Book picks similar to
Winds of Change by Jo Grafford


1st-in-series
suspense-mystery
strong-female-lead
in-a-series

Mrs. Scrooge


Barbara Bretton - 1989
    Or romance, for that matter. She is weeks away from opening her own catering business, the most important part of her plan to provide her certified genius daughter Patty with all the wonderful things she deserves.Except Patty doesn't want to go to a fancy boarding school. She wants a father and when she meets bartender Murphy O'Rourke at her fourth grade Career Day presentation, she knows she's met the man of her mother's dreams!But can she convince her Mrs. Scrooge of a mom that it was time to give Christmas -- and love -- a second chance?Acclaim for the novels of Barbara Bretton“Bretton’s characters are always real and their conflicts believable.”— Chicago Sun-Times“Soul warming... A powerful relationship drama [for] anyone who enjoys a passionate look inside the hearts and souls of the prime players.”— Midwest Book Review“[Bretton] excels in her portrayal of the sometimes sweet, sometimes stifling ties of a small community. The town’s tight network of loving, eccentric friends and family infuses the tale with a gently comic note that perfectly balances the darker dramas of the romance.”— Publishers Weekly“A tender love story about two people who, when they find something special, will go to any length to keep it.”— Booklist“Honest, witty... absolutely unforgettable.”— Rendezvous“A classic adult fairy tale.”— Affaire de Coeur“Dialogue flows easily and characters spring quickly to life.”— Rocky Mountain News

The Matchmaker's Billionaire


Maria Hoagland - 2020
    . . Oops! Welcome to Billionaire Bachelor Mountain Cove were billionaires go to disappear for days, weeks, or months. Off the grid, exclusive and remote, it's a place unlike any other. Best-selling spy novelist Grantham Robbins returns to the quirky small town he grew up in to get away from it all, only to end up right in the middle of all kinds of other drama.Especially when the matchmaker his personal assistant hires for him is the town's busybody--the one who knows everyone--including him. A little too well.Why is it Emily Wood can't find his match for love? Because when a matchmaker fails, there are consequences . . . ♥ Pick up your copy of this sweet contemporary romance today! A second-chance homecoming romance inspired by Jane Austen's Emma. ♥

Big Bad Cowboy


Carly Bloom - 2018
    But when he gets the call that his young nephew needs him, he knows he has to return home. His plan is to sell the family ranch and hightail it back to Austin, but there's a small problem: the one person who stands in his way is the one person he can't resist.Maggie is pretty sure she hates Travis Blake. He's irritating, he's destroying her business, and . . . and he's just so frickin' attractive. But when they're forced to work together, Maggie discovers that the Most Annoying Man in the World is more than he seems. He's sweet with his nephew, he helps out in the community, and he makes her heart flutter. Maggie doesn't want to risk everything on a man who wants to leave, but what if she can convince this wayward cowboy to stay?

Curves By Demand: Big Girls Love Bad Boys: (A BBW Romance)


Summer Rose - 2021
    

Smooches


Susan Renee - 2021
    You know, the kind that are made with pictures ripped from magazines with special notes about your life goals or biggest wishes. (Mine of course, is covered in glitter!) As a single mom, it’s hard to put my dreams and goals first, but I made my list. 1. Finally finish my degree 2. Learn how to cook new recipes. 3. Travel outside of Washington state. 4. Buy myself something that makes me feel desirable. 5. Find real, honest-to-goodness-rip-your-heart-out-and-hand-it-to-someone-love. The realist in me knows that last one is a bit far-fetched, but when an old college friend shows up in my driveway offering me something I can’t refuse, my mind starts wondering if maybe that last goal could be attainable after all.He’s kind, compassionate, strong, helpful, and attractive. All positive attributes of a great man. There’s just one problem. He’s my Ex’s best friend.

