Published by: Howland Press
Release Date: June 2026

  

Synopsis

Madison Gable is determined to rebuild more than the weathered barn on her family property—she’s trying to rebuild her life. Back in her childhood home, facing mounting expenses and limited funds, Madison focuses on one goal: bringing her beloved horses home where they belong. Love has never been part of the plan. After too many disappointments, she’s convinced it’s safer not to trust anyone with her heart.

Then Ryan Murphy steps back into her life.

A respected veterinarian and the brother of Madison’s childhood best friend, Ryan, has spent years carrying a secret guilt tied to her father’s tragic death. Haunted by what he couldn’t prevent as a teenager, he throws himself into helping everyone around him, believing good deeds are the only way to make up for the past. Yet the more time he spends helping Madison, the more he realizes she’s the one person who makes him want a life beyond guilt—and the one thing he can’t bear to lose.

As Madison slowly believes love might truly be possible, the return of her former boyfriend threatens to unravel everything. Old wounds reopen, buried secrets come to light, and Ryan’s carefully hidden past is finally exposed.

Now Madison and Ryan must decide if love is worth risking the pain they’ve spent years trying to escape.