Books with author Karla Gracey

It had never crossed Bryony Shaw’s mind that she would ever leave Baltimore and her safe, if somewhat mundane, life in service. But when she is forced to become the nanny of her employer’s son, Edwin, it sparks something inside her that had lain dormant for many years.Memories of her own childhood and the pain of being orphaned and abandoned herself, lead her to find the courage to confront them about their lack of care for their son, regardless of the consequences.Cody Jenkins is a man who has always taken his chances, never shying away from the hard decisions in life. But his determination to succeed has meant that other parts of his life have suffered.Secretly, he longs for a family and especially for a wife to love and be loved by. He had so nearly had it all, but when it all went wrong, years ago, he ran away and nursed his wounds alone. Will Cody ever allow anyone to get close to him again? And could two lives, hundreds of miles apart, be on a collision course they could never have foreseen?

Frances Harman has spent a lifetime living out of suitcases, a staunch supporter of her Papa as he builds an empire as a hotelier. A quiet soul, happiest when out of sight, left alone to pursue her own interests and happiness, she has never felt the lack of companions or excitement in her life. Yet, since his remarriage, she has been forced into a new world, one of parties and balls, afternoon promenades and has found herself overshadowed by her beautiful stepsister Maria in every way. But in a moment of uncharacteristic bravado she responds to a matrimonial advertisement in the newspaper, the life of a debutante is not for her, but why should she not search out a life that might suit her better?Dr Marlon Carter has not been in Faith Creek long, and for a time rather thought himself in love with his partner's delightful bride, Susanna. But, his desire for his own wife and family has begun to play upon his mind. A town doctor should have a wife after all. But can he reconcile the actions and troubles of his past and allow himself to enjoy the love and affection that could be his for the taking?

Isabelle Landry is beautiful, wealthy and courted within the highest echelons of Massachusetts' society. But every man her Mama thinks a suitable match, she finds dull and often repulsive. She longs for a simpler life, one where her worth has nothing to do with her annual income, or her vast inheritance. A new friend gives her the confidence to follow her own path, and she answers an advertisement, praying it might change her life forever. John Kimball has become a lone wolf. Strong and quiet, he drives the Stage coach, delivers the mail and keeps himself to himself. But even a lone wolf needs a mate. A chance encounter makes him realise that his life isn't as good as he has led himself to believe, and putting past heartache behind him he decides to take on the challenge of becoming the new Sheriff of Faith Creek. As he faces his first challenges in keeping the town free from a gang of vicious bandits he also hopes to find love.

Harriet Kirk has spent a lifetime being overlooked. Though she adores her sister, Annalise who is beautiful and urbane, confident and accomplished in every situation, Harriet is tired of always being compared unfavorably to her. Clever and quick, practical and sensible Harriet has always felt like an ugly duckling, but it has never stopped her from wanting the happily ever after that her sister always seemed destined for. But an unusual twist in their fates has them taking their destiny into their own hands, but will it end in happiness for Harriet, or for Annalise?Brandon Willis has never wanted for anything, but he has always been determined to serve his community. He loves his work, driving the stage coach across the State, and assisting his great friend, Sheriff John Kimball, as one of the town's Deputy Sheriffs. But he is starting to notice the loneliness that marks his days. But, will he ever put himself first long enough to find a woman to love, or will his desire to help be his undoing?

Georgina Chappel has everything a girl could wish for, except her freedom. As a daughter of a wealthy and influential man she is forced to be something she is not every single day. She knows that she has failed her parents, her Coming Out was a distinct flop and despite her wealth and good name she has yet to find a suitable husband. But she does not want any of the dull and insipid men of her circle. She wants adventure and a man who will love her just the way she is. Martin Shaw has worked hard to establish the town's only bank. He loves his work, but feels there is something missing. Will he finally find a way to move forward from his past, or will it haunt him forever?

Bernadette Havering is a vivacious and independent woman. She knows her mind and never intends to let a man dictate what she should or should not be able to do. In a world where women having a job is frowned upon, she longs for a profession and wants to make history by becoming one of the very first women in the United States of America to gain a law license. But why should she give up a husband and family in order to do so? Can she truly have both?Edward Grieve has worked hard. He has come from nothing and managed to gain an education, becoming a skilled veterinarian in great demand. But this is not the only thing that makes him unusual. He also believes passionately that women deserve more than they get from men, society and the law of the land. But will he ever trust anyone enough to explain why?

