Denise Hunter

She's determined to keep her heart closed, and he's a single dad with too much on his plate. But sometimes you just can't help falling. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Sarah Adams, Falling Into Us is a low-spice, high-swoon cozy romance. When Gabby Donaldson's late mother leaves her with one final task--delivering a letter to Gabby's estranged grandmother--Gabby's world turns upside down. She has no desire to meet her long-lost grandmother, but she sets out for Maple Ridge, North Carolina, anyway. She rents a cozy cabin from Mason Malone, whose first impression is of her leaping from sofa to sofa in an effort to evade a colossal spider. No matter, Gabby will probably never see him again. Except finding her grandmother turns out to be more challenging than she ever expected. Mason, a dedicated sports journalist and part time professor, is balancing grief and guilt with the challenges of raising his spirited twelve-year-old daughter, Peyton, after his wife's passing. His life is a whirlwind of family farm drama, work, ambitions, and a desire to prove himself worthy of a promotion that would give him more time with his daughter. Gabby and Mason soon team up in a quid pro quo: he'll help her find her grandmother, and she will serve as the subject of a crucial human-interest piece that will virtually assure him of the promotion he seeks. As they team up, they begin to grow closer, and soon their journey leads to tender moments and sparks of undeniable chemistry. But both are plagued by their own personal struggles as they must navigate the tangled path of family, love, and second chances. As their time together comes to an end they must decide: Will they choose to guard their hearts? Or will they discover that sometimes love is worth fighting for?

She's determined to keep her heart closed, and he's a single dad with too much on his plate. But sometimes you just can't help falling. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber and Sarah Adams, Falling Into Us is a low-spice, high-swoon cozy romance. When Gabby Donaldson's late mother leaves her with one final task--delivering a letter to Gabby's estranged grandmother--Gabby's world turns upside down. She has no desire to meet her long-lost grandmother, but she sets out for Maple Ridge, North Carolina, anyway. She rents a cozy cabin from Mason Malone, whose first impression is of her leaping from sofa to sofa in an effort to evade a colossal spider. No matter, Gabby will probably never see him again. Except finding her grandmother turns out to be more challenging than she ever expected. Mason, a dedicated sports journalist and part time professor, is balancing grief and guilt with the challenges of raising his spirited twelve-year-old daughter, Peyton, after his wife's passing. His life is a whirlwind of family farm drama, work, ambitions, and a desire to prove himself worthy of a promotion that would give him more time with his daughter. Gabby and Mason soon team up in a quid pro quo: he'll help her find her grandmother, and she will serve as the subject of a crucial human-interest piece that will virtually assure him of the promotion he seeks. As they team up, they begin to grow closer, and soon their journey leads to tender moments and sparks of undeniable chemistry. But both are plagued by their own personal struggles as they must navigate the tangled path of family, love, and second chances. As their time together comes to an end they must decide: Will they choose to guard their hearts? Or will they discover that sometimes love is worth fighting for?

There's nothing like teaming up to investigate your mother's shady new boyfriend to make you see your best friend in a whole new light . . .Jenna Greene has been very clear with her boyfriend: She is not ready for marriage. Too bad he didn't listen. Turns out a rejected proposal is a sure way to lose a boyfriend--and a job. Because, yes, he'd also been her boss. But it seems the firing has come at the perfect time. Back on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, Jenna's widowed mother has returned from a cruise--with a new boyfriend in tow. Something isn't right, and Jenna decides to return home to find out what's going on.Tyson Parker has a pretty great life on Chincoteague. He's gainfully employed at his parents' bed and breakfast--in the very home where he grew up with his three brothers, right across the street from his best friend, Jenna. He loves volunteering for the island's illustrious fire company and being one of the saltwater cowboys who cares for Chincoteague's wild ponies. If only he could've skipped the whole part where he'd married a two-timing woman. Still, he's elated to have his best friend back when Jenna returns to the island, even if it is only temporary. And he's happy to help her figure out what her mom's suspicious new beau might be up to. But soon his feelings for Jenna begin to shift into. . . something different.Jenna expected to enjoy visiting her mom, Tyson, and his whole family. She'd expected to feel closer to her deceased father on the island where the foal they'd named years ago now roams the wild salt marshes of Assateague like its ancestors have for hundreds of years. What she didn't expect was for her feelings for her best friend to change. But she's always sworn she'd never date a firefighter. Plus, Tyson is fresh off a betrayal. And also, there's that teensy commitment problem she seems to have. Would she even have the courage to finally give her heart away? And should they really risk their beautiful friendship in the hopes they could someday be something more?

She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again.Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Granville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.Granville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

She inherits the bookshop of her dreams . . . But she has to run it with the ex she vowed never to speak with again.Shelby Thatcher adores working in the charming small-town bookshop her grandmother opened years ago. Since high school she's helped Gram turn the shop into a community hub for book lovers in the lakeside town of Granville, NC. When her beloved grandma passes away, Shelby inherits the bookstore. But to her shock, Gram leaves half ownership to Gray Briggs, the man who broke Shelby's heart years ago.Granville residents have been vilifying Gray as long as he can remember. After graduating high school he couldn't skip town fast enough, even though it meant leaving the girl he'd fallen deeply in love with and alienating her family once and for all. Now he's back, the beneficiary of his elderly friend's will. Facing the town's animosity is difficult, but seeing Shelby again is sheer torture. No one could ever stir his heart the way she did.As the adversaries are forced to work together, Gram's beyond-the-grave scheme is working--Shelby's old feelings for Gray begin to resurface. But the problems that destroyed their relationship before still remain, and a new one surfaces--one that threatens Gram's beloved bookshop. Is their love doomed to fail again, or will they find a way to make it work this time around?

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

She can’t remember. He can’t forget. How did Lauren's number one nemesis, Jonah, become her adoring boyfriend? Can Jonah convince Lauren to remember why she wanted to stay? Love is complicated in this cozy and wholesome, small-town amnesia romance with a big-city girl and her resort co-worker.When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?Charming contemporary clean romanceBook length: approximately 83,000 wordsStand-alone novelIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

She can’t remember. He can’t forget. How did Lauren's number one nemesis, Jonah, become her adoring boyfriend? Can Jonah convince Lauren to remember why she wanted to stay? Love is complicated in this cozy and wholesome, small-town amnesia romance with a big-city girl and her resort co-worker.When Lauren Wentworth wakes up in the hospital after falling from a ladder, she has more questions than answers. Way more. She knows where she is—the wilds of New Hampshire. But she’s apparently lost the last four months of her life. Is she really contemplating forfeiting her big-city dream job for a position at a rustic resort? And how did her number one nemesis become her adoring boyfriend?Jonah Landry is crushed to learn Lauren has forgotten their entire summer together. Terrified of losing her for good, he determines to help her remember their deep connection as she finishes her obligation to the resort. But soon it becomes apparent Lauren doesn’t want to remember falling in love with him or rethinking the entire course of her career. She wants to pretend the summer never happened and move on with her life. Without him.As Lauren falls back into the steady routines of resort work with Jonah, she’s relieved her memories haven’t returned and remains resolute about her big-city future. But as autumn leads into winter, she begins to see glimpses of the Jonah she’s forgotten. Will she be able to resist the steady love of this patient man? Or is her heart destined for its own freefall?Charming contemporary clean romanceBook length: approximately 83,000 wordsStand-alone novelIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

The perfect boyfriend only exists on paper…doesn’t he?Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend—and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe’s scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she’s horrified by the film director’s choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe’s perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she’s one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops—the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe’s unbridled outrage firsthand.With Liam’s reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam’s image while putting the story—and the film—in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie’s filming in Chloe’s cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam’s fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?As author and actor navigate the waters of the PR relationship, they’re unpre­pared when their professional agreement turns into an actual friendship. And when serious sparks start to fly—well, that’s an unread chapter for both of them.Charming contemporary romanceStand-alone novelBook length: approximately 83,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

