Melissa Ferguson – författare

Cassie is fed up with online dating, but just when she’s finally decided to give up, firefighter Jett Bentley takes her on an amazing first date. But when they both go home and find three children dropped in their laps—each—they independently decide to do the right and mature thing: hide the kids from each other while sorting it all out. What could go wrong?

Cassie Everson is an expert at escaping bad first dates. And, after years of meeting, greeting, and running from the men who try to woo her, Cassie is almost ready to retire her hopes for a husband—and children—altogether.

But fate has other plans, and Cassie’s online dating profile catches the eye of firefighter Jett Bentley. In Jett’s memory, Cassie Everson is the unreachable girl-of-legend from their high school days. Nervously, he messages her, setting off a chain of events that forces a reluctant Cassie back into the dating game.

No one is more surprised than Cassie when her first date with Jett is a knockout—but when Cassie finds herself caring for three sisters in an emergency foster placement, she decides to hide them from Jett to avoid scaring him off. When Jett’s sister’s addiction issues land her three children at his home, he decides the last thing Cassie needs to know about is his family drama.

Neither dares to tell the other about their unexpected and possibly permanent family members for fear of scaring away their potential soulmate, especially since they both listed "no kids” on their profiles! With six children between them and secrets mounting, can Cassie and Jett find a way forward?

Melissa Ferguson’s warmhearted debut reminds us that love can come in very small packages—and that sometimes our best-laid plans aren’t nearly as rewarding and fun as the surprises that come our way.

Praise for The Dating Charade:

“Melissa Ferguson is a sparkling new voice in contemporary rom-com. Though her novel tackles meaningful struggles—social work, child abandonment, adoption—it’s also fresh, flirty, and laugh-out-loud funny. Ferguson is going to win fans with this one!”—Lauren Denton, bestselling author of The Hideaway and Glory Road

“The Dating Charade will keep you smiling the entire read. Ferguson not only delights us with new love, with all its attendant mishaps and misunderstandings, but she takes us deeper in the hearts and minds of vulnerable children as Cassie and Jett work out their families—then their dating lives. An absolute treat!”—Katherine Reay, bestselling author of The Printed Letter Bookshop

In this charming rom-com, two enemies find something they never expected in one another—taking "all''s fair in love and war" to a hilarious and heartwarming new level.

Actress Bree Leake doesn''t want to be tied down, but just when it''s time to move on again, Bree''s parents make her an offer; hold steady in Abingdon for one full year, and they will give her the one thing she''s always wanted—her grandmother''s house. Her dreams are coming true . . . until life throws her some curve balls.

And then there''s her new neighbor. Chip McBride.

For the first time in her life, she''s met the person who could match her free-spirited air—and it''s driving her to the ledge of sanity. She would move heaven and earth to have him out of her life, but according to the bargain she''s struck, she cannot move out of her house and away from the man who''s making her life miserable. So begins Bree''s obsessive new mission: to drive Chip out of the neighborhood—and fast.

Bree isn''t the only one who''s a wee bit competitive, and as Chip registers what Bree''s up to, he''s more than willing to fight fire with fire. But as their pranks escalate, the line between love and hate starts to blur.

Good fences make good neighbors—and sometimes love and hate share a backyard.

"Meet Me in the Margins is a delightfully charming jewel of a book that fans of romantic comedy won''t be able to put down!" --Kristy Woodson Harvey, New York Times bestselling author of A Happier Life

You''ve Got Mail meets The Proposal--this romance is one for the books.

Savannah Cade''s dreams are coming true. The Claire Donovan, editor-in-chief of the most successful romance publishing company in the country, has requested to see the manuscript Savannah''s been secretly writing. The only problem: she''s an editor for a different company, and their philosophy is only highbrow works are worth printing and romance should be reserved for the lowest level of Dante''s inferno.

But when Savannah drops her manuscript during a staff meeting and nearly exposes herself to the whole company--including William Pennington, the new boss and son of the romance-despising CEO herself--she has no choice but to hide the manuscript in a hidden room.

When she returns, she''s dismayed to discover that someone has not only been in her hidden nook but has written notes in the margins--quite critical ones. But when Claire''s own reaction turns out to be nearly identical to the scribbled remarks, and, worse, Claire announces that Savannah has six weeks to resubmit before she retires, Savannah finds herself forced to seek the help of the shadowy editor after all.

