She never realized until she lost him that he was the only man she’d ever love.
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It Was Always You Audiobook
She never realized until she lost him that he was the only man she’d ever love.
Katy and Steven were the loves of each other’s lives until a tragedy and the fallout of Steven’s injuries drove the couple apart.
They share a son, but Katy and Steven have moved on with their lives, dating other people, and neither has seen the other in five long years. But when Steven comes knocking on Katy’s parents’ door after learning she’s back in town, Katy is forced to face her estranged husband and the love that broke her heart, and his intentions regarding their all-but-over marriage are soon made very clear.
The only problem is that as simple as it would be for them to walk away, seeing just what it means to move on and start a new life may not be as easy as they once thought.
“…really had me sitting on the edge of my seat with a box of needed tissues next to my chair. This is a well written story with a storyline you won’t want to miss.” ★★★★★ Judith T., Amazon Reviewer
She picked up the wrong file, and now everything is falling apart.
From New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Lorhainne Eckhart comes a new Billy Jo McCabe mystery set on a small island in the Pacific Northwest. When social worker Billy Jo McCabe accidentally picks up the wrong file, she discovers a shocking, twisted mystery plotted by a high-ranking social worker in the DCFS.
When Billy Jo McCabe accidentally picks up the wrong file, before she realizes her mistake, she discovers a secret no one was supposed to find.
She takes the file to the newly appointed chief of police, Mark Friessen, but he doesn’t believe her—that is, until they discover dozens more files and missing money from vulnerable at-risk children who have aged out of the system and are living on the streets.
As she digs into the files, the system, and the people involved, everything falls apart.
And what Mark and Billy Jo discover is a secret far more shocking than missing money.
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Are you a super fan of the Friessens, O’Connells, McCabes and more? I’m looking for eager readers to join my brand new Facebook street team to provide feedback and share your enthusiasm for my stories via reviews, social media and good ‘ole word-of-mouth. Interested? Click the button below to join the team.
Additionally, when my group reaches 2,000 members, I’ll be giving away a new waterproof Kindle Paperwhite to one lucky team member!
As always, thank you for your consideration and support–I’m truly grateful!
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, THE SEARCH (An Outsider Series novella).
When her husband goes missing, she’s forced to call the one man she shouldn’t.
“A very emotional and powerful story of a young woman who is pregnant and her husband is missing…The story also looks at how a relationship can be healed. This was a truly wonderful western.” ★★★★★ Crystal C., Amazon Vine Voice
Catch up with The O’Connells before the next title in my romantic suspense series is released at the end of this month! Follow Iris, Owen, Marcus, Brady and the rest of the family in these full-length novels and special boxed set. Available at all eRetailers.
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, HIS PROMISE (Married in Montana, Book 1).
Kim and Bruce were inseparable as teens and believed their love was strong enough to overcome everything. Bruce promised they would be together forever, but when he left for medical school, everything changed—and Kim married someone else.
When they both return to their hometown after Kim’s divorce, they end up fighting the attraction between them. Neither is willing to talk about the promise Bruce made…until one summer night.
The O’Connells romantic suspense series kicks off with THE NEIGHBOR, and for a limited time, you can pick up Ryan’s story on sale for just 99cents!
“Excellent Read…series gets off to a cracking start with Ryan and Jenny’s story and what a story it is! Such a well written, intriguing and addictive book which I thoroughly enjoyed.” ★★★★★ Samanthagirl, Amazon UK Reviewer
CHECK RETAILER PRICING BEFORE YOU DOWNLOAD! Some retailers have been delaying the sale price turnover.
Catch up with The O’Connells in my latest release, AND THEN SHE WAS GONE (Book 12), now available at your favorite digital bookstore!
“With twists and turns and a great plot, this story is an excellent mystery.” ★★★★★ Reading Susan, Amazon Reviewer
“Wow what a emotional read this book was!..shows us what the term family means, sticking together through thick or thin.” ★★★★★ Margaret Y., Amazon Reviewer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
The moment Brady told his family he was engaged, his fiancée was nowhere to be found.
