Splash!: 9 Refreshing Romances Filled with Faith


Valerie ComerJan Thompson - 2015
    Come visit Scotland, Zambia, Australia, Canada, and several American states, including Alaska, in these inspirational romance novellas. You'll love each refreshing contemporary romance as the characters enjoy the water on hot summer days, whether it be in a river, lake, ocean... or a swimming pool! His Perfect Catch by Narelle Atkins, author of the Snowgum Creek series A holiday romance isn’t part of the plan when Mia Radcliffe temporarily moves to Sapphire Bay and lives next door to Pete McCall, her secret crush from years ago. Pete prefers the simple life. Can Mia leave behind her big-city dreams and settle with Pete in the seaside town? Sweet Serenade by Valerie Comer, author of the Farm Fresh Romance series Carly and Reed thrive on the rush of running rapids in a canoe until they capsize in both river and romance. Will secrets from the past drown their future, or can this idyllic summer romance lead to a lifetime of sweet serenades? More than Friends by Autumn Macarthur, author of the Love in Store series When nurse Catriona asks for help with her Vacation Bible School for disabled children, she never imagines how much could go wrong on a simple seaside day out — or that the colleague she's secretly loved for years might come to see her as more than his best friend's little sister. Love Flies In by Heidi McCahan, author of the Emerald Cove series He’s a seaplane pilot determined to honor his convictions. She’s a kayak guide who mocked his faith for sport. One small lakeside cabin in Alaska can’t house them both.  Testing the Waters by Lesley Ann McDaniel, author of the Madison Falls series After breaking up with her ultra-critical boyfriend, Teresa decides to reinvent herself. She meets a nice guy named Curt on the beach in Crescent Cove, Oregon, and tells him she’s Terése from Paris. Pretending to be someone else is fun until the unthinkable happens — she starts to fall for him. The Lifeguards, the Swim Team, and Frozen Custard by Carol Moncado, author of the CANDID Romance series Lifeguard Alivia Collins looks forward to another summer on the guard stand at the Serenity Landing Aquatic Center. This year, she’s going to have to keep herself from falling for the cute, new guard - or realize it’s time to give love another chance. Time and Tide by Lynette Sowell, author of the Lone Star Hearts series When out-of-work fashion journalist Karyn Lewis uses the summer to regroup on the coast of Virginia, she plans to lie low at Pine Breezes campground. She doesn't plan for her heart to be on a collision course with old friend Brodie Reed. They must decide if the past that looms between them will be too much for them to have a future together.  Draw You Near by Jan Thompson, author of the Savannah Sweethearts series Savannah artist Abilene Dupree keeps her personal life out of her commercial paintings except one. That one painting has now brought Londoner Lars Cargill back to the coastal town and into her art world. Can she hold him at bay before he invades her personal space and her heart? Orphaned Hearts by Marion Ueckermann, author of the Heart of Africa series His faith buried with his wife,  Simon devotes himself to raising his daughter

Summer of Love


Leah Atwood - 2015
    and for a limited time. Relax this summer with a tall glass of iced tea and a collection of inspirational romance novels! Come to Me Alive, a celebrity-meets-small-town-charm romance by Leah Atwood Bryce Landry and Sophie Thatcher are two strangers, opposite in every way, until a chance encounter brings them together. Neither can deny the pull between them, but as the weeks and months pass, they discover that finding each other was easy, but holding on will be a different story. Christian romance at its best! Wild Mint Tea, a farm-living romance by Valerie Comer Local foods chef Claire Halford hosts weddings on Green Acres Farm, but the first bride comes with a ruggedly handsome brother. Noel Kenzie’s reforestation company provides him the means to enjoy a globe-trotting life... until he's captivated by a certain chef who's firmly rooted in one place. Yes, Christian romance can deal with real-world issues while lifting your spirits! Catching Serenity, a beach romance with a twist by JoAnn Durgin Serenity McClaren's world collapsed five years ago and she returns to South Carolina to find the answers. Child psychologist Jackson Ross discovers the truth, but by telling her, he risks losing everything—including Serenity—in this heartwarming Christian romance novel. Marrying Kate, a marriage-of-convenience romance by Kimberly Rae Jordan When Jared proposes marriage to Kate, it’s for the sake of their orphaned nieces and nephew. Though Kate hopes for more, their chance at love is threatened when Jared’s past comes to call. A unique marriage of convenience Christian romance to warm your heart. The Bride's Broken Bond, a runaway-bride romance by Lee Tobin McClain In this Christian romance novel, urban missionary Rock Anderson must rescue the woman he’s always found annoying but irresistible, spoiled rich girl Hope DeMille, from a wedding she doesn’t want. But when her domineering father disowns her, it’s up to Rock to help Hope overcome her dysfunctional past and find meaning in service, faith, and love. The Long Way Home, an opposites-attract romance by Staci Stallings Sent from Chicago to his grandfather’s backroads Kansas farm on family business, Jaxton Anderson is faced with culture shock and Ami Martin, and he’s not sure which one is worse. Ami hates him and so does most everyone else, so why can’t he just go back where he came from? Good question. Read this Christian romance novel to find out why! Summertime is for fun and relaxation, and these Christian romance novels provide plenty of both. But summer also draws us close to friends, family, and faith in God, so get out your hammock and enjoy this box set of Christian romance novels for a great price!

