Brooklyn can’t bring herself to name the father as she wrestles with questions about what her pregnancy means and how it will affect her relationship with Jake. If Harold Keen, the man who owns the bookstore across from Jake's coffee shop, has anything to do with it, the baby will ruin them both.

    Stinging from an unimaginable loss, he has withdrawn from life, wanting only to live out his existence with as little interference as possible. However, when his sister talks him into auditing an English Literature class at the local community college, he reluctantly accepts the invitation to abandon his lonely apartment. Intent upon making an appearance for his sister’s sake and then disappearing for his own, Jonathon sulks into class. But when he meets Elizabeth Forester, the professor, Jonathon learns there is more to life and to love than he ever could have imagined. "Staci Stallings' books are Christian romance at its best!" IF YOU BELIEVED IN LOVE is a fascinating mix of literature and faith. A Contemporary Christian romance, the novel explores life, love, death, and redemption. It will surely find its way into your romance novels and inspirational books collections. *~* EXCERPT *~* “Turn to Appearances, page 31.” Without more than a second’s time, she continued without reading her book. “And so you found that poor room dull,/Dark, hardly to your taste, my dear?/Its features seemed unbeautiful;/But this I know—‘twas there, not here,/You plighted troth to me, the word/Which—ask that poor room how it heard. “And this rich room obtains your praise/Unqualified—so bright, so fair,/So all whereat perfection stays?/Aye, but remember—here, not there,/The other word was spoken!—Ask/This rich room how you dropped the mask! “Browning uses the metaphor of a house again in this one, a structure of some kind with different rooms. And what’s the story with this house?” “The guy likes one room but not the other.” Quiet depth filled her eyes. “Why?” She turned, and her gaze caught a raised hand. “Mr. Hansen?” “Because in one room he was trying to be something he wasn’t, and in the other, he dropped the mask.” “And the first room, where he was wearing the mask was…?” “Unbeautiful,” Susana said. “Dull and dark.” Ms. Forester seemed lost in the thought. “And the second room? What was it like?” “Unqualified,” someone down front said, “so bright, so fair.” “He’s saying the same thing in both poems, is he not?” She turned on the toe of her boot and gazed at the whole of her students. “Be who you are. Drop the mask. Be brave enough to show the world, and far from losing yourself and being criticized like a finite clod, you may be immortalized like Shakespeare, or at the very least, the room you’re standing in might just seem a little brighter than the one where you were before.” Her attention jumped up to the clock. “Oh, look at the time. Be sure to read the last selections for Thursday’s class. See you then.” It was like snapping awake from a dream and not being at all able to shake it. Jonathon stood as the others did as well. His mind spun trying to think of something, some reason that could keep him here with her for one more minute. He checked his things, gathering them slowly, watching her down front the whole time. One of the other students stepped up to her, and she bent to listen. What could he ask her? What question would be good enough to go to the front?

     THE SWEETNESS OF HER LOVE—KIMBERLY RAE JORDAN James Dawson may have looked like the hero of one of the romances Erin Kirkland loves to read, but she quickly discovers that he is not the hero for her. After all, how can she have a happily-ever-after with a man who doesn’t believe in love or marriage? Who would have thought that a visit to his grandmother’s favorite bakery to order a cake for her ninetieth birthday would end up causing James to re-evaluate his whole life? Certainly not James Dawson. But following their rather disastrous first meeting, James is determined to show Erin that he is a better man than she’s first judged him to be. Erin doesn’t want to friend-zone James, but she’s not sure she can trust that the changes he’s making will be permanent. Can someone really go from totally dismissing love and marriage to embracing it so quickly? SUGAR AND SPICE—CECELIA DOWDY Sheila Parks is stunned when Mason Smith, the identical twin brother of her ex-boyfriend Reese, moves to Blue Spring and opens a bakery. Reese’s cruel breakup still bothers her and seeing somebody who looks just like him is a painful reminder of her predicament. Unemployed, Sheila needs financial help and it appears that Mason can assist her with her problem. Can she learn to trust a man who looks just like her ex? Mason is stunned when Sheila storms into his bakery, mistakenly thinking that he’s Reese. Mason is used to comforting his womanizing brother’s ex-girlfriends. A stutterer, Mason has always had a hard time socializing with others. However, he finds himself smitten with beautiful Sheila. Can he control his stutter so that he can ask Sheila to be his date to his grandmother’s Christmas birthday party? Both Sheila and Mason deal with past pains as they work together during the Christmas season. MOOSTLETOE —JAN ELDER Rev. Samantha Evans lands in Moose Creek, Maine, where parishioners chew up new ministers for breakfast. Happily, she also reunites with forest ranger Eric Palmer, her best friend from her teenage years. With Samantha’s career on the line, Eric must save her job and rescue his own shattered heart in the process. But how does Matilda the moose factor into the mix? THE HECTOR CLAUSE—CLARE REVELL The last thing Brie Dalgleish expected her boss to do was ask her to play an elf in the toy store grotto. She's even less enthusiastic when she discovers Santa is the same bloke who drove his car through a puddle the previous evening, completely soaking her. Hector Clause is playing Santa in the family owned toy store under sufferance as a favor to his grandfather. He'd rather be in a nice safe office, using his law degree, than playing Santa in a shop full of squealing kids. Even if the chief elf is on the cute side. With the store's centenary fast approaching, the anniversary party is abruptly cancelled. Hector resolves to celebrate anyway, but isn't prepared for the curveball he finds headed his way. GINGER & BRAD’S HOUSE—MARION UECKERMANN When Brad O’Sullivan is unfaithful to Ginger Murphy, she escapes to Australia for five long years. During this time, Brad’s shotgun marriage fails. Besides his little boy, Jamie, one other thing in his life has turned out sweet and successful—his pastry business. Ginger returns to Ireland, when her mother’s diagnosed with heart failure. She loves being a wedding flautist but fears bumping into the wedding cake chef she tries to avoid.

