New Releases by Loree Lough

Family Fiction’s #1 author of Amish Fiction! Amid the New Order Amish community of Oakland, Maryland, an unexpected gift of comfort and tender caring can help spark a surprising dream of love . . . Between raising three grieving children and running a booming business, recent widower Aaron Bontrager desperately needs help—even if it means a marriage of convenience only. He couldn’t be more surprised by his new wife, ebullient Bethel Mast. With an unconventional, joyful sense of purpose, she's starting to turn his house back into a home and bring stability and peace to his children’s lives. And somehow, her gentle understanding is reigniting impossible hope in Aaron's guarded, lonely heart . . . Bethel never had a fair chance for a home and family of her own. She doesn't want to replace Aaron’s first wife, but she’ll face any challenge to aid him and his children. And she soon finds Aaron’s formidable exterior hides a sensitivity and caring that she’s quietly drawn to. Can Bethel show him that their practical arrangement is blossoming into so much more—and can be the start of a wonderful future together for all of them?

In these heartwarming, faith-affirming stories, three Amish families face the joys, and challenges, of the holidays—with fruitful results . . . THE CHRISTMAS NOT-WISH New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Shelley Shepard Gray When the foster parents they’ve cautiously grown to love discover they’re expecting, orphaned Roy and Jemima Fisher, ages six and seven, are secretly devastated by the certainty they’ll be given up. With Christmas around the corner, their only wish is for new foster parents as nice as Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz. Meanwhile, the Kurtzes have wishes of their own—and with faith, they all may be gifted with twice the blessings . . . NEW BEGINNINGS * Rachel J. Good Still grieving the loss of her husband and unborn baby in an accident several months ago, Elizabeth Yoder is oblivious to her neighbor Luke Bontrager’s deepening affection for her. But while she bleakly faces Christmas alone, it’s Luke who reminds her it’s the season for giving. And when Elizabeth donates her handmade baby clothes to New Beginnings, a home for teen moms, she soon finds her gifts repaid beyond measure, with Luke’s love—and new beginnings of their own . . . TWINS TIMES TWO * Loree Lough What happens when two secretive, stubborn people find themselves thrown together to help four rascally youngsters—twins times two!—create a Christmas surprise for their parents? Mischief and mayhem, and just maybe . . . love!

In the New Order Amish community of Pleasant Valley, a helping hand is never far away, and a baby’s smile can be reason enough to start over—and risk love again . . . Since losing his family in a tragic accident, building contractor Max Lambright can't seem to find purpose in anything but hard work . . . until he meets feisty newcomer, Willa Richards. As she struggles to make a new life for herself and her baby girl, she challenges him in just about every possible way. Dare he hope that, alongside this spirited woman, he might rekindle his lost faith, and find the path to love and the family he craves? Poor choices and a difficult past have inspired Willa to make better decisions for her precious Frannie, even if it means leaving the familiar behind and starting over . . . among strangers. As she adapts to the Amish ways, she learns about Max’s generous and steadfast nature. The loneliness he tries so hard to mask can’t be hidden . . . not from a woman with something to prove: Together, they can build their friendship into something that will forever stand as the cornerstone of a happy family . . . Visit us www.kensingtonbooks.com

Among the New-new Order Amish of Oakland, Maryland, children bring precious hope, joy—and sometimes an unexpected second chance at love . . . For Amish widower Phillip Baker, providing for his family in the wake of his wife's death means back-breaking work and renewed dedication to his faith. Still, his strength can’t help him relate to his little son’s struggles. It seems a godsend when new doctor Emily White is able to treat Gabe’s shyness and fear even as she helps heal him. But no matter how strongly Phillip is drawn to the caring Englisher from the city, their differences may be too great to overcome . . . Reeling from her own tragic loss, Emily keeps loneliness at bay through her clinic work. Somehow, though, Gabe and his gentle, sad-eyed father are making her want to risk opening her heart again. But can she find acceptance in their Plain world—and a way to turn their separate lives into a family forever? . . .

