-
Defending My Heart
- Texas Tornados, Book 1
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
- Length: 3 hrs and 8 mins
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
Buy for $14.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Publisher's summary
The man who broke her heart. The second chance she's not sure if she wants.
Emmitt Brown's demons are even bigger than he is, and as a defensive lineman for a pro-football team, that's something. When the team captain tasks his defensive line to go home for Christmas and get rid of their biggest past regret, Emmitt finds himself returning to the small town he grew up in, to find the woman he never should have left. Too bad she hates him and tells him to go away.
Mia Carter can't believe Emmitt Brown is back in town. She does not need this, right now. Especially since he's been the ghost who won't leave her conscience alone for the past five years and especially since she recently lost her husband.
But when the pro football player steps up and offers to help her son fight cancer, she finds herself reluctantly agreeing. Now, they have to make a choice: dig into the past and let the truth bring them together, or lose the Christmas miracle right in front of them.
Another heart-tugging, swoon-worthy romance from best-selling author Lorana Hoopes. This first book in the Texas Tornadoes series will have you laughing, crying, and applauding at the grace of God. Buy the audiobook and prepare to see God shine today.
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Run with My Heart
- A Texas Tornadoes Christmas Romance, Book 3
- By: Lorana Hoopes
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
- Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A football player who's lost. A woman in danger of losing all she loves. Could he be the Christmas Miracle she's been praying for? Pro football player Tucker Jackson has a chip on his shoulder. His mother died when he was young, his father threw himself into his work, and the team he now plays for is in danger of losing their season. His anger drives him to a bar where an ensuing fight earns him service at a community center. Can he find a way to tame his ire before it destroys his dreams forever?
-
-
Entertaining and Inspirational
- By Faith D on 04-19-21
By: Lorana Hoopes
-
The Cowboy's Reality Bride
- A Clean Romance: Blushing Brides, Book 1
- By: Lorana Hoopes
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
- Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cowboy Tyler Hall never thought he would be a contestant on a reality dating TV show, but after his latest breakup, his best friend's wife talks him into auditioning. When he gets word that he's been chosen, he can't believe it - but as his last few relationships have ended poorly, he decides to try something different and take a chance. However, he gets more than he bargained for when he falls for a woman who is not a contestant.
-
-
Sweet Romance
- By txreadingnook on 08-11-19
By: Lorana Hoopes
-
The Complete Blueberry Beach Box Set, Books 1-8
- By: Jessie Gussman
- Narrated by: Jay Dyess
- Length: 43 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Escape to Blueberry Beach in this charming collection of sweet, heartwarming romances!
-
-
The growth and learning of the characters in their honest mistakes as growing christains
- By Amazon Customer on 11-04-24
By: Jessie Gussman
-
There I Find Rest
- Strawberry Sands Beach Sweet Romance, Book 1
- By: Jessie Gussman
- Narrated by: Jay Dyess
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A place of comfort. A place of rest and peace. A place where divorcee and single mom, Kim Tinsley, can go to try to make a new life for herself, raising her baby while praying for her older child who has left the faith of her childhood and is questioning everything she’d ever taught her.
-
-
Christian values!
- By Darlene A Hedervare on 05-07-24
By: Jessie Gussman
-
A Thousand Words
- Unfailing Love Prequel
- By: Mandi Blake
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes, Jay Dyess
- Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tyler’s last year of residency is all work and no play, just the way he likes it. His life would be smooth sailing into his medical career if he could improve his bedside manner. He agrees to a blind date but only to practice communication skills. Then, he’s speechless when he sees who is across the table.
-
-
Great Story!
- By The Farmer’s Wife on 03-11-22
By: Mandi Blake
-
Truth Is a Whisper
- Wolf Creek Ranch, Book 1
- By: Mandi Blake
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
- Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ava Collins is more than ready to say good-bye to the breakneck pace of the city, and an invitation to her grandfather’s ranch is exactly what she needs. Finding out her former flame is running the ranch, on the other hand, was entirely unexpected. How can she put aside her memories of that whirlwind summer when she has to work beside the handsome cowboy every day? When Ava uncovers secrets about her family, she doesn’t know if she can trust anyone. Most of all, can she learn to trust her heart on her way to discovering the truth?
-
-
Story line was good.
