Love Inspired

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....

The Davis Landing Observer Page 5The Gossip Guru ...has more scandalous news about the beleaguered Hamilton family: Seems patriarch Wallace had an illegitimate child with someone well–known within the community. Does Mrs. Hamilton know about this?In other Hamilton news, daughter Amy recently hired old flame Bryan Healey to write for Nashville Living. Wonder how gracious the single dad will be in taking orders from the woman who broke his heart? But what eldest daughter wants, she gets. And Amy wants this family man to be hers....

The Gossip Guru...hears wealthy newspaper tycoon Wallace Hamilton may finally be released from the hospital, after recurring visits following his bone–marrow transplant.But the juiciest Hamilton news is that Jeremy––who is not Wallace's son––has been in contact with his family again...and he might rejoin Hamilton Media. A certain lovely single mom has been spotted doing holiday volunteer work with the former business tycoon. Perhaps the charms and strong spiritual life of Gabi Valencia helped create this Christmas homecoming for Jeremy.

Trouble in TexasA battle of wills was raging in the Lone Star State in 1876. April Truitt didn't trust doctors, least of all handsome newcomer Gray Fuller, who opposed her efforts to offer the women of Dignity, Texas, an herbal alternative to surgery. He treated her like some quack, but April was determined to save other women from dying on the operating table, like her mother did.Gray couldn't help admiring April's spirit and good intentions. Yet he couldn't let this bluebonnet belle steal all his patients...even if she was on her way to stealing his heart.

Caring for her grandmother was a labor of love, but busy executive Christine Powers worried about the paper piling up in her office. And no sooner had she arrived on Mackinac Island during the frantic holiday season than her haughty attitude was challenged by Will Lambert, her grandmother's enigmatic boarder. His laid–back style grew on her, as did his steadfast faith in this season of joy and wonder. But an ultimatum to return to work or lose her job forced Christine to decide between her heart and her career.

Her young love for Connor Faraday had left her heartbroken. Although home designer Ellene Bordini had moved on, she'd never felt drawn to any other man –– and never recovered from Connor's betrayal. Now, a decade later, Connor was back in her life...wanting her back in his life forever. Ellene's faith told her to forgive him and to accept the new man he'd become. While working in the brisk beauty of his Michigan island home, she rediscovered her lost love and bonded with the little girl he wanted to raise right. Was this God's mysterious way of helping Ellene deal with the past...or paving the way for reconciliation?

Rainbows are God's promises.I learned that in Sunday school. That's why I draw rainbows. I love Bible stories, especially Noah and the ark –– 'cause Daddy's name is Noah McKnight. I thought it would be nice to make a rainbow for his new boss, Dr. Beth Brennan, to welcome her. She joined her family's medical clinic and painted animals two by two on the walls! Daddy comes home smiling every night, when he used to be so sad. Beth's smart and pretty. She goes to church with me, likes cookies, knows how to fix a little girl's hair and would make a perfect mommy. I just have to convince Daddy of that!

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS STAY SINGLEIt was an offer I couldn't refuse: take some time off from teaching and help out at the opening of my friend's brother Mitch's fabulous Bliss Village ski resort. After all, thanks to my mother, I'd already dated most of the so–called eligible men in Tumbleweed, Arizona. What was left to hold me here? Um, cowardice? I haven't taken many risks outside of my familiar environment. Okay, try none. Still, if risk comes in the shape of tall, blond and handsome Mitch Windsor, how can I say no?

Texas beauty Claire Savage learned a hard lesson the day her father left to pursue his selfish dreams. Trust no one. Now in possession of an MBA, and the owner of her own business, she felt in control. A woman like her had no use for church newcomer and former rocker Luke Dawson. What kind of a man had nothing better to do than produce music for her church's youth band? The kind of man she needed to keep an eye on.She never expected Luke's noble spirit to soothe her, yet could even his gentle touch curb her mistrust when his past resurfaced to threaten them both?

When ambitious reporter David Carlson was assigned a story on her fledgling literacy center, Erin Kelly was nearly swept off her feet by his keen intelligence and incisive remarks. But the story uncovered agonizing memories Erin thought long buried and feelings she struggled to hide.Then a deadly shooting placed David's life in danger, and everything changed. While Erin's courage and spirit rocked David's natural cynicism to its core, they each needed to overcome the past if they were to have a future together. Teaching David to open his heart to God's love just might be Erin's most important lesson yet.

