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The Coach's Secret Child
With a family on the line,
he refuses to fumble again.
When former football star Mike Cook returns to Tumbleweed, Texas, to coach the high school football team, he doesn't expect to be reunited with the woman he left behind. Single mom Kayla Stewart never thought she would see Mike again, much less become his teaching mentor. But when she witnesses his genuine compassion for his students and his growing bond with her daughter, Emma, Kayla knows she can’t keep her secret forever. As old wounds resurface, Mike must prove he can keep Kayla’s heart safe—or risk losing the family he never knew he had.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Tumbleweed, Texas
Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe
Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer
he refuses to fumble again.
When former football star Mike Cook returns to Tumbleweed, Texas, to coach the high school football team, he doesn't expect to be reunited with the woman he left behind. Single mom Kayla Stewart never thought she would see Mike again, much less become his teaching mentor. But when she witnesses his genuine compassion for his students and his growing bond with her daughter, Emma, Kayla knows she can’t keep her secret forever. As old wounds resurface, Mike must prove he can keep Kayla’s heart safe—or risk losing the family he never knew he had.
From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Tumbleweed, Texas
Book 1: The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain
Book 2: The Pastor's Easter Prayer by Tina Radcliffe
Book 3: The Police Chief's Instant Family by Mindy Obenhaus
Book 4: The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
8 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Lee Tobin McClain
169 books541 followersNew York Times bestselling author of emotional, heartwarming romances. Visit http://www.leetobinmcclain.com to join newsletter, get book release details, and find out more.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
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January 26, 2026Welcome to Tumbleweed Texas. Mike and Kayla have a past that resulted in 2-year-old Emma. Kayla never told Mike about Emma and now he is teaching in the classroom next to hers and moves into the rental house next to hers. Can she tell him about his daughter? Can they move on from their past and make the present work?
January 27, 2026
The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain this was another great inspirational book with wonderful characters I highly recommend! I was given a compilatory copy and this is my own honest opinion!
January 14, 2026
The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain
Miniseries: Tumbleweed, Texas (Book #1)
With a family on the line,
he refuses to fumble again.
When former football star Mike Cook returns to Tumbleweed, Texas, to coach the high school football team, he doesn't expect to be reunited with the woman he left behind. Single mom Kayla Stewart never thought she would see Mike again, much less become his teaching mentor. But when she witnesses his genuine compassion for his students and his growing bond with her daughter, Emma, Kayla knows she can’t keep her secret forever. As old wounds resurface, Mike must prove he can keep Kayla’s heart safe—or risk losing the family he never knew he had.
My favorite quote is
Kayla Stewart walked into the Tumbleweed High media center and nabbed a seat at the end of the back row. Teachers’ meetings could run long, and she had to pick up her two-year-old daughter by five o’clock.
Principal Ron Garcia strode down the aisle and stopped beside her. “Favor to ask you,” he said.
“Sure, whatever you need.” Principal Garcia had done Kayla a real service this year, scheduling her planning period for the beginning of the day so that she could come in a little later. It was super helpful as she navigated her daughter’s first year in day care. She owed him big-time. And she really, really wanted to keep the same schedule for next year.
“Could you mentor the new history teacher?” the principal asked. “He’ll be in the classroom next door to you, and you share a lot of students, so it’ll be convenient.”
Relieved that the favor wasn’t too time-consuming, Kayla smiled. “Of course. I’m glad you finally found someone.”
I recommend this book.
The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain
is a 5 -star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
Miniseries: Tumbleweed, Texas (Book #1)
With a family on the line,
he refuses to fumble again.
When former football star Mike Cook returns to Tumbleweed, Texas, to coach the high school football team, he doesn't expect to be reunited with the woman he left behind. Single mom Kayla Stewart never thought she would see Mike again, much less become his teaching mentor. But when she witnesses his genuine compassion for his students and his growing bond with her daughter, Emma, Kayla knows she can’t keep her secret forever. As old wounds resurface, Mike must prove he can keep Kayla’s heart safe—or risk losing the family he never knew he had.
My favorite quote is
Kayla Stewart walked into the Tumbleweed High media center and nabbed a seat at the end of the back row. Teachers’ meetings could run long, and she had to pick up her two-year-old daughter by five o’clock.
Principal Ron Garcia strode down the aisle and stopped beside her. “Favor to ask you,” he said.
“Sure, whatever you need.” Principal Garcia had done Kayla a real service this year, scheduling her planning period for the beginning of the day so that she could come in a little later. It was super helpful as she navigated her daughter’s first year in day care. She owed him big-time. And she really, really wanted to keep the same schedule for next year.
“Could you mentor the new history teacher?” the principal asked. “He’ll be in the classroom next door to you, and you share a lot of students, so it’ll be convenient.”
Relieved that the favor wasn’t too time-consuming, Kayla smiled. “Of course. I’m glad you finally found someone.”
I recommend this book.
The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain
is a 5 -star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Lee Tobin McClain .
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
From Love Inspired: Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.
January 27, 2026
This is such a terrific idea for a series. Four small-town romances set in Tumbleweed, TX, and each written by a different gifted storyteller. It's a great opportunity to find new-to-you wrıters to follow and fall in love with their romance stories.
