Alder Creek Series by Ginnie Carmichael

I swore I’d never move back to Alder Creek. Not after losing Dad at sixteen, when grief turned every familiar corner into a reminder of what I’d lost. Not after building a successful career at one of Chicago’s top architecture firms. But when Mom traded Colorado winters for Florida beaches, someone had to deal with our family home. Three weeks should be plenty. Renovate, sell, move on... moreI swore I’d never move back to Alder Creek. Not after losing Dad at sixteen, when grief turned every familiar corner into a reminder of what I’d lost. Not after building a successful career at one of Chicago’s top architecture firms. But when Mom traded Colorado winters for Florida beaches, someone had to deal with our family home. Three weeks should be plenty. Renovate, sell, move on. I definitely didn’t plan on Evan Spencer—my best friend’s handsome older brother and my secret high school crush. Back then, he was the star football player with a million-dollar smile. Now he runs the town’s most successful construction company alongside his sister. When he offered to help renovate the house, I couldn’t say no. Not when he speaks about Dad with such genuine respect. Between his quiet understanding, his adorable dog’s enthusiasm, and friendships that picked up right where they left off, Alder Creek is making me question every reason I had for leaving. But I have a plan, and it doesn’t involve falling for my old crush or letting Alder Creek feel like home again. Returning Home is the first novel in the Alder Creek series. It’s a cozy small-town romance with all the sizzling chemistry and none of the spice. Each book can be read on its own, but you’ll see familiar faces along the way. less

This city developer picked the wrong small town. Nathaniel Westbrook might have charm, expensive suits, and plans to turn Alder Creek into a luxury ski resort, but he's never met someone like me. Emily Spencer doesn't back down. When the town council ropes me into supervising his research for a week, I plan to make his life miserable. Every building code. Every zoning violation. Whatever it takes to send him packing. The problem is, he’s nothing like I expected... moreThis city developer picked the wrong small town. Nathaniel Westbrook might have charm, expensive suits, and plans to turn Alder Creek into a luxury ski resort, but he's never met someone like me. Emily Spencer doesn't back down. When the town council ropes me into supervising his research for a week, I plan to make his life miserable. Every building code. Every zoning violation. Whatever it takes to send him packing. The problem is, he’s nothing like I expected. Instead of brushing me off, he listens. Instead of ignoring the community, he shows up at our spring fair meeting. And instead of treating me like an obstacle, he looks at me like I’m a puzzle he’s dying to solve. I know I should keep things professional and stay focused on saving Alder Creek. But he's the first man who doesn't flinch when I dig in my heels, who meets my fire with his own. Now I have to keep fighting him to protect everything I love, or take the biggest risk of my life and trust him with both my town and my heart. Saving Home is the second novel in the Alder Creek series. It’s a cozy small-town romance with all the sizzling chemistry and none of the spice. Each book can be read on its own, but you'll see familiar faces along the way. less

Connor, the town’s dependable defensive football coach and kinesiologist, is used to helping others get back on their feet—but when a former Olympian and her daughter arrive looking for a fresh start, he finds himself facing a chance at healing his own heart. Connor’s story is next, coming late 2025.