Second oldest of the Wilson brothers, Jacob has settled into his new life in Texas, but two years after his wife's death in childbirth, he admires Maggie, the wife of ranch founder Liam Rafferty. When Liam is killed by a maverick horse, Jacob's admiration deepens. When Maggie fears she could be forced to return to San Antonio by her parents, she asks if Jacob will wed her. Although her fears are mostly unfounded, Jacob learns his feelings are mutual. His family is shocked when he wants to court the new widow, and their courtship is slowed by events on the ranch. Birth, death, a venomous spider bite, concern about the family back home in Kentucky, and a near-fatal shooting change everything as Jacob seeks to make the dreams of his heart come true.

Growing up in historic St. Joseph, Missouri, Lee Ann Sontheimer Murphy scribbled her stories from an early age. Her first publication ? a poem on the children's page of the local newspaper ? seems to have set her fate. As a full time author, she has more than twenty full length novels published along with assorted novellas and short fiction. A contributor to more than two dozen anthologies, her credits include Chicken Soup For The Soul among many collections of short fiction. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Missouri Writers Guild, and the Ozark Writers League. Lee Ann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Missouri Southern State University as well as an Associate Degree from Crowder College. She has worked in broadcasting, retail, and other fields including education. She is currently a substitute school teacher. As a wife and mother of three, she spends her days penning stories, cooking, reading, and other daily duties. She currently makes her home in the Missouri Ozarks, living in what passes for suburbs in a small town.