Whispers of Love


Kimberly Rae JordanLesley Ann McDaniel - 2016
    She hates that he represents a major change in her family’s business, but finds herself intrigued by him, too. Will Makayla be able to see that change can be a good thing, professionally and personally? Or will Ethan be back to square one—in need of a job in a new city?Not This Time by Leah AtwoodAmie Reynolds wakes up on her wedding morning to find a note from her fiancé that he left the country. Needing to escape her heartache, she visits her great-aunt’s lake house for the summer and meets Drew Sullivan. Romance between them blooms, but will Drew’s secret tear them apart?Homestands by Sally BradleyA pro athlete stumbles across his ex-wife, the son she hid from him, and the rare opportunity to right his wrongs, but a secret from the past threatens their attempts to repair their shattered relationship.Secrets of Sunbeams by Valerie ComerOne animal control officer with her own escapee goat. One solar architect whose report has been eaten. Can romance and urban farming blossom on the same city block?Overture and a Prince by Christina CoryellShe’s an actress who can’t seem to get out of character. He’s a mechanic who puts little stock in imagination. Will their love story make it to the opening curtain?Gentle Like the Rain by JoAnn DurginIsabella Caccavale’s stable life plunges into a tailspin after she buys her aunt's general store in Evergreen, Maine. When “runaway” lawyer Sidney Prescott roars into town, he jump-starts her wounded heart. Will Sidney find what he seeks in quaint little Evergreen or will he take Isabella’s heart with him when he returns to Boston?Teapots & Tiaras by Autumn MacarthurWhen their best friends’ wedding in London pushes medical missionary Matthew Coalbrooke and bubbly shoe-aholic kitchenware saleswoman Anita Kiernan together, it’s dislike at first sight. But God has a bigger plan for them than they can possibly imagine.Oceans Apart by Lesley Ann McDanielThis is the Inn at Crescent Cove's biggest weekend since Lily Duarte bought it last year—a wedding. Now if only she can stop dwelling on the last wedding she planned then called off at the eleventh hour…her own. When an employee quits and handsome best man Matthew Case steps in to help, Lily’s thoughts of what might have been start to fade away.The Lifeguard, the Abandoned Heiress, and Frozen Custard by Carol MoncadoAdam Wilkerson is looking forward to a summer of fun working at the Serenity Landing Aquatic Center. Gwendolyn Cranston-Schmidt is looking for a fresh start. Can they see past both of their secrets to find their way to a real relationship?Flight 259 by Staci StallingsIt was only a chance occurrence. When Jenna Davis happens to sit next to Dr. Scott Browning and his young son on the plane to Newark, she has no idea how that one chance decision will change all of their lives forever.Smile for Me by Jan ThompsonA workaholic assistant principal who meticulously plans his schedule months in advance meets an easygoing potter and art teacher with no sense of time, living her life as the seasons come and go. Crossing paths again at the Summer-by-the-Sea Day Camp sponsored by his church in the Bahamas, how can they work together if they cannot see eye to eye?The Other You by Marion UeckermannFive years spent searching for her identity brings photojournalist Taylor Cassidy no closer to the truth. When Taylor is sent to South Africa to uncover the story behind winegrower Armand DeBois’s flagship wine, Aimee Amour, their meeting raises questions that demand answers—for them both.

