Everyone except Morgan McDermott. Eight years ago, Jolie left the ranch—and Morgan—for a career as a competitive kayaker. Now after an accident has sidelined her, she's back as a teacher for the ranch's foster boys. Morgan knows he can't risk getting his heart broken again. But watching Jolie's gentle ways with the boys opens his eyes to the truth: he's never stopped loving her. Can a "family" of foster kids help give this couple a second chance at love?

    In this Colorado Grooms novelLuc Wilder's surprised when his ex-girlfriend Cate Malory arrives at his Colorado guest ranch. And he's downright stunned when she introduces him to his three-year-old daughter, Ruby. Bonding with the bubbly little girl is easy--Ruby loves ranch life, just like her daddy. But after all the secrets, can Luc and Cate find a way to trust in each other again?

    Although Annalisa Keller won't reveal how she ended up stranded in Whisper Falls, his conscience refuses to let her leave. The little Ozarks town could be the perfect place for her to start over—just as it was for him. Trying to keep his own past hidden, Austin finds himself falling for the vulnerable beauty with too many secrets. Before long, Annalisa's warmth and love of life work their way into Austin's heart…and promise never to leave.

    But when a a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in. Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She's this city slicker's opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can't ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can't imagine ever leaving her behind…

    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!

    A quiet, orderly guy like Hank usually tries to avoid energetic females, though the adorable five-year-old and her pretty single mother are hard to resist. As he gets to know kind, caring Emma Newberry, he realizes she needs a strong shoulder to lean on. Problem is, Emma's returned to her roots only for the time being. Unless a changed man can convince her she's exactly where she belongs.

    Her faith and belief in happy endings all but destroyed, April threw herself into working her father's ranch. But as she struggled with this new life, she found herself headlong in a romantic attachment she never thought possible.Rancher Reed Garrison resented April's leaving Texas so long ago, but he loved her still. Now Reed wanted her to succeed, to recapture her joy and love of God. He hoped the tender feelings between them would grow—and that this time, April would be willing to put down roots...with him.

    All she wants is stability, something she doesn't think possible in the small town of Corinthia, Georgia. Then Pastor Daniel Foreman rents space in her store to hold meetings for his growing congregation, and this proves to be her lifeline.At first Lily wants nothing to do with Daniel's big dreams, but she soon finds herself starting to share his goals. Yet trouble between her customers and his congregation make them both doubt the path they're on. That is, until practical Lily shows him that love is a risk worth taking.

    So she volunteers at a downtown Denver shelter, never expecting that her own scarred heart will be filled with hope and healing. The mission's director, handsome Grant Monohan, has devoted his life to helping those in need. But his harrowing past—and what he sees every day—makes him wary of Calista. Unless she shares her painful history, he'll never believe they can have a future. But a future with Grant at the shelter is the only Christmas gift Calista truly wants.

    Alexander Steele vowed he'd protect himself and his children from that kind of loss again. But that was before he laid eyes on Lisa Fitzgerald. She welcomes him to town and immediately connects with his shy daughter, Emma. Yet Lisa is a cancer survivor herself, and so a reminder of everything Alex and his family suffered. Will a relationship with her be too much for him to bear? With their love growing even faster than Lisa's beautiful gardens, Alex has to decide whether he can risk his heart once more.

    He's a pastor and a cowboy—not a daddy! Haunted by family tragedy, he's not sure he can risk his heart to baby Noelle—or to anyone else. But he needs help. Experienced foster mom Heather Lewis was anticipating a quiet holiday. When Shawn pops up at her door, she's happy to show him the ropes of baby care—but isn't prepared for the way he melts the walls around her heart. Can Shawn and Heather give each other the best Christmas gift of all—family and love? Cowboy Country: Surprise babies lead to unexpected love in Texas

    And as a Christian, Peterknew God was leading him to help. Yet it wasthe boy's mother who captured Peter's notice.Laura, a widow caring for her four childrenand ailing aunt, had no time for romance orreligion. Somehow, despite her protests, Laurafound herself and her brood frequent visitorsto Peter's ranch and the church he attended. Soon it seemed her family was meant tocomplete Peter's life.

    Until a trip to Emily Montague's bath shop changes their lives. Suddenly, Gil's lovelorn farmhands are sparkling clean and attracting women instead of working! So Gil barges into the shop, surprised to find Emily, his pretty polar opposite, selling soap by the truckload. Suddenly everyone in town is not only cleaner--they're nicer. And when our bluegrass hero tries out the soap for himself, love-shy Emily better watch out!Kentucky Corners: With God's helping hand, three shopkeepers ring up sales, surprises and love.

    Terms that attorney and hometown gal Caty McKenzie has to ensure are carried out. Matt left Harland years ago and never looked back. But running the farm and spending time with Caty brings out a caring, faithful side of Matt that he didn't know existed. And Matt's soon to discover the real challenge: convincing love-shy Caty to stay right there with him.

    Hoyt is desperate to hear his daughter's voice again, but he and the bookstore's pretty owner, Anna Delaney, share a less-than-friendly past. Working together is complicated enough...but can they avoid falling in love?