Lone Oaks Crossing — Janet Dailey

In the lush rolling hills of Lone Oaks, KY, the good life is measured in sips of aged bourbon and the thrill of the world's most famous horse race: the Kentucky Derby . . .

When news of her grandfather's stroke sends Jo Beth Ellis back to the family farm, she finds it in danger of foreclosure. Lone Oaks Crossing is in rough shape, but Jo has big plans -- she'll use her expertise as a Derby-winning horse trainer to reinvent the property as a healing retreat. But renovating while trying to keep her independent grandfather in check is a huge job for one woman -- and even more challenging when she receives her first client, the unruly fourteen-year-old Cheyenne, who is determined to do anything but cooperate. Jo is at the end of her rope when neighbor Brooks Moore offers her a deal she can't possibly refuse . . .

Jo may have sworn to leave the gambling and vicious competition of horse racing behind her, but training Brooks's gorgeous thoroughbred is a challenge she can't resist, especially when sulky Cheyenne takes a shine to him -- and when Brooks is sinking an outrageous amount of money into rehabbing the farm, and even rolling up his sleeves to help. With a troubled teen's spirit and her grandfather's faith in her on the line, Jo steps into a tentative partnership with the undeniably attractive Brooks. Against all odds, she dreams of winning a trifecta -- a champion horse, a happy family, and a forever love.