Some hearts don’t need fixing. They need time—and the courage to hope again.
She picked up her phone, but before Deborah could respond, the bell over the door jingled.
She looked up—and froze.
Luke walked in, tall and easy. He paused by the counter, scanning the room, and then his gaze landed on her.
Her pulse slammed against her ribs.
His warm smile made her heart flutter. It had been too long. She’d forgotten how easily he could undo her—how her body reacted before she could stop it.
He ordered coffee, then turned and headed straight for their table.
He’s coming this way. Not now. I look a fright.
She tried to smile as a flush crept up her neck, suddenly aware of everything—her breathing, her posture, the space between them.
“Good morning, ladies,” he said, voice low and calm, his eyes fixed on Deborah.
“Good morning, Luke,” Liz, Peggy Sue, and Sissy chimed in together.
Deborah stayed silent, her throat traitorously empty while the rest of the room practically gushed with approval.
Luke winked, and she nearly fell out of her chair.
What on earth was happening?
He turned to her. “How are you? Jon told me your divorce is final. Are you holding up okay?”
His voice was gentle. Genuine.
She managed a nod, cheeks burning, words stuck somewhere deep in her chest. The café’s chatter blurred around her, drowned out by the pounding of her heart.
The moment stretched—too intimate, too exposed—until Luke cleared his throat.
He glanced at his watch. “Did you hear about the town hall meeting Monday? Someone’s opposing a new development on the edge of town.”
Sissy leaned forward. “What kind of development?”
“They’re not saying,” he admitted. “City Hall, 6:30. It could affect the small businesses.”
His gaze flicked over the group, then settled on Deborah again.
“It was really good seeing you all,” he said softly. “Especially you, Deb. I miss our dinners.”
Her breath hitched.
“It was great…for me too.”
She could only watch as he turned and walked away. When the door jingled shut behind him, Deborah realized she’d been holding her breath.
She dropped her face into her hands.
“That was intense,” Liz said.
“Yep,” Sissy added with a grin.
Deborah forced herself to sit up, pressing her palms to her cheeks. “So… the town hall meeting. Do you think it’s about the shelter?”
Her phone buzzed under the table.
Unknown number.
He’s a firefighter with a broken heart. She is a nurse with a hidden secret and a heart that has been broken. Can love give them the strength to heal?Will Deluca, a firefighter and ranch owner, hides his pain behind a rugged exterior. After the tragic loss of his wife, his days on the Rockin' D Ranch are filled with hard work, caring for his two children, and carrying the heavy burden of unfulfilled promises. In the quiet hills of Texas, his world feels as empty as the vast plains.
When Anna Samuels, a compassionate nurse with a heart for healing, arrives in Cardinal Creek, she’s seeking a fresh start. Leaving behind heartbreak, Anna’s journey brings her to the ranch, where Will’s piercing blue eyes and quiet strength draw her in. Together, they find a spark of hope—something neither thought they’d feel again.
As their connection deepens, Will dreams of honoring his late wife’s wish to create a sanctuary for children with autism, blending his cowboy roots with a mission of healing. But his lingering guilt threatens to pull him back into darkness, jeopardizing their fragile bond.
Anna sees Will’s strength and kindness, but her secret—casts doubt over their growing love. Will her secret be the ultimate test of their love?
Set in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Their Shattered Hearts is a heartfelt story of second chances, featuring relatable characters, small-town charm, and the unyielding spirit of love. This western ranch romance will captivate readers who adore cowboy romance books with emotional depth and a loving MMC.
Will they find the courage to confront their demons and embrace the love they both deserve or will the ghosts of their pasts keep their hearts shattered forever?
.jpg)
He’s a firefighter haunted by tragedy; she’s a nurse who never stopped loving him. Jon and Katie find themselves drawn back together, bound by shared history and the promise of healing and hope.Jon Clemmons, a devoted firefighter, carries the heavy burden of guilt from losing his sister in a tragic accident. His pain runs deep, and he’s learned to keep others at a distance, afraid to let anyone see his scars.
Katie Deluca, a compassionate nurse, and Jon’s first love, has her own wounds, but she’s never stopped caring for him. When they’re reunited at a family wedding, old sparks reignite, and with them, old hurts that need mending.
As Jon and Katie draw closer, Jon’s troubled past, family secrets, and a volatile temper threaten to unravel the bond between them. Katie’s unwavering love gives him hope, but fears of reliving their painful past linger.
Will they find strength in each other to break free from the grip of old grief, or will their love slip away once more?
Cardinal Creek is a new family owned quilt shop located in Orange Grove, Texas. Being an authorized Grace retailer we are ready to assist you in your next machine purchase and provide you the education for a positive sewing and quilting experience. Our shop carries a wide variety of high-quality fabrics, notions, and threads from leading designers and manufacturers such as Moda, Superior Threads, Northcott, Robert Kaufman, Riley Blake, Quilting Treasurers. We are constantly adding new fabrics. If you have a request feel free to let us know. At Cardinal Creek we are ready to welcome you into their nest and provide you with friendly, personalized knowledge to help you reach all of your sewing and quilting dreams.
My journey as a romance author is deeply rooted in my personal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. The profound impact of the losses I have endured, including the passing of my grandparents and my parents, has shaped my perspective on life and love.My own love story is one of healing and finding joy after heartache, and it mirrors the themes I explore in my novels.
As a survivor of grief and a believer in the power of love, I channel my experiences into crafting stories that resonate with the complexities and triumphs of the human heart. My writing is a testament to the idea that love can emerge from the most unexpected places, offering hope and healing. The one thing that can be learned from grief is that it's a very personal experience and isn't the same for every person.
No comments :
Post a Comment
PLEASE NOTE: I do not moderate comments, but some go to Spam anyway. Rest assured, I check regularly and will publish non-Spam comments shortly!