See author's note, below Pulling Home (That Second Chance #1) It's taken nine years and a cross-country move, but Audra Valentine Wheyton has kept her secrets safe. She's created the perfect life: a husband who loves her, a daughter she adores, and a position as head writer for an award-winning daytime soap. When her husband dies suddenly, Audra returns to her hometown for the funeral and faces a community that has not forgotten her meager beginnings and the man who has never forgiven her for marrying his brother. Jack Wheyton is a successful pediatric neurosurgeon who is about to become engaged when Audra walks back into his life with her daughter. He forgave his brother long ago for taking something that had been his, something he hadn't even realized he wanted until it was gone. But forgiving Audra is another story...and forgetting her? Near impossible. When a shattering illness strikes Audra's daughter, she turns to Jack to save her child and risks exposing a secret that will change their lives forever. A Family Affair: The Promise (Truth in Lies #7) Grant Richot sprinted through life, a boy wonder with talent, intelligence, confidence, and charm. He never doubted the world awaited him, just as he never doubted the right woman would come into his life—but only when he was ready for her. Anyone before that was simply preparation for the one. How wrong he was. Years and a tragedy later, Grant arrives in Maggie Finnegan’s hometown of Magdalena, New York—broken, uncertain, and searching for that second chance with the woman he cast aside. But Maggie’s no longer naïve and impressionable; she’s a confident, competent widow with a child, who has more at risk than another broken heart… Note from Mary: I love secondary characters: writing them, reading about them, even watching them on the big screen. Secondary characters support the “stars”; make them more vibrant and compelling. But when the story ends, I’m often left wondering what they’d do if they were in the “spotlight”. That’s why I’ve created special boxed sets that were part of That Second Chance series and the Truth in Lies series. These boxed sets let the reader follow the before and after of select characters as they first appear in That Second Chance series and later in the fictional town of my bestselling Truth in Lies series. Boxed Set One contains Pulling Home and A Family Affair: The Promise. I invite you to follow their journey!

    Enter the BrethrenFate brings them together in a dimly lit cabin, where Trevor is looking for revenge, and Caroline is taking a bath.My Lady, the SpyCan Nautionnier Knight Dirk Randolph accept that his ladylove, Rebecca Wentworth, and the spy, L'araignee, exist as two sides of the same coin?The Most Unlikely LadyOh-so dashing--but untitled--Everett Markham seeks a bride, and he has charged the field of Miss Sabrina Douglas, a woman who prefers trout to truffles.***Bonus Extra***Loving Lieutenant Douglas - Prequel to the Brethren of the Coast seriesIt is the Age of Sail, England is on the brink of war with France, and Royal Navy First Lieutenant Mark Douglas is not looking for a wife, but fate has other plans...

    Clean, Christian fiction set in 1890's Texas. Book 1: The River Girl's Song Zillia Bright never dreamed she’d be orphaned at sixteen and left to care for her baby brother and Papa’s farm. With only a mule and a hundred year old shotgun , she must fight to protect what’s hers. Countless dangers lurk on the Bastrop, Texas riverside. Zillia must rely on the help of her best friends, Soonie and Wylder, to hold her world together. With Zillia’s struggles come unexpected miracles, and proof that God might just listen to the prayers of a river girl. Book 2: The Comanche Girl's Prayer It's 1890. Called by God, nineteen-year-old Soonie Eckhart travels to an illegal Comanche and Kiowa settlement in North Texas to become a teacher for the children in hiding. Despite her Comanche roots, she finds many in the group, including a volatile young man named Lone Warrior, refuse to accept her. After a chance encounter in the hills with a band of dangerous men, Soonie must draw on the deepest parts of her faith and courage to survive. Book 3: The Saloon Girl's Journey Weary of the saloon girl life—and tired of being slapped around—Darla North decides to start over and let her new-found faith lead her. A friend sends her to Downs House, a place for ‘unfortunate women.’ Darla is offered a home—if she can behave herself. Old habits are hard to break, but Darla is desperate to prove to everyone that she's changed, especially Ethan Downs, the owner's sensitive and sweet son. But when Darla's past threatens to catch up with her, she must decide to face the truth . . . or run away again.

    She doesn’t need a great fortune or a title, she would actually prefer not to have to go into London ever again. She has little to offer other than her beauty and a pleasant temperament, but she is hoping that will be enough to secure her a man who will be kind to her. Oliver Lyre is the newly inherited Duke of Lincoln. Born as the spare son, he never expected to inherit his father’s mantle, and has neither the skills nor the desire to enjoy the benefits of his rank. He knows that he must marry a lady befitting of the position, but when he rescues the beautiful Sarah Collins one night, he can’t imagine living without her lovely smile in his life. Should he marry the delectably sweet virgin who would undoubtedly make a horrible Duchess, or do what duty demands of him? Ellie's Gentleman: sweet short story Ellie Sommers is twenty years old, beautiful, lively and intelligent. She has finally returned to her family home after another long London season. She wants nothing more than to stay in her beloved country town and ride her horses. Enter Robert Blakely, a widower and a true gentleman. He has come to spend Christmas with his long-time friend William, Ellie’s father. Robert has no wish to marry again and is shocked to discover his own interest in the beautiful daughter of his friend. The only problem is that he is twice her age and a widower who has convinced himself he will never marry again.

