Denise Hunter – författare

Cozy up by the fireplace for three heartwarming stories of love and weddings in the wintertime.The honor of your presence is requested at three winter weddings . . .A December Bride by Denise HunterWhen Layla O'Reilly and Seth Murphy make their engagement public, she knows it's only to convince a major client that she's high-society enough to work for his agency. Seth has secretly loved Layla for years, but she’s never given him the time of day. For Layla, this engagement of convenience is the chance to save her career. And for Seth, it's the chance to finally win her heart.A January Bride by Deborah RaneyNovelist Madeleine Houser arranges a temporary office in a local bed and breakfast to escape the distracting renovations on her own house. Although she's never laid eyes on the inn's owner, an unlikely friendship blossoms between them as they leave daily notes for each other, and before long, Maddie finds herself falling for her mysterious host—a man likely many years her senior—and a man she's never even met.A February Bride by Betsy St. AmantHistory repeats itself when Allie Andrews escapes the church on her wedding day—wearing the same wedding dress passed down for generations of women in her family, all women with histories of failed marriages. Allie loves Marcus but fears she's destined to repeat her family's mistakes. When thrown unexpectedly together for a wedding months later, Allie and Marcus discover their own story might be far from over.

For centuries we have known that fruit is important for health, but we are only just beginning to fully understand why.  Bioactives in Fruit: Health Benefits and Functional Foods aims to summarise some of our current knowledge on the bioactive compounds that are associated with the health benefits of specific fruits with a strong emphasis on the validation of health benefits by human intervention trials. Reflecting the current interest in food and health, the book includes strategies to retain and enhance the bioactives in fruit through breeding, growing conditions, fruit storage, processing into ingredients and production of functional foods. To accomplish this task authors with expertise in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, food science, nutrition, medicine, and horticulture have contributed. They come from universities, government and industry funded research institutes and biotechnology and food companies in Europe, the United States, Asia and New Zealand to give the book a broad perspective.This book, describing fruit bioactives, their health benefits when consumed as a food and related topics regarding their development into fresh or processed functional foods, will be of use to postgraduatestudents, researchers, functional food product developers, food regulators and anyone who has curiosity about why fruit is good for you.  The information contained within will provide plant breeders with new targets for the development of value-added horticultural products, and will also provide nutritionists and dieticians with a useful resource for developing strategies to assist in preventing or slowing disease onset or severity. Bioactives in Fruit: Health Benefits and Functional Foods is a major resource which will be required reading for anyone working in the fields of health and functional foods.

Eden will do anything to protect her son, even flee to a small-town Christmas tree farm in Maine. Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep Eden safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again? Perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and Debbie Macomber.Speeding north through rural Maine, Eden Martelli wonders how her life came to this--on the run with her mute five-year-old son dozing fitfully in the passenger seat. When a breakdown leaves them stranded in Summer Harbor, Eden has no choice but to stay put through Christmas . . . even though they have no place to lay their heads.Beau Callahan is a habitual problem solver--for other people anyway. He left the sheriff's department to take over his family's Christmas tree farm, but he's still haunted by the loss of his parents and struggling to handle his first Christmas alone.When Eden shows up looking for work just as Beau's feisty aunt gets out of the hospital, Beau thinks he's finally caught a break. Eden is competent and dedicated--if a little guarded--and a knockout to boot. But, as he soon finds out, she also comes with a boatload of secrets.Eden has been through too much to trust her heart to another man, but Beau is impossible to resist, and the feeling seems to be mutual. As Christmas Eve approaches, Eden's past catches up to her.Beau will go to the ends of the earth to keep her safe. But who's going to protect his heart from a woman who can't seem to trust again?If you long for a love that conquers all fear, for a heroine who never gives up on hope even when the night is darkest, Falling Like Snowflakes is the story that will warm your heart this holiday season. Start the Summer Harbor series with Eden and Beau, and let their journey of secrets, trust, and second chances remind you that home and love may be found in the most unexpected snowfall.

Zac knows that if he follows his heart he’ll win back the love of his life—but if Lucy’s memory returns, his would-be bride might say goodbye forever. Now a Hallmark Original movie!She only remembers loving him. But he can’t forget the way she left.Lucy Lovett can’t remember the last seven months of her life. She doesn’t remember leaving her fiancé Zac Callahan weeks before their wedding or moving to Portland, Maine. And she sure doesn’t remember getting engaged to another man. All she remembers is loving Zac more than life itself.Zac was just beginning to get his life back on track after Lucy left him with no explanation. And now she’s back—vulnerable, homeless, and still in love with him. Has he been given a second chance with the only woman who stirs his passion and haunts his dreams?Lucy knows she must unlock those missing months and discover why she threw everything away.“I’ve been a longtime fan of Denise Hunter’s, and The Goodbye Bride has everything I’ve come to love about her romances: a plucky heroine with lots of backstory, a yummy hero, and a terrific setting. Highly recommended!” —Colleen Coble USA TODAY bestselling author of the Lavender Tides and Hope Beach series“Can romance be any more complicated than a bride who doesn’t remember running away from her groom? Denise Hunter’s take on a woman’s attempt to find her way back to happily ever after again is sweetly endearing. Readers will keep turning pages, wanting to know how true love ever went so wrong . . . and if The Goodbye Bride gets her chance to say “I do.” —Beth K. Vogt, 2015 RITA® Finalist and author of Crazy Little Thing Called Love“Denise Hunter has done it once again, placing herself solidly on my must-read list! The Goodbye Bride is a tender, thoughtful look at the role memories play in a romance. The clever plot kept me up way past my bedtime—and happy to be so!” —Deborah Raney, award-winning author of the Chicory Inn Novels series“The Goodbye Bride highlights the abandonment that so many have experienced. More importantly, within the context of a wonderful Summer Harbor romance, the author deftly illustrates that there is One who will never abandon us, and when we trust Him, we can in turn trust the people He places in our lives. All this packaged inside one heart-stopping, page-turning romance that will leave the pickiest romance reader delighted and asking for just a few more pages.” —Cara C. Putman, award-winning author of Where Treetops Glisten and Shadowed by GraceFull-length Contemporary RomanceIncludes Discussion Questions for Book ClubsNow a Hallmark Original movie: An Unforgettable ChristmasPart of the Summer Harbor seriesBook One: Falling Like SnowflakesBook Two: The Goodbye BrideBook Three: Just a Kiss

Riley Callahan has plans to finally reveal his secret feelings for his best friend (who just happens to be his brother’s ex). But tragedy strikes and derails his plans. Watching the love of his life fall for his brother was enough to send Riley straight to boot camp. But over a year later, he’s officially a marine, and Beau and Paige are no longer an item. When Riley’s tour in Afghanistan is up, he intends to confess his feelings to Paige and win his best friend’s heart once and for all.But all that changes when an IED takes the life of a comrade and leaves Riley an amputee. Now he’s heading home, injured and troubled. His plans to win Paige are a distant dream. She deserves so much more than the man that’s left. All he can do now is put some healthy distance between them. But upon his return he discovers his family has arranged for him to stay with Paige.Paige is a nurturer at heart and happy to take care of her best buddy. By all appearances Riley is adjusting miraculously well to his disability. But as the days pass, Paige begins to see that the smiles and laughter are just a mask for the pain he’s hiding. To make matters worse, her job is in serious jeopardy. The animal shelter that she’s poured her heart into has lost its funding, and she has three months to come up with the money needed to save it.As the weeks wear on, Paige’s feelings for Riley begin to shift into uncharted territory. Why is she suddenly noticing his arm muscles and the way his lips curl at the corners? Will she be able to deny her feelings for another Callahan brother? And will Riley let his heart heal so he can let Paige in?Full-length Contemporary RomanceIncludes Discussion Questions for Book ClubsPart of the Summer Harbor seriesBook One: Falling Like SnowflakesBook Two: The Goodbye BrideBook Three: Just a Kiss

