A PROMISE TO PROTECT As a skilled SWAT team negotiator, Isaac Morrison has defused many a crisis situation. But safeguarding Leah Nichols and her young son may be his most challenging mission yet. Leah’s brother—his best friend Shane—has gone missing while working undercover. Now it’s up to Isaac to protect mother and child from Shane’s enemies. He doesn’t know whom they can trust, but he’s determined to catch the gunmen threatening their lives. Isaac knows he needs his best protection skills against their formidable adversary. Because he can’t risk the consequences to the little family who has stealthily claimed his heart. SWAT: Top Cops: Love in the line of duty

It's never too late to live your dreams! Divorcee Lydia had forgotten all about the list she made almost thirty years ago until she finds the old notebook in her attic. At fifteen, her goals seemed simple enough: -Overcome her fear of flying -Learn to ice skate like Jayne Torvill -Sing in front of an audience -Get a date with a rock star! Now she has just six months to make her teenage dreams come true, before she turns 45. Still petrified of planes and with no celebrity notch on her bedpost Lydia elects to tackle her teenage bucket list: one dream at a time, aided and abetted by her trusty sidekicks Trudi and Des. From falling flat on her bum at the ice rink to a hilarious encounter with a hypnotist, Lydia's journey throws up more chaos than she ever imagined, but Des is there to hold her hand every step of the way. Could it be that the man who's helping her achieve the dreams of the past will do much, much more...and unlock the key to her future!

David James was looking forward to going back to his old hospital as a consultant surgeon, until the reaction of cardiologist Lisa Kennedy made him wonder if he could live down his old playboy image. He'd never had any trouble charming women before, but Lisa seemed to be immune, and the more he tried to impress her, as a colleague and potential lover, the more she seemed to back away. How could he convince her that he would happily give up his bachelor ways for her?

THE MAN OF HER DREAMS? She prided herself on her logic and quick wits–so why, when wearing her grandmother's ring, did Claudia Westfield have visions of an incredibly sexy, utterly captivating man? Determined to solve the problem, Claudia tracked down Hayden Bedford–her dream come to life! Or was he? Her visions showed a man with an incredible yearning in his eyes–and Claudia seemed only to irritate Hayden! But as they searched for the truth, Hayden's glances turned to passion–and with the realization that Hayden closely resembled his grandfather they began to wonder if this time their love might stand a chance….

THE BEST-LAID PLANS… Finishing medical school at the top of her class, Chelsea McKaslin always achieves her goals. Now back home in Sunshine, Wyoming, her Christmas goal is to succeed as a pediatrician. In no way do her plans include Dr. Michael Kramer, despite the fact that he’s everywhere she turns. The standoffish widower keeps his distance from her, as if to protect his adorable daughter and himself. Yet the spirit of the season prevails. Soon Chelsea is bonding with little Macie—and her handsome daddy. Will these three hearts thaw in time for Christmas? The McKaslins of Wyoming: Where family ties lift hearts and restore faith

As an ambitious and dedicated law student, Lilly Malloy had been quickly rising before a disastrous affair with equally ambitious reporter Mike Collier short-circuited her career. Now, finally, she's a judge, but she hadn't planned on presiding over a subterranean traffic court, where parking ines tip the scales of justice. All thanks to him. So when two-time offender Collier saunters through her courtroom door, hoping to sweet-talk her out of a ine, Lilly has a chance to even the score. As fast as she can bang the gavel, she sends him to the slammer. Justice is definitely sweet. Or is it? Even if the judge in Lilly wouldn't dream about breaking the law, the woman in her just might need to test the boundaries….

CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS IN SNOWGLOBE, MONTANA, WITH THESE TWO BRAND-NEW STORIES OF FAITH AND LOVE Yuletide Homecoming by Linda Goodnight Five years ago, Rafe Westfield broke his fiancee’s heart when he left to join the military. Now the battle-scarred solider is back in Snowglobe. Amy Caldwell tries to keep her distance, but the holidays, family and a sweet stray dog keep bringing her and Rafe together . . . . maybe this time, forever. A Family’s Christmas Wish by Lissa Manley Abandoned by her husband while eight months pregant, single mother Sara Kincaid vowed to rely only on herself. But then she makes a deal with handsome widowed father Owen Larsen to provide babysitting services in exchange for his carpentry work on her inn. Can two pint-sized matchmakers help them see beyond the past in time for Christmas?

The Bridesmaid’s Secret The moment chic magazine editor Jackie Patterson arrives for her sister’s romantic Italian wedding and sees her old boyfriend Romano Puccini, her fa?ade slips…because before Jackie can don her exquisite bridesmaid dress, she must reveal the seventeenyearold secret from that fateful, sultry Italian summer… The Cowboy’s Adopted Daughter Hired to run a quilting course on a ranch, single mum Allie is appalled when brooding Italian Alex Casali accuses her of trespassing. But when her daughter utters her first words in a year to Alex, Allie begins to wonder whether there’s more behind the smouldering fire in his eyes than she first thought. Passionate Chef, Ice Queen Boss The moment fiery Lorenzo Nesta hears the familiar clack of stiletto on stone floor, a shiver of anticipation runs up his spine. Scarlett was back! But seeing her Italian passion stifled fills him with regret; his actions years ago had turned her to ice. Still, what happens when ice meets fire?