    *** RED by Joy Ohagwu- Gripped by shock at the site of a presumed routine package delivery run, business woman and entrepreneur Ruby "Red" Masters just saw a woman die. And she discovered The New Rulebook, something she knew nothing about. But it knew everything about her, enough to frame her for murder.*** UNPLANNED by Alana Terry When Kennedy Stern’s childhood pastor asks her to volunteer at his new pregnancy center, she carves time out of her rigorous college schedule to promote the cause of the unborn.After receiving a disturbing call from someone far too young to carry a child, Kennedy can no longer blindly hide behind the pro-life platitudes she grew up believing. She resolves to locate the unknown girl but winds up entrenched in a mystery that grows more convoluted as it unfolds.*** THE LADY AND THE MOUNTAIN MAN by Misty M. Beller Leah Townsend, a recently orphaned heiress, flees Richmond after discovering her fiancé’s plot to kill her after their wedding. She needs a safe place to hide, and finds herself accepting a newspaper marriage proposal from a God-fearing young rancher in the Montana Territory.But when an accident forces Leah to stay at the ranch for seven more months, can Gideon protect his heart from a love he doesn’t want? Has Leah really escaped the men who seek her life?*** CONTINGENCY By Paula Wiseman Bobbi Molinsky had it all--a successful husband, two great boys and a job she loved-- then she opens a stray email from the newest attorney at Chuck's firm and is blindsided by the discovery of his extramarital affair. An angry confrontation leaves her with the broken remains of their eighteen-year marriage.Guided by their pastor, Chuck commits to do whatever it takes to win Bobbi back, but she is wrestling with much more than his infidelity.*** TENDER LOVE by Juliette Duncan-  After her long-term relationship falls apart, Tessa Scott is left questioning God’s plan for her life, and she’s feeling vulnerable and unsure of how to move forward. Stephanie, Tessa’s housemate, knows the pain both Tessa and Ben have suffered. When she is inadvertently instrumental in setting up a meeting between them, there’s no denying that they are drawn to each other, but will that mutual attraction do more harm than good?*** OUT OF A DREAM by Rosemary Hines Michelle Baron should be reveling in her new life in Sandy Cove, Oregon. From the outside, it all looks idyllic. A newlywed settling into a quaint coastal town, her husband establishing himself as a junior partner in a law firm—what more could she want? But a series of disturbing nightmares haunts Michelle. Her quest to understand these dreams leads her to the New World bookstore, where she begins a spiritual journey that will challenge her Christian heritage as well as her marriage. *** STEALTHY STEPS by Vikki Kestell Gemma Keyes is an ordinary, unexceptional young woman with a lackluster life until an overheard conversation ends her budding career—and her loyalty to an old friend puts her very existence in jeopardy.*** CALLIE by Sharon Srock She can’t escape the mistakes of her past…Callie Stillman has done everything she can to bury the memories of a tiny, baby-sized coffin.

    Anxious to start a new life, Samantha decides to open up a business of her own, and throws herself into making the dream a reality. But along the way, there are plenty of obstacles popping up to make life a little more challenging than she expected - nosy neighbors and cranky in-laws, attractive men and pretentious sisters, a gossipy mother, mysterious hate mail, and ghosts from the past that threaten to destroy everything she's worked to achieve. And just when Sam thinks things couldn't possibly get worse, there's a murder on her property that the local detective seems mighty determined to pin on the newest resident of Peabody. Suddenly Sam is overwhelmed with troubles she never imagined, and she knows the only way to get through any of it is by keeping her sense of humor and trusting that God really does know exactly what He is doing.

