The second stunted by her sister's shadow. The youngest propelled by desperation. Gwen is the oldest of four children in the Aaldenberg family, and the one who seems to have it all. She's also most desperate to escape. Betta, having nursed their dying grandpa for the past three years, is anxious for Gwen to go, so she can finally have reins to the family business. And Esmerelda, viciously determined to follow in Gwen's footsteps, vies for popularity as a freshman in high school, only to learn she must sell her soul, reputation, and most prized possession for acceptance. When Gwen's fiancé moves to town, Gwen does her best to resign herself to a local life, while Betta struggles for meaning without the store. In order to carve out a place for herself, Betta must decide to what lengths she'll go in order to become her own person, and Gwen must decide what's more important: her sister or her future. Can this family pull through their disappointment, jealousy, and regret? Or will they cling so tightly to their desires that it ruins them?

    Her dreams of a high profile law career are reduced to rubble when she returns home to assume custody of her sister, Brie. Without the financial means to take legal custody of her sister—or a binding will to place her safely in her arms—Leanna’s future becomes more uncertain than ever. Already prepared for a blazing custody battle, with less than capable relatives, Leanna’s world is set ablaze when her ex-fiancé complicates matters in an attempt to destroy her future and her faith. US Army, SSG Garrison Burke has spent the last few years alone—balancing flag and fatherhood since the tragic death of his wife. Facing deployment, Garrison is desperate to find a safe caretaker for his son, Ezra—preferably anywhere but the abusive home he grew up in. So, when Leanna Wilson walks unexpectedly back into his life, he’s not sure if she’s a blessing or a curse. More importantly, Garrison cannot seem to forget how he betrayed Leanna many years ago. Yet, as Leanna and Garrison begin to run out of time, they start to see that the solution to their problems might lie within each other, but will they forget the past and allow their broken hearts to mend? As sparks begin to fly and their love is rekindled, a marriage of convenience will either make their wildest dreams come true or cause their best-laid plans to go up in smoke.

    She promised to love him until death parted them. But when circumstances drive a wedge into their marriage and Dane chooses to escape what life has dealt them, how long can she be strong? Can she remain faithful to her marriage vows when tempted by the friendship of an unlikely stranger?Rudy Taylor, who senses McKenna's loneliness and understands the difficulty of raising her daughter, struggles to keep his concern for the young woman biblical. Will McKenna’s faith in God and Rudy’s commitment to his Lord be enough to keep their relationship simple until McKenna's husband one day returns?

     'Quite simply, a wonderful book' (Hello magazine) Abby's memories are precious. Even though they're sometimes painful, she can't stop herself looking back, reliving the love of her life. Until a freak accident means that she could lose it all: every memory and experience she has ever had. Abby can't believe it. She feels fine. She is fine. How could she possibly forget all those moments that make her who she is? She's determined to fight it. So with the help of her friends and family, Abby makes a list of things she's always wanted to do. She's going to save her memory by having a wonderful life. First on the wishlist is the trip of a lifetime to New York City. And it's amidst the magic and romance of Manhattan that true love knocks on the door ... 'Be warned, you won't want to put it down' (Sunday World ) 'Blissfully escapist ... with a hint of mystery' (Marie Claire) ***Also published as BEFORE I FORGET***

    Determined to get in and get out of the abandoned property, she finds the valuable land tangled in a trust, and wonders who she can really trust, Not the property manager and affable southern gentleman, Taylor Simpson. Caught up in the mechanics of a farm, a legal document she can’t break, and pressure from her company for money, Evelyn turns to her own wiles and willpower…but can she resist the South’s wooing?

    He reclaims our desolate places. Suzanna Wilton has had a heavy share of heartache in her twenty-seven years. Left wounded by a marriage cut short, she leaves city life to take up residency in a tiny Nebraska town. Her introduction to her neighbor Paul Rustin is a disaster. Assuming he’s as underhanded as the other local cowboys she’s already met, Suzanna greets him with sharp hostility.Though Paul is offended by Suzanna’s unfriendliness, he can’t stop thinking about her, which unsettles his peaceful life. Intrigued by the woman who lives down the road and propelled by a sense that she carries a painful burden, he frequently drops by to offer help as she adjusts to rural living.Just as Paul’s kindness begins to melt Suzanna’s frozen heart, a conflict regarding her land escalates in town. Even in the warmth of Paul’s love, resentment keeps a cold grip on her fragile heart.When romance isn't enough, will Suzanna ever find peace?

