Deerbourne Inn

Hope Kildaire gave up her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner when a car accident killed her father and left her mother an invalid. Working two jobs and caring for her mother leaves the twenty-seven-year-old with no time for fun or relationships. When a law firm representing her paternal grandparents sends her several letters, Hope ignores them. She despises the family who disowned her father and wants nothing to do with them. Lawyer Tyler Coleman's job is simply to obtain Hope's signature on a legal document. Getting it is harder than planned, though, when an unexpected attraction blossoms between them. If Ty is honest with Hope about why he's in Willow Springs, he'll fulfill his assignment but may risk hurting her. The opportunity to have everything she's ever desired is at Hope's fingertips. Will her dream come true at the expense of Tyler's love?

As a daughter of a bestselling novelist, Annie Shaw is determined to establish herself as a romance author apart from her father's name. When a career-threatening review sends her on vacation at Deerbourne Inn, she wonders if she should quit writing. Book critic Zane Barrett hates all things romance-especially novels. Every August, he travels to Willow Springs, Vermont, to cope with a loss he's never relinquished. When the two meet in the idyllic town, even Zane admits they've fallen victim to love at first sight. But what will happen when Annie discovers her hated critic and the perfect man are one and the same?

Gigi Jenson, an up-and-coming Broadway star, finds herself in Willow Springs, Vermont, for the summer as director of their first annual community revue. This sleepy town is worlds away from her vibrant and beloved New York City, but the experience she'll gain will be invaluable to her career. Jason Simmons has lived in Willow Springs his entire life. Working several jobs while writing music, he yearns for a contract to record his songs. The one chance he had to make it in Nashville he blew due to stage fright. When Jason volunteers to help Gigi with the revue, sparks ignite but their dreams are taking them in different directions. Could their love for each other guide them to the same path?

Dr. Daniel Stevenson, professor of history at the University of Vermont, is a popular guest speaker at the Willow Springs Community Center. But that's not the only reason he keeps returning to the small town. He's strongly attracted to the assistant librarian who coordinates the programs. So far, they've been good friends, but his upcoming scheduled talk provides the perfect opportunity to take their friendship to a serious commitment. He's just not sure if the other man he's seen her with is only a friend or someone special in her life. Wynne Buchanan is looking forward to a certain shy professor's community center presentation about a murder committed in Willow Springs almost a century ago. Their friendship these past four years has meant the world to her, but every time she thinks they're moving toward a serious relationship, he pulls away. She's determined to find out why during his upcoming visit, because she's hoping for more…so much more.

At a crossroads in her military career, coming home to Willow Springs, Vermont, is bittersweet for Ciara Miller. Her parents have moved to Florida, her great aunt resides at New Eden Assisted Living, and her high school sweetheart is a widower raising twin girls. Eight years ago, Tad Brownley, a lowly mechanic in his father's garage, felt he had nothing to offer Ciara, the love of his life, so he let her go to chase her dream to serve as a military nurse. Now she's back on leave and he still doesn't have much to offer or the time for a relationship no matter how fleeting. Despite Tad's mother and Ciara's great aunt's matchmaking efforts, can their renewed romance sustain a long-term relationship? Or will her call to duty split them apart again?

Jared Langford is a happy man. The desk clerk at the Deerbourne Inn knows everyone in his cozy town in Vermont. He is accepted and loved by the community, but he's missing someone special in his life. Devastating news has brought journalist Xander Fortier to Willow Springs for some much-needed rest. He's photographed every major conflict in the world for the last ten years, but being stateside has forced him to reassess the solitary life he's been living. Something in Xander's gruff demeanor calls to Jared's caring nature. Soon the men are spending time together, but Jared's kisses might not be enough to keep Xander from leaving. Can the men find a happily ever after if they only have today?

Stephanie Williams left skid marks on the road out of Willow Springs, Vermont after she finished high school. She didn't return until her company sent her to evaluate the town for a massive development project. Back then she thought the town was way too small and too cold. Now the cold isn't as much of an issue since she's reconnected with her childhood friend, Donald Flanagan. Stephanie doesn't remember his eyes being quite so green, or his body quite so built. He's smart and funny as he ever was, and a forest-fire sized attraction burns between them. Donald never understood his old friend's driving need to leave Willow Springs. He loves everything about it. When he learns the truth about Stephanie's project, and how it will turn his hometown into a theme-park version of itself, will it extinguish the flame that has sparked between them?

When Nathan Harte received a review that trashed his restaurant and reputation, he left New York to start over in Willow Springs, Vermont, at the Deerbourne Inn. Pleased with his new life and success, he's preparing to receive an award for his achievements when trouble steps through his door-Chantel St. Ives, his ex and the author of the bad review. Is she here to repeat history? Chantel, a food and wine critic, discovers Nate's location at long last. She's always wanted to explain what happened with her critique, but he disappeared. Now she's determined to hash it out with him and hopefully rekindle the love they had, but he's hostile and suspicious. Can she rebuild his trust?

Working as a maid in the Deerbourne Inn gives freedom-fighter Sidonie Demers the perfect cover for helping escaping slaves travel farther along the Underground Railroad. The patterns in her quilts serve as messages directing them to the safest route. The cause is a personal one for octoroon Sidonie whose mother and grandmother escaped bondage years earlier. Army Corporal Colin Crawford arrives in Willow Springs, in disguise as a salesman, to ferret out abolitionist activity. Raised in a state that forbids slavery, he's conflicted about upholding the Fugitive Slave Act but believes in laws and fulfilling his duty. The attraction between Colin and Sidonie is evident and irresistible, but what will happen when their true identities are revealed?

