At twenty-two she thought she would be graduating from college and starting a career. But the loss of her parents changed everything, and instead she spends her days working as a waitress and spends her nights, weekends, and everything in between taking care of her five younger siblings. Now her life is completely focused on her family, and despite the urging of those close to her, she doesn’t find time for a life of her own. When Russell Pierce returns to his childhood hometown he is eager to focus on success in his new career. Meeting Paige wasn’t part of his plan either, but once he does he can’t stop thinking about her and how he wants to help her. But she can’t let go of her fears, and refuses to allow him to get close. Will she ever be able to open up and consider a life with anyone? Is she ready to give life a second chance?

    And though mystified by her grandmother's dying wish for her ashes to be scattered under 'the wishing tree' on the banks of the Negallan River, she sets out to do just that.While searching for the wishing tree, Sarah stays in the small township of Negallan. It's there that she finally has some time to relax and unwind, there that she finds herself drawn to a handsome local farmer, and there that she discovers her enquiries about her grandmother are causing disquiet within the powerful local Morgan family.Will the Morgans prevent Sarah from discovering the truth about her grandmother? And should she risk her glittering career in the UK for a simpler existence in the country, and the possibility of true love?By the bestselling author of North Star, Morgan's Law takes you on a compelling journey into a young woman's hopes and dreams.

    Each story is followed by a letter from the author and her favorite chocolate recipe.Contains:— For Love of Money by Terri Blackstock— The Trouble with Tommy by Elizabeth White— What She's Been Missing by Ranee McCollum

    . . Hope Renewed Once a strong Christian, third baseman Shane Riley lost his faith the night he injured his knee in a freak car accident. Determined to return to professional baseball and to find the sister he treated badly, Shane retreats to Refuge, Wyoming. There he meets Melissa June “MJ” Townsend, a single mom battling the virus that causes cervical cancer. MJ wants nothing to do with the handsome athlete—no doubt a womanizer considering the stories in the news. But when a mistake results in Shane renting her garage apartment, they become friends. That friendship blossoms into something deep and pure, leaving MJ with a painful secret to tell. Even more complicated, she discovers an unexpected tie to Shane’s missing sister—a wounded woman who wants nothing to do with the perfect brother who scorned her.

    He’s too busy working to become the world’s newest billionaire and avoiding the women who would detract him from his goals.Enter Lyla Santana. Fresh out of Oxford University with a degree in antiques and a relationship that nearly killed her to leave, she’s eager for the isolation and treasure trove that is Danforth Hall. Lyla also is determined to avoid men at all costs. Forever.It was supposed to be a match made on paper. With him halfway across the globe, they’d never have to see each other again.So, what’s Richard doing on Merriweather just weeks after the wedding? And how will his arrival test Lyla’s faith, not to mention stretch their so-called relationship?In a twist on billionaire romance and marriage of convenience, this “Merriweather book” kicks off a new series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.The Independence Island Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

    She lost hermother at a young age and was only sixteen when herfather was killed in 1880, in a brawl sparked by a familyfeud spanning several generations. Yet Mercy neverdoubts the presence and provision of her heavenly Father.When a house fire claims the lives of her two best friends,leaving their two young sons as orphans, Mercy offers tobe their guardian. It seems simple enough, until the judgemandates that the boys be placed with a married couple.Samuel Connors is a man adrift. Despite the success ofthe blacksmith business he inherited from his father, hesenses a void unaffected by material rewards. His motherkeeps nagging him to find a wife, but the only womanwho comes to mind is Mercy Evans. What would shewant to do with the man whose father is now serving alife sentence for the murder of hers?Mercy is determined to do whatever it takes to wincustody of the Watson boys. But marry a mortal enemyof the Evans family? God alone can give her the heart togo through with it.

     Journalist Cassandra Hall is always searching for a huge story, but she’s not expecting to stumble into it on a ferry as she returns from her dad’s funeral in Alaska. After terrorists kidnap her, she must find a way to free herself and alert the authorities about a suitcase nuke smuggled into the Seattle area. Along the way, spiritual forces provide invisible assistance… or attacks. For Cassandra’s real battle is not against flesh and blood terrorists, but against the spiritual rulers of wickedness in heavenly places. As she assists the FBI, Cassandra finds herself captivated by Special Agent David Lansing, who is assigned to lead the investigation and catch the terrorists. Her pursuit of the big scoop repeatedly conflicts with his need for confidentiality. Will Cassandra be able to win David’s heart… and her Pulitzer?

    Life returns with the spring. A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built the life she dreamed of during her teen years in a trailer park.  An unexpected interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa.  Determined to pay her respects to her past while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of five hundred acres of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan. Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years.  When Bethany is left the land, Evan must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany’s vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away. For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn’t seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace that she’s not even sure exists?

