If mice in the walls and holes in the roof aren't bad enough, someone wants her to believe the place is haunted. But Portia doesn't scare that easily, even if catching sight of the brooding ghost leaves her strangely breathless. When he was accused of murdering his fiancée a decade ago, Giles Ashburne fled the country to his supposed death. Now he’s returned to the Hall to uncover the evidence that will exonerate him, only to find himself playing a ghost in his own home. Nothing he does drives Portia away, and worse, the stubborn chit is starting to grow on him. The more Portia learns about Giles Ashburne, the more certain she becomes that her ghost is not only innocent, but far from dead. When she sets out to prove it, she puts herself on a crash course with not only Giles, but the real killer. If Giles and Portia don't learn to stop striking sparks off each other and work together, there will soon be two ghosts at Ashburne Hall.

    Because of her age, refined nature, and strict moral code she is considered to be "Miss Prim."Louisa's guarded existence is disrupted when she accepts an invitation from her sister. She believes that she is simply helping her sister and brother-in-law by watching the children during their travels. However, upon her arrival she meets William, Viscount Woodstone, and an adventure beyond her wildest imagination begins. Starting with the questionable heritage of a baby in her care, she decides to join Woodstone's secret quest to outwit French spies and thwart their evil plan.Despite all Louisa's beliefs, this refined gentlewoman careens around the back roads of England in an ancient cart, poses as a countrywoman, and even saves Woodstone's life.Once the adventure ends, Louisa is concerned that her "Miss Prim" image is shattered, and hopes that Woodstone feels the same emotions for her that she has developed for him.

    He willingly promises to take care of Fred’s sister and mother—after all, he has been quietly in love with Fred’s sister, Meg, for years.After a gruelling retreat across Spain, Jon finally returns to find England in the grip of a snowy winter. Thoughts of Meg have kept him going, but when he reaches her home, it is not Meg who meets him at the door but her cousin Rupert. Jon is devastated to learn that Rupert and Meg are to be wed in two days’ time.Despite Rupert’s efforts to keep them apart, Jon manages to talk to Meg, who does notnot want to marry her cousin. Meg suggests that she would be safe from Rupert’s threats if she married Jon instead.Without hesitation, Jon sets off through the icy conditions and deep snow to get a marriage licence before Rupert can force Meg to marry him. But d

     They call her The Warrior Queen of Scotland… She is the most notorious woman of all Scotland: fierce, deadly and an unbeatable archer. At only three and twenty, she had become a legend amongst her people and country. Refusing a husband over her sword, Elisabeth is haunted by a vicious enemy who will stop at nothing to make her his bride. Elisabeth Drummond stands alone as she escapes the midnight massacre of everyone she holds dear in her life. Her beloved brother’s dying wish was to see her flee north towards Castle MacMillan, the elusive lair of Laird Broderick MacMillan- the King of England’s most favored warrior, and ally to Clan Drummond. A man who once held her in his arms and nearly ravished her many years ago, a man who had believed he was seducing someone entirely different. In the middle of a laird who wants to see her suffer, and a laird who refuses to trust her, Elisabeth must battle her injuries and her heart to seek vengeance for her fallen clan. Will the Warrior Queen of Scotland be able to soften the heart of Laird MacMillan? Will destiny bring her and Broderick together once again, or will cruel fate rip them from each other once more? In a time where your enemy could be your closest ally, Elisabeth rises out of the ashes…but will Broderick be the man she needs?

    Her mam has died, and Swansea is now no fit place for a young girl on her own. The navvies who are building the new railway roam the streets on pay day looking for trouble, and the peaceful outskirts are transformed into a shanty town as the silver track wends its way to the town centre. So when Katie meets handsome Bull Beynon, the foreman of the railway builders, she falls in love with him at once and longs to be protected by him. But Bull has his own woman, the spirited Rhiannon who lives with him in their simple shack by the side of the railway track. Katie and Rhiannon find that they are caught in a network of lies and deceit as their lives become intertwined with those of the women at the Mainwaring Pottery. Secrets and love affairs bring tragedy in their wake in the town now dominated by the monster they call the Great Western Railway.

