Semper FiNewly widowed Grace James knows she's at a crossroads. Raised by her aunt, she spent her life playing the role of the perpetual 'good girl'—never rocking the boat, always fitting in. And where did that get her? She had an unhappy marriage, and now she's singlehandedly raising two strong-willed teenaged daughters who have trouble written all over them. Just once, Grace wished she had a different life. What would it feel like to be irresponsible, free... wild?Then she meets two men who change everything.Sergeant Josh Caven is a Marine, through and through. He's also a single dad who's going on deployment again—soon! He has to come up with a family care plan for his little girl, and he's desperate. He tells himself that's the only reason he shows up on Grace's doorstep. Because maybe she could help—if she's the mother who gave him up for adoption all those years ago...Sergeant Joseph Kinlaw is also a Marine, though he's retired now. But once a Marine, always a Marine. He put in his time overseas, and now he's there for those that come home broken, mentally or physically. He's a loner, his wounded warriors his only family. Until he meets Grace... and realizes she needs him as much as he needs her.

"Promise Me You'll Help Her."Former Union soldier Jeremiah "Jack" Murphy should never have given his word to a dying man, especially a Rebel. But now he feels honor-bound to carry the message to the man's young bride. Besides, with false charges following him, Jack needs somewhere to turn. After he fulfills his promise, perhaps the North Carolina mountains can give this weary soldier some shelter. Yet when he meets beautiful widow Sayer Garth, leaving is the last thing on Jack's mind. Sayer, and her young sisters-in-law, need help that Jack is more than willing to provide. If only he could be certain that his presence--and his secrets--won't put them all at risk....

"Maria Markham had survived the War only to tolerate the Occupation — barely, while daily facing haunting memories of loss. But then Max Woodard, an enigmatic Army colonel with a gentle heart, offered her passion and a loving partnership in a brave new world... Though a former prisoner of war, Colonel Max Woodard vowed to deal fairly with the Southerners under his governance. He yearned to