By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

The first time they met, they didn’t like each other.

The second time they met, they vowed to stay away from each other.

The third time they met…

Sometimes, the third time is the charm.

Jared Dobson loves being on the water, his job with the Virgina Marine Police means he’s out there on patrols every day. He was recently able to purchase a fixer-upper on the water and has been working on the renovations. Now that he can actually live in the house he’s looking to rent the small efficiency apartment over the garage. He’s happy to get a call from the realtor there’s someone interested. The rent will help him get more done on the house.

On patrol the next day they spot a tent and a small boat on a small island. Camping isn’t allowed there but they couldn’t find the person so they continued their patrol until a call comes in.

An overturned rental boat left four men in the water to be rescued. The boat was rented from George Mooney, who’s had multiple problems with his rentals lately. He’s belligerent about it especially when the Sheriff comes to shut his business down. Jared gets sucker punched and really isn’t happy about it, even getting back on the water isn’t calming him. It’s while he’s in this state of mind that they meet up with the camper. It’s quite the confrontation, as Jared behaves like an idiot and she’s giving it right back to him.

Wilhelmina Schmidt works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and is collecting samples from the Chesapeake Bay and for analysis. Now while she could have said that at the beginning, she was in just the right mood not to.

Jared’s in for an even bigger surprise that weekend as he breaks it off with the woman who agreed to be an occasional hookup. His new tenant witnesses the spectacle the woman makes and low and behold it’s Wilhelmina aka Billie.

These two are attracted to one another, but neither one is willing to make a move, in fact Billie does her best to avoid him. Although she does tend to find herself sort of running into him.

That all changes when Jared falls off a ladder while in the process of changing out a light fixture.

This is a favorite scene.

After positioning the ladder under the light in the dining room, he glanced back at Daisy, easily seeing her with the kitchen door open. He also noticed that he could see the garage apartment window from where he was. Hell, does everything make me think about my tenant?

Climbing up, he was determined to keep his mind on the task at hand, which was changing the light fixture. The one in place when he’d bought the house was an old rectangle fluorescent light, matching the one in the kitchen. They were ugly as hell and gave off glaring illumination. He’d already had an electrician install recessed lighting in the kitchen, but now he was ready to replace the one over the space where he’d have a dining table. Once I purchase a dining table, that is.

He managed to get one side of the light unfastened with little problem, but as with most household projects that always seemed to take more effort than it looked like it should, the other end was stuck. Refusing to climb back down the ladder, he was sure that if he leaned over just enough to reach the caught end, he could pull it the rest of the way down.

Stretching out his arm, he grasped the metal that had been painted over at one time. Pulling with force, he found the edge was firmly stuck. Finally jerking as hard as he could, the metal gave way, but he realized too late that the ladder was tipping. The light fixture dropped to the floor with a clatter, and he barely had time to throw his hand out before he landed on his shoulder with his head smacking against the wood floor.

“Shit,” he moaned as a blinding pain shot through his head as well as his shoulder. Daisy raced inside, incessantly barking as she ran circles around him lying on the floor. Her barks echoed in his head as he tried to push himself upward, immediately falling back down. Drops of blood appeared on the floor. He lifted his hand and swiped at his face, cursing again as his fingers came away covered in red.

“Daisy, shhhh,” he whispered, trying to push up again.

“Hang on! Stay still.” T

he female voice cut through the barking and the pain in his head. He tried to push upward again, now feeling hands on his arms.

“Oh shit, you’re bleeding.”

Woozy, he blinked at the sight of two women in front of him, mirror images of each other. “Billie?”

“Yeah, I have you.”

He felt hands move over his torso. “Why’re there two of you?” he slurred, wondering why two white-blonde Billies kept swimming across his vision.

“Jesus, sit still.”

Her voice was farther away, but he couldn’t see where she went with Daisy pushing her way onto his legs as he lay on the floor.

“Move, Daisy,” she ordered, reappearing.

A cloth was held against his head, and he winced. “How did you know I fell?”

“I could see you from the top of my stairs.”

Her reply made sense, but amid the pain, the fact that she must have been watching him to get over to his place so quickly made him smile.

“What the hell are you smiling about?” she asked with suspicion.

With one eye covered by the cloth pressed to his forehead, he could ascertain there was only one of her now. “You. You make me smile,” he admitted, throwing a wobbly smile her way.

“You look like a drunken sailor with a sloppy grin.” She pulled the towel away and shook her head. “Jared, this isn’t too bad, but I think you need stitches. Plus, you may have a concussion. Do you hurt anywhere else?”

“My shoulder. I landed on it.”

“I need to get you to the hospital.”

“No. I don’t want to go to the hospital. It’s just a stupid cut—”

“Well, we don’t always get what we want, do we?” she snapped. “Come on. Let’s get you up. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

He wanted to protest, but with her hands on him, the words couldn’t seem to form in his head, much less come out of his mouth. She gently pulled him upward, but his legs felt like Jell-O, and he slumped onto her. Hearing an “oomph,” he managed a mumbled, “Sorry,” as her body wavered underneath his weight.

Barely aware of what she was doing, they somehow managed to get out to her car, where she unceremoniously poured him into the passenger seat. He tried to wipe the blood away from his forehead, but the towel was turning red, so he kept the pressure applied. She was gone for a moment, then he felt the car wobble slightly as she climbed behind the wheel.

“I put Daisy inside and closed your door. I grabbed your phone, keys, and wallet from the kitchen counter.”

He was still processing what she said about Daisy when a soft touch landed on his arm, and he rolled his head to the side to see a worried crease marring her forehead. He gave voice to the first thing that popped into his mind. “You’re so pretty.”

An indelicate snort erupted as she turned away to start her car. “Okay, Romeo, just concentrate on your face for now.”

Her melodious voice made him smile. “I like listening to you.”

“Well, that’s a first for us,” she replied.

“Oh.” He hadn’t realized he’d spoken aloud. She was soon on the highway, and he closed his eyes, knowing it would take almost forty minutes to make the drive.

“I don’t think you’re supposed to sleep if you have a concussion,” she said. “Talk to me.”

“Huh?”

“Talk to me. Jeez, I’ve seen you talk to others, so I know you can do it. Just pretend that you don’t hate me and talk.”

“I don’t hate you,” he muttered. “I wanted to apo… apolo… I wanted to say I was sorry.”

She glanced toward him, and he tried to smile again, thinking it might make her more amenable to his words.

“Apologize?” she asked before turning her focus back to the road.

Feeling the loss of her attention, he kept going. “Yeah, I was an ass. I’m never an ass. Well, unless I have to be. You know, like if I was in a need-to-be-an-ass need-to-be-an-ass sort of situation.” She snorted, but he pushed through. “No, really. I’m not an ass. Well, I was with you. Twice. But I didn’t mean to be.”

She remained quiet, and he continued. “But you were kind of assy, too.”

“Oh really? Please tell me how I was assy?” She made a sound close to a chuckle, so he was encouraged.

“You were all snobby about your name and then about the bay. I don’t know. I was assy. You were assy. We were both assy.”

“Christ, how hard did you hit your head?” she bit out, shaking her head.

“Hard…” he breathed, closing his eyes. He’d apologized and now just wanted to rest. He had no idea how much time had passed, but it felt like he’d barely closed his eyes when she shook his knee gently.

“We’re here, Jared. You need to wake up.” She pulled into an ER parking space, where someone pushing a wheelchair met them. She shoved his wallet into his hand before he was whisked away while she drove off. He sighed heavily, hating that she was leaving him. She’s probably got better things to do than hang out with me.

“No, man, she’s just parking her car in a regular lot,” the aide said as they wheeled him into the ER.
Maryann Jordan. A Hero for Her – Maryann Jordan (Kindle Locations 910-968). Kindle Edition.

Things change between these two as Billie takes it upon herself to check on him through the night for concussion.

Then the tables get turned and he cares for her when she gets sick.

There’s so much more going on here as well, the readings she’d been getting are high around the farms and she’s wishing she had her predecessor’s notes and readings. With her illness things fall behind and when she returns to collecting she finds quite the surprise and not a pleasant one.

I certainly didn’t see any of this coming, and I loved the way the relationship between Jared and Billie slowly progresses throughout.

I have to go back and catch up on this series since I loved this book so much!

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

I have always been an avid reader. My early memories were of my mother taking me to the library and allowing me to check out as many books as I could carry. My favorite books were checked out numerous times and read over and over. I would use my Barbie dolls to play out the scenes in books (such as Nancy Drew!).

I have written as a hobby for many years (probably since childhood). I have written devotionals, autobiographical writings about having a severely handicapped, medically fragile child, about my mother’s Alzheimer’s, and other subjects that interest me.

I joke that I “cut my romance teeth” on the old historical romance books. In 2013, I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and was involved in education for the past 30 years, until retiring in 2015. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

Only one thing mattered…

making his security and investigation business a success. Lighthouse Security Investigation West Coast.

Carson Dyer spent years creating his business, partnering with a former Special Forces leader who owns the original LSI. Determined to make it as successful as possible, he gives one hundred percent to the effort.

No distractions. No way. Not him. Until her.

Jeannie Carnes. Former military nurse. Burned-out ER nurse. Volunteer Red Cross nurse. And she lands in the middle of an LSI- WC investigation of a cartel drug lord.

She wants answers. He wants her safe. Will either of them get what they want? Only if they give in to what they need… each other.

In this first book of the West Coast Keepers, we get to know Carson Dyer. He’s the head of LSI-WC and is out to prove his company can handle the special operations required by the FBI and DEA. He’s assembled an eight-man team of former spec ops, Richard Rankin, Lionel Parker, Jeb Torres, Adam Calvin, Frederick Poole, Terrance Bennett, Jonathan Dolby and Hop, call sign for Frank Hopkins, is their pilot. At his lighthouse he has Rachel Moore their administrative assistant and Theodore ‘Teddy’ Bearski their weapons and equipment manager. We’ll get to see all of these folks in this book and I’m sure the rest of the series as well.

This first mission is to set up surveillance on the Garza Wineries in Mexico. It’s while on this mission that Carson first sees Jeanne Carnes. She’s been hired as a nurse to one of the Garza’s mother-in-law.

Carson is of a single mind set to make LSI-WC successful in all ways, he’s obsessed with perfection. He’s having difficulty coming to terms with the fact he can’t get Jeanne out of his mind, even though they’ve never actually met.

Burned out at her ER job, Jeanne had taken a six month Red cross tour in Mexico to figure out where she wants her life and career to go. It’s there that Garza’s asked for her to be the nurse for Maggie Collins while she’s recuperating from a fall. The Red Cross administrator, Dr. Cortez encourages her to take the position and consider it a vacation.

Maggie is also an American and her niece, Cheryl is married to Vincent Garza who runs the winery in California. The winery here in Mexico is run by Vincent’s brother Alonzo. With all the opulence Maggie also wonders if all their money comes from the vineyards, it seems like they never have the issues other wineries do.

Once back in the states, Jeanne visits Maggie at the vineyard where she’s staying until she’s able to move to her condo. Fortunately, that would be soon, but Vincent’s son Juan had learned of Maggie and Jeanne’s conversation about the winery’s finances and wants to keep an eye on Maggie. He plans to drug her a bit to make her feel ill so she stays on. This occurrence is what has Carter and Jeanne meeting.

Carter and his team are doing some additional surveillance at the California Winery, having to do with the trucks coming and going. Then a car shows up and the intruder turns out to be Jeanne.

This is a favorite scene.

Staring at his features, she searched her memory but came up blank. This man knew her name. This man, who wore military-grade tactical gear, tackled her and immobilized her with ease, then appeared to rescue her from either an unknown threat or her own folly, knew her name. And she had no idea who he was.

Clearing her throat, she continued to hold his gaze as she said, “Before I give you any answers, I want to know who you are and how you know me.”

He sat immobile, and just when she thought he wasn’t going to answer, he shifted his tall body and slid his hand into his front pants pocket, no easy feat considering his legs were long and her car was tiny. Pulling out identification, he held it out to her. “Carson Dyer. Private investigator. Owner of a security and investigations firm.” His words were clipped, continuing to expose his irritation.

In the dim light, she reached out and took his identification, studying it as she looked back up at his face. Licking her lips, she nodded. “Okay, Mr. Dyer. How do you know my name?”

Once again, he sat immobile, and she wasn’t sure he was going to give up the information. Finally, he said, “You came across my radar during an investigation.”

She gasped, stunned at his response. “You’re investigating me?”

Carson’s jaw tightened. “I wasn’t investigating you.”

It appeared he wasn’t going to say anything else, but as her fear ebbed, she began sorting through what little information was given to her and understanding dawned. “Oh…” The air slipped from her lungs in a long whoosh. “You’re investigating the Garza winery.” His face gave nothing away, not even the slightest twitch or hint that her words hit home. But she knew she was right. It was the only explanation that made sense. “You’re looking to see if anything is going on there that shouldn’t be. I’m right, aren’t I?”

“We’re not sitting here because of what I’m doing. We’re sitting here because of your foolishness,” he bit out, throwing out another searing glare. “Why were you there tonight, sneaking around?”

She wanted to deny she was sneaking around, but to do so would only make her look more foolish than he already thought. Not that I care what he thinks about me. She started to speak, but her voice failed her. Clearing her throat, she began again. “I wanted to go visit somebody.”

He barked out a laugh. “Visit somebody? In the dark? Sneaking across the lawn? Is that normally how you check in on people?” Before she had a chance to respond, his eyes widened slightly, and he nodded slowly. “Maggie Collins. You went to visit Maggie Collins.” He cocked his head to the side. “She’s still there.”

His statement almost sounded like a question. Licking her lips, she said, “It seems as though you’re surprised. I’ll bet that’s something that doesn’t happen often.” The air inside her small car grew thicker and yet electrified as though bolts of lightning were ready to shoot between heavy clouds. No longer afraid of him, she knew her tone was just as snippy as his had been.

“Maggie Collins is not my concern,” he conceded.

Their gazes still had not wavered, and she felt a tingling of interest at their sparring. “Since you weren’t investigating Maggie, she wouldn’t be on your radar. But the Garzas are.”

“What were you doing there at night? And don’t give me any bullshit about visiting Maggie.”

Now it was her turn to pinch her lips together. “I’m concerned about her.”

His head cocked slightly to the side. “Why?”

“I… I’m not sure. She was fine. I was supposed to visit today, but then she called and told me that she wasn’t well. It just felt… wrong.”

“Intuition.”

She shot a glare toward him through narrowed eyes. “Don’t mock my intuition.”

The corner of his lips quirked upward ever so slightly. If she hadn’t been so focused on his face, she would have missed the expression.

He nodded slowly. “I’m not mocking your intuition. Former Army. ER nurse at a major inner-city hospital. Red Cross nurse. Believe me, I have no doubt that your intuition is finely honed.”

The air rushed from her lungs as incredulity warred with the realization that he’d given her a compliment. Deciding to go with incredulity, she said, “I didn’t think that you were investigating me, but it sounds suspiciously like you looked into me. You really have done your homework, haven’t you? And more importantly, why?”

“In my line of work, doing my homework is what sometimes keeps me alive.”

“Before I tell you what I know, answer this,” she pressed, feeling more bold. “Did I get caught up in whatever you’re looking into because I was with the Garzas in Mexico?”

He held her gaze for a long moment, and she wasn’t sure he was going to reply. Finally, he nodded slowly. “Yes.”

She wanted more from him, but he’d answered her question, and she wasn’t going to go back on her word. “I was here yesterday to visit Maggie. She was fine, and we had plans to get together today. I received a message from her that said that she couldn’t meet with me and that she didn’t feel well. As a nurse, I was shocked that something had happened that caused her health to be such that she needed to continue to stay with her niece, especially since she’d been so anxious to return to her own home. The housemaid got on the phone to tell me not to come over and I haven’t had a good feeling about that woman since meeting her. As Maggie’s friend, I was curious as to why a housemaid got on her phone and wouldn’t let me speak to her, essentially telling me that I needed to leave her alone.”

“And your intelligence told you that none of that made sense.”

She realized he hadn’t asked the question, but instead, had simply made a statement confirming his acceptance of her intelligence. She nodded, saying, “Yes.”

“So, what made a woman of your experience and intelligence do something so foolhardy as to try to sneak onto the estate?”

She sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I didn’t have a plan other than I wanted to just come and see if I could talk my way past the guard into letting someone give me access to see her. By the time I got here, it was already dark and I was confused as to what guardhouse I should go to. I got lost on the estate the other day and that was in the daylight. Then, I thought it might be easier if I could park and sneak over to the guesthouse to see for myself that she was okay.”

He opened his mouth, but she snapped her hand up, palm forward. “I know, I know, you don’t have to tell me. It was not well-thought-out. I was just… worried about her.”

His gaze was still intense, but she could have sworn something warm moved through his eyes. Suddenly, he shifted forward in his seat again and restarted her car’s engine. Tapping his radio, he said, “Intruder identified. Jeannie Carnes. We’re in her vehicle. Taking her home. Complete mission and pick me up.”

Without speaking to her, he pulled back onto the road, heading south toward Los Angeles. “I was going to ask how you knew where I lived, but I suppose that question would be ridiculous.” He gave no reaction nor spoke. Swallowing down her irritation, she knew he’d been right. If she’d been caught by Garza’s men, they might not have given her a chance to ask to speak to the Garzas or plead her case to see Maggie. A sigh escaped her lips as she looked out the window. “I feel certain that taking me to my apartment is going out of your way, Mr. Dyer. There’s no reason for that. We can stop somewhere convenient and let your coworkers pick you up. I’m perfectly fine to drive back to my place by myself.”

He kept driving.

“I’m not going back to their place if that’s what you’re concerned about.”

His gaze cut toward her before returning to the highway in front of them. “I know you’re not.”

“You do? If so, then why are you insisting on taking me home?”

“I know you’re not going back because you’ve already analyzed what you were doing and realized it wasn’t the smart play. You’re not the kind of person to repeat a mistake.”

Her chin jerked slightly, and she twisted while still buckled to face him more fully. “You have the strangest way of offering a compliment wrapped in a rather incredulous statement!”

His lips quirked upward again. At least, she thought they did. The movement occurred so quickly, and his face was only illuminated by the lights from the dashboard or oncoming cars. She felt certain he’d almost smiled and couldn’t explain why that simple action gave her pleasure.

As it seemed he was not going to suddenly become chatty, she leaned her head against the headrest and closed her eyes, allowing the lulling movement of the car and her exhaustion to pull her under.
Maryann Jordan. Carson (Kindle Locations 872-941).

