Even though it means working as a zookeeper for six months--with animals that terrify her. How can she possibly explain her fears--and her past--to her handsome boss, Jason Andover? The glimpses of kindness-- and painful secrets--she sees in his eyes slowly have her sharing everything. But then she makes a startling discovery--one that may tear them apart forever. Unless she can return the gift of love he's given her.

    When her big brother brings home handsome Coast Guard buddy Travis McCall, can she summon the courage to open her heart to love for the holidays--and maybe for a lifetime?THE GINGERBREAD SEASON By Betsy St. AmantAllie James returns to her hometown in need of a holiday job. Never did she expect old boyfriend Jordan Walker to hire her as his secretary! Years ago Jordan shredded her heart like wrapping paper. Now he must convince Allie that all he wants for Christmas is her love.

    His new business partner for the next six months is Beth Carrigan. His ex-wife. This might prove Dev's most difficult mission yet. He's never stopped loving the sweet bookstore owner, but his military career broke them apart.Now, as Beth and Dev work together helping others get a new start on life, Dev hopes that he can break down the walls between them. And explore the possibilities of a new life and love together.

    However, when he experienced a life threatening crisis, the last person he expected to lean on was Julie Renton, the granddaughter of his grandmother's suitor. The small-town schoolteacher not only staunchly defended her grandfather's honor, but also opened this world - weary tycoon's eyes to the Lord's most precious blessings. A handsome and chivalrous Noah was everything Julie had ever dreamed of in a man. But even while she lavished him with sweet solace to see him through the hardships ahead, she sensed he had the power to shatter her fragile heart. It took a miracle from above to convince Julie she'd finally found a love worth fighting for.

    Everyone except Morgan McDermott. Eight years ago, Jolie left the ranch—and Morgan—for a career as a competitive kayaker. Now after an accident has sidelined her, she's back as a teacher for the ranch's foster boys. Morgan knows he can't risk getting his heart broken again. But watching Jolie's gentle ways with the boys opens his eyes to the truth: he's never stopped loving her. Can a "family" of foster kids help give this couple a second chance at love?

    But when she tracked down wealthy Peter Hallock— the man who had her biological son— she was surprised to find another single parent, and one eager to love not just his own child, but hers, as well.Even as they struggled to keep their children close despite their far-flung homes, Peter was intrigued by Marie’ s inner strength and deep faith. He prevailed on her to accept a marriage of convenience for the children’ s sake, then faced the challenge of convincing her that despite the circumstances, theirs was a marriage truly made in heaven.

    When her late husband's army buddy offers her a temporary haven at his family ranch in Buffalo Gap, Abby accepts the handsome cowboy's hospitality. She knows that Cade Lebret, an honorable man with a complicated life on the Double L, is just "doing the right thing." But when a needy foster child joins their makeshift family, Abby begins to see what a kind, loving father figure Cade is. Suddenly she's dreaming of making the Lebret family ranch her home forever. Family Ties: Bundles of joy bring couples together.

    Special education teacher Molly Manning thinks the answer is threefold: love, time--and a dog. But Brent can barely let his nephew into his heart, let alone a golden retriever. With his tragic past, Brent knows what can happen when you love anything: you can lose it. Until Molly asks this dad-in-training to start with the basics by letting her stay...forever.

    With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together?Hearts of Oklahoma

    As the days counted down, he helped her write the article for her grandfather's newspaper -- and a kiss shortened the distance between them.But when trouble threatened to bring the trip to a premature end, would Nikki's role in Colin's life end, as well...or continue forever?

    For fourteen years there have been no leads—or proof of life. Until now. Until Skylar's fingerprints implicate her in a murder at a fraternity house. Shanna is desperate to find the young woman. And so is handsome campus cop Quinn Murphy—the victim's half brother. But as their team investigation leads to an unexpected closeness and the revelation of family secrets, Shanna prays that her sister is innocent. And that the real killer is caught before Quinn is hurt, or Skylar is lost forever.

    Zack Hemingway?Even his boss had handpicked two of his three daughters as perfect candidates for the position of Zack's wife. But it was the other daughter who'd caught Zack's no-longer roving eye.A sweet Christian woman who worked with children in need, Chloe Kilgannon possessed everything he wanted in a wife. Except a willingness to say I do. Why? What was Chloe hiding--or hiding from? Zack had to find out before he lost Chloe for good. For when his own family dropped a life-changing bombshell on him, he knew that some secrets were truly meant to be shared.

    Two years later her captor's trial is about to begin—and so are threats from his loyal followers. Julia is relieved when her father hires bodyguard Gavin Shane, but she's furious when he rushes her to a safe house. After years under lock and key, she doesn't want to be forced into hiding again. But with cultists seeking to stop Julia's testimony at any cost, it'll take both Julia and her determined protector to set her free for a new life—and new love.

    But shecouldn''t tell her handsome rescuer who shewas--because she couldn''t remember....Ex-Texas Ranger Jake Trayner felt instantlyprotective of the mysterious lady who''dstumbled onto his sprawling Texas ranch. Shebrought a beacon of light to his solitary worldand Jake was determined to help her find themissing pieces of her life. Even if the returnof her memory erased the precious bondgrowing between them--and meant he''dnever see her again...

    The therapy horse ranch in Broken Bend, Louisiana, is well-known for giving at-risk teens a new lease on life. There's just one problem—it's owned by her old high school sweetheart, Max Ringgold, who doesn't know he's her son's father. Emma didn't plan on facing her past to ensure her son's future. But when old feelings for Max resurface, Emma must decide if she will reveal the truth to him and restore her family for good.