Accidental Homecoming

The Stirling Ranch #1

by Sabrina York

New York Times  bestselling author Sabrina York kicks off her brand-new Stirling Ranch miniseries by asking does blood make you family?

It’s time to face the past he’s been running from.

Danny Diem’s life is upended when he inherits a small-town ranch. But learning he has a daughter in need of lifesaving surgery is his biggest shock yet. He'd never gotten over telling his ex Lizzie Michaels that he wasn’t the marrying kind. But her loving strength for their little girl tugs at his heartstrings—and makes him wonder if he’s ready to embrace the role he’s always run father .

From Harlequin Special Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

The Stirling Ranch

Book 1: Accidental Homecoming
Book 2: Recipe for a Homecoming

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

283 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published July 27, 2021

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling Romance Author

To check out coming books visit www.sabrinayork.com

Amazon Page: amazon.com/author/sabrinayork
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SabrinaYorkBooks
Twitter: @sabrina_york

Reviews

[Shel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted a paperback copy of this from Sabrina York. I absolutely loved the story! It is sweet, heartfelt and at times a tear bringer.

Danny is and has been alone most of his life. His only family being a selfish hurtful mother. The only person he ever cared for was Lizzie who wanted more than he could give.

Fate brings him into the fold of a family he never knew he had and the woman he loves back into his life with a painful and delightful surprise.

Lizzie has worked had to raised a daughter she had with a man she never thought to see again. But necessity and desperation has her seeking him out.

Together they learn how to be a family and save the most precious part of that family.

The book brings you to tears, gives you laughter and joy. It is a most special story about an incredible family! I adore the Stirlings and all of this story immensely!

[Happily Ever After Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Accidental Homecoming begins The Sterling Ranch series with a thoughtful romance full of questions and uncertain answers. How can one piece of paper change an entire life? How could one hidden bit of information both devastate and bring the greatest joy at the same moment? Danny Diem is about to find out as he’s making the trip from Las Vegas to the tiny little town of Butterscotch Ridge based on one letter stating that he’s come into an inheritance… from the grandfather he never knew since he never got to know his deadbeat father either. Danny’s life is a mess right now. His mother has wiped out his bank account, sold anything of value from his home, and jumped bail – the bail he’s gone into debt with a loan shark for. Yeah. Things aren’t looking too great for Danny at the moment, so why is he trusting everything on one piece of paper to turn his life around. Mainly because what other choice is there?

Lizzie has to finally face a truth she knew was coming yet she’d prayed desperately that it would never come to this moment. Her precious daughter, Emma, needs a bone marrow transplant. And Lizzie needs to track down a man who declared that he’d never marry, that he had no desire to be a father just before she was about to tell him she was pregnant. She left town determined to never cross paths with Danny again. But Emma needs her father, Lizzie needs to believe that Danny would be a match for their daughter… and neither knows if they’re headed for heartache again or a far different future.

Accidental Homecoming is a story that grabbed my emotions quickly and never let go. Danny and Lizzie once had everything except commitment. Young love in the midst of really bad family life for Danny was overpowering at times. Coming to the ranch, meeting his half-siblings, learning some truths have added to the natural changes that maturity brings. When Lizzie tracks him down he is beyond happy and delighted to learn he has a daughter he’d do anything for. But he’s going to have to prove that to Lizzie for she remembers his words, his attitude far too well. Watching families be created in different ways was an emotional journey, one that I’m glad I didn’t miss.

The Sterling Ranch is going to be a series where I’ll strongly suggest reading the stories in order because they do build on what happened previously (and yes, I’ve read the second title). We have three brothers, one sister, and one grandmother for Danny to discover and all will have their intertwining stories told eventually. So, knowing the conclusion of the next title, Recipe for a Homecoming, I feel safe in saying that while you’d enjoy them individually, but if you can follow along with the series you’ll have a different experience knowing what came before. I enjoyed this world and if you love a romance full of discovery, emotions, and family found then you’ll want to get started on this series right now.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danny Diem received a letter from an attorney telling him to contact him regarding an inheritance. Danny really didn't know what he had inherited and what he was getting because the only family he really knew was his Mom.

His Mom took off after she wiped out his bank account and stole all his possessions and sold them. So he owed money to a loan shark. Life had not been going good for him after Lizzie left him.

Lizzie on the other hand, was living with her sister and doing well. She had a daughter. She did miss Danny. Would they ever see each other again.

Really enjoyed the book. Think you will too

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had an amazing way of bringing two people together for a second chance at happiness with each other. From the moment Danny discovered he was a dad he became an awesome father figure despite his unconventional upbringing. Lizzy was a mother hoping to find a match for her I’ll daughter Emma. Together they find help and happiness.

