King's Valley Series by Margaret Desmond

Librarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00HDEEM64 For most of her life, Jessica has played the role of the perfect daughter, perfect stepdaughter, and, ultimately, the perfect fiancée, concealing her true self behind the person she thought everyone else wanted and expected her to be. That all ends the day she discovers that her future husband is cheating on her. Her spur-of-the-moment escape comes to a grinding halt when her car breaks down on a lonely country road... moreLibrarian's Note: this is an alternate cover edition for ASIN B00HDEEM64 For most of her life, Jessica has played the role of the perfect daughter, perfect stepdaughter, and, ultimately, the perfect fiancée, concealing her true self behind the person she thought everyone else wanted and expected her to be. That all ends the day she discovers that her future husband is cheating on her. Her spur-of-the-moment escape comes to a grinding halt when her car breaks down on a lonely country road. But no gallant knight comes to her rescue. Instead, she’s confronted by a handsome stranger who believes that she’s a spoiled, self-indulgent, high society brat up to no good. Jessica is only too willing to obey the stranger's command to get out of his sight. But fate and a mischievous, matchmaking grandmother steps into the fray, and two stubborn people who have been unlucky in love may discover that true love really can change everything. less

From his early years, Joe Matthews has striven for perfection in all facets of his life, including his love life. Polly Winslow is the complete opposite of the ideal mate he’s envisioned for himself. Pretty and charming she may be, but she’s way too free-spirited—a chaotic, creative whirlwind that reminds him far too much of everything he’s been running away from since he was a boy... moreFrom his early years, Joe Matthews has striven for perfection in all facets of his life, including his love life. Polly Winslow is the complete opposite of the ideal mate he’s envisioned for himself. Pretty and charming she may be, but she’s way too free-spirited—a chaotic, creative whirlwind that reminds him far too much of everything he’s been running away from since he was a boy. Joe may have the most gorgeous blue eyes that Polly's ever seen, but he’s no match for the larger-than-life fictional heroes that stand front and center in both her daydreams and the romance novels she writes. In her opinion, he’s just an average, ordinary guy, and he’s way too neat and fastidious. Besides—no matter how much her fingers itch to remove his tie and muss up his hair—she’s keeping all thoughts of real-life romance on the back burner until her goal of becoming a published writer is realized. Maybe it’s time for two stubborn people to let go of long-held ideals and perceptions and open their minds and hearts to the extraordinary love that is waiting on the doorstep… - A sweet, clean romance. Book 2 in the King's Valley series but can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone - less

What an impossible man! Sparks fly when Lindy collides with a handsome stranger on the local hiking trail. He is rude and overbearing, and she hopes that she’ll never see him again. But two inquisitive aunts, a meddling neighbor, and a precocious little boy will soon dash those hopes to the ground. After fourteen years, Devin Wakefield has returned to King’s Valley. The aunts who raised him need his help. But he doesn’t plan to stay in his hometown for too long... moreWhat an impossible man! Sparks fly when Lindy collides with a handsome stranger on the local hiking trail. He is rude and overbearing, and she hopes that she’ll never see him again. But two inquisitive aunts, a meddling neighbor, and a precocious little boy will soon dash those hopes to the ground. After fourteen years, Devin Wakefield has returned to King’s Valley. The aunts who raised him need his help. But he doesn’t plan to stay in his hometown for too long. Unless Lindy can succeed in changing his mind… (This book is part of a series, but it can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone) less

Promises made. Promises broken. Annie and Jake had been best friends since their childhood. Two peas in a pod, her grandmother had always said. Wherever one went, the other was sure to follow. But when Annie went to New York to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful artist, the invisible string that had always connected her to Jake slowly weakened until it snapped... morePromises made. Promises broken. Annie and Jake had been best friends since their childhood. Two peas in a pod, her grandmother had always said. Wherever one went, the other was sure to follow. But when Annie went to New York to pursue her dreams of becoming a successful artist, the invisible string that had always connected her to Jake slowly weakened until it snapped. Caught up in her ambitions, she lost sight of the things in life she’d always treasured: family, friendship, the indelible bonds of love and trust. Now, her dreams shattered in pieces and her heart cut in two, she's returned home to ask for forgiveness and to rediscover her true self again. But it may be too late. (While this book can be read and enjoyed as a stand-alone, the author suggests reading the first 3 books in this series to fully appreciate this story. This is the last book in this series.) less