Description: Can love flourish amid expectations, dishonesty, and duty? Naomi Hendrix is seeking a fresh start in the small rural town of Oak Mountain, Maryland. As the town's new veterinarian, she is rebuilding her life after a painful divorce and betrayal by her former neighbors. However, her mentor, Walter, warns her about the Beckett family, sowing fear they could destroy her growing business. Logan Beckett, a single dad, is eager to break free from his father's shadow, and is determined to pave his own way. Juggling to balance managing his family's rescue operation and raising his eleven-year-old daughter, romance is the last thing on his mind. When Logan crosses paths with Naomi, sparks ignite, but Walter's poisoned words marred their connection. While assisting with a rescue during a violent storm, Naomi finds herself stranded at Hawkins Ridge. Her time with the Becketts, she experiences the family's genuine compassion and uncovers the truth behind Walter's dislike. Can Naomi and Logan discover true love and conquer even the most sinister betrayal? In a setting where family ties, loyalty and animal rescue intersect, you're invited to visit Hawkins Ridge Sanctuary.
Brief description: Ruby James is the pen name of a midlife woman living in the beautiful state of New Mexico. Born and raised in Washington, DC, she moved to the Land of Enchantment in 2006. Ruby is the 2022 Leslie Esdaile Aspiring Author winner and released her award-winning debut novella in September 2022. Ruby's books feature plus-size heroines and cinnamon roll heroes who appreciate strong women. Family, both blood and found, is at the center of every story she writes. Diversity is also key in her writing, as she believes every reader deserves to see a representation of someone they know, and she strives to include a presentation of our wonderful human race. In her spare time, Ruby can be found with a book, listening to music, getting her daily dose of Seinfeld, and learning random things on YouTube with her husband. During baseball season, there's almost always a game on, hopefully featuring the Orioles or Nationals. She also has the twenty-four hour job of serving her cat, Random.