An unexpected reunion…  Brings a loving new beginning!

Returning to quaint Strawberry Pond, New Hampshire, is bittersweet for veterinarian Trevor Kaminski. His hometown is full of memories of the sister he lost. And with his orphaned nephew, Danny, to raise, he suddenly finds himself a single dad.

But reconnecting with his childhood best friend, Laura Sullivan, brings a joyful surprise—romantic feelings that catch them both off guard. Laura is happy to help with Danny, and working with Trevor to save the local animal shelter allows their friendship to deepen and grow…into love.

But self-sufficient Laura never planned on marriage. Can Trevor convince the dedicated bachelorette to embrace a fresh start with an instant family?

Titles in the Strawberry Pond Romance series include:  The Hero Next Door ~ A Surprise for the Single Dad ~

This is a no-spice romance, perhaps with closed-door or fade-to-black scenes. Tension and kisses might be involved.

Title:  A Surprise for the Single Dad
Series:  A Strawberry Pond Romance #2
Author:  Jen Gilroy
Published:  May 26, 2026
Publisher:  Harlequin Heartwarming
My Rating:  4.5 stars

A Surprise for the Single Dad is the second title in the A Strawberry Pond Romance series.  I’ve not yet read the first title in the series, and was able to drop into the story with little problem.  Yes, there were obvious characters related to the core of the series that I was just learning, but, hey, it’s the second title I expected that… so I’d say Laura and Trevor’s story “could” be read as a standalone, but it certainly tempts one to go back for the beginning of the series.

I enjoyed A Surprise for the Single Dad.  It’s well-written, the characters are believable, even relatable.  Laura had never envisioned marriage and family in her future; she had her reasons.  Trevor is clueless in his sudden father role to his nephew after his sister’s sudden death.  Frankly, taking on a young teen is challenging for their parents, let alone for those recently stepping into that role.  Watching Laura and Trevor navigate their old friendship turning into something romantic, with Danny thrown into the mix, created emotional situations that I think just about anyone can relate to.  I had fun with this story, and that is the entire point of romantic fiction: to enjoy yourself.  If this sounds like your kind of romance, then you’d love Laura, Trevor, and Danny’s adventures.  Now, I need to go back for the first story, The Hero Next Door, and then wait for the next addition to the series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley, and I sincerely thank the author or publishing house for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon