Book picks similar to
Heart's Design by JoAnn Durgin
romance
christian
christian-fiction
contemporary
A Father's Prayer
Linda Wood Rondeau - 2013
Orphaned after the death of his adoptive parents, the boy is at risk of institutionalization due to probation violations and alleged inadequate guardianship of his current caregiver, an older, adoptive sister. In view of his son’s delicate emotional state, the court advises Ethan to keep his relationship to Gib secret for now. As far as Jasper Falls knows, Ethan is in town to perform a Christmas benefit, although he longs to tell the world his current hit single, A Christmas Prayer, was inspired by a son he has yet to meet. Ethan’s intent was to rescue Gib. Instead, his presence seems to complicate the child’s life even more. Does God have a different plan for Gib no one has considered?
Cassidy Jane
April Floyd - 2015
All the people in her life who love her can see her dilemma but they can’t help her see the way clear to a life with the Doc. Will she let him go as the love of her life? Not if Joshua has a say in it. A sweet Christian romance!
Coyote's Revenge
Vannetta Chapman - 2017
For Aiden, work comes first and allows him to make amends for his past. Then Madison Hart is caught in the terrorist web of an insurgent named Coyote. Unaware that her life is in danger, she finds herself falling for the elusive Aiden Lewis. But Aiden disappears for days at a time, and he has a past that haunts him. Is their relationship doomed from the beginning? Can they learn to trust each another?Coyote is the mastermind behind operation Dambusters, which is compromised because of Aiden. Coyote knows the way to hurt Aiden is to target Madison. As Coyote makes his move for revenge, both Aiden and Madison must face their past while their future hangs precariously in the balance.This gripping romantic thriller combines a terrifyingly realistic plot with believable characters and fascinating details about military ops, terrorists, and the vulnerability of our infrastructure. A story that will leave you wondering how much of our past defines who we are, and how we can move beyond it to embrace our future.Vannetta Chapman is the author of over twenty bestselling novels, including Hidden, Protected, and The Remnant Series. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and a Christy award finalist. She has won over a dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. She currently writes full time, teaches college students on the side, and resides in the Texas Hill country.
Falling for Her Boss
Liz Isaacson
Jace Lovell only has one thing left after his fiancé abandons him at the altar: his job at Horseshoe Home Ranch. He throws himself into becoming the best foreman the ranch has ever had—and that includes hiring an interior designer to make the ranch owner's wife happy. Belle Edmunds is back in Gold Valley after she lost her job at a prestigious design firm in California. She's working for a conglomerate, but she's desperate to build a portfolio that she can use to start her own firm in Montana. She applies for the job at Horseshoe Home, and though Jace and Belle grew up together, they've never seen eye to eye on much more than the sky is blue. The spark between them now that they're adults can't be denied, and as Jace and Belle attempt to work together, they also fight their growing attraction to each other. But Jace isn't anywhere near forgiving his fiancé, and he's not sure he's ready for a new relationship with someone as fiery and beautiful as Belle. Can she employ her patience while he figures out how to forgive so they can find their own brand of happily-ever-after? **This is Book 1 in a brand-new series! See below for the order of books Liz has written. All books are standalone romances, but are tied to a specific place to create a series. Gold Valley Romance (spinoff series from Three Rivers Ranch): Before the Leap (Book 1) After the Fall (Book 2) - coming February 20, 2017 Through the Mist (Book 3) - coming April 3, 2017 Three Rivers Ranch Romance: Second Chance Ranch (Book 1) Third Time's the Charm (Book 2) Fourth and Long (Book 3) Fifth Generation Cowboy (Book 4) Sixth Street Love Affair (Novella) The Seventh Sergeant (Book 5) Eight Second Ride (Book 6) Christmas in Three Rivers (Novella collection) The First Lady of Three Rivers Ranch (Book 7 - can also be read first!) Lucky Number Thirteen (Novella) ~ coming March 6, 2017!
