Barbara Phinney

When Clara became a midwife, she vowed to preserve life above all. She'll keep that vow, even if it means defying a Norman baron by hiding a Saxon slave and her child. Yet when the ruthless lord threatens Clara's village--and her life--she's forced to rely on another Norman to keep her safe. Kenneth D'Entremont is a soldier, one who takes lives instead of healing them. Clara despairs of finding any common ground with him. But when he begins guarding her, she learns to see him in a new light. His care and compassion make her feel safe even loved. Can she bring herself to put her secrets, and her heart, under the protection of the warrior.

Who killed the bride and groom?Everyone thinks it was "that troublemaker," Peta Donald. Gossips say she came home to stop the wedding. That jealousy led her to murder. No one on Northwind Island believes that Peta has changed since her youth. And nothing has changed in town. Peta is still shunned by everyone. Everyone except Lawson Mills, whose appearance on the island is as mysterious as the double murders. Peta is sure he has an ulterior motive for helping clear her name. Full of questions about another set of murders, Lawson is secretive about himself. Until they discover what's behind Peta's deadly homecoming...

No one left the cult without paying a price. Kaylee Campbell had tried to rescue her sister, only to fall prey to the threats of the leader, Noah Nash. After two horrific years, her faith shaken, she managed to break free. But when her sister was murdered in retaliation, Kaylee couldn't ignore her guilt and doubt. Now, on Kaylee's doorstep, there's a mystery man who looks very much like Noah, desperate for the help she's quick to deny him. And he says he can help her in return -- if together they brave a perilous, faith-affirming road.

Clare Walsh isn't too keen on marrying, but it's the only way for her to keep her family home ... and custody of her two younger brothers. So when rancher Noah Livingstone offers a union in name only, Clare reluctantly agrees. Accepting Noah's strictly practical proposal has an unexpected catch, though--she's actually falling for him. Though Noah is drawn to vibrant, independent Clare, he knows romantic feelings will only complicate their marriage of convenience. But when secrets from his past threaten Noah's fragile new family, he must make a difficult choice. Will Noah risk all his dreams to secure a real future with Clare?

"His life as a U.S. marshal was something Pastor Ian McNeal had left behind...until he's asked to care for little Charlie Troop. The boy witnessed a terrible crime and hasn't spoken since--except to his Auntie Liz, the one adult he trusts. Ian just wants to find the truth, something only Charlie can reveal. But Charlie isn't talking, and Liz is determined to protect Charlie against anyone who'd hurt, frighten or pressure him--including Ian. Yet with a killer dead set on making sure Charlie never speaks again, a protector like Ian is just what Liz and Charlie need."--P. of cover.

"For my baby's safety, I must give her up…" An old letter is all Kristin Perry has of her birth mother. When the Witness Protection Program couldn't keep mother or daughter safe, the woman fled "underground." With the help of private investigator Zane Black, Kristin tries to track her down. Instead, though, she finds herself the target of a series of deadly "accidents." Zane's still searching for her missing mother—but now Kristin's starting to wonder if her family reunion will be the death of them all….

"Widowed Saxon Lady Ediva Dunmow will do anything to protect her people--even marry one of the invading Norman knights. The king sees it as a way to keep Ediva, her lands and her tenants subdued. But Ediva's embittered heart, still healing from the abuse of her first husband, will not yield so easily. Marriage never held any appeal for Adrien de Ries. Yet it is his king's will, and perhaps his Lord's, too--though he finds his faith tested daily by Ediva's staunch refusal to trust him. As a knight, Adrien survived many battles, but the fight to win Ediva's heart may be his most challenging--and rewarding."--Publisher.

A Navy SEAL, Brody Hawke is alone in the world, never feeling the need to put down roots—or shrink from danger. Then he receives a letter from a man who insists he is Brody's father. Instantly, the news changes everything he has ever believed about his past—or imagined about his future—especially when he meets artist Tori Anderson. The widow of a daredevil stunt man, Tori Anderson has learned too well the price of living on the edge. Even though she is engaged to wealthy vintner Elliott Hawke, she is swept away by a dangerous, forbidden passion when she comes face to face with his twin brother… Drawn together by fate and circumstance, Tori and Brody set out to solve his father's mysterious death. While fighting their growing attraction, they uncover a tangle of betrayals and lies hidden by Brody's newly discovered family. Is falling in love their biggest danger? Or the ominous threat shadowing their every move…

When heiress Victoria Templeton learns her fortune is gone, she has to move to the Colorado frontier to live with her uncle. But with no money to pay for the trip, she must accept a position as a traveling nanny for a widowed rancher. And, much to the chagrin of the man entrusting his children to her care, she soon finds herself in over her head. Mitch MacLeod lives for two things: his ranch and his children. And pampered Victoria isn't qualified to help with either. But the former socialite has more grit--and determination--than he first thinks. If her uncle has his way, though, Mitch will soon lose his ranch--and any hope of a future with Victoria.