From this point on things heat up quickly in more ways than one.

Poor Carson has no idea what’s come over him but all his co-workers do. Rachel in particular has plenty to say to him. Jeanne is just as confused but she also needs to make decisions about her future employment.

I loved all the action and suspense as Jeanne and Carson figure out their relationship.

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

I have always been an avid reader. My early memories were of my mother taking me to the library and allowing me to check out as many books as I could carry. My favorite books were checked out numerous times and read over and over. I would use my Barbie dolls to play out the scenes in books (such as Nancy Drew!).

I have written as a hobby for many years (probably since childhood). I have written devotionals, autobiographical writings about having a severely handicapped, medically fragile child, about my mother’s Alzheimer’s, and other subjects that interest me.

I joke that I “cut my romance teeth” on the old historical romance books. In 2013, I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and was involved in education for the past 30 years, until retiring in 2015. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

A dark and stormy night…

As a hurricane bore down on the Eastern Shore, Sheriff Liam Sullivan patrolled the roads, glad to see everyone was staying inside.

Everyone except the owner of the car towing a trailer, now sitting on the side of the road, lights flashing. And then he met her. A woman in need. A woman to rescue. A woman to protect. A woman to love.

Now to convince her of that.

Sheriff Liam Sullivan is making his way home checking out the roads on the way. With the hurricane almost on them he was happy with the decisions he’d made for emergency response. He’s almost home, the wind and rain battering his car when he sees the flashing lights of a trailer on the side of the road. Of course the prologue ends there with an interesting twist and the book starts two days earlier as the hurricane prep began.

Amy Carruthers is traveling to the Sea Glass Inn, her daughter Rosie decides not to be co-operative as the weather starts taking a turn for the worst. I’m not sure who was more startled, Liam or Amy when he opened her car door to see her on the passenger seat very pregnant with a screaming toddler in the back seat.

After some discussion and ascertaining both of them are okay, Liam makes some rapid decisions. First though, Amy needs to speak to Tori.

This is a favorite scene.

Once again, she simply nodded, her bravado slipping as the severity of the situation finally hit. “I don’t know you. I need to talk to Tori.”

“We need to get going but you’re right. Let me give Mitch a call. I’ll put it on speaker.” She remained silent as he dialed, glad when the call was answered quickly. “Hey, Mitch, it’s Liam. I’ve got—” He turned and looked toward her, his head cocked to the side.

“Amy Carruthers.”

“Amy Carruthers. Yeah, she and her daughter were on their way to Baytown but the storm halted their progress. No, it’s okay, they’re fine. I’ve got them and we’re not far from my house. Yeah… my house. It’s the closest safe place I can get them to. No, it’s all good. Is Tori there? Amy wants to talk to her.”

Mitch called for Tori, who must have been listening to the conversation.

“Oh, my God, Amy! Are you okay?” Tori asked, her voice raised.

“Yes, yes, we’re fine. I wasn’t stranded… well, at least not exactly. Rosie had spilled her juice box, was screaming, and I just needed to pull to the side to deal with the mess and a very upset preschooler.”

“How lucky you are that Liam found you!”

“Well, that’s partially why I’m calling. He wanted me to find out the scoop on him since we’re going to his house.”

“Oh, you’re in the best hands. Liam is the Sheriff. Mitch grew up with him, and I’ve known him for several years. He’s the best person who could have come across you in a storm, and you can absolutely trust him.”

Liam grinned at Tori’s resounding reference. He glanced to the side, seeing Amy’s chest heave as she let out a sigh of relief. “Thanks, Tori.”

“Listen, you stay with Liam and stay safe. We’ll get together when the storm passes. I can’t wait to see you again and meet Rosie.”

With goodbyes said, he looked at her, waiting. She nodded. “Okay, it seems as though you’re the man to trust right now.”

With no more objections, he opened the door and squinted against the sting as the force of the rain hit him in the face. Making it to his vehicle, he climbed inside and started the engine, pulling to the side of her SUV. Calling dispatch, he reported. “Sheriff Sullivan. The 10-46 stranded vehicle was not mechanical. Pregnant woman and small child. Out of state, traveling to Baytown. I’ve got them and taking them… to safety.”

Disconnecting, he shook his head. I must be crazy! Even as he climbed from his vehicle again, already drenched to the skin, he did not come up with an alternative plan that would ensure the safety of the woman and child. At least for the night they would be warm, dry, and fed. As soon as the winds slowed, he’d drive them to Baytown, getting a deputy to follow in her vehicle so he could be sure they arrived safe and sound.

The woman had unlocked the back of her vehicle from inside, and he lifted the hatch. Grabbing the two largest suitcases, he transferred them to the back of his SUV. Ducking his head, trying to keep the rain from hitting him straight in his face, he transferred the other smaller bags, one obviously filled with toys. Slamming the back of both SUVs, he walked around to her side.

“Do you think it’s best if I just hold her in my arms?”

Shaking his head, he replied, “No, ma’am, I’m sorry. It’s against the law in Virginia to transport a child that’s not in a car seat.” He looked into the back, seeing the little girl staring back at him, a curious look in her big blue eyes, so similar to her mother. “How old is she?”

“She’s almost four but little for her age. She’s very quiet and won’t talk much until she gets used to someone.”

“I’ll have you take her out of the seat, and I should be able to transfer it to my backseat quickly with both our doors open. I’ve even got an extra jacket that I can throw over it so it won’t get wet. It’ll take a couple of minutes to make the transfer and get it secured properly in my vehicle.”

“That’s fine.”

He glanced back to her and she smiled. It struck him that that was the first time he’d seen her smile since they’d met. It also didn’t miss his attention that her smile made an already beautiful woman appear even more exquisite. He wanted to ask why she was on the road by herself. Why wasn’t her husband with her? Why was she making such a move late in her pregnancy? And why was she heading to a bed-and-breakfast with a trailer full of possessions? There was no time for questions now, but as soon as he got her settled, he wanted answers.

He waited while she unbuckled the child— Rosie— and brought her to the front seat where the little girl nestled on her mom’s lap, laying over the baby bump, her face pressed against her mom’s chest, watching him carefully. Opening the back door, and with an extra coat over the top of the car seat, he managed to get it unbuckled and transferred into his vehicle with only a modicum of difficulty. Once it was secure, he closed her back door and then turned to the front passenger seat.

“Okay, Ma’am, it’s time. I don’t want to upset Rosie but the ground is slick, and I can’t be sure that you won’t fall trying to carry her yourself. So I’m gonna take her from you, get her buckled in, and then I’m going to come back for you. I know she’ll cry, but she’ll be safe.”

She held his gaze for just a few seconds, then turned and smiled widely at her daughter. “Sweetie, you’re going to have to be a really brave girl for mommy. This nice man is going to carry you and put you in his big car, and then he can help mommy get in, too. We’re going to go for a fun ride.”

Rosie’s arms tightened about her mom. “Mommy, I don’t wanna go.”

“Baby, you’ve got to be a big girl and let the nice man take us to his house to play. He’s taking your toys, too.” Amy gently unwound her daughter’s arms and leaned back, allowing Liam to pull her against his chest, but she screamed.

“Bubbie!”

“What?” He jerked, looking around in confusion.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Amy leaned over the seat again and grabbed a very worn stuffed rabbit. “Here’s her Bubbie. She won’t go anywhere without him.”

Liam reached out and took the stuffed animal from her and handed it to Rosie. She clutched it tightly, growing still and quiet. Breathing a sigh of relief, he wrapped the extra jacket over Rosie’s head before he carried her, careful to keep the pelting rain from slashing against the little child. She whimpered by the time he got to his vehicle but he managed to get her buckled into her car seat. Just as the tears begin to fall in earnest and a wail left her lips, he hustled back into the raging storm to get Amy.

She had slung her purse strap crossways over her body and swung her legs out of the car. With his hands holding her firmly, he assisted her to a stand, wrapping her body in his large jacket, pressing her close to his chest. The wind knocked her even closer to him, and they walked slowly to his vehicle. He wanted to hurry but didn’t want her feet to slip out from under her. Making it to his passenger door, he opened it. She stepped away from his chest, and he moved his hands downward, but her expanded waistline didn’t allow him to have a firm grip. Sliding his hands upward, he grasped her under her armpits and lifted her into his SUV. He grabbed the seat belt and settled it across her body, snapping it into place. As he looked up, their faces just inches apart, both blinked the water from their eyes. Jerking back, he stepped away and closed her door securely.

He hurried back to her vehicle to make sure it was locked and secure. His lungs heaved, the gale-force winds having knocked the breath out of him. Now, completely drenched, he bent forward to stagger back to the driver’s side of his SUV and climbed inside. His door slammed shut easily, and he wiped his hand over his face, careful to not sling water toward his passenger. Glancing to the side, he noted she was only slightly less drenched than he and probably wouldn’t have felt any more water coming her way.

Her gaze had been on the back seat, keeping an eye on her daughter when she turned and focused on him. “Thank you for rescuing us and offering us shelter for the next few hours.”

He nodded then jerked slightly, realizing an important step he’d completely forgotten. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a leather case and flipped it open. “I’m sorry. I know I was in uniform and driving a Sheriff’s vehicle, but I never showed you my full badge and identification. That was incredibly remiss of me.”

