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The Family Next Door: An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
A little boy in need
Could unite two broken hearts.
After her business goes under, Torryn Emerson is only too happy to return to her hometown and restore the house left to her in her mother’s will. She never expects to find friendship next door. Matthew Lawson finds it difficult to connect with his young son after his wife’s death. So when Connor is drawn to their fun-loving neighbor, Torryn, Matthew asks for her help. As they spend more time together, Torryn can’t help but fall for the little boy and his father…but can they overcome past hurts to become the family they need?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Could unite two broken hearts.
After her business goes under, Torryn Emerson is only too happy to return to her hometown and restore the house left to her in her mother’s will. She never expects to find friendship next door. Matthew Lawson finds it difficult to connect with his young son after his wife’s death. So when Connor is drawn to their fun-loving neighbor, Torryn, Matthew asks for her help. As they spend more time together, Torryn can’t help but fall for the little boy and his father…but can they overcome past hurts to become the family they need?
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
208 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published May 27, 2025
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26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 7, 2025
I did not care for Matthew or his mother at all.
October 11, 2025
Torryn's coming home to settle her late mother's affairs and then she's leaving. Matthew's still dealing with the betrayal of his late wife, and juggling being a single parent to Connor. But when these two neighbors decide to work together, the sparks start to fly...but he is definitely not looking for love after the infidelity his late wife put him through. And she's not looking to fall in love, because love only leads to more heartbreak, something she's far too familiar with. But no matter how hard they both try.... the heart wants what its wants and little Connor seems to want these two to work past the walls and consider a future together... will they take the risk?!
This was super cute. A rollercoaster of emotions. My only drawback was when they did finally admit their feelings I wanted more for that moment. But that may have just been my preference. All in all, still a super cute story!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
This was super cute. A rollercoaster of emotions. My only drawback was when they did finally admit their feelings I wanted more for that moment. But that may have just been my preference. All in all, still a super cute story!
I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.
June 17, 2025
The Family Next Door is my first read by Zoey Marie Jackson, though I have all 3 of her previous Love Inspired books on my TBR list. I just decided to start with the most recent release, and I was happy that I did because this is also the first in a new series. Which is advantageous because this way I can go back and read the author’s other LI books while I wait for the next Ryder Hill book to release without getting further behind. And with how Jackson sets up the series-wide arc involving Torryn and her siblings and their adoptive mom’s estate – including little hints about what her brother’s and sister’s respective stories may involve – I’m definitely invested!
My heart went out to Matthew Lawson and his adorable little boy Connor as they continue to grieve the loss of their wife/mom. The fact that her cause of death is one we don’t often encounter in fiction told me early on that this wouldn’t be exactly the same-old, same-old ‘single dad falls in love with the girl next door’ plot, and I was pleased to be right. In fact, from Torryn’s complex backstory to the stipulations in her adoptive mom’s will, Matthew’s own complicated family relationships, and the piece of mail that’s causing him high anxiety, the author includes several layers that set this story apart from the crowd while still having all the elements I enjoy about the trope. Torryn and Matthew are both relatably flawed – neither character suffers from being ‘too perfect’ – and, oh goodness, it’s no wonder that Connor steals Torryn’s heart because he did the same for me from word one.
Bottom Line: The Family Next Door by Zoey Marie Jackson takes three broken hearts and knits them sweetly together in a heartwarming story full of layered characters, cute scenes, emotional depth, and lots of grace. I enjoyed getting to know Torryn, Matthew, and Connor, and the fact that they’re each navigating some complicated emotions ensured they were relatable and easy to root for. Not only did Torryn and Matthew’s ‘opposites attract’ romance, as well as Torryn and Connor’s quickly-formed friendship, make me smile more than once, I also appreciated the depth added by the multicultural dynamics, complex backstories, and faith struggles in play. I’m eagerly waiting for word on the next Ryder Hill book to see where Torryn’s siblings’ stories go from here, too.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading is My SuperPower
My heart went out to Matthew Lawson and his adorable little boy Connor as they continue to grieve the loss of their wife/mom. The fact that her cause of death is one we don’t often encounter in fiction told me early on that this wouldn’t be exactly the same-old, same-old ‘single dad falls in love with the girl next door’ plot, and I was pleased to be right. In fact, from Torryn’s complex backstory to the stipulations in her adoptive mom’s will, Matthew’s own complicated family relationships, and the piece of mail that’s causing him high anxiety, the author includes several layers that set this story apart from the crowd while still having all the elements I enjoy about the trope. Torryn and Matthew are both relatably flawed – neither character suffers from being ‘too perfect’ – and, oh goodness, it’s no wonder that Connor steals Torryn’s heart because he did the same for me from word one.
