Dorado, Texas Series by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Widow Vevina Bernhard sees mysterious lights at night and believes her Texas ranch Shady Oaks is haunted. She needs protection for herself and her 4-year old son but the town’s sheriff offers no help. On hiatus from his Texas Ranger duties, Kell Hawksen hires on as a farrier at the ranch while keeping an eye out for clues to a stagecoach robber in hopes of collecting the bounty. On Samhain, fire erupts and Vevina and Kell battle both the danger and the depth of their feelings.

Ivey Treadwell, cook at her family’s boarding house, wants to accomplish something big. For now, she satisfies herself with improving on the traditional recipes for the boarders by adding gathered herbs and spices. An incident with a broken pot causes her to see Berg Spengler, the town’s blacksmith, in a new light. Stigmatized for his huge size and blamed for his brother’s injury, Berg has discovered being alone is safer for his heart... moreIvey Treadwell, cook at her family’s boarding house, wants to accomplish something big. For now, she satisfies herself with improving on the traditional recipes for the boarders by adding gathered herbs and spices. An incident with a broken pot causes her to see Berg Spengler, the town’s blacksmith, in a new light. Stigmatized for his huge size and blamed for his brother’s injury, Berg has discovered being alone is safer for his heart. But when he sees interest spark in Ivey’s eyes, he decides to take a chance and approach her. The pair discovers an attraction that heats up each time they are alone together. Will Ivey convince Berg his wandering days are over and his home is here with her in Dorado? This is a sweet historical romance novella of 17,350 words. less

Fitz Saunders is proud of the Texas ranch he’s spent five years building…until a visit from his father’s accountant reminds him that to receive his inheritance, he must be married by his thirtieth birthday. Which is less than a month away. A mail-order bride seems like the logical and most practical solution. Tavia Naughton seeks a haven from a childhood raised in Army forts and a series of ladies’ companion positions... moreFitz Saunders is proud of the Texas ranch he’s spent five years building…until a visit from his father’s accountant reminds him that to receive his inheritance, he must be married by his thirtieth birthday. Which is less than a month away. A mail-order bride seems like the logical and most practical solution. Tavia Naughton seeks a haven from a childhood raised in Army forts and a series of ladies’ companion positions. An interview with a Texas rancher seems like the answer to her prayers—she plunges into an immediate marriage. Traveling to her new home involves a disaster, and she arrives with an orphaned baby in tow. Nothing is how Fitz envisioned, and Tavia is surprised at Fitz’s resistance to change. Both come to realize they may have been hasty and wonder if they’ve made the right decision. less