[Alisha Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Homecoming by Sabrina York was an escape that hit all the fills. Danny had always felt alone with his mother never caring for him and a completely absent father, he gets a surprise of his life of 4 half siblings he never knew about and a family he’s always secretly wanted. Also Danny and Lizzie didn’t make it when they were younger but now that Danny’s surprise daughter needs a lifesaving transplant can they let their old feelings show and make a family?
I totally recommend this to anyone needing a heartfelt happily ever after.

[Tracie R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you need to risk everything to find your way home!

The first book in The Stirling Ranch, Accidental Homecoming is a heartfelt start to what I feel will be a truly amazing series.

I loved the way Sabrina York brought these characters together, the genuine interaction and different character dynamics combined with the well written story made this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I will definitely be recommending and look forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and wonderful second chance romance. All the characters are realistic and exceptional. The author draws you into the story that keeps you turning pages. There’s drama, intrigue and a little girl, Emma, who needs help. I can’t wait to read the second book in the series. I received a complimentary copy of the book and chose to leave a review.

[Norma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. I went out and bought this book after receiving a review file. Why? Because it's so good, I just HAD to own the paperback of this book. I really loved this story.

[Becky Tatar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book about Danny Diem, who seems to be a hard luck guy, receiving a notice in Las Vegas about an inheritance in western Washington State. Arriving there, he finds out he's a son of Daniel Sterling, Jr. The inheritance is that all 5 of the Sterling heirs have to work the ranch for 3 years in order to get it. If anyone doesn't, the ranch goes to Daniel Sterling's rival. While there, Danny meets his long past girlfriend, Lizzie Michaels, who tells him he is not only a father of a 5 year old daughter,(which to be fair, Lizzie's and Danny's last argument was about their future, getting married, kids, which Danny at the time didn't want), but Emma is very sick with a special kind of anemia, and needs a bone marrow transplant.

Good story to start, but I think the four family members took to Danny a little too quickly.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four and a half stars

Accidental Homecoming is the first in Sabrina York’s Stirling Ranch series with Harlequin Special Edition. Danny Diem hasn’t had an easy time of it, with a selfish mother and a father who’s MIA. Things take a drastic turn when he’s contacted in short order by a lawyer representing his late grandfather’s estate and his never-forgotten ex…. And he learns he’s a father himself.

Lizzie Michaels knew how Danny felt about marriage and fatherhood, which was why she opted to drop out of his life years ago.

Sabrina York does a beautiful job revealing Lizzie and Danny’s hearts and motivations, and watching them heal past wrongs and learn to trust in love to make a family is a lovely and wondrous thing.

Accidental Homecoming is a charming and emotionally satisfying read, and I’m eager for more in this series!!

[Sheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! This is a page turner from beginning to end.

[Mona Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought 2 copies of this book in error; I really liked the cover. But I wasn’t disappointed with this sweet romance story of a man finding himself & family & a lost love all in a fell swoop.

[E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Danny Diem didn't have a good role model in his parents and therefore shunned responsibility and destroyed his relationship with his high school sweetheart. The shock of being called to the reading of a will for someone he's never heard of is compounded when his ex, Lizzie, tells him they have a child who's very ill. Danny has to figure out if he's ready to have a family, before it's too late.

This contemporary romance is a beautiful introduction to a complicated family. There are definitely heart-tugging moments, and young Emma steals the show. Danny's history (and near-history) is very painful and I'm reminded of my philosophy that we are who we are because of what we lived through. I love that he finds a way to work through his insecurities and I am delighted by the family that develops and look forward to learning more about all of them.

[Pansy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiaras and bacon, puppies and pancakes, oh my.

It has been quite a while since I have read a Harlequin romance. I had forgotten how much I usually enjoyed them. Thank you Sabrina for reminding me. I have fallen in love with the Stirling Ranch and all the siblings, much as Emma has. I look forward to continuing this series. Another awesome story by Sabrina York!

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Homecoming is a phenomenal contemporary romance by Sabrina York. Ms. York has once again delivered a book that is well-written and that readers will love escaping into. She has also gifted readers with a stellar cast of characters. I totally love the characters in this book! After getting a letter in the mail Danny packs up to investigate his inheritance. Being surprised with family he didn't know he had, when Lizzie tracked him down and informed him he was a father and his daughter was sick, he was even more shocked. Lizzie and Danny's story is going to tug at your heartstrings with the drama, humor, sizzle and suspense. I loved this book from cover to cover and can't wait to read the next book in the series. Accidental Homecoming is book one of the Stirling Ranch Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I read a print copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[NhaughtyV says Damn the Zon Save the Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming and beautifully written, Sabrina York has covered all the emotional feels in this second chance romance! Loved and highly recommend!


