The feisty director of Oklahoma’s Big Heart Ranch for orphans is as stubborn as she is pretty. But Jack must stay focused; he’s only there to evaluate the ranch’s funding. Falling for Lucy and the sweet children she protects is out of the question. Though Lucy is determined to keep the ranch, she’s not about to give control to a city slicker—even a devastatingly good-looking one. But as they bump heads, Jack and Lucy gradually nudge open their hearts. Could a temporary cowboy become a permanent part of Lucy’s life?

    So when he discovers a link between the case and a single mother in Wyoming, Leo and his trusty K-9 partner rush to question Alicia Duncan. Could she be the key to locating the missing persons? Not if a killer has anything to say about it. Someone is determined to keep Alicia from talking, so Leo and his chocolate Lab must keep her and her little boy safe on their family ranch. With danger lurking around every corner, Leo must work overtime to not lose another person who's important to him.

    But when Blair Sullivan's attacked, it's up to him to protect her—without blowing his cover. Blair isn't sure she can trust her new neighbor, Holt. After all, the last charming and handsome man she fell for was her late husband, and he turned out to be the brother of a ruthless drug lord. Yet when it's clear the target on her back is somehow linked to her past, she has no choice but to accept Holt's protection. Even if getting close is the last thing her scarred heart can handle.

    But before he can get former social worker Lauren Pierce to agree, he's got to prove he's changed from the sports jock who gave her a hard time back in high school. Returning home, Lauren wants no part of her old profession. She only wants to forget the unspeakable tragedy she left behind. She can't take responsibility for another child. Or a reunion with Drew--no matter how generous he's become. But a desperate boy and his handsome guardian may be more than Lauren can resist...

    But as a virtual stranger to twelve-year-old Amelia, the task seems impossible. Until Claire Conley moves to town. A social worker renovating a mansion into a foster home, Claire is the first person to get through to Amelia. Falling for the single dad was not on Claire's to-do list. But with Joe and Amelia around, the house finally starts to feel like home. Claire's ready to fight to convince Joe that together they've done more than fix a house...they've built a family.

    And when his business partner's hotshot lawyer niece comes to town planning to disrupt their lives by moving her aunt away, Jackson has to set Melanie Harper straight. When circumstances force them to work side by side in the coffee shop, Jackson slowly discovers what put the sadness in Melanie's pretty brown eyes. Now it'll take all his faith—and a hopeful five-year-old—to show the city gal that she's already home.

    But who will protect the ex-marine's heart when the widowed mother and her little boy make him long for a permanent spot in their family?  Saved by the SEAL by Susan Sleeman The tragedy that killed Bree Hatfield's best friends—and left her with custody of their young daughter—has been ruled an accident. But Bree knows it was murder. Scared and alone, she turns to her ex-boyfriend, navy SEAL Clint Reed, who'll risk everything to protect baby Ella and the woman he never stopped loving.

    Clint Romine is the perfect man for the job, but the ruggedly handsome cowboy soon presents a new dilemma—distraction. Lexi can't fall for a small-town rancher when she's planning to return to her big-city career after the holidays. Home has always been elusive for former foster kid Clint. Working alongside Lexi at Rock Step Ranch feels too cozy—and too risky. Opening up to her means revealing a secret about his past that could jeopardize everything he holds dear. This Christmas, can Clint learn to trust Lexi with the truth…and with his heart?

    The escalating threats against his family's construction business--and Sawyer in particular--don't warrant the time and money spent on a private investigator. Even if Jade's smart, beautiful and challenging in a way that intrigues him. Jade has personal reasons to mistrust any Buchanon--especially one as handsome and smooth as Sawyer. But everything she's been led to believe about the successful Buchanons crumbles in the face of Sawyer's decency and sweetness. And the closer Jade gets to Sawyer, the more intense her feelings for him become. Soon the biggest risk she'll face is having Sawyer steal her heart.