He’s here to train her horses, and then he’s moving on. She’s keeping her true identity a secret. But their spark complicates both of their plans.When her mother’s death leaves Charlotte Simpson bereft, she hopes the Robinson clan will accept her as one of their own and help fill the void. But a startling discovery dashes her hopes and leaves her wondering if she will ever know the father she’s always longed for.Horse trainer Gunner Dawson has experienced profound loss and intends to avoid it. So he lives on the move without forming close bonds or putting down roots. When Charlotte hires him to work with her horses and help expand her ranch, he commits to staying for a few months. But he doesn’t count on getting caught up in Charlotte’s search for her biological father. Or on falling in love—with Riverbend Gap or with Charlotte. This time, he’s not sure if he’ll be able to move on—or if he even wants to.The queen of heartwarming, small-town love stories returns to Riverbend Gap with a deeply satisfying tale of love’s healing power.Charming contemporary romanceStand-alone novel featuring characters from the Riverbend Gap RomancesPerfect for fans of Rachel Hauck, Robin Lee Hatcher, Sherryl Woods, and Brenda NovakBook length: approximately 80,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

For lovers of happily ever afters—this collection of three light and sweet romance stories will sweep you off your feet.In A Summer Detour by Denise Hunter, you’ll meet free-spirited Allie Adams, who undertakes a road trip to deliver her grandparents’ newly restored ’57 Chevy in time for their fiftieth anniversary party . . . along with Luke Fletcher, the former boy-next-door who callously crushed her heart.Pining for You by Melissa Ferguson invites you to a cozy Virginia mountain town where Christmas tree farm owner Theo Watkins III has the opportunity to drop everything for one weekend to play farmer and potentially win back the heart of his childhood best friend, Skye Fuller. Only problem? He’s the kind of man who drives a Tesla, not a tractor. Last but not least, He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not by Kathleen Fuller will transport you to a small town in Arkansas where thirty-five-year-old Sophie Morgan has spent years making her flower shop a success. But when this workaholic decides she’s ready to make time for dating again, she finds herself with two handsome men vying for her attention.Whether your perfect romance involves rows and rows of Fraser firs and white pines glinting in the moonlight, childhood love that never ends, or a second chance at a happily ever after, you’re sure to find a story within this collection to warm your heart any day of the year.Praise for This Time Around:“Cozy up and prepare to lose yourself in this enchanting collection. Each story is as inviting and wonderful as the last. Reunion romances and heartwarming second chances are sure to delight readers.” —Nancy Naigle, USA TODAY bestselling author“Romance readers are in for a sweet treat! Authors Denise Hunter, Melissa Ferguson, and Kathleen Fuller have joined forces for a novella collection all about second chances, making the most of them when they’re right in front of you, and fighting for them with everything you’ve got when necessary. Come for this trio of talented storytellers and stay for the humor, heart, and confident hope that there will be a happily ever after, This Time Around.” —Bethany Turner, award-winning author of Plot TwistPerfect for lovers of sweet happily-ever-aftersStand-alone novella collectionBook length: 80,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

When western novelist Sadie Goodwin must pen a romance novel to rescue her lackluster sales, there’s only one tiny problem: she’s never been in love.Desperate to salvage her career, Sadie accepts an invitation to hole up at her friend’s beach duplex for the summer and devote herself to this confounding genre. After all, where better to witness love than on the beautiful South Carolina shore?But Sadie soon finds many ways to procrastinate the dreaded task—like getting to know the beach regulars and installing a Little Free Library on the property. She even attempts conversation with Sam Ford, the frustratingly stubborn neighbor on the other side of the duplex. But things take an unexpected turn when Sadie finds inside her library an abandoned novel with a secret compartment—and a beautiful engage­ment ring tucked inside.Suddenly, locating the ring’s owner becomes the perfect way to put off writing that romance. Sadie draws a reluctant Sam into her mission. And as the two close in on an answer to the mysterious proposal, she discovers a tender side to him. She begins to wonder if he just might make the perfect hero for her romance novel—or maybe even her heart.From the bestselling author of The Convenient Groom (now a beloved Hallmark Original movie) comes a sweet and sizzling story of a romance writer surprised by her own happily ever after.Sweet and thoughtful contemporary readStand-alone novelBook length: 80,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