They thought their love story was over. They thought their divorce was final. They were wrong. Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job and settled at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and A December Bride (now beloved Hallmark Original movies) comes this charming romance full of second chances and rekindled love.“Sweetbriar Cottage is a wonderful story, full of emotional tension and evocative prose.” —Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love“Sweetbriar Cottage is a story to fall in love with. True-to-life characters, high stakes, and powerful chemistry blend to tell an emotional story of reconciliation.” —Brenda Novak, New York Times bestselling authorSweet and thoughtful contemporary romanceStand-alone novelBook length: 86,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she'd never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when she inherits a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.When Zoe returns home with her young daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she's the only person in town who doesn't expect her to give up the life she's established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their "break," not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe's head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn't sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.Sweet contemporary romancePart of the Blue Ridge Romance series, but can be read in any orderBook 1: Blue Ridge SunriseBook 2: Honeysuckle DreamsBook 3: On Magnolia LaneIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Brady Collins is juggling full-time fatherhood with the booming auto repair business he runs out of his barn. His ex-wife's sudden death has shaken him, but the devastating news that follows leaves him reeling: Sam is not his biological son.When Sam's wealthy maternal grandparents decide they want custody of the child, Brady knows he's in for the fight of his life. Brady's attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: the stability of an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiancée.Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and she's finally been offered her dream job—in Atlanta. Unfortunately, her arrangement with Brady requires her presence in Copper Creek, and she is faced with missing the chance of a lifetime or standing in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.Both Hope and Brady would give their lives for beautiful Sam. But can they give their trust to one another? With this new novel in the Blue Ridge Romance series, Honeysuckle Dreams shines light on the complicated and beautiful angles of love.

Falling in love with Daisy was easy for Jack. But finding the courage to tell her becomes problematic when his secret feelings lead to even bigger complications. From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and A December Bride (now beloved Hallmark Original movies) comes the final book in the Blue Ridge Romance series. After two years of counseling sessions with Daisy Pendleton, Pastor Jack McReady has earned a permanent spot in her life as a spiritual leader—and nothing more. Jack would never risk losing her trust by exposing the depths of his heart, but he’s hopelessly in love with her.Daisy loves her southern small-town life and her job at her family-run flower shop, but she doesn’t have the thing she longs for most: someone to share it with. Her recent foray into online dating has been a disaster—until she meets TJ.Jack could kill his friend Noah for using his initials and some indistinct photos to set up a profile on the dating app Daisy is using. But when he’s finally afforded the opportunity to show her a different side of himself, he’s sucked into the plan before he has time for second thoughts.Online, Daisy shares some of her greatest fears with TJ, but in person, Jack and Daisy are spending more time together. When a devastating family secret surfaces, Daisy knows that only her trusted friend and counselor can bring her comfort. Jack wants nothing more than to be both men for Daisy, but revealing his secret will prove to be the ultimate test of Daisy’s grace. “I have never read a romance by Denise Hunter that didn’t sweep me away into a happily ever after. Treat yourself!” —Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Who I Am with You “Move over You’ve Got Mail because in Denise Hunter’s On Magnolia Lane you’ve got an e-romance with enough RAM (romance and magic) not only to sputter your software, but to tug at your heart while touching your soul. Easily one of the top romance writers in the CBA, Hunter is a master at inspirational love stories that linger in one’s memory—and hard drive—long after the last page.” —Julie Lessman, award-winning author

"A story filled with romantic tension . . . Hunter's well-developed characters and plot twists make for a delightful and inspirational journey." --Publishers WeeklyThe final book in Denise Hunter's Big Sky Romance series, where a playboy hero meets his match in a heroine uninterested in love! Only one pair of boots--and the cowboy wearing them--can get Annie out of the mess she's in.Annie Wilkerson is Moose Creek's premiere horse trainer and equine columnist for Montana Living. Money is tight as she tries to put her kid-sister through college and provide for her young nephew. When Annie's column is cancelled, she's given first shot at a new lovelorn column--and she can't afford to turn it down. Only problem is . . . Annie's never been in love.Always resourceful, she reluctantly strikes a deal with the town's smooth-talking ladies' man Dylan Taylor: She'll work with his ailing horse, Braveheart, if he'll help her answer the reader letters.Working closely with Dylan is harder than Annie imagined, and she quickly realizes she may have misjudged him. But her unwavering conviction that cowboys are nothing but trouble has kept her heart safe for years. And she can't risk getting hurt now.The more Annie tries to control things, the more they fall apart. Her feelings are spinning out of control, and her sister's antics are making life increasingly more difficult. Annie knows she needs to let go, but surrender has never come easily.When Dylan reveals his feelings for her, Annie doesn't know what to trust--her head or her heart. The trouble with this cowboy is that he might just be exactly what she needs.The Big Sky Romance series is a collection of standalone, sweet and clean romances set against the stunning backdrop of Montana. Each book in the series offers a unique love story, featuring rugged cowboy heroes and strong, independent women, all bound by faith, love, and the enchanting Montana countryside. Discover the beauty of love in the heartland with the Big Sky Romance series with A Cowboy's Touch, The Accidental Bride, and The Trouble with Cowboys.

