Their Healing Hearts: A Later-in-Life Small Town Romance
Angie Cole
(Cardinal Creek)
Publication date: March 17th 2026
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Some hearts don’t need fixing. They need time—and the courage to hope again.
But when love appears quietly, will Deborah and Luke be ready to risk what they’ve built?
In the charming town of Cardinal Creek, Deborah Clemmons has found peace and stability after a difficult past. She’s content with her quiet life at the Old Hughes place, where she’s found meaning in transforming the farmhouse into a shelter for women in need.
Fire Chief Luke Erikson understands the value of careful living, shaped by his own losses. He believes love should be patient, honest, and kind. As he and Deborah grow closer, their relationship feels safe and steady in ways neither expected.
When a fire threatens the shelter, Luke makes a choice meant to protect Debora, fracturing the trust they’ve built. As Deborah fights to save the shelter and the life she’s reclaimed, she faces a difficult truth: protecting herself may mean standing alone.
In a town where people show up and hearts remember, Deborah must choose between retreating into safety or taking a chance on love.
Their Healing Hearts is a later-in-life small-town romance about second chances, found family, and the courage it takes to choose what comes next.
Perfect for readers who enjoy later-in-life romance, like The Inn at Rose Harbor, and heartwarming stories about community and love, such as The Quilter’s Apprentice. Don’t miss out on this emotional and uplifting read.
Goodreads / Amazon
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EXCERPT:
(In Cattle Trail Cafe Deborah sees Luke after months apart)
She picked up her phone, but before Deborah could respond, the bell over the door jingled.
She looked up—and froze.
Luke walked in, tall and easy. He paused by the counter, scanning the room, and then his gaze landed on her.
Her pulse slammed against her ribs.
His warm smile made her heart flutter. It had been too long. She’d forgotten how easily he could undo her—how her body reacted before she could stop it.
He ordered coffee, then turned and headed straight for their table.
He’s coming this way. Not now. I look a fright.
She tried to smile as a flush crept up her neck, suddenly aware of everything—her breathing, her posture, the space between them.
“Good morning, ladies,” he said, voice low and calm, his eyes fixed on Deborah.
“Good morning, Luke,” Liz, Peggy Sue, and Sissy chimed in together.
Deborah stayed silent, her throat traitorously empty while the rest of the room practically gushed with approval.
Luke winked, and she nearly fell out of her chair.
What on earth was happening?
He turned to her. “How are you? Jon told me your divorce is final. Are you holding up okay?”
His voice was gentle. Genuine.
She managed a nod, cheeks burning, words stuck somewhere deep in her chest. The café’s chatter blurred around her, drowned out by the pounding of her heart.
The moment stretched—too intimate, too exposed—until Luke cleared his throat.
He glanced at his watch. “Did you hear about the town hall meeting Monday? Someone’s opposing a new development on the edge of town.”
Sissy leaned forward. “What kind of development?”
“They’re not saying,” he admitted. “City Hall, 6:30. It could affect the small businesses.”
His gaze flicked over the group, then settled on Deborah again.
“It was really good seeing you all,” he said softly. “Especially you, Deb. I miss our dinners.”
Her breath hitched.
“It was great…for me too.”
She could only watch as he turned and walked away. When the door jingled shut behind him, Deborah realized she’d been holding her breath.
She dropped her face into her hands.
“That was intense,” Liz said.
“Yep,” Sissy added with a grin.
Deborah forced herself to sit up, pressing her palms to her cheeks. “So… the town hall meeting. Do you think it’s about the shelter?”
Her phone buzzed under the table.
Unknown number.
Author Bio:
Angie Cole pens endearing tales of small-town love, featuring reliable cowboys and charming firefighters in her hometown of Cardinal Creek, Texas. When she's not crafting delightful characters and fiery heroines infused with a hint of sass, she enjoys seeking inspiration at the local quilt shop or contemplating the unexpected success of her fictional quilt club within the local quilting community.
Angie Cole is recognized for her charming tales that intertwine romance with wit and deep emotion. She wholeheartedly embraces the notion of giving opportunities a second chance, cherishing slow dances, and the power of love and a close-knit community to foster healing. Her novels transport readers to a cozy realm where patience is essential in matters of the heart, small towns overflow with gossip, and happy endings are meticulously crafted.
Through her writing, she pours her heart and soul into creating stories that explore the intricacies and triumphs of the human spirit, drawing from her personal experiences with grief and her steadfast belief in the power of love. Her goal is to portray how love can unexpectedly blossom, offering a sense of hope and renewal. She also recognizes that grief is a deeply personal journey that manifests differently for each person, as she has learned through her own experiences.
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