Six months ago, Brady’s true love, Cassie Arnold, walked into his hometown and his life. Everything was perfect, including their plans for their upcoming wedding—but one night, when he came home, Cassie was gone.
How could she just vanish?
Brady turns to his sheriff brother, Marcus O’Connell, and is stunned by what he discovers. Not only is there no trace of her, but it’s as if she never existed.
As they dig deeper into the days before Cassie vanished, Brady is stunned to learn of a series of mysterious phone calls, and he realizes his bride-to-be and her seemingly perfect smile were hiding dark secrets, including an unsolved murder at her family’s cabin in a hometown he’s never heard of.
Brady soon suspects that to find Cassie, he may also have to figure out what really happened the night of the murder—and why Cassie kept it all a secret.
Stay Home & Read Saturday
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, THE ONE (The Wilde Brothers, Book 1).
She’s lost everything. He believes she’s despised him all his life. A tragic mistake could be their only redemption.
“WOW! Real life drama with joys and sorrows as if it was happening to you…parts can be tear jerker moments…you won’t want to put down once you start.” ★★★★★ Jon, Amazon Reviewer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, DON’T STOP ME (The McCabe Brothers, Book 1).
Fifteen years ago, Vic McCabe was headed down a one-way road to destruction with the love of his life. But then the unthinkable happened, a mistake that changed their lives forever…
“Vic and Fiona’s story is packed with drama, humor, sex and suspense. I enjoyed reading this fast-paced book and look forward to reading more…” ~ Deb D., Amazon Reviewer
It’s the final week to pick up Amazon #1 category bestseller THE FRIESSENS: BOOKS 19-21 BOXED SET for just 99cents! This three-book collection features stories of young love, heartbreak and making a relationship work and includes I’ll Always Love You, Ground Rules and A Reason to Breathe. Sale ends 10/31/20.
When a one-night stand from years ago comes back to town, Jeremy meets the son he never knew he had… Meanwhile, Trevor feels like he can’t fit in — until he encounters a woman who understands him in ways he never thought possible. A captivating box set!
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, THE HONEYMOON (A Wilde Brothers Short).
When Joe Wilde surprises his new bride, Margaret, with a honeymoon, she is speechless—but not from surprise! The honeymoon is nothing like what she expected, not a sandy beach someplace hot, not even a romantic cruise. Instead, Joe wants to take her camping in the middle of nowhere.
Margaret has her doubts, especially when Joe ignores her worries about the trip. She soon wonders, should she be running the other way?
“This was really funny, and kind of sweet….A quick light-hearted read before bed time.” ★★★★★ JigsawGirl, Kindle Customer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, SAVED.
Growing up I had dreams that one day I’d fall in love, get married and start a family. Then one night I was taken. But I survived, I escaped and I was saved. Eric didn’t see me as damaged. He didn’t see my baby as a monster. He protected me, he kept me safe…he saved me.
“Riveting story line. Hard nosed captain, unbelievable subordinate, loyal xo, beautiful and tough victim, everything it takes to have a very enjoyable read.” ★★★★★ L. Smith, Kindle Customer
Click here to see my titles currently available in audiobook.
And did you know… if you already own one of my eBooks on Kindle, you can pick up the audiobook at a reduced price with Whispersync? Whispersync allows you to both read and listen, and you can even switch back and forth between reading the book on Kindle and listening to the book on Audible without losing your place.
Who wants another sneak peek of THE RETURN OF THE O’CONNELLS? The next installment in The O’Connells series will be released this week, but you can read Chapter 2 now!
Charlotte’s cheeks had really plumped out. Marcus wasn’t sure why he noticed that today, maybe because he could see her discomfort in the way she walked with her hand on her lower back before sliding onto a stool at the island. He heard Alison on the stairs with Eva, evidently going up, and moved around to his wife.
“You okay there, babe?” he said, surveying the jicama and red peppers, her favorites of late, along with sour cream, oranges, and sardines. He picked up the knife and took in the broccoli and cauliflower, as well, knowing she wanted it all chopped.
