Their Healing Hearts: A Later-in-Life Small Town Romance
Angie Cole
(Cardinal Creek)
Publication date: March 17th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Some hearts don’t need fixing. They need time—and the courage to hope again.
But when love appears quietly, will Deborah and Luke be ready to risk what they’ve built?In the charming town of Cardinal Creek, Deborah Clemmons has found peace and stability after a difficult past. She’s content with her quiet life at the Old Hughes place, where she’s found meaning in transforming the farmhouse into a shelter for women in need.
Fire Chief Luke Erikson understands the value of careful living, shaped by his own losses. He believes love should be patient, honest, and kind. As he and Deborah grow closer, their relationship feels safe and steady in ways neither expected.
When a fire threatens the shelter, Luke makes a choice meant to protect Debora, fracturing the trust they’ve built. As Deborah fights to save the shelter and the life she’s reclaimed, she faces a difficult truth: protecting herself may mean standing alone.
In a town where people show up and hearts remember, Deborah must choose between retreating into safety or taking a chance on love.
Their Healing Hearts is a later-in-life small-town romance about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to choose what comes next.
Perfect for readers who enjoy later-in-life romance, like The Inn at Rose Harbor, and heartwarming stories about community and love, such as The Quilter’s Apprentice. Don’t miss out on this emotional and uplifting read.
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EXCERPT:
(In Cattle Trail Cafe Deborah sees Luke after months apart)
She picked up her phone, but before Deborah could respond, the bell over the door jingled.
She looked up—and froze.
Luke walked in, tall and easy. He paused by the counter, scanning the room, and then his gaze landed on her.
Her pulse slammed against her ribs.
His warm smile made her heart flutter. It had been too long. She’d forgotten how easily he could undo her—how her body reacted before she could stop it.
He ordered coffee, then turned and headed straight for their table.
He’s coming this way. Not now. I look a fright.
She tried to smile as a flush crept up her neck, suddenly aware of everything—her breathing, her posture, the space between them.
“Good morning, ladies,” he said, voice low and calm, his eyes fixed on Deborah.
“Good morning, Luke,” Liz, Peggy Sue, and Sissy chimed in together.
Deborah stayed silent, her throat traitorously empty while the rest of the room practically gushed with approval.
Luke winked, and she nearly fell out of her chair.
What on earth was happening?
He turned to her. “How are you? Jon told me your divorce is final. Are you holding up okay?”
His voice was gentle. Genuine.
She managed a nod, cheeks burning, words stuck somewhere deep in her chest. The caf’és chatter blurred around her, drowned out by the pounding of her heart.
The moment stretched—too intimate, too exposed—until Luke cleared his throat.
He glanced at his watch. “Did you hear about the town hall meeting Monday? Someone’s opposing a new development on the edge of town.”
Sissy leaned forward. “What kind of development?”
“They’re not saying,” he admitted. “City Hall, 6:30. It could affect the small businesses.”
His gaze flicked over the group, then settled on Deborah again.
“It was really good seeing you all,” he said softly. “Especially you, Deb. I miss our dinners.”
Her breath hitched.
“It was great…for me too.”
She could only watch as he turned and walked away. When the door jingled shut behind him, Deborah realized she’d been holding her breath.
She dropped her face into her hands.
“That was intense,” Liz said.
“Yep,” Sissy added with a grin.
Deborah forced herself to sit up, pressing her palms to her cheeks. “So… the town hall meeting. Do you think it’s about the shelter?”
Her phone buzzed under the table.
Unknown number.
Author Bio:
Angie Cole pens endearing tales of small-town love, featuring reliable cowboys and charming firefighters in her hometown of Cardinal Creek, Texas. When she's not crafting delightful characters and fiery heroines infused with a hint of sass, she enjoys seeking inspiration at the local quilt shop or contemplating the unexpected success of her fictional quilt club within the local quilting community.
Angie Cole is recognized for her charming tales that intertwine romance with wit and deep emotion. She wholeheartedly embraces the notion of giving opportunities a second chance, cherishing slow dances, and the power of love and a close-knit community to foster healing. Her novels transport readers to a cozy realm where patience is essential in matters of the heart, small towns overflow with gossip, and happy endings are meticulously crafted.
Through her writing, she pours her heart and soul into creating stories that explore the intricacies and triumphs of the human spirit, drawing from her personal experiences with grief and her steadfast belief in the power of love. Her goal is to portray how love can unexpectedly blossom, offering a sense of hope and renewal. She also recognizes that grief is a deeply personal journey that manifests differently for each person, as she has learned through her own experiences.
GIVEAWAY!
Their Healing Hearts Blitz
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Claire Baldwin is used to building beauty from structure—dreaming in blueprints, raised among silver spoons and Ivy League expectations. Focused, brilliant, and untouchable, love was never part of the plan. Until one almost-mistake in her youth taught her the price of giving too much to someone who offered too little.
When King James Kronenscheld dies at the hands of the Demon King, he thinks his suffering is finally over and he can join his Edwin in Paradise. And, hey, at least he’d taken the Demon King with him, right?
AJ Sherwood believes in happily ever afters, magic, dragons, good men, and dark chocolate. She often dreams at night of delectable men doing sexy things with each other. In between writing multiple books (often at the same time) she pets her cats, plays with her dogs, and attempts insane things like aerial yoga. 
A rockstar at the height of his fame.
Five years ago, Tachina Winston made one impulsive decision—a one-night stand with her former client, Vic Maxwell. The result? The world’s cutest little boy and an unconventional but surprisingly seamless co-parenting setup. No drama, no strings, no regrets.
If you’re Eloise Hendrickson, the answer is twenty-five years. After being humiliated by her overseas pen pal in seventh grade, Eloise, now a successful writer, has never quite let go of that one mortifying moment. One bad breakup, a late night of drunken internet sleuthing, and a half-baked excuse to bust through writer’s block send her straight into the path of the boy she’s hated her whole life.
I've always had a passion for Creative Writing. There's something special about being able to travel to a different place or become a different person with just the stroke of a pen—or in today's world, a tap of the keyboard. Maybe it all started with the soap opera-level drama I used to script for my Barbie dolls. Plot twists, emotional arcs, surprise twins... it was basically a writer’s room before I even knew what one was. Whatever the spark, storytelling quickly became my favorite creative outlet. I craft stories that keep me on my toes and constantly push me beyond my comfort zone. Deep characters you either root for or love to hate are the ones I’m most drawn to.
And once you’re in it, the LifeStyle never lets go.
New York, 1977. Liza Collins is struggling to reconcile her relationship with her father, Will, after a lifetime of secrets and betrayal. Upon graduating from boarding school in London, Liza returns to her hometown of New York City seeking answers about her childhood that Will has largely left unanswered. Instead of answers, Liza unearths a series of illicit affairs, sham marriages, and financial troubles her father has tried to keep buried.
Dylan Alexander doesn’t need a boyfriend. Having one will only slow him down.