     The stories in this collection, because they all happen in Upper Nettlefold, have things which happen, that influence the other stories. So the order in which they are presented here aligns with the timeline in which events in the stories happen. Read through this collection in order, and you will find that each story builds on the ones before, weaving the magic of community and interconnection between characters. There is also a map of Upper Nettlefold to help you visualise everything as you read. Although each story can stand alone, we’re sure that you’ll love finding the linkages as you go. This is our first visit to Upper Nettlefold, but it won’t be our last. You may see other collections based here, or you may see individual books from the various authors, but we will keep expanding the stories about the people you’ll first meet in this collection. The Viscount’s Summer Love A new Viscount with old secrets, a baker’s daughter, love thwarted, the threat of murder, a dramatic revelation, a long-held love finally returned. The Duke and the Spinster A Duke who needs to marry, a Lady who expects to never marry, a summer house party, a nefarious plot, gossip designed to harm, a desperate adventure, a love that redeems. Stitched in Love A seamstress who struggles to sew, a blacksmith beset by admirers, an accident with a dress, a runaway horse, a situation saved – barely, an unexpected love. Love Finds the Earl An unmarried Earl, a reserved widow, a clever sister, a social occasion, an accidental meeting, shady business dealings thwarted, a second chance for love. Doubting the Marquess An unrepentant rake, a woman more interested in business than men, a meeting, jealousy, an accident, a revelation that leads to love. The Degenerate Baron A fearless schoolteacher, a Baron lost in grief and despair, a collection of degenerate friends, a near accident that leads to a meeting, a reminder of past pain, a love beyond fear. Escaping the Scurrilous Earl A merchant’s daughter, a lonely physician, a thoroughly unscrupulous Earl, a debt called in, an impossible choice, an escape, a threat, a rescue, and a new love found. Esther, the Earl’s Hellion An orphaned young woman, a gentleman working undercover, a boarding school with a new owner, a despicable scheme, a rescue, a trap set to save, a dramatic conclusion, a fated love found. A Gentle Heart A spinster employed as a companion, a gentleman of means, a social opportunity, an act of kindness, a misunderstanding, a long hoped for love.

    When her father, who was the local Laird's groundskeeper, dies, Elspeth learns that the Laird has already made arrangements for her marriage!Unwilling to marry a man she does not know, Elspeth only accepts because this was her father's dying wish. To her great surprise, her future husband is not only the Laird's nephew but a Laird himself too. Yet, for some reason, Laird Finlay MacCowan, has spent the last six years unwed despite his family's encouragement.As soon as they meet, Elspeth sees in his eyes a brute who cares little for romance, sentiment, or frivolous things. However, Laird Finlay feels like a different man when he first touches her… Elspeth's heart fills with desire and feelings she's never felt before, and she soon realizes that Finlay's arduous character is but a fortress he built to keep his dark secrets concealed.The couple seems to think that marriage won't be as bad as they initially thought, but as soon as Finlay lays down his guard a bit, unseen forces seize the opportunity to destroy the clan.Elspeth felt a reviving fire close to Finlay that reminded her that there is more to life than suffering, but maybe she has gotten too close to the engulfing flames surrounding him and will soon be consumed by them…

    Who is this rich, gorgeous mystery man? Lady Anne Saxton, daughter of the Earl of Grex, is about to find out. He makes an offer to marry her. But Anne wants to know - does he want her, or does he want the great estate that comes with her? Does he only want to be the Master of Grex?

    No. It is the birth of vengeance... Raised by her neighbors after she was orphaned at a young age, Veronica McLusky knows what it means to lose everything overnight. Armed with determination and a basket, her nightly excursions around town to help the less privileged are her greatest secret.Phineas Desmond, newly appointed Duke of Norhall, can’t bring himself to mourn for his recently deceased father. Feeling responsible for his mistakes, Phineas dons a hood and helps the common folk under the cover of night. When he saves a young lady from a pair of thieves though, he never expected to see her outside his house the very next day, introducing herself as his siblings' new governess.When omens of death show up outside their doorstep, Phineas realizes that his efforts to distance himself from his father's past were for naught. To atone, three lives must be sacrificed. Starting with Veronica.