She leaned forward, seeing his photograph as well as his title. Sheriff, Acawmacke County. “I think the hurricane has everyone a bit discombobulated. After all, you thought I was in labor.” Sticking her hand forward, a smile curving her lips. “Well, Sheriff of Acawmacke County, if you’re going to take us to your house, we really should be formally introduced as friends. I’m Amy Carruthers, and this is my daughter, Rosie. We’re pleased to meet you.”

She cocked her head to the side, her hand still held out toward him, and he grinned. Sliding his palm against hers, he wrapped his fingers around her small hand. “Amy, it’s nice to meet you and Rosie. Just call me Liam. Now, let’s get you home.”
Maryann Jordan. Sea Glass Hearts – ARC copy: Not for sale or distribution (Kindle Locations 404-475).

Liam starts questioning himself almost immediately but always comes back to the fact they are safer with him.

Rosie is an absolute sweetheart and every interaction just wins over your heart. Amy has a lot to deal with and with Liam on her side she feels more confident.

From the minute the storm is over, Liam is faced with Amy and Rosie leaving. However fate seems to smile on him, at least for a while.

There’s love, laughter, friendship, romance and the perfect amount of sizzle. As always with a Maryann Jordan book I couldn’t put it down.

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

I have always been an avid reader. My early memories were of my mother taking me to the library and allowing me to check out as many books as I could carry. My favorite books were checked out numerous times and read over and over. I would use my Barbie dolls to play out the scenes in books (such as Nancy Drew!).

I have written as a hobby for many years (probably since childhood). I have written devotionals, autobiographical writings about having a severely handicapped, medically fragile child, about my mother’s Alzheimer’s, and other subjects that interest me.

I joke that I “cut my romance teeth” on the old historical romance books. In 2013, I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and was involved in education for the past 30 years, until retiring in 2015. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

He’s the man for the job…

A Senator from New Mexico hires Lighthouse Security Investigations to protect his daughter, a social worker who has no idea some of her clinic’s donations are from dirty money, LSI sends Jorge Cobb.

Former SEAL… he can keep her safe. LSI Keeper… he can find out who’s threatening her. Son of politicains… he knows the world she operates in.

She is not what he expects, and he finds out that he might be the man for the job but she’s the woman for him.
Now to convince her of that.

As this book opens Jorge Cobb is attending his father’s birthday gala, he’s staying off to the side after doing the requisite mingling. When he spots a women in a silvery blue gown alone at the fringes he introduces himself as only Jorge, and asks her to dance. Josie also omits her last name and accepts the dance but not the invitation to leave the gala.

Back in Maine with the Keepers, Cobb is surprised to hear his father has contacted Mace. Apparently a friend of his, State Senator John Rector is in need of their services. Rector’s daughter has been receiving threats and he’s very concerned for her safety. She’s a social worker in Las Cruces, New Mexico and discovered something odd with her clinic’s charity donations. As Mace goes over the issues and why Cobb is perfect for the mission, Josh sends a photo of the daughter. This time Cobb is more than a little surprised, the woman he’d be protecting is none other than the elusive Josie from his father’s gala.

While Cobb’s reaction was amusing, Josie’s is downright funny. She’s been informed that the easiest way for her protection to be around her is if they pretend to be dating. Of course Cobb isn’t giving her a heads up on this first meeting.

This is a favorite scene.

Charlene popped her head around the door frame, her smile huge and her eyes wide. “Oh, my God, Josie! There’s a gorgeous man out here to see you!”

She glanced at her calendar, wondering if she had forgotten an appointment. Seeing it blank, she glanced toward Laurie, who simply shrugged. Sighing, she followed Charlene out to the reception lobby. Her feet stuttered to a halt as she stared at the man who had crept through her mind over the past few months.

“Josie.” He stepped toward her, a smile on his face. His voice was just as deep as she remembered. Blinking, she stared, dumbfounded. “Uh, Jorge?”

“I took a chance that you’d still be at the clinic. I hoped you’d have dinner with me.”

“Dinner?”

“Jorge,” Laurie repeated, her eyes wide as she looked at Josie. Then, suddenly, her brows lowered as she turned back to him. A slight gasp slipped from her lips before she breathed, “Oh… Jorge Cobb.”

“Cobb?” Charlene squealed. “Like Governor Cobb?”

“No,” Laurie huffed, rolling her eyes at Charlene. “Like Governor Cobb’s son.”

The air fled Josie’s lungs at Laurie’s announcement of who the man was that was standing… no, filling all the space in her vision. Even as the others moved into the room and Charlene preened, Jorge had not taken his eyes off her.

He stepped closer. “I couldn’t wait to get back here. Please, say you’ll have dinner with me.”

“But… um…” The alternate dimension she’d dropped into continued, and Josie shook her head in an effort to ascertain why he was really here. Sucking in a gasp, it hit her. Dad. Governor Cobb. Investigator. Bodyguard. Jorge. Well, fuck. Glancing to the side, she observed her lobby now filled with all the employees of the clinic, their faces full of curiosity, and for the moment she was stunned silent.

Laurie stepped forward, and with great exuberance, greeted him. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Laurie, best friend and nurse extraordinaire.” After shaking his hand, she turned and pinned Josie with a pointed glare. “You were just saying how much you were looking forward to dinner with him. Head on out, and we’ll make sure the clinic is closed up.”

Grateful that Laurie had a cool head and kept her wits about her, something Josie was lacking at the moment, she nodded, her head moving in jerks. “Yeah… sure. That sounds good. Um… see you tomorrow, everyone.”

“I’ll grab your purse,” Laurie volunteered and hustled down the hall, returning quickly. Handing it to Josie, she offered a hug and whispered into her ear, “Girl, if this is the bodyguard Jorge you danced with and let walk away, fate has just given you another chance. Damn, he’s fine… and the governor’s son!” Squeezing her tighter, she added, “Let me know what’s going on as soon as you find out.”

With her head held high, Josie walked toward Jorge, not saying anything until they made it outside. Walking to her car, she noticed a huge, black SUV was parked next to her and wasn’t surprised when he leaned against it. No, this wasn’t fate. More like a royal kick in the ass.

Sucking in a deep breath, her eyes pinned him to the spot. “Jorge Cobb. Governor Cobb’s son. I can imagine your reasons for not wanting me to know your full name when we met at the gala.”

“My reasons are that I prefer to be known as myself and not who my father is. Although, Jorge is the name my family calls me. To everyone else, I’m just Cobb.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Wouldn’t that be rather telling?” He smiled, and she tried to ignore the tingles running rampant through her body.

“Only to people in New Mexico. Outside of my father being the governor, no one knows or cares about the name Cobb. It’s what I was called in the military, and it stuck.”

Shaking her head quickly, she said, “I don’t even know why we’re talking about what name you want to go by. What I really want to know is why are you here? Are you a bodyguard or was that another deception?”

“There was no deception, Josie. I work for a security and investigative company. I’m qualified to provide protection detail as well as investigate suspicious activity and crimes.”

That news was unexpected, and she chewed on her bottom lip as her eyes cut to the side for a moment before returning to his. “You’re the person that my father said would be coming to help me?”

“Yes.”

Inclining her head back toward the building they just left, she asked, “And we act as though we’re going out on a date?”

“Right now, it’s best if no one knows what’s going on. As far as I’m concerned, no one is above suspicion. I take it, though, that your friend Laurie knows.”

She nodded her head slowly. “She’s my best friend, and I trust her. But I also admit that I said something to her before I talked to my father and was given the direction that no one else should know.”

“She thinks fast on her feet and covered for you very well.”

In the light of day, she noticed his eyes were as dark as she had remembered, only little flecks of gold-rimmed the irises. He seemed even taller, but considering she was now wearing comfortable flats, her five-feet-three-inches made her at least a foot shorter than him. While he had cut an elegant vision in his tux, seeing him in jeans and a dark-blue polo that stretched over his muscles, showing off arms that looked like they could chop wood, rope cows, and cuddle with equal prowess, she was struck dumb, something that rarely happened.

“Josie?”

Blinking, she jerked, feeling her face heat. “Sorry, my mind is… I’m distracted… a lot is going on.”

His gaze was intense but kind. “I know. I’m sorry to just show up here, but it was necessary.”

There was no impatient macho-vibe from him. Instead, he seemed genuinely concerned.

“Come on, Josie, let’s get out of here in case someone is watching from the clinic. I’d truly be honored if you’d have dinner with me. There’s a lot we need to talk about.”

Licking her lips, she nodded. “Okay,” she sighed. “I need to run home first to feed my cat—” “I’ll follow you.”

Jerking again, she narrowed her eyes, but he continued before she could object.

“I’m going to have to assess your house for security anyway. I might as well get that started.”

“My house?”

“Yes, my protection detail will include your house. But we can talk about that later. We should get moving.”

Again, his words were firm but not high-handed. She wanted to argue but knew he was right. “Okay. I’m not dumb, Jorge. But let me just say that all this seems like overkill. If I’ve stirred the shit, I need to be prepared for the smell.”

His smile widened before he leaned his head back and laughed. She stared and her heart pinged just a little. He was handsome, but when he laughed, he was gorgeous. Turning, she opened her car door, mumbling, “You can follow me.” Climbing inside, she continued to grumble. He’s going to be trouble, I can just tell.
Maryann Jordan. Cobb – Advanced Reader Copy – not for sale or distribution (Kindle Locations 614-670).

The nature of Josie’s job doesn’t make things easy but Cobb adjusts and the investigations begins smoothly.