She thought he was arrogant. He thought her walls would never come down. Then they fell in love.Forever walking the line between passion and conflict, Laurel and Gavin’s relationship ended in divorce after years of miscommunication and unmet expectations. Now pursuing their own separate lives and careers, the two are content . . . though not completely happy.When their best friends, Mike and Mallory, are killed in a plane crash, Laurel and Gavin are stunned to learn they’ve been named guardians of their friends’ young daughter, Emma. Putting their differences aside, the estranged couple search for a suitable guardian as they care for Emma and manage Mike and Mallory’s apple orchard.Soon tempers flare—as does the passion they both remember so well. And Laurel and Gavin find themselves working through their past—their mistakes, their miscommunications, and ultimately the tragedy that ended their marriage.Will the seeds of love, still growing inside them, thrive and flourish? Or will grief and regret strangle the feelings before they can fully blossom?“A beautiful tale of second chances, self-sacrifice, and renewed romance.” —Pepper Basham, author of The Heart of the Mountains and Authentically, IzzySweet and thoughtful contemporary readBook 1: Riverbend Gap; Book 2: Mulberry Hollow; Book 3: Harvest MoonBook length: approximately 80,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

When a handsome handyman faces a medical emergency on the Appalachian trail, his sudden appearance in town challenges an ambitious doctor’s plan to remain single for life.Avery Robinson decided to be a physician after helplessly watching her mother lose a battle with a terrible disease. Now at risk of developing the same illness, Avery guards her heart from love. She’s driven to protect her loved ones as a workaholic doctor in the tiny mountain town of Riverbend Gap, North Carolina.Contractor Wes Garrett is hiking the Appalachian trail, in memory of the man who died saving his life, when an illness racks his body. After an agonizing fifteen-mile hike to Avery’s clinic, he collapses on her doorstep. He recovers to find himself in debt again—but this time to a beautiful doctor.When he decides to help her renovate a rundown carriage house, the obstacles to their attraction sprout like weeds—starting with the woman waiting for Wes at the end of the trail. Will he be able to relinquish the debt he owes his best friend? And will Avery find the courage to risk everything for love?This second book in Denise Hunter’s popular Riverbend Romance series explores what it might be like to live fearlessly and free.Slow-burn contemporary romancePart of the Riverbend Romance SeriesBook 1: Riverbend GapBook 2: Mulberry HollowBook 3: Harvest MoonBook length: 86,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

When off-duty deputy Cooper Robinson happens upon a car balanced on the edge of a cliff, he does everything he can think of to distract the distraught driver from her perilous situation—and the attraction is instantaneous. The problem? She’s his brother’s new girlfriend. When Katelyn Loveland’s car veered off a winding Appalachian Mountain road, she thought she was done for. That is until Cooper Robinson, local sheriff’s deputy, came to her rescue. And though Katie narrowly escaped her brush with death, she still fell. Hard.She wasn’t the only one. But soon Cooper learns that the woman he’s more attracted to than any he’s ever met is his brother’s new girlfriend—and therefore unquestionably off limits. Yet, despite their best efforts, Cooper and Katie can’t seem to avoid running into each other. Or ignore the undeniable chemistry between them.As they grow closer, Katie shares secrets from her past and the real reason she moved to their small North Carolina town. She also wins over Cooper’s welcoming and bighearted family. But they don’t know that her feelings for Cooper keep growing—all while she’s dating his brother. Soon the stakes of their emotional connection become higher than either could have imagined.Katie stands to lose the first family she’s ever had, and a scandal could doom Cooper’s campaign for sheriff. Suddenly they find themselves on the edge of another precipice—and they’re forced to make a decision that could change their lives forever.Slow-burn contemporary romanceFirst in the Riverbend Romance SeriesBook 1: Riverbend GapBook 2: Mulberry HollowBook 3: Harvest MoonBook length: 82,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

