Running away led her right where she belonged.
A new mom for Christmas?
She’s everything they’ve wished for.
Runaway bride AnnaBeth Cummings needs shelter for the holidays when a blizzard leaves her stranded, and rancher Jonas Stone’s happy to help. But his son’s been wishing for a mommy for Christmas, and town matchmakers are convinced Annabeth and Jonas are perfect for each other. As the storm clears, city girl AnnaBeth will have to decide: does her heart now belong in the country?
LISA CARTER and her family make their home in North Carolina. In addition to her Love Inspired novels, she writes romantic suspense for Abingdon Press. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales, teaching writing workshops and researching her next exotic adventure. She has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Lisa at lisacarterauthor.com.
Coast Guard Courtship
Coast Guard Sweetheart
Falling for the Single Dad
The Deputy’s Perfect Match
The Bachelor’s Unexpected Family
The Christmas Baby
Hometown Reunion
His Secret Daughter
The Twin Bargain
Stranded for the Holidays
Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk.
Stranded for the Holidays
Lisa Carter
ISBN: 978-0-008-90069-4
STRANDED FOR THE HOLIDAYS
© 2019 Lisa Carter
Published in Great Britain 2019
by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF
All rights reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, locations and incidents are purely fictional and bear no relationship to any real life individuals, living or dead, or to any actual places, business establishments, locations, events or incidents. Any resemblance is entirely coincidental.
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“Trust me—you’re better off without him.”
A curious mixture of simmering fury—not directed at her, but on her behalf—and compassion filled Jonas’s dark eyes. AnnaBeth gaped at him. She reminded herself to breathe.
No one had ever defended her supposedly injured honor so vigorously before.
She didn’t know what to say. And for once, surprising herself, she said nothing.
“Storm’s likely to last all night. We could be snowed in a few days.” A muscle jumped in his jaw.
He said he knew—as in understood firsthand?—that she was better off without her erstwhile groom. In the past, had something as equally humiliating and hurtful happened to him, too?
Jonas squared his broad shoulders. “Stay here as long as you like, AnnaBeth. You’ve found a refuge from the storm here with us.”
Her heart gave a funny quiver. Her eyes locked with his. She became lost in his melted-chocolate eyes.
Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
—Psalm 112:6–7
Welcome to Truelove, North Carolina, set in the breathtakingly lovely Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Though the course of true love doesn’t always run smooth, never fear. The Truelove Matchmakers are there to make sure everyone finds their happily-ever-after.
The heart of this story is about a man searching for a love that will never leave or desert him. It’s also about a woman searching for a place to belong. This story is about trusting God. With the good. With the bad. With everything.
As AnnaBeth discovers at the FieldStone Ranch, no matter how tragic the past, God has a place of belonging for each of us. And most importantly, she learns to see herself from God’s perspective.
You, too, dear reader, are so beautiful to Him. A precious jewel. And so beloved.
This is why I wrote this story. And because it is my prayer that you will ultimately find in Him your home. The happily-ever-after for which you were truly made.
I hope you have enjoyed taking this journey with AnnaBeth, Hunter and Jonas. I would love to hear from you. You may email me at [email protected] or visit www.lisacarterauthor.com.
In His Love,
Lisa Carter
In thanksgiving to