In Whispers of Love, Civil War widow Jessie Wagstaff must fend for herself and her son. When a stranger, Lee Smith, befriends Jessie's son, even though she recognizes nine-year-old Linc's need for a father figure, she's reluctant to let a new man into their life. When the Great Chicago Fire blazes, every heart is pushed to its limits. In Lost In His Love , Jessie's son Linc, a social activist and reporter, charms his way through the upper class of San Francisco to build much-needed support for his fight against child labor. His main target is Cecilia Jackson, a beautiful heiress who doesn't recognize the crucial part she plays in this dangerous exploitation. As the secrets of her family's dark past are exposed, Cecilia must revive her own wounded spirit and find the strength to lean on the never-failing love of Christ. But when the 1906 earthquake hits, everyone's faith will be put to the test. In Echoes of Mercy , Meg Wagstaff challenges the racial barriers of 1920s New Orleans in order to prove that her childhood friend did not commit murder. The stubborn lawyer prosecuting the case, Gabriel St. Clair, is an authentic Southern gentleman who makes the mistake of underestimating Meg, both her tenacity and her charm. Despite their many differences, sparks begin to fly. But when Meg discovers the truth, will Gabe be able to protect her from those who can't afford to have justice prevail? “This series of historical, romantic, inspirational novels holds the reader’s attention with quick pacing.” — Historical Novels Review “Each of these stories is riveting, bringing some of our most tragic times to light: the great Chicago fire, the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906, and the rough and tumble era of Prohibition and civil rights.…a wonderful collection of special stories that is sure to be the perfect gift.” — Romance Reviews Today In Whispers of Love, Civil War widow Jessie Wagstaff must fend for herself and her son. When a stranger, Lee Smith, befriends Jessie's son even thought she recognizes nine year old Linc's father figure. She's reluctant to let a new man into their life. When the Great Chicago Fire blazes, every heart is pushed to its limits. In Lost in His Love, social activist Lincoln Wagstaff charms his way through the upper class of San Francisco to build much-needed support for his fight against child labor. Along the way he meets Cecilia Jackson, a rich and beautiful heiress who doesn't recognize the crucial part she plays in this dangerous exploitation. As Lincoln struggles to win justice for child laborers in the new Industrial Age, Cecilia must revive her own wounded conscience and find the faith to lean of Lincoln's strength and the never-failing love of God. In Echoes of Mercy, Meg Wagstaff has just returned from volunteering in WWI France and plans to begin law school. But when her father receives a telegram from a New Orleans parish attorney with the news that Del DuBois (an African-American family friend who was raised as close as a brother to Meg) has been arrested for the murder of his white boss, Meg leaves immediately to set the record straight. Del is innocent and she'll prove it. As Del's life hangs in the balance, Meg's most irritating challenge proves to be Gabriel St. Clair, the New Orleans parish attorney who is prosecuting Del's case. St Clair is an authentic Southern gentleman who makes the mistake of underestimating Meg. But as he gets to know Meg, and witnesses her true friendship with Del, Gabe sees for the first time that friendship is possible between a white woman and a black man. But will Meg pay the price for crossing the racial lines? An award-winning author of both contemporary and historical inspirational romance, Lyn Cote is an active member of RWA and the American Christian Fiction Writers. A 2006 RITA Award finalist for Best Inspirational, as well as a finalist for the HOLT Medallion and the National Readers Choice Award, Lyn lives with her husband in Wisconsin. Blessed Assurance By Lyn Cote HarperCollins Publishers, Inc. Copyright © 2007 Lyn Cote All right reserved. ISBN: 9780061349942 Chapter One April 9, 1871 Would the baby live? He'd survived the night, thanks be to God. But would he finally keep liquids down today? The dark-skinned baby in Jessie's arms drew a deep, wonderful breath. She'd bathed the fevered child all night long. Trembling with fatigue, she wilted onto the old rocker. Across from her in the gray glow of near dawn, she glanced at the outline of the baby's mother and father. They lay side by side on their narrow rope-bed in mutual exhaustion. Earlier, the mother, unwell herself, had nearly fainted and Jessie had forced her to lie down. Now, the way the black couple lay so close, so intimate, made her throat tighten. She looked away as if she'd intruded. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. The grim dread that had oppressed her all night turned to cautious gratitude. But I must get home now. "Ruth," she cal