Somewhere, my Love
Susan May Warren - 2015
The perfect one, who is exactly the right fit. But sometimes the wait – and the fear of launching out to find that special someone -- keep us from leaping out in faith. From saying hello, accepting that cup of coffee, saying yes to a romantic walk on the beach. Sometimes it just takes a providential moment to change everything. RITA and Christy award-winning, ECPA and CPA best-selling novelist, Susan May Warren brings you three delightful novellas about leaping out into the unknown only to discover that yes, somewhere, my love is waiting. Measure of a Man The last person Calil Deane expects to find trapped in an elevator in Siberia at 2.a.m is Peter Samuelson—the man who broke her heart. Besides, she has a life she loves now - as a missionary in Russia. But Peter is not the man she remembers, and suddenly, she has to take another look, remeasure the man she once knew. But can love be reignited, or will the fears – and mistakes – of the past drive them apart again? "5 Stars for Measure of a Man! Susan Warren's offering, Measure of a Man, is wonderful! Endearing characters and a page-turning plot, romance at its very best and a precious message neatly woven in. I can't wait to read more by this incredible new author! ~ D. Raney Amazon.com reviewer Proof of Your Love Investigative Reporter Justine Proof knows she doesn't belong in the small, backwater town in East Tennessee...not only is she a Yankee, and hasn't the foggiest idea what grits are, but she's pretty sure someone is out to get her. And yes, it might be because she's investigating a murder, but someone is making it personal. Certainly it can't be cute, but redneck, coffee shop owner "Wild" Pat Bells, right? Still, every time she has car trouble, Pat "seems" to show up, raspberry latte in hand. Is he a rogue meaning her harm - or a friend trying to help? Patrick Bells can’t believe he heard a woman plan a murder into her tape recorder. And not just any woman – cute and sassy Justine Proof, a woman he’s been scraping up the courage to meet since the first day she ordered a raspberry latte in his coffee shop, the Right Cup. But Pat isn't going to let anyone get hurt in his town. . . Justine has finally found someone she’d like to trust -- someone who has suddenly become more than just an early morning ray of sunshine in her life. But her suspicious mind stands between her and true love. She’s about to learn that trust is a choice, and that only God can help her make it. This Little House of Mine When they said "Missionary," Interior Decorator Ellen White expected, well, not the hot, tall, and sweet Paul Stoneman, fresh from the backwoods of some Russian village. And sure, she'll help him redecorate his cute missionary home. After all, clearly the confirmed, rough-around-the edges bachelor needs a woman's touch. But when she falls for him, she discovers that loving a man with a heart for God requires more from her than she's willing to give. Paul Stoneman longs for a wife to share his life wife. Sure, he loves his life as a missionary, but admittedly, he's lonely. Beautiful Ellen White is exactly what he's prayed for - right down to her ability to turn his life into something beautiful. But Ellen isn't interesting in leaving the comforts of America for the rustic life of a missionary, right? More than just a romance, this story will tug at the heart of anyone who loves a man whose heart belongs first, to God.
A Lady of High Regard
Tracie Peterson - 2007
She's also a writer for Godey's Lady's Book magazine, much to the disdain of her family and their society friends. A proper young lady of her social standing isn't meant to labor in such a way, but Mia has always had a way with words... When her writing draws her into the world of downtrodden seamen's wives on Philadelphia's docks, Mia uncovers a scheme that puts her in harm's way. But her heart ends up on the line as well.... Has her determination to always make a match driven away the one man whose esteem she covets?
