A Conard County Homecoming

Book excerpt: A matchmaking service dog proves her worth as man’s—and woman’s—best friend in this heartwarming romance from the New York Times–bestselling author. Conard County’s returning war hero is a world away from the popular high school athlete Ashley Granger remembers. Zane McLaren doesn’t want any fanfare—he doesn’t want any human contact at all. But it seems Zane’s affectionate golden Lab has other ideas about the decorated soldier and the teacher next door . . . Wounded in battle, Zane wants only to be left alone. He doesn’t need anyone’s pity, especially his outgoing, dog-loving neighbor’s. Because it isn’t just Ashley’s legendary apple pie that’s tempting Zane to quit hiding from life. Suddenly the Purple Heart recipient is having a hard time keeping his own heart under wraps. Has he found the woman who can help him heal the past and build a loving future together? Praise for the novels of Rachel Lee “A page-turner full of mystery and suspense, keeping the reader engaged every step of the way.” —Fresh Fiction “While the relationship-building excels, it is the heroine’s strength in the face of such personal adversities that is the real scene-stealer.” —RT Book Reviews “[Rachel Lee]’s deft use of dialogue to make her stories convincing works as well with conspiracy theories as with contemporary romances.” —Publishers Weekly