As their notes back and forth start to fill up the pages, however, Savannah finds him becoming pivotal not just to her work but her life. There''s no doubt about it: she''s falling for her mystery editor. If she only knew who he was.

Meet Me in the Margins is a delightful rom-com that combines the witty banter and tension of You''ve Got Mail with the clean and heartwarming romance found in Katherine Center''s novels. With its fun premise and charming characters, this book is perfect for book clubs and girls'' nights. Plus, it includes discussion questions to spark engaging conversations about love, literature, and the power of second chances.

For lovers of happily ever afters—this collection of three light and sweet romance stories will sweep you off your feet.

In A Summer Detour by Denise Hunter, 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 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 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.

Praise for This Time Around:

“Cozy up and prepare to lose yourself in this enchanting collection. Each story is as inviting and wonderful as the last. Reunion romances and heartwarming second chances are sure to delight readers.” —Nancy Naigle, USA TODAY bestselling author

“Romance readers are in for a sweet treat! Authors Denise Hunter, Melissa Ferguson, and Kathleen Fuller have joined forces for a novella collection all about second chances, making the most of them when they’re right in front of you, and fighting for them with everything you’ve got when necessary. Come for this trio of talented storytellers and stay for the humor, heart, and confident hope that there will be a happily ever after, This Time Around.” —Bethany Turner, award-winning author of Plot Twist

In this glittering and heartwarming collection, three of today''s bestselling sweet romance novelists offer up the gift of cheer for the winter holiday season. On the Way to Christmas features a return to small town home, a Christmas cross-country train ride, and a Christmas bakery. Perfect for fans of Hallmark Christmas movies and Debbie Macomber.

A Christmas Do-Over by Sheila Roberts

Darby doesn''t want to go home for the holidays, but a career fail sends her slinking back to the small town she always wanted to escape. No one there is especially glad to see the former mean girl--especially not her sister, Erica, or childhood best friend, Gregory. Darby is working hard to be a better person, but has she eaten enough humble pie to make amends?

Dashing Through the Snow by Melissa Ferguson

When Willow''s boyfriend of seven years dumps her on the eve of a romantic getaway, she decides to take the two-week train trip on The Christmas Express alone. Hurt as she feels, she can''t anticipate how the hilarious rebound ride with conductor Oliver, elf Ian, and aging world adventurer Clarence will heal her heart--and renew her sense of worth.

A Perfectly Splendid Christmas by Amy Clipston

Kacey adores the metropolitan life, but when she gets away to help her sister during a family crisis and run her bakery, she falls in love with former classmate Drew. The problem: he''s a small-town man, and she''s a big-city woman. Is their love big enough to overcome such a major difference?

Curl up with your favorite holiday drink and escape the hustle and bustle into three worlds where dreams once thought long-gone are still within reach.

"Filled with Christmas spirit, and a little chaos, too, all three stories left my heart filled with joy . . . Five stars overall!" --Nancy Naigle, bestselling author

You''ve Got Mail meets Confessions of a Shopaholic meets Parks and Rec--this romance might have to move mountains.

When her business partner is accused of serious financial crimes, superstar influencer Cat Cranwell—an engineered marvel of beauty, energy, and fun—falls from her penthouse perch. Des­perate to get away from the online trolls and paparazzi docu­menting her disgrace, Cat accepts her uncle’s offer to work with him in Kannery National Park, Montana. About as far as possible from life as she’s known it.

Cat’s world shifts from the swirling haze of likes and comments to lit­eral blizzards of frostbite temperatures and waist-deep snow. In place of negotiating brand deals, she finds herself negotiating at the ledge of a frozen lake with her die-hard Polar Bear Plunge coworkers. Instead of padding through the marble kitchen of her Manhattan loft, she’s sharing a tent-sized cabin with a roommate eager to bond like characters in sitcoms. But something curious is also happening in this overwhelming breath of fresh air as she reacquaints with the most honest parts of her­self and begins to ask the hard questions. Can Cat love herself with, and without, the world watching?

Then there’s that other tiny problem—she’s falling for Zaiah, the ruggedly handsome park ranger—and he hates anything remotely connected to social media, quite possibly her included.

Written with bestselling author Melissa Ferguson’s signature wit and charm, this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy of opposites attract is full of hilarious romp and a romance that will melt readers’ hearts.