    On the surface, nothing seems to change in this dull town-yet God always works beneath the surface.

    After her father’s death—a tragedy away from home—she returns to their cabin on the outskirts of Seattle, seeking the sense of belonging that eluded her childhood. But will her desire to pray for miraculous healing for the sick and wounded endear or alienate her to the community? Her most aggravating challenger is also her staunchest defender and has brown hair and eyes, stands six feet tall, and farms with unchecked tenacity. Tristan Porter. This farmer her father had befriended holds more secrets than Yesler’s Mill holds logs. When ugly rumors arise about her spiritual gift and her property, Anna fears her quest to find belonging will be thwarted. Tristan holds the truth to set her free, but revealing it will require him to face the disappointments of his past and surrender his plans for the future—a sacrifice he’s not sure he can make.

    Katie and Zach, the man she loves, are planning their marriage, and while it's been difficult for her daed, Daniel, to believe in Zach's commitment to stay and build a life with Katie in their Amish community of Faith's Landing, slowly, the two stubborn men are coming to an understanding. But when a tragic loss strikes at the heart of Katie's home, will Katie, with Zach's help, find the strength to hold her family together? Or will depression, rage and loss of faith lead Katie's mamm to make a final, horrifying mistake? This is book 1 of 3 of The Shadow of Death Serial (Amish Faith Through Fire Series). IF YOU LOVE CHRISTIAN BOOKS, SCROLL UP AND GRAB YOUR COPY NOW!

    But when "the other woman" in her marriage turned out to be her husband's congregation, she ran. Six years later, she's back in the small community of Granger, Ohio, for the reading of a will that names both her and Nick as beneficiaries. Now, Maura must face the husband - and the congregation - she left behind.

    Moving away from her family support system so Gideon can attend a special school seems like the right choice, even if it means her entire life is about to change. The satisfaction of helping children and being a part of their lives is one reason Aaron Randall loves his job as a music therapist. When Hope Academy instills a dating policy, he doesn't give it a second thought. Until the new coworker who'd caught his attention turns out to be the parent of one of his students.A love they never expected is just out of reach. With Aaron's job and Gideon's education hanging in the balance, they'll have to rely on faith to find their way.

    Adventures, mishaps, and dream destinations—this collection has it all!As our guest of honor, you’re cordially invited on a journey through twelve heartwarming and inspirational novellas that will take you from small-town America to romantic Paris, from the sunny shores of Hawaii to New Zealand. Office romances, friends-to-lovers, second chances, and more await you in these stories full of forgiveness, redemption, laughter, and love.Say “I do” and claim your copy of this limited-time anthology by your favorite USA Today and bestselling Christian romance authors!January Hope by Kari TrumboCleo Myles, a clothing historian, goes on the hunt for a wedding dress from an 1880s fashion magazine. When she discovers it’s been donated to a museum collection, the only thing standing in her way is a the curator, Lowel Johnson. Unfortunately, he has a no-touch policy on all curated items that just might put a stop to her hunt and her heart.A Valentine for Veronica by Lisa PrysockTemp agency owner Veronica Hayworth wonders why she purchased her dream wedding dress without a boyfriend in sight. When an encounter with a former high school peer, now a photo journalist for a wedding magazine, entices her to agree to a wedding feature for the February issue, the pressure is on to find a husband. Will Veronica’s pride and spontaneity lead to her demise, or will her faith lead to love?I Take You by Marion UeckermannSince childhood, Kaia Collins has dreamed about her fairy-tale wedding. But when her father’s choices crush Kaia’s dreams, her fiancé, Leo Campbell, is left scrambling for a solution to their dilemma. Kaia doesn’t want to delay their wedding, and neither does Leo—he’s waited a lifetime to make Kaia his wife.Adoring April by Chautona HavigWhoever heard of a church expecting an incoming minister to marry their only single member as a condition for employment? Is that even legal? What kind of woman would possibly agree to such a crazy idea?What’ll it take for Jesse to go from avoiding April to adoring April in time for their wedding?A Change of a Dress by Hallee BridgemanBelle Merchant struggles to leave the past behind and find a future that has so far eluded her. Scarred by an incredible act of heroism, combat veteran Vince Prince wants nothing more than to become an army chaplain and courageously walk the road less traveled. The two unknowingly come together time and again until they actually meet in person.Her Love So Sure by Jan ThompsonShe is a wedding planner—sort of. He is the man of the castle—maybe. Will the two be able to pull off the wedding of the century in this opposites-attract romance?The Wedding Dress by T. K. ChapinWhat if the dress you wore on your wedding day had a story to tell?Alexa Anderson doesn’t want to wear her mother’s wedding dress when it’s time to marry the love of her life, Brad Jackson. Little does she know, the wedding dress has a story of its own to tell . . .The Wedding Kimono by Camy TangA tomboy massage therapist and her boss discover a mysterious message hidden in her grandmother's wedding kimono. Can her family legacy help her to see her inner beauty and open herself up to love?One Vow for September by Liwen HoShe’s a writer with an unconventional assignment, he’s the jaded coworker playing her husband; together they’re one odd couple about to find out how real love is.Braver with You by Jaycee WeaverShe’d follow her childhood sweetheart anywhere, but first they’ll need all her courage and all his support to make it through the wedding their mothers have planned.Grateful for You by Dori HarrellJeans-only Libby Castleton hasn’t spoken to lawman Jamie Connors since she turned down his proposal. But when she sees a frothy gown in a store window, she knows he’s the guy for her. But winning him back might mean landing herself in jail.Countdown to Her Cowboy’s Christmas Wedding by Shoshanna GabrielA handsome rancher. The girl next door. A childhood promise comes due that could change their lives . . . for better or worse. When their Christmas wedding preparations bring out painful memories of heartbreak, will Kate be able to forgive Jay — and herself — so they can finally be together?

