Linda Joyce

Perfectionistic Branna Lind loves James Newbern, but she can't wait on Fleur de Lis to be restored to marry him. James must protect her after his ex-fianc e steals Branna's heirloom pearls. Getting to "I do" is more challenging than Branna and James imagined, but they're fighting for happily-ever-after. Biloxi Dutrey found forever love. She'll host the finest reception at Fleur de Lis unless Nick Trahan insists on more changes that threaten to revive the old Dutrey-Trahan family feud. Biloxi and Nick face a battle where the family loyalty lines are murky. Will they ever say, "I do"? Camilla Lind accepts Jared Richardson's ring, but she fears setting a wedding date when Sterling blackmails her. She's afraid Jared will believe the lies. Jared wants to marry her, but not so she can avoid Sterling. Is love steadfast or fickle, and could Mardi Gras be the perfect time for a wedding?

A boy prince named Shadowus was not happy with his shadow; he wanted to rid himself of his shadow. He went on an adventure to change his shadow into a work of beauty. But no matter what he tried, he couldn't change it to anything beautiful, and he ended up throwing it away and then losing it. Once it was gone, he wanted it back and went on a quest to get it back. In the end, he realized that his shadow was a gift from the sun and was happy to have it back, and he was accepted back into his family.

After grieving the loss of her husband and son, TV host Morgan Marshall is ready to embrace life again. But she won't risk a relationship with the father of her favorite cooking student, Avery, since the girl's happiness is more important than her own. Advertising executive Alex Blake never thought another woman could pique his interest after losing his wife to pneumonia, a complication of her cancer. Yet every time he's in Morgan's presence, she brings sunlight into the room. Plus, she's a role model for his daughter, always assuring Avery that dyslexia can't hold her back. But if he asks Morgan for a date and then she refuses a second one, the person he loves the most, Avery, could get hurt the worst because she adores Morgan.When Alex is injured in a fall, Morgan insists on caring for him and Avery. As they share holiday fun, Avery topples Morgan's beloved crystal bell collection, shattering it to pieces. Through it all, they discover love of one another is more priceless than any object money can buy. Love rings in the air at Christmastime.

Artist Amelia Britton battles her older brother for the right to remain on the family farm-their inheritance after their parents' tragic deaths-she faces a looming mortgage, weather threatens to destroy her crops, and the man she secretly loves only sees her as Craig's little sister. After serving his country in Afghanistan, Lucas Dwyer expected to return home to his family's farm, but the bank foreclosed. Undeterred, he begins combining-for-hire to support his younger sister in college. His best friend convinces him to discourage local guys from dating Amelia. Craig wants her back in the city, farming is too hard for a woman alone. Only one problem-Lucas has fallen in love with Amelia. With family, the bank, and the weather conspiring against them, can Amelia and Lucas ever hope to grow the love blooming between them?

Segregated Atlanta, Georgia, in the 1950s was not an easy place for a young, black girl to grow up and thrive. Author Linda Joyce, the ninth of eleven children, survived many challenging childhood circumstances too hopeless for most people to overcome. In The Second Room on the Right, Linda reaches down inside and plucks all those internal strings that connect us as human beings. The author makes history come alive as she describes the indomitable spirit and resolve required to overcome the many obstacles faced by a young, black female-not only in her family, but in a society not easily accepting of people with different-colored skin. Written with a combination of courage, humor, wisdom, and forgiveness, this book pulls out of the darkness into the light the truth behind race, class, and culture. It also makes the truth stand up and become a story of triumph rather than shame. The author has a determination to tell her story, especially to young African Americans who might identify with her background but not see a path to success for themselves. For those who have lived some of the experiences cited in this book, it is a reminder of how far we have come. For those who have not had to endure similar experiences, it is a reminder of the power of the spirit of determination. Either way, this book is a must read.

Biloxi Dutrey grounds her jet-setting photography career and returns to Mississippi when she learns her family home, Fleur De Lis, is headed for financial ruin. She plans to save it by scooping up the job of Keeper. But that means breaking tradition, and her family isn't cooperating. Veterinarian Nick Trahan is new in town and wants folks to stop matchmaking. He won't settle for just a pretty face. He wants the perfect woman, one who believes in family and commitment-the exact opposite of his parents. Nick rescues Biloxi during a raging storm, but the squall is tame compared to the tempest between them. Soon they experience the backlash from the long-standing feud between their families. If Biloxi surrenders her dreams for Fleur de Lis and toes the line with tradition, will she also be forced to give up on "forever love" due to the hate their families still harbor?

Branna Lind's self-esteem rests at the bottom of the Mississippi River. She canceled her "wedding of the decade," though she isn't saying why. She wants life on her own terms, no ready-made job in the family business, no safety net of close-knit kin, and no more betrayal. College professor James Newbern prizes his bachelorhood. Experience has taught him beautiful women are high-maintenance trouble and Branna fits that type. He is happy to avoid her until the college vice president assigns him to mentor the newest hire--Branna. Branna is on her way to a new life, but will the scars of the past send her running from love? Even if she stands her ground, can she convince James that she truly is his "type"?