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a heartfelt story of family secrets, forgiveness, and unexpected romance. A summer of low tides could expose years of family secrets. . . One of Southern Living's “25 Beach Reads Perfect for Summer” and Woman's World's “Best New Books”When her grandmother goes missing from the family beach house, Maddy and her estranged sisters converge in Sea Haven, North Carolina. Being with uptight Nora and free-spirited Emma in the home where their family broke apart is a struggle Maddy is not in the mood to face, especially since she's recovering from her ex-boyfriend's recent betrayal.As the sisters wait for word of their grandmother, they begin to pack up the family belongings--and unpack memories of the idyllic summers of their childhood. But with those memories come long-buried secrets, and Maddy discovers that all was not as it appeared that last summer in Sea Haven. Meanwhile, Gram's neighbor, Connor Sullivan, seems overly interested in Gram's whereabouts. Maddy is drawn in by his quick smile and steady gaze in spite of herself.Undercurrents of jealousy and resentment threaten to pull the family under again, maybe for good this time. As tensions rise, the sisters must find a way to accept each other for the women they've become—and Maddy must decide if falling in love again is worth the potential heartbreak.Stand-alone novel by a bestselling authorEngaging mix of mystery, drama, and romanceGo-to beach or pool read for summer vacationPraise for Summer by the Tides: "Denise Hunter once again proves she's the queen of romantic drama. Summer by the Tides is both a perfect beach romance and a dramatic story of second chances as sisters unravel secrets that have torn them apart for years. This novel is Hunter at the top of her game. If you like Robyn Carr, you'll love Denise Hunter.  I couldn't put it down!"—Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of the Lavender Tides series"I have never read a romance by Denise Hunter that didn't sweep me away into a happily ever after. Treat yourself!"—Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of Who I Am With You

Bestselling author Denise Hunter delivers a heartfelt small-town romance filled with hidden identities, long-buried love stories, and the charm of lakeside life in Lake Season, the first novel in the Bluebell Inn Romance series. Perfect for readers who love cozy settings, slow-burn romance, and stories where past and present intertwine."Nobody does summer romance better than Denise Hunter." --Julie Lessman, award-winning authorA young innkeeper falls in love with a reclusive novelist in a small North Carolina lake town. Past and present collide and old secrets beckon in this first installment of the Bluebell Inn Romance series.When her parents die in a tragic accident, Molly Bennett and her siblings pull together to fulfill their parents' dream of turning their historic Bluebell, North Carolina, home back into an inn. Staying in town would be temporary--three years at most--then they plan to sell the inn, and Molly can get back to chasing her own dreams.Adam Bradford (aka bestselling author Nathaniel Quinn) is a reclusive novelist with a bad case of writer's block. Desperate for inspiration as his deadline approaches, he travels to the setting of his next book, a North Carolina lake town. There, he meets his muse, a young innkeeper who fancies herself in love with his alter ego.Molly and Adam strike up an instant friendship. When Molly finds a long-lost letter in the walls of her inn, she and Adam embark on a mission to find the star-crossed lovers and bring them the closure they deserve. But Adam has secrets he isn't ready to share. Past and present collide as truths surface, and Molly and Adam will have to decide if love is worth trusting.Full of warmth, intrigue, and emotional depth, Lake Season begins the Bluebell Inn Romance series. Continue the journey with Carolina Breeze and Autumn Skies and discover why readers say nobody writes summer romance quite like Denise Hunter.

A jilted bride falls in love with a struggling innkeeper during a romantic mountain getaway in this heartwarming second installment of the Bluebell Inn Romance series. With its cozy, small-town mountain setting, Carolina Breeze is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Hallmark movies.Rising Hollywood star Mia Emerson is looking for a safe place to land in the wake of a public breakup and celebrity scandal, and she finds it in the lake town of Bluebell, North Carolina--the location of her canceled honeymoon. She wants nothing more than to hide and wait for the tabloids to die down.Soon after her arrival at the Bluebell Inn, Mia meets Levi Bennett, who runs the inn along with his two younger sisters. Drawn to one another from the start, Mia trusts Levi to keep her location from the press, and Levi confides in Mia about the precarious financial state of the inn--a secret he's been keeping from his sisters.When Mia and Levi discover an old journal that hints at a rare diamond necklace hidden in the inn, they set off on a treasure hunt to find the long-lost heirloom. What they don't expect to surface are feelings they thought were safely locked away. Mia and Levi must decide if falling in love again is too big a risk--or if it will uncover a treasure of its own instead.Escape to the Bluebell Inn, walk the mountain trails with Levi and Mia, and discover that sometimes the greatest treasure is love itself.

