Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Surprise Next Door by Tara Randel, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! I am such a fan of Love Inspired novels and am happy to be sharing one here today. Author Tara Randel is visiting and chatting with Nicole from The Surprise Next Door. Be sure to read all the way to the end and enter the amazing giveaway!
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About the Book
The Surprise Next Door Author Tara Randel
Published by Harlequin
on May 27, 2025
Genres: Fiction / Animals, Fiction / Romance / Clean & Wholesome, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Small Town & Rural
Pages: 336
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookbub | GoodreadsShould 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.
A Golden, Georgia Romance
Book 1: The Surprise Next Door
Guest Post from Tara Randel
My name is Tara Randel and I’d like to introduce you to some of the characters in my new book, The Surprise Next Door.
First, meet Nicole Connelly. I’ll ask her a few questions to get the ball rolling.
Nicole, tell me about yourself.
I work as a large event coordinator. I’ll take any project, because I love to travel, as long as my dog, Gus, can tag along. He’s a big softy and a bit of an escape artist, but he sure makes life interesting.
What is your current project?
That’s a tricky one. I’ve come back to my hometown of Golden, Georgia to decorate for a magazine photo shoot. Normally that wouldn’t faze me, but I haven’t been home in years. You know, family stuff.
That’s broad. You mean a falling out of some sort?
With my sisters, yes. But my mom is great!
So, what do you expect to learn by coming home?
Learn?
Sure. There must be new revelations about yourself or the world that you discover on every job.
Well, I don’t plan on sticking around. Once the job is finished, I’m off again.
Nothing could make you stay?
Well, I do have a cute next-door neighbor.
Ah, romance.
I never said that. Anyway, Ethan is a veterinarian. He likes my dog, and he has an adorable daughter, so my month spent here might be interesting.
You’re sure you’re not open romance?
Why, what have you heard?
Nothing specific.
Then I guess I say, never say never.
Next meet, Dr. Ethan Price.
You’re a veterinarian, Dr. Price?
Yes. My daughter Holly and I moved to Golden last year so I could take over the vet clinic.
That must be exciting.
It is, but I don’t like the long hours away from my daughter while I get up to speed with the practice. Being a single dad makes me appreciate the time I spend with her.
How old is she?
Five going on twenty.
So, life is interesting.
It is, especially since an attractive woman moved into the cottage next door.
Do tell.
She just moved in. I’m not sure what more I can tell you.
But you’ve met?
Yes, Nicole and her dog ran into my backyard. Started a commotion with my daughter.
Your daughter must be used to being around animals.
She is. That’s the problem. She wants a pet and now she has her eyes on Gus…
Who belongs to Nicole?
You see my problem.
I have a feeling you’re a man who knows how to find solutions.
You’d think. Nicole is rather friendly but won’t be staying in town long.
And since you’re just starting a business, you’re in for the long haul.
Exactly.
There’s always the unexpected chance of a romance.
I need to go check on my daughter.
And finally, let’s hear from Gus.
“Woof!”
I hope you enjoy The Surprise Next Door and the hijinks of Nicole, Ethan, Holly and Gus. Golden, Georgia is perfect place for heartfelt stories, romance and turning life upside down. There’s never a dull moment here in the mountains!
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.
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.
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
What interests you about this story?
Sounds like a great book.
this was a fun post!
Sounds like a perfect relaxing read Jcp (something is wrong when you try to just leave a comment
I enjoyed the creative interviews with the interesting characters.
This looks like a book I will thoroughly enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
I’m glad there are more books in this series.