A Bride's Rogue
Business And Pleasure Clash In This Historical Love Saga
Blanche Lamar has inherited a steamboat from a father she’s never met. As she struggles to adjust to her new life she finds an unexpected ally in Ike Gallagher. She and Ike both want to find a way to make the steamboat profitable but are at odds on how to accomplish it. Can they learn to live in faith, or will their future happiness sink in a river of overwhelming devastation?
Calico Brides
How Does God Fit Into This Prairie Romance?
Determined to sow good deeds into the lives of needy people, the four youngest members of the 1876 Calico, Kansas, sewing circle reap romance. Gladys Polson, designing to aid a crotchety widower, falls for a stranger. Marvel as author, Darlene Franklin weaves a web of wonderment using her beautifully rendered characters and backdrops. This is a true classic and genre favorite.
Dressed For Death
A Mystery Collection Like No Other
Three Volumes in One (Christian Cozy Mystery) which is—you guessed it—a three book collection unraveling a murder mystery which aims to keep the reader on the edge of his or her seat with an addictive, engrossing plot line and more than a dash of romance. The Graces and the Gaynors, two families who have been feuding since the 1890s, are thrust into situations you must read to believe! Gunfight reenactments, vintage clothing and old fashioned sleuthing all factor into this truly one-of-a-kind mystery series.
The Drummer's Angel
The First "New Historical" Romance!
For most of Darlene Franklin's career, "historical romance" ended after World War II. However, in recent years, the end point has slowly become the beginning of the micro-computer revolution in 1985! The Drummer's Angel takes place in December, 1963. America is reeling from the assassination of President Kennedy. Our protagonist, Jack is reeling, too, when he meets God. Now, he's asking for divine help to get his band back together. Bette is hurting, too. Her twin brother just enlisted in the army, and she's worried. Will these characters find solace and meaning in a decade on the cusp of a tailspin that could engulf them all?
Also available in the collection, Romancing the Christmas Angel.
In God's Hands
A Collection of Inspirational Poems
God wants a relationship with us. He describes himself as having eyes, ears—hands. His hands flung the universe in place and crafted our bodies. They protect us and shelter us—they also discipline us. The thirty-nine poems in In God’s Hands celebrate those hands from many different angles. This charming and inspirational book demonstrates a very important side of Darlene Franklin's literary prowess: the faithful poet.
Love's Gallery
Unforgettable Romance
This is a heartwarming and wonderful collection of four distinctive love stories: a legal drama for the holidays; an account of missing persons, drugs and jealousy; a tale of drawing strength from the Lord to overcome our struggles; and a reimagining of Puss 'n' Boots! Don't miss out on this memorable collection from America's preeminent romance author.
Maple Notch Romances
Eight Couples Find Love Over the Years
The Maple Notch series is an omnibus of epic proportions, spanning generations of different people, places and experiences. This captivating series was published one book at a time as part of three separate collections. Finally, they are all in one convenient location where they belong. For an amazingly unique experience look no further than Maple Notch. With backdrops as varied as the Battle of Fort Ticonderoga, the War of 1812, the Lake Placid Olympics, the Second World War, and reality television this is arguably Darlene Franklin's masterpiece.
Note: The series' first book, Prodigal Patriot, was Ms. Franklin's first novel-length historical romance. One might say this created the blueprint for all that came after it in follow-up installments, Bridge to Love, Hidden Dreams, Saving Felicity and others.
Mermaid's Song
A Romantic Fairy Tale
Noble Prescott is drawn to the scene of a shipwreck by a sweet song sung in a language he didn’t understand. The songstress is barely alive, holding onto a piece of the ship’s railing. Her dress wraps around her legs like a mermaid’s tail. This is a landmark entry in Darlene Franklin's oeuvre, not only because it is a heartwarming fan favorite, but also because it marked the event of her 50th book release.
Also available in the collection, Love Everlasting.
A Ranger's Trail
A Story Of Forgiveness
Ranger’s Trail is set in Mason County, Texas, during the Mason County or “Hoo Doo” war (Texas 1870s). This is an ugly chapter in American history, involving a land feud that resulted in murder of German Americans and then retaliatory murders, and none of the perpetrators was ever brought to justice. Leta Derrick's husband was murdered, although he had done nothing to provoke it. Now she is siding with the rogue ranger, Scott Cooley and refuses to help Buck Morgan, mob breaker, stem the tide of violence. This is a story dear to Darlene Franklin's heart, as it deals with the theme of forgiveness, and it has also been cherished by her fans since its release.
Romanian Rhapsody
Music, Missions And The American Dream
Haunted by the orphans she met in Romania, Carrie Randolph returns to work in an orphanage. Soon she finds herself mothering five toddlers full-time and dreaming of adopting one of them when her two-year mission is finished. Steve Romero's wife and son died in tragic circumstances in Romania, and he struggles to put the past behind him. When he decides to adopt a child, he returns to Romania and the orphanage where Carrie works - breaking her heart when he chooses Viktor, her favorite. Will Carrie trust God to fulfill her dreams in His time? Can Steve let go of grief and learn to love again? This was Darlene Franklin's first book, which grew out of two solid pieces of advice she'd received: write what you know and write what you're passionate about.
