Charlotte George's husband deserts her after a week of
marriage. Humiliated, Charlotte retreats to Balfurin, her
husband's estate in Scotland where she discovers a
crumbling castle that has been systematically stripped of
its wealth. Charlotte uses Balfurin as a refuge until she
is strong enough to tackle her future. Refusing to
surrender to poverty, Charlotte uses the last of her money
to transform Balfurin into a school for young women. She
dreams of giving young women courage and strength through
education to enable them to survive life's challenges. On
the eve of the first graduating class, Charlotte's husband
returns.
Dixon MacKinnon, cousin of the Earl of Mayne, was raised by
his uncle. The shrewd man imparted wisdom that Dixon
ignored. He was too busy envying his cousin's life. After
his uncle's death, Dixon left to forge his own life.
Success followed, but not without exacting guilt over his
misdeeds. Dixon returns to Balfurin in an attempt to
reclaim his honor. At his arrival, Dixon is mistaken for
his cousin. Confusion rules, as his cousin's wife does not
recognize her husband. Not correcting the countess, Dixon
goes along with her misconception.
Charlotte's scant memories of her husband do not fit the
man residing in her home. The more they converse, the more
she becomes intrigued with him. It leaves her wondering how
much a man can change. Dixon sees her doubts but does not
dissuade her, leading to exposure that could ruin their
budding relationship.
AUTUMN IN SCOTLAND swirls with gothic overturns in the
atmospheric castle. Ms. Ranney's haunting description in
the first chapter sets the tone for the novel and prepares
readers for the peril that follows.
Betrothed to an earl she had never met, Charlotte
Haversham arrived at Balfurin, hoping to find love at the
legendary Scottish castle. Instead she found decaying
towers and no husband among the ruins. So Charlotte worked
a miracle, transforming the rotting fortress into a
prestigious girls' school. And now, five years later, her
life is filled with purpose—until . . .
Seduced by a stranger
A man storms Charlotte's castle—and he is not the
reprehensible Earl of Marne, the one who stole her dowry
and dignity, but rather the absent lord's handsome,
worldly cousin Dixon MacKinnon. Mesmerized by the fiery
Charlotte, Dixon is reluctant to correct her mistake. And
though she's determined not to play the fool again,
Charlotte finds herself strangely thrilled by the
scoundrel's amorous attentions. But a dangerous intrigue
has drawn Dixon to Balfurin. And if his ruse is
prematurely revealed, a passionate, blossoming love affair
could crumble into ruin.
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