Kayla Stewart is a single mother and teacher who returned to her small home town once she discovered she was pregnant. Now she has an even more monumental challenge—mentoring the new teacher and football coach, Mike Cook, who also happens to be her two-year-old daughter's father.
This one has everything I’ve come to love from one of my all-time favorite storytellers, and I couldn’t get enough. A tale of healing, grace, strength, and second chances, you’ll love this phenomenal, heartfelt, uplifting story of faith, forgiveness, and divine providence.
Kayla Stewart is a single mother and teacher who returned to her small home town once she discovered she was pregnant. Now she has an even more monumental challenge—mentoring the new teacher and football coach, Mike Cook, who also happens to be her two-year-old daughter's father.
This one has everything I’ve come to love from one of my all-time favorite storytellers, and I couldn’t get enough. A tale of healing, grace, strength, and second chances, you’ll love this phenomenal, heartfelt, uplifting story of faith, forgiveness, and divine providence.
February 8, 2026
This is the first book in a series written by four different authors about the small town of Tumbleweed, Texas. If you love second chances and how the past can be forgiven with love and prayer, this book is for you. After coming back to her hometown, Kayla and her daughter are making a life together. Then one day the school gets a new coach, Mike who just happens to be the little girl's Dad, who doesn't know he has a daughter. Can both of them put their past behind them and look forward to a future together? I'm looking forward to reading the rest of these books and learning more about the small town and it's community.
February 13, 2026
Sweet introduction to a new series
Kayla is asked to mentor the new history teacher and football coach, Mike. But they had known each other in college, and Kayla had not told him that she had his daughter, Emma. Both of them have lots of fears holding them back, but can they make their way back to each other?
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. Emma is a doll, but is a typical 2 going on 3-year-old, so she does act up occasionally. The Christian ideals are a big part of the story and move it along. This is a nice introduction to a new series. Enjoy!
Kayla is asked to mentor the new history teacher and football coach, Mike. But they had known each other in college, and Kayla had not told him that she had his daughter, Emma. Both of them have lots of fears holding them back, but can they make their way back to each other?
The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has no steam. The characters are vivid and engaging. Emma is a doll, but is a typical 2 going on 3-year-old, so she does act up occasionally. The Christian ideals are a big part of the story and move it along. This is a nice introduction to a new series. Enjoy!
February 22, 2026
I really like books by this author. This is the first book in the Tumbleweed, Texas series. The two main characters are Mike Cook and Kayla Stewart. I found it interesting that the characters who had a past relationship met back up because Mike started teaching where Kayla was already teaching. That was an original twist to me because I have not read another story where that was the case. This novel had a great lesson in forgiveness of others as well as yourself. It also was a great book to teach people that you are not always like your parents and you can overcome difficult life circumstances. I definitely recommend this book.
February 1, 2026
Kayla Stewart moved back home and found a husband when she discovered she was pregnant after Mike Cook broke up with her and didn't return her calls. Kayla is now a widow, working as a teacher and is dismayed when she learns Mike will be teaching at her school and she is his mentor! Kayla and Mike have problems to work through as Mike adjusts to learning he has a three year old daughter and as the football team adjusts to a new coach. I recommend this light romance to others. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
March 3, 2026
The Coach’s Secret Child is a heartfelt story of second chances, faith, and family. When former football star Mike Cook returns to Tumbleweed, Texas, to coach the high school team, he never expects to reconnect with Kayla or grow close to her daughter, Emma.
The emotional journey is sincere and uplifting, grounded by strong themes of forgiveness, community, and the courage to love again. This is a tender, faith-infused romance that will leave you rooting for its characters and believing in the power of hope.
The emotional journey is sincere and uplifting, grounded by strong themes of forgiveness, community, and the courage to love again. This is a tender, faith-infused romance that will leave you rooting for its characters and believing in the power of hope.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really liked this book. I loved the characters of Kayla and Mike. They were both trying to overcome their own past trauma. The story line was great. Kayla was asked to be a mentor teacher to Mike, the man who had abandoned her, not knowing that she was pregnant. It was a story of forgiveness and overcoming.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In this book you’ll read about a couple who break up and end up meeting again in their hometown. Kayla is shocked when she sees who the new teacher and coach is. Mike is surprised when he is told who his mentor is going to be. Kayla has been keeping a secret for 3 years from everyone. The author will have you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
February 10, 2026
The Coach's Secret Child by Lee Tobin McClain is book 1 of 4 in the Tumbleweed, Texas series who's are all by a different author. Former football star Mike returns to the high school football team. He reunites with the woman he left back single mom Kayla. Kayla has a secret but she can't keep it. This was a page turner.
March 9, 2026
Great start to the Tumbleweed, Texas series. The story is interesting from the start. Kayla and Mike are characters that are not perfect with challenges to work through. They were not expecting to meet again either. This is a very enjoyable read.
January 28, 2026
A sweet, Christian romance, that was FUN to read. Can’t wait for more!
February 14, 2026
Great characters
Such a great story. Great start to a new series. Looking forward to reading more about the characters. Mike had so much to work out, read all about him.
Such a great story. Great start to a new series. Looking forward to reading more about the characters. Mike had so much to work out, read all about him.
February 17, 2026
This book's storyline was okay. Mike & Kayla's characters were okay. I liked the ending.
March 11, 2026
Great Story Line
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews