carolyne aarsen

Since his return to Little Horn, Texas, former special ops soldier Grady Stillwater has felt lost. Stillwater Ranch needs his attention–and so does his brother's abandoned baby. But the injuries Grady sustained in Afghanistan have skewered his confidence. Physical therapist Chloe Miner offers hope and guidance–and a balm for the cowboy's wounded heart. Little does he know that Chloe is hiding a life–altering secret of her own. The sweet girl he remembers from high school has a baby on the way, and she may need Grady every bit as much as he does her…

To: Anne, Meg, Pilar
From: Rachel
Re: Updates on Mom, baby Gracie and the hunky doc!

Well, Mom is making great strides in physical therapy, and taking care of Gracie is an unexpected joy. Because my adopted little sister was a preemie, she's had lots of checkups...and her green–eyed pediatrician is gorgeous! Each time we visit Eli Cavanaugh, he makes me want to embrace life, finally let my hair out of its almost–daily bun and dream a little. I have to tell you, being temporary mommy is making me long for a family of my own...with Eli!

Looking for inspiration, artist Ella Langton rents a cabin in the isolated Porcupine Hills of Alberta. She didn't count on having neighbors, but rancher Cord Walsh and his three children are just a stone's throw away.

Still healing from a tragic accident, Ella has no plans of reaching out, but she's having a hard time keeping them out of her yard…and her thoughts. And when little Suzy ropes Ella into helping her with an art project, she can't help her growing feelings for the girl's rugged daddy. With three persistent children, Cord and Ella may find their fenced–off hearts opening up sooner than they thought!

A Forever Family

Raising twins on her own hasn't been easy for widowed mom Hannah Douglas. But she's determined to see her family–and the picnic basket auction she's organizing for the town's centennial celebration–succeed. Still, there are times she wishes for someone to lean on.

To her surprise, Brody Harcourt's strong shoulders are at the ready. Seems like Jasper Gulch's favorite firefighter and rancher is always there when she needs him. But Hannah's not sure she's willing to take another chance on love, especially with someone whose job puts him in harm's way. Is the risk of loving Brody worth the reward to make her family complete?

Big Sky Centennial: A small town rich in history…and love.

Rancher Daddy.

Morgan Walsh will do just about anything to connect with the son who continues to keep him at arm's length. Even ask a favor of ex–fiancée Tabitha Rennie. And what young Nathan desperately wants is for Tabitha to train his late mother's horse. But Tabitha is also determined to keep her distance. As soon as she's paid off her father's debts, she'll leave town and the painful memories of the real reason she abruptly left Morgan all those years ago. Yet spending time with Morgan and his son is sparking dreams she can't deny: of family, fresh starts and first loves that last a lifetime.

Opening a business isn't a piece of cake–something Melissa Sweeney discovers when an anonymous benefactor brings her to Bygones, Kansas. She can't fulfill her longtime dream of starting up her own bakery without help. But with his traditional views of work and family, Brian Montclair is the unlikeliest candidate for the job.

Even more surprising is the powerful attraction sprouting up between the rugged mechanic and his fiercely independent new boss. Brian's heart and soul belongs to his hardworking community that is slowly coming back to life. Melissa wants to be part of that transformation...if she can make Brian believe they can be true partners in everything–including love.

The Heart of Main Street: They're rebuilding the town one step–and heart–at a time.

A Family For Christmas 

No one expected Erin McCauley to arrive in Saddlebank, Montana, with a baby…and no wedding ring. Especially not Dean Moore, who cared for Erin but knew the by-the-book girl would never go for a hard-living cowboy like him. While helping renovate Erin's new home, Dean realizes he's still in love with her–and with her beautiful daughter. As far as he's concerned, past mistakes don't have to define them–but guilt is holding Erin back from seeing that Dean is offering exactly what she's longing for. Because if she lets him, he'll give her the home–and the family–she's always wanted.

Holiday ranch reunion!

Leanne Walsh is stunned when Reuben Walsh returns to his family's ranch for the holidays. No matter how hard she tried to convince herself that marrying the more stable Walsh brother was the right decision, it was unpredictable Reuben who held her heart – until he broke it. Leanne's frosty reception cuts deeper than Reuben expected, yet he can't leave the widowed single mom shorthanded with Christmas drawing near. He built his dreams around Leanne once before, and now is trying to resist her and her sweet young son. But in a season full of surprises, the promise of family is a gift too tempting to ignore.

Lily Marstow and Alyssa Cane think they have the perfect plan. After all, helping their single parents fall in love shouldn't be that hard. But Silas Marstow wants nothing to do with the woman who lost track of his child for precious minutes in the aftermath of the High Plains tornado. And Josie Cane is busy caring for her ailing grandmother and rebuilding her life. The girls' matchmaking pact is in jeopardy unless they can make their parents see the love that's right in in front of them.

The Rocking K ranch is the only home Carter Beck has ever known. Now, in the wake of family tragedy, he wants to sell it. But how can he do that when his new horse trainer, Emma Minton, sees the ranch as her fresh start? All she wants is a good job and a place to raise her son. As Emma's little boy becomes attached to Carter, he wonders if selling the ranch is really for the best. Or could this bond mean a second chance at a family–for all of them?