Trained for ground, water, and air missions throughout Texas and the nation, Texas Task Force 1 serves as the state’s primary search and rescue team and as one of twenty-eight federal teams in the national urban search and rescue system. Founded in 1997, this elite team has been dispatched for state and national emergencies, probing the devastation at Ground Zero and saving lives on the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Texas Task Force 1’s more than four hundred highly trained members come from sixty organizations throughout Texas and include firefighters, canine handlers, medical specialists and doctors, heavy equipment operators, structural engineers, and others. Photographer Bud Force gives us an intimate picture of Texas Task Force 1 at work as he follows the team on their major deployments and documents their specialized equipment and training, including time spent at the unique facility known as Disaster City. The result is a lively mix of history, interviews, and photographs that paints a fascinating portrait of these courageous people—and their canine partners—who place themselves in danger in order to save others. “There’s a feeling in the room when I walk in and I see the faces of the other responders I work with. My stress level drops because I know that whatever happens, we’ll figure it out and do what we need to do to get the job done. I know that because I know the people in that room can do it.”--Susann Brown, Responder “The principle of helping others is as fundamental to the search and rescue members I know as is breathing.”--Matthew Minson, Responder

LESSONS IN LASSOING Though marine hero Benjamin Graham doesn’t know the first thing about ranching, his new job is the lifeline he desperately needs. Without the help of feisty cowgirl Emily Davis, though, he’s lost—in more ways than one. But as their attraction turns combustible, the hardened battle vet turns away from the gorgeous college coed. She might know every inch of her family’s homestead, but Graham doesn’t want her to know his pain. Even if the world is Emily’s oyster, all she’s ever wanted is the family ranch. And though rugged new ranch hand Graham seems like an unlikely trainee, he is taking her dreams of running the ranch more seriously than anyone else. As they grow closer during hot days—and nights—working the range, Emily starts to think that maybe the ranch is only a piece of her dream…

Award Winner in the Animals/Pets: Narrative Nonfiction category of the 2021 Best Book Awards sponsored by American Book Fest We can all make a difference. Elementary-school teacher Diane Trull’s life-defining moment happened when her fourth-grade reading class saw a photo of a cardboard box overflowing with homeless puppies. Her young students were determined to save these lost pups and others like them. In that moment, the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary—known as DAWGS—was born. How Trull and her fourth graders started their own animal shelter is a story of dedication, commitment, and perseverance. Trull shares inspiring stories about animals and animal lovers of all ages in this moving story of hope and compassion. DAWGS is a testament to how love and a strong measure of determination can offer second chances—one animal, one child, and one day at a time. “Get ready to feel a lot. This book is inspiring all along the way.” —Bernadette Peters, award-winning actress “I'm blown away. I hope this story reaches thousands of readers.” —Susan Wilson, New York Times bestselling author of One Good Dog “I loved DAWGS! It will inspire you and warm your heart.” —Kristin von Kreisler, bestselling author of An Unexpected Grace

A HURRICANE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER Heiress Patricia Cargill was out to prove she was more than just a big bank account. Running Texas Rescue and Relief gives her the greatest satisfaction she could imagine. Until she meets volunteer Luke Waterson. He's a little younger, a little brasher and a lot more dangerous than anyone she's dated. He could be everything she needs. A STORM OF EMOTIONS COULD TEAR THEM APART An unexpected change of fortune, however, reveals Luke is more than just a nomadic cowboy. Falling for a millionaire rancher, especially one who keeps secrets, was not in her plans. But committing to a man who sees her as a desirable woman, not dollar signs, could be worth making an exception to this rule.

Fans of Carolyn Brown, Maisey Yates, and Jennifer Ryan will fall in love with this heartwarming and emotional cowboy romance, full of all your favorites: Opposites attract romance A cautious cowboy afraid to trust again A bubbly heroine in need of a fresh start Adorable puppies galore at Big Chance Dog rescue Lifestyle influencer Jen Green is determined to turn her life around on her own. She absolutely doesn't need help from the handsome cowboy veteran at the ranch next door... After inadvertently flashing her boobs to the whole internet, Jen Green is attempting to outwait her notoriety by homesteading in Chance County, Texas. She doesn't want—though she might just need—help from the cowboy army veteran who lives down the road. Praise for the Big Chance Rescue Series: "A real page turner with a sexy cowboy you can root for, a sassy heroine you can fall in love with, and an ugly dog that brings them together."—CAROLYN BROWN, New York Times bestselling author, for Big Chance Cowboy "Grabs your heartstrings from the very first page."—JENNIE MARTS, USA Today bestselling author, for Big Chance Cowboy "Heartfelt... Stanley tackles heavy emotions with a light touch."—Publishers Weekly for Lucky Chance Cowboy

Tired of running from her past, nurse Kate Callison intends to become Austin Grace Hospital’s permanent ER director and make Texas her home. Despite staff friction, she’s moving ahead. Then unthinkable tragedy wraps the ER in crime tape, bringing swarms of media, legal chaos—and a search-and-rescue hero who seems determined to meddle in her life. For Wes Tanner, nothing beats finding someone who’s lost; he’s known that helpless terror firsthand. So he’ll expand his team’s lifeline of hope: K9 tracking, swift water rescue, even horse-mounted searches. He’s ready for anything—except Austin Grace’s prickly and dismissive ER director. As Kate and Wes discover more about each other, new respect becomes something deeper. Kate wonders if her heart might have finally found a home. Then an unsolved missing persons case—and a startling new one—become catalysts that threaten the loss of all she and Wes have found.