    Daniel Kavanagh settled down in the quaint town of Mount Laurel and established a medical practice there. The single doctor has been nursing an unrequited crush on Serena Norman, the local schoolteacher. Just down the road lies the coal mining town of Owenduffy, considered by most in Mount Laurel to be a backwoods hamlet. When the mine company's doctor abandons his post, Daniel agrees to visit one day a week, much to the consternation of his fellow residents, including his secret love, Serena. Addie Rose, the daughter of an Owenduffy coal miner, has a gift for caring for others. When a receptionist position in Daniel's office suddenly becomes available, what windows of opportunity will God open for Addie Rose—just a job, a possible career as a nurse, or maybe something more? Harp on the Willow is a touching tale of true love, the kind that can only come from a Savior who first loved us.

    He joins the army purposely to fight Indians – any Indians. Iris Gray is a colonel’s daughter, who joins her father in America’s Northwest Territory and tries to bring peace between settlers and the Nez Perce Nation. Circumstances bring Iris and Zack together in a memorable love story as Iris struggles to help Zack find peace in his own heart. An unlikely friendship forms between these two and a Nez Perce warrior, Strong Runner, and his wife, Morning Star, teaching all four characters about cultural tolerance. CHASE THE SUN is the true story of the last flight of the Nez Perce to Canada in 1876, and a stunning depiction of the reasons for war and misunderstandings in a land deeply torn by its own unstoppable growth. A memorable tale of real history, abiding love, and a Nation’s unique struggle through tragedy and triumph.

    So why does Lafitte refuse their generous offer? In the approaching War of 1812 General Andrew Jackson hasn’t any weapons, ammunition or money to fight the British with and no one to turn to for help but the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte. Jackson hates pirates, but he agrees to meet with Lafitte, and he forms an unlikely alliance with the dashing pirate. What changed Jackson’s mind about attending the meeting? Before the war begins, Lafitte buries an unusual treasure, one that is sought in the 21st century by two men and a beautiful woman. Julianna Montaigne a direct descendent of Pierre Lafitte has found his diary in her grandfathers old sea man’s trunk. The diary has a clue to the treasure. Eddie Calto a New York City firefighter has a second clue left to him by his great great grandfather, The two join forces in an attempt to find Lafitte's Treasure. But there are dangerous men who want the treasure for themselves and for 200 years they have waited patiently for anyone seeking Lafitte’s Treasure. Borrow this book for free with your prime subscription or subscribe to kindle lending library!

    For in the eyes of this raven-haired, half-Indian loner, Martha sees the hint of danger, the depths of sorrow—and the tiniest spark of untold passion. Indeed, tragedy forced Ridge Longtree to leave the Apache stronghold at a young age. But when Martha's father is murdered, and Apache kidnap her younger sister, he cannot bear to see her distraught. Reluctantly, he agrees to lead her to the stronghold to save her kin. But somewhere along the jagged mountain trail, the two discover a passion that threatens to set their hearts aflame and endanger their mission of rescue.

    Having spent her first full year away at college, she has gained a new appreciation for her peaceful home and new friend, Walter. Walter jumps at the chance to work at Quail Crossings when the opportunity presents itself. Not only does Walter want to learn his chosen trade of agriculture, but he also wants to be closer to Alice who has resisted his romantic advances. The peaceful summer Alice has envisioned with her family and friend quickly dissolves as a stranger arrives proclaiming Quail Crossings as his own. Between the stranger and a natural disaster, the only home Alice has ever known could be destroyed forever. Alice and the whole clan must put their lives in danger to save the very thing that has brought them together … Quail Crossings ... or say goodbye to it forever.

    As he passes through Missouri, he rescues Jenny Calhoun, a lonely girl in trouble. To join a wagon train bound for Oregon, Mac and Jenny pose as a married couple. On the arduous six-month trek, they confront raging rivers, rugged mountains, and untrustworthy companions. Together, Mac and Jenny face the best and worst in themselves and in each other, while discovering the beauty and danger of the western frontier. Fans of Lonesome Dove and True Grit will enjoy Lead Me Home—a gripping saga of courage, sacrifice, and enduring friendship.