Dining with Joy

by Rachel Hauck

Published 15 November 2010

"Chef" Joy Ballard longs for a simpler life. But when a good-looking outsider arrives and spices things up, life becomes deliciously complicated.

Host of a regionally syndicated cooking show, Joy Ballard has a little secret: she can't cook. But when her show is picked up by a major network and given a prime time slot, her world heats up faster than a lowcountry boil.

Enter Luke Redmond: handsome, creative, and jobless after having to declare bankruptcy of his Manhatten restaurant. When her producers ask him to co-host the show, Joy sees Luke as her way out. But Luke sees much more than just a co-host in Joy.

Their relationship begins to simmer on and off set. Until Joy's secret is revealed and her reputation is ruined on national television by her rival, Wenda Devine.

But could Devine's cruelty be a divine gift? Losing Luke--and her sister--forces Joy to consider where her worth really comes from. Could God be cooking up an even bigger adventure from the mess? And will Joy hang on long enough to find out?


Sweet Caroline

by Rachel Hauck

Published 18 January 2008

Caroline serves others with little time to enjoy the sweeter parts of life. Until her old boyfriend returns to town--and she's given a second chance at first love.

Life hasn't always been so sweet for Caroline Sweeny.

She's sacrifice her desires for others--unlike her mother who abandoned their family years ago. But when a friend challenges her to accept an exciting job adventure in Spain, Caroline says "yes" to a new destiny.

But before she can pack her bags, Caroline suddenly finds herself the new owner of the run-down Frogmore Cafe--and forced to choose between her friends and her future.

Then her first love, Mitch O'Neal, returns home and encourages her to seek God's desires for her future. With his help, she may just discover the true sweet life.


Love Starts with Elle

by Rachel Hauck

Published 8 July 2008

Elle's living the dream-but whose dream is it?

Elle loves her life in Beaufort, South Carolina-summer days on the sand bar, coastal bonfires, and dinners with friends, sharing a lifetime of memories. She's found her stride professionally as the owner of a successful art gallery. Life is good.

And she's found love with handsome, confident Jeremiah Franklin. But Jeremiah has accepted a large pastorate in a different state, so Elle turns her life upside down to take "the call" with him. When Jeremiah has a change of heart, Elle is hurt-and her faith is shaken.

New York lawyer and recent widower Heath McCord imagines the lowcountry cottage he's rented for the summer is the balm his grieving heart needs. That and time to connect with his little girl. He's unprepared to meet his beautiful landlord, Elle Garvy, or the love her friendship awakens.

But God has new blessings in store for the two grieving hearts. Can Elle trust so soon after losing Jeremiah? Can Heath release the memory of his wife and love again? Could love be as simple as trusting enough to take the first step?