Six lost souls find true love in the sweet first romance of the Honey Creek series from Thomas (Mornings on Main). When Honey Creek mayor Piper Mackenzie's "nitwit fiancé" goes missing, her brother asks Texas state trooper Colby McBride to unofficially investigate the disappearance. Colby and Piper cook up a cover story to explain Colby's presence in town and allow him to subtly question the locals: they'll pretend he's a former flame coming to win back the mayor. But soon their fake feelings turn into a genuine connection. Elsewhere in town, firefighter Sam Cassidy agrees to serve a stint as fill-in preacher. When Sam crosses paths with feisty parishioner Anna Presley, her "fire for life" rubs off on him. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Pecos Smith graduates from high school determined to make something of himself, despite his lack of parental support. When his longtime crush, valedictorian Kerrie Lane, turns to him in a time of need, Pecos assumes unexpected responsibilities for the girl he adores. The mystery of the missing fiancé--which serves as a flimsy thread connecting all three love stories--is the weakest element of this otherwise appealing novel. It's the inviting setting and quirky, good-hearted characters that will draw readers in. Agent: Gail Fortune, the Talbot Fortune Agency. (June)