Also available as part of the collection, Colorado Melodies.
Women Taming America
Tales Of Strong Women In The Old West
Five romances sweep the reader from the battles of the Civil War to Wyoming’s gold fields, from Rhode Island’s cotton mills to the summer playground of the rich and famous, from 1860-1880 in America. Women set up businesses, went west as mail order brides, overcame physical disability, and fought class prejudice. Discover their stories in Women Taming America, a collection of five previously published books from Darlene Franklin.
Collaborative Anthology Highlights
The Cowboy's Bride Collection
Ride onto the open range alongside cowboys and cowgirls who embrace the adventures of living in the Old West from Kansas to New Mexico, Colorado to Texas. Whether rounding up cattle or mustangs, training horses, fending off outlaws, weathering storms, competing in rodeos, or surviving drought these cowboys work hard each day. But when hardheaded men have their weaknesses exposed by well-meaning women will they stampede away or will a lasting love develop? Find out in this exciting collection of nine historical romances. Darlene Franklin turns in a typically stellar work with her singular offering to this tough, but tender anthology.
The Homestead Brides Collection
This is the story of nine pioneering couples starring in nine historical romance adventures, risking it all for life and land! Readers will journey along with individuals who are ready to stake a claim and plant their dreams on a piece of the great American plains. While fighting land disputes, helping neighbors, and tackling the challenges of nature the homesteaders are placed in the path of other dreamers with whom romance sparks. And God has His hand in orchestrating each unique meeting. Darlene Franklin contributes a lovely piece to this collection of stories by some of America's most treasured scribes.
The Preacher's Bride Collection
This six-in-one collection centers on the lives and loves of six preachers and the women wondering if they are cut out to be preachers’ wives. Being a helpmate to a pastor is no easy task. They must step out in a special kind of faith and love. Darlene Franklin joins many other influential authors to deliver her thrilling installment, Miss Bliss and the Bear, to the collection. It is the story of Annie, a young woman who knits hats and mittens for soldiers, but chaplain Jeremiah Arnold isn’t sure he wants a woman hanging around the fort—even one as beautiful and well meaning as Miss Bliss.
More Collaborative Anthology Highlights
The Coffee Club Mysteries
When Morgan Butler bought the Coffee Perk in Oak Grove, Kansas, she didn’t expect it to come with murder and other mysteries that she and her book club members become entangled. Join them as they unravel six unexplained events that have the potential to ruin business and spoil friendships if not handled with care. Darlene Franklin's contribution to this anthology in particular will have you recommending this one to friends and family!
Mountain Christmas Brides
Darlene Franklin headlines this riveting holiday set of stories with a sparkling contribution! From a Wyoming ranch in 1880, to a logging camp in Washington Territory in the late 1800s, to Denver, Colorado, in 1913, meet nine couples who find that Christmas is the perfect time for climbing to the heights of romance. Watch as their faith and courage propel them through challenges that come with mountain winters to cozy fireside celebrations that lead to lasting proclamations of love. Penned by an exclusive selection of Christian fiction authors—including Susan Page Davis, Vickie McDonough, and Carrie Turansky—this collection of nine romances is one to treasure.
Seven Brides For Seven Mail-Order Husbands
Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas’, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved? Don't miss out on Darlene Franklin's prominent contribution to this immersive, authentic romance collection.
Darlene's Favorite Anthologies
Railroad Brides
Is it a coincidence that the two best-selling Winged Publications collections both include a classic Darlene Franklin story? Probably not! All Roads Lead Home tells the story of a Graceanne Willis, her beau, Peter... and Charles Lindbergh! A fateful softball game and an unexpected landing lead to exciting news for Waynoka, Oklahoma. Set in the earliest days of aviation and airline travel, we join Graceanne and Peter as they embark on a cross country journey of discovery, faith and difficult choices. This story beautifully ties together this indispensable quartet of Prairie Romances by some of Winged Publications' favorite authors.
Royal Romances
In Her Rocky Mountain Highness, Darlene Franklin tells the tale of Krystal Black and Prince Johann "John" van Koppelber. The former had helped foreign dignitaries before but never was tempted to join their ranks. The latter came to the Colorado Rockies expecting a vacation. He hadn't planned to fall in love with his tourism director. But like John Denver, the prince found a home and fell in love. A personal favorite of the author, Her Rocky Mountain Highness is the culmination of at least three of Darlene Franklin's passions: Colorado, romance, and the music of John Denver. Serving as the centerpiece of this cherished anthology, Darlene hopes you'll have as much fun reading her installment as she did writing it!
Spinster Orphan Train
Take a ride on the orphan train as six spinsters search to find homes for orphaned children and end up finding love for themselves along the way. Whether they're running from an unwanted suitor or trying to find a place to belong, these women show that anything is possible when you put your mind to it and open your heart. The Darlene Franklin-penned To Riches Again is one of her most revered and adored works for a reason. It is the story of Elyssa and Bill, a troubled couple in Depression-era America. After losing everything, their hard luck turns to wholeness thanks in part to two orphan children. This is an enchanting and essential work central to Darlene Franklin's bibliography.