Mail Order Bluebonnet Brides: Complete Boxed Set


Charlotte Dearing - 2019
     Mail Order Grace Grace comes to Texas from Boston as a mail order bride, to find she’s a widow. The man she married by proxy is dead, and he’s left a child behind. Grace knows she’ll do anything to protect the baby, even if it means marrying the most exasperating man she’s ever met. Mail Order Rescue Emily has no intention of marrying. She wants only to escape the clutches of her family, and to forget the secret she hides. The last thing she expects is to be rescued by Magnolia’s richest, most eligible bachelor, a man who needs to be rescued as much as she does. Mail Order Faith Faith travels to Magnolia, Texas, not realizing the sheriff of that fine town awaits her arrival. She also discovers, shockingly, that the sheriff is the man she’s been writing, possibly to wed. Worse, she doesn’t realize the bag she carries contains the loot of a botched bank robbery. Mail Order Hope Hope has no intention of marrying the cowboy from Texas. Each letter he’s written frightens her more than the last. She sets aside the silly notion of marriage and resolves to forget about Luke. Little does she know, he’s already on his way. Mail Order Destiny Sophia holds no girlish notions of romance. All she wants is to find a safe home for herself. More importantly, a safe home for Ginny. They’re both orphans looking for a better life. Sophia is willing to be a mail order bride, if that’s what it takes. She’s not willing to risk her heart, however. And she never imagined marrying a man like Josh Bentley, a man as wounded and scarred as she. This collection concludes with Caleb Bentley’s story, a short story to wrap up the Bluebonnet Brides Series.

The Forgotten Recipe


Amy Clipston - 2015
    Seth Lapp is kind, hardworking, and handsome—but most importantly, he loves Veronica.When an accident on the job steals Seth away from her, a heartbroken Veronica is certain she will never love—or be loved—again. Yet when she discovers a batch of forgotten recipes and opens a bake stand to sell her Mammi’s raspberry pies, Veronica picks up a regular customer  who gives her heart pause.Jason Huyard was with Seth when he lost his life—a memory that haunts him still. So when he seeks out the grieving fiancée to convey his condolences, the last thing he expects—or wants—is to fall in love. Nonetheless, Jason soon finds himself visiting Veronica’s bake stand every week . . . and it’s for more than the raspberry pies.Now, as Veronica’s heart thaws, Jason can’t bring himself to tell her he was there when Seth died. Can he ever reveal where he was on the day her life derailed? Or will his secret rob them of the second chance at love they both want?

The Warrior Groom: Texas Titans Romances


Lucy McConnell - 2018
     Maia fell hard for London Wilder. She was the daughter of a woman of low standards and he was the home-town hero destined for football greatness. Their love sparked quickly and burned hot—until the night that rained heartache like a Texas hail storm. Maia hasn’t seen London in years and certainly didn’t expect to see him at a bachelor auction she hosted as part of the promotional campaign for her first animated film. She thought the years between them would protect her from his soulful brown eyes and electric touch. She was wrong. London brought to life her long-silent heart with one touch of his gentle hand. London agreed to be a last-minute substitution in the Titans’ annual bachelor auction to honor the memory of his grandfather, a military vet. He’s stunned to see the woman he let slip away calling out for the highest bidder. Maia chased after her dreams and became the superstar he always knew she could be. Under the layers of fame, designer clothes, and flashy jewelry, London can see the woman who set the rhythm of his heart and he wants a second chance. As Maia and London try to reconnect, old heartaches and old enemies rise up like demons and threaten to destroy the tenderness between them. They’ll have to face their past and their present troubles to find a future together—or say goodbye one last time. Check out these fantastic Texas Titans Romances: The Fearless Groom by Cami Checketts The Persistent Groom by Jennifer Youngblood The Tough Love Groom by Taylor Hart The Miracle Groom by Lucy McConnell The Second Chance Groom by Taylor Hart The Trustworthy Groom by Cami Checketts The Ghost Groom by Jennifer Youngblood The Forbidden Groom by Sarah Gay The Beastly Groom by Cami Checketts

