But their greatest wish is to bring holiday happiness to those around them. To you, our dear readers, we offer these gifts of joy at Christmas time. New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors have mingled Christmas dreams and composed beautiful love stories that range from sweet to spicy, with romance and suspense, to keep you entertained and dreaming in Unforgettable Christmas Dreams. Firelight Confession: .Rebecca York, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Mail order bride hiding a secret that can destroy her marriage before it has a chance to succeed. Christmas Delivery: .Patricia Rosemoor, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: He “returned from the dead” seeking revenge...only to reconnect with the girl he loved, and the daughter they conceived thirteen years ago. A Rancher in her Stocking: .Leanne Banks, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: When a holiday-happy school teacher gets stuck staying with a sexy, grumpy rancher at Christmas time, can she persuade him to embrace the season – and her? Please Keep Me: .Mimi Barbour, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: A homeless pup adores the child & his new master falls for her Mom. Christmas Miracle: .Patrice Wilton, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Can these two wounded people, an ex-marine sniper and a broken heart nurse, open their hearts to the miracle of Christmas? Secret Santa By The Sea: .Traci Hall, USA Today bestselling author: Now back in her small town, Serenity faces the man who’d broken her heart. She finds out the truth behind why he’d once set her free. Christmas in the Sand: .Jen Talty, USA Today bestselling author: Not only could her dreams go up in smoke, but if she’s not careful, she’ll end up giving her heart away. Lost and Found Family: .Dani Haviland, USA Today bestselling author: Sometimes it takes decades to find your true family …but only a moment to lose them. A Complete Family: .Mona Risk, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author: Her hands full with a little daughter, a ferocious German Shepherd, a meddling sick neighbor, and a charming but nosey boss, Nurse Melody dreams of a happy family. Three French Hens: .Nancy Radke, USA Today bestselling author: When you find something precious —like love— you give everything you own to keep it. Sparkles of the Season: .Susan Jean Ricci, USA Today bestselling author: Two unlikely couples rediscover love and commitment, after a magical meeting with Saint Nick.

    When war is declared, the love lives of the Granville girls suffer. Rosie's husband is killed during the Blitz. Then Lousie falls in love with Jack, a sixteen-year-old evacuee from the slums of London. When she falls pregnant, she is sent to Wales in disgrace. The girls? mother, Liza, can only pin her hopes on Charlotte now . . .

    Dating him was a mistake. Watching him become a drug addict put me through hell. Running was my only option. *** I'm running from my demons and when I find out she's trying to escape her past, I know what I have to do. One broken cop. One woman fighting for her life. A fragile love. Sinister secrets that threaten to tear them apart. They've been to hell. The hard part will be finding their way back together. Pieces Of Heaven Marissa I didn’t want this life. But sometimes you’re forced to make the best of the crappy hand you’ve been dealt. I wanted to teach my daughter that. No matter what happens you face your problems head-on.  Never cower. Never give up.  Then someone took her and I had to put my faith in a system that had failed me, and my hope in a man I didn’t know.  Mick Serve. Honor. Protect, are the only things I’ve ever cared about until her case was dropped on my desk. As we searched for her missing daughter, the last woman I thought I’d fall in love with became my reason for living.  Then the world came crashing down around us. One secret would change everything, but I had one more hand to be dealt. And if I played my cards right, maybe, just maybe we’d get our piece of heaven.

    It’s his chance at a new start, and he’s determined to go all the way to California–far away from his past and the list of regrets he’s left behind. But while in Omaha, Nebraska, thieves rob him and leave him for dead in an alley. That’s when Dave Larson finds him and brings him home so he can recover. As soon as Kent is better, he plans to continue his journey to California.But Dave’s daughter, Rose Larson, has other plans. She’s bound and determined to make him her husband. Sure, he might protest, claim he’s not the right one for her, that she’s better off with someone else. But she’s not one to give up, and if she has to chase him to get him to the altar, then so be it.*Kent Ashton was the villain in Falling In Love With Her Husband. He was also the main character in "Kent Ashton's Backstory" which tells his version of events during Falling In Love With Her Husband.

