Книги автора: Allie Pleiter

What would you do with $1 million?That's a question Darcy Nightengale never thought she'd need to answer. But a sudden inheritance of just over $1 million begs a more immediate response. And when Darcy learns of her father's last request that she «give it all away,» she discovers just how quickly big money makes big problems.Her husband believes that charity begins at home. His home. And her children are sure it's only a matter of time before the presents start rolling in. Right? Darcy wants to do the right thing–as soon as she can figure out what it is. Can the path of righteousness be paved with gold? Darcy's surprising answer turns her world on end.

Indulge your fantasies of delicious Regency Rakes, fierce Viking warriors and rugged Highlanders. Be swept away into a world of intense passion, lavish settings and romance that burns brightly through the centuriesThe man behind the mask. When night fell on the lawless streets of old San Francisco, Matthew Covington–seemingly just another wealthy society idler–became the mysterious crime-fighter known as the Black Bit. Nothing could tempt him to reveal his secret identity, until the English gentleman met Georgia Waterhouse, whose pseudonymous newspaper accounts had made his daring exploits famous.He was coming to care deeply for this woman, who shared his passionate devotion to justice– the Lord–but she could never know he was her shadow-shrouded hero. What would become of their growing love if he revealed the truth that lay behind the mask. . . ?

Teaching Sunday school at her brother's church in the Bay area was supposed to help former champion athlete Esther «Essie» Walker understand boys–the better to raise her newborn son as a stellar example of manhood. Fat chance! Enter the eight-year-old male psyche: awful jokes, disrespectful behavior and general mayhem.Essie, the queen of control, finds herself in a brand-new world of chaos.The pressure builds on all fronts–Sunday school class, husband's job, church pageant, aging parents, finances, friends secretly battling illnesses–until Queen Esther has one royal meltdown. God, it seems, has makeover plans for Essie's competitive nature. Her characteristic control is in very short supply as she gains a better understanding of the nature of imperfection, the value of motherhood and the virtues of a messy but connected life.

There's something achingly familiar about the look in fire marshal Chad Owens's eyes.Widowed mom Jeannie Nelworth knows firsthand what it is: loss, hurt and yes—bitterness. Ever since the fire that changed their lives, Jeannie's young son has borne that same look, pushing everyone away. So she's grateful when Chad tries to get through to the boy with the help of his trusty fire station dog.But the man who's all about safety and prevention keeps himself protected—from loving and losing again. Seems as if Jeannie will have to add his kind, guarded heart to her rebuilding efforts.

No one knows who he is or where he's from. But witnesses throughout San Francisco report a masked man in black is bringing supplies–and badly needed hope–to homeless earthquake survivors.Some believe that the city's gallant rescuer is a gentleman of wealth. But others whisper that he is a working-class man with courage as great as his faith. And rumor has it that one of the city's most spirited society belles is helping him against her family's wishes. What can be confirmed is that the masked messenger will need more than a miracle to escape those on his trail–and win the woman risking everything to save him….

After serving overseas, former soldier Josephine «J.J.» Jones needs a fresh start. And Gordon Falls is just the place.When J.J. meets executive Alex Cushman, her world is turned upside down. Alex is seeking a respite from all the pressures of his multi-million dollar business. And the beautiful firefighter might be the answer to his prayers. But a secret lies between them. One so big, it threatens to end their love before it's even begun. Can she ever trust Alex when she finds out he may be responsible for a family tragedy that changed all their lives?

Building their futureCharlotte Taylor isn't good at playing it safe. Reeling from the sudden loss of her job and her beloved grandmother, Charlotte knows buying a dilapidated cottage in Gordon Falls isn't exactly practical. Especially since she just hired the one man who may love the property more than she does to help renovate it. Volunteer firefighter and part-time contractor Jesse Sykes can't stay mad at Charlotte for very long. Though she snatched up the home he'd planned on purchasing, Charlotte's dreams are big enough for both of them…if only she'd let him in. Charlotte promised she'd never fall for a first responder, but is it already too late?Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small townCharlotte Taylor isn't good at playing it safe. Reeling from the sudden loss of her job and her beloved grandmother, Charlotte knows buying a dilapidated cottage in Gordon Falls isn't exactly practical. Especially since she just hired the one man who may love the property more than she does to help renovate it. Volunteer firefighter and part-time contractor Jesse Sykes can't stay mad at Charlotte for very long. Though she snatched up the home he'd planned on purchasing, Charlotte's dreams are big enough for both of them…if only she'd let him in. Charlotte promised she'd never fall for a first responder, but is it already too late?Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town

Bound by a SecretWhen Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life–and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice–and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?Bridegroom Brothers: True love awaits three siblings in the Oklahoma Land Rush

Black Sheep Son Nothing about going home to Gordon Falls is easy for fireman Clark Braden. His role as local bad boy is firmly established, though he’s determined to use his newfound faith to change people’s minds. But Clark isn’t the only one coming home to hard times.When Melba Wingate came home from Chicago to help her ailing father, she wasn’t expecting to unravel a family secret. As Melba wades through the past to find the truth about her father, Clark becomes an unlikely ally. And while neither can change the past, the future is theirs to shape.Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town

THE CAPTAIN OF HER HEARTDashing and valiantly wounded, Captain John Gallows could have stepped straight out of a navy recruitment poster. Leanne Sample can’t help being impressed—although the lovely Red Cross volunteer tries to hide it.She knows better than to get attached to the daring captain who is only home to heal and help rally support for the war’s final push. As soon as he’s well enough, he’ll rush back to Europe, back to war—and far away from South Carolina and Leanne.But when an epidemic strikes the university campus, John comes to realize what it truly means to be a hero—Leanne’s hero.

