Northwest Suburbs Series by Karla Brandenburg

School teacher Kira Ellison embarks on an archeological vacation to southern Italy in search of the phantom Holy Grail, one last diversion before she settles into the life that is expected of her. Prior to her arrival, a premonition forewarns her of the dangers that lay in wait. When she comes face to face with Dominic Fioretti, the “man of her dreams,” the danger becomes all too real, both physically and emotionally... moreSchool teacher Kira Ellison embarks on an archeological vacation to southern Italy in search of the phantom Holy Grail, one last diversion before she settles into the life that is expected of her. Prior to her arrival, a premonition forewarns her of the dangers that lay in wait. When she comes face to face with Dominic Fioretti, the “man of her dreams,” the danger becomes all too real, both physically and emotionally. “Author Karla Brandenburg presents a romance novel that strives to expand the genre and offer the reader suspense, mystery, mystic wonder and, of course, true romance. . . For anyone who enjoys romance novels, this book will not be a disappointment. It is well written and allows the romance to grow as a natural part of the narrative. Much in the same way that Nora Roberts crafts a good story first and allows the love interest to support but not overwhelm the plot, The Treasure of St. Paul delivers a well told tale that holds suspense until the very end.” - A guest reviewer for the Chicago Daily Herald “Karla Brandenburg weaves a surprising tale of suspense and romance in THE TREASURE OF ST PAUL. The historical value of this book is remarkable. The romance depicted is thrilling and satisfying. The characters are believable and well written. This reviewer can’t wait for her next novel.” - Tammy Falkner for Road to Romance less

Audrey MacDougall's new boss is cleaning house and to make matters worse, he is a “person of interest” in the mysterious disappearance of a young girl 20 years ago... moreAudrey MacDougall's new boss is cleaning house and to make matters worse, he is a “person of interest” in the mysterious disappearance of a young girl 20 years ago. Greg Ellison offers Audrey a chance to break away and start over, but what is it about Greg that pulls her out of the real world and inside a painting with him? While on a business trip to Scotland, Audrey McDougall receives news that her company has been taken over by a ruthless businessman, famous for the way he downsizes his acquisitions. With some sight-seeing days built into her trip, she meets Greg Ellison, an American photographer also traveling on business, and decides she might as well make the most of what could be her last vacation. When Greg holds her hand, orphaned Audrey’s overdeveloped sense of intuition fills her with a sense of home and family. Audrey takes a day off with her best friend, Cinda, to go venue shopping for Cinda’s wedding. After three unsuccessful stops at wedding sites, Audrey feels a connection with the last place on their list. The bed and breakfast, somewhat off the beaten path, exudes a sense of tranquility. While she tries to pinpoint what it is that seems so familiar about the place, Greg shows up. It isn’t until after she realizes that this is the B&B that Greg is hoping to buy that she sees the backyard—the inspiration for the unusual painting hanging on her living room wall. less

After nine years away, a business venture forces Brody Parkhill to return to his home town. Trying to determine whether the building he’s been sent to assess would be a viable project for his boss, he is surprised to discover it houses a women’s crisis center. Further complicating his job, members of his old high school gang are involved in the center’s operations—the same friends he ran out on all those years ago. His boss questions where Brody’s loyalties lie and ultimately fires him... moreAfter nine years away, a business venture forces Brody Parkhill to return to his home town. Trying to determine whether the building he’s been sent to assess would be a viable project for his boss, he is surprised to discover it houses a women’s crisis center. Further complicating his job, members of his old high school gang are involved in the center’s operations—the same friends he ran out on all those years ago. His boss questions where Brody’s loyalties lie and ultimately fires him. With no more to offer Cinda Cooper, the girl he left behind, than when he was a hot-headed teen, Brody must find a way to regain his job, save the center, and win her back. The last person Cinda Cooper expected to see after a night out was her best friend from high school, Brody Parkhill, the one who was supposed to help her escape her troubled home life. The one she hasn’t seen or heard from for nine years. But she’s too busy dealing with escalating acts of violence to deal with her feelings for him. Could these crimes have anything to do with Brody’s return to town? Or has her past caught up with her? less

To escape notoriety from her role in the school shooting she barely survived, Elizabeth Lambert moves from Houston to Hoffman Grove, Illinois. Plagued by panic attacks and nightmares, she’s determined to embrace her second chance at life, knowing that death could take her in an instant. A one-night stand with a local handsome firefighter should remind her that she’s alive, but like a good cookie, once is not enough to satisfy her craving... moreTo escape notoriety from her role in the school shooting she barely survived, Elizabeth Lambert moves from Houston to Hoffman Grove, Illinois. Plagued by panic attacks and nightmares, she’s determined to embrace her second chance at life, knowing that death could take her in an instant. A one-night stand with a local handsome firefighter should remind her that she’s alive, but like a good cookie, once is not enough to satisfy her craving. Will he reject her when he learns about the blood on her hands? Firefighter and paramedic Matt Billings fights his attraction to the alluring new bookshop manager. She dangles a one-night stand under his nose, but the last time he gave in to such an offer he ended up with a child. He is determined to be a better man than his philandering father. Can he convince Elizabeth that her past is not as terrifying as suddenly being a parent, and a relationship is worth more than just a checkbox on her bucket list? less