Clara Warburton is strong willed and determined that being female should not hold her back. As a student at Stanford, she wishes she could continue to enjoy the freedoms she has found there. But Society frowns upon clever and ambitious women, and her Papa is determined she will now learn her place. But Clara is not the kind of girl to take ultimatums lying down and so sets a course of her own making. But will it all end well? Has she finally been too clever for her own happiness?William Gilbert has travelled far and wide as an itinerant preacher and academic, but has finally found a place to call home. When asked to take up the role of minister in Faith Creek's newly built church he didn't hesitate to say yes. He's seen many of the townsfolk find the love of their life, and wants to be the one facing the altar for a change, but will he get everything he dreams of?

Susanna Greyshott's family were once wealthy and well-to-do, but they have fallen upon hard times, and she and her Mama have been forced to make changes and do the best they can under the circumstances. But it has made Susanna hard as flint, unwilling to forgive and even less willing to open her heart. She is quite prepared to move to Texas, where she believes she may finally be able to build a life for her and her Mama where they are beholden to no-one, but a face from her past could ruin it all. Can she truly let herself accept all the benefits and happiness that Faith Creek longs to offer? Will she learn to forgive and accept the love that has always been all around her? Dr Nathaniel Baron has been Faith Creek's only physician for some time, but as more and more people arrive and make their homes there he knows he will have to expand the practice. But searching for suitable doctors and nurses who actually wish to make a new start in the wilds of Texas isn't that easy - especially when you secretly wish to find a bride and haven't even let yourself know it yet!

Sarah Clinton has lived in Faith Creek her entire life. Her family were among the very first people to arrive and settle in the then wild and untamed land. Quiet and shy, she finds her place working for Maeve Fountain and begins to wish she had the feisty woman's determination and spirit. Taking her destiny in her own hands, she responds to an advertisement, hoping to find the happiness so many around her in Faith Creek have done, but can she trust that he truly wants her and not her effervescent and amiable employer? Wilbur Franklin has always wanted a simple life. As a Montana banking clerk he can understand what draws people to up sticks and change everything in their lives, but has always felt he lacked the courage to do something so drastic, so brave, so reckless himself. But a friendship made as he tried to find himself a bride leads him to do just that. But, will his gamble pay off?

Maeve Fitzpatrick has always been brave. Moving from Ireland to America was just a big adventure to her, but the reality has turned out to be so much less than she imagined. Living in grey and dreary Pittsburgh is hardly her dream come true! But she is not one to ever give up on herself, or her goals and so she places an advertisement to find herself a husband, eager for the opportunity that another change of scenery might bring. But, there are obstacles to face she had never considered, obstacles she cannot change alone.Jesse Fountain has a great job, working for a man he admires and respects, and after many years of wandering has finally found the place he wants to call home. Faith Creek has welcomed him with open arms, and he is found well enough that he wants to build his own home and fill the rooms with a wife and children. But his past is always lurking, always threatening to resurface. Will he ever allow himself to take the biggest risk of all? To leave it all behind him and allow himself to love and be loved?

Ambassador’s daughter Marietta Winthrop has given up her own prospects of marriage and family to be a companion to her melancholic aunt. She secretly longs for adventure and the love of a man who won’t try and change her but knows she is hoping for too much. She knows that all the men of her acquaintance would banish poor Aunt Clara to a sanatorium and she will not let that happen. But keen of mind, and inspired by a special day spent at the botanic gardens Marietta begins to wonder if there just might be more to life after all.Byron Hempthwaite is a disappointment, to his own parents at least. But he has never let it stop him from following his passions. A highly respected lepidopterist, he has found success and contentment, but he longs to find love too. But, just as he thinks he may have found such joy a family tragedy tears him away to Faith Creek, Texas. But, being so useless, he forgot to ask the love of his life for her hand in marriage before he left. He knows she is pretty and clever, witty and delightful, and why should she wait for him? Will he be too late to win the woman he loves back?