In a Heartbeat Series by Sally John

Miss Rachel Goldberg had no idea a knight in shining armor was about to enter her classroom. A Chicago firefighter was expected, an everyday city worker come to tell fourth graders all about his job in 30 minutes or less. But when Vic Koski lifts Rachel to demonstrate the firefighter's carry, she is--literally and figuratively--swept off her feet. Love leads to a happy marriage and home for just the two of them, but after a few years Rachel's inner clock begins to tick... moreMiss Rachel Goldberg had no idea a knight in shining armor was about to enter her classroom. A Chicago firefighter was expected, an everyday city worker come to tell fourth graders all about his job in 30 minutes or less. But when Vic Koski lifts Rachel to demonstrate the firefighter's carry, she is--literally and figuratively--swept off her feet. Love leads to a happy marriage and home for just the two of them, but after a few years Rachel's inner clock begins to tick. As months go by, her longing for a child becomes a consuming passion. Though Rachel tries not to question God's plan for her life, the answer she receives from Him is one she could not have anticipated. less

Terri Schuman risks her life to save others on a daily basis. As a Chicago paramedic, she works round-the-clock shifts that are often filled with life-and-death moments. Yet she doesn't see herself as a heroine...just a woman dedicated to a job she loves. And after Lieutenant Gabe Andrews, a firefighter from another unit, manages to catch her attention, her dedication to him becomes just as intense... moreTerri Schuman risks her life to save others on a daily basis. As a Chicago paramedic, she works round-the-clock shifts that are often filled with life-and-death moments. Yet she doesn't see herself as a heroine...just a woman dedicated to a job she loves. And after Lieutenant Gabe Andrews, a firefighter from another unit, manages to catch her attention, her dedication to him becomes just as intense. But when a flash point of circumstances suddenly changes her life, Terri must come face-to-face with the fragile self-confidence she displays to the world. Suddenly unsure about Gabe and his feelings for her, will Terri turn to the One who sees behind the mask she wears and trust Him to heal her heart? less

Before Cara Fleming became a detective for the Chicago Police Department, she lived in the shadowy depths of homelessness. Now, when her apartment is set ablaze in an attempt to stop one of her investigations, she plunges undercover into street life again to protect herself. Bryan O'Shaugnessy, an Episcopal priest on the south side of Chicago, has a new project on his hands: the soup kitchen his church sponsors... moreBefore Cara Fleming became a detective for the Chicago Police Department, she lived in the shadowy depths of homelessness. Now, when her apartment is set ablaze in an attempt to stop one of her investigations, she plunges undercover into street life again to protect herself. Bryan O'Shaugnessy, an Episcopal priest on the south side of Chicago, has a new project on his hands: the soup kitchen his church sponsors. Overworked, harried, and lonely, he finds himself surprisingly drawn to the new volunteer named Cara. Against this backdrop of hide-and-seek with criminals who will stop at nothing, Bryan unexpectedly meets the love of his life. Will he be able to convince Cara to accept the possibility of a home with him? less