THE BABY'S SECRET… Connor Callahan had just met Allie Todd, but he immediately felt an overwhelming need to protect her. And to understand why she turned to ice whenever she held her baby niece. He sensed that beautiful Allie was weathering her own storm–one even fiercer than the snowstorm that had stranded them in a remote cabin. Her combination of strength and vulnerability tore at his once-restless heart. But it was only after he saved Allie from a near tragic accident that he suspected her innermost secret. What if baby Jane wasn't Allie's niece, but her daughter…?

Jake McPherson NEEDED A BRIDE… He was a Civil War veteran, wounded in body and soul. And when his wife died unexpectedly, he retreated from life, craving only solitude and his happy memories. But his young son needed a mother's love and guidance–even if Jake wanted no woman himself. So who better to choose than the town's spinster schoolmarm? Alicia Merriweather WANTED SO MUCH TO LOVE… She had come to warn Jake his son was running wild. But she stayed because beneath his gruff exterior she saw Jake's pain and loneliness. Having borne the brunt of ridicule all her life, tall, plain Alicia understood both all too well. But could Jake ever learn to share his home and his heart?

LONG-LOST HUSBAND RETURNS… Shannon Wyoming thought she'd seen the last of rugged rancher Jackson Kane when he walked away from her teenaged heart ten years ago. Now, like something out of a dream–or a nightmare–Jackson was back, looking better than ever and proposing a marriage of convenience from which they'd both benefit. Although past experience screamed for her to refuse, Shannon didn't listen…but she should have. Because one kiss on the altar brought back all the memories she'd desperately tried to bury and their one-year deal seemed like it would last an eternity. Especially once she discovered the one marital repercussion neither of them had counted on…

The Cowboy's Family Missy Porter knows all too well about losing a family, so she'll do anything to keep cowboy Wade Snyder and his orphaned niece and nephew together. Even put her own plans of independence on hold—temporarily—to help care for the children during Christmas. But in helping to fix this family, she realizes she wants to be more than just the nanny. Wade has never recovered from the unexpected loss of his wife. Now he doesn't think he can be the family man that little Annie and Joey deserve. So he's determined to find the children a loving adoptive home. But with Missy by his side, his long-forgotten dream of happily-ever-after might just be within reach… Christmas in Eden Valley: Forging a future in Canada's west country

Just five days after they meet, Julie Hanrahan and Dr. Thomas Larkin exchange vows on a moonlit Caribbean beach, the whirlwind conclusion to a romance that's swept her off her feet. Tom is sexy, witty and charming and Julie's sure she's found her Prince Charming. But not every fairy tale ends happily ever after. With a workaholic husband, a hostile mother-inlaw and a resentful stepdaughter, the honeymoon doesn't last long. Especially after Julie finds out that Tom's first wife didn't die in an accident after all. The cops called her death a suicide, but Julie is convinced that somebody helped Beth over the side of the Swift River Bridge. Every marriage has its secrets. Julie is starting to wonder if she'll survive discovering the truth about hers…or die before she wakes.

Private investigator Jack McPhee has a two-word business philosophy: no partners. Rules are allegedly made to be broken, but Jack didn't expect that a contract to nab the so-called Calendar Burglar would force him to team up with a ten-pound, hyperactive Maltese. Or that as McPhee Investigations goes to the dogs, he'd fall deeply in-like with Dina Wexler, an undertall groomer, whose definition of a P.I. comes from watching w-a-a-y too many detective shows. Or that his absolutely genius idea to catch a thief would make him the prime–and only–suspect in a cold-blooded, diabolical homicide.

Dylan Coyle was all man. Tall. Handsome. Not to be trusted... Dancing girl Marielle Miller makes sure no cowboy steps his spurred boots out of line. But then one night, she tumbles from the stage into the arms of Dylan Coyle... Marielle doesn't need a man in her life--especially a wandering gunslinger unwilling to put down roots. Except as Morrow Creek's new stand-in lawman, Dylan will be around to vex her for a while yet. And when she becomes embroiled in his latest case, Marielle starts to hope this particular drifter will stick around for good!

