In the aftermath of the fire, the town of Hinckley rises from the ashes, its people determined to rebuild their lives.But in the shadows, someone is watching, someone is waiting, someone who knows the secrets the fire lay bare. A rumor spreads of a mysterious figure that haunts the hills; monster, a ghost, or a memory?

    She knew how. Mildred could breathe the word no to a second cup of ice cream. Could resist drinking too much champagne. But when it came right down to a friend needing a favor, she might say no first, but if someone really needed her—really needed her! —she always said yes. That’s how Mildred ended up with strangers camped out in her spare bedroom, helping her friend Fran to start a new business at the antique emporium, and walking around the empty church with a dust rag in her hand even though she hated to dust. She couldn’t say no to dust for long either. The only real no Mildred had said in recent history was to a man who loved her. Hugh wasn’t the first man to pursue her. But he was the most recent. And she had been flattered but not interested—not in the way he wanted her to be interested. Hugh didn’t give up right away. He lodged himself near her at church. Found her in the church kitchen after a fellowship supper to aid in the clean-up. And finally, her would-be lover had just asked her outright. That was the moment when Mildred had to say no. Until then Millie had been artfully dodging him. Only her best friend Fran understood. Fran said when Mildred finally felt the regretful effects of that no, “We’re all of us such fools.” But they aren’t fools. Mildred Budge and her friends are just people trying to live inside the faith released from heaven through the One who didn’t say no. This is the first novel in the series about Mildred Budge and her friends—just ordinary people trying to live out an extraordinary hope available to anyone who realizes what kind of help he or she really needs. That hope has a name, and Mildred Budge knows it. Need hope? Need a friend. Mildred Budge is a very good friend. If you like spending time with people who are just ordinary but extraordinarily hopeful, then you’ll love this story. Get a copy of this first novel in the series and find out for yourself what church ladies really think. About the author: Daphne Simpkins is an Alabama writer who writes about a variety of subjects and often on the secret lives of church ladies. Befriend her on Facebook, Twitter, or Linkedin.com.

     Though Mahalia Langston was known as a gospel music pioneer among the church community, her daughters knew her as someone else altogether. The three women hope that, along with their mother, they can finally bury the secrets that plagued their childhood. But that's no longer an option when tragedy strikes and the sisters are forced to deal with the past they’ve spent their whole lives trying to forget. With the help of a praying woman, the sisters begin to think emotional healing is a real possibility. Until, that is, they learn their mother had one final secret. A secret so earth shattering, only the grace of God will help them get through it.

    Helen Gardner accidentally reads an email from the International Task Force on Climate Change which proves that global warming is a lucrative scam, she's shocked and horrified.But that's nothing compared to how she feels the next day when her boss (the head of the Task Force) tries to have her killed.Helen goes into hiding with the help of her neighbor, a "fundy" Bible college professor named Cody, and an anti-eco-activist lumberjack-writer.But Helen's scandal isn't the only headline floating to the surface: the Democrat presidential candidate gets career-changing news; his running mate hits rock bottom after years of infidelity; the current Republican VP's past sins won't stay hidden forever.And Cody is about to uncover some dirt of his own.

    He certainly thought there'd be more to it than his ramshackle Oklahoma farm and a mundane job coaching basketball at his old high school. He questions his fatherhood skills too: his oldest son won't speak to him, his younger son wants to quit the basketball team, and now his daughter wants to go out on dates. He loves his wife, but the marriage has settled into complacency. Now his twentieth high school reunion looms and he has agreed to play in an exhibition game at the reunion, which is sure to be a wretched joke. And his ex-girlfriend's back in town, newly single. Twenty years is plenty long enough for a man to mope after what might have been. It's time for John to make himself understand that.Professor of English at Baylor University, Greg Garrett is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction. His critically acclaimed novel Free Bird was chosen by Publishers Weekly as one of the best first novels of 2002. He resides in Austin, Texas.

    to Starr's ex-boyfriend. In the midst of it all, her brother's best friend soon has her wondering if she can take another chance on love.