    The only survivor is Isabella Winterbourne, who clutches a priceless gift meant for the Australian Parliament. This gift could be her ticket to a new life, free from the bonds of her husband and his overbearing family. But whom can she trust in Lighthouse Bay?Fast-forward to 2011: after losing her lover, Libby Slater leaves her life in Paris to return to her hometown of Lighthouse Bay, hoping to gain some perspective and grieve her recent loss. Libby also attempts to reconcile with her sister, Juliet, to whom she hasn’t spoken in twenty years. Libby did something so unforgivable, Juliet is unsure if she can ever trust her sister again.In these two adventurous love stories, both Isabella and Libby must learn that letting go of the past is the only way to move into the future. The answers they seek lie in Lighthouse Bay.

    Brooks Anderson has been sent to find the child and bring it to the US. When circumstances bring them together in Brazil, they find themselves being pursued by a killer as they protect an orphaned baby. As the danger heightens around them, so does the attraction between Regina and Brooks, despite their differences. Regina and Brooks have both been broken by their violent pasts, but while Regina relies on her faith to deal with her past, Brooks has turned away from God. Will their pasts stop them from realizing their true feelings for each other when their pursuer strives to keep them apart forever?

    Louis, Missouri and joins a wagon train headed west, to provide a better life for her daughter. As the trail turns increasingly dangerous, Dawson Clements, a jaded ex-soldier helps Clarissa and her daughter survive. As they near Montana can Clarissa convince Dawson to remain by her side for a journey that will last a lifetime?

    But Dr. Eric Carlson has more than medicine to offer Kate Nolan. First, he finds a babysitter for the single mom's little girl. Next, he'll mend Kate's tattered heart...just in time for Christmas. HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Sparks fly every time Nick Sinclair encounters Laura Taylor, yet the skittish widow holds Nick at arm's length. Her past has shaken her trust in God...and in love. But a leap of faith could win her a Christmas treasure--a lifetime of Nick's devotion.

    He has arranged a marriage for his granddaughter with the Earl of Devonport. Emma secretly hopes a marriage to this stranger will lead to love. To honor his father, Devon reluctantly agrees to marry Emma, but determines to keep her at arm's length. A marriage of convenience is satisfactory to the earl who wants no emotional ties. He needs an heir, but he refuses to bow to the whims and demands of a wife. He would prefer simply to provide a home and a generous allowance for her, but continue to enjoy his freedom. Emma’s straightforward and unpretentious manner draws Devon’s admiration. He can’t stop thinking about her. Unfortunately, long-held fears are not easily overcome. Devon’s tender care of Emma and his charm cause her to fall in love with him, but she’s afraid of being in love alone. Can a mutual love develop and grow in this arranged marriage? When doubts begin to assail in Emma, she must learn to trust God even if it means letting go of her dreams.

    And she’s determined to marry a man who’s neither. Chasing her dead father’s dreams, the twenty-year-old English bride arrives in Australia in 1875 for an arranged marriage. Anticipating her future as village preacher’s wife, she records her thoughts in her Everlasting journal. But instead of her fiancé, Finella is met by Shadrach Jones, a poor farmer sent to collect her from the busy Melbourne pier. This is not what her father planned. And it’s only the beginning of the unraveling of Finella Mayfield ~ the bride with no groom. All Shadrach Jones longs for is rows of mustard and chicory. He’s busy growing a farm near the Phillip Island fishing village of Cowes, and caring for Molly, his simple sister. Far from the brutal life they remember with their ex-convict father, Shadrach’s building something new. But he’s also made a promise to a dying friend. To collect and marry the English girl destined to never be a preacher’s wife. Can Shadrach convince Finella she has a future with a farmer? Can he convince himself, knowing his family secrets will haunt their future? Carry Me Home ~ Book 1 in the Blue Wren Shallows series. An Australian historical romance set in the pioneering era of the 1870s, on Victoria’s majestic Phillip Island.

    Watching the man she’s always loved marry someone else is the last straw – she decides to get out of Hope. But her resolve is tested when the hot new locum doctor arrives in town.Doctor Tom Lewis also has skeletons in his closet – including a painful breakup and devastating family news. He’s hit the road with his vintage ute and surfboard, to travel the outback and live in the moment.When Tom and Lauren meet the attraction is instant, but for Lauren Tom threatens to be just another fling and Tom has his own reasons for hesitating. Everyone else – their friends and patients – can see how perfect they are together, but just what will it take for them to admit this to themselves?A brand new Hope Junction story of fresh starts and second chances.