     As maternity leave comes to an end for Heidi Elliott, so does virtually everything else she thought she knew. The substitute filling in for her high school Spanish classes has made a complete mess—not just with her students, but perhaps in a way more personal. Her husband is developing the disconcerting habit of going out of his way to help a beautiful and wealthy client who is all kinds of perky. And now, to further complicate matters, Heidi’s old boyfriend has moved back into the neighborhood. Fiercely independent, Heidi has never been one to ask for help. But when she discovers unexpected camaraderie with a Moms’ Group, Heidi finds herself in a sea of shoulder pads, big hair, and surprisingly strong women who just might hold the lifeline she didn’t think she needed.

    Five lives irrevocably change when their greatest longings become their new reality–and for one, vice versa.The Journey of Dreams series is Contemporary Christian Fantasy, exploring the delights of our hearts and how the Lord meets them.-------------------------------In my dreams, I had always imagined wandering through meadows of golden, calf-high grasses that swayed in a gentle breeze. The dream recurred often—one I’d loved since my childhood. Sitting on the fire escape of our fourth-floor apartment in Pittsburgh, I’d escape into the woods of Wisconsin, the prairies of Kansas, and eventually the little town of De Smet, South Dakota, as I lived and breathed the adventures of Laura Ingalls. However, of all those places, the Kansas prairie somehow infused itself into my soul. I dreamt of the swoosh of the grasses, the musical sound of the cottonwoods when their leaves rustled in summer winds, and clear skies with only small tufts of clouds to mar their azure perfection...Some things we read in books, whether prose or poetry, and think we understand. However, until you’ve stood in a sea of grasses undulating like the waves of the ocean in the morning breeze, you cannot possibly begin to understand what the phrase, “sea of grass” means. As I stood, watching the rise and fall of the blades dancing in unison to a tune inaudible to me, a rush of contentment washed over me. In this vast sea of nothingness, I knew I had come home.---------------------------------------Jessa Davidson enjoyed a lifelong fascination and desire for life on the prairie. However, she never expected that fascination to become reality. A far cry from her apartment in Pittsburgh, the world of Prairie is more than just a change in geography--it's a change of life. In Prairie, Jessa examines the innermost parts of her soul and discovers desires she never knew she had. From the moment she awoke, transported from the cold Pennsylvania winter, on the sunbathed summer prairie, she knew her life would never be the same.The people of Prairie welcomed her and accepted her--almost without question, but so much of her life changed in that moment--her hopes, dreams, values, and the absolutes of things like time--that she feared accepting her new life as reality.Is Prairie the dreams of her life come true--or her worst nightmare> Is it real? Is it permanent? Or will she awake to discover that she's lost her mind--or worse, her life?And the biggest question on Jessa's heart? Does she care?

    Five love stories.In a serene Southern Louisiana community, three men attempt to abduct Ava. Remi, a stranger, risks his life to give Ava a chance to escape.Welcome to a charming Southern cul-de-sac, where neighbors are like family. Together, they share intimate friendships, abundant laughter, and delicious food. Tragedy strengthens their bonds, and tender, sweet romances develop among them.After four years of dating Santiago, Rosamunde ends the relationship. When he begs her for a second chance, will she trust him again?José has been in love with María since childhood, but he’s ready to move from friends to lovers. Will he finally tell her how much he loves her?Chiquita is a middle-aged woman desperate to find her soul mate. Will she learn to stop focusing on handsome men and use her skills to affect her community with goodness?Empowered by a mother’s love Angeliqùe, a single mother has dedicated her life to raising her daughter. Now that her daughter is an adult, will Angeliqùe finally take care of herself?We invite you to fellowship with lovable characters and witness the inescapable power of love in this Happily Ever After, Standalone, Contemporary Christian Romance spiced with a little Suspense.

