Barbara Phinney

Who killed the bride and groom?

Everyone thinks it was "that troublemaker," Peta Donald. Gossips say she came home to stop the wedding. That jealousy led her to murder.

No one on Northwind Island believes that Peta has changed since her youth. And nothing has changed in town. Peta is still shunned by everyone. Everyone except Lawson Mills, whose appearance on the island is as mysterious as the double murders. Peta is sure he has an ulterior motive for helping clear her name. Full of questions about another set of murders, Lawson is secretive about himself. Until they discover what's behind Peta's deadly homecoming...

No one left the cult without paying a price. Kaylee Campbell had tried to rescue her sister, only to fall prey to the threats of the leader, Noah Nash. After two horrific years, her faith shaken, she managed to break free. But when her sister was murdered in retaliation, Kaylee couldn't ignore her guilt and doubt.Now, on Kaylee's doorstep, there's a mystery man who looks very much like Noah, desperate for the help she's quick to deny him. And he says he can help her in return–– if together they brave a perilous, faith–affirming road.

He took the fall

Hunter Gordon had pleaded guilty to a crime he hadn't committed. And served ten long years in prison. All to save the family who had taken him in: beautiful Rae Benton and her father. But right before Rae's father died, he revealed his daughter was in danger. Hunter had to keep her safe. How was he supposed to get close? Rae didn't know the truth and blamed him for the loss of all she held dear. Hunter would have to earn Rae's trust––without ever telling her what really happened a decade ago.

When Clara became a midwife, she vowed to preserve life above all. She'll keep that vow, even if it means defying a Norman baron by hiding a Saxon slave and her child. Yet when the ruthless lord threatens Clara's village–and her life–she's forced to rely on another Norman to keep her safe.

Kenneth D'Entremont is a soldier, one who takes lives instead of healing them. Clara despairs of finding any common ground with him. But when he begins guarding her, she learns to see him in a new light. His care and compassion make her feel safe…even loved. Can she bring herself to put her secrets, and her heart, under the protection of the warrior?

A practical engagement.

Clare Walsh isn't too keen on marrying, but it's the only way for her to keep her family home…and custody of her two younger brothers. So when rancher Noah Livingstone offers a union in name only, Clare reluctantly agrees. Accepting Noah's strictly practical proposal has an unexpected catch, though – she's actually falling for him.

Though Noah is drawn to vibrant, independent Clare, he knows romantic feelings will only complicate their marriage of convenience. But when secrets from his past threaten Noah's fragile new family, he must make a difficult choice. Will Noah risk all his dreams to secure a real future with Clare?

Baron Stephen de Bretonne's sworn duty is to serve the king–and that means finding the Saxons plotting against the throne by any means necessary. Protecting a Saxon woman and her half–Norman child? Merely a means to that end. But the lovely Rowena proves to be more than just a pawn in his plan. And his admiration for her could ruin everything if he can't stifle his feelings.

While Rowena must begrudgingly accept Norman protection for herself and her baby, she knows better than to trust any man. Yet in the face of danger, can she also open her heart to her unlikely protector? 

From Heiress to Nanny 

When heiress Victoria Templeton learns her fortune is gone, she has to move to the Colorado frontier to live with her uncle. But with no money to pay for the trip, she must accept a position as a traveling nanny for a widowed rancher. And, much to the chagrin of the man entrusting his children to her care, she soon finds herself in over her head. 

Mitch MacLeod lives for two things: his ranch and his children. And pampered Victoria isn't qualified to help with either. But the former socialite has more grit–and determination–than he first thinks. If her uncle has his way, though, Mitch will soon lose his ranch–and any hope of a future with Victoria.

Look–a–like lawman...

Former lawman Zane Robinson never thought he'd wear a badge again–but to locate his missing twin brother, Zane's taking on his identity as sheriff of Proud Bend, Colorado. There he discovers heiress Rachel Smith conducting her own search for a mother and child who've also disappeared from the small town. The cases could be connected, so Zane reluctantly agrees to team up with the feisty beauty.

Rachel can't afford to be seen getting too close to Zane–it could impact her ministry for misguided young women. But as the investigation continues, she's hopelessly drawn to the gruff yet honorable lawman. Though trust doesn't come easily to Rachel or Zane, in searching for the missing will they risk losing their hearts?