Зарубежная современная проза — Deb Kastner

SHE WAS GOIN' TO THE CHAPEL….…and she was going to get married–to the dashing new minister. At least, that was Julia Evans's plan. Convinced holy matrimony should be based on more than romance, Julia was caught off guard when old-fashioned fireworks erupted where she least expected them– and ignited a spark she couldn't seem to ignore….Carpenter Zeke Taylor knew Julia fully intended to become the pastor's wife. But the more time he spent with the angelic blue-eyed blonde, the more Zeke suspected...

She can’t remember the past He can’t imagine a future without her in Cowboy Country Suffering amnesia after a car accident, Rebecca Hamilton arrives back in Serendipity, Texas, pregnant and seeking the baby’s father—her estranged husband, Tanner. Returning to the ranch home they once shared is her best chance at regaining her memories. But will recalling the tragic reason they separated only drive a bigger wedge between Rebecca and the man she’s falling for all over again?

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...

It's been years since single father Buck Redmond set foot in his Texas hometown. For good reasons–or so he thinks. He plans to quickly sell his family's ranch and hightail it out with his son. But the Redmond homestead now belongs to his former flame, Ellie McBride.The violet-eyed beauty stirs up all kinds of bittersweet memories–including why Buck left her behind. And she somehow manages to turn his scowling son into a happy, talkative junior cowboy. Soon enough, Buck is reminded of why he...

Vince Morningway has always run the family ministry alone – and his way. Until his big-deal brother hires a business consultant to bring him – and the ministry – into this century. Suddenly Melanie Frazer, in her pastel suits and clicking heels, is organizing papers and talking computers. And she's too interested in sorting the dreams Vince has for his life.But those old dreams – to leave town and see the world instead of taking care of everyone and everything – passed him by long ago. Unless...

The U.S. Marine Corps made a man out of Nathan Morningway.But the orphaned baby girl left to him by his military buddy made him a father. A single father. With no training in diaper duty, let alone parenthood, Nathan heads home to Morningway Lodge–where he's not exactly warmly welcomed by his family. But day-care worker Jessica Sabin helps care for little Gracie and teaches him how to be a daddy. That seems to make Jessica happy. So why does she look so sad sometimes? Nathan's new mission: to...

The Rancher’s New FamilyRachel Perez needs a handyman to spruce up her in-home daycare. So when she “wins” ex-soldier Seth Howell in a bachelor auction, she’s glad he can swing a hammer. But when freewheeling Seth suddenly inherits a two-year-old and a sprawling ranch, he’s got to grow up fast. Seth admires Rachel’s kindness and easy way with kids, so he seeks her help in finding his footing as a father. And single-mom Rachel sees how determined Seth is to do right by little Caden. Between his...

Dr. Kyle Hart seemed able to heal everyone– but himself. The handsome widower had come to Safe Harbor to find peace. But the town matchmakers had other plans for him. And Kyle soon hatched a scheme with the spontaneous Gracie Adams to outwit the matchmakers at their own game!Kyle thought masquerading as an engaged couple was a brilliant solution. But that was before he found solace and a purpose in the small town. And before he fell in love with Gracie. Kyle knew Gracie was exactly what he...

A Christmas SurpriseShawn O'Riley is shocked to find a baby girl abandoned at his church on Christmas Eve. He's a pastor and a cowboy–not a daddy! Haunted by family tragedy, he's not sure he can risk his heart to baby Noelle–or to anyone else. But he needs help. Experienced foster mom Heather Lewis was anticipating a quiet holiday. When Shawn pops up at her door, she's happy to show him the ropes of baby care–but isn't prepared for the way he melts the walls around her heart. Can Shawn and...

CUPID TO THE RESCUERugged and tough deputy sheriff Eli Bishop isn’t scared of anything. Except dogs. When he’s assigned a K-9 partner, he thinks things can’t get any worse. Then he learns who’ll be training him. Local vet Mary Travis is sweet as sugar…but she’s also Eli’s ex-fiancé’s sister. Revealing his humiliating phobia to her is not an option. Neither is developing feelings for Mary—who’s built her career around the dogs Eli fears. When a terrible storm hits their town, Mary and Eli must...

Her Perfect MatchSuccessful businessman Griffin Haddon just wants a quiet place to start over again…alone. Griff doesn't realize that in a small town like Serendipity, Texas, solitude's hard to come by. Especially at Redemption Ranch, where the stunning Alexis Grainger struggles to keep her ministry for troubled teens afloat. The last thing Alexis needs is a distraction like slick city-boy Griff with his designer jeans and boots. But her meddling, matchmaking twin has other plans. As Alexis and...

