Books by Mary Crawford

Fate has a very odd sense of humor.Otherwise, why would Brynley Meeker meet one of the most handsome men she's ever seen smack in the middle of the dairy aisle ... while his son is having a meltdown, and the mystery guy looks ready to pass out.Sometimes life is all about being in the right place at the right time — even when it can seem all sorts of wrong.Folk musician, Joe Summers thought he had his life under control. It only took a spur of the moment trip to the grocery store to show him how wrong he was. Can he afford to change everything based on a chance encounter? After all, his son, Brody, is counting on him. He took a chance with Brody's mom, and it had disastrous consequences. Inviting Brynley into their lives could make things even worse.

What if what makes you special is gone?For as long as she can remember, Mindy Whitaker has always been able to see the future. Then, suddenly, she can't. With her gift on the blink, she'd give anything to be special again. After her psychic gift failed epically, Mindy isn't sure if she should trust her ability again. Her doubts are confirmed when she can't stop yet another tragedy.Elijah Fischer rose to the top of the bestseller lists with his first novel - but he can't seem to find the same magic again. He wants to take his writing career in a whole new direction, but a frantic call from his home town threatens to derail his dreams. Elijah never expected to find one of the few people, now all grown-up and beautiful, from his past who took the time to listen to him despite his Tourette's syndrome.When her special gift suddenly returns, Mindy knows Elijah and his family are in danger, but her answers may not be enough his family or their love. Mindy's gift failed her before. What if her vision is flat out wrong? Can Elijah convince Mindy that love is reason enough? If you love unusual characters and family drama, You'll love this sweet romance about first love with a touch of mystery. Tempting Fate is the tenth novel in the Hidden Beauty Series. It may be read as a standalone novel.

Sometimes your greatest challenge can lead to unexpected victories.As a paramedic, Rocco Pierce is no stranger to making life-and-death decisions and delivering devastating news. Nothing prepared him for a situation quite like this. What exactly do you do with a letter informing you that your wife is dying of breast cancer when you've never been married? Crime reporter Mallory Yoshida is used to getting odd fan mail, so why should she pay attention to this guy who wants to talk to her about a mysterious letter? After all, Mallory is on the verge of a breakthrough in a case she's been following for years. She doesn't have time for distractions. Obviously, Rocco Pierce didn't get the memo, because he hasn't stopped lobbying her for an in-person meeting. He says it's personal, but how could it be when they've never met? Rocco needs to deliver the most awful, life-changing news imaginable. Yet, when he meets Mallory, there is an undeniable connection. Even though none of this is his business, Rocco can't seem to step away.He wonders if it was all a bureaucratic failure or simply divine intervention? After all, it's not like the letter is a matter of life and death - or is it?If you like compassionate, heroic types in uniform and spunky women who fight for justice, you'll adore this unusual tale of love at first sight under challenging circumstances.The Letter is a clean and wholesome, suspenseful romance. It is the eleventh book in the Hidden Beauty Series and can be read as a standalone novel.

Sometimes your frailty can be the source of someone else's strength.Mariam Fischer has had it with men - especially good-looking, confident, overbearing, smooth-talking ones. Why won't William Kordes get a clue?The drop-dead gorgeous guy with seemingly more money than one person could ever spend in a lifetime, says he plans to change the world. Now, he wants to transform her world. Unimpressed, Mariam has heard lines like that before. Promises like that only end in heartbreak. There's only one problem. Miriam's head is telling her one thing, but her heart feels differently.Will hired Miriam on a whim after he screwed up her chance of getting a better job. Who knew she would be the perfect person to help catapult his business to a whole new level? Will became an inventor to help solve problems. Suddenly, his mission is very personal. Miriam doesn't deserve to be in this much agony. Fibromyalgia is an enemy he can't see or touch. Even so, there has to be something he can do. What if Will really can take away her pain as he promised?There is something oddly intoxicating about the power of Will. Mallory wants to believe ... just this once. If you like great friends-to-lovers, clean and wholesome romance novels featuring characters with extraordinary grit, you'll adore The Power of Will.This book is the twelfth book in the Hidden Beauty Series. It can be read as a standalone novel.