    More than a stalking. It was personal. When a stranger targets his wife and two daughters, journalist Jack Crittendon must uncover who the person is and what his motives are -- if he's to protect the ones he loves.The investigation leads Jack into a world of behind-closed-door secrets and into a news story about a missing pastor whose apparent suicide is more than it appears.Each move Jack makes weaves him tighter and tighter into a web of lies, greed, hypocrisy, and danger. Holding onto his faith and keeping his family safe might require Jack to cross lines he never fathomed crossing.Poison Town (The Crittendon Files, Book 2)There's More Than One Kind of Poison in This TownPeople are sick and dying. Rumors are swirling. Some claim chemicals leaking from a manufacturing plant are causing the cancer that's crippling people on the poor side of Trenton City, Ohio. Yet nothing at the plant appears amiss. The problem remains a mystery until reporter Jack Crittendon's long-time mechanic falls ill and he investigates.Soon Jack becomes engulfed in a smokescreen of lies, setups, greed, and scandal. The deeper he digs, the more toxic the corruption he uncovers.As he faces off with the big-time players behind the scenes and tries to beat the clock before more people die, he realizes the chillingly unthinkable--he knows way too much.Sky Zone (The Crittendon Files, Book 3)A rally for a controversial presidential candidate.A terrorist threat.A nightmare of cataclysmic proportions.Jack and Pamela Crittendon have hit the breaking point. After months out of work as a reporter, Jack is playing Mr. Mom and working part-time at Festival Arena with his survivalist friend Brian Shakespeare.Meanwhile, Pamela has gone back to work while eight months pregnant, to make ends meet. Having her recently-widowed mother on hand isn't making matters any easier.With financial pressures boiling, Jack reports for duty at a rally for controversial presidential candidate Martin Sterling where he expects a mindless night on the job. But when Homeland Security picks up intel about a potential terrorist threat, Jack and Shakespeare are thrust into a life-or-death battle to save themselves--and the lives of thousands of innocent people.

    Then her beloved grandmother requests -- and her dispassionate mother insists -- that she spend the summer at Still Waters, the family cottage on Edisto Beach, South Carolina.Despite its picturesque setting, Still Waters haunts Cora Anne with loss. At Still Waters her grandfather died, her parents' marriage disintegrated, and as a child, she caused a tragic drowning. But lingering among the oak canopies and gentle tides, this place also tempts her with forgiveness -- especially since Nan hired Tennessee Watson to oversee cottage repairs. A local contractor, but dedicated to the island's preservation from development, Tennessee offers her friendship and more, if she can move beyond her guilt.When a family reunion reveals Nan's failing health, Cora Anne discovers how far Tennessee will go to protect her and --Edisto -- from more desolation. Will Cora Anne choose between a life driven by guilt, or one washed clean by the tides of grace?

    Why is the janitor so angry? What really happened to the principal? Who hit Frankie? Where did Tommy get those expensive video games? Emily feels like she's stuck in quicksand, until Dan holds out his hand and rescues them both.

    With no one else to turn to, her once-strong faith begins to crumble.For the first time in her life, Debbie needs someone to lean on, but who is left to be strong for her?