    Sure as sweet tea on a hot afternoon." Words from Willa Muir's sketchy childhood haunt her dreams and color her days with longing, regret, and fear. What do the words mean? Willa is far from sure. When Hale Landon places a ring on her finger, Willa panics, feeling she can't possibly say yes when so much in her past is a mystery. Bent on sorting out her history, Willa returns to Rockwall, Texas, to the Muir House Bed & Breakfast, a former funeral home. But the old place holds her empty memory close to itself. Willa's mother utters unintelligible clues from her deathbed, and the caretaker of the house keeps coveted answers carefully protected. Throw in an old flame, and Willa careens farther away from ever knowing the truth. Set in a growing suburb of Texas, The Muir House explores trauma, healing, love new and old, and the life-changing choices people make to keep their reputations intact.

    But no one feels very merry.Grace is worried about her husband's life-changing illness…Eden is facing devastating news…Casper is in over his head (of course!)…Amelia is dodging a walk down the aisle…Owen…well, Owen just nearly died, again…But it's Darek who has news that just might destroy the family legacy.The trip home for all is filled with secrets, memories and old dreams. But when they discover the real reason they've been asked home for the holidays, it will shake their world. It'll take a disaster for them to discover that home is the place for answers, hope and most of all…miracles.This year, spend Christmas with your favorite small town family.

    But nothing in their training has prepared them for what they are about to encounter...A contemporary novel dealing with real spiritual warfare issues, "Enoch" will take you on a mind-bending, fast-paced journey through a story of good versus evil.

    Meet feisty Mary Ruth, the young woman who prefers her independence to conformity, Steve who gave up long ago on finding love, and little Katie who makes a new friend in Melvin, a friendship that has the potential to grow into something more. As Amish do not use computers or cell phones to communicate, Amish women will often write circle letters, letters that they send to a list of addresses of people that they would like to include in the correspondence. Since they do not have access to photocopiers, the first person on the list will receive the letter, read it, and respond. That person sends both the first letter and their response to the second name on the list. This continues until the entire package of letters goes full-circle, returning to the original sender.

    Book 1 in this contemporary series features Heather, a winsome blonde whose looks belie her black belt in karate. When Heather meets Tyler, the society page editor, they are immediately attracted to each other, despite her parents' objections.When Houston's mayor is shot, the Debutantes solve the case. To remain anonymous, they leave the perfume-laden evidence at the newspaper...along with a long-stemmed rose. Obsessed with the mysterious woman now known as "The Rose," Tyler breaks up with Heather. As she and her friends work on solving yet another crime, Heather is determined to win Tyler's heart. Will she overcome his mystery-woman fascination? Can the Debutantes keep their identities hidden? "Heather" an intriguing storythat engages mind and heart

    You will love this awesome collection because the stories are written by a bestselling author with you in mind.Enjoy these clean and wholesome love stories with enough twists to keep you turning the pages. An inspiring Christian romance collection that will warm your heart and your soul at Christmas and all year long. You will not want to put this set down as you read beautifully written compelling novels with lots of love and kindness and engaging characters. All 12 stories are bound to delight. The stories in this set: Sara in Montana Sara is a young woman torn between love and fear, trust and doubt and a heartfelt desire for a second chance. Will she make the right choice by running into the waiting arms of Trent? California Dreams After losing her husband, Jane lets her dreams die with him. Now that she’s been given a second chance, will she realize all her dreams or play it safe?When Grace’s husband is killed in action, she gets the surprise of her life – a precious baby girl, Daniella. With her daughter’s life hanging in the balance, will she take a leap of faith to manifest her dreams or play it safe? New Beginnings Jackson and Tori meet in sunny California, but the rugged country in Montana brings them truly together. Is it too late to dream again? Or will love give them a second chance? Second Time Around Will the problems of the past keep Jessame and Bryan from finding the promise of a future? Love could be the key that unlocks their happiness. Waiting For Love’s Return A wonderful, poignant, heart breaking, heart-warming story of families and secrets, of hidden strength and unexpected friendship. Join Jeff and Maddie as they navigate the waters of their relationship and learn to love each other again. Love’s Healing Power As Derek and Alaina deal with their past, they must learn to take a chance on their future. Come along with your favorite characters and see how love and acceptance can heal even the most broken heart. Discover the healing power of love. Justin Can Jessica overcome personal obstacles in order to find her happily-ever-after with Justin? Mason Gracie’s had Mason’s heart all these years, and now he wants it back. But he wants hers as well. Kaillar Come along on a journey through love and life as Becca learns to forgive herself, and Kaillar finds what his brothers have. True love! Jenna & Trey Join Jenna and Trey as they begin their journey of having to deal with the past, as well as figure out how to proceed into the future.