Bottom Line: The Family Next Door by Zoey Marie Jackson takes three broken hearts and knits them sweetly together in a heartwarming story full of layered characters, cute scenes, emotional depth, and lots of grace. I enjoyed getting to know Torryn, Matthew, and Connor, and the fact that they’re each navigating some complicated emotions ensured they were relatable and easy to root for. Not only did Torryn and Matthew’s ‘opposites attract’ romance, as well as Torryn and Connor’s quickly-formed friendship, make me smile more than once, I also appreciated the depth added by the multicultural dynamics, complex backstories, and faith struggles in play. I’m eagerly waiting for word on the next Ryder Hill book to see where Torryn’s siblings’ stories go from here, too.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading is My SuperPower
May 24, 2025
The Family Next Door by Zoey Marie Jackson
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
A little boy in need
Could unite two broken hearts.
After her business goes under, Torryn Emerson is only too happy to return to her hometown and restore the house left to her in her mother’s will. She never expects to find friendship next door. Matthew Lawson finds it difficult to connect with his young son after his wife’s death. So when Connor is drawn to their fun-loving neighbor, Torryn, Matthew asks for her help. As they spend more time together, Torryn can’t help but fall for the little boy and his father…but can they overcome past hurts to become the family they need?
This is Torryn Emerson's story.
This is Matthew Lawson and son Connor's story.
As soon as she sat down, Connor called out, “You look like my mommy!” then rushed over to Torryn and jumped in her lap. Torryn froze, her mouth hanging open.
Matthew felt his cheeks burn. “Please, forgive my son,” he said, then he called to Connor, who was now playing with her hair.
She waved a hand. “It’s quite alright. He’s adorable.”
One of the biggest luxuries of being in business for yourself and living in a small town like Ryder Hill, Delaware, was that you could take your child with you to work, and no one would think anything of it.
After his wife, Eloise, had died from MRSA two years ago, Matthew Lawson struggled with being a single father to his now four-year-old son, Connor. If it hadn’t been for his mother, Peggy, he didn’t know how he would have managed. But unfortunately, it seemed like he was about to find out. His mother had left for Florida the day before, to care for her ailing sister, so Matthew had lost Connor’s sole caretaker.
I recommend reading this book.
The Family Next Door by Zoey Marie Jackson is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Zoey Marie Jackson .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
An Uplifting Inspirational Romance
A little boy in need
Could unite two broken hearts.
After her business goes under, Torryn Emerson is only too happy to return to her hometown and restore the house left to her in her mother’s will. She never expects to find friendship next door. Matthew Lawson finds it difficult to connect with his young son after his wife’s death. So when Connor is drawn to their fun-loving neighbor, Torryn, Matthew asks for her help. As they spend more time together, Torryn can’t help but fall for the little boy and his father…but can they overcome past hurts to become the family they need?
This is Torryn Emerson's story.
This is Matthew Lawson and son Connor's story.
As soon as she sat down, Connor called out, “You look like my mommy!” then rushed over to Torryn and jumped in her lap. Torryn froze, her mouth hanging open.
Matthew felt his cheeks burn. “Please, forgive my son,” he said, then he called to Connor, who was now playing with her hair.
She waved a hand. “It’s quite alright. He’s adorable.”