A Wish for Christmas


Michele Brouder - 2018
    After the death of her mother, the last two years have been rough and money is tight. A full-time nursing student, she feels her prayers have been answered with the temporary job of personal assistant to John Laurencelli. The billionaire is rumored to be demanding and difficult but India soon realizes there’s more to him than bad press and weapons-grade dangerous good looks. But with everything on her plate, she doesn’t have time to be falling for her new boss.John Laurencelli lives, eats, and breathes his business and making money. For his own reasons, he’s avoided Christmas for two decades. But it’s proving difficult this year when his new assistant wears vintage holiday aprons, hums Christmas tunes, and likes to spread good cheer. Despite his determination not to celebrate the season, it isn’t long before India opens his eyes to what’s missing in his life.Can they overcome their fears and misgivings to make it a truly wonderful Christmas for each other?Each book in The Happy Holidays Series is a standalone novel and can be read in any order.

The Cowboy's Home


Christina Butrum - 2021
    His injury certainly didn’t help his bull riding career, but after he spends some time recuperating and helping out at his brother’s ranch, he’ll be more than ready to get back to the rodeo circuit. Romance was never part of his plan. Then he meets the single mom next door and starts questioning everything… Becca Adams isn’t looking for love, either. The only thing on her agenda is being the best mom possible to her little girl. And if that means signing her up for horseback riding lessons with the ridiculously attractive Drew, so be it. Drew is everything Becca isn’t—wild and carefree. She can’t afford to get attached to him…no matter how much she wishes she could… Soon, Becca’s torn between guarding her heart and giving it to the cowboy who has invaded her thoughts. But will the cost of trusting Drew—and love—be more than she’s able to manage?   The Cowboy’s Home, book one in the Dixon Ranch series, is a clean and wholesome, small-town contemporary romance featuring a rugged-but-sweet hero and a wary-but-hopeful heroine who is stronger than she ever realized. Happily ever after guaranteed. Download today and get ready to do some binge reading.

Secrets of a Fair Lady


Abigail Agar - 2020
    The only problem is that nobody seems to care. Desperate to learn the truth of her disappearance, Georgiana enlists the help of Inspector Hamish Brock to find Rachel and bring her back home. But as they work together, her heart starts to beat a little bit faster every time he is around. Soon Georgiana realises that she may have to make a choice between her family and the Inspector she has come to care for. Will Georgiana manage to find her maid -and dear friend- before it's too late, or will she be drawn to the wild aura of the handsome inspector that stole her heart?For Hamish Brock, leading a precinct in a wealthy area of London is a wonderful job, but it does not stop him from wanting more in life. A caring wife and a big family is his dream, but luck has not been on his side so far. When he is called to examine the facts of a very mysterious case, we would never expect that the request would come from the most charming young Lady in town. But after a peculiar turn of events, he finds himself investigating the very woman he has started to care for. Finding himself in a dilemma of revealing the truth or losing the woman of his dreams, will he be brave enough to make the right decision?As they struggle to unravel the mystery of who wanted Rachel gone, Hamish and Georgiana end up in a situation more hazardous than any story their imagination could conjure. Personalities collide and compromise seems unreachable, as their two worlds can never be one. As they work together for a common cause, will they finally find peace in each other's arms or is there too much that stands between them?"Secrets of a Fair Lady" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

That Certain Summer


Irene Hannon - 2013
    Karen has carried the burden of responsibility for her aging mother ever since her sister left town years ago to pursue a career in theater. But Val had other reasons for moving away-as well as a secret to keep-and coming home has never been an option . . . until their mother suffers a stroke.Reunited in their hometown, Karen and Val must grapple with past mistakes as they care for their ailing mother. When two handsome men enter the picture, the summer takes on a surprising new dimension. As their lives intersect, can each of them learn how to forgive, let go, and move on? And strengthened by the healing power of faith, might they also find the courage to love?