Staying true to yourself is difficult when doing so hurts someone else.Jordan Sheppard has regrets. Big ones. When she makes a seemingly rash decision which may cost her everything, she must come face-to-face with her family and start rebuilding her life. Cristiano Romero knows a little bit about starting over after a catastrophe. He is trying to make it as an on-air talent covering the X Games, yet he still has the heart of a competitor. When he crosses paths with Jordan, he finds himself wanting to compete in a whole new game. Cristiano is the type of man Jordan never thought she'd find. He loves her despite her differences. She fears love may not be enough when she chooses to forge a bold path of her own. Can Jordan and Cristiano come to grips with the paths not taken and begin a life together? If you love workplace romances, you will adore this clean and wholesome romance with a touch of suspense. Paths Not Taken is the eighth novel in the Hidden Beauty Series. It can be read as a standalone novel.

Sometimes, you have to set aside other people's expectations and follow your own script.Award-winning musician Aiden O'Brien has just offered Tasha Keely a spot in his band. She should be thrilled. After all, it's the kind of gig every aspiring musician chases. Tasha has been in the limelight since she was old enough to hold the microphone. His offer should be enough to make her walk on clouds. So, why does this shot of a lifetime feel like her real dreams are even more unobtainable? Jude Hernandez is both drawn to and totally jealous of Aiden's newest star. He spends all day breaking his back moving gear for the band and writing songs in hopes that one day he'll get a chance to catch the ear of Aidan O'Brien. What musician in their right mind would turn down an opportunity like this? Tasha is smitten by the shy wannabe singer. But how can she explain that the plans other people have for her are not her own? After Tasha and Jude are targeted by a deranged fan, Jude discovers the dream may not be all it's cracked up to be. Can they find the right notes between them to find a mutual love of music and each other? What happens if someone else threatens their dreams?If you love sexy musicians and phenomenal friendships, you will adore this clean and wholesome romance with a touch of mystery.Jude's Song is the seventh book in the Hidden Beauty Series. It can be read as a standalone novel.

The power of friendship can change your destiny.Everyone told  Elijah Fischer high school would be different. Kids have bullied him because of his Tourette's syndrome for as long as he can remember. When someone tries to stuff him into a locker, it's clear things are the same as they've always been.The only thing different about today is that the new girl at school got to see it happen. Could his luck get any worse? So much for making a good impression.Sadie Anderson was hoping to make new friends at her new school. This guy definitely looked like he needed a friend. If he really knew her,  would he feel the same? When Sadie is offered a chance to submit a portfolio to the college of her dreams, Elijah and Sadie become partners to create a novel as a class project. Little did they know how words could change their destiny.If you love stories about best friends overcoming the odds, this novella may be right up your alley.Authors note: This novella can be read as a standalone but will make more sense if it's read after Love Claimed but before Jude's Song.

Sometimes, the person who challenges you the most is precisely who you need.Tyler Colton is exactly the irritating, overbearing take charge, livin’ large kind of guy that Heather LaBianca has been dodging her whole life. So, why exactly does her heart beat faster every time Officer Colton enters the room?  Tyler wasn’t exactly looking for happily ever after when his best friend got married and started hanging out with a new group of friends. The curvy spitfire blonde Italian who had as many jokes as a standup comedian intrigued him, but his natural charms seem utterly ineffective for this fiercely independent woman. When personal tragedy strikes in Heather’s life, Tyler gets a chance to be Heather’s real-life knight-in-shining-armor. Even as he’s helping Heather’s dreams come true, Tyler realizes that this puzzling enigma of a woman is quietly helping him exorcise the nightmares of a mission that went horribly wrong.  Will he be brave enough to accept her love so that they can move forward together through joy and tears?If you like heroines with an independent streak a mile wide and tough military men, you'll love Joy and Tiers, the third clean and wholesome contemporary romance in the Hidden Beauty Series.