"The perfect escape for lovers of dogs, second chances, and swoon-worthy romance. Don''t miss this one." --Annabel Monaghan, bestselling author of Same Time Next Summer

He crossed an ocean, and it still wasn''t enough to escape his lifelong nemesis. Now he has to work with her.

Successful screenwriter Finn Masters just landed his dream job writing for Neighbors, one of Hollywood''s highest-rated, longest-running sitcoms. The only downside? It will put him back in proximity of the show’s universally adored, optimistic, altruistic star, Lavender Rhodes, who has been inadvertently ruining his life since they were school chums in England. But she doesn''t even know she destroyed his acting career and wrecked his relationship with the love of his life.

He''s not about to let this woman yank yet another dream out from under his feet. In fact, he realizes he''s been given the ideal opportunity to plot his payback: spinning her character in shocking new directions. What could go wrong? Only everything. As Finn''s not-so-brilliant plot backfires one scene after the next, catching him in the blasts, he''s forced to think about this impossible, infuriating . . . and maybe even lovable woman in an entirely new light.

In this hilarious and heartwarming rom-com, Melissa Ferguson delivers a story that will delight fans of enemies-to-lovers tropes and witty banter. With shades of The Hating Game by Sally Thorne and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren, How to Plot a Payback takes readers on a rollercoaster ride as Finn Masters navigates the treacherous waters of working with his lifelong nemesis, Lavender Rhodes. Packed with humor, sizzling chemistry (but no explicit content), and unexpected twists, this novel is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good dose of revenge mixed with undeniable attraction.

Breathe in fresh, country air and dream of a slower, simpler, sweeter life in this poetic story about building a homestead with heart from bestselling novelist Melissa Ferguson.

One day Papa burst into the kitchen with a wild idea. What if the family moved to the country? What if they built their very own farmhouse between sleeping strawberry fields and the misty Appalachian Mountains? Join a little boy and his adventurous parents and sisters as they chase a dream of open sky, nature to explore, a blooming garden, and lots of animal friends.

This artful picture book for 4- to 8-year-olds …

You’re invited to Our Friendly Farmhouse, where children swing under the sunset after chasing a rainbow and snacking at a tea party, where ducklings and kittens keep you company, and where friends are always welcome. A place where there is time to wander, memories are made, and hearts are full.

Bestselling author Melissa Ferguson invites you to curl up by the fire with two delightfully cozy holiday novellas that will fill your heart with festive joy.

Dashing Through the Snow

Left heartbroken on the eve of a romantic getaway, Willow embarks solo on The Christmas Express--a two-week train ride full of sparkling lights, whimsical surprises, and unexpected connections. With the help of a charmingly grumpy conductor, a mischievous elf, and a globe-trotting adventurer, Willow discovers that sometimes the journey to healing is just as magical as the destination.

Pining for You

Christmas tree farm owner Theo Watkins III has the opportunity to drop everything for one weekend to play farmer in a cozy Virginia mountain town and potentially win back the heart of his childhood best friend, Skye Fuller. There''s just one problem: he''s the kind of man who drives a Tesla, not a tractor.

Praised as "utterly charming" by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hauck, Snowy Serendipity is perfect for lovers of sweet happily-ever-afters. With themes of love, healing, and second chances, this festive collection celebrates the magic of the holiday season and the beauty of finding connection where you least expect it.

Whether you''re looking for the perfect holiday escape or a cozy gift for a romance lover, this collection promises to leave you with a warm heart and a festive spirit.

When Willow''s boyfriend of seven years dumps her on the eve of a romantic getaway, she decides to take the two-week train trip on The Christmas Express alone. Hurt as she feels, she can''t anticipate how the hilarious rebound ride with conductor Oliver, elf Ian, and aging world adventurer Clarence will heal her heart--and renew her sense of worth.

A carnivorous vine on a planet infected with a human exodus cult, forges psychic connections with Earth, and bestows an unsuspecting group of women with the power to heal or destroy the remnants of humanity.

STAR-SCORCHED FINGERTIPS is an ultimately hopeful, eco-punk adult science fantasy that explores the future of humanity and our obligations to our planet of origin.

If Annihilation and Day of the Triffids met up with The Handmaid''s Tale to traverse space while tripping on mushrooms, STAR-SCORCHED FINGERTIPS would be their queer, rebellious love child.