    To get back on the circuit he'll need physical therapist Ruby Sheldon's help. Six years ago, he left Ruby behind, convinced she was too innocent for such a public life. Now his high school sweetheart is stronger, tougher and even more captivating. A high-profile success story like this could make Ruby's career. All she has to do is rein in Luke's bullheadedness, heal his injuries--and hope his reckless charm doesn't trample her heart again...

    Years ago, she thought Caleb King might be her husband—until he met her cousin and Jessie's dream was cut short. Laid up with a broken leg and a demanding dairy farm, Caleb needs her. But Caleb wants no woman around…and no reminder of the wife who abandoned her family before her death. Especially since he fears Jessie will throw a wrench in his plan to remain a single dad. She's gentle and kind, and if Caleb isn't careful, she may be just what his little Amish family needs.

    But when her father falls ill, Hope anxiously flies home and finds former love Logan Cooper right where she left him. Being around Logan again feels like old times. The spark between them remains, but so does the secret that forced Hope to end things--one she knows will always keep them apart. When her father's condition worsens, Hope feels the weight of everything she might lose. But how can she come clean to Logan without closing the door on their happily-ever-after again?

    After arriving in the Amish community of Willow Creek to help with the fall harvest, Sawyer asks schoolteacher Hannah Lantz to be his nanny. With a deaf grandfather to care for, the offer is more than just a job for Hannah—it's a chance to fulfill her all-but-forgotten dream of being a mother. The children soon flourish under Hannah's watch, and though Sawyer never dreamed he'd find happiness again, he can't pretend he's not falling for her, too. But with the holiday season heralding Sawyer's return to Ohio, can he make his Christmas wish to stay a family come true?

    Her childhood friend FBI computer guru Dylan O’Leary works for the secretive FBI unit she longs to join, and he vows not to let anything happen to her. As they work to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, new feelings ignite. When she goes missing, it’s only Dylan—and Radar—who can track her down. Will they arrive in time to save her and the future she and Dylan have started dreaming about?Look for more books in the Classified K-9 Unit series from Love Inspired Suspense.

    But the Outback follows her home when celebrity Aussie horse trainer Cooper Pine rents the ranch next door. The other Buckton siblings are worried Cooper's high profile will upset the idyllic Martins Gap community--but Tess isn't so sure. Cooper is surprisingly down-to-earth and a doting father to his special-needs daughter. But getting close enough to learn his secrets could mean exposing hers, and Tess isn't ready for that--even if Cooper and his matchmaking daughter are just what her heart is yearning for.

    Running deeper into the woods, she's running out of hope...until she falls into the arms of an unlikely bodyguard--a peaceful Amish farmer. Something about Abram Zook inspires her trust, but even in bucolic Willkommen, Georgia, Miriam faces danger. Both from the men pursuing her and from her growing feelings for the caring--though guarded--widower who protects her. Because if she falls for Abram she'll have to embrace his Amish faith as her own--or lose him. With each minute, her abductor creeps closer, pushing Miriam to an inevitable choice: stay and risk her heart...or leave and risk her life.

    The young woman with the pretty brown eyes sees Samuel differently than his neighbors do. If he can earn her respect while helping with her aunt's chores, perhaps the rest of the community will follow. But Samuel can't let Mary get too close, lest he disappoint her, as well. Mary's relocation to Shipshewana, Indiana, means confronting her deepest fears. By helping Samuel rebuild his life and his farm, she finally feels ready to embrace her future. But as their delicate friendship grows deeper, they both must overcome their painful pasts before they can build a home together.

    So when Mia suffers a rodeo injury and winds up recovering alongside Adrian's first crush, Nikki Bergmann, he becomes even more protective of his daughter--and his heart. Nikki is back in Clear Water solely to recover, and he knows she has no intention of staying. But as the bond between Mia and Nikki grows, Adrian can't help falling for her once again. Until Nikki's long-buried secret comes to light, and Adrian must decide if he can forgive the past, or face a future without the woman he's never been able to forget.

