The discovery of a woman"s wishes, written on slips of pink paper and carried on the breeze to Jeb Sterling"s property, is the first clue that his life is about to change. A 30-year-old carpenter who owns animals and a greenhouse on fifteen acres in rural Mystic Creek, Oregon, Jeb comes from a large family with happily married parents, but he has never found Miss Right. While ensuring the safety of his neighbors after a winter storm and cold snap, he comes upon pretty Amanda Banning, 25, and her six-year-old daughter Chloe living in a rundown shack without heat. Since they clearly lack resources, he urges Amanda to share his home for the time being, and reluctantly she agrees. In truth, Amanda has run from an abusive husband and is barely surviving as a part-time cook"s assistant at the local elementary school. She and Chloe are awed by Jeb"s comfortable home and charmed by his animals, especially his massive dog Bozo. Eventually Amanda agrees to work as Jeb"s cook and housekeeper in...