Colorado Parks & Wildlife Research Library

When is a family no longer a family? Gayle Fortman has built a good life for herself and her three sons in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Divorced from charismatic broadcast journalist Eric Fortman, Gayle has made a success of her bed-and-breakfast. She has even maintained a cordial relationship with Eric--for whom family was never a priority, even when they were still married. Luckily, her closest neighbor has been a loving surrogate father to...

Childless Kendra and husband Isaac accept an offer from Kendra's younger sister- single mom Jamie- to conceive and carry a child for them. But when a medical crisis threatens Jamie's health she learns that the most difficult choice in her life is yet to come.

"Tired of always dreaming and never doing, Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget make a life-altering decision. Uprooting themselves from their comfortable lives in the suburbs, the three friends buy a run-down mansion, nestled in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. They christen their new home "Ladybug Farm," hoping that the name will bring them luck. As the friends take on a home improvement challenge of epic proportions, they encounter disaster after disaster,...

Four years have passed since best friends Cici, Bridget and Lindsay left the suburbs for an old mansion in the Shenandoah Valley. They've survived broken plumbing, leaky roofs, and marauding sheep. They've faced fire, hail, snow and financial setbacks. Somehow, through it all, they've managed not only to build a home, but to become a family. Even the dreams that once seemed so far-fetched are becoming reality. The Ladybug Farm Winery is about to bottle...

"All the effort Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget have put into transforming a historic but overgrown farm into an upscale winery and special-events business is paying off--Ladybug Farm has been chosen to host a society wedding. What this really means is the three friends are about to be invaded by warring mothers-in-law, a Bridezilla, and a completely clueless groom. They have their hands full keeping Ladybug Farm from descending into total chaos. But there's...

When Bridget, Cici, and Lindsay left behind their safe suburban lives for a stately old mansion in the Shenandoah Valley, they redefined the concept of family. But the one thing they never imagined was that one day they would be expanding their house of women to make room for a husband. A second marriage in midlife is never easy, and Lindsay and Dominic know they will be facing their share of adjustments when they begin their life together. But she...

After the death of his mother, Yancy Tremayne is taken by his father back to his boyhood home in an Amish community. Yancy has trouble conforming to Amish life and joins the Confederate army at the outbreak of the Civil War under General Stonewall Jackson. After he saves a Union soldier at Bull Run, he meets his sister, Lorena, and finally finds a home.

In this savory third mystery featuring the Flab Five, James Henry is looking to add a little more spice to his life. Despite his trimmer waistline, his girlfriend Lucy's affections for him seem to have inexplicably cooled. So when Lindy suggests the supper club members join a Mexican cooking class, James leaps at the chance to try something new. The Flab Five's classmates include Shenandoah Star Ledger editor Murphy Alistair and twin sisters with...

"Paul Slater and Derrick Anderson's Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast, The Hummingbird House, has become renowned as a destination of distinction that specializes in hosting events celebrating life's most magical moments. And while the celebration rarely goes as planned, the magic never fails. In "Love, From the Hummingbird House" Paul and Derrick host the Queen of Romance for a Valentine's Day Book Lover's Extravaganza, and invite members of their...

While Purline tries to teach her children, as well as her bosses, the true meaning of Christmas, lost and lonely people are drawn to the Hummingbird House. Healing comes and miracles unfold, proving once again that at the Hummingbird House you may not find what you expect, but you'll always find what you need.