Con games were unheard of in quiet Glory, North Carolina. But when the local church's financial secretary took some bad investment advice, a million bucks disappeared, someone died and now a local businessman faced murder charges.Undercover investigator Lori Dorsett thought getting to the bottom of this mystery would be easy. These small–town folk were no match for her city smarts! Yet the longer Lori snooped around, the more notice she attracted... from bachelor pastor Daniel Hartman and from those who had no intention of letting the beautiful city slicker uncover their darkest secrets.

Money wasn't the answer, as far as Dustin Fairfax was concerned –– not unless you could use it to help others. Of course, there was the little matter of his trust fund to contend with –– who would have thought his late father would demand he be "made over" before he could receive it?It was the biggest challenge of personal–image consultant Isobel Buckley's career –– turn a flower shop owner into a polished, urbane man. Image was everything, after all, particularly to this high–strung beauty. Her new client's carefree life was certainly not the "in" thing, but the kind heart beneath his pinstripes might just convince her that love was back in style.

It was love at first sight when Matt Whitaker opened his door to see a baby in his brother's arms –– Matt's nephew, Danny, abandoned by his heartless high–society mother. And then Danny's father was killed in an accident, and Matt, an ill–prepared bachelor, vowed before God to love and protect this child as his own.Danny's mother, Leah Hunter, had been desperately searching for her baby for eight years –– ever since his father snatched him. At last, a clue leads her to the small town of Rosewood, Texas...and her son's guardian.

Hopeful stories of love and romance from Patricia Davids

HIS BUNDLE OF LOVE
Desperation drove Caitlin Williams to name a Good Samaritan the father of her baby. She never dreamed that Mick O'Callaghan would take his role seriously enough to marry her. Will a medical emergency pave the way toward salvation…and the blessings of a forever family?

THE COLOR OF COURAGE
Heartbroken after tragedy befell her twin brother, Corporal Lindsey Mandel would stop at nothing to save his injured horse–with or without handsome veterinarian Brian Cutter. Brian can't help but be captivated by Caitlin's determination. But she'll need all her strength to succeed…and all of her faith to accept a most unlikely love.

Suddenly single and unemployed, corporate attorney Lauren Romey needed a rest, a job and a new squeeze. Her friends took charge of the "rest" part. They booked her a trip to a Bliss Village bed–and–breakfast. And they thought they were going to take care of the "new squeeze" part as well, by setting her up with the innkeepers' son.

But when Lauren wound up at the wrong bed–and–breakfast, she found herself the fifth contestant in "Win Daddy's Heart," the unlikely brainchild of widowed owner Garrett Cantrell's teenage daughters. Throw in her ex–fiance, four quirky contestants and some very untimely TV coverage –– and it's open season for chaos...or love, where she least expected it.

Strange things were happening to Lauren DiStefano. Since her brother's funeral, a mysterious driver had tried to run her down, menacing mobsters threatened her and a handsome FBI agent saved her life. Something was seriously wrong, and Lauren feared for her life. As Lauren discovered her brother Ric had left behind a trail of treachery, lies and mob ties, Special Agent David Latham seemed determined to uncover the truth. Could she place her trust, her life––and her heart––in David's hands?

To: Rachel, Pilar, Meg
From: Anne
Re: Fall carnival update!

I couldn't believe it when the girls from the teen center transformed me into a lovely Cinderella for the fund–raising photos...but then to have youth minister Caleb Williams as my Prince Charming? You know I have a huge crush on him! Every time I see him–at the hospital or Tiny Blessings–I can barely manage to string two words together, and he's always sweet to me. I think the makeover made him see me differently, but I don't think he'd ever date someone as plain–and lacking in faith–as me. Even so, a woman can dream, can't she?

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!

To: Meg, Rachel, Anne
From: Pilar
Re: My exciting day

¡Hola, amigas! You'll never guess what I found on my way to work today...a baby! His name is Gabriel, and he is certainly heaven–sent. And so is Zach Fletcher, the dedicated detective assigned to find the mother. This is the first time we've spoken, even though we attend the same church. I'm torn. I want the girl to be found but I also want to keep Gabriel for myself–my biological clock has been ticking like crazy! And I've been fantasizing about Zach rounding out my dream family....