Mule Hollow Series by Debra Clopton, Janet Tronstad

In this fun and humorous novel, burned-out city gal Lacy Brown moves to Mule Hollow, Texas, on a mission for God--and discovers romantic and spiritual fireworks! About the author: This title marks Debra Clopton's debut for the Love Inspired line. The Trouble With Lacy Brown was a 2004 Golden Heart finalist for Best Inspirational Romance, an honor awarded to manuscripts written by unpublished novelists.

TWO STUBBORN HUMANS, HIS DOG, HER DONKEY...AND A BRAND-NEW BABYA donkey with a penchant for breaking and entering...in search of alfalfa? Cort Wells had never heard of such a thing, until he and his dog moved into Mule Hollow. And the donkey's eight-months-pregnant owner was Lilly Tipps, raised by her man-hating grandmas. So when Lilly wound up in his barn--and his arms--Cort began to think the donkey was going to be the least of his worries....

It was just a local newspaper column, "right?" But when reporter Molly Popp touted the marriage-worthiness of local rancher Bob Jacobs, would-be wives descended on his Mule Hollow ranch by the busload. Molly felt guilty for the ruckus she'd caused-- especially when Bob was injured rescuing an overzealous admirer from a bull. There was nothing else city-slicker Molly could do but pitch in and help Bob out... moreIt was just a local newspaper column, "right?" But when reporter Molly Popp touted the marriage-worthiness of local rancher Bob Jacobs, would-be wives descended on his Mule Hollow ranch by the busload. Molly felt guilty for the ruckus she'd caused-- especially when Bob was injured rescuing an overzealous admirer from a bull. There was nothing else city-slicker Molly could do but pitch in and help Bob out. That is, until word of her column brought the job offer she'd been praying for and a choice she never thought she'd have to make: a Manhattan byline or Mule Hollow's most eligible bachelor. less

And this time, their next "victim" was Sheri Marsh. Sheri had long endured the town biddies' attempts at matchmaking, even though she had no intention of ever settling down. As the pool of single women dwindled, their efforts doubled, and Sheri needed a plan that would get the meddling mavens off her back for good... . Enter taciturn cowboy Pace Gentry. Playing her beau wasn't what this new Christian had expected... moreAnd this time, their next "victim" was Sheri Marsh. Sheri had long endured the town biddies' attempts at matchmaking, even though she had no intention of ever settling down. As the pool of single women dwindled, their efforts doubled, and Sheri needed a plan that would get the meddling mavens off her back for good... . Enter taciturn cowboy Pace Gentry. Playing her beau wasn't what this new Christian had expected. But the always aggravating, yet utterly adorable Sheri proved one thing to him-- the Lord sure did work in mysterious ways! less

Unmarried Men Of Mule Hollow: Run For Your Lives! pWhen Haley Bell Thornton arrived back in Mule Hollow wearing a wedding gown, no one bothered to ask where the groom was. Especially not Will Sutton, the first of her ditched fianc�s. The runaway bride had done it again! And now the woman he loved and lost ten years ago was tottering around the dusty ranch town in her high heels and fancy honeymoon clothes. Will vowed not to look... moreUnmarried Men Of Mule Hollow: Run For Your Lives! pWhen Haley Bell Thornton arrived back in Mule Hollow wearing a wedding gown, no one bothered to ask where the groom was. Especially not Will Sutton, the first of her ditched fianc�s. The runaway bride had done it again! And now the woman he loved and lost ten years ago was tottering around the dusty ranch town in her high heels and fancy honeymoon clothes. Will vowed not to look. Definitely a problem, since Haley's granddad--and the matchmaking ladies--had a secret holiday plan to make decade-old wedding bells chime by Christmas! less

Was There Room In Mule Hollow For A Pollyanna? When rancher Nate Talbert asked for a miracle to change his reclusive life, he wasn't sure he meant Pollyanna McDonald. The city woman, her eight-year-old daredevil and menagerie of unruly pets had moved next door, driving him crazy. But he was surprised to learn how much he and the widow had in commonand how much they were drawn to each other. Then, too, Pollyanna's son was sorely in need of a father figure... moreWas There Room In Mule Hollow For A Pollyanna? When rancher Nate Talbert asked for a miracle to change his reclusive life, he wasn't sure he meant Pollyanna McDonald. The city woman, her eight-year-old daredevil and menagerie of unruly pets had moved next door, driving him crazy. But he was surprised to learn how much he and the widow had in commonand how much they were drawn to each other. Then, too, Pollyanna's son was sorely in need of a father figure. But Nate a dad? Pollyanna gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up, but proving it to Nate would take a real miracle! less

First Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes Dan Dawson, Jr., In The Baby Carriage!The Mule Hollow matchmakers were singing that ditty right in Ashby Templeton's ear. And though she wanted a husband and a baby more than anything, she drew the line at Dan Dawson. The handsome cowboy--who loved telling Ashby to lighten up--wasn't exactly the serious, settling-down sort she'd hoped to find at the church singles group... moreFirst Comes Love, Then Comes Marriage, Then Comes Dan Dawson, Jr., In The Baby Carriage!The Mule Hollow matchmakers were singing that ditty right in Ashby Templeton's ear. And though she wanted a husband and a baby more than anything, she drew the line at Dan Dawson. The handsome cowboy--who loved telling Ashby to lighten up--wasn't exactly the serious, settling-down sort she'd hoped to find at the church singles group. Yet in a town of lonesome cowboys in want of wives, Dan was the only one asking her for a date. Asking for a chance to show Ashby that he could make all her dreams come true. less