Healing the Doctor's HeartWhen Dr. Daniel Parker requested an army nurse to help with his orphanage, he expected an organized, sensible matron. Instead he gets young, beautiful, obstinate Ida Lee Landway, whose vibrant outlook and unrelenting optimism turn his work and his life inside out.Army life was easy compared to the discipline at her new workplace. Yet Ida is immediately smitten by the children in her care…and impressed by Daniel's unfaltering dedication. Adding color and warmth to her new surroundings is one thing. Can she also help the good doctor embrace joy–and in so doing, find the family they both deserve?

Double TroubleRancher Gabe Everett will do whatever it takes to keep Avery Culpepper in Texas until the end of the month. Even if it means inviting the beautiful single mom and her mischievous twin girls to stay on his property. Avery holds the key to saving Haven’s boys ranch, but Gabe won’t let his interest go beyond business. He’s not a family man, and Avery needs someone who will be there for her and her daughters. Yet as the girls overrun his orderly ranch with their tea parties and girly cuteness, Gabe finds himself softening just a little. Could a family to love be exactly what this solitary rancher needs?Lone Star Cowboy League: Boys RanchBighearted ranchers in small- town Texas

Wrangling Her HeartThere’s a lot riding on Witt Buckton’s fresh start in Martins Gap, Texas. His cousins at Blue Thorn are counting on him to make the new arm of their ranch business a success. First, however, he’ll have to figure out how to work with Jana Powers. The petite, energetic spitfire immediately locks horns with the blue-eyed rancher. But she doesn’t just challenge him—she captivates him. As they work together, Witt and Jana discover common ground…and something more. Sweet Jana has left her brand on Witt’s heart, and now he faces his greatest challenge yet: convincing her that love can be worth the risk.Blue Thorn Ranch: New beginnings, Texas style

The Courage To HopeGuidance counselor Heather Browning is desperate. She needs a mentor to help Simon, a disabled student who is struggling at Gordon Falls High School. Unfortunately, hotshot Max Jones is her only option. Confrontational and cavalier, Max uses his flashy persona to hide the bitterness he's felt since his life-changing accident. Perpetually cautious, Heather finds Max's bad-boy bravado as intriguing as it is infuriating. But as Heather and Max work together to build Simon's self-confidence, they begin to trust each other. Max has never been slow and careful with anything. Can he be gentle with Heather's heart?Gordon Falls: Hearts ablaze in a small town.

A Match Made in TexasTess Buckton returns to the Blue Thorn Ranch from Australia, badly needing Texas comfort. But the Outback follows her home when celebrity Aussie horse-trainer Cooper Pine rents the ranch next door. The other Buckton siblings are worried Cooper’s high-profile will upset the idyllic Martins Gap community—but Tess isn't so sure. Cooper is surprisingly down-to-earth and a doting father to his special needs daughter. But getting close enough to learn his secrets could mean exposing hers, and Tess isn't ready for that—even if Cooper and his matchmaking daughter are just what her heart is yearning for.Blue Thorn Ranch: New Beginnings, Texas style

Everyone in Middleburg, Kentucky, lines up for baker Dinah Hopkins's cinnamon rolls.Everyone except her handsome new landlord, Cameron Rollings. The jaded city man doesn't like anything about small-town life–from the fresh air to her fresh-baked snickerdoodles. And he clearly considers Dinah as quirky as her eccentric oven.The way to Cameron's heart is not through his toned stomach. But the Lord led him to Kentucky Corners for a reason. And Dinah plans to help him count his bluegrass blessings.

Healing The Cowboy’s HeartWhen Luke Buckton left Blue Thorn Ranch, he’d hoped to return in a blaze of rodeo glory—instead he’s limping home with a busted leg. To get back on the circuit he’ll need physical therapist Ruby Sheldon’s help. Six years ago, he left Ruby behind, convinced she was too innocent for such a public life. Now his high school sweetheart is stronger, tougher, and even more captivating. A high-profile success story like this could make Ruby’s career. All she has to do is rein in Luke’s bullheadedness, heal his injuries—and hope his reckless charm doesn’t trample her heart again…

The Cowboy’s Second ChanceBlack-sheep cowboy Gunner Buckton is home for one reason—to keep Blue Thorn Ranch in his family where it's been for generations. No one—not even Brooke Calder—will take it from him. The cute, down-home widow may not look like a slick developer, but she works for one. Along with her adorable daughter, she's a threat to his homestead—and to his wounded heart. Brooke needs this job. Gunner may be as ornery as a bull, but it's her task to win him over. The battle lines are drawn. Only problem is, around the handsome Texan, she doesn't know which side she's on.

A Christmas to RememberIn Little Horn, Texas, Amelia Klondike is known as the Queen of Christmas. Her generosity and sheer joy during the holidays is contagious—to everyone except Finn Brannigan. The attractive, wounded stranger doesn't know who he is or where he came from—and he isn't feeling merry at all. It isn't long before Amelia, her grandfather and their adorable dog begin to warm Finn's heart. But when Finn's memory starts to return, his past as a Texas Ranger—the one thing that might cause Amelia to withdraw from him—is revealed. And he worries that he may lose his chance for one perfect Western Christmas with the woman he can't bear to forget…

Do their matchmaking daughters have the right idea?Snowed in with the best man at a wedding weekend, florist Kelly Nelson can’t help but notice that the handsome widower seems overwhelmed raising his young daughter. So Kelly is delighted when her own daughter befriends the girl.But when the little matchmakers target Kelly and Bruce with an adorable Valentine’s Day plot, will the reluctant single parents give love a second chance?