**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Contemporary Romance, Western Romance, Siblings
Miniseries
The Stirling Ranch (Book #1)

[Ann Lorz · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, Sabrina York is a newer author. In fact, when I got started in this series I bought book two and when I started to read it I knew right away I made a mistake. I know better. Always look up an author and see where the book falls. Since I didn't I had no choice to buy book one and read it. That's the book here.

When I started it I wasn't sure what I'd think of it. It was about a family he didn't know about, a child he didn't know about, and a second chance romance. I was like how is all that going to work in such a short story?

Well, guess what, it worked out really well. In fact, I totally loved it.

At first, you wondered what kind of person Danny was. He had bad guys after him because he owed them money and you had to ask yourself "is he really hero material?" Or at least I was asking myself that. In fact, the author threw so much at him you had to wonder. Then you got to enjoy watching him handle it all.

He was honest with his one brother and they quickly learned what he had to deal with when it came to family. When he needed his new family the most they were all there with bells on to help him with his daughter and the woman he loved no questions asked. You have to really love that about them. They too had a shock finding out they had a brother. And at least the eldest knew he had a slight issue with bad people.

As a whole, I really enjoyed this one and I'm glad that I read it. I now have this series on auto-buy so that I can read about the whole family. It was great reading about good people doing the right thing.
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[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book and I also purchased a copy.

This is was an enchanting story. I simply adored Emma. The things that the author had this little girl say and do were just charming. For a book that starts a series, this is a strong one. I can't wait to read more of the Stirling siblings finding their HEA like Danny and Lizzie did.

Danny basically had a "h - e - double hockey stick" of a childhood. His mother was more interested in herself and forcing Danny raise himself. She had told him that his father didn't want him and didn't send any support money. Danny grew up hating his father because of this. He receives a letter from an attorney requesting his presence at the reading of his grandfather's will. On his way to Butterscotch Ridge, WA from Las Vegas, NV, his car breaks down just a few short miles from his destination. A local gives Danny a ride into town (while looking at him in a questioningly way.) The attorney has "gone fishing" leaving Danny bereft in town. While eating at his new friend's bar and grill and having to go through more "looks", Danny is introduced to Mark Stirling. Apparently Danny is Mark's half brother!

Lizzie meanwhile as at a children's hospital in Seattle. Her adorable little girl is terribly sick. She needs a bone marrow donor. Lizzie and her sister are not a match. The doctor suggests if Emma's father is willing to be tested, Lizzie says that she doesn't know where the father is. After some digging around, she locates Danny in Butterscotch Ridge just 5 hours away across the state!

The events that Danny, Lizzie and Emma go through was one that kept me glued to my e-reader. I really hated to see the story end. I wish could have kept going on and on (if wishes were horses, I know!)

This is a sexy story but no great detail was given just enough to fuel my imagination. I can't wait to read more of the Stirling siblings stories!!!!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Five years ago Lizzy and Danny broke up. Lizzie left for good and Danny had no real understanding of why. Danny is a sad character when we meet him - a loner who has no family to speak of (except a mother who loved herself more than she ever even thought of him). With a note from a lawyer saying that he was included in the will of a stranger his whole life changed. He finds that he actually does have family. His father (who he had never met) actually had 4 other children and all 5 of them had been left equal shares in the family ranch when their grandfather dies.
Lizzie left Danny because she was pregnant and he didn't want kids (although he didn't know she was pregnant). Now, Lizzie has a very sick child, Emma, who needs a bone marrow transplant and she is not able to donate. She is forced to try to find Danny.
When they find each other it is love at second sight. Danny's childhood lead him to believe that he would never be a good parent but after meeting Emma his whole life changed. His new family embraced both Lizzie and Emma and made sure that they became part of their larger family.
This is an amazing story of lost love, found family and getting a second chance. When the Happily Ever After comes it is well worth the wait.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book of the Stirling Ranch series centers around Danny Diem and Lizzie Michaels.
Danny and Lizzie fell in love years ago, but Danny’s upbringing, being less than stellar, left Danny, the boy and the man, filled with insecurities, doubts of himself, and fear that he would never be a good parent.
Almost six years later, he still remembers the girl that stole his heart. Now penniless, after his mother stole from him, he gets a letter that he’s named in a will. When a trip to Butterscotch Ridge is in order, he never realized that his life would change forever.
Not only does he discover he has a family and has an inheritance, but he also comes upon the girl he never forgot.
Meanwhile Lizzie, a single Mom, is desperate to save her daughter’s life. Danny might be just the one to help.
This was a sweet and touching story about second chances in life and love. It’s also a story about family, or lack thereof, and having the courage to take a step out of one’s comfort zone.
It was a good beginning for this series. Though I know Mark’s story will be next, I can’t wait to find out how Luke finds his HEA.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and the characters. How could you not love Emma. She is sassy, strong and so vulnerable, but she steals all their hearts. Danny is just about to the end of his rope. He is on his way to find out about an inheritance. His father didn't want anything to do with him while he was growing up, he can't understand why he would think of him now. Lizzie left Danny because he didn't want a family and she was pregnant. Who could blame him? His mother is a piece of work and his father ignored him. But, now their daughter needs some help and she is looking for Danny. When Danny arrives at the Stirling Ranch, he finds he has 3 half brothers and a half sister who took him into their family. Stirling look after each other. When his siblings find out about Emma, they all volunteer to help. It is a time for hope and healing for all of them. Will Lizzie stay with Danny when it is all over? Can't wait to see where this series goes.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a such a beautifully written and touching story woven around a little girl, Emma, who needs a life saving bone marrow transplant from a matching donor. When Lizzie, the 5 yr old’s mother isn’t a match, she seeks to find the father that she hasn’t seen in nearly six years, and knows nothing of having a child. Danny Diem has been a broken loner until he inherits part of a ranch from his father and grandfather he never knew. Suddenly he finds he has siblings and a daughter that needs him. It was truly heartwarming to see this man change and blossom through love, and belonging, and purpose. His relationship with Lizzy was sweet and passionate at the same time. The Stirling siblings were inclusive and endearing. I loved every page of it, and can’t wait to return to Stirling Ranch to see the other siblings’ stories!

