Releasing December 8, 2026

As a widow with young children, rancher Lottie Wilkes is determined to do two things. First, she’s determined not to get married again so that she doesn’t become like her fickle mother, who’s had many husbands. Second, Lottie wants to prosper and protect her ranch, which is proving hard to do against those who think there’s no place for women in ranching.

Jameson Noble has been a drifting cowboy since the day he ran away from home after a falling-out with his family. As he arrives at the Longhorn Ranch hoping for work, he finds himself in the middle of a gun battle, helping the beautiful ranch owner fend off the neighbor, who’s been harassing her.

Grateful for the assistance, Lottie agrees to hire Jameson for a month, which is as long as he’s willing to stay. His steady and faithful presence wins over her sons, and it’s not long before she’s falling for the drifter too. When her boys beg her to convince Jameson to be their new father, she refuses to consider love and remarriage . . . until it’s too late and she stands to lose everything.

• Drifter
• Cowboy for hire
• Wounded hero
• Prodigal hero
• Strong and independent heroine
• Widow with children
• Pretend marriage turns into more

The inspirational themes in this book are light, and the romance is the primary focus. While the romance is sizzling and the kisses swoony, both the language and physical attraction are clean and wholesome.