Groom by Design

Groom by Design
Christine Johnson

Her Heart and Her Business Are on the LineDressmaker Ruth Fox gave up her dream of a husband and children long ago. Her family's floundering dress shop, her ailing father and her two younger sisters require Ruth's full attention. Though the handsome new stranger in town is intriguing, Ruth is certain he wouldn't look twice at a plain spinster of twenty-six.Sam Rothenburg's connection with the shy young woman next door is immediate, but he knows Ruth will be crushed when she discovers his real purpose in town. Sam is secretly working to open one of his father's large department stores in Pearlman, Michigan, which will surely put Ruth out of business. How much is Sam willing to sacrifice to claim Ruth's heart?The Dressmaker's Daughters: Pursuing their dreams a stitch at a time

Her Heart and Her Business Are on the Line

Dressmaker Ruth Fox gave up her dream of a husband and children long ago. Her family’s floundering dress shop, her ailing father and her two younger sisters require Ruth’s full attention. Though the handsome new stranger in town is intriguing, Ruth is certain he wouldn’t look twice at a plain spinster of twenty-six.

Sam Rothenburg’s connection with the shy young woman next door is immediate, but he knows Ruth will be crushed when she discovers his real purpose in town. Sam is secretly working to open one of his father’s large department stores in Pearlman, Michigan, which will surely put Ruth out of business. How much is Sam willing to sacrifice to claim Ruth’s heart?

The Dressmaker’s Daughters: Pursuing their dreams a stitch at a time

“Miss Fox! Ruth! Wait a minute!” Sam called out.

Her pulse accelerated along with her steps.

I can’t face him now. I’m not ready.

Sam touched her shoulder. Ruth shrugged him off and stepped into the street.

A horn blared. She turned her head in time to see a car bearing down on her. Then someone yanked her back onto the boardwalk. Only after her heartbeat slowed did she realize that the arm wrapped around her waist belonged to Sam.

“You could have been killed.” His voice shook.

She was only aware that he still held her. “Please…let go.”

He released her. “Where are you going in such a rush?”

She could not look at him. “I suppose I should thank you for saving my life.” But she did not feel thankful.

“Didn’t you hear me? Didn’t you see the car? You acted like you were running away.”

I was. But she couldn’t say that. “I’m in a hurry.”

“I can see that, but nothing is worth risking your life.”

My heart is.

CHRISTINE JOHNSON

A small-town girl, Christine Johnson has lived in every corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. She loves to visit historic locations and imagine the people who once lived there. A double-finalist for RWA’s Golden Heart award, she enjoys creating stories that bring history to life while exploring the characters’ spiritual journey—and putting them in peril! Though Michigan is still her home base, she and her seafaring husband also spend time exploring the Florida Keys and other fascinating locations.

Christine loves to hear from readers. Contact her through her website at christineelizabethjohnson.com (http://christineelizabethjohnson.com).

Groom by Design

Christine Johnson

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

To give unto them beauty for ashes...

—Isaiah 61:3

To God, the Author of everything, belongs all the glory.

Contents

Chapter One (#u36ee90c1-f315-54eb-989b-490ea882c710)

Chapter Two (#ua7da84b5-df5e-58ab-8c7d-31c748e5e595)

Chapter Three (#u8dae0a57-7db3-5845-9d3d-2050e0314e7d)

Chapter Four (#u77080dd0-e692-55d2-add6-d6187d5001d0)

Chapter Five (#u599e3783-d4fb-5c41-8273-2137b64d01b8)

Chapter Six (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eight (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nine (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Ten (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eleven (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twelve (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Thirteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fourteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Fifteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Sixteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Seventeen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Eighteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Nineteen (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter Twenty-One (#litres_trial_promo)