For lovers of happily ever afters—this collection of three light and sweet romance stories will sweep you off your feet.In A Summer Detour by Denise Hunter, you’ll meet free-spirited Allie Adams, who undertakes a road trip to deliver her grandparents’ newly restored ’57 Chevy in time for their fiftieth anniversary party . . . along with Luke Fletcher, the former boy-next-door who callously crushed her heart.Pining for You by Melissa Ferguson invites you to a cozy Virginia mountain town where Christmas tree farm owner Theo Watkins III has the opportunity to drop everything for one weekend to play farmer and potentially win back the heart of his childhood best friend, Skye Fuller. Only problem? He’s the kind of man who drives a Tesla, not a tractor. Last but not least, He Loves Me; He Loves Me Not by Kathleen Fuller will transport you to a small town in Arkansas where thirty-five-year-old Sophie Morgan has spent years making her flower shop a success. But when this workaholic decides she’s ready to make time for dating again, she finds herself with two handsome men vying for her attention.Whether your perfect romance involves rows and rows of Fraser firs and white pines glinting in the moonlight, childhood love that never ends, or a second chance at a happily ever after, you’re sure to find a story within this collection to warm your heart any day of the year.Praise for This Time Around:“Cozy up and prepare to lose yourself in this enchanting collection. Each story is as inviting and wonderful as the last. Reunion romances and heartwarming second chances are sure to delight readers.” —Nancy Naigle, USA TODAY bestselling author“Romance readers are in for a sweet treat! Authors Denise Hunter, Melissa Ferguson, and Kathleen Fuller have joined forces for a novella collection all about second chances, making the most of them when they’re right in front of you, and fighting for them with everything you’ve got when necessary. Come for this trio of talented storytellers and stay for the humor, heart, and confident hope that there will be a happily ever after, This Time Around.” —Bethany Turner, award-winning author of Plot TwistPerfect for lovers of sweet happily-ever-aftersStand-alone novella collectionBook length: 80,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs

Sophie Lawson should be enjoying her sister’s wedding day. But nothing could have prepared her to see the best man again.After her mother became bedridden and her father bailed on the family, Sophie found herself serving as a second mother to her twin brother, Seth, and younger sister, Jenna. Sophie supported her siblings through their college years, putting aside her own dream of opening a bookshop in Piper’s Cove—the quaint North Carolina beach town they frequented as children.Now it’s finally time for Sophie to follow her own pursuits. Seth has a new job, and Jenna is set to marry her college beau in Piper’s Cove. But the destination wedding reunites Sophie with best man Aiden Maddox, her high school sweetheart who left her without a backward glance.When an advancing hurricane strands Aiden in Piper’s Cove after the wedding, he finds the hotels booked to capacity and has to ask Sophie to put him up until the storm passes. As the two ride out the weather, old feelings rise to the surface. The delay also leaves Sophie with mere days to get her bookshop up and running. Can she trust Aiden to stick around? And will he find the courage to risk his heart?Praise for Bookshop by the Sea:“Sophie and Aiden had me hooked from page one, and I was holding my breath until the very end. Denise nails second-chance romance in Bookshop by the Sea. I adored this story! Five giant stars!” —Jenny Hale, USA TODAY bestselling author“Denise Hunter has never failed to pen a novel that whispers messages of hope and brings a smile to my face. Bookshop by the Sea is no different! With a warmhearted community, a small beachside town, a second-chance romance worth rooting for, and cozy bookshop vibes, this is a story you’ll want to snuggle into like a warm blanket.” —Melissa Ferguson, author of The Dating CharadeSweet and thoughtful contemporary readStand-alone novelBook length: 75,000 wordsIncludes discussion questions for book clubs