Hidden Beauty Series by Mary Crawford

Jeff finally has his life back on track after deferring his dreams so he could be there for his family when they were stuck with a health crisis. As a lifeguard and a law student, he is solely focused on graduating at the top of his class and passing the bar exam so that he can help his mom and sister... moreJeff finally has his life back on track after deferring his dreams so he could be there for his family when they were stuck with a health crisis. As a lifeguard and a law student, he is solely focused on graduating at the top of his class and passing the bar exam so that he can help his mom and sister. In a blink of an eye, all of that changes when a beautiful redhead rescues a little boy right under Jeff’s nose while he’s lifeguarding and challenges everything he thought he wanted from the world. Kiera, a former swimmer turned social worker is distraction he never expected to encounter. She is smart, outgoing, witty, and vivacious and he is drawn to her more than he could have ever imagined. Unfortunately however, both Jeff and Kiera come with strings attached. . . less

Sometimes to find yourself, you need to return to your one true love. When Aidan O’Brien stumbles across Tara Isamu, she is nothing like the best friend he remembers and whom he’s loved since childhood. He scarcely recognizes the timid woman who stands in the place of a fearless competitor. Life has changed them both. Tara recalls that Aidan, the kid brother of her former dance partner, has always lived to make her laugh... moreSometimes to find yourself, you need to return to your one true love. When Aidan O’Brien stumbles across Tara Isamu, she is nothing like the best friend he remembers and whom he’s loved since childhood. He scarcely recognizes the timid woman who stands in the place of a fearless competitor. Life has changed them both. Tara recalls that Aidan, the kid brother of her former dance partner, has always lived to make her laugh. If only she could figure out a way to break the news that her soul was crushed by a random act of violence. Aidan has been in love with her as long as she can remember. Even so, Tara doesn’t know if the damaged version of herself is worth loving. It may be too much to ask of anyone. Can they rekindle their love and grow strong in the power of music so their hearts can dance? If you like characters with hidden strength, you’ll cheer for this couple as they overcome their pasts and triumph. So the Heart Can Dance is the second clean and wholesome romance in the Hidden Beauty Series. It can be read as a standalone novel. less

Tyler Colton is exactly the irritating, overbearing take charge, livin’ large kind of guy that Heather LaBianca has been dodging her whole life. So, why exactly does her heart beat faster every time Officer Colton enters the room? Tyler wasn’t exactly looking for happily ever after when with his best friend got married and started hanging out with a new group of friends... moreTyler Colton is exactly the irritating, overbearing take charge, livin’ large kind of guy that Heather LaBianca has been dodging her whole life. So, why exactly does her heart beat faster every time Officer Colton enters the room? Tyler wasn’t exactly looking for happily ever after when with his best friend got married and started hanging out with a new group of friends. Sure, the curvy spitfire blonde Italian who had as many jokes as a standup comedian intrigued him, but exasperatingly his natural charms seem largely ineffective for this fiercely independent woman. When personal tragedy strikes in Heather’s life, Tyler gets a chance to be Heather’s real life knight-in shining-armor. Yet even as he’s helping her dreams come true, Tyler realizes that this puzzling enigma of a woman is quietly helping him exorcise the nightmares of a mission that went horribly wrong. Will he be brave enough to accept her love so that they can move forward together through Joy and Tiers? less

Madison LaBianca's whole life as a hard-hitting journalist is dedicated to explaining things and breaking big problems into manageable pieces... moreMadison LaBianca's whole life as a hard-hitting journalist is dedicated to explaining things and breaking big problems into manageable pieces. What happens when she apparently snoops into the wrong story, her life slowly spirals out of control, and she runs into a man who is just inexplicable? Trevor Black is a man who is used to having to pick up the pieces of his life and rebuild after his world was shattered by an IED and when his wife was killed after she finally had sense enough to leave the disillusioned, sullen man he had become. Trevor is working hard to find meaning in the senseless, and to find purpose when life has kicked him to the curb. Can helping Madison sort out the pieces of her mixed-up life help Trevor face down his own painful demons and learn to just Love Naturally? less

Who says love is only for the young? When Denny Ashley lost his wife to brain cancer, he never imagined he'd get another chance to find someone. That was just fine with him. As a long-haul trucker, he was used to being alone. But, a vivacious florist enters his world and Denny hopes he can do love justice. Gwendolyn has loved and lost before. She's experienced both heaven and hell when it comes to men... moreWho says love is only for the young? When Denny Ashley lost his wife to brain cancer, he never imagined he'd get another chance to find someone. That was just fine with him. As a long-haul trucker, he was used to being alone. But, a vivacious florist enters his world and Denny hopes he can do love justice. Gwendolyn has loved and lost before. She's experienced both heaven and hell when it comes to men. When Denny Ashley starts to turn on the charm, she must decide if she can handle love seasoned by time. less