    Another risks his heart to love her. Who will be the victor?Three of Renee Vincent's bestselling and critically acclaimed historical Viking romance novels are now available in one spellbinding bundle. Full of fast-paced adventure, unforeseen plot twists, and courageous, to-die-for heroes like you've never read before, this extraordinary boxed set is sure to satisfy every readers' craving for the ultimate in historical Viking romance.

    Anthony Vaughn, the dashing distant cousin she has known since childhood, needs a fortune to pay his father's debts and preserve the family estate. Together they strike a bargain--even though Emma knows she risks not only her fortune but her heart… Mad, Bad, and Dangerous to Know An American Western English-born gambler Andrew Kane was ready to settle down when a wrongful conviction condemns him to be hanged. On his journey to the gallows, he meets despairing young widow Eliza Holden. Together, they find comfort and a stunning sense of connection. Can Eliza create a Christmas miracle for them both?

    But when her latest mission lands her in a London courtroom, she has only one hope of survival. Enlisting the aid of Edward Carsley, the powerful fourth earl of Rothwell, is a two-edged sword. The seductive aristocrat who awakens treacherous desire is her clan’s mortal enemy—a man she can never trust.  In Highland Secrets, with her imprisoned mother’s liberty at stake, Jacobite sympathizer Diana Maclean steals into the dungeon of Edinburgh Castle and pulls off an audacious switch. But her bold escapade comes at a price. With her own freedom now hanging in the balance, Diana is rescued by the mysterious Lord Calder. She’s instantly drawn to her kind savior, unaware that he is Rory Campbell, of the Campbell clan—her family’s most hated rival.In Highland Treasure, most Highlanders fear Black Duncan Campbell. Mary Maclaine isn’t intimidated, but she blames him for the death of his brother Ian, her first love. When Lord MacCrichton tries to strong-arm Mary into marriage, he unknowingly forces Mary to seek aid from the man she vowed to hate forever.And in Highland Spirits, Penelope MacCrichton watches the tall, broad-shouldered figure walk toward her across the mist-shrouded loch. Is he a phantom, a restless, sensual spirit fated to live only in her secret fantasies? Or is he the seductive, brooding stranger she meets later in London . . . who may not be a stranger at all?

    He isn't aware of the irregularities in his stables. Later, she foists a stray, starving kitten called Horace on him. But Hermione, his betrothed, hates cats. And Horace hates her. Where will it all end? Will Horace have to go? Will Wilhelmina be able to save the ill-treated horses in London? Will everyone end up with the right partner?This charming Regency story, set against the first Animal Rights Act of 1822, will warm your heart and make you smile. And Horace... well, you'll want to take him home.

    . . Ms French knows how to make the past come alive and our hearts sing with happiness." ~Kathe Robin, Romantic TimesPassion Destroys Marriage of Convenience in The Irish Rogue by Judith French-- Baltimore, Maryland, 1820 --To save her reputation and avoid her father's ill-will, heiress Annie Davis needs to catch a husband quickly--and she's willing to pay. So when a handsome stranger rescues her from a throng of street punks, she convinces him to exchange his name in marriage for the promise of her wealth.Michael O'Ryan came to America to escape the war in Ireland and a hangman's noose. A marriage of convenience to the daughter of a prosperous Maryland plantation owner seems like a serendipitous chance to change his situation. Until his spirited bride unwittingly uncovers his dangerous past and the undiscovered passion in his heart.Publisher's Note: No one brings unlikely strangers together, and sparks the past alive like Judith French. Fans of Elizabeth Keysian, Erica Ridley, Emilia Ferguson and Elliee Atkinson as well as readers of early American romance will enjoy The Irish Rogue."A heartwarming romance brimming over with marvelous characters who prove opposites attract and trouble can bring people together." ~Kathe Robin, Romantic TimesDon't Miss These Titles From Judith French:The Irish RogueThe Taming of Shaw McCadeDefiant LoveTender FortuneBold SurrenderBy Love AloneMEET JUDITH E. FRENCH:Judith E French is the author of more than sixty novels translated into a dozen languages and sold around the world. Her publishers include Ballantine, Kensington, Harlequin, Harper-Collins and ePublishing Works. Many of her novels are set in Colonial America, and she is known for her strong characters and adventure-packed tales of the Middle Colonies. Descended from early Maryland Scottish and English settlers and Lenni Lenape and Nanticoke First People, Judith has spent a lifetime researching the history of the multi-cultural and rich heritage of the Chesapeake Bay Region. Oral storytelling is embedded in her blood and bones; every generation in her family has produced at least one spinner of tales. Following that tradition, Judith's oldest daughter, Colleen Faulkner is also bestselling and award winning novelist. Judith lives with her husband and several spoiled dogs in an 18th century farmhouse that has been in her family for 250 years.

