Second-Chance CourtshipAbigail Black had no choice but to break Ben Hewitt's heart years ago. Her parents had picked another, wealthier groom. Now widowed and destitute, she's desperate to leave her old life behind. The wagon-train journey to Oregon is full of dangers, but she'll face anything–even Ben–for a fresh start.Ben knows better than to trust Abby again. Between her family's snobbery and his family's protectiveness, avoiding her should be easy. Yet he's still moved by Abby's sweetness and beauty…along with a sadness and strength he never noticed in her before. Forgiving past wrongs would be a struggle–but the hardest struggle would be letting Abby go once more.Journey West: Romance and adventure await three siblings on the Oregon Trail
SECOND CHANCE RANCH She was a woman in need of protection. But trust is the one thing feisty Grace “Red” Henderson is sure she’ll never give to any man again—not even the cowboy who rescued her. Still, Ward Walker longs to protect the wary beauty and her little sister—in all the ways he couldn’t safeguard his own family.Red desperately wants to put her tarnished past behind her. Little by little, Ward is persuading her to take a chance on Eden Valley, and on him. Yet turning his practical proposal into a real marriage means a leap of faith for both…toward a future filled with the promise of love.
Lesson One: Listen To Your Heart With the mortgage due and funds scarce, Madge Morgan can’t afford distractions. Especially not from Judd Kirk, her sister Louisa’s meek tutor and—according to their mother’s plans—suitor. Madge’s focus is on her housekeeping job… little knowing Judd’s connection to her employer, or his real reason for coming to Golden Prairie.At last, Judd has found the man who swindled his mother. Yet if he seeks revenge, he risks losing the one thing he wants even more: a woman with faith enough to rekindle his own. A woman with strong values and a gentle heart. A woman like Madge.
Love Is Always a Reason to Be ThankfulSeason of Bounty by Linda FordAt first glance, privileged Kathleen Sanderson and cowboy Buck Donahue couldn’t be more different. Yet the bond between Buck and his adopted son awakens a wish in Kathleen for a family of her own—and a future they can build together.Home for Thanksgiving by Winnie Griggs All that stands between Ruby Anne Tuggle and a fresh start is an escort to Tyler, Texas. Rancher Griff Lassiter is too kind to refuse, but too wary of being hurt again to offer anything but friendship. Then a fever forces an unexpected detour and a chance to find the place they both belong. …
With Alberta in the grip of the Depression, Louisa Morgan is desperate to bolster her family's finances.But how can she tutor bedridden Ellie Hamilton? The little tomboy is more interested in making mischief than studying sums. And the girl's bond with her handsome papa is another reminder to Louisa of the children she'll never have. For Emmet Hamilton, strength means shouldering burdens alone.He never thought he'd let himself share his child, or his heart, ever again. But before long, Louisa's kindness and optimism start to change the cowboy's mind. Maybe he can gain the courage to trust again—in Louisa, in God's grace, and in this new family….
A NEW LIFE…IN A NEW WORLDTraveling to Canada’s Northwest Territories is a thrilling opportunity for Linette Edwards—and her chance to escape a dreaded marriage in England. She’s more than eager to accept Eddie Gardiner’s written invitation. How could she know that Eddie thinks he’s marrying not Linette, but her friend, Margaret?Eddie planned for a well-bred bride who’d help prove his worth to his father. Instead he’s saddled with a ragamuffin stranger and the little boy in her care. He’ll shelter them until springtime and no longer. But before the snow clears, his heart is thawing too…and hoping this makeshift family can find a permanent home together.Cowboys of Eden Valley: Forging a future in Canada’s west country
Her dream—on her termsWith her own business, Cassie Godfrey is finally self-sufficient. But her plans are interrupted by four young orphans—and one persistent cowboy. If she’ll care for the children until their uncle claims them, Roper Jones will build Cassie’s house. To her business mind, the proposal makes sense.To her independent spirit, it’s a reminder of the commitments she’s promised to avoid. Roper can’t help admiring Cassie’s pluck, even if he’s exasperated by her stubbornness. All he can offer Cassie is the love and acceptance she claims not to need. But dreams, like hearts, can change and grow…especially in a land made for brave new beginnings.Cowboys of Eden Valley: Forging a future in Canada’s west country
A BUNDLE OF COMPLICATIONS Groomed for high society, Rebecca Sterling now has a new mission—to help the orphans coming to Evans Grove. Yet, just before she’s due to return to New York, she faces two unexpected challenges. There’s the tiny infant abandoned on her orphanage steps…and the big, gruff cowboy who found him.Colton Hayes knows nothing about babies and even less about pampered socialites. But as he and Rebecca work together to watch over little Gabriel, he comes to care deeply for them both. What can a rough-and-ready cowboy offer a woman made for city living?Except, perhaps, the dream dearest to both their hearts—a family built on faith and love. Orphan Train: Heading west to new families and forever love
Their Marriage BargainCarly Morrison’s father issues an ultimatum: get married or lose her ranch. But while she can rope and ride as well as any man, leading one to the altar is another matter—until newcomer Sawyer Gallagher suggests a marriage of convenience. Their arrangement might be a sensible solution to her predicament but Carly’s growing feelings are a genuine complication.Desperate to provide a home for his orphaned sister, Sawyer takes a chance on lassoing himself to headstrong cowgirl Carly. He’s convinced he’s too hardened by life to love anyone…until their union is threatened. Is it too late to turn this practical partnership into a real Big Sky family?