Donda has seen more than her fair share of tragedy. Between the assaults she suffered as a child, her eating disorder, and addictions she feels like she's the last person who should get a second chance. Jaxon has spent years trying to move past his own inner demons. His ex-wife was a junkie who let their young daughter die rather than miss a score. Though he has committed his career to saving lives, he can't shake the feeling he should have done more back then... moreDonda has seen more than her fair share of tragedy. Between the assaults she suffered as a child, her eating disorder, and addictions she feels like she's the last person who should get a second chance. Jaxon has spent years trying to move past his own inner demons. His ex-wife was a junkie who let their young daughter die rather than miss a score. Though he has committed his career to saving lives, he can't shake the feeling he should have done more back then. When the single mother and doctor finally meet, it seems like fate. A car accident turns a shared glance into a chance at happiness neither one expected or believes they deserve. Becoming a teenaged matchmaker extraordinaire, Donda's son, Gabriel, is convinced the two are perfect for each other, but they aren't so sure. Can the pair get past their troubled histories, self-doubt, and bad experiences to find love at last? less

There comes a time when you have to follow your own dreams. Tasha Keeley is a singing prodigy. She even won a talent show on television. She has been offered a recording contract from Aidan O'Brien. She should be over the moon. Instead, she wishes she'd never sung a note. Jude is Aiden O'Brien's equipment manager. He has been working for musicians since he was a teenager to get his big break. He would give his right arm to be offered a recording contract... moreThere comes a time when you have to follow your own dreams. Tasha Keeley is a singing prodigy. She even won a talent show on television. She has been offered a recording contract from Aidan O'Brien. She should be over the moon. Instead, she wishes she'd never sung a note. Jude is Aiden O'Brien's equipment manager. He has been working for musicians since he was a teenager to get his big break. He would give his right arm to be offered a recording contract. Can Tasha help Jude find his voice while she tackles new dreams of her own? You'll be singing the praises of the characters in Jude's Song. Who knows? It may inspire you to reach for a few dreams of your own. less

Every breath is a precious gift. Nate Abernethy learned this lesson the hard way from a very young age. Now, he's faced with an impossible decision: Stay by the side of the woman he's loved since elementary school knowing that each breath she draws could be her last? Or fulfill the promise he made to his dad to join the military and help catch the insurgents who killed him? There is no right choice. Either way, the price of freedom is just too high... moreEvery breath is a precious gift. Nate Abernethy learned this lesson the hard way from a very young age. Now, he's faced with an impossible decision: Stay by the side of the woman he's loved since elementary school knowing that each breath she draws could be her last? Or fulfill the promise he made to his dad to join the military and help catch the insurgents who killed him? There is no right choice. Either way, the price of freedom is just too high. Authors note: The Price of Freedom is a novella which can be read as a standalone. However, it will be better understood if it's read after Jude's Song but before Paths Not Taken. less

Life can change in a heartbeat. When Tara Isamu O’Brien got married almost ten years ago, she thought everything was perfect. Her life with Aidan O’Brien had given her everything she had ever dreamed of except one thing — a child. After countless rounds of infertility treatments and devastating setbacks, Tara discovered that once again, her body betrayed her and stopped working when she needed it the most. She is devastated that she may never be able to realize her dream of being a mother... moreLife can change in a heartbeat. When Tara Isamu O’Brien got married almost ten years ago, she thought everything was perfect. Her life with Aidan O’Brien had given her everything she had ever dreamed of except one thing — a child. After countless rounds of infertility treatments and devastating setbacks, Tara discovered that once again, her body betrayed her and stopped working when she needed it the most. She is devastated that she may never be able to realize her dream of being a mother.  Aidan O’Brien can’t bear to see his wife so torn up. When Kiera Whitaker, a social worker suggests an orphaned medically fragile child for adoption, he is ready to jump at the chance. He knows from first-hand experience how much one person can impact your life. Yet, Tara is not so sure that she could ever love someone else’s child the same as her own. Can Tara and Aidan accept the fact that dreams change? If you love a romantic family drama, this short story is for you. Dreams Change is part of the Hidden Beauty Series, and it is designed to be read after Paths Not Taken. less