    Later, when he valiantly steps in to prevent an unpleasant earl from claiming Calista as his wife, she fears that Brook is only being chivalrous and will never love her as she loves him. When there is a threat to Brook’s life, she is forced to pit her wits against his mercurial father, The Duke of Midchester.

    On the day of his death, in the blink of an eye, the lives of one woman and her six grown children changed irrevocably. The matriarch Countess Margaret Lilias Catesby was now a dowager countess; her strength and maternal duty the sole driving force pushing herself through the grief. Each of the Catesby children are left to carry on their father’s legacy, shown physically through their father’s green eyes and spiritually through his impassioned attitude for living. Eldest son Francis had barely a day to cope with his father’s death before the title of Lord Catesby was immediately thrust upon him. With Francis assuming ownership of the estate and his five siblings left to sort out the pieces, each must now find a way to navigate the world without their dear father’s guidance. Will siblings Francis, Emily, Helena, Sophia and the twins, Charles and Henry, be able to move forward into society and proudly carry on the Catesby name? There’s only one way to find out…---Book 1: ”Lady Emily’s Escape”Book 2: ”Charles and the Intruder”Book 3: ”The Mysterious Lord Livingstone”Book 4: ” Lady Sophie and the Proper Gardener”Book 5: ” Mr. Henry Catesby and the Rebellious Redhead”Book 6: ” Dilemma of the Earl's Heart”EXCLUSIVE BONUS! Book 7:” The Scandalous Dowager Countess”

    LADY IN DISGUISE Wendy VellaTo save her family from ruin, Miss Olivia Langley is forced into a dangerous charade – pulling on a disguise, she takes to the road as a highwayman. Disaster strikes when she robs the one man she had hoped to avoid. Five years ago Lord William Ryder broke Livvy's heart. Now he has returned, and she fears he will unmask her deepest secrets.THE WICKED WAGER Anya WyldeThe infamous rake, Lord Richard Hamilton, has chosen a bride—the very appropriate Miss Emma Grey.The ton approves, Lord Grey is pleased, Lady Grey delighted, and Emma is thrilled, but her uncle, Duke of Arden, opposes the match.Richard concocts a plan. It is a simple matter of masquerading as the duke’s gardener, compromising the lady, then having the duke rush them off to Gretna Green. He never imagined compromising a lady could be so difficult. He forges ahead in spite of house guests, a flea bitten mattress, his lovesick best friend, and a blackmailer. Just as things are going well, he becomes a murder suspect. LORD GRAYSON’S BRIDE Tarah ScottNicholas Spencer, Earl of Grayson, won’t make the same mistake twice and let Josephine Knightly go. She loves him. He felt it in their one kiss before he left, and in the single kiss she allowed since his return. But she’s doing everything in her power to sabotage the marriage even before it’s begun. Nicholas doesn’t care. If Hell is where he must live to have her, then she must stand by his side in the fire. MY FAIR GROOM Linda Rae SandeIf people only see what they expect to see … then why doesn’t she?When Lady Julia and her friend notice a handsome groom from their second-story window, they decide the man would make the perfect gentleman. Julia accepts Samantha's challenge to transform the man in time for a ball. But Alistair Comber is a gentleman—the estranged second son of an earl. Alistair agrees to Julia's request that he learn how to bow, dance and dress like a gentleman—how hard can it be when he's already a gentleman? How hard indeed!LADY BESS Claudy ConnBess Saunders has fallen in love. He is charmingly masculine and his Scottish accent incites very unmaiden-like desires.The Earl of Dunkirk wants a wife who 'understands' they will each go their own way after she gives him an heir. Lady Bess is exquisite, yes, but she is also an innocent who expects faithfulness. He won't ruin an innocent, and yet, he can't get her out of his head. Although Bess doesn't look for trouble, she finds it—and Bess is not your average, simpering female. She takes on danger and mayhem like she does everything else: full throttle.ONCE UPON A RAKE by Samantha HoltOnce upon a time, Little Ellie Browning discovered happily ever afters don’t exist and rakes were simply rakes. When the man she adored broke her heart, she married an elderly earl.The now widowed Eleanor, Countess of Hawthorne, has returned to England as part-owner of a cotton mill. But the owner of the mill—the rake who hurt her years earlier—won’t let a woman interfere with his business.Lucian is recovering from the effects of a fire that destroyed one of his mills while still fighting to save the other. He doesn't need any distractions. After a series of accidents, it seems someone wishes the mill to close.With things heating up between Ellie and Lucian, not only is the mill in peril--they are both at risk of getting burned...A LADY IN HIDING Amy CorwinA vicious case of arson sends Sarah into hiding.