- By Janice in Muskogee on 03-06-24
By: Mandi Blake
-
Run with My Heart
- A Texas Tornadoes Christmas Romance, Book 3
- By: Lorana Hoopes
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
- Length: 4 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A football player who's lost. A woman in danger of losing all she loves. Could he be the Christmas Miracle she's been praying for? Pro football player Tucker Jackson has a chip on his shoulder. His mother died when he was young, his father threw himself into his work, and the team he now plays for is in danger of losing their season. His anger drives him to a bar where an ensuing fight earns him service at a community center. Can he find a way to tame his ire before it destroys his dreams forever?
-
-
Entertaining and Inspirational
- By Faith D on 04-19-21
By: Lorana Hoopes
-
The Cowboy's Reality Bride
- A Clean Romance: Blushing Brides, Book 1
- By: Lorana Hoopes
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
- Length: 4 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cowboy Tyler Hall never thought he would be a contestant on a reality dating TV show, but after his latest breakup, his best friend's wife talks him into auditioning. When he gets word that he's been chosen, he can't believe it - but as his last few relationships have ended poorly, he decides to try something different and take a chance. However, he gets more than he bargained for when he falls for a woman who is not a contestant.
-
-
Sweet Romance
- By txreadingnook on 08-11-19
By: Lorana Hoopes
-
The Complete Blueberry Beach Box Set, Books 1-8
- By: Jessie Gussman
- Narrated by: Jay Dyess
- Length: 43 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Escape to Blueberry Beach in this charming collection of sweet, heartwarming romances!
-
-
The growth and learning of the characters in their honest mistakes as growing christains
- By Amazon Customer on 11-04-24
By: Jessie Gussman
-
There I Find Rest
- Strawberry Sands Beach Sweet Romance, Book 1
- By: Jessie Gussman
- Narrated by: Jay Dyess
- Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A place of comfort. A place of rest and peace. A place where divorcee and single mom, Kim Tinsley, can go to try to make a new life for herself, raising her baby while praying for her older child who has left the faith of her childhood and is questioning everything she’d ever taught her.
-
-
Christian values!
- By Darlene A Hedervare on 05-07-24
By: Jessie Gussman
-
A Thousand Words
- Unfailing Love Prequel
- By: Mandi Blake
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes, Jay Dyess
- Length: 5 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Tyler’s last year of residency is all work and no play, just the way he likes it. His life would be smooth sailing into his medical career if he could improve his bedside manner. He agrees to a blind date but only to practice communication skills. Then, he’s speechless when he sees who is across the table.
-
-
Great Story!
- By The Farmer’s Wife on 03-11-22
By: Mandi Blake
-
Truth Is a Whisper
- Wolf Creek Ranch, Book 1
- By: Mandi Blake
- Narrated by: Lorana Hoopes
- Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ava Collins is more than ready to say good-bye to the breakneck pace of the city, and an invitation to her grandfather’s ranch is exactly what she needs. Finding out her former flame is running the ranch, on the other hand, was entirely unexpected. How can she put aside her memories of that whirlwind summer when she has to work beside the handsome cowboy every day? When Ava uncovers secrets about her family, she doesn’t know if she can trust anyone. Most of all, can she learn to trust her heart on her way to discovering the truth?
-
-
Story line was good.
- By Janice in Muskogee on 03-06-24
By: Mandi Blake
-
Cowboy Crossing Box Set: Books 1-8
- By: Jessie Gussman
- Narrated by: Jay Dyess
- Length: 47 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Enter a world of cowboys and courage, family and fun, sweet romance and happily ever afters. Come to Cowboy Crossing, a small town that feels like home. You'll love it here!
-
-
Wholesome stories
- By Mirenda McArdle on 10-19-24
By: Jessie Gussman
-
Distorted Loyalty
- By: Stacy Eaton
- Narrated by: Marie Rose, Chris Chamberlain
- Length: 7 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Doctor Rachel Wilde and detective Grant Murphy meet by chance and it takes only one glance and a simple, gentle touch to ignite their senses. When Grant's wife is in a tragic accident, Rachel goes above and beyond the call of duty to save her life. It is the moment she faces Grant again that their lives begin to spin out of control and they realize the lives of their loved ones were deeply intertwined. The distorted loyalties of the ones they lost will drive a wedge between them and it will take another death, a last will, and a look beyond the grave to find the path they must follow.