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about down-on-his-luck Danny and the one that got away. Danny was heading to a tiny town in Washington state for a mysterious inheritance. Then in one day, he finds out that not only does he have a daughter, but he has a slew of siblings when he'd never had a family before. His world is about to turn upside down.
I liked this story from start to finish. I liked Danny, Lizzy and Emma very much. I'm not sure I've ever read a harlequin that I had a lot of insight on before. I work in a hospital and am very familiar with BM procedures and the disease that Emma was dealing with. You can tell that she did her research, which I appreciated. I also have a disabled child and have had to deal with that alone, so Lizzy's plight definitely tugged on my heartstrings.
I highly recommend.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accidental Homecoming: I liked how Danny met Chase and how he traveled from Vegas to the middle of nowhere. I really enjoyed this story. I loved the characters and the dialog of the whole story! Fantastic writing and storytelling. This was a very special story and very entertaining. It was a very emotional story in the part where a little girl is fighting for her life. It's even hard that her father doesn't even know that she exists. It's for a child that went through his life with a mother as bad as Danny's mother was and how she felt about having him and then being a thief when he was an adult. It was truly a heartfelt story, with lots of struggles on both sides. I really enjoyed both sides of the story. Great Job!

[Zsa Zsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is an entertaining second chance romance that will keep you engaged from start to finish. Danny and Lizzie shared a past that ended in hurt feelings, recriminations, and dashed expectations. Life hasn't been easy for Danny, but a series of revelations will change his future dramatically. Lizzie will do anything for her precious little girl, even finding her father who may be her last chance. The story doesn't just focus on the rekindling of a romance, it also portrays the strength, resiliency and love of familial bonds. The book fulfilled my expectations delivering the emotion, humour, sweetness and heat.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. Danny was given a chance to reconnect with Lizzie who had her own secret. The plight of a child brought them together so they had to deal with their past. I had so many tears throughout this one because of their child and how everyone stepped up to help. Danny was so troubled and isolated, yet he blossomed under his new circumstances. Lizzie's strength was borne of motherhood and saving her child. Together, Lizzie and Danny were hot. I highly recommend this story, and I look forward to the next in the series.

[Loreli Jessee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so outstanding, it immediately draws you in and doesn’t let you go till the amazing ending. I enjoyed everything about this book, Lizzie is such a great mom, and she deals with all the ups and downs with such an extremely great outlook. It was amazing how Danny could become the wonderful man he did with the examples he was shown. Danny’s family are so warm and welcoming it was good to see. I really enjoyed reading this book it was so well written with likable characters who worm their way into your heart.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story that made me cry.  I felt so sorry for Danny and how he had been raised and so proud of how in spite of everything he had turned out.  He was a great, loving man and father.  I enjoyed this story a lot because when I first started reading it I had no idea where it was going to take me.  There were a lot of twists and wonderful turns.  The characters really made this story wonderful.  I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A letter can change your life. That's what happens to Danny. When finding out about family he didn't know he had he also gets a surprise when the woman he never stopped loving reaches out to him with news about their daughter. This story is about family about finding yourself in ways you never imagined and love. The author does a wonderful job telling this story and has you falling in love with everyone.