One of the biggest luxuries of being in business for yourself and living in a small town like Ryder Hill, Delaware, was that you could take your child with you to work, and no one would think anything of it.
After his wife, Eloise, had died from MRSA two years ago, Matthew Lawson struggled with being a single father to his now four-year-old son, Connor. If it hadn’t been for his mother, Peggy, he didn’t know how he would have managed. But unfortunately, it seemed like he was about to find out. His mother had left for Florida the day before, to care for her ailing sister, so Matthew had lost Connor’s sole caretaker.
I recommend reading this book.
The Family Next Door by Zoey Marie Jackson is a 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Zoey Marie Jackson .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
April 23, 2025
4.5/5
This is a sweet story about two broken-hearted neighbors joining to create a new life together. Both Torryn and Matthew had heartbreaking losses recently, so they began leaning on one another and soon grew closer. Torryn’s adoptive mother passed away, and years before that, her biological mother passed tragically. Matthew’s wife passed recently as well, leaving him a single father to his young son, Connor, who is grieving heavily. Matthew lives next to the house Torryn grew up in, which her mother left to her children. So there is close proximity which forces the two to see one another at first, and then they begin to look forward to spending time together. Torryn also begins babysitting Connor while Matthew works as an attorney, so she is able to develop the relationship with the young grieving boy. With these two people, a relationship was really bound to happen, and they were able to enjoy the support of family and friends as they grew closer.
There are themes of forgiveness and facing your fears throughout the story, and I loved that Matthew loved to sing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “It Is Well” which are two of my absolute favorite songs. Another of my favorite things about the story was that Torryn was at a crossroads in her life, where she needed to make some decisions on how she would move forward. Her progression was wonderful to witness.
The cover of this book is beautiful and it what drew my eye. The sunflowers were prevalent and important to the story.
It was wonderful! Thank you to Harlequin Love Inspired for allowing me to read this book early via NetGalley.
This is a sweet story about two broken-hearted neighbors joining to create a new life together. Both Torryn and Matthew had heartbreaking losses recently, so they began leaning on one another and soon grew closer. Torryn’s adoptive mother passed away, and years before that, her biological mother passed tragically. Matthew’s wife passed recently as well, leaving him a single father to his young son, Connor, who is grieving heavily. Matthew lives next to the house Torryn grew up in, which her mother left to her children. So there is close proximity which forces the two to see one another at first, and then they begin to look forward to spending time together. Torryn also begins babysitting Connor while Matthew works as an attorney, so she is able to develop the relationship with the young grieving boy. With these two people, a relationship was really bound to happen, and they were able to enjoy the support of family and friends as they grew closer.
There are themes of forgiveness and facing your fears throughout the story, and I loved that Matthew loved to sing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “It Is Well” which are two of my absolute favorite songs. Another of my favorite things about the story was that Torryn was at a crossroads in her life, where she needed to make some decisions on how she would move forward. Her progression was wonderful to witness.
The cover of this book is beautiful and it what drew my eye. The sunflowers were prevalent and important to the story.
It was wonderful! Thank you to Harlequin Love Inspired for allowing me to read this book early via NetGalley.
May 25, 2025
The Family Next Door by Zoey Marie Jackson is a sweet story. I found the story to be easy to read (a great book to read on a rainy afternoon). I liked the main characters, Matthew and Torryn as well as Matthew’s son, Connor who is a scene stealer. Each of the main characters has issues they need to work on or overcome. Matthew is very buttoned up while Torryn is more carefree (a go with the flow type). I laughed at the scene with Matthew fishing in a suit. When Torryn and Connor came home from their first fishing expedition covered in mud, I could envision the horror on Matthew’s face (he did not want that mud anywhere near his super neat home). Forgiveness and facing your fears are the two main themes that run throughout the story along with faith. I did feel the ending was rushed (it’s like someone stomped on the gas and my head is pushed back against the seat as we zoom towards the conclusion). I appreciated the cute epilogue, but I did feel there were a couple of details missing. I enjoyed the delectable descriptions of Torryn’s baked goods (had my mouth watering). The Family Next Door is a heartwarming tale with an unusual will, an exuberant boy, currency difficulty, a problematic letter, sowing seeds, tasty pastries, a neat freak, and a property line problem.