     Meg never dreamt she would find herself aboard Titanic, dressed in the borrowed clothes of her lady-in-waiting, hiding from her family, running from her haunting past. Now that she finally has the opportunity to escape it all, she realizes the man she has been engaged to for three years is also aboard the ship. Due to their long distanced relationship, Meg is able to continue her charade, but if Charlie discovers her true identity, she will end up breaking his heart all over again. And the more time Meg spends with Charlie, the more she realizes she's made a terrible mistake; she never should have ran away from him to begin with. Will she find a way to reveal her true identity without destroying their relationship, or will Meg's last chance at true love end up in the abyss? "A captivating love story you'll want to read again and again...." Emma, Beta Reader "Meg and Charlie's love story is one for the ages. If you loved James Cameron's movie, you'll love this book even more...." Liz, Beta Reader

    His vulnerability touched her. His past horrified her...Anne Sommer, a spinster firmly on the shelf, does the unthinkable. She hires a man from the Blind Cupid brothel for a night of scandalous pleasure. Anne wants the sensual memories to keep her company in the lonely years ahead. However, she did not expect the young man to move her in ways she never imagined.Desmond Glover gives sexual gratification—for a price. An orphan whose childhood was mired in scandal and poverty, Desmond has learned to close off his emotions with regard to his occupation. He did not count on a lonely spinster to awaken his hidden passion.Not only do the years separate them, but so do their social standing. Can Anne and Desmond cross such a chasm and find mutual desire—or love?This short story was previously published with a different title. Revised, re-edited, and more than 7500 words added. Heat Level: Very sensualThis is book one of the Blind Cupid series. Book two is The Governess and the Beast. Book three is The Copper and the Madam.

    She doesn’t care how gorgeous he is––she wants him gone after he threatens to pull her family back into the paparazzi filled world they escaped from over a decade ago.Holt knows Sam hates him on sight and the feeling is becoming mutual. But his entire career is riding on a favor from Sam’s legendary film director father. No way will he allow one irritating, sexy redhead to stand in his way.Sam intends to fight him at every turn…if only her heart didn’t race when they’re together. Holt does his best to steer clear of her…except all he wants to do is hold her close. The sizzling attraction between them is either going to burn up the sheets or burn down the ranch…

    The last thing Emilie has on her mind as she enters the rugged bayou country is marriage to her longtime companion, Lorenz Dugas. Beautiful but stubbornly defiant, Emilie worshipped Lorenz as a child but having to fight to preserve her family has built a wall around her heart. But Lorenz is equally determined and his passion will prove that their love cannot be denied. As they make their way across the untamed Louisiana wilderness, hoping to reunite the Gallant family, Emilie learns that love has a way of healing all wounds — even in the most unusual places.

    Mallory wants a piece of pirate's treasure, and Vivianne yearns for a love letter from a poet. But Bridget has more on her mind than the game. She knows life with her evil, blackmailing fiancée will be hellish, so she’s determined to make him suffer too—by stealing a Highlander’s kilt and leaving him to wonder how she acquired it. The Scots charged with finding and protecting them along the way are entirely wrong--and perfect--for the job. Rory, for instance, is a kilt-clad Highlander, but he’d rather die alone in a cave rather than get within ten feet of another Englishwoman. Unfortunately for him, the duty to pay his grandfather’s debt will get him—and his two friends—much, much closer to the lasses than that.

     Dusty Mann is determined to buy his own ranch. He doesn’t need a modern, straightforward woman to barrel into his life or knock his plans off track But Mia steals his heart—and then claims she’s from the future.

    They fight with honor, they defend their nation and their brothers fiercely, and when they love, they do it with single-minded passion.Maximum ForceMax Remington has never been anything but a soldier. The oldest son in a family that served our nation for generations, he’d never considered any other path. The army is his life, his home and his one true love.
 Until he meets Samantha Crewe.Temporary DutyKade Braggs grew up wild and free, surfing on a California beach without much ambition, until an impulsive decision led him into joining the Army. What started out as a joke turned into a career, and now he’s a company commander, leading several platoons of soldiers. Still, Kade does it all on his own terms; he plays as hard as he works, and having a good time is non-negotiable.
 Until he meets Leah Samson.Hitting the SilkOnce upon a time, Delia Rollins was an Army wife, until the unthinkable happened. Now as a young widow and school teacher, she’s vigilant about protecting her heart. Her number one rule for the future? No more military men in her life. She can’t handle the risk. Until she meets Shaw Kincaid.

    The last thing she wants is to get married, especially to a stranger twice her age. However, agreeing to be a mail-order bride had been her only option and it paid the steep passage to San Francisco so she could locate her father. She’d find him too, if only her betrothed’s son would stay out of her way. Garrett Sutherlin is on a mission. Delivering the striking, ebony haired beauty to his father’s doorstep not only paid off his debt, the effort would grant him freedom from the man’s condescending hold. As far as he’s concerned, Miss Webster made her own bed. Unfortunately, his father will be the one to lie beside her.