    So, when her father, Bishop Langston Johnson, decides to step down after thirty years of leadership at Omega Christian Center, it seems only natural for her to take his place. But Bishop Johnson feels led by a God who has other things in mind, and to succeed him, he appoints Steven Marks-a man who is opposed to female pastors, not to mention the fact that he is Melinda's ex-fiance. Feeling defeated, Melinda nevertheless maintains her position as the church's Missions and Community Outreach Director. Frequent interaction with the new bishop incites bitter sparring-and rekindles long-suppressed attraction, which grows only stronger when Melinda develops a relationship with Steven's precious daughter, Brianna, who's still struggling with the death of her mother. Can Steven and Melinda set aside past pains, forgive each other, and learn to love again?"

    But given a second chance at love, will they risk their wounded hearts? Book 1: Brett, Her Bodyguard A brother missing, two children in jeopardy… Security specialist Brett Jarvis and nanny Ashley Lamott have nothing in common—apart from both loving his twin niece and nephew. When his brother disappears, the children and their nanny are threatened. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect them and find his brother. But forced on the run together, attraction flares. The bodyguard will keep those he loves safe, but how safe is his heart? Book 2: Colt, Her Reunion His ex-wife is back. And she’s the target of a serial killer. Physical attraction and shared love for their twins weren’t enough to keep brilliant scientist Colt Jarvis and his security specialist ex-wife together last time. But when the serial killer who almost murdered Mirabella once before threatens her life, Colt will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means falling in love with her all over again. Book 3: David, Her Cowboy A cowboy, a celebrity journalist, and a baby in danger... When rancher and disabled veteran David King finds a baby in peril, the last woman he’d expect to help is serial dater and disgraced news anchor Aster Andrades. As the danger surrounding them escalates, can David and Aster keep the baby safe - along with their hearts? Three strong men. Three determined women. Forced to work together to unmask the killers threatening them, can these unlikely couples also find love? Three full-length Christian romances with suspense, from two best-selling authors, for when you want faith-filled romance with an edge of mystery and danger! See what other readers say about these books: “Wow! I was captured from the first page!” “Fabulous, not to be missed, a beautiful, inspirational, suspenseful and VERY enjoyable romance! “An amazing story.” “This book just blew me away.” “Inspirational, uplifting and a joy to read.” “I really enjoyed this series.” Previously released as Brett: Billionaire Bodyguard, Colt: Billionaire Reunion, and David: Billionaire Cowboy.

    A decaying hacienda full of secrets. And a woman searching for the story of her life.A funeral and some family business--that's what Julia Bentley expects when she travels to the Philippines to bury her grandfather. She hopes for a brief adventure, a distraction from her most recent failed relationship and her loose-ends California life. Maybe even a chance to meet some distant relatives she's never known.Instead, she discovers a place where past and present, Spanish and Asian, primitive and civilized mingle in a melange as spicy and colorful as the paella her relatives dish up for special occasions. A place where some children hitch rides on cattle and others wield loaded guns. Where guerillas lurk in the jungle, and volcanoes and governments are threatened to blow. Where stories haunt her ancestral home--the grand but decaying Hacienda Esperanza, Plantation of Hope--and danger lurks behind every tree. Love and orchids bloom in places she never thought to look.How can a land so foreign, and so troubled, fill her with a strange peace? And would staying mean risking her life . . . or finding it at last?