Mother Of Prevention

Mother Of Prevention
Lori Copeland

Mills & Boon Silhouette
Moving to San Francisco offers Kate Madison a fresh start–just what Kate and her two daughters need after her firefighter husband's tragic death. A move out of Oklahoma City's tornado zone and snakes and…wait. Earthquakes? San Francisco has earthquakes!Kate arrives to find not earthquakes but friends ready to help, from fun-loving neighbor Mazi to Lee, the advice-giving mailman. Maybe Lee's tips can help Kate with her mother-in-law, whose agenda seems to be less to support Kate than to take over. Then Kate discovers Mazi has a painful secret and forgets her own troubles as she takes on her friend's. An ounce of prevention may be worth a pound of cure, but Kate learns that friendship, family and faith are worth much, much more.

Praise for CBA Bestselling Author

Lori Copeland

“[In A Case of Crooked Letters] Copeland produces a wacky jumble of humorous characters beset by serious circumstances. Joy wins in the end.”

—Romantic Times

“[A Case of Bad Tasteis] a riveting adventure in page-turning mystery and laugh-out-loud humor. Lori Copeland at her best!”

—Karen Kingsbury, bestselling author of the Redemption series

“The characters in A Case of Bad Tasteare both fun and frustrating, mischievous and maddening. As Maude says, ‘Life’s a hoot!’”

—Brandilyn Collins, author of Stain of Guilt

“Filled with emotion, danger and humor, [Ruth] is sure to warm your heart.”

—Romantic Times

Mother of Prevention

Lori Copeland

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

First and foremost, I dedicate this book to the lonely and grieving. God has not forgotten you.

To Bob and Jo Martin: for your continuing ministry in Christ and for your watchful eye on this manuscript.

To Barbara Warren, whose love and commitment to God shows brightly through her work as my assistant and chief troubleshooter.

To Harlequin Enterprises, Joan Marlow Golan and Krista Stroever: for allowing me to be part of the Steeple Hill family.

To the new breed of Christian readers and buyers who encourage authors to write books of faith by buying them!

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Epilogue

Chapter 1

“Where was the shoe the last time you saw it?”

Kelli, my youngest daughter, is like her father: charming, practical and witty, with enough savoir faire to carry her through two lifetimes. She’d misplaced a sneaker. “Not lost, misplaced,” she wheezed. She uncapped her inhaler, took a deep breath, then released it.

“In Sailor’s mouth.”

Sailor. Our family pooch that carried off anything that wasn’t nailed down. I’d warned Neil the animal was going to be nothing but trouble when he brought this…odd-looking creature into our home—rusty black, short legs, very fast, extremely agile. The dog had a domed skull, V-shaped dropped ears, a nose with a straight bridge and large dark brown eyes.

“What is that?” I’d asked.

“A puli. Isn’t he cute?”

Cute? That long coat looked to me like forty-five minutes a week of professional grooming to prevent matting and felting—and the thing was only a pup!