She’s ready for that second chance… But will he believe she’s changed? When she fled Baltimore after a near-fatal accident that left her dependent on painkillers, Lillie Rourke had lost everything. Now, emotionally healed, she’s ready to make amends and start over. But Jase Yeager has moved on, and who can blame him? Yet Lillie isn’t giving up—on her or them. Earning back Jase’s trust won’t be easy, but Lillie’s no stranger to challenges…

A kidnapping shattered their family… Rena and Grant VanMeter lived every parent’s worst nightmare when their preschool daughter was abducted. Riddled with guilt and hoping time apart would help them heal, Rena made the hardest decision of her life. But stunning news reunites her with Grant. Rosie has been found. Putting up a united front for their child’s sake isn’t as easy as they thought. Grant hasn’t forgiven Rena for taking her eyes off Rosie for a few critical seconds. And Rena has yet to forgive herself. But their little girl needs them more than ever…

These one-hundred devotions remind readers how fully God's grace covers every slip and stumble. Our best can never be good enough, but grace is greater than our largest shortcoming. Writing with humor and heart, four of America's best-loved inspirational writers share their own lives, inviting readers to find the blessings in the challenges. Whether you are facing deadlines, double-scheduled meetings, growing loads of laundry, or all that and more, if you begin your day with a reminder of God's love, your whole day will be all the sweeter.

Harlequin Heartwarming brings you a collection of four new wholesome reads, available now! This Harlequin Heartwarming box set includes: THE RUNAWAY BRIDE by Patricia Johns Bernadette Morgan has just run out on her fancy society wedding and all the way to Runt River, Ohio. When she pulls her broken-down car into Liam Wilson’s garage, all she wants is for him to fix it. What she finds instead are family secrets, political intrigue—and a man she can’t leave behind. SUMMER AT THE SHORE by Carol Ross Can Cupid help Coast Guard officer Jay Johnston and veterinarian Mia Frasier find time for a date? The pair are stretched to their limits, but they can’t deny the burning spark between them! THE MAN SHE KNEW By Way of the Lighthouse by Loree Lough Maleah Turner never forgot Ian Sylvestry. But after his recklessness tore them apart a lifetime ago, she won’t trust him with her heart again. No matter how many happy memories are brought up by an unexpected reunion… GIRL IN THE SPOTLIGHT by Virginia McCullough Eighteen years ago, Lark McGee and Miles Jenkins gave up their baby girl and went their separate ways. Now, since learning who their celebrity daughter has become, will they rediscover each other and finally find their happily-ever-after?

Ruby McCoy is haunted by her father's sins.... When Ruby McCoy arrives in Fairplay, her ornate carriage is followed by an entourage who heft steamer trunks, hatboxes, and traveling bags into the hotel...where she has booked the entire second floor. Upon her notorious gangster father's death, the now-wealthy Ruby, hiding under her mother's maiden name, set out to right her father's wrongs. Ruby is determined to spend every penny of her inherited "blood money" on those who paid the price for her father's crimes. Sheriff Rex Truett doesn't trust Ruby and doesn't care who knows it. The keeper of Fairplay's law and order makes it his business to find out why a stranger—especially a beautiful, spoiled, rich, female stranger—would set up businesses, donate to schools, hire workmen to rebuild houses, and provide access to the best medical care. But when a typhoid epidemic sweeps through the city, he is forced to reconsider. Will Rex blame Ruby for her father's sins? Or will he accept the possibility that she is trying to create—and feel—the peace her father stole?

Harlequin Heartwarming brings you four new wholesome reads for one great price, available now! This Harlequin Heartwarming box set includes: THROUGH THE STORM From Kenya, with Love by Rula Sinara Bush pilot Mac Walker and his sister-in-law, Tessa, had a deal: she'd raise their orphaned nephew with her husband while Mac helped out financially. He couldn't run Serengeti helicopter tours and volunteer for wildlife agencies with a teen underfoot. Then Tessa comes to him for help, revealing her husband's ties to elephant poaching, and Mac agrees to take them in. But can he trust Tessa…or his sudden feelings for her? HOME FOR KEEPS by Lynn Patrick Grace Huber wants to save the environment by building "green." She thinks she's met the perfect man in conservationist Caleb Blackthorne. But with his complicated family, and troubling issues affecting Grace's new community, sustaining a lasting love might be their toughest challenge. THE FIREFIGHTER'S REFRAIN Those Marshall Boys by Loree Lough For firefighter and aspiring country singer Sam Marshall, Nashville is the place to be. But for Finn Leary, Music City is just a place to be. She can't stand the rock-star lifestyle that led to her parents self-destructing, but she can't leave her vulnerable sister or the successful café she runs, either. Luckily, she's too busy to give sweet and handsome Sam a second thought. Besides, she'd never date a musician…TO CATCH A WIFE The Finnegan Sisters by Lee McKenzie Homicide detective Jack Evans returns to his small hometown and discovers Emily Finnegan is going to have his baby. Convincing Emily that she can trust him becomes Jack's top priority, but he's willing to do whatever it takes to get her to come around, because this big-city cop is ready to be a family man. Look for four new tender stories every month from Harlequin Heartwarming!