Sugar Rae Lenox is famous...in Mule Hollow. For wanting her name in lights on a Hollywood marquee. For wanting to leave. And for thinking the local matchmakers are mighty mistaken! Why applaud the attraction between her and a too-handsome cowboy with boots of lead? Ross Denton lives on the outskirts of town on some dusty ranch. And the only place he wants to see his name is on a marriage certificate... moreSugar Rae Lenox is famous...in Mule Hollow. For wanting her name in lights on a Hollywood marquee. For wanting to leave. And for thinking the local matchmakers are mighty mistaken! Why applaud the attraction between her and a too-handsome cowboy with boots of lead? Ross Denton lives on the outskirts of town on some dusty ranch. And the only place he wants to see his name is on a marriage certificate. So why isn't she singing and dancing away from that ranch? She can't possibly want a starring role in Ross's life as his bride...can she? less

Everyone in Mule Hollow can see the resemblance between former Texas Ranger Zane Cantrell and Rose Vincent's son. The same gold-flecked amber eyes. The same smile. Not that Zane is smiling. He's in shock! How could Rose have kept their child a secret from him? Rose reminds Zane that "he's" the one who walked away. He has to make her see he had no choice. But Rose is as prickly as the cactus jelly she makes. And that's where their hopeful son and the Mule Hollow matchmakers come marching in.

Could Prince Charming be an ornery cowboy?Not that history teacher Melody Chandler is looking for her prince. Her troubled brother takes all her spare energy. But the town matchmakers must have Seth Turner in mind for her. Because the handsome rancher keeps charging over to the historic house she's renting on his land, demanding she leave his family history alone... moreCould Prince Charming be an ornery cowboy?Not that history teacher Melody Chandler is looking for her prince. Her troubled brother takes all her spare energy. But the town matchmakers must have Seth Turner in mind for her. Because the handsome rancher keeps charging over to the historic house she's renting on his land, demanding she leave his family history alone. Well, it's his family who gave her permission to study the Turner past--and it sure is juicy! What is Seth so afraid she'll find? If the Mule Hollow matchmakers have their way, it's the key to his heart! less

Tacy Jones had come to Mule Hollow to learn how to train wild horses. But former rodeo champion Brent Stockwell might as well carry a sign saying "No Cowgirls Allowed." If Brent doesn't think "ladies" belong in the pen, determined Tacy will just have to change his mind. When Tacy learns the secret behind his stance, she longs to help him heal. She's ready to show the handsome cowboy that taking a chance on your dream is what life--and love--is all about.

Cliff saw a woman in need and stepped in—because Maddie was too stubborn to ask… Cowgirl Maddie Rose has never belonged anywhere but she’s just inherited part of New Horizon Ranch—along with her partners, four handsome, extremely capable cowboys… Maddie’s trying to adjust to her new life and her new partners she’s still unable to believe she’s an owner of this fabulous ranch. Not sure why she was included, she’s out to prove herself worthy of the honor of the inheritance... moreCliff saw a woman in need and stepped in—because Maddie was too stubborn to ask… Cowgirl Maddie Rose has never belonged anywhere but she’s just inherited part of New Horizon Ranch—along with her partners, four handsome, extremely capable cowboys… Maddie’s trying to adjust to her new life and her new partners she’s still unable to believe she’s an owner of this fabulous ranch. Not sure why she was included, she’s out to prove herself worthy of the honor of the inheritance. Loving her new life in the small Texas town of Mule Hollow, she’s determined that, for the first time in her life, she’s going to finally belong somewhere… Professional Bull Rider Cliff Masterson has been chasing his dreams for years—or has he been running from his past? He’s searching for more in life and ready to dig in his spurs and put down roots deep in the heart of Texas. Rescuing a beautiful cowgirl from being trampled by a bull has him dreaming of romance, home and hearth. But Maddie’s had enough people in her life leave and she’s not willing to risk her heart on him—Sparks fly as he’s determined to prove to the feisty cowgirl that the only think he’s chasing now is wedding bells with her… Can the Matchmakin’ Posse of Mule Hollow help this couple find their happily ever after? **~EXCERPT~** "Get in there, you ornery hunk of steaks," Maddie Rose gritted out through clamped teeth while thrusting all of her weight into pushing the cattle trailer's rear gate closed. A hard task since her hundred twenty pounds didn't hold up against Buford's two thousand pound bulk. Needless to say, despite all of her shoving and pushing. Despite all of her exertion. Buford's big, hairy rump hadn't budged even an inch! Nope, there it was—hanging out over the back end of the trailer. Firmly in the way of the latch. "C'mon, only a few more inches," she coaxed, pushing, giving it everything she had. But the bull wasn't buying it. He didn't budge. "Arrrg," she growled, frustration nearly getting the better of her. This should have been a piece of cake—an easy load-up. Ha! Bull-headed Buford messed that up deciding he wanted off rather than on. Just Maddie's luck. And what was new about that? "Nothing," she grumbled. She wasn't a whiner, but there was no getting around the hard truth that most things in Maddie's life hadn't come easy. She'd been fighting for survival since the moment of her existence—a sickly baby only a few weeks old at best estimation, found alone, sitting in a carseat. Yup—just sitting on the steps of the post office like she belonged there. Obviously, she didn't belong anywhere. Maybe before that, but unlike most people Maddie had no recollection, no records, nothing...as far as her life record went she hadn't existed until that day in the post office when she was found. If she'd been a whiner she wouldn't have made it. No, Maddie was a survivor so she'd grown used to days like today. But it sure was getting old. Buford's attitude was a sharp reminder she'd better not get comfortable with the good fortune that had recently come her way. Owner. The thought dazzled her. Like a beautiful sparkly gift under the Christmas tree that she knew had to belong to someone else...and yet it was hers. She really was part owner of this magnificent New Horizon ranch. An amazing cattle ranch sitting on the outskirts of Mule Hollow, the most embracing little town she'd ever known. less