Marriage was what Charlotte had been brought up to. After all, it provided a happy ending for all the heroines in the novels she sometimes read. So it would be for her… right?
Born into luxury, Charlotte Fitznorton has always known a life filled with lavish parties and a line of suitors, all part of a future neatly laid out for her by her father, Sir Lucien. She is to marry well and continue the line at Plas Norton, the family seat. When Eustace Chadwycke – son of a viscount – proposes just before leaving to fight in France, it seems Charlotte's destiny is perfectly falling into place.
Then, tragedy strikes. Her father dies unexpectedly, and her future hangs in the balance – threatened by her hated stepmother Rosamund's surprise pregnancy. News of Eustace, returning from the war broken by its horrors, leaves Charlotte fearing her engagement may be as fragile as her inheritance.
Determined to at least save her impending marriage, Charlotte pours her energy into turning Plas Norton into a healing place for Eustace and other war-weary soldiers. But small-minded townspeople, a bossy head nurse, and her newborn baby sister's arrival push Charlotte to her limits.
Just as hope is slipping through her fingers, a mysterious stranger arrives at Plas Norton. This newcomer holds the power to upend everything Charlotte has fought to preserve. Will she have the strength to protect her legacy, or could this unexpected visitor awaken a desire in Charlotte for a different life altogether?
A beautiful and heartbreaking historical novel, if you loved anything by Fiona Valpy or Lucinda Riley, this book is for you.
What readers are saying about this series:
WOW! Unputdownable story!!... I read this in one day. I couldn't stop reading! Well-written, complicated characters, a villain you will definitely hate and a heroine that tugs at your heartstrings. Reader review, {5 Stars}
"A page-turning historical novel…This is brilliant writing... The romance was gripping and steamy, the main character was brave and enduring, the baddies were loathsome and everything was wrapped up in a satisfactory way that I hadn't really seen coming." Reader review, {5 Stars}
"An unforgettable, powerful historical tale that gripped my heart and shook it fiercely. I spent many hours reading late into the night unable to put this book down… profound and expertly crafted. I highly recommend this powerful novel." Reader review, {5 Stars}
"Luisa A Jones deftly weaves a picture of society in the early twentieth century across all social classes and fills it with life… fabulous… I am looking forward to reading more from this author." Reader review, {5 Stars}
"A beautifully written novel that packs a punch…I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent novel." Reader review, {5 Stars}
"I read it in a day." Reader review, {5 Stars}
