Women of Surprise Series by Tracey J. Lyons

Cole Stanton was a man on the move. On his own since the death of his family, he drifted from place to place, guarding his heart from attachment to anything or anyone. Meanwhile, Abigail Monroe was busy planning her wedding until she was jilted by her intended, Edward Quinn. Her heart broken and her hopes dashed, Abigail vowed to never fall in love again, fleeing to the town of Surprise to visit her sick Aunt Margaret... moreCole Stanton was a man on the move. On his own since the death of his family, he drifted from place to place, guarding his heart from attachment to anything or anyone. Meanwhile, Abigail Monroe was busy planning her wedding until she was jilted by her intended, Edward Quinn. Her heart broken and her hopes dashed, Abigail vowed to never fall in love again, fleeing to the town of Surprise to visit her sick Aunt Margaret. However, when Abigail arrived, she found that her Aunt Margaret had an unorthodox request of her: become the town's first woman sheriff! When Abigail agrees, her life quickly turns upside down. Her first arrest is none other than Cole Stanton, for drunken and disorderly conduct. After his arrest, it becomes clear to Abigail that Mr. Stanton could be much more than he seems. He may very well be a wanted man: wanted both by the law and by Abigail. less

Lydia's aunt Margaret always had a way of meddling in the lives of her three nieces, so it was not shocking to hear that Aunt Margaret had appointed Lydia to be the new schoolteacher in the town of Surprise. Lydia is horrified to think that she'll be in charge of a room full of screaming children. She has no experience and cannot believe that this tragic fate has befallen her... moreLydia's aunt Margaret always had a way of meddling in the lives of her three nieces, so it was not shocking to hear that Aunt Margaret had appointed Lydia to be the new schoolteacher in the town of Surprise. Lydia is horrified to think that she'll be in charge of a room full of screaming children. She has no experience and cannot believe that this tragic fate has befallen her. To make matters worse, Alexander Judson, the head of the school board and the local carpenter who built the school, has serious doubts about her abilities. Determined to prove him wrong she throws herself into the position. No one is more surprised by her natural abilities than Lydia herself, but Alexander is still not convinced. His two children are students at the school and bring home glowing reports of Lydia. Clearly the two young children adore her. Ever since Alexander's wife died tragically in a freak accident, he was determined that no woman would ever hold his heart, or the heart of his children. Lydia is convinced that Alexander is a wretched man and worries for the well-being of his children. It will take an accident, a little interference from the townspeople, and some forgiveness on both their parts for the two to realize that they are passionate about each other. less

Maggie Monroe has always been independent, headstrong, and capable of handling just about anything. So when her aunt, Margaret, hires Samuel Clay to `assist' Maggie in the opening of a dance hall, Maggie is not amused. The dance hall was her project, and the reason she stayed in the small upstate New York town. For the few months that Maggie had been in town visiting her ailing aunt and two cousins she's seen what could happen when Aunt Margaret starts to `help... moreMaggie Monroe has always been independent, headstrong, and capable of handling just about anything. So when her aunt, Margaret, hires Samuel Clay to `assist' Maggie in the opening of a dance hall, Maggie is not amused. The dance hall was her project, and the reason she stayed in the small upstate New York town. For the few months that Maggie had been in town visiting her ailing aunt and two cousins she's seen what could happen when Aunt Margaret starts to `help.' Both of her cousins ended up falling in love with the man chosen to assist. But this won't happen to Maggie---she doesn't need a man, or romance, or any of that silliness; she is an independent businesswoman and entirely too busy for such trifles. Samuel Clay takes one look at Maggie and he knows he's in for a bit of trouble. She disagrees with every decision he makes regarding the dance hall but he plows ahead trying to do the job for which he has been hired. At every turn Maggie defies him, but somehow they manage to get the dance hall started and make it a success. Much to her dismay, Maggie realizes that she actually needed Samuel's help, but she's not keen to admit it. Neither is she willing to admit the feelings she is developing for him. Samuel decided to pour on the charm to get his way, but little does he realize that by charming Maggie, she has actually cast a spell on him! less