Red Hot Squeaky Clean ROMANCE Collection


Christy BarrittMaryLu Tyndall - 2014
    For the first time ever, as you turn the pages of these complete stories, you will meet ten of the most recognized names in inspirational romance today and read their award winning, critically acclaimed stories all in the same collection. You're in for such a treat! Home Before Dark by Christy Barritt Daleigh McDermott finds a journal penned by her late father which sparks a dangerous investigation into his death with the assistance of Ryan Shields, the only man who believes her. Beyond the Waves; Pacific Shores Series, Book 1, by Lynnette Bonner Officer Kylen Sumner and Taysia Green have a history. He's broken her heart more than once. So when he returns home claiming he just might be in love with her, she wants nothing to do with him. If only her heart would get the message! Sapphire Ice; Jewel Series, Book 1, by Hallee Bridgeman The men in unbeliever Robin Bartlett's life have only ever been users. Believer Tony Viscolli's arrival and relentless interest in Robin both infuriates and intrigues her. A Love for Delicious; Woman of Courage series, Book 1, by Cynthia Hickey Widowed newlywed Delicious (Delly) finds herself stuck with 5 stepchildren all under age 13 on the opposite side of the country from Oregon and their uncle. She hits the trail, promising to do anything to gain the children their birthright and protect it from those out to take it. Can she guard her heart against the handsome trail guide, Zeke Williams? Waiting for Rachel; Those Karlsson Boys, Book 1, by Kimberly Rae Jordan Rachel Perkins is a loner who feels certain she's not the right woman for Damian Karlsson. Damien feels otherwise and is willing to do what it takes to change her mind and her heart. The Unveiling; Age of Faith series, Book 1, by Tamara Leigh Disguised as a squire, Lady Annyn Bretanne sets off on a quest to avenge her brother's murder by Baron Wulfrith. When her disguise is unveiled, they each face tests of faith and resolve. Saving Grace; Madison Falls, Book 1, by Lesley Ann McDaniel Grace is an opera singer forced by a stalker to go into hiding in a small town. There, in that most unexpected of places, Grace finds elusive love and claims her faith. Yesterday by Amanda Tru Hannah has the ability to time travel but there are consequences. After saving a family injured in a car accident, Hannah wakes the next morning to find her yesterday was five years ago! The Redemption; Legacy of the King's Pirates, Book 1, by MaryLu Tyndall Lady Charlisse Bristol sets off on a voyage in search of the father she never knew, only to find herself shipwrecked on a desert island. Near starvation, she is rescued -- by a band of pirates and their fiercely handsome leader, Edmund Merrick. Falling in Love; Seasons of the Heart novella series, Book 1, by Susette Williams Summary: Katie Morgan thinks she's doing her boss, Wade McAlester, a favor by setting him up on blind dates.

Christmas Wish Box Set


Morris Fenris - 2017
    1 Best Selling author, Morris Fenris. Do you love stories that touch your heart? Then you will love all six romance novels in this box set. All novels are readers’ favorites with over 300 5-Star reviews. These have been put together for a short time only for your reading pleasure. 6 Novels, 850 pages, quarter million words of touching and tender romance. Enjoy these clean and wholesome love stories with enough twists to keep you turning the pages. An inspiring Christian romance collection that will warm your heart and your soul at Christmas and all year long. If you enjoy heartwarming Christian romance with a focus on love, faith and family, be sure to check out other books by Morris Fenris. Scroll up to the top of this page and hit the orange ‘Buy now with 1-Click’ button to grab the box set and get 6 novels you won’t want to put down! The stories in this set:Second Time AroundWill the problems of the past keep Jessame and Bryan from finding the promise of a future? Love could be the key that unlocks their happiness!Waiting For Love’s ReturnA wonderful, poignant, heart breaking, heart-warming story of families and secrets, of hidden strength and unexpected friendship. Join Jeff and Maddie as they navigate the waters of their relationship and learn to love each other again.Love’s Healing PowerAs Derek and Alaina deal with their past, they must learn to take a chance on their future. Come along with your favorite characters from Castle Peaks and see how love and acceptance can heal even the most broken heart.Jenna & TreyJoin Jenna and Trey as they begin their journey of having to deal with the past, as well as figure out how to proceed into the future. Will they be together or will they let past hurts keep them from finding a lasting love?Michelle & TylerWill Michelle find the answers she seeks? Will Tyler be able to help her? Take the journey towards conquering fears, rebuilding faith, and letting go of the past with Michelle & Tyler.Brooke & PeterAs Brooke and Peter struggle to deal with the mistakes of the past, will their faith and love for each other be enough to overcome those mistakes?

