Ex Rodeo star, Jeremiah Stone, is no longer the heroic super star of the rodeo but has instead been reduced to guardian of his 3 nephews, Aaron 11, Ben 9, and Casey 5, as both their parents are dead. Thinking how foreign being a parent is he just doesn't realize life is about to change yet again.

After 5 years as a successful jewelry designer, Lucy Alatore loses her business and moves back home along with her mother, Sandra. Lucy and Jeremiah meet again in a bar. Lucy had an interest in Jeremiah back in high school, but the man she meets in the bar is not the same young boy she had feelings for back then, but there is still interest in him. Lucy and her mother are temporarily staying at the farm where she and her sister Mia grew up and where her deceased father worked as a farm hand. Walter McKibbon, owner of the Rocky M, was his closest friend.

Jeremiah is having troubles with the boys and Lucy gets involved in helping. Intent on becoming the parent that his nephews need Jeremiah is trying to avoid a physical relationship with Lucy, but they are attracted to one another. Lucy adjusting to her new life and wondering if she'll ever find her passion for her jewelry business again is also unwilling to get involved. The question becomes can they stay away from one another?

UNEXPECTED FAMILY is a wonderful and nostalgic story of two lonely and lost people finding each other while focusing on the happiness of three small boys. Lucy is a caring and beautiful young woman with enough independence to be a challenge for the tough Jeremiah. Molly O'Keefe has written a story that keeps you glued to the pages and anticipating the next confrontation between Jeremiah and Lucy.

I have not had the pleasure of reading anything written by Molly O'Keefe before, but I won't miss another one by this talented author!