From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom and A December Bride (now beloved Hallmark Original movies) comes the third and final novel in the Bluebell Inn series! Perfect anyone who loves small-town romance and protective heroes, Autumn Skies will delight fans of Gilmore Girls and Sweet Magnolias.When a mysterious man turns up at Grace's family-run inn, there's instant attraction. But she's already got a lot on her plate: running the Bluebell Inn by herself now that her siblings and co-owners have moved on, getting her new store Blue Ridge Outfitters off the ground, and coping with a childhood event she'd thought was long past.A gunshot wound has resurrected the past for secret service agent Wyatt Jennings, and a mandatory leave of absence lands him in Bluebell, North Carolina. There he must try and come to grips with the crisis that altered his life forever.Grace needs experience for her new outfitters business, so when Wyatt needs a mountain guide, she's more than happy to help. As their journey progresses, Wyatt begins opening up to Grace, and he finds himself drawn to her fresh outlook and sense of humor.There's no doubt the two have formed a special bond, but will Wyatt's secrets bring Grace's world crashing down? Or will those secrets end up healing them both?Escape to the picturesque Bluebell Inn, where falling leaves and crisp mountain air set the stage for a romance you'll never forget. With hearts on the line, Autumn Skies blends small-town charm, heartfelt family ties, and a slow-burn love story. If you crave romance laced with warmth, a hint of suspense, and autumn vibes, this is your perfect next read.

Brady Collins is juggling full-time fatherhood with the booming auto repair business he runs out of his barn. His ex-wife's sudden death has shaken him, but the devastating news that follows leaves him reeling: Sam is not his biological son.When Sam's wealthy maternal grandparents decide they want custody of the child, Brady knows he's in for the fight of his life. Brady's attorney tips him off that one major life change would virtually assure him of winning guardianship of baby Sam at the final hearing: the stability of an impending marriage. And his friend Hope is willing to step in as the loving and devoted fiancée.Local radio celebrity Hope Daniels has been driven by a solitary goal her entire life, and she's finally been offered her dream job—in Atlanta. Unfortunately, her arrangement with Brady requires her presence in Copper Creek, and she is faced with missing the chance of a lifetime or standing in the way of a dear friend’s dreams.Both Hope and Brady would give their lives for beautiful Sam. But can they give their trust to one another? With this novel in the Blue Ridge Romance series, Honeysuckle Dreams shines light on the complicated and beautiful angles of love.

Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister's wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again. "Denise nails second-chance romance in Bookshop by the Sea." (USA TODAY bestselling author, Jenny Hale). Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber.After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper's Cove--the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.Now it's finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper's Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.When an advancing hurricane strands Aiden in Piper's Cove after the wedding, he finds the hotels booked to capacity and has to ask Sophie to put him up until the storm passes. As the two ride out the weather, old feelings rise to the surface. The delay also leaves Sophie with mere days to get her bookshop up and running. Can she trust Aiden to stick around? And will he find the courage to risk his heart?Perfect for fans of clean, heartfelt romance, this tender second-chance love story brings together faith, forgiveness, and the slow rebuilding of trust. With a heroine you'll root for and a seaside setting you'll want to move to, Denise Hunter's beloved storytelling reminds us that sometimes the best chapters come after the storm. Bookshop by the Sea is the kind of cozy and swoony romance you'll want to savor to the last page."Denise Hunter has never failed to pen a novel that whispers messages of hope and brings a smile to my face. Bookshop by the Sea is no different! With a warmhearted community, a small beachside town, a second-chance romance worth rooting for, and cozy bookshop vibes, this is a story you'll want to snuggle into like a warm blanket." --Melissa Ferguson, author of The Dating Charade

