Small Town Hearts Series by H.C. Bentley

She left for the military thinking she would have it all. The career, the man she loved, a family of her own. Then her fiancé issued an ultimatum: come home and marry him, or lose him forever. Eight years later, Lieutenant Lynn Johnston returns to her small Kentucky hometown with a secret to keep and a desire to find peace. Her planned lifelong career had been cut short by events beyond her control... moreShe left for the military thinking she would have it all. The career, the man she loved, a family of her own. Then her fiancé issued an ultimatum: come home and marry him, or lose him forever. Eight years later, Lieutenant Lynn Johnston returns to her small Kentucky hometown with a secret to keep and a desire to find peace. Her planned lifelong career had been cut short by events beyond her control. Now, she hoped that she could forge a new path, one that would heal her heart and help to put her past behind her. Those hopes are dashed when she discovers Carter Mathis, her former fiancé, has also returned and is raising his two young sons. Lynn must decide if she can deal with not only the old hurt feelings from the past -- and Carter’s soon-to-be ex who has a vendetta against Lynn-- to give Carter a second chance. A deadly collapse at the coal mines where Carter works, an accident that rocks the town, could possibly take the choice out of her hands. Does she confront her feelings and move forward, or leave the life she's always wanted behind? less

The summer before she left for college, Kari Nelson had the world in the palm of her hand. She was on her way out of her small hometown and out from under the thumbs of her controlling parents. But more importantly, she was in love for the first time. That summer would change her life forever. Years after returning home unexpectedly, Kari is no longer a naive and hopeful teenager... moreThe summer before she left for college, Kari Nelson had the world in the palm of her hand. She was on her way out of her small hometown and out from under the thumbs of her controlling parents. But more importantly, she was in love for the first time. That summer would change her life forever. Years after returning home unexpectedly, Kari is no longer a naive and hopeful teenager. She’s a grown woman who has been married and divorced, and is now a single mother who balances running a respectable business while also raising her daughter. The daughter Marc Eaddens, the boy she'd loved all those summers ago, didn't know he had. That boy is now a man who's returned to town to take over the family business from his ailing father. Sparks fly and tensions rise when he discovers the truth about the girl in Kari's life. Will he forgive Kari for keeping her secret – and his daughter – to herself? And can the two of them come together for their child...and themselves? less

When Bethany Lewis buried her husband, she thought she'd also buried any other chance at love. She'd married her high school sweetheart at a young age and thought they would have the happily ever after she'd always dreamed of. But a tragic accident would shatter those dreams. Now, years after her husband's sudden death, her world revolves around her daughters. She has a job she loves and life-long friends who are more like sisters. She has learned to be content in her life... moreWhen Bethany Lewis buried her husband, she thought she'd also buried any other chance at love. She'd married her high school sweetheart at a young age and thought they would have the happily ever after she'd always dreamed of. But a tragic accident would shatter those dreams. Now, years after her husband's sudden death, her world revolves around her daughters. She has a job she loves and life-long friends who are more like sisters. She has learned to be content in her life. There was no way for her to know there is a man who would upset the balance she has so carefully created. One who would make her feel all the things she'd forgotten she could feel. A man who pined for her, but has his own issues and past to overcome. Can Bethany allow herself to let go of the past and the guilt she feels at the thought of moving on with her life? Will her children - and her heart - allow her to embrace a new future? Or is she headed for heartbreak once more? less