While some things are easy to follow others are deeply hidden. The suspense ramps up as does the heat both in the investigation and the relationship between Cobb and Josie.

This book kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next.

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

As an Award Winning, Amazon International Bestselling and All-Star author, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. In 2013 I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers and finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

My first novel, Emma’s Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love’s Series. Soon, other spin-off series came along and 8 of my books have made Amazon top 100 Bestselling books.

Gabe, from the Alvarez Security Series won Silver Medal and 5 Star Review by the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Honor Love was an award winning novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Serial Love was an award finalist novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Coming Home was awarded the 5 Star Review by the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Discover Love was awarded the 5 Star Review by the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I have just retired and look forward to more time with family and writing!

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 36 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.

When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!

SEALs in Paradise
Holiday Edition Book 5

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

Benjamin “Pops” Popovich has just finished his last mission and said goodbye to his SEAL team.

At thirty, he figured he had a few more good years left in him, but when family responsibilities call, he leaves the familiar to move back to Hope City. After years of missions and living in close quarters with his team, he’s living with his grandmother while fixing up her house while figuring out his next career move. Meeting the two irrepressible kids from next door weren’t in his plans.

Violet Mayfield is doing the best she can… uninteresting job with a lech for a boss and a townhouse that is in constant need of repairs. A widow, her joy comes from her two children. As far as she is concerned, their little trio family is all she needs.

Charlie and Lily Mayfield knew their mom was lonely. And they’d met the new neighbor. He was funny, grilled great hamburgers, and had a dog. And they noticed that his eyes always brightened when their mom was around. As far as they were concerned, he’d make a great forever dad. Now… all they need is to get the adults on board.

Ben ‘Pops’ Popovich is moving home to his Babciu’s ‘grandmother’s’, she needs help to it fix up. She’s planning on selling to move into assisted living. It’s Ben’s hope that with him there she’ll change her mind and stay in the home he has so many memories of.

There’s a new owner to the townhouse behind theirs, his Babciu told him it had been empty for a long time. No one wanted to live in a home previously owned by a bank robber. Violet Mayfield is a widow raising two children. She works as a bookkeeper while taking classes to finish her degree in Management. Since the son of her former boss had taken over, her stress level at work had gone up mostly because of his constant dinner invitations. Her children Lily and Ben are her pride and joy though like most siblings there are arguments. Her first glimpse of Ben was him standing on Anna Popovich’s deck watching her children play in the yard. She remembered Anna had mentioned her grandson coming to visit, but hadn’t mentioned how handsome he is.

After a sort of funny introduction to Violet when she’s visited Anna, Ben starts on the repairs to the house. After several rainy days he starts on the deck. This is his first real interaction with Violet’s children and it was quite informative.

This is a favorite scene.

“Hey, mister! Whatcha doing?”

Twisting his head around, Ben spied a little girl and boy standing at the back fence staring at him. Actually, they weren’t so much standing as having climbed halfway up with their feet tucked between the space in the chain-link and their arms hanging over the top, their fingers dangling. The girl was dressed from head to toe in varying shades of pink from her sneakers, shirt, and to the headband pushing her dark hair back from her face. Her blue jeans were the only nod to a different color. Next to her, the little boy was in mismatched everything, looking as though he threw on the first rumpled clothes he found on his floor… something Ben remembered doing when he was little. At least until his grandmother made him change.

Sighing at the interruption, especially when he thought his activity was obvious, he called out, “I’m building a deck.”

He’d spent the first part of the week inside, sanding and painting the bathroom cabinets while the rain kept him indoors. During a break in the weather yesterday he’d managed to rip out the old, small deck that extended straight from the back door. Not even large enough to set up a grill, it was barely more than an off-the-ground place to wipe feet before going indoors. Yesterday evening he sank the new supports into the ground, filling the holes with concrete after making sure they were level. He wanted to give them another day to cure, but with the sun now out in the cloudless sky, he’d spent the day cutting the lumber for the frame.

“It looks like it’s going to be bigger than the one that was there.”

“Yep.” He offered a slight nod of his head and turned his back to them, the interruption causing him to relook at the measurements before reaching toward the piece of wood to place on the table with his circular saw.

“My name is Charlie. What’s yours?”

Calling over his shoulder, he answered. “Ben.”

“I’m Lily.”

Since he’d already given his name, he thought perhaps he could keep working and just ignore the kids. As long as they stayed on their side of the fence, they wouldn’t get in his way, and he wouldn’t have to worry about them getting hurt.

“Mom says that you’re Mrs. Popovich’s grandson,” Charlie called out.

“Yep.”

“Mrs. Popovich showed us a picture of you one time. You were wearing your uniform. You couldn’t really see your face very well because you were wearing sunglasses and had on a helmet. You also had a really big gun. My mom won’t let me have a gun. But I thought your uniform was cool. I think that’s what I want to be next Halloween. Do you think I can get a uniform in my size?”

“It would be a costume, Charlie, not a real uniform. Mom can find one at the store where we went last year.”

“Well, when I get older, it can be a real uniform. I’ll be bigger then,” Charlie announced.

Having looked at his measurements three times— and forgetting them each time— it became evident that as long as Charlie was going to continue his running monologue interrupted only by snippets from his sister, Ben was never going to get the piece of wood cut correctly. Standing, he turned and faced the fence, irritation flooding him over the interruption. “So, do you kids have anything else to do? I’m kind of busy here.”

“Nope,” Charlie declared, his smile wide as he grabbed the top of the fence and leaned his head back, letting the sunshine beam down on his face.

Lily shook her head, but her gaze remained on Ben. “Can we call you Ben, or do we have to call you Mr. Popovich?”

Jerking slightly at the unexpected question, he opened his mouth to reply then realized he had no idea how to answer. “Uh… well, Mr. Popovich sounds like my grandfather. But… uh… maybe you should ask your parents what they want you to call an adult.”

“Mom says we should be ‘spectful,” Charlie said, his gaze now back on Ben but his smile still as wide.

Lily huffed and turned her intense gaze from Ben to her brother. “Respectful, Charlie. It’s respectful.”

“Right! Mom says we should be reee… spectful,” Charlie parroted with emphasis.

Getting a closer observation of the children, Ben spied a missing front tooth in Charlie’s smile. He noted the thick, dark hair on both kids, so like their mother’s. From this distance, he couldn’t determine eye color but wondered if either had inherited Violet’s unusual hue. Or looked like their dad.

With the week’s rain chasing everyone inside, he hadn’t seen Violet since their last encounter and still hadn’t laid eyes on her husband. With another glance toward the peeling paint on their back door, he grimaced at the thought of the man who didn’t take pride in where his family lived.

“Can we watch?” Charlie asked. “We’ve never seen anyone use a saw before.”

“That’s not true, Charlie,” Lily corrected. “Mama had that man come in and fix the door that fell down and squished you.”

“A door fell on you?” The question slipped from Ben’s lips before he could stop himself. At this rate, I’ll never get the deck built.

“It was right after we moved in last year. Charlie pulled open the closet door and the whole thing fell down on top of him, and he cried.”

Charlie wrinkled his nose. “I was younger then. That’s why I cried.”

Inwardly grinning at the young boy’s defense of his tears, Ben wondered why their dad hadn’t fixed the door. “I don’t blame you for crying. I’ll bet that hurt.” He looked back at the deck before facing the kids again. “I don’t mind if you watch as long as your parents don’t mind. You have to make sure to stay on your side of the fence so you’ll be safe.”

“Mom won’t mind. It’s been raining, and we haven’t had a chance to be in the yard. Mom is cleaning the house today and told us to come outside. She said she’d like to get one mess cleaned up before we make another.”

A chuckle slipped out, Ben remembering days when he was growing up and his grandmother was doing the same thing, fussing that he needed to clean his room and then not get under her feet when she was doing the rest of the house. Unable to hold back his curiosity, he asked, “What about your dad? Is he helping your mom today?”

“We don’t have a daddy,” Charlie said. “He died.”

Ben’s gaze shot from Charlie over to Lily’s face, seeing a flash of something moving through her eyes. Gut punched at hearing their father was dead, the air rushed from his lungs as a deep memory of his parents hit him. He had no idea what to say to Charlie’s matter-of-fact pronouncement and simply stood dumbly in place with his arms hanging to his sides.

“Mama says he’s in heaven,” Charlie continued. “I’ve seen pictures of him. Mama says I kind of look like him, but everyone else says I look like her.” Tilting his head slightly to the side, he continued. “Who do you look like? You don’t look like Mrs. Popovich. She’s got gray hair!”

Still struggling with the news that their father was deceased, his gaze shot toward their back door as Violet stepped out of her house and waved. Her dark hair was pulled away from her face, and even though he couldn’t see her eyes, he could imagine them after having only discovered their unique color once before. Black leggings encased her legs, which appeared long despite her petite stature. The blue top was not form-fitting but flattering nonetheless.

“Charlie, Lily! Stop bothering Mr. Popovich. Anyway, It’s time for lunch.”

Lily twisted her head around to look at her mother. “He said we can call him Ben as long as you say it’s respectful.”

Violet was too far away for him to see her face clearly, but he could swear her lips curved slightly as her shoulders drooped. She suddenly appeared so different to him. Not just a beautiful woman, but one who knew loss. Shaking his head, he attempted to dislodge the myriad of emotions and shouted, “It’s fine with me. The kids aren’t bothering me.” Again, the words slipped out before he had a chance to think them through. Jesus, didn’t I just want to be left alone?