When off-duty deputy Cooper Robinson happens upon a car balanced on the edge of a cliff, he does everything he can think of to distract the distraught driver from her perilous situation--and the attraction is instantaneous. The problem? She's his brother's new girlfriend. With its small-town charm, Riverbend Gap is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Hallmark movies.When Katelyn Loveland's car veered off a winding Appalachian Mountain road, she thought she was done for. That is until Cooper Robinson, local sheriff's deputy, came to her rescue. And though Katie narrowly escaped her brush with death, she still fell. Hard.She wasn't the only one. But soon Cooper learns that the woman he's more attracted to than any he's ever met is his brother's new girlfriend--and therefore unquestionably off limits. Yet, despite their best efforts, Cooper and Katie can't seem to avoid running into each other. Or ignore the undeniable chemistry between them.As they grow closer, Katie shares secrets from her past and the real reason she moved to their small North Carolina town. She also wins over Cooper's welcoming and bighearted family. But they don't know that her feelings for Cooper keep growing--all while she's dating his brother. Soon the stakes of their emotional connection become higher than either could have imagined.Katie stands to lose the first family she's ever had, and a scandal could doom Cooper's campaign for sheriff. Suddenly they find themselves on the edge of another precipice--and they're forced to make a decision that could change their lives forever.If your heart is ready for a story about how life can be beautiful in its broken places, let Riverbend Gap carry you into first-love sparks, family ties, and the possibility that home may be found where you least expect it. Wander into the mountains with Cooper and Katelyn, and discover that sometimes the greatest leaps of faith bring you exactly where you're meant to be.

When a handsome handyman faces a medical emergency on the Appalachian trail, his sudden appearance in town challenges an ambitious doctor’s plan to remain single for life.Avery Robinson decided to be a physician after helplessly watching her mother lose a battle with a terrible disease. Now at risk of developing the same illness, Avery guards her heart from love. She’s driven to protect her loved ones as a workaholic doctor in the tiny mountain town of Riverbend Gap, North Carolina.Contractor Wes Garrett is hiking the Appalachian trail, in memory of the man who died saving his life, when an illness racks his body. After an agonizing fifteen-mile hike to Avery’s clinic, he collapses on her doorstep. He recovers to find himself in debt again—but this time to a beautiful doctor.When he decides to help her renovate a rundown carriage house, the obstacles to their attraction sprout like weeds—starting with the woman waiting for Wes at the end of the trail. Will he be able to relinquish the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk everything for love?This second book in Denise Hunter’s popular Riverbend Romance series explores what it might be like to live fearlessly and free.Slow-burn contemporary romancePart of the Riverbend Romance SeriesBook 1: Riverbend GapBook 2: Mulberry HollowBook 3: Harvest MoonBook length: 86,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

She thought he was arrogant. He thought her walls would never come down. Then they fell in love.Forever walking the line between passion and conflict, Laurel and Gavin’s relationship ended in divorce after years of miscommunication and unmet expectations. Now pursuing their own separate lives and careers, the two are content . . . though not completely happy.When their best friends, Mike and Mallory, are killed in a plane crash, Laurel and Gavin are stunned to learn they’ve been named guardians of their friends’ young daughter, Emma. Putting their differences aside, the estranged couple search for a suitable guardian as they care for Emma and manage Mike and Mallory’s apple orchard.Soon tempers flare—as does the passion they both remember so well. And Laurel and Gavin find themselves working through their past—their mistakes, their miscommunications, and ultimately the tragedy that ended their marriage.Will the seeds of love, still growing inside them, thrive and flourish? Or will grief and regret strangle the feelings before they can fully blossom?“A beautiful tale of second chances, self-sacrifice, and renewed romance.” —Pepper Basham, author of The Heart of the Mountains and Authentically, IzzySweet and thoughtful contemporary readBook 1: Riverbend Gap; Book 2: Mulberry Hollow; Book 3: Harvest MoonBook length: approximately 80,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

