Judith Stacy - The Dreammaker

Cover Page

Excerpt Kaitlin tightened her grip on the broom. “Have you changed your mind? Do you want to back out?” “No, I’m not backing out. I’m fixing up the place. I’m keeping my end of the bargain.” “Can’t you at least be pleasant in the process?” Tripp rolled his eyes. “It’s not enough for you that I’m doing it? I have to like it, too?” Kaitlin swung the broom at him, swatting him squarely on the chest. “Yes! Yes, you have to like it!” Tripp fell back a step, stunned. She advanced on him, clenching the broom in her fist. “Yes, you have to like it, Tripp Callihan! This is my life you’re a part of now, and I won’t have you griping, moaning and complaining about everything. Life’s hard enough without your own partner dragging you down! Do you understand me?” He understood, all right. Better than Kaitlin Jeffers would ever imagine…

Dear Reader Dear Reader, Welcome to Harlequin Historicals—stories that will capture your heart with unforgettable characters and the timeless fantasy of falling in love! Rising talent Judith Stacy is back this month with The Dreammaker, set in 1880s Nevada. Known for her light, feel-good stories, Judith has again written a tale about family and finding oneself—and love—along the way. Here, two very different people, a single father and an aspiring actress, are swindled by the same man and become business partners to recoup their losses and realize their dreams. Ironically, love—the dream of a lifetime—is right in front of them! Award-winning author Gayle Wilson returns with a mesmerizing Regency-style romance, Lady Sarah’s Son, about sweethearts, torn apart by tragedy, who reunite in a marriage of convenience and can no longer deny their enduring love…In The Hidden Heart, a terrific medieval tale by Sharon Schulze, a beautiful noblewoman must guard her heart from the only man she has ever loved—the Earl of Wynfield, who has returned to her keep on a dangerous secret mission. And don’t miss Cooper’s Wife by rising talent Jillian Hart, a heartwarming Western about single parents—a sheriff and a troubled widow—who marry to protect their kids, and find true love. Enjoy! And come back again next month for four more choices of the best in historical romance. Sincerely, Tracy Farrell, Senior Editor P.S. We’d love to hear what you think about Harlequin Historicals! Drop us a line at: Harlequin Historicals 300 E. 42nd Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10017

Title Page The Dreammaker Judith Stacy www.millsandboon.co.uk

About the Author JUDITH STACY began writing as a personal challenge and found it a perfect outlet for all those thoughts and ideas bouncing around in her head. She chose romance because of the emotional involvement with the characters, and historicals for her love of bygone days. Judith has been married to her high school sweetheart for over two decades and has two daughters. When not writing, she haunts museums, historical homes and antique stores, gathering ideas for new adventures set in the past.

Dedication To Judy and Stacy, who keep me grounded To David, who gives me wings

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Copyright

“Have you changed your mind? Do you want to back out?”

“No, I’m not backing out. I’m fixing up the place. I’m keeping my end of the bargain.”

“Can’t you at least be pleasant in the process?”

Tripp rolled his eyes. “It’s not enough for you that I’m doing it? I have to like it, too?”

Kaitlin swung the broom at him, swatting him squarely on the chest. “Yes! Yes, you have to like it!”

Tripp fell back a step, stunned.

She advanced on him, clenching the broom in her fist. “Yes, you have to like it, Tripp Callihan! This is my life you’re a part of now, and I won’t have you griping, moaning and complaining about everything. Life’s hard enough without your own partner dragging you down! Do you understand me?”

He understood, all right. Better than Kaitlin Jeffers would ever imagine…

Dear Reader,

Welcome to Harlequin Historicals—stories that will capture your heart with unforgettable characters and the timeless fantasy of falling in love!

Rising talent Judith Stacy is back this month with The Dreammaker, set in 1880s Nevada. Known for her light, feel-good stories, Judith has again written a tale about family and finding oneself—and love—along the way. Here, two very different people, a single father and an aspiring actress, are swindled by the same man and become business partners to recoup their losses and realize their dreams. Ironically, love—the dream of a lifetime—is right in front of them!

Award-winning author Gayle Wilson returns with a mesmerizing Regency-style romance, Lady Sarah’s Son, about sweethearts, torn apart by tragedy, who reunite in a marriage of convenience and can no longer deny their enduring love…In The Hidden Heart, a terrific medieval tale by Sharon Schulze, a beautiful noblewoman must guard her heart from the only man she has ever loved—the Earl of Wynfield, who has returned to her keep on a dangerous secret mission. And don’t miss Cooper’s Wife by rising talent Jillian Hart, a heartwarming Western about single parents—a sheriff and a troubled widow—who marry to protect their kids, and find true love.

Enjoy! And come back again next month for four more choices of the best in historical romance.

Sincerely,

Tracy Farrell, Senior Editor

P.S. We’d love to hear what you think about Harlequin Historicals! Drop us a line at:

Harlequin Historicals

300 E. 42nd Street, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10017

www.millsandboon.co.uk

JUDITH STACY

began writing as a personal challenge and found it a perfect outlet for all those thoughts and ideas bouncing around in her head. She chose romance because of the emotional involvement with the characters, and historicals for her love of bygone days.

Judith has been married to her high school sweetheart for over two decades and has two daughters. When not writing, she haunts museums, historical homes and antique stores, gathering ideas for new adventures set in the past.

To Judy and Stacy, who keep me grounded To David, who gives me wings

Nevada, 1884

Every conception should be this delightful.

Kaitlin Jeffers turned sideways, studying her round belly in the big oval mirror. She stretched out her arms and rested her palms on the bulge. Goodness, she could hardly reach all the way around.

A wide grin parted her lips. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Kaitlin faced the mirror making sure the folds of her black dress hung straight. She looked down to be certain the hem touched the tops of her kid shoes, and laughed aloud. was her big stomach.

Looking up, she saw her reflection in the mirror and forced the smile from her face. She’d have to remember not to make that mistake again. Maybe she should have rehearsed more.

A metal key scraped in the door behind her, and in the mirror she saw Isabelle Langley walk into their hotel room. Tall and thin, her friend was even more a contrast to her now.