Beverly Felland

Before beginning her dream job as sous chef in one of Seattle’s hottest restaurants, Josie Avery takes a summer position cooking at a lakeside lodge in the remote Alaskan town of Ponder. Josie falls for the rustic charms of the local community - including Jack Corcoran, the crotchety keeper of Ponder’s famed sourdough starter, and, in particular, the quiet and intense Palmer Saxon, a famed master swordsmith. Josie and Palmer become close during the long Alaskan summer days, but Josie knows that, come fall, she’ll be returning to reality and the career she’s worked so hard for.

Rancher Chase Brown has always loved Letty Ellison, but nine years ago she left their small Wyoming town, searching for a different kind of life. Now she’s come home to Red Springs with her dreams in tatters—and a five-year-old child in tow. She’s ready to trade the false glitter of Hollywood for the true happiness of being a rancher’s wife. Chase’s wife. But is it too late?