Surprise Christmas blessings Her Holiday Family by Winnie Griggs Reserved widow Eileen Pierce never considered herself cut out to be a mother. But when handyman Simon Tucker is stranded in town with ten young orphans at Christmastime, she can't just turn them away. Though Simon’s easygoing demeanor clashes with Eileen’s buttoned-up propriety, his kindness melts her stern facade. Soon Simon and the children upend Eileen's quiet, orderly life. Will they do the same to her guarded heart? The Sheriff's Christmas Twins by Karen Kirst Convinced that Allison Ashworth deserves better, Sheriff Shane Timmons has always tried to remain aloof. But with Allison in Gatlinburg for the holidays and caring for two motherless babies, Shane wants to help her. Allison has always been drawn to Shane, but he never seemed to look her way. Now, spending time with him and the twins gives her hope that her dreams of motherhood—and a life with Shane—may come true.

Two babies in need of love just may unite a Tennessee sheriff with the woman he pines for . . . Convinced that Allison Ashworth deserves better than someone like him, Sheriff Shane Timmons has always tried to remain aloof around his childhood companion. But with Allison in Gatlinburg for the holidays, insisting on caring for two motherless babies, Shane feels obliged to help her. How can he keep his distance when she and the children are quickly becoming the family he never dared to wish for? As a girl, Allison was drawn to the wary yet handsome Shane, who never seemed to look her way. But in spending time with him and two sweet babies, she might yet find a chink in the confirmed bachelor’s armor. Every shared moment gives Allison hope that this Christmas, her dreams of motherhood—and a life with Shane—may finally be coming true.

He’s never known love… Until a chance encounter Rodeo cowboy Lucky Harper is only making a short stop in idyllic Violet Ridge. So how did he go from being an outsider to pretty rancher Elizabeth Irwin’s wedding date—and her fake fiancé—in one night? For the first time, this lone cowboy is suddenly part of a real family. But even he’s not lucky enough to find family and love by accident…or is he? From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging. Rodeo Stars of Violet Ridge Book 1: Caught by the Cowgirl Book 2: Snowbound with the Rodeo Star Book 3: Her Temporary Cowboy

Spending Christmas on picturesque Catalina Island seems like the perfect idea for private investigators, Kerry and Terry McAfee. That is, until they learn that the hotel room they've checked into was recently occupied by a pair of feuding newlyweds, and that the bride and her rare green diamond ring have both gone missing. When the body of a local diving instructor is discovered floating in Avalon Bay, the twins offer up their services, and soon find themselves embroiled in a dangerous web of lies, deceit, and holiday debacles. Between the mysterious stalker, a suspicious sheriff, and a conspiracy that reaches from the shores of Santa Catalina all the way to an African diamond mine, this trip certainly isn't turning out as planned. Add to the mix Cousin Robert playing Santa Claus, Aunt Reba facing the consequences of an illicit love affair, the amorous advances of a handsome stranger, and a toothless escaped poodle, and it's just another family Christmas for the McAfee twins!

The Widower’s Christmas Wish With Christmas just around the corner, widow Willa Chase will do anything to retain custody of her twin girls and unborn baby—even if it means escaping to her childhood Amish home. After her grandfather turns her away, Willa finds herself stranded at the home of blacksmith John Miller. A widower, John buries himself in work—until Willa’s vibrant twins become impossible to ignore. And before long, John is smitten with their beautiful mother, too. But when Willa’s past secrets are revealed, will they prevent John’s Christmas wish for a happily-ever-after from coming true?

A Christmas bargain… Becomes a promise of more Former pro soccer player and single mom Becks Porter finally owns her own soccer complex. But her Christmas dream becomes a blazing nightmare when the building literally goes up in flames—injuring her ex, firefighter Carlos Ramirez. Now Becks and Carlos must choose between old grudges and helping each other out. Sparks have a way of rekindling…but can two people start over without getting burned? From Harlequin Heartwarming: Wholesome stories of love, compassion and belonging. Smoky Mountain First Responders Book 1: The Single Dad's Holiday Match Book 2: The Paramedic's Forever Family Book 3: The Firefighter's Christmas Promise

A COWBOY FOR ALL SEASONS Four generations of Dempseys have struggled to turn the Dos Estrellas ranch into a successful cattle operation. Gabe Dempsey vows to keep the dream alive, even if he has to share ownership with two half-brothers, who are virtual strangers. They are also pressuring him to sell--which will happen over his dead body. Luckily, Reese McGraw is the trustee of his father's estate, and she's on Gabe's side. For now. Reese is happy to support Gabe in his fight to keep the ranch--but is her support a conflict of interest? His brothers seem to think so. Gabe and Reese's growing feelings for each other are a problem, too. But maybe it's one that will be solved by the magic of Christmas!

