The Homeward Series Series by Janis Reams Hudson

After seven years in prison, Duncan Malone returns to Washita, Texas, determined to reclaim the land and life he lost. No one will give him a job, except one woman desperate enough to hire him. Even in the only place where she's found acceptance, Franki Taylor is willing to risk loneliness and the community's resentment to save the home she's always wanted. Together, she and Duncan will deal with the past, stand up to the town, rebuild their lives...and fall in love.