Description:

When the Great War ends, Serena risks everything. Her dying mother has confided a secret to her which means she can’t stay with her bullying father. She’s been waiting to turn thirty and come into her inheritance, but she hadn’t known he’d stolen her money, or how desperate he would be to bring her back and keep the secret safe. Marcus’ life has also been changed by the War. His injuries will get better, but due to his cousins’ deaths he has unexpectedly inherited a crumbling old house, the care of his elderly aunt and a very little money. When he stops men from kidnapping Serena in the street, he couldn’t have guessed that it would bring him love – or put his life in danger. How will the two of them survive a wicked man’s desperate attacks? ** ### From Booklist In post-World War I England, Serena Fleming has been biding her time, waiting for her thirtieth birthday and an inheritance that will allow her to leave her home and her tyrannical father. In the meantime, she has been hiding her looks and her thoughts from him to dissuade him from marrying her off to one of his cronies. Before her mother dies, she divulges a secret that strengthens Serena's determination to leave. She is accosted in the street soon after but is rescued by Marcus Graye, newly returned from the war. Marcus involves himself in Serena's plight. He suggests they marry so that her father has no hold over her, but Serena is still not safe. As she and Marcus find themselves in danger, they begin to truly fall in love. But they have no future, unless Serena's father can be stopped. With great attention to period detail as well as psychological suspense, Jacobs' dramatic tale works on many levels. *Maria Hatton* *Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved* ### Review "Jacob's truthful tale of how one woman overcomes the obstacles thrown in her path" Booklist on The Wishing Well "Full of rich, realistic characters and believable plots, gifted storyteller Jacobs' latest is an amazingly touching tale about finding one's self" Booklist on Change of Season "Nicely-drawn characters, a well-crafted plot - a thoroughly delightful story" Library Journal on A Forbidden Embrace "Jacobs excels at creating vivid, memorable characters" Booklist on Replenish the Earth