Harlequin Heartwarming brings you four new wholesome reads for one great price, available now! This Harlequin Heartwarming box set includes: OUT OF THE ASHES The Georgia Monroes • by Cynthia Reese Kari Hendrix needs a good man like Rob Monroe in her corner, but the arson investigator is torn when he discovers she’s keeping dangerous secrets about her past…and his. OWEN’S BEST INTENTIONS Smoky Mountains, Tennessee • by Anna Adams Now that Owen’s found Lilah Bantry again—and the son he never knew he’d fathered—he’s not going to let her go without a fight. But he’s got a lot to make up for, and he’s got to prove he’s not the man he once was. #109 HARPER’S WISH A Findlay Roads Story • by Cerella Sechrist Harper Worth’s scathing review destroyed Connor Callahan’s first restaurant. Now she’s desperate for a job, and he’s her last hope. But can he trust the woman who nearly ruined him? SWEET MOUNTAIN RANCHER Those Marshall Boys • by Loree Lough After an accident ends his baseball career, Nate Marshall returns home to Colorado and throws himself into ranch chores. But when headstrong psychologist Eden Quinn visits the ranch with a gaggle of at-risk boys, Nate sees that life might prove more challenging—and joyful—than he ever imagined. Look for four new tender stories every month from Harlequin Heartwarming!

Nell Holstrom wanted no part of her grandfather’s barren gold mine that had taken the lives of her mother, father, and younger brother—even if there may still be hidden wealth inside. Instead, she went to Denver and took a job as housekeeper at the old Stone Hill Inn. Asa Stone was barely more than a boy when his father dragged him and his brothers to fight with Colonel John Chivington. But Asa refused to participate in the raid on the peaceful Cheyenne and Arapahoe—and when the smoke cleared, his father and brother lay among the slaughtered. Besieged by guilt, Asa wandered the West for years before returning to Denver to rebuild the old inn he’d inherited. Together, Nell and Asa work hard to restore Stone Hill. But when disaster hits the inn, Asa retreats into despair and Nell is forced to return to her family’s mine. Asa faces the hard fact: He’ll never be the man Nell deserves. Can he overcome the dark secrets of his past? And will Nell still love him when she learns the truth?

Shaina Sterling hates the lie she’s living but feels she has no choice. Soon after the shocking death of her husband, the young widow learns how deeply entrenched in debt his lavish lifestyle has left her. To protect the legacy of his name, as well as her own reputation and her stately home at Sterling Hall, Shaina secretly sells off valuable possessions, piece by piece, and hopes that her wealthy Denver friends never discover the truth. Successful rancher Sloan Remington knows far more about Shaina than she realizes, but because of a promise he made to her husband as he lay dying, he guards her secrets as carefully as he looks after her safety. But soon, a series of additional misfortunes make Shaina beholden to him—and threaten to expose a truth about himself that he’s long worked hard to keep hidden. Will trials and tragedies bring these two together? Or will secrets—and the cost of exposing them—drive them apart forever?

He couldn't save his wife…but he will save Alyssa When Noah Preston entered witness protection, his only concern was for his daughter. He couldn't save her mother, but he would save Alyssa—no matter what. Now, three years later, he's done his best to make their new lives work. But he can't let go of the fear—and the guilt—that haunts him. And he can't let Alyssa out of his sight. Noah's convinced that loneliness is part of his penance. So when Billie Landon stumbles into his bike shop, he's determined to keep his distance. He can't risk giving in to his attraction to her. Even though she could be exactly what he and his child really need.

When Brooke O'Toole's sister and brother-in-law die in a tragic accident, her only priority is the emotional well-being of her one-year-old nephew, Connor. Unfortunately, that means making nice with the man she holds responsible for her mother's murder: Hunter Stone. Allowing Hunter into her life is the opposite of easy. Brooke's never understood why her sister forgave him-and worse, became his neighbor and friend. But even she can't deny the bond between the man and child, or how much she's come to rely on both of them. Despite her instinct to fight this ex-cop who's challenging her right to custody, Brooke suspects the best thing for Connor is a life with both of them in it.