Inspiring and enriching romances about faith, hope and the healing power of love.ONE LAST CHANCE Unemployed and with no place to live, Stephanie Cartwright answers an online classified ad. The nanny job in small-town Serendipity, Texas, will give her a chance to start over. And she’ll be helping out teacher Drew Spencer, who desperately needs someone to watch his three-year-old twin boys.He knows better than anyone that his boys can be a handful—so he makes the offer on a short-term basis. Soon...

When Mr. Wrong Is Mr. RightA woman in a man’s world, firefighter Vee Bishop has to be tough as nails. She’s developed a hard shell that no one can penetrate. But Vee’s online friend BJ sees her softer side. BJ seems so kind and caring—just the opposite of Ben Atwood. Her annoying coworker has trampled expectations all over town, or so rumor has it.Turns out, once she agrees to give Ben a fair shot, he’s surprisingly vulnerable. As Vee prepares to make a difficult choice, an unexpected twist...

His Best Friend's BabyWidowed and pregnant, Laney Beckett wants nothing to do with stubborn rodeo cowboy Slade McKenna. But avoiding her late husband's best friend is nearly impossible now that Slade thinks Laney and her baby need his protection. Though Slade figures he's too rough a man to settle down, his thrill-seeking ways have already cost him his childhood pal. Looking out for the man's wife and child is the least he can do, especially when headstrong Laney doesn't know the first thing...

Countdown to a Christmas BabyAfter Vivian Grainger buys him at the town's charity bachelor auction, Nick McKenna feels obligated to provide his carpentry skills. He’ll help the bubbly blonde construct her dream spa and beauty shop in time for Christmas—but the burly cowboy won't be sticking around. When he realizes Vivian is pregnant, though, everything changes. Seeing the joy she brings to everyone around her despite the difficulties she's overcome, it's clear to Nick that Vivian—and her...

A Surprise DadRancher Jax McKenna's gotten used to being on his own. Then surprise twin babies—daughters he never knew existed—arrive on his doorstep, and his world goes topsy-turvy. Strong, silent Jax has a way with horses. Not little girls!So when Texas newcomer Faith Duggan steps up to help, he's overwhelmed with gratitude. Faith's following her dream of buying a mustang rescue sanctuary. And she needs Jax, too. But after a tragic accident changed his life forever, Jax isn't used to letting...

A Surprise DaddyWhen Carolina Mason shows up in Haven, Texas, after a three-year absence, no one is more surprised than town veterinarian Wyatt Harrow. Especially when he sees Carolina’s two-year-old son, Matty. Their son. How could she have kept his child a secret?Carolina doesn’t deny the boy is his. She thought she was doing what was best for everyone when she left, but she realizes she was wrong. Though Wyatt is eager to make up for lost time with Matty, Carolina’s not so sure that extends...

She fled their wedding years agoNow she’s back…with a baby!Coming home with a baby and no wedding ring was just what everyone in Cowboy Country expected from bad girl Angelica Carmichael. But she’ll brave their scorn to fulfill Granny Frances’s dying wishes, even if it means ranching with Rowdy Masterson…her jilted ex-groom. Rowdy’s still bitter but this new, softer Angelica—paired with a precious baby—might be too loveable to resist!

’Tis the season for a new startBut can he be a daddy in Cowboy Country?With a baby on the way and Christmas around the corner, disgraced rodeo rider Cash Coble returns to Serendipity hoping to fix his reputation. Cash never imagined that pretty Alyssa Emerson would inspire him to cowboy up—let alone open his heart. But will she agree to be part of his new family once she learns his dark secret?

His Unexpected ValentinesClint Daniels knows he is nobody’s sweetheart. The rugged mountain guide has lived most of his life alone, and with his heartbreaking past, he can’t imagine a domestic future with anyone. Especially not a warm and graceful widow like Olivia Barlow.But when her three tow-headed little boys approach him at the Lone Star Cowboy League’s annual Valentine’s dance, he finds it impossible to turn them away. Clint isn't prepared to be a father, but these boys draw out his...

The Cowboy's Yuletide Reunion by Deb KastnerWhen Sarah Kendrick meets her high school sweetheart again, she's ashamed to show Marcus Ender how far she's fallen. But when they're snowed in on her ranch, and he returns holiday joy to her family, Sarah could have a merry Christmas…if she'll say yes.The Cowboy's Christmas Gift by Arlene JamesAn injury forces rodeo rider Matt Ender home to his family's ranch—where he clashes with his grandmother's pretty business partner.Former cowgirl Neely Spence...

Christmas on the RanchMiranda Morgan’s Christmas will be twice as busy now that she’s guardian of her sister’s sweet twin babies. But the celebrity photographer is happy to trade a glamorous L.A. lifestyle for motherhood in her small hometown of Wildhorn, Texas. Unfortunately, the twins’ handsome godfather, Simon West, is unconvinced. The brooding rancher isn’t thrilled about letting sunny, spontaneous Miranda into his carefully managed world. Though they disagree on almost everything, Simon and...