-
-
Distorted Loyalty
- By blue_river @AudiobookObsession on 06-29-18
By: Stacy Eaton
-
Hidden Blessings
- By: Kim Cash Tate
- Narrated by: Machelle Williams
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Her diamond caught the sun’s rays and refracted light across the room. She’d asked herself again and again: How could she be so blessed? Partner at a prestigious law firm and engaged to the man of her dreams . . . there was no doubt. God had smiled on Kendra Woods. But the moment Kendra is diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, her world collapses. Within days, her fiancé backs out of the wedding and the firm suggests a leave of absence during her treatment. Of all the roles Kendra has played over the years, cancer patient seems the most unwelcome in the world.
-
-
Blessed beyond
- By Carla Wint on 05-15-23
By: Kim Cash Tate
-
Return to Sender
- By: Jennifer Peel
- Narrated by: Nancy Peterson
- Length: 9 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If Ariana Stanton has learned anything in life, it’s that men leave. She’s been taught this lesson well from the father she’s never met, who sends her a mysterious letter once a year, to her ex-fiancé, who left her for another woman. So, when she meets the charming and seemingly perfect Jonah, she promises him they will never be more than friends. It’s a promise she can’t keep. But before he has a chance to leave her, she sends him away.
-
-
Well-written; doesn't shy away from delving into e
- By Ballet in AK on 07-23-21
By: Jennifer Peel
-
The Year of Discovery Box Set
- By: M.L. Hamilton
- Narrated by: Kelley Hazen
- Length: 46 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Get the entire Year of Discovery series in one box set: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and the explosive conclusion, December. Over 700 pages of tragedy, tribulation, and triumph in one volume.
-
-
It's a great journey with amazing women...
- By Lidia Chymkowska on 06-21-21
By: M.L. Hamilton
-
Every Last Drop
- A Novel
- By: Sarah Robinson
- Narrated by: Jaimee Moore
- Length: 11 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Marry the love of my life. Become a mother. Write a book. Number one was complete. I was well on my way to checking off goals two and three, before a cancer diagnosis derailed my plans. A story meant to chronicle the journey of impending motherhood with wit, became a brutally honest memoir of living life to the fullest. Make every breath count. When finally confronted with the knowledge the cancer is terminal, I search for a way to accomplish all the things I wanted to do within my lifetime...when I don't have a lifetime left.
-
-
Loved the characters, story and won't forget it...
- By Kristin Griess on 08-21-20
By: Sarah Robinson
-
It All Comes Back to You
- By: Beth Duke
- Narrated by: Amy McFadden
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
It's 1947. War's over, cherry-print dresses, parking above the city lights, swing dancing. Beautiful, 17-year-old Violet lives in a perfect world. Everybody loves her. In 2012, she's still beautiful, charming, and surrounded by admirers. Veronica "Ronni" Johnson, licensed practical nurse and aspiring writer, meets the captivating Violet in the assisted living facility where Violet requires no assistance, just lots of male attention. When she dies, she leaves Ronni a very generous bequest - only if Ronni completes a book about her life within one year.
-
-
Don't waste your time
- By carolynn on 02-10-20
By: Beth Duke
-
A Life Without Water
- Life Without Water, Book1
- By: Marci Bolden
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 7 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
John Bowman is sick. Very sick. While he still can, he has some amends to make and some promises to fulfill. But to do that, he not only needs his ex-wife's agreement...he needs her. With the past hovering between them like a ghost, Carol and John embark on a decades-overdue road trip. Together they plunge back into a life without water...but which may ultimately set them free.
-
-
LOVED IT!
- By Vicki on 06-26-20
By: Marci Bolden
-
The Mother-in-Law
- A Twisted Psychological Thriller
- By: Kiersten Modglin
- Narrated by: Tim Paige, Christa Lewis
- Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Loren meets Jack, she’s sure he’s the man she’s been waiting for - a perfect husband and father for her young daughter. Shortly after their wedding, their plans to start a life together are put on hold when the couple receives word that Jack’s father has died. In an effort to appease her new husband, Loren invites her mother-in-law, Coralee, to stay with them while she grieves. When strange things begin to occur just after her arrival, Loren questions how much she knows about the woman she invited into her home.
