Arlene James

All mortgage broker Kendal Oakes wanted was a stable, loving home for his daughter, Larissa. He was widowed, and his motherless little girl was prone to uncontrollable tantrums. But then single mom Connie Wheeler walked into the church day–care center...and their lives. Connie had a way with Larissa –– the child's only calm moments came when Connie was nearby. So she agreed to babysit with her own son in tow. The two children and adults got along perfectly. It was almost as if they could be a family. But when Kendal popped the question Connie longed to hear, did he want the true marriage she'd prayed for, or simply a union of convenience?

To: Pilar

From: Ramon

Re: A mommy for Lucia But which one?

When I offered to help little Lucia's biological mother reclaim her baby, I never dreamed it would bring aspiring single mother Lori Sumner into my life. But from the moment we met, my heart went out to this hard–working reporter who's been Lucia's foster parent for nearly three months and now wants to officially adopt her. Personally, I think she'd make a great mom. Which is why this lawyer is eager to start negotiating his own family 'settlement' with Lori. Mum's the word, sis–– until the day I pop the question!

High–powered lawyer Asher Chatam has no time for love. He's far too busy with his career. Then his eccentric aunts summon him to Chatam House on urgent business. And introduce him to Ellie Monroe. The beautiful young teacher needs his help, and one look at her violet eyes and sunny smile leads Asher to take the case. Ellie's laid–back attitude is a breath of fresh air in Asher's smoggy world, and soon he realizes that man cannot live on work alone. And that even the most unlikely match can lead to true love.

The Gossip Guru has some shocking news: devout Wallace Hamilton, head of rival newspaper the Davis Landing Dispatch, is not Jeremy Hamilton's father! Word is, his wife was already pregnant when they wed and now that Jeremy has learned the truth, he's quit. Who'll run the company while Wallace is in the hospital?In more Hamilton news, quiet Heather has had a makeover –– who knew she was so stunning? Maybe photographer Ethan Danes, who seems to have taken an interest in Heather now that she's started this butterfly summer....

Fast Fiction Romantic – short stories with a Happy Ever After

Cecelia Locke's has been offered her dream job as director of an orphanage in Mexico. But taking the job will mean leaving her home in Grasslands, Texas. Gilbert Valenzuela has a calling, too: he wants to build a ranch in this beautiful Texas town. As he and Cissy become closer, he starts to wish their dreams weren't pulling them in opposite directions...

When he opened the door on the lovely Jolie Wheeler and rooms he hardly recognized, he knew he'd found the person to fix up his bare new bachelor quarters. But behind their banter, he sensed a pain that his friendship couldn't assuage. The warm embrace of Vince's family reminded Jolie achingly of the nephew taken from her, and the sister she refused to see. Vince's embrace made keeping the distance between them all the more difficult.

And all the while the spirit of Christmas was working within Jolie's heart to reconnect her with her family...and with Vince suring this very special season...