Garden of Love Series by Melanie Wilber

Lily Fields is a story about a young woman’s journey of faith. Enjoying her career as a special education teacher, Lily Sullivan knows she is blessed with a loving family, good friends, and a relationship with God she cherishes at the deepest part of her heart. At the age of twenty-seven, she is happy and content with her life but remains hopeful about what the future may have in store... moreLily Fields is a story about a young woman’s journey of faith. Enjoying her career as a special education teacher, Lily Sullivan knows she is blessed with a loving family, good friends, and a relationship with God she cherishes at the deepest part of her heart. At the age of twenty-seven, she is happy and content with her life but remains hopeful about what the future may have in store. Marriage and raising children of her own is something she desires, but she has moments of doubt these blessings will ever be on the horizon. Her life as a wallflower seems to be stretched out before her with no end in sight. In one week, Lily’s life changes dramatically. Suddenly she has three men on her mind who also have their sights set on her. Is the one who makes his intentions clear first the one she should concentrate on, or is her heart yearning more deeply for another? Seeking the plans God has laid out for her, Lily has a difficult time navigating the path, and her life becomes an obstacle course of confusion and heartbreak. Her faith that once seemed carefree and strong becomes burdensome, weak, and something she is tempted to abandon. Is it worth it: this trusting-in-God life she has been raised with and chosen for herself as a woman of faith, conviction, and surrender to Him? Or would she be better off charting her own course, taking matters into her own hands, and finding happiness apart from the Creator and Lover of her soul? less

Josie Matthews has much to be thankful for. She loves her job as a labor and delivery nurse, and her six year old son brings constant joy to her life. Following a time of heartbreak and difficulty in her early twenties, Josie has experienced the faithfulness of God as a single parent, putting her trust in Him and seeing their needs be met over and over again... moreJosie Matthews has much to be thankful for. She loves her job as a labor and delivery nurse, and her six year old son brings constant joy to her life. Following a time of heartbreak and difficulty in her early twenties, Josie has experienced the faithfulness of God as a single parent, putting her trust in Him and seeing their needs be met over and over again. Josie is hopeful that someday her son will have a daddy, and she will have a loving, faithful husband to share her life with, but after a recent breakup with a caring man she thought might be the one, she is back to waiting and wondering. Her faith in God and a hopeful future remains and when a friendly, handsome man moves in next door, Josie feels drawn to him, but can she risk her heart again, or are too many obstacles blocking her path to finding lasting love? less

"Wildflowers" is a story of new beginnings. In recent months, Natalie Matthews' well-ordered, independent life has become one of chaos and uncertainty. Her career as a travel photographer is in limbo, and her relationships on several fronts are complicated. She knows what she wants, but she wonders if her hopes are realistic and if what she desires will lead to the happiness she longs for... more"Wildflowers" is a story of new beginnings. In recent months, Natalie Matthews' well-ordered, independent life has become one of chaos and uncertainty. Her career as a travel photographer is in limbo, and her relationships on several fronts are complicated. She knows what she wants, but she wonders if her hopes are realistic and if what she desires will lead to the happiness she longs for. When a sweet guy keeps surprising her at every turn, she wonders if they possibly have a future together or if their lives are heading in opposite directions with differences far too great to overcome. Will Natalie believe in new beginnings and the truth of God's presence and love? Will she have the courage to take the unfamiliar paths, or continue on with the plans she has set before her? less

"Roses For Holly" is a story of a young woman's path to healing. Seventeen-year-old Holly Stevens has been forced to grow up very quickly, entering the world of motherhood much sooner than she planned. Left alone without support from even her own mother, she finds refuge in a loving home, making her first few months as a teen mom better than she ever thought possible... more"Roses For Holly" is a story of a young woman's path to healing. Seventeen-year-old Holly Stevens has been forced to grow up very quickly, entering the world of motherhood much sooner than she planned. Left alone without support from even her own mother, she finds refuge in a loving home, making her first few months as a teen mom better than she ever thought possible. When some extended family invites her to come live with them on a long-term basis, Holly feels grateful for their open hearts, but moving away from the only loving home she’s ever known takes another step of faith. Choosing to trust in God’s constant care and the kindness of others, she watches her life unfold in new ways filled with both challenges and joys. When the love of a stable and caring young man takes her by surprise, she wonders if she’s ready to be involved in a serious, long-term relationship. Do her wounds of abuse and neglect go too deep to let the man she loves get close, or will she choose to trust and allow his love and the love of her God to fully heal her fragile heart? less

