Cane River Romance Series by Mary Jane Hathaway

"Alice Augustine runs the oldest bookstore in the historic district of Natchitoches and believes technology is the root of most problems. If only more people would turn off the Tv and shut down the computer, the world wouldn't be in the mess it's in. If only she can get the teens she loves to step away from the screens, they might be able to hold on to their Creole culture... more"Alice Augustine runs the oldest bookstore in the historic district of Natchitoches and believes technology is the root of most problems. If only more people would turn off the Tv and shut down the computer, the world wouldn't be in the mess it's in. If only she can get the teens she loves to step away from the screens, they might be able to hold on to their Creole culture. The only person who seems to understand her passion for classic literature is the mysterious website owner, Browning Wordsworth Keats. Paul Olivier comes back to his home town determined to show the people of Cane River that he's not the poor, nerdy kid he once was. He's made a fortune designing video games and opening a giant electronics store right in the snooty historic district will be the crowning glory of his career. Unfortunately, one bookish anti-tech fanatic has decided to do everything she can to keep that from happening. Even worse, she doesn't know that in cyber space, they're best friends and kindred spirits. Alice and Paul clash from the start, but nothing is ever quite as it seems. When secrets are revealed, will there be a second chance- for both of them? A romance that brings the humor of You've Got Mail and the deep friendships of 84, Charring Cross Road, this romance will touch the classic literature lover in everyone." less

An ex con who wears his crime on his sleeve. A woman drowning in an ocean of secrets. Can they find love and hope in each other? Lorelei "Henry" Byrne was born cursed. Being able to spot a lie with perfect accuracy sounds like fun, until you have to live with it. Her whole existence has been hobbled by her hidden talent. She’s estranged from her family, has only one friend, and couldn’t get through a first date if her life depended on it... moreAn ex con who wears his crime on his sleeve. A woman drowning in an ocean of secrets. Can they find love and hope in each other? Lorelei "Henry" Byrne was born cursed. Being able to spot a lie with perfect accuracy sounds like fun, until you have to live with it. Her whole existence has been hobbled by her hidden talent. She’s estranged from her family, has only one friend, and couldn’t get through a first date if her life depended on it. She throws herself into her work as the new head of the Cane River Creole National Heritage Park, resolving to be content in her solitude… until she meets Gideon, a man with nothing to lose and no reason to lie. After spending most of his adult life in prison, Gideon Becket has built a quiet life around the Cane River archives. He doesn’t believe he deserves happiness after the crimes he’s committed. When Henry arrives in town, everything starts to change, and Gideon wonders if there’s hope for him after all. But just as he takes the first steps toward forgiving himself, his past comes back to haunt him. Does he hold on to his guilt, or does he take a chance on a new life? Letting Henry into his heart will mean confronting his own tragic past, and take a courage he isn't sure he has. Set in the beautiful Cane River region around the city of Natchitoches, Louisiana, this is the second book in the Cane River Romance series. This is an inspirational, clean romance. There is no sex or swearing, but the book does address issues such as PTSD, family secrets, murder, life in prison, drug use, gangs, and there is a flashback to a child’s death. The characters experience dark, real-life struggles, and ultimately must decide whether to live a life of grace and forgiveness. less

Charlie Soule never cared what anyone thought, especially the stuffy old folks in her home town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. She couldn’t wait to get out of the Creole swampland and see the world. When she leaves for college, her blond hair dyed bright pink and trusty black converse on her feet, Charlie knows she’s finally going to do something big. But three years later, Charlie returns after losing it all to a con artist. She left her little home town believing she could be anything... moreCharlie Soule never cared what anyone thought, especially the stuffy old folks in her home town of Natchitoches, Louisiana. She couldn’t wait to get out of the Creole swampland and see the world. When she leaves for college, her blond hair dyed bright pink and trusty black converse on her feet, Charlie knows she’s finally going to do something big. But three years later, Charlie returns after losing it all to a con artist. She left her little home town believing she could be anything. She comes back as a woman who can’t trust anyone. Austin Becket looks like the kind of guy who’s never had to struggle to get ahead. Blessed with great parents and good looks, he gives the impression of a perfectly charmed life. With a new degree in hand, he moves to Natchitoches to work at the local juvenile justice center, hoping to do some real good in the world. When he meets Charlie in the local bookstore, he’s smitten with her razor-sharp wit, voracious reading habit, and no-nonsense attitude. Add in the fact she’s as passionate about gaming as he is, and she seems even more perfect. But somehow Charlie’s got the idea that he’s too good to be true, and the more he tries to connect with her, the more suspicious she becomes. less