“Yeah, just cramping, is all, and my feet are aching. Not sure this is much better. I’m tired and just damn uncomfortable. Sorry, don’t mean to complain.” She made a face, letting out a breath that took some effort. But then, everything had been taking more effort lately: sleeping, getting up, moving, even driving, as she couldn’t seem to get close enough to reach the pedals anymore.
“You get to complain,” he said. “You know I’d carry the baby for you, but it’s not possible. Just sit there, and I’ll finish this. You should really stay home tomorrow. I’ll put Colby on the phones and get him to look after things, and I’ll have a talk with Alison about her doing more over here for you, helping with Eva, doing the laundry.”
Charlotte lifted a brow, and he took her in. She had her hair pulled back and was wearing one of his white and blue T-shirts, considering they had passed the point where she could even button up her deputy shirt. She was moving a lot slower, and he wasn’t sure he wanted her in the office at this point.
“When the baby comes, you know you can’t get by with just Colby,” she said. “I know we haven’t talked about this, but we need to discuss bringing someone in temporarily.”
The way she said it, he knew she was getting to the heart of the discussion he’d been putting off.
“About that,” he said, not missing the way she stiffened, “we haven’t really talked about the next step, likely because of everything that’s happened with the family. Seems it’s been one disaster averted after another. But we need to.” He made a point of setting the knife on the wooden cutting board and leaned on the island, hearing a car pull up outside and knowing they’d be invaded by his family any moment.
“Marcus…”
He reached over and touched her arm, then ran his hand up, over her shoulder, and back down before pulling back and picking up the knife again. “No, let me finish. We need to talk about this now because this baby is coming soon, very soon, and you’re going to be home here—and maybe that doesn’t need to be temporary.”
The way she hesitated, he could see she wasn’t about to take this well.
“Charlotte, I need you to listen to me, okay? You know I need to bring someone in now to handle everything you do, and you’re right that I’ve put off talking to you about this because of everything that’s been going on, but I can’t anymore. I’m the sheriff, and the city council have also put it out there.”
He thought back on his discussion with the mayor and council members, who had said with no political correctness whatsoever that it was time to hire a woman to take over for Charlotte, because she was pregnant and would need to stay home. Actually, it had been Jessa, whom Suzanne had once been friends with at school, now married with her own kids, who’d come right out and said Charlotte needed to stay home with her baby so a job could go to someone who needed it. He was still stunned that had slipped past her lips, and two of the men on the council had even flushed red. He’d make sure that part never got back to Charlotte.
“Put what out there, exactly? What are you talking about? I love my job and working…”
“I know, and it’s not forever, but you want to be home with the baby after it’s born, right?” he said. Why was it that they’d never really taken a moment and talked about this? “And there’s Eva, too. With Mom gone and us not knowing when she’s coming back…”
“Well, of course I’m not planning on going right back to work, but I never planned on staying home. Eva is in school right now, and Alison can still pick her up like she’s been doing. It’s not unworkable. You know I love my job and working with you…”
“Yeah, but, Charlotte, with the upcoming election, anything could happen. I could suddenly not be sheriff anymore. It’s a possibility, so there’s that, too.”
That was the other thing they hadn’t talked about. He wondered if it was something she’d been thinking about, by the way she hesitated and let out another breath.
“You’re being ridiculous,” she said. “You’re a shoo-in, and everyone who knows you around here knows you’re the best for the job.”
All he could do was shake his head. “So much has happened to create doubts in everyone’s minds. Come election day, with other names on the ballot, people could be voting for someone else just because that candidate doesn’t come with the same baggage. After the scandal, people here are still wondering what the O’Connells are hiding, thinking there has to be something there. I may very well be home with the baby,” he teased.
She didn’t pull her gaze or smile. “Don’t joke about something like that, Marcus. Besides, the election isn’t for a while yet, and if anything, this year has been one of a lot of changes and surprises. I shouldn’t have to tell you not to jump all the way to the worst-case scenario. Do you want me to stop working and stay home? Is that what you’re saying?”
The way she asked, he had to remind himself this was dangerous territory. Just then, he heard the front door and footsteps, and then Brady walked in, went right to the fridge, and opened it and pulled out a beer before twisting off the cap.
