Southwind Series Series by Mel Schanz

Ashlee made up her mind when she was fourteen years old; she would never set foot in Southwind, Kansas again. So why, twelve years later, has she found herself back in her little hometown? A tragic accident sent her away, but a call from her childhood ranch brought her back. It turns out, it's not as bad as she thought. Plus, her young son seems to be in love with every animal on the ranch, so. . . Maybe she should stick around a while... moreAshlee made up her mind when she was fourteen years old; she would never set foot in Southwind, Kansas again. So why, twelve years later, has she found herself back in her little hometown? A tragic accident sent her away, but a call from her childhood ranch brought her back. It turns out, it's not as bad as she thought. Plus, her young son seems to be in love with every animal on the ranch, so. . . Maybe she should stick around a while. Avery has tried putting his childhood crush out of his mind for over a decade. Just when he thinks he's finally getting somewhere, he discovers she's back in town. What will Ashlee do when she finds him living in Southwind? He is the reason for the pain in her life; seeing him again will only open old wounds. Can he stay away from her? Better yet, should he? Secrets are everywhere in Southwind. Will they be too much for Ashlee and Avery to overcome? Or, is it the new beginning they've both been desperately searching for? The answers can only be found, when Southwind Calls. less

Vera Jane Farris only wants one thing in life: to run a successful café. She thought the small-town of Southwind, Kansas would be the perfect place. The charm of the town; the lack of restaurants; the location on the post-stamp town square; all of it was too adorable to resist. But... Six months into her lease and she’s yet to see a profit. If she can’t find a way to bring in more customers, she’ll have to close the doors on Vera’s Café, and her dream, forever. Then, she meets Victor... moreVera Jane Farris only wants one thing in life: to run a successful café. She thought the small-town of Southwind, Kansas would be the perfect place. The charm of the town; the lack of restaurants; the location on the post-stamp town square; all of it was too adorable to resist. But... Six months into her lease and she’s yet to see a profit. If she can’t find a way to bring in more customers, she’ll have to close the doors on Vera’s Café, and her dream, forever. Then, she meets Victor. The last thing she needs is the distracting, but irresistible, tall man with a pony tail. Yet... She can’t seem to erase him from her mind. Victor Vonn is an engineer by heart and family. At least...he was. Once, he began the hobby of smoking meat, he found a new love. When longtime friend, Ashlee, gives him a call, needing him and his NorCal Sweet BBQ, in Southwind, Kansas, he packs his second-hand food truck to the gills and drives half-way across the country. Little does he know what Kansas has in store for him. Falling for the petite owner of the local café is the last thing he expects. Could it be love at first bite? Ashlee Bracken and Avery Harrison recently reconnected in Southwind. Even-though they were childhood best friends, they have a lot to learn about each other as adults. Ashlee’s son, Eli, loves everything about Avery. Can the three of them become a family? Will their family and friends accept their newfound love? Find out, when friends and barbeque combine, in Southwind Loves. less

Eloise Peterson knows what she wants from life. To be a household name like famous super models before her; to grace the cover of every magazine in doctor and dentist offices around the world; to be admired by women, and men, for her ambitions. Just as her dreams hit fruition, one of the people closest to her attempts ending everything. Can Ellie bounce back from this hard blow? Will her spirit be crushed? Hiding out in Southwind, Kansas might be exactly what she needs... moreEloise Peterson knows what she wants from life. To be a household name like famous super models before her; to grace the cover of every magazine in doctor and dentist offices around the world; to be admired by women, and men, for her ambitions. Just as her dreams hit fruition, one of the people closest to her attempts ending everything. Can Ellie bounce back from this hard blow? Will her spirit be crushed? Hiding out in Southwind, Kansas might be exactly what she needs. Jack, has loved Ellie from afar, over a year now. It’s time to tell her. But… The spotlight is shining brightly on her future and her dreams are finally coming true. Telling her how he feels, could ruin everything. Then, he almost loses her. The fury over her attacker being free is enough to turn him criminal. Will he lose everything over the woman his heart desires? Or, will he gain his soulmate through the challenges they face together? The Bracken Ranch is lively as Ashlee, Avery, and friends spend their days living, and loving, life. It’s business as usual until Mother Nature becomes involved. Can the ranch survive what nature has in store? Can Ash help her best friend cope with what life has dealt? Find out while hiding out in Southwind. less

Greta Hastings thought she'd put her past behind her. She thought she'd moved on. She thought meeting Ryan Payne was the turning point she'd needed, and wanted. Five months into their relationship and she's seeing shades of the past. Could she be doomed in love? Maybe she was never cut for the happily-ever-after. With history seemingly repeating itself, can she forget, and move on? Can she make a clean escape? Ryan loves ranching. He was born and bred for the ranch life. Literally... moreGreta Hastings thought she'd put her past behind her. She thought she'd moved on. She thought meeting Ryan Payne was the turning point she'd needed, and wanted. Five months into their relationship and she's seeing shades of the past. Could she be doomed in love? Maybe she was never cut for the happily-ever-after. With history seemingly repeating itself, can she forget, and move on? Can she make a clean escape? Ryan loves ranching. He was born and bred for the ranch life. Literally. All he wants, is to become the successful rancher his father is. Trying to make it on his own, in Kansas, he feels confident he can achieve his goal. Meeting and falling for Greta has been an added bonus. She's the woman of his dreams, however, before he can tell her, he must master the ranching life, proving to his estranged family he can be the success he set out to be. Will a family emergency change his feelings on his life goals? Or, will it only convince him he's on the right path to success? Ashlee Bracken has been waiting to marry Avery Harrison almost all her life. Well, give or take a decade of heartbroken separation from the man. Now, it's time. Nothing stands in their way. Definitely not her son, Eli, who loves Avery as-much-as he would a biological father. Yes, it's time. Time to seal their little family with a kiss. Time to start really living life. Life on the Bracken Ranch is never dull; Southwind Escape aims to prove just that. Follow along, as Ash and Ave's friends and family live their daily lives with horse and cattle ranching, family and friend's weekly dinners, spring calving, and the wedding of the century. More than one of Ashlee's friends is in need of her loving friendship. Is she strong enough to survive what life has thrown her way? Or, will the weight on her shoulders be too much? And...two new friends are introduced into the mix. How will they fit into the Bracken-Harrison family and friends? Find out in Southwind Escape. less