-
-
Good listen!
- By Colton on 07-19-21
By: Kiersten Modglin
-
Brides and Brothers
- By: Anneka R. Walker
- Narrated by: Abbigail Warren
- Length: 9 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Camille Kelly is in real danger of becoming an old maid — at least by Cherish, Montana, standards. She has all but given up on finding Mr. Right — until her broken laptop leads her to Aiden Peterson, a tall, dark, and handsome computer genius. Camille would never have believed her magic moment was right around the corner, but after two whirlwind weeks, she has a ring on her finger and has happily ever after in sight. However, she soon discovers Aiden is part of a daunting package deal....
-
-
the similarity to the original
- By Quisha on 12-18-23
By: Anneka R. Walker
-
The Beach House on Amelia Island
- Seven Sisters, Book 1
- By: Hope Holloway
- Narrated by: Leslie Howard
- Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The very moment that Raina Wingate learns her husband of sixteen years wants to separate, she gets a call that her father has suffered a stroke. Racing to her family’s home on Amelia Island, Florida, Raina hopes the time apart will heal her cracked marriage and that she can step into her father’s real estate business and keep it running. Her sister, Tori, a divorcee who owns a catering business in Boston, also flies in to join the others at the hospital. But an unexpected run-in with their father’s rather attractive neurologist adds a new dimension to the days and weeks ahead.
-
-
wonderful
- By anna on 07-23-24
By: Hope Holloway
-
Limitless Sweet Billionaire Romance
- Limitless Sweet Billionaire Romance Series, Four Book Boxed Set
- By: Tamie Dearen
- Narrated by: Jennifer Jill Araya
- Length: 32 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fall in love with the Limitless billionaires. These four not-so-perfect but swoon-worthy heroes will win your heart.
-
-
Comfort Romance
- By Brent on 08-18-24
By: Tamie Dearen
Related to this topic
-
Mending Places
- By: Denise Hunter
- Narrated by: Nancy Peterson
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sure, it's romantic up amidst the snow-capped peaks of Wyoming's Grand Teton Mountains, but Hanna Alexander has only one thing on her mind: trying to save the family lodge. That is, she did - right up until she hired mountain-guide Micah Gallagher to help raise revenues. Teeming with suspicion and intrigue, this Grand Teton adventure leaves listeners struggling with the Christian principle of forgiveness in the face of emotional entanglements, fears of the heart, and the inevitable agony of love.
-
-
Disturbing storyline
- By Tina Hood on 08-14-20
By: Denise Hunter
-
Gone Again
- A Thriller
- By: Minka Kent
- Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt, Gabra Zackman
- Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On her fortieth birthday, Celia Guest has reason to celebrate. She has a loving marriage, a beautiful Connecticut home, and treasured friends. Celia has everything she’s ever wanted. But among the cards and well-wishes, she discovers a disturbing note: You don’t deserve any of this. Who could be so cruel, so resentful, so…knowing? Then, in the early morning hours, Celia vanishes without a trace.
-
-
Nothing really happens
- By A reader on 04-11-23
By: Minka Kent
-
Unexpected Reality
- By: Kaylee Ryan
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Callie Dalton
- Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Expect the unexpected. That's what they say, but it's easier said than done. How do you expect a change so huge it rocks you to your core? How do you prepare yourself for an event that will alter your life forever? One breath. One second. One minute. One hour. One day at a time, you learn to live with your unexpected reality.
-
-
sweet and flawed
- By MrsRony on 11-16-19
By: Kaylee Ryan
-
Unexpected Love
- By: Kristin Mayer
- Narrated by: Rita Fleur, Edward Thomas
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When I said, "I do," I meant it for life. When he said, "I do," he didn't mean it at all. Divorced and single, I'm ready to find true love. When a business deal requires me to create an online dating account, I find myself drawn to Mister_Mystery. He's not looking for love. I'm not looking for another lie.
-
-
Not for me
- By 🔵🔷🔹Kaly🔹🔷🔵 on 06-03-20
By: Kristin Mayer
-
Barefoot Summer
- Chapel Hill, Book 1
- By: Denise Hunter
- Narrated by: Julie Lyles Carr
- Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Madison's heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything. In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her. To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast. Madison will do anything - even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly - to reach her goal.