March 29, 2025
The story of Matthew Lawson, his son Connor and their new neighbor Torryn, is one filled with heartaches, self doubts and heavy on faith and Christianity.
Torryn is back in town where her adoptive mother , Ruth , gave her a home. When the will is read to her and her two siblings, Torryn is entrusted to find a way to keep Ruth’s home from being sold.
Torryn has to learn to forgive herself and not fear the future. While Mathew has to regain his faith, his love of singing and forgive his deceased wife. All of this, while he does all he can to protect his son.
Torryn is the perfect one to bring father and son closer, but she’s planning to leave after she does what she was asked to do.
Can these two find a way to each other and create a family? Can they help each other find their happiness, their faith and each other?
This was a touching , clean Christian romance entrusted to me by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Torryn is back in town where her adoptive mother , Ruth , gave her a home. When the will is read to her and her two siblings, Torryn is entrusted to find a way to keep Ruth’s home from being sold.
Torryn has to learn to forgive herself and not fear the future. While Mathew has to regain his faith, his love of singing and forgive his deceased wife. All of this, while he does all he can to protect his son.
Torryn is the perfect one to bring father and son closer, but she’s planning to leave after she does what she was asked to do.
Can these two find a way to each other and create a family? Can they help each other find their happiness, their faith and each other?
This was a touching , clean Christian romance entrusted to me by Netgalley and Harlequin. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
June 4, 2025
Torryn Emerson, and her siblings, Nigel and Tess, must fulfill their adoptive mother's last wishes. They must stay in their mother's home for 3 months each, fixing it up and then it will be theirs.
After her business partner drains the business account and absconds with the funds while Torryn is having emergency surgery, Torryn is happy to return to Ryder Hills, Delaware to fulfill her part of the will.
Matthew Lawson, the estate attorney has a young son he cannot connect with after the death of his wife. Matthew hires Torryn to look after Connor while he works. Unknown to Torryn, there is a question involving Connor's parentage.
Torryn needs to raise money to pay the back taxes on the property. She holds a memorial bake sale and raises the needed money. Will she leave Matthew and Connor at the end of her 3 months and return to Philadelphia or will she stay in Ryder Hill?
After her business partner drains the business account and absconds with the funds while Torryn is having emergency surgery, Torryn is happy to return to Ryder Hills, Delaware to fulfill her part of the will.
Matthew Lawson, the estate attorney has a young son he cannot connect with after the death of his wife. Matthew hires Torryn to look after Connor while he works. Unknown to Torryn, there is a question involving Connor's parentage.
Torryn needs to raise money to pay the back taxes on the property. She holds a memorial bake sale and raises the needed money. Will she leave Matthew and Connor at the end of her 3 months and return to Philadelphia or will she stay in Ryder Hill?
May 8, 2025
Torryn and Matthew have become neighbors, and Torryn has lost her adoptive mother, and Matthew has lost his wife, and his son Connor, who is 4 has lost his mother. This is their journey of working through grief, and the grief they share, creates a connection, that slows smoothly, into a friendship. I could feel God throughout this story, helping to guide things into place. Reading this story was like a spiritual journey, and with all the chaos going on in the world today, it was a story that reminded me that I need to spend time and focus on myself.
This is the first book I have read, written by Zoey Marie Jackson, and I am going to go read her other ones. I received an ARC from Love Inspired through NetGalley. This is an inspirational story.
This is the first book I have read, written by Zoey Marie Jackson, and I am going to go read her other ones. I received an ARC from Love Inspired through NetGalley. This is an inspirational story.