Tides of Autumn


Amanda McIntyre - 2014
    Recently widowed, Darci Cunningham swims against popular current that she should take her time and heal after the sudden death of her husband. But in a bold turn, she decides to follow a dream set aside and moves to Mackinac Island to pursue her dream of writing.But as she prepares for her first winter on the island, she is unaware of the dangers that have washed ashore--one that may steal her heart, while the other may steal her life(*available in ebook and soon in paperback)

Love's Treasure


Juliette DuncanValerie Comer - 2021
    Chapin: One LoveLorana Hoopes: A Second Chance for ChristmasElizabeth Maddrey: So You Love to Hate Your BossEvangeline Kelly: Love's SacrificeValerie Comer: Ruby RadianceNaomi Rawlings: Love's Violet SunriseValerie M. Bodden: Heart's HomeMelissa Tagg: Someday SoonMandi Blake: A Thousand WordsCarol Moncado: The Lifeguard, The Runaway Bride, & Frozen CustardClick to pre-order your copy now!

Once Upon a Laugh


Pepper D. Basham - 2018
    Some of your favorite inspirational authors have come together in this collection of all-new novellas.From light-hearted romance to laugh-out-loud love, this set will put a smile on your face and keep you reading long into the night.Jane by the Book by award-winning author Pepper BashamShe lives by the plans. He talks to imaginary characters. Can they team up to solve a family mystery?Crossed Out by USA Today bestselling author Christina CoryellRuth Erickson always spends her morning break doing the crossword puzzle. Tate Darrow just messed it up. What’s that old saying about love and war?If She Dares by Mikal DawnHe’s a board game champion, but can he win her heart?Definitely by award-winning author Heather GrayDating isn’t on her to-do list. Dating a pastor? Definitely not.Under the Honey Moon by Jessica R. PatchA honeymoon cottage reunites a pair of childhood friends. Can it offer them a future filled with happily-ever-after?A (wildly) Wonderful Wedding by Krista PhillipsThey may be the worst maid of honor and best man in the history of weddings…Save the Last Word by award-winning author Betsy St. AmantWhen conventional meets creative, who will get the last word?The Long Game by award-winning author Laurie TomlinsonWhoever said all is fair in love and war never dealt with small-town football…

Reunited at Christmas


Debra Ullrick - 2013
    Not only does she train search and rescue dogs, but she’s a bestselling suspense author who has waterfront property in the beautiful mountain town of Grand Lake, Colorado. All is well until she receives a call to bring her dog Max and her snowmobile to help rescue a man who is lost in a blizzard up on Gravel Mountain. That man is the one person she never wants to see again—Ryker Anderson—the man who broke her heart the day he called three months before their wedding to say goodbye with no explanation as to why.After being gone for eighteen months, Ryker Anderson is back in Grand Lake where he hopes to win back the woman he loves. He only hopes Shelby understands why he left. Will he be able to convince Shelby that she can trust him with her heart again even though he broke it before?