“Hold that thought,” was all he said to Charlotte as he turned to Brady. “That’s as far as that goes, young man.” He reached for the beer and took it, seeing something in his younger brother’s expression that he recognized all too well.
“I’m eighteen,” Brady said. “You know this is ridiculous. Luke lets me have a beer.”
From the way Brady said it, with that teenage attitude, Marcus predicted that he was likely going to point out that he was legally an adult next.
“Really? Now, why don’t I believe that?” Marcus said before he lifted the beer, took a swallow, and set it on the counter by the cutting board in front of him. Charlotte was staring long and hard at Brady and then him.
“It’s true,” Brady said. “Seriously, what’s the big deal, anyway?”
What was he supposed to say? When he was Brady’s age, he’d been drinking and getting into the kind of trouble he still couldn’t believe he’d escaped unscathed. “It is a big deal,” Marcus finally said. “So, considering I’m the sheriff and the legal drinking age is twenty-one, try helping yourself to a soda instead. Seriously, Brady—and what’s with the face? Something happen today?”
He heard the door and more footsteps, then a thunk, before he spotted Karen, barefoot in a short-sleeved dress. Jack appeared behind her, and he was sure Suzanne and Harold were there now, too.
“Nothing. It’s fine,” was all Brady said before walking out of the kitchen without helping himself to a soda.
Jack said something to Charlotte, and Karen was in his fridge, pulling out a bottle of white that he hadn’t known was in there.
“Hey there, Marcus, can you open the oven?” Suzanne said as she strolled in behind them, carrying a roasting pan covered with tinfoil. “I’ll pop this in to warm again.” She still wore her heavy bomber jacket, and her hair was hanging long and loose.
“Sure. What is that?” He opened the oven for his sister, spotting Harold, too. His deputy jutted his chin to him and gestured to the living room, where Brady had gone. Maybe he’d have a word with the kid and figure out what was going on with him.
Karen was pouring a big glass of wine, and Jack was still talking to Charlotte, though without pulling his gaze from his wife. Evidently, there was something amiss between the two of them. It had been a while since his sister had had a drink.
“Made lasagna,” Suzanne said. “Well, I decided to be creative and made a vegetarian kind. The noodles are zucchini.”
“And no meat?” Marcus said, taking in his sister, who he knew had way too much time on her hands.
She pulled a face, and he could hear more voices from the front door—Owen, Tessa, and Ryan, he thought. Suzanne shrugged out of her coat. “Lasagna doesn’t always have to have meat in it, you know. Besides, it will be good. There’s lots of mushrooms and cheese. You’ll never miss it.”
“Miss what?” Owen said, and Marcus wondered what he’d say, considering he was mister barbecue, in charge of that part of dinner, which had to always be meat.
“Suzanne made lasagna for us, vegetarian,” Marcus said.
The way Owen dragged his gaze from him to Suzanne was almost comical. “Not funny, Suzanne,” was all he said.
She just waved her hand and wandered to the fridge before pulling it open and taking out a beer. “Be adventurous, Owen. We don’t always have to eat meat.”
Ryan and Jenny came in next, and everyone seemed to linger in the kitchen. When he met Jack’s eyes, the other man nodded toward the living room.
“Here, take over,” Marcus said, handing the knife to Ryan, who only looked at it for a second before Jenny shook her head and stepped in.
“Ryan’s useless,” she said. “Here, let me.”
Marcus stepped away, around Ryan and Charlotte. Everyone was talking, though the voices of his family faded as he walked out of the kitchen, following Jack into the living room, where Brady and Harold were sitting across from each other, deep in discussion.
“Everything okay?” Marcus said.
Jack appeared dressed down, and Marcus wondered about the new shaggy look he had going on. What was that about, a big case? He didn’t think so. Either way, shaving seemed to have been put on the back burner.
“Look, I wanted to give you a heads-up, is all,” Jack said. “I just told Karen that I got a call, and my name’s been put out there for governor. I knew it was coming, and soon. So there it is—and there’s something else.”
