Chronicles of the Golden Frontier

She was used to reading other people's stories. Now she was writing them--and adding a new chapter to her own. It doesn't take long for young Jennifer DeSpain to realize that marriage, even marriage to a Union soldier, is nothing like the romance novels she secretly reads. Still, she continues to dream of a better life--and to pray for a happier one. Eventually her husband's problems force Jennifer to find work with a local newspaper. Then, when tragedy strikes, she boldly goes against others' advice and moves to Nevada to run a newspaper. Even with the paper's significant problems, Jennifer is determined to make good--and to learn the ins and outs of life in a boomtown. In time, she uncovers the dark side of the mining business and, with a little help from some colorful friends, sets out to make a difference. The time comes when her life couldn't be better. She is romantically involved. She has a purpose. And the paper is succeeding. But what Jennifer doesn't yet realize is that she could have so much more--if only she could see the love that is standing before her.

She's overcome the challenges of widowhood, poverty, and newspaper publishing. Now if she can only settle the conflict within her heart. With high hopes of the adventure to come, Jennifer DeSpain, along with her family and friends, is embarking on a journey that will change their lives forever. Abandoning the comforts of their home and well-established newspaper, they head east to Colorado. But when the train comes to an abrupt stop, the adventure is just beginning. The Kissing Bandit strikes again--stealing both her money and a kiss Determined to overcome this loss, Jennifer and her editor, Jason, manage to print the first issues of their new paper. Life is improving until Jason suffers a terrible accident, which forces Jennifer to run the paper herself. Overwhelmed with despair and frustration at the uncooperative press, Jennifer is on the verge of quitting--until two men enter their lives who must be heaven-sent. Preacher brings truth and miracles. And with an eye on Jennifer, the handsome rancher Lance Rivers insists on taking care of them. Adored by everyone except a bitter and jealous Jason, Lance seems the perfect addition to their family. Can he be the one who Jennifer can finally trust with her heart?

With her sudden wealth she can have whatever her heart desires. But it may cost her what she treasures most. Life in Black Hawk, Colorado, keeps Jennifer DeSpain and her fianci, Jason Stone, busy but content. Everything changes, though, when a craggy old miner bursts into their office and declares that he has struck gold in the small mine Jennifer owns. Accustomed to poverty, this new-found wealth easily consumes her family's interests. Even Jennifer's husband-to-be is captivated by the prospects. Representing Jennifer and her money, Jason takes a stagecoach to a nearby prospering town to stake new mining claims. By the end of the long and treacherous ride, he is well acquainted with another of the passengers--a young actress who has decided that the handsome and apparently wealthy Jason will be hers. Wanting to believe that this new relationship is strictly platonic, he spends more and more time with the beautiful young woman, all the while claiming that he loves only Jennifer. But before Jason and Jennifer can hope to share true love, they must each return to their first love. It will be a tumultuous journey for them both. Will they face it together... or alone?

A sister missing. A brother searching. Each needing an answer to save a life. Abby DeSpain is missing--gone without a clue! But her brother Grant has his suspicions. The very idea that Abby could be chasing after that rogue Billy Rogers and running straight into trouble spurs Grant onto her trail. Boomtown after boomtown brings him no closer to finding his sister, but in each he encounters characters who intrigue him and challenges that build his character--all of which guide him to astonishing answers to his life-long questions. Abby is indeed searching for Billy. He's left her a trail of letters promising her the world. Promises she feels she deserves--and ones she intends to make him keep. But when the trail abruptly ends in the most lawless boomtown of them all, trouble finds Abby quickly, and she soon learns that her normal tricks do not work. With time running out, Abby realizes she must ask for help from the only one who can save her--the one she abandoned long ago.