Stranded For The Holidays

Stranded For The Holidays
Lisa Carter

A new mom for Christmas?She’s everything they’ve wished for. Runaway bride AnnaBeth Cummings needs shelter for the holidays when a blizzard leaves her stranded, and rancher Jonas Stone’s happy to help. But his son’s been wishing for a Mum for Christmas, and town matchmakers are convinced Annabeth and Jonas are perfect for each other. As the storm clears, city girl AnnaBeth will have to decide: does her heart belong in the country?

Running away led her right where she belonged.

A new mom for Christmas?

She’s everything they’ve wished for.

Runaway bride AnnaBeth Cummings needs shelter for the holidays when a blizzard leaves her stranded, and rancher Jonas Stone’s happy to help. But his son’s been wishing for a mommy for Christmas, and town matchmakers are convinced Annabeth and Jonas are perfect for each other. As the storm clears, city girl AnnaBeth will have to decide: does her heart now belong in the country?

LISA CARTER and her family make their home in North Carolina. In addition to her Love Inspired novels, she writes romantic suspense for Abingdon Press. When she isn’t writing, Lisa enjoys traveling to romantic locales, teaching writing workshops and researching her next exotic adventure. She has strong opinions on barbecue and ACC basketball. She loves to hear from readers. Connect with Lisa at lisacarterauthor.com (http://www.lisacarterauthor.com).

Also By Lisa Carter (#u483479d1-77ac-54ca-b3b7-49c346ba283a)

Coast Guard Courtship

Coast Guard Sweetheart

Falling for the Single Dad

The Deputy’s Perfect Match

The Bachelor’s Unexpected Family

The Christmas Baby

Hometown Reunion

His Secret Daughter

The Twin Bargain

Stranded for the Holidays

Discover more at millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk).

Stranded for the Holidays

Lisa Carter

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

ISBN: 978-0-008-90069-4

STRANDED FOR THE HOLIDAYS

© 2019 Lisa Carter

Published in Great Britain 2019

by Mills & Boon, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF

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“Trust me—you’re better off without him.”

A curious mixture of simmering fury—not directed at her, but on her behalf—and compassion filled Jonas’s dark eyes. AnnaBeth gaped at him. She reminded herself to breathe.

No one had ever defended her supposedly injured honor so vigorously before.

She didn’t know what to say. And for once, surprising herself, she said nothing.

“Storm’s likely to last all night. We could be snowed in a few days.” A muscle jumped in his jaw.

He said he knew—as in understood firsthand?—that she was better off without her erstwhile groom. In the past, had something as equally humiliating and hurtful happened to him, too?

Jonas squared his broad shoulders. “Stay here as long as you like, AnnaBeth. You’ve found a refuge from the storm here with us.”

Her heart gave a funny quiver. Her eyes locked with his. She became lost in his melted-chocolate eyes.

Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.

—Psalm 112:6–7

Dear Reader (#u483479d1-77ac-54ca-b3b7-49c346ba283a),