an unexpected companion | book review + giveaway

justread publicity tours

about the book

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?

publisher: love inspired

release date: april 1, 2025

goodreads | amazon | barnes & noble | bookbub | bookshop | christian book

other books in the series

the cowgirl's redemption

a christmas bargain

loving the rancher's children

her christmas healing

hidden secrets between them

rediscovering christmas

review

a sweet story of second chances and healing!

widow tessa wagner heads to her family ranch for her summer with her two boys. when her oldest son gets into a little trouble, widower dirk matthews and his mobility service dog molly are there to offer help. as they continue to spend the summer together, dirk, tessa, and her boys learn to face the past—and maybe, find hope for the future, too.

both tessa and dirk have tragedy in their past, along with some lingering guilt. their time together prompts important reflection, growth, and ultimately, healing, and it was sweet to see them learn how to face God with their questions and doubts. 

an unexpected companion deals with some tough parts of life, but it filled with hope and possibility, nonetheless. fans of inspirational contemporary romance could easily enjoy it (especially if you love visiting hope crossing).

i received a complimentary copy from the author. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.
 
 
considerations: 
—language: none
—spice: kisses only
—faith: mentions of God and prayer
—content: grief, guilt, disability, mentions of suicide and death

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.

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.

tour schedule

justread publicity tours