Silver Springs Settlers Series by Gina Coon

Newly widowed, Emma Smith grieves for her lost husband. But after President Lincoln signs the Homestead Act offering free land, she reluctantly agrees to her restless father's plan to move west. Along with her sister and toddler son, the small family joins a wagon train setting out on the Oregon Trail. The journey is fraught with adversity and heartache, eventually changing the travelers' destination, as well as their lives... moreNewly widowed, Emma Smith grieves for her lost husband. But after President Lincoln signs the Homestead Act offering free land, she reluctantly agrees to her restless father's plan to move west. Along with her sister and toddler son, the small family joins a wagon train setting out on the Oregon Trail. The journey is fraught with adversity and heartache, eventually changing the travelers' destination, as well as their lives. When the group begins to homestead, Emma finds herself alone with four children in the raw, untamed west. She learns to draw on an inner strength she didn't know she possessed and renews her faith along the way. But will Emma be able to come to terms with the death of her husband and embrace a new love in this rough land? Gruff rancher, Seth Summers doesn't feel Montana in the 1860s is a safe place for women and children. He's experienced enough personal tragedy to confirm the fact. But a pretty new neighbor, who works harder than most men, gradually gets under his skin. Without even knowing it, he begins to long for a feminine presence on his ranch and in his life. Can he win the heart of the attractive widow? You're invited to come along on a pioneer adventure filled with danger and excitement, heartache and romance! Building Fences, Mending Hearts is sure to touch your emotions, leaving you alternately weeping and smiling. less

Connor Wilson is finally ready to start his own ranch. He’s worked hard and invested wisely, even traveling across the ocean to secure the best cattle. Now he’s riding the train toward the next phase of his life. During the journey the rugged cowboy takes it upon himself to intervene on behalf of three young brothers. His good deed done, he never expects to see the boys or their lovely caregiver again... moreConnor Wilson is finally ready to start his own ranch. He’s worked hard and invested wisely, even traveling across the ocean to secure the best cattle. Now he’s riding the train toward the next phase of his life. During the journey the rugged cowboy takes it upon himself to intervene on behalf of three young brothers. His good deed done, he never expects to see the boys or their lovely caregiver again. But best laid plans don’t always go as we hope and the brief encounter is destined to change his life. The ultimate objective of Hadley House is to place some of New York City’s orphaned and abandoned children in loving homes. With her eye on achieving that goal, Naomi Holender travels west by train with a group of youngsters. In the process she will be required to make the most painful sacrifice of her life. An orphan herself, she personally understands the hardships and difficulties of an imperfect system that often separates families and leaves broken hearts in its wake. When a scruffy cowboy interferes with her work, she’s forced to defend her convictions and takes a hard look at her life. Many months later three boys go missing and Naomi is sent to search for them. Following the only clue she has the young woman sets out for Montana and Connor Wilson’s ranch. Both tragedy and triumph plague the journey that eventually leads her to the rancher, carrying a far heavier burden than she started out with. Her perception of right and wrong is challenged and decisions she must make will affect others in her care. How far is she willing to go to make the right choice? Book length, approx. 159 pages less

At the age of twenty-eight, Sarah Marshall is on the shelf. Long ago she’d set aside dreams of a husband and children of her own. Family obligations came first - always. However, when her impulsive younger sister, Eliza, finds herself in a family way, Sarah is forced to seek marriage to a stranger to protect them both. Terrified of the future, she gives her fears to the Lord and lays her well-being in His capable hands... moreAt the age of twenty-eight, Sarah Marshall is on the shelf. Long ago she’d set aside dreams of a husband and children of her own. Family obligations came first - always. However, when her impulsive younger sister, Eliza, finds herself in a family way, Sarah is forced to seek marriage to a stranger to protect them both. Terrified of the future, she gives her fears to the Lord and lays her well-being in His capable hands. How could she know that the dangerous journey to marry one man, would land her square in the path of another? Or that her future husband is not all he appears to be? Haunted by his war years, veteran Confederate soldier, Tom Cooper, is summoned home after more than a decade away to settle his father’s estate. He intends to do just that, then return to his bachelor life in Montana before winter sets in. When he comes upon a horrific accident on the return journey, his plans take a temporary detour. A beautiful, injured woman, her pregnant sister, and a wounded cowboy desperately need his assistance. Later, a chance meeting leaves him questioning the security of the two women. Can he protect Sarah and her sister without losing his heart along the way? Or his life? Will Sarah and Eliza Marshall find love and a fresh start in the rugged west? Or will the malicious plans of one man claim their freedom, and perhaps their very lives? less