    The cowboy has spent four years in jail for a crime he did not commit, and he's determined to restore his good name. The former bad boy's first priority is convincing childhood friend Allie Nelson of his innocence. But she--more than anyone--has suffered in his absence. Allie can't admit how much she's missed Clay--and she can't betray her family by putting her trust in him. She vows to forget her schoolgirl crush. But Clay will settle for nothing less than her forgiveness--and her whole heart.

    So when he discovers a link between the case and a single mother in Wyoming, Leo and his trusty K-9 partner rush to question Alicia Duncan. Could she be the key to locating the missing persons? Not if a killer has anything to say about it.SHERIFFWitnessing a prison break, FBI agent Julianne Martinez is within seconds of death…before she’s rescued by the one man she thought she’d never see again. She’d know her long-ago love, Brody Kenner, anywhere, even with a sheriff star on his chest. But partnering with Julianne to solve two cases only leads to danger when the hunted becomes the hunter. This is a mission that cannot fail…because Brody lost Julianne once, and he won’t lose her again.SPECIAL AGENTWhen Special Agent in Charge Max West and his K-9 partner, Opal, look into a series of bombings in Northern California, horse trainer Katerina Garwood instantly seems suspicious. As the ex-fiancée of a man tied to the criminal Dupree family, Katerina may know more than she’s letting on—especially since the infamous syndicate is targeting her. With the criminals closing in, Max must separate the truth from lies, or he and Katerina may not live to share tomorrow…

    The man who fled their tiny Western town is back and standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Now a successful businessman, Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly's too stubborn to persuade--and too beautiful to ignore. When fire ravages her inn and she and her daughter move in to their shared property, Andrew's in over his head. Time is running out and Andrew must decide: leave and chase another deal...or stay and chase Carly's heart.

    But that peace is quickly disturbed! From her first meeting with Sam Calhoun, a contractor working on her aunt's house, there's a surprising kinship. The handsome veteran is capable, smart and charming—and fighting a battle with pain and loss that Holly can easily understand. Working on a youth baseball league with the plucky Southern single mom rekindles dreams Sam had all but abandoned. He knows Holly hadn't planned to stay, but in Liberty Creek, temporary has a way of turning into forever…

    She didn't count on having neighbors, but rancher Cord Walsh and his three children are just a stone's throw away. Still healing from a tragic accident, Ella has no plans of reaching out, but she's having a hard time keeping them out of her yard...and her thoughts. And when little Suzy ropes Ella into helping her with an art project, she can't help her growing feelings for the girl's rugged daddy. With three persistent children, Cord and Ella may find their fenced-off hearts opening up sooner than they thought!

    Finding out that she’s the biological aunt of his adopted daughter, Stella, is a big shock. While Fiona’s commitment to the little girl appears to be genuine, Marc wonders if he can truly trust her—or his own heart, which he vowed never to risk again. Fiona’s eager to connect with the sweet young niece she never knew she had, but Marc seems determined to keep her at arm’s length. Could Marc and Fiona’s shared love of Stella be the bond that transforms their fragile connection into a real family?

    Reuniting with her best friend, Ryan Savage, makes it easier—even though she knows he’ll soon be leaving their small coastal hometown. After putting his career on hold for his family’s business, Ryan’s finally ready to pursue his goals. But as he and Anna work to make the holidays special for a group of at-risk kids, Ryan wonders if he can give up one dream for another. They’re determined to make this a Christmas to remember, but can Ryan and Anna also make their holiday family last forever?

    But that's easier said than done when librarian Evy Shaw arrives in his small coastal Virginia town with a secret—one Charlie's determined to uncover. When Charlie joins Evy's all-female book club, he gets more than he anticipated when the romantic reads stoke a real attraction to Evy. Falling for the pretty librarian wasn't part of the plan, but when the truth behind Evy's suspicious behavior comes to light, will love be enough to bind them together?