To Make A Child Smile Little Autumn barely speaks--and rarely smiles. So as a fresh start for both himself and his daughter, widowed doctor Matt Graham moves to a small Southern town. There they happen across a lovely young woman named Hannah Taylor. Something about Hannah awakens the girl, and suddenly Autumn is full of sweet chatter and laughter. In remission from the very illness that took so much from Matt and Autumn, Hannah seems to understand what the family of two needs. She's healed his daughter's heart. But can he open his enough to accept her love? Excerpt. All Rights Reserved. The display area, which had seemed expansive all morning, suddenly grew smaller as Hannah realized that she and Dr. Matt Graham were now alone. "Your name is Hannah?" he asked. She was a little embarrassed at the fact that she hadn't thought to introduce herself."Yes, Hannah Taylor." He shifted the curtain aside and glanced into the store. Then he let the thin navy fabric fall back into place. "I didn't want her to hear," he said softly. "But I want to explain." He breathed in, let it out. "Autumn hasn't smiled and has barely spoken since we lost her mother. So when she smiled at you, when she spoke to you." He pulled the curtain aside and glanced at his daughter again, then turned back to Hannah. "It was like watching a miracle. It's been two years." Two years. "I look like her mother?" In Hannah's mind, that was the only reasonable answer for why the child would have come out of her shell today. But he shook his head. "No. Rebecca had long curly red hair," he smiled, obviously remembering his wife. "And lots of freckles." Then his eyes seemed to be drawn to Hannah's shirt or more precisely to the small pin on her left chest. "Rebecca had breast cancer." Hannah swallowed past the lump in her throat, and her hand instinctively moved to the pink ribbon pin."You think she saw my pin from out there?" "I don't know, but somehow you reminded her of Rebecca." He indicated the pin. "You're a survivor, aren't you? You've had breast cancer too." "I am. Actually, my sister and I are both survivors," Hannah said. He tilted his head, curiosity at Autumn's awareness still evident on his face. "Well, for some reason, she was drawn to you, and you got more words from her in the last ten minutes than three child psychologists did in two years." He paused. "Or than I have, since her mama died." Hannah remembered her silent prayer, asking God to let her help this little girl. "Maybe because I'm meant to help her? God has His plans, you know." That made him smile, and Hannah couldn't deny the impact that his smile had on her heart. "Just now, when she told me that she loved me," he inhaled, let it out, and seemed too overwhelmed to finish. "She hasn't told you that she loves you," Hannah said, "in two years?" He shook his head, looked as though he wanted to say more, but remained silent. "Bless your heart," Hannah whispered. He stepped closer. "I know this will sound a little odd, but I think maybe the reason I picked this town, the reason Autumn and I are here is because of you." Hannah's mind reeled with the statement. What was she supposed to say? "I'm sorry.I can't imagine how that made you feel. It's just that I've been hoping for a breakthrough for so long, and then all of a sudden, here you are, and Autumn speaks. I'd have to say it's an answered prayer. And in all honesty, I haven't prayed a lot in the past two years. Didn't have a reason to trust in the power of it anymore." "But now?" she asked, still wondering what role God planned for her to have in his daughter's life. And, maybe, in this man's life?

Smart. Great Sense Of Humor. Hardworking. Kind To Children And Stray Dogs… Did she mention handsome? Mind-bogglingly sexy? Single mom Lisa Kincaid doesn't want to be attracted to Kevin Decker. She knows the sexy, caring construction-company owner will always be there for her, and up until now friendship has suited her just fine. But suddenly she isn't looking at her husband's former boss in the same way…and neither is a certain four-year-old Cupid. For the past three years Kevin has felt responsible for Lisa. He knows the accident that left her a widow wasn't his fault, but that doesn't stop him from wanting to help. Except his feelings go beyond mere friendship. And her little boy thinks Kevin and his mom are perfect for each other. Now, if Kevin can only get Lisa to believe it, too!

His former wife is on his flight home for the holidays? Divorced dad Tom Wallace knows their young daughter is behind this "coincidence." He also knows Norah Wallace still makes his heart skip a beat. When a snowstorm strands the trio in the airport for the weekend, Tom rediscovers how truly blessed he used to be. Once they're finally in Wisconsin for Christmas, two sets of grandparents are suddenly generous with the mistletoe. One kiss leads to another. And soon the entire family has the same sweet Christmas wish.

A desperate call in the middle of the night reunites a cowboy with the woman he’s never forgotten… A child’s voice was pleading from the other end of the receiver. He’d been abducted and wanted to come home. Months ago, Chance Hastings had watched Charlie and his mother, Lily Kirk, walk away, vowing to forget them. Now, one look at Lily’s terrified face and he knew that plan had been futile. Promising to bring her child home, Chance goes undercover to infiltrate a dangerous group in the Idaho mountains. Once the boy is back in his mother’s arms, Chance makes a new vow—convince Lily they belong on his ranch. Permanently.

Dead in the Water Not all publicity is good publicity. Especially when the fake hijacking of the world’s first self-sustaining vessel turns into the real deal. With the ship and its cargo being auctioned off to terrorists, Mack Bolan must rescue the hostages and destroy the vessel before it falls into even more dangerous hands. Joining Somali pirates on a raid gets Bolan on board, but getting off alive won’t be so easy. Mercenaries and criminal foot soldiers have taken over, transforming the vessel into a minefield. Bolan will need to act quickly to take control, and with the extraction window closing, the Executioner is ready to turn this ship into the Titanic

Wedding bells at Christmas? When Dr Emma Chalmers returns to her home town she doesn’t expect to fall head over heels for handsome new partner Dr Glenn Bartlett! He’s everything she’s ever dreamed of in a man… Glenn never expects to find love again after losing his beloved wife. But when Emma tumbles into his life at Christmas she shows him how to live and fills him with hope for the future. But first he has one very important question he needs to ask!