-
-
Heartwarming story
- By Amy D on 05-17-19
By: Denise Hunter
-
Chasing Perfect
- Fool's Gold, Book 1
- By: Susan Mallery
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There is only one thing wrong with the charming community of Fool’s Gold, California: the men don’t stick around! This problem has to be fixed, fast, and Charity Jones may be just the city planner up to the challenge. Charity immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer – except its sexy, famous, world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she’s not about to take a chance on another bad boy…but it may just be what they both need!
-
-
Awful narration
- By Kimberly on 05-17-10
By: Susan Mallery
-
Mending Places
- By: Denise Hunter
- Narrated by: Nancy Peterson
- Length: 10 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sure, it's romantic up amidst the snow-capped peaks of Wyoming's Grand Teton Mountains, but Hanna Alexander has only one thing on her mind: trying to save the family lodge. That is, she did - right up until she hired mountain-guide Micah Gallagher to help raise revenues. Teeming with suspicion and intrigue, this Grand Teton adventure leaves listeners struggling with the Christian principle of forgiveness in the face of emotional entanglements, fears of the heart, and the inevitable agony of love.
-
-
Disturbing storyline
- By Tina Hood on 08-14-20
By: Denise Hunter
-
Gone Again
- A Thriller
- By: Minka Kent
- Narrated by: Teri Schnaubelt, Gabra Zackman
- Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
On her fortieth birthday, Celia Guest has reason to celebrate. She has a loving marriage, a beautiful Connecticut home, and treasured friends. Celia has everything she’s ever wanted. But among the cards and well-wishes, she discovers a disturbing note: You don’t deserve any of this. Who could be so cruel, so resentful, so…knowing? Then, in the early morning hours, Celia vanishes without a trace.
-
-
Nothing really happens
- By A reader on 04-11-23
By: Minka Kent
-
Unexpected Reality
- By: Kaylee Ryan
- Narrated by: Teddy Hamilton, Callie Dalton
- Length: 8 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Expect the unexpected. That's what they say, but it's easier said than done. How do you expect a change so huge it rocks you to your core? How do you prepare yourself for an event that will alter your life forever? One breath. One second. One minute. One hour. One day at a time, you learn to live with your unexpected reality.
-
-
sweet and flawed
- By MrsRony on 11-16-19
By: Kaylee Ryan
-
Unexpected Love
- By: Kristin Mayer
- Narrated by: Rita Fleur, Edward Thomas
- Length: 7 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When I said, "I do," I meant it for life. When he said, "I do," he didn't mean it at all. Divorced and single, I'm ready to find true love. When a business deal requires me to create an online dating account, I find myself drawn to Mister_Mystery. He's not looking for love. I'm not looking for another lie.
-
-
Not for me
- By 🔵🔷🔹Kaly🔹🔷🔵 on 06-03-20
By: Kristin Mayer
-
Barefoot Summer
- Chapel Hill, Book 1
- By: Denise Hunter
- Narrated by: Julie Lyles Carr
- Length: 7 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Madison's heart has been closed for years. But one summer can change everything. In the years since her twin brother’s drowning, Madison McKinley has struggled to put it behind her. Despite the support of her close-knit family and her gratifying job as a veterinarian in their riverside town, the loss still haunts her. To find closure, Madison sets out to fulfill her brother’s dream of winning the town’s annual regatta. But first she has to learn to sail, and fast. Madison will do anything - even work with the infamous Beckett O’Reilly - to reach her goal.
-
-
Heartwarming story
- By Amy D on 05-17-19
By: Denise Hunter
-
Chasing Perfect
- Fool's Gold, Book 1
- By: Susan Mallery
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 8 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
There is only one thing wrong with the charming community of Fool’s Gold, California: the men don’t stick around! This problem has to be fixed, fast, and Charity Jones may be just the city planner up to the challenge. Charity immediately falls in love with all the storybook town has to offer – except its sexy, famous, world-class cyclist Josh Golden. With her long list of romantic disasters, she’s not about to take a chance on another bad boy…but it may just be what they both need!
-
-
Awful narration
- By Kimberly on 05-17-10
By: Susan Mallery