Bring Me Flowers is the fifth book in the Garden of Love series and is a collection of four short stories (novellas). These short stories of second chances feature minor characters from previous books in this series. The title and description of each story is as follows. Be Mine: Tracy hasn’t seen Devin in four years. She loved him once but didn’t know just how much at the time. Now she has a second chance with her first love... moreBring Me Flowers is the fifth book in the Garden of Love series and is a collection of four short stories (novellas). These short stories of second chances feature minor characters from previous books in this series. The title and description of each story is as follows. Be Mine: Tracy hasn’t seen Devin in four years. She loved him once but didn’t know just how much at the time. Now she has a second chance with her first love. Will Devin want her back as she hopes, or is it too late? Flowers For Miss Swan: After getting her heart broken last year, Kristin is skittish about getting involved in another relationship, especially when the guy pursuing her is her boss! Does the pain from her broken engagement go too deep, or will she dare to hope for the best and open her heart once more? The Matchmaker: Five years ago Kendra said goodbye to her high-school sweetheart. Was sending him an email a mistake? Is she setting herself up for heartbreak? Will Trevor remain a nice memory, or will her prayerful dreams for their future become a reality? Tulips For Katie: Kathleen and her husband have been separated for two years. When Jon expresses a desire to restore their marriage, can she trust his sincerity, or will allowing him access to her heart again be a mistake? less

As Allison Kennedy nears her graduation from Portland State University, she has high hopes for the future. Since returning to the United States from Brazil where her parents have been serving as missionaries since she was five, she's had one desire -- to go back. Feeling called by God to follow in her parents' footsteps, she can't imagine wanting anything more for her life... moreAs Allison Kennedy nears her graduation from Portland State University, she has high hopes for the future. Since returning to the United States from Brazil where her parents have been serving as missionaries since she was five, she's had one desire -- to go back. Feeling called by God to follow in her parents' footsteps, she can't imagine wanting anything more for her life. With plans to attend a year of Bible college in the fall, she sets her sights on her dream to return to Brazil becoming a reality, possibly as soon as the following summer, until God throws her a little curve ball that sends her plans into chaos and makes her future uncertain. Spending the summer at a youth camp instead of working to pay for her final year of school doesn't make any sense. Why would God be asking her to do such a thing? How could that possibly fit into her long-range plans? And where on earth is she going to get the money to continue her education? Allison has no idea, but putting her trust in the One she calls Savior and Lord, she discovers that God knows what He's doing after all. less

As a senior in college, Loralyn Peters is looking forward to finishing her education and stepping into the real world. With her career goal of becoming a P.E. and health education teacher nearly reached, she feels well-settled in that aspect of her future but completely confused when it comes to her love-life—namely her relationship with Eric Mackenzie whom she’s been dating for over two years... moreAs a senior in college, Loralyn Peters is looking forward to finishing her education and stepping into the real world. With her career goal of becoming a P.E. and health education teacher nearly reached, she feels well-settled in that aspect of her future but completely confused when it comes to her love-life—namely her relationship with Eric Mackenzie whom she’s been dating for over two years. At one time their relationship seemed solid and perfect, but that changed when Eric told her he wanted to break up six months ago. Since getting back together with him, she isn't certain she made the right decision. Deciding she wants them to go their separate ways once again, Lora plans the perfect time and words to speak, but when Eric begins acting strange and saying things she never expected, she feels completely confused and unsure of what to do. Should she break up with him as planned, or hold on? Could Eric’s attitude about their future together be changing? And if so, is that what she wants? less

"Violets Are Blue" is a story of restoration and joy. Making her first appearance in "Jasmine Elise" (Book 6), Jillian Moss has seen her life undergo some major changes. After years of storing a bunch of paintings in her closet and laying aside her artistic gift, she’s begun painting again, turning out one lovely thing after the next and selling them in her own gallery—thanks to a man who was a special part of her life for a time... more"Violets Are Blue" is a story of restoration and joy. Making her first appearance in "Jasmine Elise" (Book 6), Jillian Moss has seen her life undergo some major changes. After years of storing a bunch of paintings in her closet and laying aside her artistic gift, she’s begun painting again, turning out one lovely thing after the next and selling them in her own gallery—thanks to a man who was a special part of her life for a time. In the six months since letting Richard go, she’s had peace and seen God blessing her in many ways, including a beautiful, spacious home of her dreams. But her personal life continues to have its struggles. Dealing with her ex-husband, raising her two teenage daughters, and trying to navigate her way through another promising relationship, Jillian continues to cling to Jesus through it all. And although not everything turns out exactly the way she would have planned it, the faithfulness of her God comes shining through. less