Sometimes to find yourself, you need to return to your one true love.When Aidan O’Brien stumbles across Tara Isamu, she is nothing like the best friend he remembers and whom he’s loved since childhood. He scarcely recognizes the timid woman who stands in the place of a fearless competitor.Life has changed them both.Tara recalls that Aidan, the kid brother of her former dance partner, has always lived to make her laugh. If only she could figure out a way to break the news that her soul was crushed by a random act of violence.Aidan has been in love with her as long as she can remember. Even so, Tara doesn’t know if the damaged version of herself is worth loving. It may be too much to ask of anyone.Can they rekindle their love and grow strong in the power of music so their hearts can dance?If you like characters with hidden strength, you’ll cheer for this couple as they overcome their pasts and triumph. So the Heart Can Dance is the second clean and wholesome romance in the Hidden Beauty Series. It can be read as a standalone novel.

The existence of love at first sight is doubtful  — until it happens to you.As a lifeguard and law student, Jeff Whitaker grasps life head-on after putting his dreams on hold due to a family crisis. But his legendary focus changes when a woman rescues a little boy while Jeff is lifeguarding.This most interesting, captivating, complex woman tempts him beyond belief. And she comes with two of the most adorable “strings” he’s ever met. When faced with that combo, he’s tempted to throw caution to the wind.Kiera Ashley, a former para-Olympian swimmer, turned social worker never expected to encounter the man of her dreams in the middle of a lake.  Their first meeting was awkward. When they start dating, he claims it’s love at first sight. As much as Kiera would love to believe in fairytales, they just don’t happen to her.But meeting Jeff isn’t like diving into the deep. That she can handle. But when he struggles with the effects of his childhood trauma, she wades in. Can she overcome her own insecurities and commit to going all-in?When a crisis hits home, the two of them struggle to stand together until the stars fall from the sky. If you love fiery heroines and unlikely heroes, you’ll love  Until the Stars Fall from the Sky. This clean and wholesome romance with a healthy dash of family will keep you on the edge of your seat. Until the Stars Fall from the Sky is the first novel in the Hidden Beauty Series. It can be read as a standalone.

Does using dictation make your muse run in the other direction? Voice recognition software is a powerful tool, yet some authors find it challenging to incorporate dictation into their writing style.  Use Your Voice is a comprehensive how-to-guide designed to help you integrate dictation into your writing process regardless of whether you are a plotter, a pantser, or a planser. This book will help you choose the software and equipment that best meets your needs. It includes an overview of popular writing software and how those programs interact with dictation software. Each writing style presents its own unique challenges when supported by dictation. Learn how to effectively incorporate dictation into the writing style which works best for you. Turn your voice into your most powerful writing tool.

Starting over is harder than it seems.Nancy has tried for years to escape her terrible marriage, and now it's officially over.Why does she feel more lost than happy?Nancy Williams is trying to not only rebuild her own life but save her business, which fell by the wayside while she was sorting out her life.As a last-ditch effort, she posts a message on social media and prays for a Christmas miracle. Perhaps she should have been a tad more specific. Nancy didn't expect her miracle to have a charming southern accent and an affinity for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Having survived a rough childhood and lost the love of his life when he was just a young man, Rex Hudson believes in giving back. When he sees Nancy's destroyed craft shop, he's one of the first to step up and help. Little did he know a little good karma could set him on the long road to love.If you believe it's never too late to have a second chance at love, you'll love this sweet contemporary romance novella.

Phoenix Wolf doesn't like people much.People say he has no heart and is oblivious to the world around him, but nothing could be further from the truth. The problem is he sees and hears far too much.Asperger's syndrome colors the way he experiences the world and everything in it. Usually, he is content to keep to himself and debug computers. But, a promotion opportunity thousands of miles away from home pushes him out of his comfort zone.Before he can tackle the challenge of a lifetime, he finds an injured dog. He can't just leave it, so he calls the nearest rescue center.Animal trainer, Zoe Hurlington has reservations about the odd stranger with long blonde hair when he begs her to help save a dog. She is not even sure she buys Phoenix's story that the Labrador Retriever is not his. After her brother was arrested for unspeakable crimes, Zoe learned the hard way that trusting people is a universally bad move.Zoe will gladly stick to training service dogs for a living. Animals don't lie. Yet, somewhere along the way, Phoenix quietly managed to rescue more than a four-legged friend.Can this unlikely friendship provide them both with freedom they never knew existed and love they never dreamed they'd find?If you enjoy a compelling clean and wholesome romance combined with family drama galore, you'll love Freedom, the ninth standalone book in the Hidden Hearts series.