    Now Rebecca's busy crafting quilts to raise money—and guarding her heart against love. Until Gideon returns and makes the winning bid on one of her exquisite quilts. Will the quilt—a patchwork promise of rediscovered love—bring Gideon and Rebecca back together again?  An Amish Match by Jo Ann Brown  With a baby on the way, a toddler son and a run-down farm to care for, Amish widow Rebekah Burkholder is worried for her family's future. So when hardworking widowed single dad Joshua Stoltzfus proposes marriage for sensible reasons, Rebekah accepts. But as she unexpectedly falls for her new husband, dare she hope that Joshua will reopen his heart to love, too?

    With shadowy assailants on her tail, impressing potential investors becomes the least of her concerns. Especially when the men chase her straight into the arms of her high school crush. Unbeknownst to Isabelle, Matt McGuire still regrets the way they parted. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, Matt vows to keep her safe and make things right. But what good is a second chance when Isabelle's attackers will stop at nothing to destroy everything she holds dear—her life, her promising career and any possibility of a happily-ever-after?

    Faced with an arranged marriage, Sofia dresses as a boy and joins a cattle drive, determined to prove herself to her father. But her plan backfires when she's forced to save her reputation by marrying trail boss Jackson McCreed.Jackson thought he was hiring a scrappy young boy--instead, the wary widower has landed his business partner's feisty, headstrong daughter as his bride. He believes a marriage of convenience is the best they can hope for. But Sofia dares him to look to the future again...and find a love strong enough to lasso a lifetime of happiness.

    It means the former bad boy can start over and gain custody of his son, Joey. Still, small-town folk have long memories—especially Cash's pretty childhood nemesis. Rio Hunter is now a lovely, courageous woman…and Cash's new boss. Past betrayal makes them both wary, and Rio's secret promise will soon take her away from Hunter Ridge. Yet working with Cash and teaching Joey about her beloved horses draw her closer to both. Can she create a loving family with the man who's claiming her future?

    Released from prison after a wrongful charge, the widowed dad will do anything to bring his boys home where they belong. But that doesn't include falling for their former social worker. Now leading an outreach program for families in transition, Renee Delacroix can't escape the tall, dark and intriguing single dad...or his adorable little boys. But Rhys is determined to go it alone. Until one incident that may cost him what he wants the most. Now it's up to Renee to save him...if she can make him see she's just what he needs to complete their forever family.

    So when he discovers the new housekeeper his grandmother hired for their guest ranch is a former social worker, he plans to keep his family far away from Christina Hunter. Seth once almost lost custody of his beloved kids because of an overzealous social worker. Problem is his children adore Christina and her sweet service dog--and he's starting to fall for her, too. Recuperating from an accident, Christina is determined to slowly ease back into her old life. But the more time she spends with them, the more she realizes that her future might be with the cowboy and his family.

    A loss he blames on a young doctor's inexperience. So when he discovers his landlords' new houseguest is just out of med school and working at the new health clinic, Mason bristles. Since Lexie Campbell is also donating her time to his teen center, he can't escape the woman...or the attraction he feels to the pretty doctor. As they work together, they develop a bond neither thought they wanted. But can Mason give her--and himself--a reason to take one more chance on forever?

    When he meets Nellie McClain at the mail-order-bride agency, Luke thinks his problems are solved, but they've only just begun. Though the beautiful widow awakens his grieving heart, Luke won't betray his cherished wife's memory.A marriage of convenience is exactly what Nellie wants, since she's been wounded by love before and doesn't plan to risk her heart again. But despite her chilly reception at Luke's family's simple Colorado cabin, her feelings for Luke and the children grow deeper every day. Can Nellie and Luke heal the pain in each other and finally make their family whole again?