    Something’s fishy in Denver!December isn't filled with the magic of Christmas for Noelle Holiday. Only the looming dread she's about to lose something or someone else dear to her. Will she ever be rid of her Christmas curse?When good things start happening, alarms go off in her head. It’s too good to be true.That’s why Noelle is worried when she adopts an adorable Golden Retriever and meets a guy who seems to really care for her. For the first time in a long time, she doesn’t feel alone. But she knows it can’t possibly last.Sure enough, disaster strikes. Noelle loses the dog and the guy, just like she feared.Or does she?This faith-filled romance tells the story of a believer struggling to reclaim her faith and discover real love for the first time. If you love Hallmark movies, you’ll love this sweet happily-ever-after story by USA Today bestselling author, Tamie Dearen.Grab your copy now!FROM THE AUTHOR: Each book in the Holiday Family Christian Romance Series includes a song, written and recorded for the story. Enjoy the series and the music!Note: Previously published as Noelle's Golden Christmas

    Then life took an unexpected turn. Can Olivia find hope in the midst of her darkest hour? When Olivia Martinelli, a naive nineteen-year-old, moved out on her own, she never could have imagined what direction her life would take. A life-changing decision, a betrayal of trust, and a painful consequence leave her devastated. Will Olivia find the strength she needs for the journey ahead?

    They believed their love could withstand anything. But life can change in an instant and Claire is forced to make the ultimate sacrifice and disappear. For years afterward Tucker mourns her loss. Can these two star-crossed lovers ever find each other again? Patricia Kay delivers the kind of complex, emotional, deeply satisfying story she is known for in this heartbreaking tale of love and loss. PRAISE FOR THE NOVELS OF USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR PATRICIA KAY: "A stunning book from a master storyteller. Patricia Kay writes from the heart about matters that touch us all." -- Susan Wiggs, NY Times bestselling author "A beautifully written compelling story you won't be able to put down." --- Georgia Bockoven, USA Today bestselling author "If you love LaVyrle Spencer, you'll love Patricia Kay." --- Deborah Smith "Wonderful . . . (a) sparkling romance." --- Eileen Goudge "Kay's writing is solid, and her narrative swiftly reaches a satisfying finish." -- Publisher's Weekly "Patricia Kay writes from the heart about people we come to love." --- Christina Dodd, NY Times bestselling author "Heartrending and touching . . . Ms. Kay never fails to deliver this kind of story." -- Amanda Kilgore, Huntress Reviews "This marvelous story is full to bursting with winning characters, special moments, and most of all, hope, faith, and the rejuvenating power of love." --- Romantic Times Magazine "An intriguing story of love at first sight." --- Houston Tempo Magazine "There are deep questions about relationships and serious character growth evident in this story, which is also warm, sensuous, and excellent entertainment." --- Rendezvous magazine "A warm, tender, beautifully written love story with an emotional punch that only Patricia Kay can deliver." --- Amanda Stevens, USA Today bestselling author PATRICIA KAY is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 50 novels of romance and women's fiction. Her 2000 novel THE WRONG CHILD was nominated for a Rita, the most prestigious award given to authors of romance and women's fiction by the Romance Writers of America. She and her two cats make their home in Houston, Texas. To learn more about her and her books, visit her website at www.patriciakay.com.

    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.

    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.

    A small-town paramedic in need of healing... Will a season of romance bring them together or pull them apart? Businessman Andrey Sergeyev's organized life changes in ways he never planned when he becomes guardian of his orphaned nephew. He moves to small town Rios Azules to care for grieving Ilya in the boy's familiar environment. Andrey's fiancée breaks off the engagement because of Ilya's health challenges. Another romance is not on Andrey's agenda, no matter how much paramedic Melinda Macalister attracts him with her sweet smile, kindness, and neighborly support for Ilya...Melinda isn't looking for love, either, especially after her last boyfriend left her because of her health issues. She'll just have to hide her crush on her new neighbor. He's going back to Houston soon anyway. But she can't refuse to help him with Ilya, who needs her more than ever. Problem is, the more she gets to know Andrey, the more she realizes he might be the one for her.Will Andrey and Melinda choose to keep holding on to old hurts? Or will they find love in Rios Azules, Texas?This book, Season of Romance, was first published as Love's Ransom, as part of the First Street Church Kindle World. The book has been revised, improved, and greatly expanded in length, so it's nearly twice longer.