From USA TODAY bestselling authors Denise Hunter, Melissa Ferguson, and Kathleen Fuller comes a sparkling collection of light and sweet romance stories will sweep you off your feet.In A Summer Detour by Denise Hunter (author of more than forty romance novels, including Bookshop by the Sea), you'll meet free-spirited Allie Adams, who undertakes a road trip to deliver her grandparents' newly restored '57 Chevy in time for their fiftieth anniversary party . . . along with Luke Fletcher, the former boy-next-door who callously crushed her heart.Pining for You by Melissa Ferguson (award-winning author of fan-favorites like Meet Me in the Margins and How to Plot a Payback) invites you to a cozy Virginia mountain town where Christmas tree farm owner Theo Watkins III has the opportunity to drop everything for one weekend to play farmer and potentially win back the heart of his childhood best friend, Skye Fuller. Only problem? He's the kind of man who drives a Tesla, not a tractor.Last but not least, He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not by Kathleen Fuller (bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas) will transport you to a small town in Arkansas where thirty-five-year-old Sophie Morgan has spent years making her flower shop a success. But when this workaholic decides she's ready to make time for dating again, she finds herself with two handsome men vying for her attention.Whether your perfect romance involves rows and rows of Fraser firs and white pines glinting in the moonlight, childhood love that never ends, or a second chance at a happily ever after, you're sure to find a story within this collection to warm your heart any day of the year. With included discussion questions, this collection is just as perfect for sparking conversation at your next book club as it is for a cozy night in.

He’s here to train her horses, and then he’s moving on. She’s keeping her true identity a secret. But their spark complicates both of their plans.When her mother’s death leaves Charlotte Simpson bereft, she hopes the Robinson clan will accept her as one of their own and help fill the void. But a startling discovery dashes her hopes and leaves her wondering if she will ever know the father she’s always longed for.Horse trainer Gunner Dawson has experienced profound loss and intends to avoid it. So he lives on the move without forming close bonds or putting down roots. When Charlotte hires him to work with her horses and help expand her ranch, he commits to staying for a few months. But he doesn’t count on getting caught up in Charlotte’s search for her biological father. Or on falling in love—with Riverbend Gap or with Charlotte. This time, he’s not sure if he’ll be able to move on—or if he even wants to.The queen of heartwarming, small-town love stories returns to Riverbend Gap with a deeply satisfying tale of love’s healing power.Charming contemporary romanceStand-alone novel featuring characters from the Riverbend Gap RomancesPerfect for fans of Rachel Hauck, Robin Lee Hatcher, Sherryl Woods, and Brenda NovakBook length: approximately 80,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Chloe thought no one could compare to the fictional boyfriend in her bestselling novel, especially not the playboy actor set to play him. In Love, Unscripted, a PR-driven fake relationship starts setting off real sparks. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Sarah Adams.Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend--and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe's scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she's horrified by the film director's choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe's perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she's one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops--the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe's unbridled outrage firsthand.With Liam's reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam's image while putting the story--and the film--in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie's filming in Chloe's cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam's fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?As author and actor navigate the waters of the PR relationship, they're unprepared when their professional agreement turns into an actual friendship. And when serious sparks start to fly--well, that's an unread chapter for both of them.Step into a beachside town where the buzz of Hollywood collides with small-town heart in Love, Unscripted. If you're craving a low-spice, smart, and satisfying romance with a touch of glamor and plenty of heart, this is your next must-read.

She can't remember. He can't forget. How did Lauren's number one nemesis, Jonah, become her adoring boyfriend? Can Jonah convince Lauren to remember why she wanted to stay? Love is complicated in this cozy and wholesome, small-town amnesia romance with a big-city girl and her resort co-worker. Perfect for fans of The Vow and Debbie Macomber.When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is--the wilds of New Hampshire. But she's apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn't want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she's relieved her memories haven't returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she's forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?If you are moved by stories of hope, second chances, and finding yourself again in someone else's eyes, let Before We Were Us carry you away. This friction-to-romance love story features the most steadfast of heroes, allowing you to lose yourself in Jonah and Lauren's world. Pick up a copy and see if love, even when forgotten, can surprise you into believing again.

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. "Book lovers, book clubs, and anyone who's ever dreamed of owning a bookstore will adore this cleverly interwoven story" (Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood). Full of fall vibes, The Second Story Bookshop is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Gilmore Girls.Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?If you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance set in a cozy lakeside bookshop brimming with healing, heart, and Southern charm, The Second Story Bookshop is your perfect, feel-good escape. Let Shelby and Gray's tender journey remind you that sometimes the path back to love starts at the front step of a bookstore.