The matter was taken out of his hands when Violet once more called the kids in for lunch. With a wave, the kids jumped down from the fence and raced toward her. She smiled and ruffled their hair before lifting her hand and offering a little wave toward him. Before he knew it, he was once again alone, his gaze still lingering on the now-closed door where they had disappeared.
Maryann Jordan. A Forever Dad – ARC copy: SEALs in Paradise – Wedding Edition (A Hope City Crossover Novel) (Kindle Locations 474-540).

Now there’s quite a few things going on behind the scenes, and then there is Charlie’s nightmares.

The addition of a dog, some interesting interactions between Violet and Ben. Some help from folks from the Hope City series. All wrapped together with romance, sizzle and more than a few sniffles.

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

I have always been an avid reader. My early memories were of my mother taking me to the library and allowing me to check out as many books as I could carry. My favorite books were checked out numerous times and read over and over. I would use my Barbie dolls to play out the scenes in books (such as Nancy Drew!).

I have written as a hobby for many years (probably since childhood). I have written devotionals, autobiographical writings about having a severely handicapped, medically fragile child, about my mother’s Alzheimer’s, and other subjects that interest me.

I joke that I “cut my romance teeth” on the old historical romance books. In 2013, I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and was involved in education for the past 30 years, until retiring in 2015. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

Not everyone has a hero’s welcome home.

Joseph landed in Baytown when he left the military and had nowhere else to go. Used to being a loner, he discovered the small coastal town offered friendship… but love? That wasn’t even on his radar.

Until meeting her. The infuriatingly independent veterinarian. Known to all as Sam, to him she would always be Samantha.

When danger lurks for her, Joseph privately vows to protect her. But who will protect his heart when all he wants is to love someone?

Since he left the military, Joseph has wandered the US. Working different jobs in different areas trying to find a place that feels like home. Although he’s not sure what the definition of home might be. After a stint at the Norfolk VA hospital, he’s having a meal at a restaurant with a gorgeous view of the sunset over the bay. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel grabs his attention and he recalls the emails he’s gotten from Zac and Jason. Perhaps it’s time for a visit.

Samantha aka Sam, gets a shock at the beginning of this book as the owner of the Veterinary Clinic leaves giving her the business no strings attached. However that makes her the only small animal vet in the area. She’s just grateful for the staff she has and the imminent arrival of an intern.

When Sam’s truck breaks down while examining and collecting her friend Lizzie’s dead goats, it’s Joseph who’s driving the tow truck for Jason. It’s also the first time of many Joseph will put his foot in his mouth.

This is a favorite scene.

Scott tossed up his hand in greeting. “I see Jason has got you working in the garage today as well as the tattoo shop.”

“Yep.”

“We had a problem here this morning. I don’t know if Jason filled you in, but Dr. Collins, the veterinarian, needs to deal with two of Lizzie’s goats that were poisoned and killed.”

Her gaze was still pinned on the man’s face, noting his jaw tightened at Scott’s words. The large man simply nodded.

“I wasn’t sure if one of Jason’s mechanics could see if he could get Sam’s truck started now or if it was going to have to be towed. Since you’re here, I’m assuming all the mechanics are busy.”

The man simply nodded again, still holding Samantha’s attention as though he was a magnet and she was pure metal. She licked her dry lips and waited for him to look her way.

“Well, since it’s going to have to be towed into the shop, I’ll follow so that I can take Sam back to the vet’s practice to get another vehicle. We’ll still have to dispose of the goats.”

“Don’t worry about following,” the man said, his gaze shooting toward the pasture. “I can get the vet to the office and can also deal with the goats.” He walked straight past Samantha without looking down at her, instead turning around to Scott, and reached out his hand. “Keys?”

Surprised that he was asking Scott for her keys, Samantha stepped forward and pulled them out of her pocket, giving them a jingle as she held them out.

He jerked slightly as he looked down at her, seeming to notice her for the first time. His gaze raked up and down her before he asked, “Where’s the vet?”

Being short, she was used to people sometimes overlooking her. Being female, she was used to occasionally being dismissed. But the blast of his dismissal hit her exhausted emotions and all of his sexiness fled. If she could have incinerated him with her glare, she would have. He may have been a foot taller than her, but she pulled herself to her full height, arched an eyebrow, and held his gaze. “I am.”

The man didn’t even try to cover up his incredulity. “You’re Sam? The veterinarian?”

Planting her hands on her hips, Samantha cocked her head to the side. “Which stuns you more? That my name is Sam? Or that a female can be a veterinarian?”

The man held her gaze for a moment, then scowled and turned without answering, walking back to the tow truck.

He deftly maneuvered it so he would be able to hook up her truck.

Glancing toward Scott, Samantha snorted. “The man doesn’t say much, does he? And what little he does say, he manages to put his foot into his mouth.”

Scott’s lips twitched. “You can trust him, that’s all you need to know. I need to go check on Lizzie.”

She watched Scott return to the farmhouse and felt guilty. He had enough on his plate dealing with Lizzie and everything happening to Weston Farms and didn’t need to take on Samantha’s irritation.

She turned to let the truck driver know that he needed to back her truck up closer so they could get to the animals, but the sight in front of her caused her feet to stutter to a halt as her mouth dropped open.

The man had walked into the field and kneeled to pick up one of the heavy goats into his arms, cradling its lifeless body carefully, giving evidence that he understood the precious burden. He walked back and laid it gently into the back of Sam’s pickup truck before going back into the field, and with just as much care, bringing the second goat’s body.

Her breath was shallow, her focus entirely on watching his actions, strength mixed with gentleness.

Within a few minutes, he had hooked up her truck and walked past her, still not saying anything. He opened the passenger door of the tow truck, turned around, and looked at her. She blinked out of her reverie. Assuming his action was his way of saying it was time to go, she grabbed her satchel, walked to the door, and looked up. The truck was huge, and she was glad there was a running board. He stuck out his hand, and she placed her much smaller one in his, allowing him to give her a boost. With her ass planted onto the seat, she glanced at him. “Just so you know, my name is Samantha. But everyone calls me Sam.”

“Joseph.” Then he slammed the door shut before walking around to the driver’s side.

Her cheeks puffed out. Great. I get Mr. Fucking Personality to spend part of my morning with. Tired and wishing she’d had another cup of coffee, she turned and faced forward. The memory of watching him carry the goats so carefully stuck with her, and she sighed. At least he’s nice to animals. “So, was it my nickname or that I’m a woman that made you think I wasn’t the veterinarian?”

“You look like you’re barely eighteen.”

Swinging her head around, she glared. “You’re about eleven years off,” she muttered, trying to ignore the way his presence filled the cab of the truck. Giving up, she looked out the windshield and counted the miles until they could be out of each other’s company. Unfortunately, that took a while.

Joseph pulled into the driveway of another farm, and without telling Samantha what he was doing, climbed out and walked over to the fence and leaned a muscular arm on top of the post. He talked to the older man working in the field, obviously having more words in him than had been evident with her. The farmer nodded his head, handed Joseph a shovel, and the two men shook hands.

Walking back over to the truck, he climbed inside and stuck the shovel behind the seat. “We can bury the animals on the back of his property.”

Having no response to that and not being in control of her own vehicle at the moment, she remained quiet. They soon pulled to the side of the fence, and Joseph climbed out, grabbing the shovel. He walked to a far corner and began digging a hole in the soft dirt.

Feeling ridiculous sitting in the cab of the truck, she opened the door and climbed down. Walking over, she watched for a moment, trying not to be distracted by the flexing muscles and light sheen of sweat that covered his arms. Feeling heat inside that had nothing to do with the sun shining, she asked, “Do you have another shovel?”

“No.”

“Well, then let’s take turns digging.”

“No.”

“What is wrong with you? I’m just trying to help!”

He stopped and stood, his arm resting on the handle of the shovel, and even though his eyes were hidden behind his sunglasses, she felt the burn of his gaze move over her.

“Nothing’s wrong with me. You’re the doctor. I’m just doing some of the grunt work.”

She opened her mouth then snapped it shut, unable to think of her retort. It was obvious he was going to keep doing what he was going to do, so she turned and made her way back to her pickup truck. Unlatching the tailgate, she let it down. He had wrapped the two goats in an old tarp, and she gave a tug but knew it was futile. They were much too heavy.

A few minutes later, he followed but hesitated as they stared down at the deceased animals. “You should wait in the truck.”

A multitude of emotions as well as responses slammed into her all at once. I’m a veterinarian, not a delicate flower. This is not the first death of an animal I’ve ever seen. Don’t treat me as though I’m weak. I’ve been in the Army, I’ve seen death. But before she had a chance to open her mouth and let the floodgate of comments flow, he pushed his sunglasses up onto his head, and she saw his eyes. Green with flecks of amber. Eyes that held emotion. Eyes that held concern.

Deflated, she sighed and shook her head. “Thank you, no. With only one shovel there’s little I can do other than watch. But I can report to Lizzie that I saw this to the very end.”
Jordan, Maryann. To Love Someone (Baytown Boys Book 14). Kindle Locations(540-605). Kindle Edition.

There is definitely attraction on both sides but Joseph just can’t seem to help messing it up. Of course fate and her old truck keeps throwing them together as well.

There’s also the curiosity of missing vaccines from the clinic, and possible wolf or wolf dog sightings.

