Debbie Macomber: A Little Bit Country

When a city woman meets a country man…

Rorie Campbell has a pleasant, predictable life in San Francisco, where she’s seeing a pleasant, predictable man. Then, while she’s on vacation, her car breaks down on an Oregon country road, and horse rancher Clay Franklin comes to her rescue. Rorie soon discovers that a city girl can fall in love with a country man. And the other way around… But Clay has no right to return her feelings because he’s engaged to another woman! Is he willing to change that situation for Rorie—and himself?

A Little Bit Country by Debbie Macomber

When a small-town woman falls for a big-city cop…

Shop owner and single mom Claire Bradford has just suffered a serious car accident in her hometown of Hope’s Crossing, Colorado. She certainly has no time for romance, or so she tells herself—especially when Riley McKnight comes back to town as the new chief of police. The accident forces Claire to rely on other people, including Riley, and she realizes for the first time that things have to change—in her own life and in the town, where a string of robberies has damaged the residents’ sense of community. Riley is the man who can bring about the change everybody needs!

Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne

Praise for the novels of #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber

“Popular romance author Macomber has a gift for evoking the emotions that are at the heart of the genre’s popularity.”

—Publishers Weekly

“[Macomber] demonstrates her impressive skills with characterization and her flair for humor.”

—RT Book Reviews

“Macomber…is no stranger to the New York Times bestseller list. She knows how to please her audience.”

—Oregon Statesman Journal

“Whether [Debbie Macomber] is writing lighthearted romps or more serious relationship books, her novels are always engaging stories that accurately capture the foibles of real-life men and women with warmth and humor.”

—Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne

“In Thayne’s latest, her beautiful, honest storytelling goes straight to the heart. Her characters are authentically vulnerable and the light, amusing banter between them adds to the sweet warmth of this story… [A] moving yet powerful romance.”

—RT Book Reviews on Wild Iris Ridge

“Thayne’s series starter introduces the Colorado town of Hope’s Crossing in what can be described as a cozy romance… [A] gentle, easy read.”

—Publishers Weekly on Blackberry Summer

“Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.”

—Booklist on Woodrose Mountain

A Little Bit Country

A Little Bit Country

Debbie Macomber

Blackberry Summer

RaeAnne Thayne

www.mirabooks.co.uk

Table of Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text When a city woman meets a country man… Rorie Campbell has a pleasant, predictable life in San Francisco, where she’s seeing a pleasant, predictable man. Then, while she’s on vacation, her car breaks down on an Oregon country road, and horse rancher Clay Franklin comes to her rescue. Rorie soon discovers that a city girl can fall in love with a country man. And the other way around… But Clay has no right to return her feelings because he’s engaged to another woman! Is he willing to change that situation for Rorie—and himself? A Little Bit Country by Debbie Macomber When a small-town woman falls for a big-city cop… Shop owner and single mom Claire Bradford has just suffered a serious car accident in her hometown of Hope’s Crossing, Colorado. She certainly has no time for romance, or so she tells herself—especially when Riley McKnight comes back to town as the new chief of police. The accident forces Claire to rely on other people, including Riley, and she realizes for the first time that things have to change—in her own life and in the town, where a string of robberies has damaged the residents’ sense of community. Riley is the man who can bring about the change everybody needs! Blackberry Summer by RaeAnne Thayne

Praise Praise for the novels of #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber “Popular romance author Macomber has a gift for evoking the emotions that are at the heart of the genre’s popularity.” —Publishers Weekly “[Macomber] demonstrates her impressive skills with characterization and her flair for humor.” —RT Book Reviews “Macomber…is no stranger to the New York Times bestseller list. She knows how to please her audience.” —Oregon Statesman Journal “Whether [Debbie Macomber] is writing lighthearted romps or more serious relationship books, her novels are always engaging stories that accurately capture the foibles of real-life men and women with warmth and humor.” —Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Praise for the novels of New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne “In Thayne’s latest, her beautiful, honest storytelling goes straight to the heart. Her characters are authentically vulnerable and the light, amusing banter between them adds to the sweet warmth of this story… [A] moving yet powerful romance.” —RT Book Reviews on Wild Iris Ridge “Thayne’s series starter introduces the Colorado town of Hope’s Crossing in what can be described as a cozy romance… [A] gentle, easy read.” —Publishers Weekly on Blackberry Summer “Thayne, once again, delivers a heartfelt story of a caring community and a caring romance between adults who have triumphed over tragedies.” —Booklist on Woodrose Mountain

Title Page A Little Bit Country A Little Bit Country Debbie Macomber Blackberry Summer RaeAnne Thayne www.mirabooks.co.uk

A Little Bit Country A Little Bit Country Debbie Macomber

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Blackberry Summer

Dedication

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Extract

Copyright

A Little Bit Country

Debbie Macomber

One

“Help! Fire!” Rorie Campbell cried as she leaped out of the small foreign car. Smoke billowed from beneath the hood, rising like a burnt offering to a disgruntled god. Rorie ran across the road, and a black-and-white cow ambled through the pasture toward her, stopping at the split-rail fence. Soulful brown eyes studied her, as if the cow wondered what all the commotion was about.

“It’s not even my car,” Rorie said, pointing in the direction of the vehicle. “All of a sudden smoke started coming out.”

The cow regarded her blankly, chewing its cud, then returned lazily to the shade of a huge oak tree.

“I think it’s on fire. Dan’s going to kill me for this,” Rorie muttered as she watched the uninterested animal saunter away. “I don’t know what to do.” There was no water in sight and even if there had been, Rorie didn’t have any way of hauling it to the car. She was so desperate, she was talking to a cow—and she’d almost expected the creature to advise her.