    Soon Fawn’s generous heart and endearing belief in the strength of family and forgiveness have him wondering if this might just be the Christmas he needs. Christmas Eve Cowboy by Lois Richer Dr. Elizabeth Kendall moved to Snowflake, Montana, wanting nothing more than a fresh start for herself and her daughter, Zoey. But when handsome local rancher Brett Carlisle convinces Elizabeth to lead the kids’ Christmas Eve choir, she discovers the idyllic town has a lot more in store for her—and her heart—than she ever imagined.

    Ten years later, she's come home to fix her family's falling-down ranch and repair the bond with her troubled siblings. Neighboring rancher Dane Scott is even more handsome—and distracting—than she remembers. The single dad's priority is making a stable life for his daughter. He needs someone who'll stay—and straight-talking Lucy doesn't seem to need anyone. But beneath that tough exterior is a loving, softhearted woman. A woman Dane can't help wanting, if he can show her that the town she once fled is the perfect place to start over—together.

    Despite their language barrier, Chris grows close to Vicky Ruiz...but she's betrothed to another man. Can Chris care for the spirited young woman and find a way to take her home in time for her wedding, without falling for her in the process?Vicky would prefer spinsterhood to her arranged marriage. But while words aren't necessary to express the growing attraction between them, Vicky can't make Chris understand her reasons for running away. He seems determined to return her "home" to her father's hacienda. Why can't Chris see that the only home Vicky wants is with him?

    Garrett held her gaze, telegraphing some unspoken emotion with his velvet eyes. He moved toward her, slowly, cautiously, in the way he’d approach a skittish horse. His strong, cowboy hands cupped the sides of her face so tenderly, she thought she would melt. She knew he wanted to kiss her, and she also knew she’d let him." Linda Goodnight is a RITA award-winning, New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of more than 3 million books sold. About A FAMILY FOR THE COWBOY: She's given up on finding love... Schoolteacher Amy Rogers is content with her single life. Or so she thought until Garrett Collins walked into her schoolroom to deliver his son for the first day of school. He's the last person she expected to see, and the first man who's made her heart react in ages. A man like Garrett would never want someone like her, not with the secret she's keeping... He's found new hope. Single dad Garrett has never forgotten the Amy of his childhood, the girl who saw something in a poor boy from the wrong side of town. When she is willing to tutor his foster sons, he can't help falling for her tender heart. But as they grow closer, Amy's walls grow higher and higher. Will Garrett unearth her secret or will he lose her forever?

    But that's exactly what happens when he stays at the local bed-and-breakfast where Lily Ellison is fostering an abandoned baby girl. Bryce is drawn to the lovely B and B owner, but being a dad is not part of his plans. His troubled past has shown him that he's not the nurturing type. But he soon finds himself wishing he didn't have to leave. Because Lily and the baby have taken root in his heart and made him think that maybe he could be a family man after all...

    The new doctor would be out of his depth without Coralee Evans's help. Once his sweetheart, now his best friend's widow, Coralee has a tender way with the children that makes him long for a second chance. Until Jake is faced with a choice: Coralee or his career...When Jake left Spring Hill for medical school, Coralee believed he'd abandoned her. And though a reunion might be possible, he's working for the man trying to ruin her apothecary business. Could caring for these sweet children bridge the gulf between them and provide a prescription for rekindled love?

    A decision that is further complicated when she falls for English veterinarian James Pierce. Nell knows her romantic feelings for James are forbidden in her Amish community. Yet the connection they share only seems to grow deeper when she starts working at his clinic. As Nell's father urges her to choose an Amish husband, she finds herself torn between devotion to her family and her heart's only wish. Can Nell turn her secret love for James into a happy ending?

    Heartwarming holiday stories of unexpected love

    Though handsome farmer James McCann is kindly, he's made it clear he wants the matchmaking agency to fix their mistake. But if she can't convince him to give her a chance, she's not sure where she'll go.James can't imagine why the matchmakers ignored his request for a plain bride. He was burned by a beautiful woman before, and he's sure someone as stunning as Ann is unsuited for rural living. While the agency sorts out the error, though, Ann quietly works her way into James's life...but can he ever allow her into his heart?