The Contract

by Violet L. Ryan

Orphaned Grace Barnett receives many proposals because her property has a dependable year-round water supply. She agrees to marry Jacob Cooper, the stranger from the ranch next door who claims he’ll never fall in love. They’ll have only a straightforward contract.

Jilted two years before, Jake doesn’t trust women. He wants water rights, heirs, and a peaceful home. He expects the boyish girl next door to provide these without the messiness of emotions. When he sees her walk down the aisle, dressed as a woman, clean, and lovely, an inner struggle begins. Two strangers learning to live together in a house filled with emotional conflict and family intrigue will test their ability to cope and hinder chances to fall in love.

316 pages, Unknown Binding

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

I see you’ve accepted my invitation! Great! Let me tell you just a bit about myself. I live in a small Midwestern town with my husband, Denny. We raised our three beautiful daughters, Lana, Julie, and Debbie, in a bungalow set above Fall Creek a stone’s throw from our lovely city park. We enjoy eating out with friends, Sunday morning church services, and fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ. My favorite pastimes include photography, painting, drawing, reading, and, of course, writing.
Now, about my work. I’ve created stories all my life. It’s second nature to turn even the smallest detail, like a face in a crowd, or a lonely house on a hill, into a full-blown story. I write short stories and novels in many different genres, but if you like romance, we already share a common bond. Whether I spin a tale of mystery, suspense, fantasy, or plain, honest to goodness romance, a developing relationship between my hero and heroine is necessary to the plot. Even as a tot, when I wove stories of magic kingdoms, there were always heroes to save the day and magical queens bestowing favors on their knights.
Between authoring several books, I’ve written articles for newspapers and Christian communications. Published short stories include Rachel’s Return to Christmas, Santa’s Swan Song, Blackjack, The Snake Slayer, and Family Treasure, along with the occasional poem. You can find more about these figments of my imagination on the Books page.When my work is finished, polished, and published, I schedule signings and appearances, hold events and author chats, and present ideas and information at programs for those who wish to learn a new craft or improve their technique.