For as long as she can remember, Mindy has always been able to see the future. Until she can't. As a child, Mindy always wished she could be normal. Now that she is, she'd give anything to be special again. After she wasn't able to help one person she cherished using her gifts, Mindy isn't sure she can ever trust her ability again. Elijah rose to the top of the bestseller lists with his first novel — but he can't seem to find the same magic again... moreFor as long as she can remember, Mindy has always been able to see the future. Until she can't. As a child, Mindy always wished she could be normal. Now that she is, she'd give anything to be special again. After she wasn't able to help one person she cherished using her gifts, Mindy isn't sure she can ever trust her ability again. Elijah rose to the top of the bestseller lists with his first novel — but he can't seem to find the same magic again. Over his publisher's objections, he wants to take his writing career in a whole new direction. A frantic call from home threatens to completely derail his dreams. He never expected to go home and find one of the few people from his past who took the time to listen to him despite his Tourette's syndrome. Mindy knows Elijah and his family are in danger, but she knows her answers may not be enough his family or their love. What if she is wrong? Can Elijah convince Mindy that love is reason enough to tempt fate? You'll love this sweet romance about first love with a touch of mystery. Get it now! less

Sometimes your greatest challenge can lead to unexpected victories. As a paramedic, Rocco Pierce is no stranger to making life-and-death decisions and delivering devastating news. Nothing prepared him for a situation quite like this... moreSometimes your greatest challenge can lead to unexpected victories. As a paramedic, Rocco Pierce is no stranger to making life-and-death decisions and delivering devastating news. Nothing prepared him for a situation quite like this.   What exactly do you do with a letter informing you that your wife is dying of breast cancer when you've never been married?    Crime reporter Mallory Yoshida is used to getting odd fan mail, so why should she pay attention to this guy who wants to talk to her about a mysterious letter?  After all, Mallory is on the verge of a breakthrough in a case she's been following for years. She doesn't have time for distractions. Obviously, Rocco Pierce didn't get the memo, because he hasn't stopped lobbying her for an in-person meeting. He says it's personal, but how could it be when they've never met? Rocco needs to deliver the most awful, life-changing news imaginable. Yet, when he meets Mallory, there is an undeniable connection. Even though none of this is his business, Rocco can't seem to step away. He wonders if it was all a bureaucratic failure or simply divine intervention?   After all, it's not like the letter is a matter of life and death — or is it? If you like compassionate, heroic types in uniform and spunky women who fight for justice, you'll adore this unusual tale of love at first sight under challenging circumstances. The Letter is a clean and wholesome, suspenseful romance. It is the eleventh book in the Hidden Beauty Series and can be read as a standalone novel. less

William Kordes fixes problems. Some people called him lucky when he invented one of the most popular phone accessories of all time. Will knows it's more than just luck. He's been working hard to overcome a painful past and succeed since he was a kid. Now that he's made it big, he set out to change the world. He figured he was well on his way with the Heart Wish Foundation and Hallway Innovations, until he met her... moreWilliam Kordes fixes problems. Some people called him lucky when he invented one of the most popular phone accessories of all time. Will knows it's more than just luck. He's been working hard to overcome a painful past and succeed since he was a kid. Now that he's made it big, he set out to change the world. He figured he was well on his way with the Heart Wish Foundation and Hallway Innovations, until he met her. Unlike most women, Mariam Fischer wasn't impressed by his good looks, charm, or his money. Worse yet, Mariam doesn't want his help, insisting she must cope with the devastating effects of fibromyalgia alone. If he knew what was good for him, Will would walk away. After all, she told him to go. If Will ever needed to invent a solution to a problem, this would be the one. Funny thing about Will, he never takes the easy way out. If you love workplace romances with strong, resilient characters and family drama, you'll love this clean and wholesome romance. Buy it today! less

Otherwise, why would Brynley Meeker meet one of the most handsome men she's ever seen smack in the middle of the dairy aisle ... while his son is having a meltdown, and the mystery guy looks ready to pass out. Sometimes life is all about being in the right place at the right time — even when it can seem all sorts of wrong. Folk musician, Joe Summers thought he had his life under control. It only took a spur of the moment trip to the grocery store to show him how wrong he was... moreOtherwise, why would Brynley Meeker meet one of the most handsome men she's ever seen smack in the middle of the dairy aisle ... while his son is having a meltdown, and the mystery guy looks ready to pass out. Sometimes life is all about being in the right place at the right time — even when it can seem all sorts of wrong. Folk musician, Joe Summers thought he had his life under control. It only took a spur of the moment trip to the grocery store to show him how wrong he was. Can he afford to change everything based on a chance encounter? After all, his son, Brody, is counting on him. He took a chance with Brody's mom, and it had disastrous consequences. Inviting Brynley into their lives could make things even worse. Brynley has been through a lot. The last thing she wants to do is harm Joe Summers or his adorable son. It's hard not to take his reluctance personally. Perhaps they could all use a few changes in their lives. If Brynley can convince Joe to listen to his heart instead of his fear, things would be perfect. The Heart of Summers is a complete novel and can be read as a standalone. However, reading other books in the series will provide additional context. less