Birdsong Series by Alice Addy

The number of poor immigrants entering New York City in 1862 only added to the problems of a nation at war. Fatherless children and mothers unable to provide a home for their little ones swelled the homeless population far beyond what the city could endure. Crime was out of control and the misery found on the streets could no longer be tolerated. The children on the streets needed to be rounded up and relocated... moreThe number of poor immigrants entering New York City in 1862 only added to the problems of a nation at war. Fatherless children and mothers unable to provide a home for their little ones swelled the homeless population far beyond what the city could endure. Crime was out of control and the misery found on the streets could no longer be tolerated. The children on the streets needed to be rounded up and relocated. Little five-year-old Evie was such a victim when she suddenly found herself riding on a strange train, along with other orphans, bound for small towns and farms out west. There was a desperate need for children to help on the farms and ranches scattered over the prairies and grasslands. There, also, were couples that yearned for a family with children of their own. As eager and as loving as these individuals could be, there was little need for a small girl child with a lame and twisted foot. No one would be interested in the beautiful child with the large and sad eyes. However, people grow up and change over the years, bringing with them the hardships of their past. Even caterpillars eventually emerge from their cocoons as beautiful butterflies, and so it was with Eve. She was glorious and tough. She would need to rely on that strength in the coming days, as her life was, once again, about to change in ways unthinkable. Handsome men vied for her hand and called out for her attention, but only one would be worthy, and even he would have to prove himself. Danger and heartbreak were constant companions, until one day . . . less

Dr. Blake Donovan couldn’t keep his eyes from straying to the ravishing brunette working in the garden. With her straw bonnet sitting slightly askew on her head, allowing her long, shining curls to fall gracefully around her shoulders, he found her to be totally captivating. The young woman was tall and slender, with feminine curves in all the right places—and he knew she wasn’t the least bit interested in him or any other man... moreDr. Blake Donovan couldn’t keep his eyes from straying to the ravishing brunette working in the garden. With her straw bonnet sitting slightly askew on her head, allowing her long, shining curls to fall gracefully around her shoulders, he found her to be totally captivating. The young woman was tall and slender, with feminine curves in all the right places—and he knew she wasn’t the least bit interested in him or any other man. Miss Emily Louise Falkenrath was 23 years old, and carried a very large chip on her delicate shoulders. She knew how cruel and dangerous men could be . . .even men that were supposed to protect little girls and their mamas. She had been forced to grow up fast, and she learned to hide from her secret past. There was no time for men or romance in her life, but she still dreamed. Since the time she left home, she had yearned to have her own farm and she swore to let nothing prevent her from getting it. Not even the man she most feared in the world would stop her. Unfortunately, handsome Dr. Blake Donovan would just have to look elsewhere for romance. Not a man to give up, Dr. Donovan vows to keep Emily happy and safe—even if, in order to protect her, he has to revisit his violent past—and kill again. Perhaps he’ll succeed in winning her heart, but for now, everyone was in danger and some would die, but Blake vowed they would see it through together. less

While traveling in France, young Patricia Franklin met and fell in love with the man of her dreams. Devastatingly handsome and rich beyond imagination, he was perfect for her. She entered his world, expecting to find everlasting happiness; and all was perfect, for a while. Then, in a single moment, a terrible tragedy occurred and their lives changed, forever. In spite of the lies, the false accusations, and a senseless death, she intended to marry him... moreWhile traveling in France, young Patricia Franklin met and fell in love with the man of her dreams. Devastatingly handsome and rich beyond imagination, he was perfect for her. She entered his world, expecting to find everlasting happiness; and all was perfect, for a while. Then, in a single moment, a terrible tragedy occurred and their lives changed, forever. In spite of the lies, the false accusations, and a senseless death, she intended to marry him. Leaving him at the altar was not her choice. After learning his terrible secret, running away was her only option. She must flee France and return to America, telling no one of her past. Andre Broussard was the second son of a very rich and influential family in Marseille. The feisty little American had stolen his heart, and he dared to go against the wishes of his brother by asking her to marry him. Ignoring the threats and the schemes against them, he openly courted her. Then, on what should have been the happiest day of his life —- she disappeared —- leaving him standing alone, at the front of the church, in front of all their friends. As fate would have it, one evening, in the middle of Kansas, he found her. She was part owner of a quaint hotel and had made a good life for herself. But she hadn’t expected to see him walk through her door. It made his heart soar to see the shock and fear etched on her beautiful face. He was angry and vowed to get his revenge. She would pay dearly for what she had done to him—if he could simply get past her emerald green eyes and her fiery red curls. Bonjour, My Wife is the third novel in the Birdsong Series. Follow the adventures of five amazing women as they carve out a life for themselves in the Wild West town of Hays City, Kansas. Danger and heartbreak pursue them, as does love and passion. less

Hays, Kansas 1893 Life at the Birdsong Hotel was pretty much the same, day in and day out. Cassie Miller did her best to keep up the strict standards set by her friends, the previous proprietors, but found it was a losing battle. After the sudden death of her dear friend, Whiskey Allen, she found herself without a man to share the heavy load, and the place fell quickly into disrepair... moreHays, Kansas 1893 Life at the Birdsong Hotel was pretty much the same, day in and day out. Cassie Miller did her best to keep up the strict standards set by her friends, the previous proprietors, but found it was a losing battle. After the sudden death of her dear friend, Whiskey Allen, she found herself without a man to share the heavy load, and the place fell quickly into disrepair. Once filled with joy and the happy sounds of children at play, the Birdsong had fallen silent and was starting to show its age—and so was dear Dora, the true heart of the hotel. Recently widowed and plagued with arthritis, she was a mere shadow of her former self. Feeling in over her head, Cassie needed to quickly find a solution to her problems. That’s when she met the handsome and mystifying stranger from Colorado. But it was no love match. From the very beginning, Brett Farrell stalked her, watching her every move, and all the while, he kept mysteriously silent. Soon, strange and malicious accidents began to occur. Neither she, nor anyone else at the Birdsong, was safe from harm. Finally forced to take action, Cassie decides to take a leap of faith, and is rewarded by a shocking revelation. As all of her friends gather for Christmas, she realizes nothing will ever be the same at the old hotel, but maybe there was something better on the horizon—perhaps a new beginning for them all. less