Wounded and retired veteran Kasey Carter walks alone.

But when the one person she's tried the hardest to push away begs for her help, she can't resist the call of duty and devotion. Thrown on a path more dangerous than she expected, she'll do anything to protect the people she loves, even if that means hiding out for months in the forested mountains of Cascade Valley, Montana.

When a nosy-and handsome-local rancher stumbles across her hiding place, she'll have to decide if she can risk trusting him or if she'll have to walk through the shadows alone in a battle to survive.

Rancher Dean McCade is used to devoting himself to protecting the people and the land he loves.

When a chance encounter brings him face-to-face with a mysterious woman living in the woods, he can't stop thinking about her. Probably because the woman won't stop putting him in her rifle sights every time they meet. It's obvious she's running from something, but her fiercely guarded secrets keep him at a distance.

As he works to earn her trust and the truth unfolds, he knows God put him in her path. But as his feelings grow and the danger lurking in the shadows collides with their hope for a future, the right choice might mean loving her enough to let her go.

Shadows of the Valley is Book Two in The McCade Family Series. In this series, you'll find swoony, protective ranchers and the strong-willed women they love, plus faith-filled themes throughout. The door stays closed for this one, but expect sweet (and swoony!) kisses and plenty of banter to melt your heart.