"Peter Zheutlin has written a lovely, moving, important book about a subject that is both heartbreaking and joyful." - Dean Koontz How far would you go to save a life? This is the extraordinary story of one man who has driven more than 1 million miles to rescue thousands of dogs from hunger, abuse and neglect and give them a second chance at life and love. For years, Greg Mahle struggled to keep the last of his family-run restaurants afloat in Ohio. When it finally closed, he was broke and unsure what to do next. Then a stranded van-load of puppies changed his life forever. Join journalist Peter Zheutlin as he travels with Greg from Ohio to the Gulf Coast on his Rescue Road Trips to bring hard-luck dogs from the deep South to loving "forever families" up north looking to adopt a pet, with the help of many selfless volunteers along the way. From Houston's impoverished Fifth Ward--where thousands of strays roam the streets--and high-kill animal shelters in Louisiana, to joyous scenes of adopters embracing their new pups in the Northeast, Rescue Road is full of heart: an inspiring story about the unique bond between dogs and humans, and how going the extra mile can make a life-changing difference for these loyal canines-and for us all. A heartwarming, awe-inspiring story of how one man can impact so many lives, human and puppy alike. Fans of Marley and Me, Oogy: The Dog Only A Family Could Love, and You Had Me At Woof will be inspired and touched by this story. What readers are saying about Rescue Road: "I stand in awe of those who can do this kind of rescue work, for their persistence, compassion and willingness to get dirty in the service of animals." "a heartwarming & eye opening journey into the world of dog rescue." "I highly recommend this book if you are looking to restore your faith in humanity." "a heart-warming story that reaffirms there are many compassionate people who work tirelessly to save dogs." What reviewers are saying about Rescue Road: "An unabashedly sentimental and affecting portrait of a modern-day animal-loving hero." - Kirkus "a canine caravan with heart and soul..." - Teresa Rhyne, author of the #1 NYT bestseller The Dog Lived (And So Will I) "Heartwarming doesn't suffice to describe it... restores faith in humanity." - Alexandra Horowitz, author of Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See, Smell, and Know "A tender, inspiring homage..." - Matthew Gilbert, author of Off the Leash: A Year at the Dog Park "Inspiring and riveting new book...a must-read..." - The Bark

Ava and Prince are like most dogs. They want a place to call home, where love is yummy like peanut butter and belly rubs never end. This is their sweet, real-life story about home, family and love.

Rachel Gibson has already won two Romance Writers of America’s RITA® Awards—the most prestigious honor the romance community bestows—for her “edgy, sexy, fast-paced romance” (Jayne Ann Krentz), and Rescue Me is yet another high point in her acclaimed career. The New York Times bestselling author of the popular Seattle Chinooks stories, Gibson kicks off a timely and wonderful new contemporary series about the romantic entanglements of military men back from active duty. Rescue Me is the story of the reluctant Texas homecoming of a former small-town beauty pageant participant and the sexy ex-Navy SEAL who’s on hand to complicate her life. It’s salvation from the bland and ordinary and Rachel Gibson at her best—a perfect escape for dedicated readers of Jennifer Crusie, Nora Roberts, and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.

A moving and scientific look at the curative powers--both physical and mental--of rescuing a shelter animal, by the president of Humane Society Silicon Valley. MUTUAL RESCUE profiles the transformational impact that shelter pets have on humans, exploring the emotional, physical, and spiritual gifts that rescued animals provide. It explores through anecdote, observation, and scientific research, the complexity and depth of the role that pets play in our lives. Every story in the book brings an unrecognized benefit of adopting homeless animals to the forefront of the rescue conversation. In a nation plagued by illnesses--16 million adults suffer from depression, 29 million have diabetes, 8 million in any given year have PTSD, and nearly 40% are obese--rescue pets can help: 60% of doctors said they prescribe pet adoption and a staggering 97% believe that pet ownership provides health benefits. For people in chronic emotional, physical, or spiritual pain, adopting an animal can transform, and even save, their lives. Each story in the book takes a deep dive into one potent aspect of animal adoption, told through the lens of people's personal experiences with their rescued pets and the science that backs up the results. This book will resonate with readers hungering for stories of healing and redemption.