Every Quilt Has a Story Featuring tales of love and loss, hope and faith, tradition and new beginnings, the latest Quilts of Love books will delight fiction fans, crafters and quilters, and anyone who loves a good story. Enjoy FREE chapters from eleven titles from popular and bestselling authors Vannetta Chapman, Sandie Bricker, Carla Olsen Gade, Bonnie S. Calhoun, S. Dionne Moore, Angela Breidenbach, Christa Allan, Loree Lough, Jennifer Hudson Taylor, and Jennifer AlLee. Like what you read? The full copy of each of these books is just a click away. This sampler features chapters from... The Christmas Quilt Raw Edges Pattern for Romance Pieces of the Heart A Heartbeat Away A Healing Heart Threads of Hope For Love of Eli Path of Freedom A Wild Goose Chase Christmas Beyond the Storm

Released from prison in 1840 for a crime he didn’t commit, Kent McCoy finds himself without friends, family, or a single reason to believe in a merciful God. Like a lone wolf, he leaves Dodge City, Kansas, and heads east in search of a place where his past won’t darken his future. His wandering path collides with that of Abby Nelson, who, through a series of tragic events, has come to believe that love and happiness are beyond her reach. Life is a matter of existing from day to day on her last thread of strength—her faith in God’s power. Despite their tendencies to live on the fringes of life, Abby and Kent are strangely drawn to one another. But will suspicion, self-righteousness, and lack of faith cost them this chance at happiness in one another’s arms? Or will they surrender to the love born from forgiveness?

When unspeakable tragedy leaves young Eli an orphan, two families are devastated. But Taylor, Eli's aunt and legal guardian, vows to help him remember his parents by creating a Memory Quilt. As she begins piecing together the moments of his parents' lives, the story of the young family emerges and Taylor and Eli begin to heal. But Eli's uncle Reece is slow to let go of the past and still blames Taylor's brother for his sister's death. So, although he has long been attracted to Taylor, Reece keeps a safe distance away. Can their shared love for Eli pave the way to forgiveness or will Taylor and Reece be separated by pain?

"Why would a former football star like Logan Murray pay attention to her? Bianca Wright was a far cry from the beautiful women she'd seen him with in the tabloids. He was just being kind. Or even worse - felt sorry for her. He knew she was a widow with an autistic son. That had to be too much baggage for any man, and Bianca wouldn't accept anything but the best for her child. But if Logan could use his connections to match her son drew with a therapy dog, she's swallow her pride and accept his help. And yet, after fifteen minutes with Drew, Logan seemed to "get it" better than Drew's own father ever did. Had Bianca misjudged him? May he had hidden depths. She would've liked to find out, but that was a risk she just wouldn't take ... not when her precious boy was involved"--Page 4 of cover.

The Civil War has destroyed everything Valerie Carter held dear. Struggling to come to terms with her emotional devastation, she accepts a teaching position in Freeland, Maryland, and her heart is gradually warmed by her students’ affection. She also finds herself attracted to Paul Collins, a young widower with three children who has a childlike faith in Jesus Christ. Will Paul be God’s instrument to free Valerie from the bonds of bitterness?

Stage IV cancer patient Leah Jordan has only a short time to see her last wish fulfilled—she wants her two best friends from childhood to marry and become the adoptive parents of her beloved two-year-old daughter, Fiona. The three were inseparable throughout high school, but they’ve since gone their separate ways: Jade Nelson is a dedicated nurse who recently broke up with a longtime boyfriend, and Riley Steele is a veterinarian who has sworn off women and marriage alike. With time running out, will there be a wedding—and will little Fiona have a loving home?