It's time to move on. The trick is figuring out how. As a veterinarian, Stuart Eastwood has learned the hard way love is fragile and terrible things happen to good animals. Even so, he's never seen anything like the animal torture cases appearing at his practice, The Critter Clinic. His friend, Detective Darya Vick has a personal stake in the outcome of this case. Unfortunately, no one knew how deadly the threats would become. Stuart already has lost one woman he loved, is he willing to risk his heart to another woman who puts her life on the line every day?Darya and Stuart have suffered extraordinary loss. Can they find the strength to believe in love and set their hearts free? If you enjoy a clean and wholesome mystery together with a handsome veterinarian, heroic mom, cute kid, talented pets, and plenty of bad guys, you'll love Hearts Set Free, the eighth book in the Hidden Hearts series.

There's nothing worse than getting shot … unless you are forced to shoot your attacker. At least that's what police officer Katelyn Ashford thought before her fiancé tried to attack her at her own wedding. She never thought she'd become a runaway bride. Even worse, she woke up in the stranger's bed in a place she'd never been. Is it the worst thing to ever happen to Katie or the best? As head of security for one of the biggest pop stars in the Pacific Northwest, former Army medic, Logan Anthony has seen his fair share of damsels in distress. Even though he's not the soldier he was before his injury, there's something special about this tough but fragile woman that brings out his protective instincts. Katie knows she has to put the pieces of her life back together. She and Logan make a formidable team. Unfortunately, there seems to be no way to escape Katie's frightening past.If you enjoy a clean and wholesome mystery combined with a stubborn damsel in distress and a dedicated wounded warrior, you'll love Pieces, the seventh book in the Hidden Hearts series.

What if the worst decision of your life defines who you are?John Ashford used to be a helicopter pilot in the Coast Guard. It was his job to help save lives. Now, he's barely living one until a single phone call changes everything. Surgical nurse, Tayanita Moya, walked away from her family. The decision made perfect sense thirteen years ago. Now, she's watching another woman love her ex-husband and raise the daughter she abandoned. Devastated, she blurts the whole sordid story to a random siding salesperson who calls her in a weak moment.When Tayanita and John strike up an unlikely friendship, John must reveal some secrets of his own. John made a devastating mistake, which changed his destiny.Now, Tayanita is about to discover there is a reason he believes he's no longer anyone's hero. Can they rectify the decisions they made in the past to create a brilliant future?If you enjoy a clean and wholesome second chance at love with family drama, you'll love Rectify, the sixth book in the Hidden Hearts series.

Running into a stranger can change your life forever. Taylor John moved to the middle of the ocean to escape a bad relationship. Joining the Navy has been the best thing that's ever happened to her - but there's nothing that says she can't look forward to a little R&R in her favorite city.Taylor has no idea that her past and present are about to collide in the city of roses. Will it bring heartbreak - or the chance of a new beginning?Making the best of an unexpected job transfer, Samuel Taylor is determined to make himself at home in Oregon. Little did he know, carrying on a family tradition would bring excitement in more ways than one.Port in the Storm is a standalone novella, but is best understood if as part of the Hidden Hearts Series.If you enjoy a love at first sight, clean and wholesome romance novella combined with a gorgeous sailor and an uncommon hero, you'll love Port in the Storm, the first novella in the Hidden Hearts series.