A Baron Worth Loving


Bridget Barton - 2020
    The moment she meets her brother's childhood friend at the ball, the romantic feelings that she had for him start to revive. However, Nora can hardly imagine that the very handsome gentleman would fall in love with her after years of friendship. As if this were not enough, the same night, Gerard witnesses an embarrassing misunderstanding that makes an earthshaking change in Nora's life. Will she cover up a scandal that might destroy her reputation? Will she manage to win Gerard's heart, or her only wish to be loved will remain unfulfilled?Lord Gerard Colbourne is a kind and refined Baron. Since his father's death one year ago, he has been responsible for controlling their poor estates and being a guard of his mother and sister. Following his mother's advice to find a bride, Gerard attends a ball that will remain indelibly printed on his mind forever. Much to his surprise, he finds himself into a scheme of a ruse relationship to save his good friend's younger sister. How far will Gerard go to rescue her? Will he protect Nora only for the sake of friendship, or will he realize that in her eyes, he has found more than what he bargained for?Over the course of their plan, a deep and tender affection is growing between Nora and Gerard. However, a series of unexpected events will lead to a social war between families, and another misunderstanding that threatens to keep them apart. What will Nora and Gerard sacrifice for their love? Will they endure all the obstacles that emerge, or will they be condemned to live in pain forever?

Cowboys Never Marry Their Best Friend: A Johnson Brothers Novel


Emmy Eugene - 2019
     Jenna Wright grew up next-door to Chestnut Ranch and the five Johnson brothers. Her older brother was best friends with Seth Johnson, and Jenna may or may not have had a crush on the handsome cowboy in her younger years. It was a long time ago, she tells herself. Now that she's divorced and back in town, she definitely has eyes for her best friend. Will he ever notice her? Jenna reasons that he's busy with his ranch and his dog rescue operation. They had an Edible Neighborhood project they were working until funding became a problem, and when Seth learns he's inherited over two billion dollars from his mother's half of a family cosmetic empire, he rushes to tell Jenna they can now fund the Edible Neighborhood.  He wasn't supposed to kiss her.  It was an accident, he tells himself. But Seth's own feelings roar to the surface, and he can't ignore them. Where did those come from? Can best friends Seth and Jenna navigate their rocky pasts to find a future happily-ever-after together? Read all the Chestnut Ranch Cowboy Billionaires by Emmy Eugene: 1. Cowboys Never Marry Their Best Friend 2. Cowboys Never Kiss Under the Mistletoe 3. Cowboys Never Get a Second Chance 4. Cowboys Never Have a Secret Baby 5. Cowboys Never Marry Their Boss 6. Cowboys Never Cry Over a Fake Marriage 7. Cowboys Never Kiss and Tell

Persuaded by the Hero (Heroes of Freedom Ridge)


Elle E. Kay - 2021
    Her decision will decide their future.Bryce hasn’t laid eyes on Sabrina in three years despite visiting Freedom Ridge every Christmas. Not that he could blame her for avoiding him. He left town in a hurry and without a backward glance. He isn’t the same irresponsible kid from back then—the Army changed him. But convincing her to trust him again will be a challenge.Avoiding the man she’d once loved every Christmas season was one thing, but now he's back. And he's her boss. Sabrina isn’t prepared to work for Bryce—it will make it impossible to keep her secret. Their story might have derailed three years earlier, but her humiliation feels fresh. Had God rescued her only to throw her back into the mouth of a hungry lion?They soon discover time apart didn’t dim their chemistry and long for buried feelings rise to the surface, but will they have a second chance at romance or is the risk of involving him in her son’s life too great?Return to Freedom, Colorado and enjoy the faith, friendships, and forever-afters of the Heroes of Freedom Ridge in this Christian Christmas romance.Persuaded by the Hero is Book 11 in the Heroes of Freedom Ridge series, but each book can be read as a standalone.