Passion from the Heart — Deborah Lynne

At the age of twenty-five, Erika Arceneaux receives a substantial inheritance that will allow her to make the dream she has had since she was a teenager come true: to build a retirement community where senior adults can live safely and comfortably. Now she can honor the grandparents who lovingly raised her after her parents' death when she was five. Erika feels certain that God is leading her to renovate an old, shuttered motel on twenty acres. The owner, Margaret Richardson, believes in Erika's dream and wants to sell the property to her-but her son Nate has other plans for it. A powerful, wealthy businessman, Nate has one motive: to make money. Over his objections, Margaret sells the property to Erika, and construction begins. Almost immediately, the project is plagued by vandalism and worker accidents, and it becomes clear that someone is trying to sabotage Erika's dream. Meanwhile, despite their differences, Erika and Nate find themselves drawn to each other. Erika can't stop thinking about him-but can she trust him? And can she justify pushing ahead with her plans when the construction site has become dangerous? Erika isn't like any of the women Nate has ever known. He realizes that he is not only falling in love with her but that he longs to know the God who gives her such joy and assurance. Now he must decide whether his love for her and his hunger for the Lord can overcome his love of money and power.