Treasure Me, Cowboy
Debra Clopton - 2009
The ranch is owned by three brothers and she accepts the job offer from the eldest brother. She doesn't realize until she's already settled into the house for the summer that cowboy Seth Turner does not want her there meddling into the families past and demands that she leave. Melody can't help but wonder what the handsome cowboy has to hide and she's not leaving since her contract is with Seth's brother? Seth Turner manages the families ranch and isn’t happy about his brother hiring the pretty history teacher to dig into their past. But when Melody discovers a treasure map and a Texas legend they join together to find the secret treasure. Soon they are drawn together but Melody has secrets of her own that may threaten to tear them apart? This is a Texas matchmakers story that has it all, romance, treasure hunt and a pumpkin chunking feud between the folks of Mule Hollow that will have you laughing and loving this book. This book touches the heart and the funny bone. Welcome to the Turner Creek Ranch where the legacy of love lives strong. Books in the TURNER CREEK RANCH series: Treasure Me, Cowboy (Book 1) Rescue Me, Cowboy (Book 2) Complete Me, Cowboy (Book 3) Sweet Talk Me, Cowboy (Book 4) Kiss Me, Cowboy (Book 5)
Goodbye, Magnolia
Krista Noorman - 2015
The art of capturing a moment forever in time is magical to her, and she's worked hard to become the best of the best. Week after week, she works with couples as they plan their happily ever afters, but she hasn't been so lucky in love.Behind the camera, it's easy to hide from the pain and rejection of her past. The life she has made for herself is safe and predictable, until the owner of a rival photography studio sets up shop in her small town and comes to her with an unexpected proposal. Suddenly, everything she has worked so hard to build is threatened and her simple, controlled life is thrown into chaos.As she travels the state of Michigan photographing weddings, she struggles to keep her business afloat and the wall around her heart intact. But along the way, she learns more about loyalty and love than she ever imagined.
Chasing Amanda
Robin Patchen - 2015
Behind her, the men get into a scuffle, and she runs, not quite sure what just happened. He must make sure she’s safeMonths after 9/11, Mark is about to ship out to Afghanistan. He’s not looking for romance, but the marines have trained him to listen to his gut. And his gut screams that the pretty waitress is in danger. The stranger in the shadowsWhile Amanda and Mark learn to trust one another, a monster stalks his next target. Will Mark be able to save her a second time, or will the love he thought he didn’t want be ripped from his hands by violence?
Charmed by Claire: A Seriously Sweet Romance
Cindy Kirk - 2019
Out of money and credit, she scrambles for a way out of the one-horse town. The only bright spot in her current predicament is a former flame.Tony Karelli knew Claire years earlier. That was before he turned his life around and became a minister. He’s shocked to see her and stunned when Claire gives everyone the impression that she’s his fiancée.Claire is amused by the charade and by Tony’s attempt to keep her at arms’ length. Before he can set the record straight, Tony finds himself seeing a different side of the pampered heiress and falling hard. But can he convince a woman who already has one stiletto out the door that she’s right where she’s meant to be?
Out of the Blue Bouquet
Hallee Bridgeman - 2017
Courting Calla, by Hallee Bridgeman. Ian knows Calla is the woman God has chosen for him, but Calla is hiding something big. Can Calla trust Ian with her secret, or will she let it destroy any possible hope they may have for a future? Seoul in Love, by Alana Terry. Love was lost a long time ago. A chance meeting in Seoul might change all that forever. A Kærasti for Clari, by Carol Moncado. Joel Christiansen delivered flowers to the palace and found his life turned upside down. Clari Sørenson’s job as social media manager for Eyjania’s Queen Mother keeps her busy. An unexpected treasure hunt with a cute guy might be the vacation she needs. Between clues and a snow storm, they’re drawn to each other. Her grandparents, and even the Queen Mother, have been after her to find a boyfriend, but is Joel the Kærasti for Clari? Premeditated Serendipity, by Chautona Havig. When Wayne Farrell hears about his niece’s floral fiasco, it sparks a plan to mix up his own orders in an attempt to play matchmaker. Reid has his reasons for not pursuing Kelsey… yet, and Wayne’s interference only makes an already difficult situation even more awkward. Premeditated Serendipity—because romance sometimes needs a little shove. Out of the Blue Bouquet, by Amanda Tru. When Brooke is left in charge of Crossroads Floral, she accidentally sends the flower deliveries to the wrong people. Unfortunately, some of those wrong people include all of the ex-girlfriends of the most eligible bachelor in town. Are Brooke’s mistakes a complete disaster, or can there be something beautiful in an out-of-the-blue bouquet?