The last thing he needs is another person he has to protect… Tim Means is the sheriff on the White Sandy Reservation—a thankless job on the best of days. He’s trying to keep a gang war from breaking out, vigilantes from running amuck and he’s doing it all with a two-man force. When a kid named Georgey gets busted breaking into the Clinic, Tim doesn’t have time to keep the kid on the straight and narrow. He needs a relative to take the teen off his hands. But who? The only person who could take custody of Georgey is Summer Collins, Georgey’s half-sister. She hasn’t been on the White Sandy in almost fifteen years . But what choice does she have? She made a promise to her father to look out for her little brother, so she gives up her job teaching summer school and her hopes of a summer fling to venture west and meet a brother she barely remembers. But what she finds on the White Sandy is more than just a family or a sense of belonging. She meets one sexy sheriff and suddenly, a summer fling seems like just the thing. But things on the White Sandy are never simple—or easy. When the gang war threatens Summer and her brother, will Tim be able to do his job—or will his heart get in the way? Warning: This book features smart-mouthed teenagers, poverty issues, dyslexia, jackalopes, and car sex. Plan accordingly! 4.5 stars! “Unexpected love at it's best! I've really enjoyed this entire series, but Sheriff Tim turned out to be one of my very favorites. I wasn't expecting it. I went into the book thinking he was a surly jerk ... but it didn't take long to figure out that he really had a heart of gold. Great characters, an emotional story of family and second chances and a sweet love story. Great read!” — Thoughts of a Blonde 5 stars! “I loved the way the characters worked together to help the young people on the reservation. The attraction between Tim and Summer was sizzling, yet they faced real problems and put the needs of others first, for the most part. It was great to see all the other characters from the previous White Sandy books. They were a real part of the story, instead of just making a pop-up appearance.”— Mary D, Reviewer 4 Stars! “It’s good to be back in the Dakota's on the White Sandy Lakota Indian Reservation.”— Cindy O, Reviewer

Wanted: Women and babies. Where: Shotgun Ridge, Montana. When: As soon as possible! A doctor in her stocking? Kelly Anderson had heard of the notorious Shotgun Ridge matchmakers. She just never dreamed they’d pair her with her new boss, the town’s own sexy, single M.D., Chance Hammond. The man was one potent male package with a wicked bedside manner—surely not what the doctor ordered for a widow with two scared little girls and one big secret! But the carefree playboy had his own secret side. For when they had no place to go just days before Christmas, it was Chance who opened his home, Chance whose gentle ways made her daughters smile. She’d prayed for a Christmas miracle—had she instead found a man whose tender care could heal all their broken hearts? “Delightful reading. A refreshing and honest novel filled with the challenges of betrayal, healing, and compromise . . . Highly recommended! –Cindy Penn, Word Wrap “Ms. Neff has blended family traditions and fantastic characters to create a warm, tender love story . . . complete with passion, charm and everlasting love.” –The Romance Reader Connection 4 plugs—excellent Bachelors of Shotgun Ridge--Book 5--Single, sexy and soon-to-be wed!

In this inspirational historical romance, a federal law officer offers a convenient marriage as protection to a woman and the two orphans in her care. Her Guardian Groom Paid to accompany two orphaned siblings to their grandfather in Nebraska, Lily Winter is dismayed to discover the old man has gone missing. And when the children’s inheritance makes them a target, buying protection is Lily’s only option. Until a handsome gun-for-hire suggests another solution: marriage. Undercover US Marshal Jake Elder can’t reveal his true identity without blowing his mission. Nor can he leave the town’s pretty new arrival unguarded. But while uncovering a plot against her charges is difficult and risky, falling for Lily is all too easy. Especially once their marriage in name only gives Jake a glimpse of how wonderful Christmas—and their future as a family—could be.