Falling For Her ProtectorAfter a stagecoach robbery nearly kills her and the small boy she's travelling with, Emily Smith can’t remember who she is or where she’s going. Lost and with only wisps of her memory, she must rely on the handsome, dark-eyed sheriff who saved her.Jesse Hill protects his heart as fiercely as he protects the small Montana town of Bella Creek. How did Emily's kindness and beauty get past his armor? But Jesse knows well his own tainted past—one that means he could never marry a woman like Emily… even if her love could prove his redemption.Big Sky Country: Love takes root in Montana's wide-open spaces.
Wanted: Convenient WifeWhen Preacher Hugh Arness advertises for a marriage of convenience, the single father’s not expecting Annie Marshall to apply. She’s too vivacious—and far too pretty. Yet Annie connects with his withdrawn young son Evan, and he agrees to a trial period—which her grandfather will chaperone—until Christmas. By then he’ll have found a candidate who doesn’t make him long for more than he feels worthy of…Security and her own home…Annie wants both, without the heartache love brings. Soon she’s earning little Evan’s trust, eager to show his papa that their partnership can work. She knows that Hugh needs tenderness too. And maybe, this Christmas could mark the end of their practical arrangement…and the start of a true union and real family.Big Sky Country: Love takes root in Montana’s wide-open spaces
Falling for the enermyNewly returned Duke Caldwell is the son of her family's enemy–and everyone knows a Caldwell can't be trusted. Yet when Duke is thrown from his horse, Rose Bell puts her misgivings aside to help care for the handsome rancher. And soon there's no denying that her childhood nemesis isn't the scoundrel she thinks he is.Duke keeps telling himself that his reasons for wanting to spend time with feisty Rose have to do only with ending their families' feud–and not with how captivating he finds her. But though Rose might be willing to mend fences with the enemy, could she ever believe Duke worthy of her love?Montana Marriages: Three sisters discover a legacy of love beneath the Western sky
Dr. Jacob Calloway was the answer to her prayers–whether he liked it or not.Teena Crow is desperate to learn his scientific healing methods to help her people. But Jacob is too suspicious of Teena's native remedies to allow her near Treasure Creek's clinic. So she decides to earn his respect–and teach the good doctor to see beyond surface differences to their common goal.But it's not just Teena's medicines that render Jacob uncomfortable. Her warm gaze and determination dare him to open his heart. But can their fledgling love weather a town's disapproval, or the secrets they both hide?
For His Son's SakeCaleb Craig will do anything for his son, even ask his boss's enemy for help. Not only does Lilly Bell tend to his son's injured puppy, but she offers to rehabilitate little Teddy's leg. Caleb knows that getting Teddy to walk again is all that really matters, yet he wonders if maybe Lilly can heal his brooding heart, as well.Precocious little Teddy–and his devoted father–steal Lilly's heart and make her long for a child and husband of her own. But Lilly learned long ago that trusting a man means risking heartbreak. Happiness lies within reach–if she seizes the chance of love and motherhood she never expected…Montana Marraiges: Three sisters discover a legacy of love beneath the Western sky
A COWBOY WITHOUT A NAMEThe only thing Brand Duggan’s outlaw kin ever gave him was an undeserved reputation. Once he’s through breaking horses, he’ll leave Eden Valley. Staying means risk—and heartache. And he has no business falling for a refined English miss like Sybil Bannerman.The rugged cowboy who rescues her from a stampede is just the kind of man Sybil Bannerman’s editor wants her to write about. Yet she has no idea how big a secret Brand Duggan carries, until her life is threatened. Despite the evidence against him, Sybil can’t walk away—for the man who lassoed her heart is the one she’ll love forever…Cowboys of Eden Valley: Forging a future in Canada’s west country
Fast Fiction Historical – short romantic stories to take you back in timeCowboy Josh Baxter hadn't bargained for a feisty widow and her newborn baby when he came home to take over his family ranch. After all, he hadn't even known his brother had married. Bound by duty to care for mother and child, Josh has only one solution—marriage.Emily will do anything to hold on to her share of the ranch she loves—except agree to a proposal of convenience. But she can't deny the tender feelings that overcome her when she sees Josh holding her tiny daughter. And she isn't sure she can hold out against the handsome cowboy for long!