She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again. "Book lovers, book clubs, and anyone who's ever dreamed of owning a bookstore will adore this cleverly interwoven story" (Lisa Wingate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shelterwood). Full of fall vibes, The Second Story Bookshop is perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Gilmore Girls.Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Grandville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.Grandville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?If you're looking for an enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance set in a cozy lakeside bookshop brimming with healing, heart, and Southern charm, The Second Story Bookshop is your perfect, feel-good escape. Let Shelby and Gray's tender journey remind you that sometimes the path back to love starts at the front step of a bookstore.

Who knew that returning home after a broken engagement could be the best decision you ever made? Denise Hunter is back with another heartwarming contemporary romance with a sweet friends-to-more story, featuring a saltwater cowboy. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Hallmark movies.Jenna Greene just ended things with her boyfriend . . . which also ended her career. (That's the risk a girl takes when her boyfriend doubles as her boss.) With no income and no job prospects in sight, Jenna is forced to return to her mother's house on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to figure out what's next. And the timing couldn't be more perfect. Jenna's widowed mother has just returned from a cruise--with a brand-new boyfriend in tow. But there's something off about the guy. His story doesn't quite add up, and he keeps sneaking off to make suspicious phone calls and borrowing money from her too-trusting mother.In search of some investigative help, Jenna turns to her childhood BFF, Tyson Parker, who lives and works in town. Still reeling from his wife's infidelity, Tyson is doing his best to heal from the pain of divorce. He's made a name for himself on the island as a volunteer firefighter and one of the much-admired saltwater cowboys who looks after Chincoteague's wild ponies. Oh, and he turned out to be more than a tiny bit attractive--besides being almost-too-good-to-be-true sweet and caring.Growing up, the uber-competitive Jenna was always accepted as one of the guys. But things have changed between her and Tyson, and he's now looking at her through new eyes. Jenna suddenly feels like a leading lady on a movie set--only with way less composure.But Jenna also has old wounds that make these new feelings seem fraught with peril. Is she willing to open her heart and see where love might lead? Or will she let her hesitant heart hold her back?More Than Friends is a charming, can't-put-it-down romance, full of laugh-out-loud moments, tender emotion, and the kind of small-town warmth Denise Hunter does best. With its beloved friends-to-more arc, swoony yet grounded hero, and gentle thread of healing and hope, this story will have readers rooting for love on every page. If you're longing for a feel-good romance that blends heart, humor, and just enough mystery to keep you reading past your bedtime, More Than Friends is the perfect escape to Chincoteague Island.

Who knew that returning home after a broken engagement could be the best decision you ever made? Denise Hunter is back with another heartwarming contemporary romance with a sweet friends-to-more story, featuring a saltwater cowboy. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Hallmark movies.Jenna Greene just ended things with her boyfriend . . . which also ended her career. (That's the risk a girl takes when her boyfriend doubles as her boss.) With no income and no job prospects in sight, Jenna is forced to return to her mother's house on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, to figure out what's next. And the timing couldn't be more perfect. Jenna's widowed mother has just returned from a cruise--with a brand-new boyfriend in tow. But there's something off about the guy. His story doesn't quite add up, and he keeps sneaking off to make suspicious phone calls and borrowing money from her too-trusting mother.In search of some investigative help, Jenna turns to her childhood BFF, Tyson Parker, who lives and works in town. Still reeling from his wife's infidelity, Tyson is doing his best to heal from the pain of divorce. He's made a name for himself on the island as a volunteer firefighter and one of the much-admired saltwater cowboys who looks after Chincoteague's wild ponies. Oh, and he turned out to be more than a tiny bit attractive--besides being almost-too-good-to-be-true sweet and caring.Growing up, the uber-competitive Jenna was always accepted as one of the guys. But things have changed between her and Tyson, and he's now looking at her through new eyes. Jenna suddenly feels like a leading lady on a movie set--only with way less composure.But Jenna also has old wounds that make these new feelings seem fraught with peril. Is she willing to open her heart and see where love might lead? Or will she let her hesitant heart hold her back?More Than Friends is a charming, can't-put-it-down romance, full of laugh-out-loud moments, tender emotion, and the kind of small-town warmth Denise Hunter does best. With its beloved friends-to-more arc, swoony yet grounded hero, and gentle thread of healing and hope, this story will have readers rooting for love on every page. If you're longing for a feel-good romance that blends heart, humor, and just enough mystery to keep you reading past your bedtime, More Than Friends is the perfect escape to Chincoteague Island.