     Tally May Jones needed a life that was more than just helping out at her father's haberdashery store in their dusty small town on the East Coast. She believed she had found it when she saw the advertisement from Jacob Tucker a rancher from Cedar Fields. But life as Mrs Jacob Tucker was not at all as she had dreamed. Yes, he was a handsome man - handsome beyond expectations, but he was cold-hearted and seemed only to want a bride to fill the role of housekeeper in his home. Tally was homesick and lonely. She was thankful for the company of Ellie the daughter of the ranch’s right hand man and Jacob’s friend, Pete. Tally is almost at her wit’s end living the lie that her life out West has become, when she is called upon to help Ellie and Pete. She knows it is wrong to keep secrets from her husband, but she also understands the fear those around her have for her husband. He could be unreasonable and unfathomable. And Tally was kept in the dark as to his secrets, causing her to not understand his hardheartedness. With Christmas fast approaching Jacob turns even more cold, what could be done to thaw his heart? Was it possible for an innocent to break down the walls of grief thrown up by a brave man to shield himself from love and hurt? Could the promise of a newborn heal the wounds etched deep in the soul of a man who had lost all he once loved? Allow the author to lead you through the trials and tribulations of two families brought together by loyalty and love, and see whether love can indeed overcome all hardships.

    Fall in love with our Unforgettable Heroes and fantasize about them for months. They don’t come along very often, but when they do, they can turn your world upside down and rip the heart out of every woman who dares to love them. The variety of stories we’ve chosen to add to this collection are meant to entertain you. We present the Unforgettable Heroes... Eight romances by eight award-winning authors with heroes who will live in your heart forever. Donna Fasano guides you on how to 'Take Love in Stride,' Patrice Wilton cooks up a 'Catered Affair,' Mona Risk shares what a wonder it is to get 'Babies in the Bargain,' Mimi Barbour asks you to help her 'Find Me a Home,' Traci Hall gives a lesson on love in 'Dancing By the Sea,' Susan Jean Ricci tempts everyone with 'Dinosaurs and Cherry Stems,' Nikki Lynn Barrett crowns the 'Queen of My Heart,' and Leanne Banks instructs readers how to become ‘The Five-Minute Bride’.

    With one convenient proposal, he could have the Southern beauty in his bed and her birthright in his hands. That's only if Bella says yes… FEELING THE HEAT Their long-ago affair ended too abruptly. And Dr. Micah Westmoreland knows Kalina Daniels hasn't forgiven him. But now that they're working side by side, he can't ignore the heat that still burns between them. This time, there will be no question about his motive—he plans to make her his.