Penny Winters flees to her birthplace in Vermont to consider the marriage proposal she left behind in Salem. Complicating her already difficult decision, she is smitten when she encounters handyman Liam on the porch of the quaint Deerbourne Inn. A modern-day wiccan, Penny intends to contact her distant great-grandmother, who died on the cliffs when Willow Springs held witch trials. Penny needs advice, and the best time to connect to her ancestors is on Halloween. But she is not the only witch in Willow Springs, and they both have their eye on the same man. And who is the old woman who keeps appearing, telling her to go home? Penny comes to the cliff to seek Grandma's advice. But Halloween is an important holiday for a witch, and she is not alone on the cliffs that night. Penny will have to battle not only for Liam's attention, but for her life.

Unemployed photojournalist Raynor Elliot stops at a bakery near the famous Deerbourne Inn. Not only is he surprised by a job offer at a regional magazine, he recognizes the bakery's owner. Once an awkward high school kid, she now possesses fabulous curves and an irreverent sense of humor. The cozy bakery, with its delicious smells of sugar, vanilla, and spice, has more to offer than tasty cookies. Fiona MacLeod has been plagued for years by the need to make amends for telling The Big Lie. When the victim of the lie strolls into her bakery with his icy blue stare and killer charm, she feels like she's standing too close to a hot oven. Between running her bakery and frosting cupcakes for the Mad River Garden Party, she's pretty sure she's falling in love with this infuriating, sexy man. Can Fiona dredge up the courage to confess, face the consequences, and hope for forgiveness?

School librarian Brianna Dodd wants to escape Thanksgiving with her family and the painful memories of her ex-boyfriend's betrayal. After doing research online, she comes to Deerbourne Inn for peace and serenity. Kyle Morgan is trying to avoid the paparazzi who have hounded him since a medical invention made him rich and famous. He's familiar with Willow Springs and has happy memories of spending time in the tranquil area. When they meet at the Inn, sparks ignite between Brianna and Kyle. But how can they continue to share enchanted Vermont nights after they discover each other's secrets?

Earth/Fire witch Mercy Rose's insatiable curiosity always gets her in trouble. After a break-in at her Colorado flower shop, and a court battle that comes to a screeching halt in her favor, she arrives at Deerbourne Inn for a much-needed getaway. Looking for peace and quiet, she finds just the opposite in a startling handsome but mysterious man and his dog. Silvanus Forrest's gypsy/fae heritage is a double-edged sword. The land he inherited from his parents is rumored to be enchanted. But when Mercy discovers the truth, his well-ordered life unravels, and they're catapulted into the past to right a wrong. Along the way their lives intertwine, and they discover the true meaning of family and love. Will they change the past in time to save their future?

On a middle school nature hike, Principal Stephen Lathrop, a marathon runner, unearths a twelve-thousand-year-old mammoth tusk. The startling discovery stirs a commotion in Willow Springs, Vermont. The media arrive in trucks; tourists descend by the busload. To curb the chaos, the sheriff hires rookie deputy, Megan Snow. Stephen and Megan meet and sparks fly. Soon the odd couple is hunting for lost children, chasing thieves, dealing with pot-smoking teens. Ignoring the clamor, the historic Deerbourne Inn plans a Twelfth Night feast and festival, featuring the search for the bean and the pea, and culminating in the crowning of a King and Queen of Mischief. Up in arms at the loss of their peaceful existence, the villagers take sides-science or heritage? Mischief indeed! Is this the time to plan a wedding?

Actress Tarren Reilly is still smarting from being dumped by her former boyfriend-whom she stole from her cousin. Reeling from the pain she has caused, she agrees to a fake relationship for publicity reasons. Country singer Clint Jackson has wanted Tarren since they first met. Together, they visit the Deerbourne Inn for the Thanksgiving holiday, where he plans to suggest they take their phony relationship to the "friends with benefits" level. Both Tarren and Clint are dealing with personal issues from prior entanglements. As they draw closer, can Tarren and Clint deal with their pasts and turn a pretend relationship into the real deal?

Hollywood starlet Livy Randolph faces a difficult decision, so she flees to Willow Springs to contemplate her future. Carlos Ramos, a local contractor, yearns for a wife and children. When he meets Livy, he loses his heart, but learns she's not who she claims to be. The year is 1958. Civil Rights issues surface on the evening newscasts but in Willow Springs, Vermont life seems peaceful. That is, until prejudice rears its ugly head. Will this unlikely pair find a way to put their differences aside, stand up for their beliefs, and admit their futures may not be what they intended? Only time, and a bit of Willow Springs magic, will tell.

Celtic fiddler Trina Kellander is excited to play at a local festival in Willow Springs, Vermont. While settling into her room at the Deerbourne Inn, she admires an old painting of a handsome kilted Scot. Then a man who looks exactly like the artwork turns up at a jam session to play with her. Trina is smitten with the charming, old-fashioned Malcolm Blaine and him with her. She has never fallen so hard before. After her concert, he wants her to leave with him. But, Malcolm is oddly mysterious about aspects of his life. And, how is he connected with the picture in Trina's room?