The Hope Chest Series by Paula Gill, P.J. Bishop

An antique hope chest containing five unique objects . . . five people inexorably drawn to the items inside . . . each sent to the past where they must accomplish a task and find their own path to true love with the help of a magical matchmaker determined to bring soul mates together, even across time. Corrine Webb, former foster child and now five-star chef in Dallas, knows what she wants: her own restaurant and no emotional ties... moreAn antique hope chest containing five unique objects . . . five people inexorably drawn to the items inside . . . each sent to the past where they must accomplish a task and find their own path to true love with the help of a magical matchmaker determined to bring soul mates together, even across time. Corrine Webb, former foster child and now five-star chef in Dallas, knows what she wants: her own restaurant and no emotional ties. Life has taught her that getting close to someone means loss and pain. So she jumps at the chance to miss the forced togetherness of Christmas in Virginia’s Allegheny Mountains the last two weeks of December. Caught in a snowstorm, Corrie seeks shelter in the derelict Chesterfield Hotel where she is drawn to an old hope chest and its contents. Picking up the tin star with one broken point, she finds herself tossed back in time to 1886 where she’s expected to wait tables. Jess Garrett, former Army officer during the Indian Wars where he experienced too much bloodshed and violence, now enjoys being the police chief of the quiet resort town of Hope Springs, Virginia where he keeps the peace with smooth talk and fast fists rather than with his gun. His predictable life hits a bump when the Chesterfield Hotel hires an awkward waitress who is the complete opposite of the society ladies he usually chases. His pursuit of the outspoken and strangely charming Corrie unknowlingly puts her in danger. Drawn together across time, Corrie and the lawman fall in love. Yet how can she let him plan their future, knowing she will return to her own time at the summer solstice? And how far will Jess have to go to keep her safe? Originally published as Fire With Fire by Paula Gill. less

With no home or family to go to during the Christmas break, Corrine Webb, head chef of a four-star Texas restaurant, accepts the loan of a quiet cabin in Virginia. Caught in a snowstorm, she finds shelter in an abandoned hotel and starts rummaging in an old chest for matches. But when she picks up a broken sheriff's badge, suddenly she's transported back to 1866 - where she finds herself waitressing in the hotel dining room, wreaking havoc with her modern ways.. moreWith no home or family to go to during the Christmas break, Corrine Webb, head chef of a four-star Texas restaurant, accepts the loan of a quiet cabin in Virginia. Caught in a snowstorm, she finds shelter in an abandoned hotel and starts rummaging in an old chest for matches. But when she picks up a broken sheriff's badge, suddenly she's transported back to 1866 - where she finds herself waitressing in the hotel dining room, wreaking havoc with her modern ways...and with the heart of one very handsome sheriff. Jesse Garrett may be part of famous clan of lawmen, but he's seen enough blood and violence to make him vow never to draw a gun again. His name alone has kept the peace here...but he's forged a rift with his powerful family. Sassy Corrie, with her outspoken opinions and confident walk, tempts him mercilessly, and her determination to reunite him with his family is as confounding as her mysterious "past". But before long, he finds himself financing her new restaurant, and they're sharing a taste of glorious love. Happily, Jess knows he's given Corrine a home in his arms. But when he learns the truth, they must face one burning question together: Will she be able stay? less