Starlight, Texas Series by Lynette Sowell

Justine Campbell would gladly rewind her life a few months…back before it crumbled around her like so much gilded plaster. Billy Tucker could use a rewind button, too. He’d go back to the day before his humvee exploded in Iraq, injuring himself and killing two of his buddies. Billy’s bitterness and Justine’s humiliation make for a prickly pair when they first meet, but can either of them let go of the past long enough to let God make their paths straight again?

A canceled wedding, an insistent ex-fiance', a tempting job offer, and California girl Liann Rivers unexpectedly finds her dreams tied up in tiny Starlight, Texas. Except when she arrives, the job isn't what was promised, the move doesn't get rid of the pesky ex-fiance', and even her car won't run. What's a girl to do? Jake Tucker is tired of being responsible, tired of being the strong tower for his family, and ready to leave Starlight once and for all... moreA canceled wedding, an insistent ex-fiance', a tempting job offer, and California girl Liann Rivers unexpectedly finds her dreams tied up in tiny Starlight, Texas. Except when she arrives, the job isn't what was promised, the move doesn't get rid of the pesky ex-fiance', and even her car won't run. What's a girl to do? Jake Tucker is tired of being responsible, tired of being the strong tower for his family, and ready to leave Starlight once and for all. The chance of a lifetime--coaching football at the college level--is finally within reach. Except there's this new girl in town, and somehow he can't see himself anywhere without her. less

Tamarind Brown knows barbecue. She also knows how to run a restaurant, even if The Pit is a bit shabby around the edges and needs renovation. Her parents loaned the money for her dream, and her employees rely on her. Her place is a local favorite in Starlight, Texas. So why is she losing money? Rick Mantovani knows pasta. His successful Italian restaurants on the East Coast take up all his time and energy... moreTamarind Brown knows barbecue. She also knows how to run a restaurant, even if The Pit is a bit shabby around the edges and needs renovation. Her parents loaned the money for her dream, and her employees rely on her. Her place is a local favorite in Starlight, Texas. So why is she losing money? Rick Mantovani knows pasta. His successful Italian restaurants on the East Coast take up all his time and energy. But he wants to conquer barbecue, and the place to prove himself is in the heart of Texas. The fact that Starlight is also the home of a beautiful, green-eyed barbecue champion doesn’t hurt. Rick’s recipe lost to Tamarind’s on the summer competitive barbecue circuit, but maybe now they can help each other instead of competing at the grill. As their friendship grows, Rick visits Tamarind’s church to do a little business networking. He’s never had much time for God, and when tragedy strikes Starlight, Rick must wrestle with his lack of faith. Why pray when God has the power to take away everything? Can Rick learn to trust God even when bad things happen? less