Lots of suspense and intrigue as Joseph realizes he just might have found ‘home’. He just needs to convince Sam he’s worth the chance.

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

I have always been an avid reader. My early memories were of my mother taking me to the library and allowing me to check out as many books as I could carry. My favorite books were checked out numerous times and read over and over. I would use my Barbie dolls to play out the scenes in books (such as Nancy Drew!).

I have written as a hobby for many years (probably since childhood). I have written devotionals, autobiographical writings about having a severely handicapped, medically fragile child, about my mother’s Alzheimer’s, and other subjects that interest me.

I joke that I “cut my romance teeth” on the old historical romance books. In 2013, I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and was involved in education for the past 30 years, until retiring in 2015. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

One city… Countless stories.

Rory McBride was a protector, but went his own way…
his brothers were detectives but he found his calling as a paramedic.
Saving lives was second nature to him…
Now if he could only save the one woman who held his interest.

Sandy Carmichael hid her secrets behind a brilliant smile and flirting…
But never let anyone close. Especially not the handsome rescuer who filled her dreams.

When secrets are exposed and danger lurks… sparks fly.

Discharged from the Army, Rory was easily able to get his EMT license, now he’s studying for the Paramedic exam while working as an EMT/Firefighter. The favorite hangout for police and firefighters is The Celtic Cock Pub it’s here that Rory meets someone who manages to captivate him.

Sandy is Harper’s best friend, she’s soft-spoken but not shy in flirting with Rory. She’s a bit intrigued by him and surprised by her reactions.

This is a favorite scene.

Bill lifted his hand and waved toward the other end of the bar. Turning, Rory glanced toward the door, seeing two women enter, one waving back toward Bill. Both women were attractive, but only one snagged his complete attention. Her hair was pale blonde and thick as it waved over her shoulders. She was petite, on the verge of being tiny, and as the two women pushed their way through the crowd toward them, he lost sight of her.

Craning around, he finally caught sight of her blonde hair as she popped between two people, leading her friend to the bar. Up close, he realized just how petite she was. He and his siblings gained their height from their dad. The boys were all over six feet tall, and his three sisters were tall as well. Their mom was known as the short one in the family even though she was five and a half feet tall. But looking at this woman, even in her heels, she’d be much shorter than his mom.

The blonde moved directly to the bar, and he could see her hair was even longer and thicker than he imagined, pulled back away from her face and held with a clip with waves cascading far down her back. Big blue eyes, heart-shaped face, and pink-slicked lips. A fitted blue, silky blouse set off her eyes as well as showcased her breasts. It tucked into a tight black skirt that clutched her narrow waist, perfect ass, and thighs. It came to just above her knees, and while he had little knowledge of women’s clothing, he had no doubt hers was expensive. Small diamond stud earrings graced her ears, and the only other jewelry she wore was a thin gold-and-diamond bracelet around her small wrist.

He and Blay immediately slid from their stools, offering them to the women. She placed one hand on the top of the bar and a heeled shoe on the rung of the bar stool. He threw out his hand to assist. She was still looking down as she reached out, placed her hand in his, and he gave her a little boost into the seat. She crossed her shapely legs at her ankles then looked toward Torin and ordered a Lemon Drop Martini. As soon as her friend ordered a non-alcoholic drink, the blonde turned toward him. She wore makeup, but instead of looking like warpaint or attention-grabbing, it seemed to make her eyes pop and give her whole face a glow.

Her gaze held his and her eyes widened as a smile spread across her face. Not a little, polite smile, but a wide grin that beamed toward him. If ever there was a cheerleader smile, he was faced with it right now. And yet it was slightly crooked. And he loved that… a tiny imperfection in an absolutely perfect face made her all the more interesting.

Hating to stare, he forced his gaze to shift to her friend, noting her wrist was in a splint. She was beautiful as well, and yet there was something about her that gave off a sisterly vibe. Looking toward the blonde again, he knew his immediate reaction to her was anything but sisterly.

Before he had a chance to speak, she said, “Obviously, I know Bill and Blay, but you’re new.”

Her voice was soft, which struck him as incongruent. He expected a louder, more rambunctious tone or perhaps a cat-like purr. She stared straight into his eyes, something else that caught his attention. No downcast or side glances. Just straight-up interest. Strangely thrilled that she recognized he was new, he flashed his version of a white-toothed grin. “I’m Rory. Blay and I grew up together.”

“So, why am I just now meeting you?” Her blue eyes seemed to light with what he hoped was interest.

“I just got out of the Army.”

She nodded, her lips still curved. “It’s nice to meet you, Rory. I’m Sandy. And this beautiful woman with her arm in a cast is Harper.”

After greeting both women, Bill stepped in, leaning closer to Harper, giving Rory a chance to focus on Sandy. He nodded toward her drink and said, “Does that actually taste like Lemon Drop candy?”

“You’ve never had a Lemon Drop Martini?”

A chuckle erupted, and he shook his head. “’ Fraid martinis are not exactly my style, but I remember my grandmother used to keep Lemon Drop candies in a bowl on her coffee table. Probably drove my mom crazy since that bowl was within easy reach of all us kids.”

“Let me guess… you just couldn’t resist the sweet and tart, could you?”

Her eyes sparkled, and she leaned in ever so slightly. Even sitting on the barstool, she had to look up to hold his gaze. Her glossy lips were close, and his brain short-circuited as he thought about closing the distance and seeing if they tasted as good as they looked. Sucking in a deep breath, he forced his mind back to the flirting and off the kissing. “Sweet and tart… best combination. I can’t help but ask— are you anything like your drink?”

She threw her head back and laughed, and just like her smile, it caught him off guard. Her belly laugh was real, coming from deep inside. Holding his gaze again as her mirth slowed, she nodded. “I would have to say that most people who know me say I’m exactly like this drink.”
MaryAnn Jordan. Rory – ARC Copy – nor for sale or distribution: Hope City (Kindle Locations 158-195).

While they definitely have attraction, Rory has commitments and doesn’t hang around long. He does however look forward to seeing Sandy again.

The second time they meet is so much fun, trading crazy pick-up lines and getting to know each other. This night ends with a steamy kiss in the parking lot that doesn’t go unobserved. That’s when Rory makes a really big mistake, believing what others say, instead of listening to his inner conscience.

Sandy owns a somewhat successful interior decorating business. Working with corporate accounts she designs custom offices along with her team. The account they are working on could be the one to have her business soaring to new heights. However something is off and what she discovers could ruin everything.

I love meeting up with all the McBride and King family members and it was fun meeting Shania, Rory’s partner as well.

A fast-paced fun, flirty, suspenseful and scary tale with romance and eventually heat.

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

I have always been an avid reader. My early memories were of my mother taking me to the library and allowing me to check out as many books as I could carry. My favorite books were checked out numerous times and read over and over. I would use my Barbie dolls to play out the scenes in books (such as Nancy Drew!).

I have written as a hobby for many years (probably since childhood). I have written devotionals, autobiographical writings about having a severely handicapped, medically fragile child, about my mother’s Alzheimer’s, and other subjects that interest me.

I joke that I “cut my romance teeth” on the old historical romance books. In 2013, I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and was involved in education for the past 30 years, until retiring in 2015. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

Relationships should be simple, right?

Clay watched his fellow Lighthouse Security Keepers fall for women while on missions. Growing up with chaos, the last thing he wanted was drama… or surprises.

The beautiful concert violinist was just what he hoped for. Smart, talented, and dedicated to the orchestra. And completely separate from his mission chasing drug smugglers.

But Christina had a secret… one that brings her right into the middle of his mission. And he’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she’s safe.

Clay wants a relationship that doesn’t start embroiled in a case. He finds that when he follows his love of music to the symphony. A concert violinist catches his eye when she performs a solo and he makes it a point to get to know her.

Christina takes a chance on the handsome admirer, and accepts the invite to breakfast after the concert. This becomes a routine with them as they get to know each other. He knows she has other groups she plays with and she also teaches private students. She is very far removed from his job and his current case.

He gets one big surprise though when the LSI folks attend a Celtic Festival. After watching the sporting events for a while they head to the food and music. It’s the music that startles him especially when he sees the violinist.

This is a favorite scene.

As they finished, everyone clapped and the MC stepped up to the microphone. “Okay, you’ve had a little soft music while some of you were eating, but now it’s time to raise the roof! Let’s give a big welcome to   Amhrán M’anama!”

Clay watched in amazement as a drummer took to the stage and began pounding out a beat to the shouts and cheers in the crowd. He was soon joined by two long-haired young men in kilts, both playing bagpipes, their boots stomping the time on the wooden platform. The music was lively, filling the tent, and everyone tapped their feet in time to the beat. Another man with long hair pulled back into a ponytail, a kilt, and heavy boots ran onto the stage, heading straight to the microphone. He began singing a Celtic rock song.

“Damn, they’re good!” Walker said, his head bobbing to the beat.

“I love this music!” Babs agreed, jumping to her feet and clapping.

Clay grinned and nodded. He had no idea if this band was the same as what he’d heard in the remote bar but couldn’t deny that the music was just as good. The men on stage continued belting out the fast tune, the vocalist encouraging the crowd to clap. Suddenly, another musician bounded onto the stage, causing the crowd to cheer even more. This member was a woman, wearing a miniskirt in a Scottish plaid, spike-heeled boots that went above her knees, and a tight black tank top showing off her curves. Her long, dark, wavy hair tossed wildly about her head as she danced and twirled while playing the fiddle.

