Christian Historical Romance Series Series by Marie Higgins

In the early hours of the morning, Careen becomes Matthew Grayson's wife and then in a blink of an eye, his widow. How can she tell the family she's never met that her own cousin is responsible for their son's death? While she waits for the right moment to admit the cousin's guilt, a budding attraction grows between Careen and her new brother-in-law, Joshua. But this will only complicate matters, especially when the truth finally comes out... moreIn the early hours of the morning, Careen becomes Matthew Grayson's wife and then in a blink of an eye, his widow. How can she tell the family she's never met that her own cousin is responsible for their son's death? While she waits for the right moment to admit the cousin's guilt, a budding attraction grows between Careen and her new brother-in-law, Joshua. But this will only complicate matters, especially when the truth finally comes out. Joshua Grayson could never understand why his brother left the family ranch to wed - in secret - a woman he'd never met. And now Matthew is dead. Killed just moments after taking his wedding vows. Joshua struggles with both resentment and a growing attraction for his mysterious sister-in-law. He knows Careen is hiding something, but can he give love another chance or is he just setting up his heart for another break? less

Peter Grayson is traveling the wayward path against his family's wishes, gambling to earn his living after his brother was shot and killed. Needing to experience life to the fullest now, Peter travels to Texas to reclaim his granddaddy’s sugar-cane plantation. Finally, he saves enough from his gambling winnings to buy back the family home, but he’s robbed and left for dead. He’s nursed back to health by a kind—and mysterious doctor... morePeter Grayson is traveling the wayward path against his family's wishes, gambling to earn his living after his brother was shot and killed. Needing to experience life to the fullest now, Peter travels to Texas to reclaim his granddaddy’s sugar-cane plantation. Finally, he saves enough from his gambling winnings to buy back the family home, but he’s robbed and left for dead. He’s nursed back to health by a kind—and mysterious doctor. Seeking revenge for the injustice dealt him, Peter tracks down the young thief and his lovely sister, Cecilia Ashby. Not only is Cecilia living on Peter’s plantation, but she’s keeping secrets of her own. **excerpt** A sliver of light from the saloon highlighted a hulking figure curled against the wall. By the deep moan, Cecilia assumed it was a man. His breathing grew more ragged by the second. She rushed to kneel beside him. Even in the shadows, his face glowed with a deathly pallor. Although large and muscular, she could still roll him onto his back. An intense moan escaped him. Moving her hands over him, she checked for injuries, but it wasn’t until she rolled him on his side and touched his back that she understood the crisis. A warm, sticky substance coated her fingers. She brought her hand to the small amount of light and gasped. Blood! “Can you hear me?” Cecilia spoke in her doctor’s voice, much lower than her own. He didn’t respond. Shallow breathing echoed through the silence, and her heart wrenched. She had to work fast, or she might lose him. Taking care not to hurt him more, she pulled off the man’s over jacket and unbuttoned his shirt. She lifted the garment and peered at the injury on his back. The moon didn’t shine very well in between the two buildings but enough for her to see the spot she needed to study. Instead of finding the hole a gunshot would make, a slice about an inch long appeared lower on his back. She hissed and sank on her heels. He’d been stabbed. A different rhythm took over her heartbeat. Panic consumed her, threatening to cut off her breathing. Hank had run away from the scene. Tears filled her eyes. Could her brother be the culprit? Cecilia grabbed the unconscious man’s wrist. His pulse was faint—dangerously slow. She had to help him. Now. She ripped a band of fabric from his shirt and tied it around his torso, praying it would slow the flow of blood. Quickly, she jumped to her feet and rushed into the back door of the saloon to get help. Squinting against the sudden bright lamps, she spotted the sheriff as he climbed the stairs with one of Deborah’s painted ladies on his arm. “Sheriff Hampton,” Cecilia called, running toward him. He whipped his head her way. His gaze did a quick take of her bloodied shirt and hands. With a jerk, he turned and rushed down the stairs coming straight for her. “Doctor Copeland. What’s happened?” Using the back of her hand, she swiped her brow. “I need help. There’s an injured man in the alley. He’s been stabbed, and I need to get him to my office.” She took a deep breath. “And I need a wagon to haul him.” Sheriff Hampton nodded and elbowed his way through the crowd. She turned and hurried out the back door to her patient. Cecilia touched the stranger’s brow. His skin wasn’t as warm as before. Her heart hammered against her ribs, and a knot formed in her throat. In her three years of practicing medicine, she hadn’t lost one patient due to a knife wound and she wouldn’t lose one now. less

Years ago, Adella Lancaster witnessed the brutal murder of her mother and brother by a gang of notorious thieves who claimed revenge on her father. Suddenly responsible for two younger sisters, she narrowly escapes danger and begins a new life in a new town, claiming new identities. Seven years later, a man rides in from the town where her family was killed, bringing back long suppressed memories and emotions... moreYears ago, Adella Lancaster witnessed the brutal murder of her mother and brother by a gang of notorious thieves who claimed revenge on her father. Suddenly responsible for two younger sisters, she narrowly escapes danger and begins a new life in a new town, claiming new identities. Seven years later, a man rides in from the town where her family was killed, bringing back long suppressed memories and emotions. Working as a schoolteacher, Adella has worked hard to create a new life, but every time she encounters the insufferable Gage Grayson, she's haunted by the determination to discover the full truth of what happened to her family. Gage Grayson has always tried to walk the straight and narrow, but now he is feeling punished for some unknown reason when the obstinate schoolteacher is constantly thrust in his path. He repeatedly stumbles across Adella in dangerous situations with no choice but to aid her. Despite a tendency to clash, Gage quickly realizes Adella isn't the only one in danger... for he's in danger of losing his heart... to her. As they battle their feelings for each other, they both try to track down the gang of thieves to put an end to their reign. One way or another, someone is going to end up hurt…or dead. less