Brides and Betrayal
Michelle Lynn Brown - 2014
As she longs to come out from under the stain of their sin, she is held back by the constant whisperings in her mind that never fail to remind her who she is and where she comes from. Hunter cannot forgive his mother’s adultery and vows never to be like his father - blindly accepted the sins of others. Fearful that they will fall into the same trap as his parents, he tries to control every situation, but his jealousy and judgmental attitude only add to Holly’s feeling of unworthiness. As the years pass, Hunter’s anger and mistrust grow, taking their toll on Holly and Hunter's marriage. When handsome widower, Seth Hargrove, befriends the couple, he urges Hunter to let go of his anger, and reminds Holly she is more than her parents' sin. Will Seth be the key to reconciling Holly and Hunter and redeeming them from the disastrous path their marriage is on? Or will his friendship only lead to betrayal?
A Charles Martin Collection: When Crickets Cry, Chasing Fireflies, and Wrapped in Rain
Charles Martin - 2016
A child with a doubtful future. And a shared journey toward healing for both their hearts.It begins on the shaded town square in a sleepy Southern town. A spirited seven-year-old has a brisk business at her lemonade stand. But the little girl’s pretty yellow dress can’t quite hide the ugly scar on her chest.Her latest customer, a bearded stranger, drains his cup and heads to his car, his mind on a boat he's restoring at a nearby lake. The stranger understands more about the scar than he wants to admit. And the beat-up bread truck careening around the corner with its radio blaring is about to change the trajectory of both their lives.Before it's over, they'll both know there are painful reasons why crickets cry . . . and that miracles lurk around unexpected corners.
Chasing Fireflies
They have one summer to find what was lost long ago.“Never settle for less than the truth,” she told him. But when you don't even know your real name, the truth gets a little complicated. It can nestle so close to home it's hard to see. It can even flourish inside a lie. And as Chase Walker discovered, learning the truth about who you are can be as elusive—and as magical—as chasing fireflies on a summer night.A haunting story about fishing, baseball, home cooking, and other matters of life and death.
Wrapped in Rain
An internationally famous photographer, Tucker Mason, has traveled the world, capturing things other people don’t see. But what Tucker himself can’t see is how to let go of the past and forgive his father.On a sprawling Southern estate, Tucker and his younger brother, Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in., Mutt, were raised by their housekeeper, Miss Ella Rain, who loved the motherless boys like her own. Hiring her to take care of Waverly Hall and the boys was the only good thing their father ever did.When his brother escapes from a mental hospital and an old girlfriend appears with her son and a black eye, Tucker is forced to return home and face the agony of his own tragic past.Though Miss Ella has been gone for many years, Tuck can still hear her voice—and her prayers. But finding peace and starting anew will take a measure of grace that Tucker scarcely believes in.
Picture Perfect
Emily C. Reynolds - 2017
But when Lily recovers from being startled by him late at night, she realizes who he is. And wishes she’d hit harder. It’s clear Micah doesn't remember her—or breaking her heart ten years ago. Avoiding him becomes her best option. When they get thrown together for swing dance lessons, romance heats up on—and off—the dance floor. As Lily gets to knw Micah, she believes he’s changed. But forgetting the past isn't easy, especially when she discovers they’ve both set their sights on the same piece of real estate. And a dark secret from Micah’s past is quickly catching up . . . . .
Warm Montana Home
Cynthia Bruner - 2016
Will they become entangled in a web of money, family, and dark secrets from the past? Or will a simple, strong faith change the course of their lives, bringing them the love neither thought they would find? The Moose Hollow series is a keen look at broken people in a broken world, filled with wit, romance, and redemption. For more Christian romance, please check out Cynthia Bruner’s Montana Weekend Novellas.