Frosting and Flurries


Kimberly Rae Jordan - 2016
     THE SWEETNESS OF HER LOVE—KIMBERLY RAE JORDAN James Dawson may have looked like the hero of one of the romances Erin Kirkland loves to read, but she quickly discovers that he is not the hero for her. After all, how can she have a happily-ever-after with a man who doesn’t believe in love or marriage? Who would have thought that a visit to his grandmother’s favorite bakery to order a cake for her ninetieth birthday would end up causing James to re-evaluate his whole life? Certainly not James Dawson. But following their rather disastrous first meeting, James is determined to show Erin that he is a better man than she’s first judged him to be. Erin doesn’t want to friend-zone James, but she’s not sure she can trust that the changes he’s making will be permanent. Can someone really go from totally dismissing love and marriage to embracing it so quickly? SUGAR AND SPICE—CECELIA DOWDY Sheila Parks is stunned when Mason Smith, the identical twin brother of her ex-boyfriend Reese, moves to Blue Spring and opens a bakery. Reese’s cruel breakup still bothers her and seeing somebody who looks just like him is a painful reminder of her predicament. Unemployed, Sheila needs financial help and it appears that Mason can assist her with her problem. Can she learn to trust a man who looks just like her ex? Mason is stunned when Sheila storms into his bakery, mistakenly thinking that he’s Reese. Mason is used to comforting his womanizing brother’s ex-girlfriends. A stutterer, Mason has always had a hard time socializing with others. However, he finds himself smitten with beautiful Sheila. Can he control his stutter so that he can ask Sheila to be his date to his grandmother’s Christmas birthday party? Both Sheila and Mason deal with past pains as they work together during the Christmas season. MOOSTLETOE —JAN ELDER Rev. Samantha Evans lands in Moose Creek, Maine, where parishioners chew up new ministers for breakfast. Happily, she also reunites with forest ranger Eric Palmer, her best friend from her teenage years. With Samantha’s career on the line, Eric must save her job and rescue his own shattered heart in the process. But how does Matilda the moose factor into the mix? THE HECTOR CLAUSE—CLARE REVELL The last thing Brie Dalgleish expected her boss to do was ask her to play an elf in the toy store grotto. She's even less enthusiastic when she discovers Santa is the same bloke who drove his car through a puddle the previous evening, completely soaking her. Hector Clause is playing Santa in the family owned toy store under sufferance as a favor to his grandfather. He'd rather be in a nice safe office, using his law degree, than playing Santa in a shop full of squealing kids. Even if the chief elf is on the cute side. With the store's centenary fast approaching, the anniversary party is abruptly cancelled. Hector resolves to celebrate anyway, but isn't prepared for the curveball he finds headed his way. GINGER & BRAD’S HOUSE—MARION UECKERMANN When Brad O’Sullivan is unfaithful to Ginger Murphy, she escapes to Australia for five long years. During this time, Brad’s shotgun marriage fails. Besides his little boy, Jamie, one other thing in his life has turned out sweet and successful—his pastry business. Ginger returns to Ireland, when her mother’s diagnosed with heart failure. She loves being a wedding flautist but fears bumping into the wedding cake chef she tries to avoid.

Five Gold Rings (Crossroads Collection)


Jaycee Weaver - 2020
    Leanne rescues him from a rooftop in a floodplain and it is clear there is much more to the story. Can their love redeem the hurts of the past to rescue their future?Laughing All the Way by Lesley Ann McDanielWhen Jessica's friends put her up to "fixing" their commitment-phobic co-worker, Conner, she doesn't take them very seriously. Conner doesn't know whether to laugh at Jessica or tell her to mind her own business.Ghosted at the Altar by Chautona HavigAfter his fiancée, Brenna, abandons Mitchell on their wedding day, she insists she loves him and still wants to marry him. As truths come to light, her little sister, Lauren, turns sleuth to solve the mystery of why Brenna ghosted Mitchell at the altar.Five Gold Rings by Amanda TruWhen three relationship-challenged couples wish for Christmas weddings, commitment coach, Oliver, teams up with a wedding planner, TeraLyn, to help make their marriage dreams come true.

Such a Hope (Paths of Grace #1)


Sondra Kraak - 2016
    After her father’s death—a tragedy away from home—she returns to their cabin on the outskirts of Seattle, seeking the sense of belonging that eluded her childhood. But will her desire to pray for miraculous healing for the sick and wounded endear or alienate her to the community? Her most aggravating challenger is also her staunchest defender and has brown hair and eyes, stands six feet tall, and farms with unchecked tenacity. Tristan Porter. This farmer her father had befriended holds more secrets than Yesler’s Mill holds logs. When ugly rumors arise about her spiritual gift and her property, Anna fears her quest to find belonging will be thwarted. Tristan holds the truth to set her free, but revealing it will require him to face the disappointments of his past and surrender his plans for the future—a sacrifice he’s not sure he can make.

The Hope Jar, SAMPLE


Wanda E. Brunstetter - 2019
    Brunstetter.What happens when making an elderly Amish couple very happy means going along with a lie that gets bigger by the day? Michelle Taylor is not who her new family in Lancaster County believes her to be. The Lapps were looking for their long-lost granddaughter when they met Michelle and she assumed the identity of Sara Murray. Once homeless and hopeless, Michelle has come to love her new Amish friends and even considers the idea of romance among them. Finding an old blue jar in the barn that is filled with slips of paper containing thoughts, quotes, and prayers by an unknown author becomes a boost to Michelle’s budding faith— but also convicting. How can she tell the truth without hurting the ones she has truly come to love?

Wisdom to Know


Elizabeth Maddrey - 2013
     Is there sin that love can't cover? Lydia Brown has taken just about every wrong turn she could find. When an abortion leaves her overwhelmed by guilt, she turns to drugs to escape her pain. After a single car accident lands her in the hospital facing DUI charges, Lydia is forced to reevaluate her choices. Kevin McGregor has been biding his time since high school when he heard God tell him that Lydia Brown was the woman he would marry. In the aftermath of Lydia's accident, Kevin must come to grips with the truth about her secret life. While Kevin works to convince himself and God that loving Lydia is a mistake, Lydia struggles to accept the feelings she has for Kevin, though she fears her sin may be too much for anyone to forgive.

Destined to Meet Collection: Angel Incognito, Sweet Charity, White as Snow, I Think I Do


Janice Thompson - 2015
     BOOK ONE: Angel Incognito Determined to prove she can be a good reporter, Angelina Fuentes begs her boss for one big story: She plans to tug L. A. 's heartstrings by exposing a group of con men. To get the scoop, Angel must go undercover as a cleaning woman. Peter Campbell believes wealth has corrupted his father's character - that the older man no longer cares for the down-and-out. To prove that he's nothing like his father, Peter throws himself into working with the needy. When Angel and Peter cross paths in a most unusual way, assumptions bury the truth. Will Peter allow the Lord to remove his mask of good works to reveal a secret heart of pride? BOOK TWO: Sweet Charity A vivacious, undisciplined two year old named Charity has Shauna Alexander seriously questioning her calling as a child care provider. The toddler seems to thrive on wreaking havoc wherever she goes. Pastor Kent Chapman's heart is still raw from losing his wife. He knows he spoils his daughter, but he can't help but see his wife in her. Then during a computer repair mix-up, Kent finds himself distracted by Shauna. But when Shauna's and Kent's worlds collide over the rebellious toddler's behavior, both must learn to accept responsibility and work toward reconciliation. Will the Lord cause Kent to choose between his daughter and his heart? Or will love sweeten Charity and their future? BOOK THREE: White as Snow Brianna Nichols hates football. Living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, makes this aversion a difficult one to have, midst all the diehard football fans. But Brianna has her reasons, and the men in Pittsburgh will have to adjust. So far she hasn't found a guy who can resist the pull of the game. Nor has she found one interesting enough to overlook that flaw. Until now. For Brandon Campbell the dream of a lifetime has just come true. He's been traded from Tampa and is about to become the quarterback for his all-time favorite team. Used to the adulation that professional athletes generally receive, Brady is intrigued by Brianna's apparent hostility to all things football. Brandon and Brianna have pasts they must overcome. Can God take those pasts and make them white as snow? BOOK FOUR: I Think I Do Hannah Hibble is only a little concerned about the fact that her parents keep trying to fix her up with guys who come into the family’s Van Nuys costume shop (Hibbles Dribbles) to rent costumes. Each of these lucky fellows leaves with a costume and the promise of a date with Hannah. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) In the last couple of months she’s been out on four mercy dates - a dill pickle, Rhett Butler, the headless horseman and Zorro. The dates have all been fiascoes, and she is more convinced than ever that the single life is the life for her. She delves back into her work at the costume shop and even takes on a few extra hours at her second job, the wax museum in Hollywood, where she works on costuming the Rock ‘n Roll display. Duncan Evers is fairly new to L.A. He hails from Topeka, Kansas, and has come to the big city with stars in his eyes. His visions of taking L.A. by storm haven’t exactly panned out. After accidentally driving his older model sedan through the plate-glass window of Hibbles Dribbles, he determines that things can’t possibly get any worse. Wrong. He’s forced to take a part-time job at his great-uncle’s exterminating company to pay the bills until an acting job comes along. When Duncan and Hannah meet in the most unexpected of ways, sparks fly. . .and chaos ensues! Will their chaotic getting-to-know-you end in a true happily-ever-after?