elf hat half-hanging off her head. Her outfit elicited a laugh. Nicole’s antics made his heart light, and he couldn’t recall when he’d been so charmed. A welcome reprieve after the stress that had ushered in the end of his marriage.

Finally, she stopped chasing the energetic dog. Placing her hands on her hips, she stared him down. Gus came back to sit in front of her, meeting her gaze without flinching. He wondered how long the standoff would last. When they didn’t move, he dried his hands again, then walked out the back door and onto the wooden porch, stopping at the railing to rest his palms on the rough, flat surface.

Neither of his new neighbors twitched.

He decided action was needed and let out a low whistle. Gus jerked and then bounded over to him, rushing up the steps for a brisk rubdown.

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MY REVIEW:

One clever 5-year-old girl plus one mischievous golden retriever equals lots of whimsy and fun in this enjoyable contemporary romance . . .

Nicole Connelly has moved back to Golden temporarily while she is completing a project for her employer, Sanders Entertainment. She loves her job, but she is hesitant about living back in Golden for a month after leaving her hometown and family several years ago.

Her recently-adopted golden retriever, Gus, is a bundle of affectionate fluff that is an expert escape-artist. He makes friends easily, but he needs some training to break his bad habits and become a well-behaved canine.

Dr. Ethan Price, the town's veterinarian who lives in the house next door to Nicole's rental, is intense and serious. His irritation when he finds his five-year-old daughter, Holly, playing with Gus out in their front yard comes across loud and clear in his initial meeting with Nicole.

The core wound for both of the adults is a lack of trust in others because of major traumas they survived in the past. Both Ethan and Nicole are hesitant to open up and share their past experiences with the other. Holly's warm and welcoming spirit toward Nicole and Gus provides the perfect catalyst to jumpstart Ethan's acceptance of Nicole.

Things don’t always go smoothly as Nicole attempts to heal her relationships with her Mother, two sisters, and one half-sister, but the kind community of Golden helps out by giving support and encouragement whenever needed.

I enjoyed reading about Nicole's job and the creative ideas she came up with for the town's seasonal promotions to increase tourism in the area. As an animal lover, I enjoyed Dr. Price's care and kindness toward animals and their owners. Holly has a joyful spirit which is hard to ignore. Last but not least, Gus was a valuable addition to the plot in many ways.

This book is completely clean in language and content. I received a copy of this book from the author through JustRead Publicity Tours. All of my thoughts and opinions shared here are solely my own.

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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!