    Old passions reignite and new love burns red-hot in this swoon-worthy set of romances!"Terrific dialogue...and hot loves scenes. If you haven't read Tracy Sumner before, Tides of Passion is a good place to start." ~All About Romance"I picked up Tides of Love...just to give the book a quick peak. That quick peak turned into four hours of reading that didn't stop until I finished the book! A sensuous writing style."--The Romance Reader1) TIDES OF LOVE (Noah)He left all he loved behind...Will he be able to return and win her heart?2) TIDES OF PASSION (Zach)She is his greatest temptation. He is her forbidden desire.A battle of wills leads to love.3) TIDES OF DESIRE (Caleb)The feisty beauty who imagined a solitary life…The jaded man who vowed to protect his heart…An irresistible affair that started with a kiss…“Passionate love scenes that leave you breathless and singe your senses. TIDES OF LOVE is one book that will grab you from the first page and not let go till you’ve turned the last. I simply couldn’t put it down.”--The Best Reviews“Tracy Sumner does an awesome job of creating fun, feisty, laugh-out-loud dialogue. She also stirs up a tremendous amount of sexual tension between the two main characters.”~Reader Views

     A runaway bride, a teacher with a past, a heart-broken vaquero, a woman searching for her baby, and a pregnant heroine who doesn't remember her own name. Five adventures, five weddings, a rag-tag bunch of friends, and a close-knit ranching family in one sweeping saga set in the wild west. The COMPLETE Paradise Valley series. Of Peaks and Prairies Genevieve Waters-Ewing is married to a man she doesn't love and didn't agree to marry. The scoundrel dragged her to the altar, and now everything is going to change. In a split second decision, she runs away, and stows aboard a chuck wagon that's leaving on a cattle drive, heading north to Montana. She doesn't know where she'll go, or what she'll do, she only knows one thing - she has to leave Fort Worth, Texas. A woman on the trail is bad for business, especially in a group of rough and rowdy cowboys. Will she ruin everything he's worked so hard for? Or will she be the one thing he really needs? Winds of Paradise A wandering cowboy, and a woman who's lost everything and doesn't know who she can trust. When the two of them are forced to work together on the run down schoolhouse where Jane is the schoolmistress, she does everything she can to keep her secret safe while he fights his growing attraction to her. A tragedy throws them together again, and they must each choose whether to follow the path of fear or love, honesty or lies. Can their love overcome the sins of the parents, or will Jane and Dusty miss their chance at happiness? Lost in Laredo A lonely vaquero, a woman who lost her family, and a danger-filled cattle drive from Texas to Montana. Antonio Sanchez is searching for his family. He hasn't heard from them in a long time, and every day that passes his anxiety for their safety grows. As soon as the snow melts he travels from Montana to Texas to see if he can find them. But bands of outlaws, disgruntled townsfolk hankering for blood, violent teamsters, and drunken cowpokes make the journey anything but simple. And then there's Lotte... Time on the road will fan the flames of affection and put both their lives at risk. Cheyenne Reckoning She's running for her freedom and the life of her baby. Claudine and Dan cross paths in Cheyenne. Both have a goal, and both will do whatever it takes to reach that goal. But neither one of them is ready for what comes next. When unexpected love blooms between them they find themselves fighting for their very lives. But will Dan be willing to let go of his anger to embrace her love? Or will his need for a reckoning tear them apart? Forgotten Trails How can he love a woman who doesn’t know her own name? Angela Wilcox has lost her memory. Pregnant and alone, she has no idea who she is, where she’s from or how she found her way to Montana Territory. Paradise Ranch in Paradise Valley, Montana Territory, is a melting pot of cowpokes, wanderers, and orphans who have come together to work for rancher Thomas O’Reilly. Journey with this band of lovable misfits as they each find their happily ever after in these sweet, western romances from bestselling author, Vivi Holt.

    He's not prepared for Miss Charlotte Sanborn, who wears her independence like a suit of armor, cloaks her identity behind her pen name, and flat out refuses to raise her kin!Of all the gall! How dare this man stride into her home and expect her to rearrange her life?Charlotte won’t risk any more heartache. After raising her brother by herself, and watching him leave, it’s her time to enjoy some peace—and use her new typewriter! So why do these children and this handsome stranger awaken a yearning for something more than the life she has painstakingly created?One letter changes everything…When Charlotte forsakes all that’s familiar and enters Reed’s world of Boston high society, concealed malice abounds in the glittering Beacon Hill mansions. Facing sinister forces and scorned women—and with passions ablaze—can Reed and Charlotte escape An Improper Situation?An Improper Situation is Book 1 in the Victorian-American series Defiant Hearts. Engaging, believable characters, attention to period detail, and sensual romance, you’ll find it all in this series by highly acclaimed writer Sydney Jane Baily."…the ending was perfect... Many wonderful characters including nasty villains and villainesses. I had a hard time putting it down!"~ Lady McNeill, Mrs. Condit, Friends Read Books“Delicately crafted, deliciously told. A book that transports you to a time and place from which you won’t want to return.”~ Award-winning, bestselling author, Marliss Melton