A simple tattoo wasn't supposed to change her life.Shelby Lyons wanted to celebrate her hard work and never-ending dreams when she accepted a position teaching math. What seemed like a simple plan was complicated by devastating news.Attorney Mark Littleson's life gives the word complex new meaning. Being a single dad of an autistic daughter and juggling his legal firm should be enough of a challenge. But, as soon as he encounters a tearful Shelby, he can't resist the urge to reach out to her.Having wandered the streets like some sort of nomad, Shelby isn't interested in being someone else's burden. It's hard for her to ask for help. Even so, this ready-made family fulfills her in ways she had not imagined. Shelby has never met a man like Mark, but he makes it far too easy to feel like she belongs.Mark never expected to fall in love. Unfortunately, life keeps getting in the way. He must convince Shelby that love is more than skin deep.If you enjoy a clean and wholesome romance novel full of family, bravery, and heart inspired by true-life events, you'll love Love is More Than Skin Deep, the fourth standalone book in the Hidden Hearts series.

Is it possible to fall in love with a social media profile?Jessica Walters goaded her best friend into posting a profile on Brains-R-Sexy, an online dating service. Even though she wasn't the one looking for love, Jessica can't seem to forget one spectacular profile.Between his job as an accountant, his search and rescue work and volunteering at an animal shelter, Mitch Campbell is one busy man. Busy is all right with him because it gives him less time to think about his romantic life. Or lack thereof.When Jessica rescues an injured dog, she never expects to come face-to-face with the man from her past. After the dating profile buildup, Mitch seems a little lost. Is he as good as he looks on paper? Jessica needs to get to the heart of the matter and discover who the real Mitch Campbell is.When a family crisis hits, Mitch and Jessica find shelter in each other's hearts. Will it be enough to overcome tragedy and keep them together?Sheltered Hearts is the second standalone novel in the Hidden Hearts Series.If you love heroes with a passion for animals and quirks which make them unique, Sheltered Hearts may be perfect for you.

The past can be so painful it leaves scars on your soul. Software programmer Toby Payne has tried hard to shed his identity as a child kidnapping victim, but now his extraordinary computer skills are needed to rescue missing teens.Detective Pauline Lawrence likes to go all in. Her leap-before-you-look style has given her a bad reputation. Can she make up for her past mistakes with the help of a dashingly handsome, but shy computer programmer?Pauline affects Toby in ways he never expected. Yet, he's not sure he can set aside his terror when the talented young detective volunteers for a high-risk hostage rescue mission. Toby and Pauline must decide if love is stronger than fear and if they can thrive despite their pasts.If you love suspenseful romances with strong women and nerdy guys with heart, Soul Scars (the third book in the Hidden Hearts - Protection Unit series), may be just what you're looking for.

A search for a missing person could destroy them all. Cold Case Squadron leader Detective Dylan Palmer has a passion for finding missing people. As a favor to his mother, he takes on a previously unsolved case. No pressure there! This job isn't good news for his ulcer.Personal chef, Lauren Drysdale's big sister has been missing for twenty-three years. In all that time her mother has never forgiven her for not being April. Her mother's cruelness has led to debilitating panic attacks.Now, a hotshot detective wants to come into her life and stir up all sorts of old hurts in an effort to find April. Uncertain that she, her mother, and their brittle relationship can handle further disappointment, she finds herself wishing the detective could stick around.Dylan had no idea what he might find during this case, but he certainly didn't expect to discover the love of a lifetime. The timing is about as terrible as it gets, but sometimes love appears out of thin air.If you enjoy a clean and wholesome mystery combined with family drama, you'll love Out of Thin Air, the second book in the Hidden Hearts - Protection Unit series.

November 2015 marked the third year the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library sponsored events in support of National Novel Writing Month. Awe-struck by the hard work and dedication of the 35+ writers that attended the Library's events over the course of the month, we decided to publish a third annual book of excerpts from the writing done by writers in the Corvallis area during NaNoWriMo 2015. Thirteen phenomenal writers contributed their work and we present them for you here. We hope you will be inspired by their work and encouraged to take the challenge yourself next year!

A re-evaluation of current wisdom - both academic and popular - about men's and women's language. This book offers a new understanding of the role of language practices in both maintaining and disrupting gender inequality.