Book excerpt: From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas, a romantic, heartwarming contemporary new series set in Honey Creek, Texas--a little town nestled in the rolling hills bordering the Brazos River, where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close at hand. Filled with Jodi's characteristic warmth, authentic Texan flair, and knack for worldbuilding, this first visit to Honey Creek will have readers clamouring to return! Piper Jane Mackenzie, mayor of Honey Creek, won't let a major scandal rip her quirky hometown apart, or jeopardize her dream of one day running for higher office. So she's willing to welcome undercover detective Colby McBride, hired to help solve the mystery behind her wannabe fiancé's disappearance. Colby's cover? That he is an old boyfriend now begging Piper for a second chance--always when there are plenty of townsfolk around to witness his shenanigans. Piper hardly knows whether to laugh or cry, especially when she finds herself drawn to the handsome rascal. He's not the only newcomer she has to deal with. There's a new interim preacher in town, Sam Cassidy. Drifting from one assignment to another since his one love died, Sam isn't sure he's the right fit for Honey Creek. But as Piper knows, this is a place chock-full of surprises. And if she can keep her town--and her heart--from going completely off the rails, there may be a sweet, unexpected future in store...