Highly skilled Search and Rescue (SAR) team leader, Honor Mackenzie, works almost as hard at guarding the dark secrets of her past as she does when training SAR dogs. As for widowed Sun reporter Matt Phillips, not even his former SAR work is as important as protecting his ten-year-old twin boys. When a jumbo jet crashes outside Baltimore one cold night, their respective jobs put them face-to-face at the grisly scene--and force Matt and Honor to reconsider the difficult decisions that resulted in their long-standing "single forever" status. As Matt tries to come to terms with his feelings for Honor, he gets word that she hasn’t reported in since starting the search for a missing child. Reverting to his SAR training, Matt leads the search team as a vicious winter storm bears down on the area. Will he find her in time? And if he does, will they find their way back to each other or go back to living life alone? "Honor Redeemed takes readers into the challenging--and often heartbreaking--world of emergency responders who enter disaster and find their lives and choices irrevocably changed by it. A timely novel about the power of love in all its aspects." --Susannah Charleson, author of Scent of the Missing: Love and Partnership with a Search and Rescue Dog

Minutes before two jumbo jets changed U.S. history, New York police officer Austin Finley ignored the call from his brother, who'd been bugging him for days. Trying to live with his one regret causes hatred and bitterness to consume Austin, and when counselor Mercy Samara recommends desk duty, Austin resigns. Haunted by her own memories of 9/11, Mercy takes a job as a school counselor in Baltimore. When Austin, now an EMT, responds to an emergency at Mercy's school, both are stunned and wary. Finally their common—and painful—memories turn suspicion into friendship, then romance. But hard questions linger: Can they truly move beyond their past harsh judgments and harsh words? Will their past finally bring them closer or—as the tenth anniversary of 9/11 draws near—drive them farther apart?

That's the question stirring Texan widower Lamont London's heart. His longtime neighbor Nadine Greene still turns heads—especially his. But after enduring an abusive marriage, Nadine's gun-shy when it comes to relationships. And Lamont has some unresolved feelings to overcome about his late wife. It isn't until Nadine's ranch house burns to the ground and Lamont offers refuge to her and her son's family in his empty mansion that she opens her heart. Can they find a sweet second chance at love, and make two families into one?

As a boy, Adam Thorne participated in a prank that went horribly wrong. Having no adult in his life to teach him that, with a changed heart, no sin is unforgivable, he turned his guilt into a shield... ...until Kasey Delaney bounded into his world, bubbling with life and overflowing with enthusiasm for God's love. Months into their whirlwind courtship, Adam still hadn't revealed his shameful secret. But could he bear the loneliness if Kasey couldn't set aside her pain and anger and see him for the man he had become, rather than the boy he had been? Or would God, in His infinite wisdom, give Adam the strength to unburden his heart and rejoice in the healing power of love?

SCIENCE VERSUS...FAITH? Dr. Wade Cameron was a man of science—it came with the territory. He knew there was nothing between him and Patrice McKenzie short of chemistry. Never mind that the petite auburn-haired beauty had a smile that would put the sun's glow to shame, and a heart big enough to match. But as a man of science he also knew that family history counted...and his clan's sordid past left too much to chance. The twice-voted "Bachelor of the Year" was determined to continue his no-commitment policy...until Patrice began making this nonbeliever think that maybe he'd taken a wrong turn. Maybe there was something permanent in God's plan for him?

A head-on collision with burned-out rodeo star Reid Alexander is the last thing actress Cammi Carlisle needs! Pregnant, widowed and considered a "has-been," Cammi is returning to her family's Texas ranch in search of forgiveness. Little does she know that Reid wants her forgiveness.... Though there's sizzling chemistry between them, Reid knows a relationship would never work. Unbeknownst to Cammi, Reid was the one driving the pickup that killed her mother years ago. Even though it was a tragic accident with no one at fault, how will she ever forgive him when he can't even forgive himself?

Lily London had been crushed when Max Sheridan left town to marry someone else. Years later, her heart leaped when he returned to Amarillo, Texas, to take over his mother’s diner. Now that she was old enough to do more than dream of becoming Mrs. Max Sheridan, she prayed he would see the woman she’d become. Because this time, she was really in love...not just with Max but with his motherless four-year-old son, too! Yet despite the intense emotions that still sparked between them, Max refused to believe that a vibrant young woman like Lily was ready to take on the responsibilities of wife...and mother. Together, could they learn to trust in God’s leadership...and in their love for one another?

Callie Roberts can't shake her sense of guilt for the steamboat explosion that killed most of her family. Micah Neville can't escape feeling obligated to protect the reputation of his cousin Dan. When he "inherits" a baby boy from a woman who claims Dan is the father, Callie steps in to help. Will their tragic pasts draw them closer or pull them apart?

When a coincidental meeting brings together young widow Levee O'Reilly and rancher Dan Neville, a confirmed bachelor for reasons of his own, they're awakened to a long-ignored desire for love by the realization that they might have finally found it. Can these two mavericks accept the plans God has for their lives?