Her violin was electric with a wireless amplifier, giving her the freedom to move around as her sound meshed perfectly with the bagpipes. In awe, Clay watched as her hair swirled about her head in wild disarray. Her fingers and bow flew across the strings and as the music mingled with the bagpipes and the drums, her feet alternated between skipping across the stage to the beat and twirling in circles. She was a whirling dervish, never stopping, never hesitating as the music continued to pour forth.

“Holy hell, she’s fuckin’ fantastic!” Blay enthused.

Clay agreed, but a strange wave of possessiveness grabbed hold, and he fought to keep from telling Blay to keep his eyes in his head and his tongue in his mouth. As soon as that thought slammed into him, guilt followed quickly. Christina… I’m involved with Christina. He had never stepped out on a girlfriend, thinking men who cheated were weak. But watching the stage as the fiddler continued to twirl and toss her long hair, seeming to emit the lively music from deep within her soul, he cursed his weakness.

On the last note of the song, she turned toward the drummer, laughing as he grabbed his whiskey and downed it in one gulp, much to the delight of the crowd who roared with approval.

“Meet the members of Amhrán M’anama,” the lead singer called out. “I’m Steven. Dunk is on the drums. Mike and Jamie are on the bagpipes. And, I know you want to know our fiddler… Tiny Monroe!”

The crowd stomped, clapped, and shouted as Clay took to his feet to get a better look at the dark-haired sprite who made magic spark from her fingers. She tossed her hair from her face, offering a wide smile to the admiring gathering. It was when a pair of large, blue-green eyes landed on him, growing wide as her mouth dropped open in surprise that it hit him— he was staring at Christina.
Maryann Jordan. Clay – ARC copy – not for sale or distribution: Lighthouse Security Investigations (Kindle Locations 725-750).

Everyone is delighted to meet Christina and even Clay has to admit he loves the Celtic music. For the first time since playing at a festival she actually took the time with Clay to explore. Checking out the jewelry and clothing as well as the food. In spite of her having a roommate they made time to be together and now even spend time at Clay’s home.

It’s not long after this that Clay and the guys find Christine on the fringes of their investigation. It really was just a coincidence until it’s not.

I think this is my favorite in the series so far. The investigation heats up as does Christina and Clay’s relationship. There’s many twists and turns, plenty of suspense and a bit of hold your breath action as well.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series!

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

As an Award Winning, Amazon International Bestselling and All-Star author, Kobo, and Barnes & Noble Best Selling Author, I have always been an avid reader. In 2013 I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers and finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

My first novel, Emma’s Home became an Amazon Best Seller in 3 categories within the first month of publishing. Its success was followed by the rest of the Fairfield Series and then led into the Love’s Series. Soon, other spin-off series came along and 8 of my books have made Amazon top 100 Bestselling books.

Gabe, from the Alvarez Security Series won Silver Medal and 5 Star Review by the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Honor Love was an award winning novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Serial Love was an award finalist novel from the 2016 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Coming Home was awarded the 5 Star Review by the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.
Discover Love was awarded the 5 Star Review by the 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards.

My books are filled with sweet romance and hot sex; mystery, suspense, real life characters and situations. My heroes are alphas, take charge men who love the strong, independent women they fall in love with.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and have been involved in education for the past 30 years. I have just retired and look forward to more time with family and writing!

I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 36 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters.

When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!

I love to hear from readers, so please email me!

By
USA Today Bestselling Author
Maryann Jordan

Behind every hero is someone who offered them timeless love.

Ethel fell for the handsome George Wiseman when she was only sixteen. She found the love of her life only to lose him too early. Determined to live her life with purpose, she became a foster mother. And discovered a new kind of love as she offered her home, her heart, and her wisdom to the heroes she raised, through a lifetime of Christmases.

The sweet companion novella of Miss Ethel, the character that many have called their favorite character of all time. You’ve read about her boys… now discover the holidays of Miss Ethel as she learns about love, loss, and the renewing spirit of everlasting love again.

Note:
This novella can be read first, last, or anytime in the middle of the series!

Loosely based on the fairy tale, The Little Girl and the Winter Whirlwinds.

Throughout this series, I was always wondering about Miss Ethel. She is the boy’s, well now men’s hero.

Her husband George was the love of her life, and he was now he is gone. Their love however lives on in this story, as we see when Miss Ethel fell for him right to the day he died. The two of them were always doing for others in some way or another. They just tried to fill a need.

The decision to take in foster children came easy once she realized the need. It was her friend Julia who made her aware and Miss Ethel has so much love to give and a now empty house.

This is a favorite scene.

Ethel accompanied Judith onto her front porch, offering her a hug. As Judith made her way down the front walk, she turned and glanced back at the house and smiled up at Ethel.

“This house is so big for you, Ethel. I hate to think of you all alone here. Have you ever thought about moving?”

Ethel lifted her gaze lovingly over the house that George had chosen for them. Smiling, she shook her head. “This is home. This is where I feel George every day.” With a wave, Judith made it to her car, and Ethel turned and walked back through the wreath-covered door. There was no tree in the living room, but she’d placed some of her favorite decorations on display. It was easier to decorate this year as grief had moved through the stages toward acceptance.

Sinking into the deep cushions of her favorite chair, she picked up her knitting, the clicking of the needles familiar and comforting. It was easy to allow her thoughts to wander as her fingers worked, and Judith’s words sounded out in the silence. Needy. No home. No one to care for them. She was not surprised when anticipated anger filled her as she thought of abandoned, abused, or neglected children. Dropping her knitting onto her lap, her gaze found the picture of George resting on the table nearby. “You would have given anything for children, and here some people have what we never had, and they throw it away!”

The cruel twist of fate had her toss the knitting back into the basket and taking to her feet. Pacing the floor, she continued to rant about the injustices in the world, shaking her fist and crying loudly. Finally exhausted, she moved to the chair that George had always sat in, now looking around the room from what had been his perspective. The multitude of books they’d collected over the years filled the shelves. The upstairs held empty bedrooms and her dining room table held empty chairs.

“You have gifts far beyond anyone I’ve ever known, sweetheart. You’ll find those who need your gifts. You will seek out those who can only be saved by you.”

His words resounded loudly in the room, words spoken near the end. “What are you trying to tell me, George? That I’m supposed to open our home to children that were never ours?”

“You will seek out those who can only be saved by you.”

His words were so clear to her but only served to squeeze her heart more. “What can I do by myself, George? Maybe this is something we could have done together, but me? Alone? What on earth could I offer these children?”

“A soft bed. A warm home. A listening ear. Hardy food. A sense of stability. Someone to love them.”

“What do I know about being a mother? If it was not God’s will for me to be a mother, how would I even know what to do?” she asked, throwing her hands up into the air.

“God never intended for you not to share your love. You have so much to offer.”

The room once again grew silent, but Ethel didn’t move. She sat in the chair that allowed her to still catch a whiff of George’s aftershave, tears rolling down her cheeks. Minutes turned into hours, and for the first time in her life, she did not seek her bed.

Instead, she was still sitting in the chair as the morning light filtered through the curtains.

Dragging in a deep, cleansing breath, she let it out slowly. Pushing herself to stand, her body felt stiff, but she moved toward her bedroom. An hour later, she stood in front of the mirror and stared at her reflection. A light dusting of powder covered her face. Her graying hair was pulled back into a bun. She had chosen a pale blue shirtwaist dress with a thin belt around her waist. Whispering to her reflection, she said, “Okay, George, I’m going to do this. But I’ve got to know that I’m not in this alone.”

“I’ll be in every breath you take and every beat of your heart.”

Hearing that promise once again and knowing that her beloved husband had never made a promise he didn’t keep, she squared her shoulders as she picked up her purse and walked out the door. It was not long before she sat in the head social worker’s office in the Department of Social Services.

“And how may I help you, Mrs. Wiseman?” the woman with the kind eyes asked.

“I’d like information on how to become a foster mother.” She held her breath, uncertain what the social worker’s response would be. When the woman’s lips curved into a wide smile, Ethel breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced down, almost certain that George had reached out to hold her hand. Thank you, my sweet husband. Looking back up, she met the social worker’s smile with one of her own.
Maryann Jordan. Holiday for a Hero: A Sweet Heroes at Heart Companion Novella (Kindle Locations 401-436).

We get to see each of the boys as they come to Miss Ethel and learn her method of showing them how to love and respect themselves and others. The stories they read, the quotes and so much more as they grow into men under her loving care.

So much laughter, love and even some tears in this wonderful holiday tale. Don’t miss this wonderful series!

5 Contented Purrs for Maryann!

Maryann Jordan

I have always been an avid reader. My early memories were of my mother taking me to the library and allowing me to check out as many books as I could carry. My favorite books were checked out numerous times and read over and over. I would use my Barbie dolls to play out the scenes in books (such as Nancy Drew!).

I have written as a hobby for many years (probably since childhood). I have written devotionals, autobiographical writings about having a severely handicapped, medically fragile child, about my mother’s Alzheimer’s, and other subjects that interest me.

I joke that I “cut my romance teeth” on the old historical romance books. In 2013, I started a blog to showcase wonderful writers. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head pleading for their story to be told. Thus, Emma’s Home was created.

I worked as a counselor in a high school and was involved in education for the past 30 years, until retiring in 2015. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for 35 years and have 2 adult, very supportive daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my cats will usually be found in my lap!