He just stared down at Jack, who was a few inches shorter than him, knowing he’d made a deal with the devil, so to speak, to save their asses. “I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry, considering we had a serious part in this. So the favors have been called in.”
“Knew it would come,” Jack replied. “At the same time, Karen just dropped a bombshell on me before we walked in. I need to get her out of here. We have something to deal with. Can you keep Brady for the night?”
He heard the sound of a car but couldn’t see who it was, as the inside door was closed. “Yeah, Brady can stay. Should I be worried about something between you and my sister?”
Jack hesitated.
Just then, Marcus’s phone started ringing, and he pulled it out, seeing an unknown number.
Jack touched his arm. “Take your call,” was all he said, then started back to the kitchen, obviously not wanting to talk.
“Marcus here,” he said.
Harold looked over to him expectantly and gave him everything from where he sat, likely because one of them could need to head out now.
“It’s Mom,” Marcus finally said, shaking his head at Harold, hearing the voices from the kitchen. He leaned against the stairway railing. “Hey, was thinking about you,” he said. “How are you and…?”
There was something strange about knowing his mom was with their dad, but he hadn’t shared with anyone how unsettled he was about it.
“And your dad, you mean?” she said. “I’m sorry I haven’t called, but I wanted to let you know that we’re coming back.”
He hadn’t expected that. Just then, the front door opened, and there was Luke—with a woman who had brown hair and wore a dark coat. It seemed as if it had been one thing after another as of late. Marcus reached over and punched his brother’s shoulder playfully, then gestured to the woman before turning away.
“Like now, you mean?” he said. “Are you sure it’s okay?” He took in the dark railing going upstairs, knowing Alison and Eva were up there.
“You know what, Marcus? I miss all of you, and Charlotte’s due anytime now. I want to be there. I told your dad I was planning on coming myself, but your dad said he was coming, too. Through it all, he misses all of you, and I know he still wants to make so much right. He said he knows how to be careful, to hide, so what am I to say to that?”
He thought he heard something in the background. “Okay, so when? I’ll let everyone know.”
“No, don’t tell anyone. I want it to be a surprise. Listen, that’s your dad calling me. I’ve got to go. Your dad’s just working out logistics now, as he said, but I’m hoping a few days, two at the most. Any problems on his end, and I’ll come myself.”
It would be great to see his mom, but not telling anyone was something he didn’t want to do. This family couldn’t handle more secrets.
“A surprise, really?” he said. “Don’t you think we’ve had enough? I have to tell Charlotte, at least…”
His mom sighed. “Okay, fine, just don’t make a big deal about it.”
“So I can tell everyone?”
“Yes, just not the kids, Brady, Alison, Eva. I want to surprise them, and your dad still has some things to work out with Brady because of how everything went down. He still hasn’t talked to him.”
Right, and then there was that. “No promises,” Marcus said. “Call me when you know.”
Then he hung up, and he could hear Luke in the kitchen, introducing whoever the woman was.
He had to think about Karen and Jack and whatever was going on with them, too. Maybe now wasn’t the time to tell his siblings that their mom was planning on coming back. Luke had brought someone home, Karen and Jack had a problem, and then there was Brady, who’d likely be staying with him and Charlotte that night.
Right, just another evening with the O’Connells.
When he started back to the kitchen, he heard Charlotte say, “I think my water just broke.”
Stay Home & Read Saturday
Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Don’t miss today’s free read, THE DEADLINE.
Andy Friessen has packed up everything and moved his family two states away to protect his wife, Laura, his newborn babies, and his stepson, Gabriel, from the threats of his mother. What Andy doesn’t know is that they’ll soon face a new threat, one he never saw coming…
“…an emotional exploration of what family and unconditional love is all about. I will read this one again and again and again!” ★★★★★ Bigedsgirl1, Amazon Reviewer
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Stay home and read each Saturday with a FREE eBook! Download today’s free read, A BABY AND A WEDDING!
Getting married and having a baby … for Emily and Brad everything was perfect, or so they thought, until an unexpected surprise threatens to derail their happy day.
“…such a good read. The characters were all about love and family…hard to put it down.” Lois T., Kindle Customer
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