HOLIDAY HEARTSMerry Christmas, Cowboy by Linda FordA wild snowstorm strands Colt Johnson in Eden Valley, where the storekeeper’s daughter exudes welcome warmth. She’s even offered to give the two orphans in his charge a Christmas to remember. An outcast, Colt doesn’t dare hope for more—even though Becca’s love would be a Christmas wish come true. Smoky Mountain Christmas by Karen KirstCole Prescott’s Gatlinburg visit will be just long enough to free his wife from their mistake of a marriage. Then he meets the daughter he never knew he had. Little Abby needs a father, especially at Christmastime. And all Cole wants is a chance to make a life with Rachel and Abby at last….
A HAVEN OUT WESTAfter witnessing her fiancé’s murder, Jayne Gardiner won’t let herself be caught on the wrong side of a gun again. But a disastrous first lesson in self-defense has left her with a wounded cowboy. She insists on nursing the handsome stranger back to health—whether he wants it or not!Getting waylaid by a wild shot has definitely put a hitch in Seth Collins’s step—and plans. Duty may call him home, but Seth can’t resist lingering on Eden Valley Ranch to teach the English beauty to shoot. And when a shadowy figure from Jayne’s past resurfaces, Seth’s sudden urge to protect her has nothing to do with duty.Cowboys of Eden Valley: Forging a future in Canada’s west country
The Daddy DilemmaWidower Abel Borgard has his hands full raising twins and establishing a homestead. Mercy Newell's offer to care for his son and daughter seems like the perfect solution. And though it takes no time for Mercy to steal his children's hearts, Abel's is another story, because he's a single father set on stability and she's a wild-at-heart beauty searching for adventure.Joining a Wild West show as a trick rider is Mercy's dream. She never foresaw the joy she'd find caring for Abel's children. The rugged widower hardly trusts her yet. But by the first snowfall, there could be a new family–and new love–in Eden Valley….Cowboys of Eden Valley: Forging a future in Canada's West country
NEXT DOOR TO LOVE Security and a home of her own—that’s Sally Morgan’s dream. And a new job could offer both. Her employer will marry her if she proves her worth as housekeeper. A sensible—if unromantic—plan. Until a lean, laid-back cowboy moves in next door…and “sensible” moves right out! Linc McCoy and his family left town years ago under a cloud of suspicion.A cowboy with a tarnished name has nothing to offer a woman like Sally. Except for a spark of kinship neither can deny. And the growing hope that two guarded hearts might learn to trust in a power greater than them both. Three Brides for Three Cowboys: Three sisters find love on the prairie.
The Cowboy ArrangementSusanne Collins has her hands full raising her four orphaned nieces and nephews and managing the family farm. So when her cowboy neighbor proposes he plant her crops in exchange for keeping his wild horses in her corrals, Susanne hesitantly takes the deal. Soon her reluctance to accept help ebbs, and she wonders if Tanner Harding will he prove to be the strong, solid man she’s been hoping for…Half-Native American Tanner has always been adrift in a white man’s world. Yet the beautiful stand-in mother and her ready-made family give him a sense of belonging for the very first time. But can he convince Susanne to take a chance and welcome him not just into her home but also into her heart?
An Honorable CowboyDetermined single mother Willow Reames has one goal—to reunite with her sisters and begin a new life with them and her infant son. But when she’s unexpectedly stranded in the Montana wilderness—with her siblings nowhere in sight—she needs to rely on the kindness of Johnny Harding.It’s more than honor that compels the half-Native American cowboy to help the beautiful widow and her adorable baby. The little family evokes his masculine instincts to protect them. Soon woman-wary Johnny is cradling baby Adam in his arms and offering to assist Willow in finding her missing sisters. As their hearts slowly thaw, can Johnny convince Willow to trust him with the secret she’s keeping, so, just maybe, they can have a future together?Montana Cowboys: These brothers live and love by the code of the West
Bride on the RanchBeatrice Doyle came to Montana to escape her father’s marriage plans for her—not to lasso herself a cowboy. Yet she can’t ignore the sparks that fly between her and Levi Harding while she’s at his family’s ranch, caring for his injured stepmother.But opening her heart would mean sacrificing her quest for independence…After being rejected by the girl he hoped to marry, Levi vows never to love again. Nevertheless, he’s drawn to big city girl Beatrice. In her, the half-Native American rancher sees himself: someone a little bruised, a lot lonely. And when the two join forces to care for an orphaned girl, he yearns to heal their fractured hearts—and form the family they all long for.Montana Cowboys: These brothers live and love by the code of the West
Three Little MatchmakersRancher Bo Stillwater has no plans of becoming a husband or a father…but he can’t turn away from the three babies he finds at the county fair. After leaving the abandoned triplets in the care of the doctor’s daughter, Louisa Clark, his duty should be done. So why can’t he seem to stay away from the babies and their pretty caregiver?Watching the town’s most eligible bachelor with the little trio reawakens Louisa’s unmet dreams. She’s found satisfaction in spinsterhood and caring for others, convinced that motherhood passed her by. Do she and Bo only work so well together for the children’s sakes…or could they both find courage to make this sweet temporary arrangement something truly lasting?