July 18, 2025
Zoey Marie Jackson writes a sweet story about three people who need their hearts mended. Torryn Emerson has lost her adoptive mother and is fulfilling her wishes about the house Torryn grew up in. Matthew Lawson is a single dad to 4 yr old Connor. He is the attorney for the Emerson Estate and happens to live next door. He and his son are still grieving his wife’s death. He needs a babysitter and Torryn needs a job. Matthew appears starchy and uptight and Torryn appears as a free spirit and doesn’t stick with any job or place for long. Connor misses his Mommy and just needs love. Can these three find what they need?
This is the first in a series titled Ryder Hill.
This is the first in a series titled Ryder Hill.
March 30, 2025
Such a well written and heartwarming book. The characters, Torryn and Matthew, feel like failures. Torryn, because she lost her business and Matthew because he struggles with being a dad to his young son Connor after his wife died. Will the two of them learn to lean on each other and rebuild their confidence in themselves? I enjoyed this clean Christian book that was centered around faith and trust.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Love Inspired Series. This book is scheduled to be released May 27, 2025. All words are my own.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher Harlequin Love Inspired Series. This book is scheduled to be released May 27, 2025. All words are my own.
May 25, 2025
A widower struggling to forgive and to discover the answer he fears the most. A daughter who is scared to commit and fail so doesn't commit. A little boy who has lost his mother and is struggling with expressing his grief. A mother who wants the best for her kids and puts a plan in motion as her final wish.
This is part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap. Reading in order is highly recommended as the main storyline flows throughout the series with each book focusing on the tasks assigned to each of her children. I can't wait to see what will happen next.
This is part of an interconnected series with characters that overlap. Reading in order is highly recommended as the main storyline flows throughout the series with each book focusing on the tasks assigned to each of her children. I can't wait to see what will happen next.
June 17, 2025
The Family Next Door is the first book I have read by Zoey Jackson (I think). I really enjoyed the storyline! Both main characters are dealing with grief of their own and have to learn how to manage it, all while caring for a young boy. Jackson does a great job in setting her readers up for a trilogy of books, giving the opportunity to know the characters that would follow as well. I cant wait to read #2!
June 20, 2025
This story is kind of grumpy to sunshine. I didn't feel Matthew was grumpy as much as stiff. And very wounded. He doesn't know what to make of Torryn, who is very much a fairy sprite. She can't settle down and stick with one thing. She is wounded as well. Aren't we all? Little Connor is so sweet and helped to make the story what it is. Are they destined to just be neighbors?
I highly recommend it!
I highly recommend it!
May 31, 2025
A heartwarming and uplifting story of finding love right next door. With wonderful characters, an entertaining and enjoyable storyline, faith, forgiveness and some adoable romance, this well written read had the perfect amount of heart. It's a sweet and easy page turner that won't disappoint.
August 15, 2025
This is a new to me author, and the book was a satisfying read!
September 27, 2025
This is a tender, faith-filled romance that gently explores grief, healing, and second chances. Torryn and Matthew are neighbors brought together by heartbreaking loss—Torryn mourning her adoptive mother and Matthew adjusting to life as a widowed father to his young son, Connor. Their growing connection feels natural and comforting, rooted in shared pain and a blossoming hope for the future.
The story leans into themes of forgiveness, emotional courage, and spiritual strength. Torryn’s internal journey—rebuilding her life and making pivotal decisions—adds depth to her character, and her bond with Connor is heartwarming. Matthew’s love of classic hymns like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “It Is Well” adds a soulful, uplifting touch that enhances the emotional richness of the story.
This is a sweet, clean romance that highlights the power of community, love, and faith. It’s a moving and uplifting read, perfect for those who enjoy heartfelt stories with emotional depth and gentle inspiration.
The story leans into themes of forgiveness, emotional courage, and spiritual strength. Torryn’s internal journey—rebuilding her life and making pivotal decisions—adds depth to her character, and her bond with Connor is heartwarming. Matthew’s love of classic hymns like “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and “It Is Well” adds a soulful, uplifting touch that enhances the emotional richness of the story.
This is a sweet, clean romance that highlights the power of community, love, and faith. It’s a moving and uplifting read, perfect for those who enjoy heartfelt stories with emotional depth and gentle inspiration.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews