Book picks similar to
A Heart Restored by Elizabeth Maddrey
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Island Refuge
Kimberly Rose Johnson - 2015
Did she make a mistake? Her engagement off, Zoe Griffin retreats to tiny Wildflower Island in the Puget Sound. Hiding out as a cook and maid at a shabby bed-and-breakfast seems crazy for a chef who’s used to running her own five-star kitchen. And just as she starts to feel at home, her klutzy mishaps make Zoe fear her handsome new boss will fire her. Dr. Nick Jackson is done with medicine, and owning a B&B is as far from doctoring as he can get. He needs help, but his only employee’s mistakes give him doubts. As Zoe lets her defenses down, Nick begins to see a competent and caring woman. One whose wounds are as deep as his own. But as they fall for each other, Nick and Zoe must learn the hardest lesson of all—to forgive. Only then can they heal the past and embrace the future . . . together. Author Bio Kimberly Rose Johnson, soon to be empty-nester, lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their yellow lab. Island Refuge is her sixth published book and the first in a series of three. Kimberly enjoys long walks, chocolate, and mochas, not necessarily in that order.
Invitation to Seduction
Jasmine Haynes - 2006
She's learned the hard way that she isn't desirable anymore. But when she flirts with a man at The Sex Club, she gets far more than she bargained for, and the game she plays soon turns to obsession for the fire in one man’s touch. Will she have to choose between the love of her life and her secure, safe, yet intolerable existence.Stephen Knight enters the club looking for the woman he has fallen for over email and through her art work. She's everything he's ever dreamed of and seeing her in the flesh makes him desire her physically as well. As her passion comes to life in his arms, Stephen's lust turns to love. Wanting far more from her than a few nights of seduction, can he make her believe in forever?“Invitation to Seduction” is a contemporary erotic romance of approximately 38,000 words.This story was previously published in 2006 in the anthology “Open Invitation” by Jasmine Haynes.
Wild Irish Heart
Tricia O'Malley - 2014
Determined to unearth the secrets lying hidden in the enchanted waters of the cove, Keelin has little time for a surly Irishman who infuriates her during the day and haunts her fantasies at night. Inexplicably drawn to the woman who has stepped from his dreams and into his world, Flynn fights a stubborn battle against his increasing attraction for Keelin. Forces unknown have better plans for the two. Only the secrets of the cove can show Keelin who she really is, the beauty of her mysterious power, and a love that will break the bounds of what she knows. Wild Irish Heart is a stand-alone novel and can be read on its own. The Mystic Cove Series: Wild Irish Roots: Prequel Novella Wild Irish Heart Wild Irish Eyes Wild Irish Soul Wild Irish Rebel Wild Irish Roots: Margaret & Sean Wild Irish Witch
At the Stroke of Midnight
Kate Palmer - 2017
Ominous secrets. And true love. Ella could really use a fairy godmother about now. On the brink of losing her inheritance, Ella returns home to claim Diamond Hollow Ranch as her own, make amends with her stepmother, and live happily ever after. When Ella discovers her interfering stepmother has leased the ranch to the Duke family, she goes undercover and gets the job as groundskeeper for the ranch. Stone Duke seeks refuge from the spotlight at Diamond Hollow Ranch. He is charmed when the intriguing landscape architect he hires does not recognize him from the press. This is such a refreshing change from the women who are only after his money that Stone hides his true identity from Ella, even while pursuing a relationship with her. But when dangerous secrets from Ella’s past come knocking at the ranch, can two hearts in disguise find a real-life, fairy-tale ending? At the Stroke of Midnight is a modern Cinderella retelling. All Fairly Western Tales are modern retellings of fairy tales with a Western flair. Each clean and wholesome novel can be read as a stand alone book.
Cicada Song
Bradford Combs - 2012
The town of Anderson celebrates the coming of these insects with a festival that they call Cicada Song.In 1987 a young boy named Jacob Ramsey fell for a girl named Sara, whose family was visiting for Cicada Song. Little did they realize, however, that their young love would end ten years later during the most shocking moment of Anderson’s history.Time passes and the next Cicada Song begins. Self-published author Ellis Barnes is invited to Anderson as an attraction and there he meets the quick-witted but guarded Sara, now fully grown and quite lovely. He quickly falls for her but something from Sara's past prevents her from getting too close. Facing resistance from Jacob Ramsey’s best friend, Stan, and the town drunk, Phil, Ellis is determined to uncover exactly what Sara’s mysterious past is. What he finds will force Ellis to confront a faith-shattering tragedy from his own past, a tragedy that diminished his faith in the Christian church, but also one which might hold the key to overcoming Sara’s private barriers. And what secret does Phil, the town drunk, hold regarding the moment that shattered Sara’s life forever?Bradford Combs writes a love story full of mystery, suspense, and questions of faith that will stick with you long after its final page is turned.
When Love Calls
Lorna Seilstad - 2013
So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won’t be easy. Hello Girls must conduct themselves according to strict--and often bewildering--rules, which include absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.Hannah doubts it will be difficult to keep that rule--until a handsome young lawyer starts getting under her skin.With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of companionship that blossoms into sweet romance.
A January Bride
Deborah Raney - 2013
Happily ever after guaranteed.What will happen when novelist Madeleine Houser's 'pen pal' friendship with a lonely widower takes an unexpected turn?Who can work in a house that's overrun by contractors and carpenters? Not Madeleine Houser, a successful novelist who gladly accepts the help of her octogenarian friend, Ginny, to arrange for a temporary office in the charming bed and breakfast owned by Ginny's friend, Arthur. Maddie's never met the innkeeper---but a friendship grows between them as Maddie and Arthur leave messages for each other each day. To Maddie's alternate delight and chagrin, she seems to be falling for the inn's owner---a man who's likely many years her senior---and who she's never even met.Arthur Tyler is a college professor who lost his young wife to cancer. Together they ran the bed and breakfast where Art lives, but without his wife, the house is missing warmth and cheer. He jumps at the chance to have author Madeleine Houser use the space that was once filled with guests. He, too, begins to enjoy the daily exchanges with Maddie, but a series of misunderstandings lead him to believe she's far from being a prospective date---even if he were ready to date again, which he's not.When Maddie and Art finally meet and discover one another's identity, sparks fly. Even so, they each have obstacles to overcome in order for this winter romance to blossom.
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…
An Awakened Heart
Jody Hedlund - 2017
Ministering to one of the most deprived parts of New York City, the chapel aims at making a difference in the lives of the impoverished immigrants flooding the city. After seeing firsthand the hopelessness of the poor women and orphans, Christine is convinced more can be done to help them.Guy Bedell has been serving at the chapel and pouring his heart out for the people he's grown to care about. When Christine begins to challenge his methods and offers a new vision for reaching out to the community, can he trust that perhaps God has bigger plans in store for him--plans that may include this feisty socialite?
The Fragrance of Geraniums
Alicia G. Ruggieri - 2014
Born to severe destitution, she claws her way up from the pit of family shame and secrets. She avoids close friendships - even with the likable, persistent Paulie Giorgi... A WOMANDespite her own agonizing emotional pain, childless Emmeline Kinner reaches out to a young woman so far beneath her. She could never have known whom else God would set in her path through her friendship with Grace...A MOTHERLong ago, Sarah Picoletti resigned herself to a loveless, abusive life - and she believes that her daughter Grace must inherit the same fate. Yet Sarah's own soul cries out for the blessed peace and hope of which the radio minister speaks...
Welcome to Temptation
Jennifer Crusie - 2000
From the moment she drive into town, she gets a bad feeling; Sophie is from the wrong side of the tracks and everything in Temptation is a little too right. And when she has a run-in with the town's unnervingly sexy mayor, Phineas Tucker, making a little movie turns out to be more than a little dangerous.Yield to oncoming desire...All Sophie wants to do is film the video and head home. All Phin wants to do is play pool with the police chief and keep things peaceful. They both get more than they bargained for when Sophie's video causes an uproar and the proper citizens of Temptation set out to shut them down.Welcome to temptation...As events spiral out of control, Sophie and Phin find themselves caught in a web of gossip, blackmail, adultery, murder, and really excellent sex. All hell breaks loose in Temptation as Sophie and Phin fall deeper and deeper in trouble...and in love.
Across the Creek
Jeremy Asher - 2012
An unlikely childhood romance between a poor boy and a wealthy girl began the day Jesse decided to do the impossible and cross the creek. A love was born, one that would become their shelter, protecting them from the storms of their lives, until the day Jesse witnessed his mother’s murder, forcing him to leave his childhood home…and first love. Ten years later, life has finally gotten better for Jesse. He has a loving family, a charming pet shop to run, and one semester left before graduating with a degree in architecture. Everything is great, until the day fate intervenes and his long-lost love walks into his shop and back into his life.Sarah, engaged to a budding attorney, is struggling to keep everything together. Her father, diagnosed with terminal cancer, is running out of time. Sarah races to build their dream business while planning her wedding in time for her father to walk her down the aisle.Their brief encounter starts a series of events that neither Jesse nor Sarah expects. After a decade of running, Jesse is now forced to face the demons from his past, while Sarah has to choose between her handsome attorney and her first love. Just when they think love has given them a second chance, Jesse is faced with an impossible decision, one that will change their lives forever.Across the Creek is the first in a 2-book series. Beneath the Willow is the second.
A Bird Died
Chautona Havig - 2013
Sprinklers sprayed lawns; the hum of leaf blowers and weed trimmers filled the air, racing against daylight to finish their Saturday evening chores. On the street, kids played or clustered in groups around streetlights as if waiting for them to glow in the coming twilight. The amber lamps flickered on, glowing steady. Moths appeared almost as if breathed from the night air. Fireflies waltzed across lawns in weak but whimsical imitation of the nightlights of Fairbury. The lights flickered. Dimmed. Blackness shrouded the neighborhood as screams pierced the night air. One little boy. One terrified family. One loving community. Life changes–sometimes in an instant. For the Cox family, that change comes on a lazy June evening. A raven flies into a power line and falls to its death as a transformer blows. Three-year-old Nathan Cox points to the ground and says, “Look, Daddy!” Fire consumes a fence and Jon Cox leads his son to safety–or so he thinks. Impending twilight hides a live power line that lies in the shadows of the alley. Screams rip through the night air and the hearts of Jon and Kelly Cox as Nathan writhes in pain. Jon jerks his son to safety, but not before the damage is done. The paramedics agree. “He should be dead.” The doctors work through torturous therapies to heal him–therapies little Nathan doesn’t understand. His words rip through the hearts of his parents–his family. “Don’t hurt me, Daddy.” But through the pain, the fear, the loss of the carefree innocence of a life before trauma, bright moments appear and grow. Strangers from all over the world band together, united in prayer for the healing of one pain-riddled little boy. Strangers all across the country offer help in the way of fundraisers. And through it all, one community shows the power of uniting together in one purpose. Car washes, bake sales, business donations and discounts, donation cans, and a recycling drive appear one after the other in an effort to help offset the staggering financial burden of nearly a month in a hospital–without insurance. In one great leap of faith and show of love, a group of musicians gather to present a benefit concert. Businesses offer free fliers, matching donation funds, and volunteer time. People appear from all corners of the town to do their part to ensure that the concert is a rousing success. One theme runs through the course of each event and surmounts every obstacle. “God’s got this.” And little Nathan? He’s the inspiration that ties it all together. His heart wrenching cries and screams as he tries to walk again unites a community. His goofy smile and loopy comments add hope amid the pain of suffering. Ask him–just ask him what happened. He’ll tell you. “A bird died.”
Instant Daddy
Carol Voss - 2011
Jessie Chandler is used to heartbreak. But she’s also used to blessings. Before her sister died, she gave Jessie the gift of a lifetime, her baby son, and Jessie is joyfully dedicating her life to raising little Jake. It isn’t until she meets Dr. Peter Sheridan, her sister’s colleague, that Jessie begins to fear heartbreak might win out. An overwhelmed father... Dr. Peter Sheridan never wanted to be a father. Finding a cure for neurological disease demands his full focus, and he has no room in his life for anything else. But when he sees Jake’s little face, the spitting image of his own, Peter realizes he can’t turn his back on his responsibility to his child even when he has no earthly idea how to be the daddy his son needs. The gift of love… Wanting the best for Jake, Jessie agrees to help Peter learn to take care of his son, even though losing the toddler she loves will destroy her. But in the shadow of her sacrifice, can Jessie and Peter discover another of God’s blessings… that through sharing comes the greatest love? Instant Daddy is the first book in Carol Voss' Noah’s Crossing series. This inspirational story of family and love is approximately 57,000 words.
Stranded Poolside With The Billionaire's Son
Susanne Ash - 2019
He doesn’t want to be hurt again. But their attraction to each other is undeniable. Caroline’s job as personal assistant to billionaire Evelyn Sutton takes her to the family beach house on Palmer Island. She’s looking forward to a few quiet days getting the house ready. She didn’t expect to find her boss’s youngest son swimming in the pool. Pete Sutton plays the spoiled rich guy well. It affords him the privacy to do the charity work that’s important to him. He likes his mother’s PA too much for a quick fling, but dating anyone is out of the question. He’s still licking his wounds from his one and only serious relationship. Neither one of them is looking for love, but can they ignore the chemistry between them when they are stuck together on beautiful Palmar Island? This is a 20,000 word sweet romance novella with no cliff hangers and a HEA. it's the first of the Clean Beach Billionaire series.