Her Fresh Start Cost Her Everything The Montana territory was supposed to be the land of dreams for Elizabeth O'Brian. But when influenza claims her husband and baby, Elizabeth doesn't know if she can go on. Then a stranger approaches her with a plea she can't ignore. Jake Hargrove is desperate. His brother's death left him in charge of his two part-Sioux nieces—one an infant. Jake knows the baby can't survive the harsh Western winter without a wet nurse. A marriage of convenience with this grieving mother seems to be the only answer. Fighting for the acceptance of their charges gives Jake and Elizabeth new purpose. With the Christmas season approaching, dare they hope that they could also receive the gift of love?

Finding purpose…together Calico Christmas at Dry Creek When influenza claims her husband and baby, Elizabeth O’Brian doesn’t know if she can go on. Then Jake Hargrove approaches her with a plea she can’t ignore. He’s been left in charge of his two nieces, and the baby desperately needs Elizabeth’s help to survive the harsh winter. A marriage of convenience seems the only answer. With a new purpose in life, dare Elizabeth hope for the gift of love this Christmas? Redeeming Gabriel Spying for the Union army has taken a heavy toll on Gabriel Laniere. Though the cause is noble, he can never risk getting close to anyone—not even God. Yet Camilla Beaumont, daughter of the Confederacy, might be the exception. Camilla has a secret that rivals Gabriel’s—she works for the Underground Railroad. When the two forge an unlikely partnership, it could be the key Gabriel seeks to a truth larger than any conflict—love.

A Holiday Hero Renee Gray doesn't believe in fairy tales— not even at Christmastime. But when a wounded stranger collapses on their porch, her daughter, Tessie, believes they've discovered a handsome Prince Charming. Though he has his own reasons for shutting out the world, Rusty Calhoun can't resist little Tessie's invitation to play a king in the church Christmas pageant. Renee and Rusty have both built up walls as tall as castles, but as their trust and love grow, they wonder whether real life can include a little storybook magic. Return to Dry Creek: A small Montana town with a heart as big as heaven

Her neighbors in Dry Creek, Montana, think Gracie Stone is rebuilding her life just fine on the family ranch. But Calen Gray knows better. Foreman of nearby Elkton Ranch, Calen has been sweet on Gracie half their lives. But harrowing circumstances kept them apart—and sent Gracie away. Now she's back, barely holding her head up, and refusing to believe she has a second chance at happiness. With faith, love and the gentle airing of long-held secrets, Calen just might find a way to bring back her smile—forever.

Marry a secure businessman, or become a bunkhouse cook for twenty hungry cowboys on a cattle ranch? When Angelina Brighton chooses the ranch, she runs from the wedding her billionaire father arranged. Angelina won't marry a man she doesn't love. Then along comes former special ops soldier Tyler Stone, barreling into Dry Creek to bring her back home. Or so she thinks. But Big Sky country is full of surprises for everyone—especially for a faithful gal and rugged cowboy who discover what home really means.

Rodeo rider Wade Stone never thought he'd step foot in Dry Creek, Montana, again. Not with his family's harrowing past. But nine years later, he's back on the Stone ranch and getting stared down by the townspeople. Except by Amy Mitchell, whose heart he broke after one sweet kiss. Wade knows she's afraid he'll leave again, but surely there's no second chance for them. It seems the whole town—and her family—is against them. Until one beautiful Christmas sleigh teaches everyone the true meaning of the holiday.

Previously published separately: A bride in Dry Creek, c2001; Shepherds abiding in Dry Creek, c2007.