The Jewel Trilogy Series by Hallee Bridgeman, Debi Warford

The men in Robin's life have never been anything but pushers and users. Tony's intrusion into her exhausted world both infuriates and intrigues her. Does Tony have a chance to break through the wall of ice Robin built around her heart? Antonio "Tony" Viscolli had grown up on the streets, homeless. At seventeen, he entered a downtown church with the intent of casing it, but found himself on his knees at the altar. Lovingly fostered by the youth minister, Tony learned about God... moreThe men in Robin's life have never been anything but pushers and users. Tony's intrusion into her exhausted world both infuriates and intrigues her. Does Tony have a chance to break through the wall of ice Robin built around her heart? Antonio "Tony" Viscolli had grown up on the streets, homeless. At seventeen, he entered a downtown church with the intent of casing it, but found himself on his knees at the altar. Lovingly fostered by the youth minister, Tony learned about God. Striking out on his own, he let God lead him to eventually become a very successful businessman. In a fallen world, Tony was a gem. When he bought the restaurant where Robin bartended, she immediately resented his intrusion into her well ordered, but exhausting, life. She suspected his special attention and constant kindness came with expectations of something from her in return, something she wasn't willing to give. Tony knew God had led him to Robin. Would she ever allow herself to trust him? Could she ever allow herself to trust God? Or would the winter of their tragic youths rise from the shadows of the past and freeze any chance at happiness? less

*** Best Inspirational Novel of the Year Finalist for 2012 RONE Award *** A terrifying past imprisoned Maxine Bartlett all her adult life, shackling her with fear anytime a man even touched her. In a spontaneous weekend, she unintentionally elopes with an unlikely groom. After a magical wedding night filled with love and passion, "Maxi" finally discards her dreadful chains. She doesn't know that her new husband has turned his back on God... more*** Best Inspirational Novel of the Year Finalist for 2012 RONE Award *** A terrifying past imprisoned Maxine Bartlett all her adult life, shackling her with fear anytime a man even touched her. In a spontaneous weekend, she unintentionally elopes with an unlikely groom. After a magical wedding night filled with love and passion, "Maxi" finally discards her dreadful chains. She doesn't know that her new husband has turned his back on God. Worried over how the world might see the completely unexpected - and some would certainly say inappropriate - marriage, in his pride he promises Maxine a quiet annulment. Unwilling to let their marriage disappear as if it never happened, Maxine refuses to cooperate. Seeking God's will, she moves in with him and informs him that when he decides to act like her husband again, he will find his loving wife waiting for him right there in their home. As the days stretch into weeks, the newlyweds slowly begin to trust and even love each other. Then, just as they begin to live the "happily ever after" love story that neither of them ever dreamed could come true, a sudden and nightmarish catastrophe strikes that could wreck everything. Will her husband realize that he must trust God once more? Can he find peace and strength enough to carry them through the flames? less