Raindrops on Roses is a collection of four short stories (novellas). For those who have read "Bring Me Flowers" (Book 5), some of the characters in these stories will be familiar. Story descriptions are as follows. Forever Friends: Anna and Josh have been friends since the eighth grade. But as young adults, a new time for them is beginning... moreRaindrops on Roses is a collection of four short stories (novellas). For those who have read "Bring Me Flowers" (Book 5), some of the characters in these stories will be familiar. Story descriptions are as follows. Forever Friends: Anna and Josh have been friends since the eighth grade. But as young adults, a new time for them is beginning. Will they fall in love with others and go their separate ways, or will they decide it’s time to go beyond friendship with each other? Wait For Me: At the age of thirty-three, Julie doesn’t mind her life of singleness, but when she finally meets the one she wants to spend her life with, she wonders if it can ever be. Danny says he loves her, but when he has to leave for a time, will he return for her like he promised? Something Beautiful: Following a broken engagement, Karen has shut down her heart toward men. She doesn’t want to hurt anyone like that ever again. But when someone new begins to invade her heart, can she figure out if she really loves him before it’s too late? Dance With Me: With two months of his college days remaining, Nathan is anxious to see where God will lead him. Heading for Oregon during Spring Break, he wonders if a girl he once knew will be there. Where is Janie now, and why can’t he stop thinking about her? less

"Sunflowers" is a story of a young woman's quest for love, truth, and what really matters. Carmay Turner’s life hasn’t been going the way she planned. It’s not horrible by any means. She has a wonderful, loving family, an enjoyable job, and everything a young single woman could want, except one thing: a solid dating relationship with a caring guy she enjoys spending time with and can stand for more than a month or two... more"Sunflowers" is a story of a young woman's quest for love, truth, and what really matters. Carmay Turner’s life hasn’t been going the way she planned. It’s not horrible by any means. She has a wonderful, loving family, an enjoyable job, and everything a young single woman could want, except one thing: a solid dating relationship with a caring guy she enjoys spending time with and can stand for more than a month or two. She has little trouble attracting guys, but finding one worth keeping is another matter. Until she meets Derek. He’s everything she’s been looking for. After dating him for a year, she has high hopes of him proposing to her soon, perhaps even on the night of their one-year anniversary. But when the evening doesn’t turn out the way she hopes, she not only wonders if he will ever propose, but if she even wants that. Maybe she’s not doing as well as she thought. Maybe it’s not a man she needs most. Perhaps something else is missing. Can she find what she truly needs? Can she hang in there and wait for what God has planned, or did she already miss it? And when she finds someone who brings the right element of joy to her heart, can she accept his "condition" of dating her, or will her lack of patience get in the way of the blessings awaiting them? less

It’s been five years since Mark said goodbye to Josie. If he had his way, they would be married, raising a family, and sharing his beautiful log home in the Sierra foothills of northern California. But instead he lives alone, wondering if he can ever love another woman the way he loved her. He has a pleasant life in other ways. His family and a busy pediatrics practice make his life fulfilling. He’s not certain his workaholic ways and a family could go together anyway, but he does long for it... moreIt’s been five years since Mark said goodbye to Josie. If he had his way, they would be married, raising a family, and sharing his beautiful log home in the Sierra foothills of northern California. But instead he lives alone, wondering if he can ever love another woman the way he loved her. He has a pleasant life in other ways. His family and a busy pediatrics practice make his life fulfilling. He’s not certain his workaholic ways and a family could go together anyway, but he does long for it. For a wife. For children. For a happily-ever-after story of his own. His world is forever changed after one date with Heather. She’s beautiful, caring, and everything he’s been waiting for. But will something lying underneath the surface keep Mark from loving her as he wants to and as she desperately needs? less

Beth and Dennis Whitestone have been married for five years. As college sweethearts, they were married by age twenty-three, and they’ve spent the last five years having a pleasant life together. Beth is a stay-at-home mom with their one year old daughter, Ariel, and her life is everything she’s always dreamed of... moreBeth and Dennis Whitestone have been married for five years. As college sweethearts, they were married by age twenty-three, and they’ve spent the last five years having a pleasant life together. Beth is a stay-at-home mom with their one year old daughter, Ariel, and her life is everything she’s always dreamed of. But following some difficult months with having Dennis away for his job more than usual, Beth’s thoughts about marriage and mommyhood not being for her begin to surface, and a surprise waiting for her on a pregnancy-test stick seems very untimely. Could her current struggles and confusion be a blessing in disguise? Will she allow herself to be swallowed up in despair, or can she find a way to rise above the disappointments and challenges? Are some better days awaiting her if she has the courage to follow God into the unknown and learn to enjoy all that she already has, or will the difficult times be too much and cause her to throw it all away? less