When Ella Hayden moves to Hallburg, Maryland, with her six-year-old daughter, Joy, Ella hopes to find a new job. She is excited to be in her cousin’s wedding and move into her apartment. But she doesn’t expect an encounter with her cousin’s old two-timing boyfriend, Tony Zanetti, or the job offer in his family’s restaurant. Tony’s life has taken a turn for the worse with the loss of his finance job and his fiancée. He wants to help his mom make the family restaurant a viable operation, but he doesn’t want this gig long term. When Ella asks him to adopt a cute puppy in hopes that Joy will eventually love it, he agrees—in his efforts to be a better person. As Tony and Ella interact, he fears falling for another woman too fast, and Ella is leery of his track record with women. Will Joy be able to bring Tony and her mom together with the help of a cute pup?

Each Wednesday morning they take the bus--the lonely graduate student, the Marine trying to start a new life in the corporate world, the elderly woman on her way to the senior center, and the exhausted single mother and her daughter--but they never interact. Not until the day tragedy strikes and brings these five strangers together. This story is part of the Puppy Love series of short stories about puppies bringing two people together to find their happily ever after. keywords: holiday romance, christmas romance, christmas short stories, puppy love, clean romance, wholesome romance, sweet romance

Instant Father One minute, Caleb Mast is an oil-rig roughneck who answers to no one but himself. The next, he's the father of a special-needs child he never knew existed. What kind of home can a man like him--without faith or community--provide for an eight-year-old girl? For little Joy's sake, Caleb returns to the Amish community he left behind years ago. His daughter bonds with Amish schoolteacher Leah Belier, and Caleb feels hopeful for once. But Leah blames Caleb for dashing long-ago dreams and can't bear to trust him. With Christmas weeks away, one special girl just may bring two hearts--and an entire community--together. Brides of Amish Country: Finding true love in the land of the Plain People.

This Christmas, come home to Amish country Amish Christmas Joy by Patricia Davids One minute, Caleb Mast is an oil rig roughneck. The next, he’s a father. How can he provide for an eight-year-old girl? For Joy’s sake, Caleb returns to the Amish community he left behind years ago. When his daughter bonds with schoolteacher Leah Belier, Caleb feels hopeful. But Leah blames Caleb for dashing her long-ago dreams. With Christmas weeks away, one special girl may bring two hearts together. An Amish Proposal by Jo Ann Brown Pregnant and alone, Katie Kay Lapp can’t return to her Amish family. With nowhere to go, she’s rescued by the man whose heart she shattered. Months ago, Micah Stoltzfus courted her, until she chose the big city over him. Now Micah offers her marriage, since he still cares for the Amish beauty. He’ll be the father Katie Kay’s baby needs…but can he also be the love she’s always wanted?

Sometimes we just need to believe in love and things working out without conflict or drama. In this quartet of contemporary romance short stories from the Puppy Love collection, that's exactly what happens. Each story involves a puppy helping their person find love. And sometimes community, too. Includes the stories Puppy Love Thanksgiving, Puppy Love Holiday Surprise, Puppy Love Christmas Kiss, and Puppy Love Valentine.

Three stories salute the romance of holiday homecomings Christmas Angel by Lindsay McKenna

Writing has always been an inseparable part of me. At first it didnt seem necessary or important to share with others. Then we bought our first PC and have been on the Internet about three years. Since then sharing has blossomed into unbelievable proportions. It is a thrill to be able to share with others. Hopes dreams and things we all wish for, such as acceptance by fellow writers. I can not think of one single thing that inspires me to write poetry. The entire spectrum of living is an inspiration. I feel extremely passionate about life with all its complexities. Ive always thrown myself head long into every project I tackle. Intensity serves me well by capturing the moment, fresh and captivating. The results get me into to trouble at times in that I loose all concept of time. Here I bow to my husband and his patience for many late dinners when in the middle of a writing frenzy. Endless miracles of love spur me on! Unfortunately, in late 2001, ADA was diagnosed with stage 4 Ovarian Cancer. She indured five major operations, & 38 Kemos. On July 4, 2004 she passed away at our home in Banning Ca.

Dive into the heartwarming world of Christmas with "Christmas Stories of Joy - 50 Short Stories." This enchanting collection takes you on a festive journey through 50 heartwarming tales that capture the true spirit of the holiday season. These short stories will transport you to cozy, snow-covered villages, bustling cityscapes, and magical winter wonderlands. Experience the joy of Christmas through the eyes of endearing characters who embark on adventures, spread kindness, and rediscover the magic of the season. Each story is a perfect blend of tradition and originality, with themes that touch upon love, giving, hope, and the enduring power of family and friendship. From timeless classics to contemporary tales, these stories celebrate the values that make Christmas a season of unparalleled warmth and happiness. Whether you're curled up by the fire or looking for a delightful gift for loved ones, "Christmas Stories of Joy" will fill your heart with the timeless magic of the holiday. Get ready to be captivated by these 50 stories that remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Tis the season to be jolly but not always. Some holiday hearts are a stark contradiction to the merriment the season brings. What began in 1991 as Cheryl Bergers personal gift to family and friends has grown into the collection you now hold in your hands. These inspirational writings have been included in her familys annual Christmas cards with the hope of bringing the recipients a little holiday cheer. Tidings of Comfort and Joy contains more than just seasonal entries, however. Some have to do with situations, circumstances, as well as the unexpected, experienced in everyday life. Bible verses have been woven like a scarlet thread throughout each piece. Some pieces are personal, and some were written for others. All were written with the purpose of encouraging hearts with the hope found in Christ. Realizing the Lord speaks to her heart through her writing, many hours have been spent seeking God for a word in due season. With a heart for hurting women, Cheryl uses words to minister hope and peace to wounded and broken hearts. If you listen carefully, you can hear songs of hope flowing throughout each piece. It is her prayer that the Lord will use the imagery penned in this collection to fill your heart with tidings of comfort and joy.

When elementary school teacher Sedona Welch sets a goal to lose fifteen pounds, she doesn’t expect to barter her tutoring services in exchange for personal training, especially with a handsome personal trainer. Cody Dunn has all he can deal with taking care of his eight-year-old nephew, Mason. Cody finds an ally in Sedona as she helps him negotiate the guardianship of this troubled boy. But he doesn’t anticipate his nephew’s love for a cute little puppy or his own attraction to Sedona. Can well-meaning friends, a little boy, and a puppy help this reluctant couple find love at Christmas?