Lana Dunleavy has known sorrow in her life, spending her young years in an orphanage. Finally, she and her best friend, Siobhan, travel to America, determined to make their lives better. The birth of Siobhan's baby, Colin, brings Lana to vow to her friend that she will always take care of the two of them -- despite the nasty laziness of Siobhan's husband.

Lana is working hard to save money to make sure that Siobhan and Colin have a safe and happy home, getting time off infrequently to see them. But then she arrives at Siobhan's home to find that her friend was killed when a carriage ran her over (the drunken husband was the driver and was also killed) and Colin has suffered the same fate of Lana's young years. He's in an orphanage and before Lana can get him released to her custody, he's adopted by a wealthy society woman wanting to show off her kindness.

Desperate, Lana turns to a man, Stone, she knows can help her get Colin back. She's working as a maid in the society woman's home and realizes that the family doesn't really want Colin. Lana needs to present herself as wealthy and well-bred and then she knows they would be glad to get rid of him. But she must learn to speak well and present herself as rich -- and she knows that Stone can help her because the fraud has already convinced society that he's an English duke when he's really just a lowly actor.

Stone agrees to help Lana and can't bring himself to tell her that he is, indeed, a duke. He let's her believe that he's lying to everyone because he wants Lana to get back the boy who's so important to her.

As these two weave their convoluted lies, you'll find yourself drawn into this story, rooting for Lana and little Colin. The life the little boy is leading is terrible and the themes of desperation and despair underlie the entire book. Of course, there's plenty of time for Stone and Lana to fire a hot attraction for each other. But how can they ever find a life together -- particularly when Lana finds out that he really is a duke and she's the one he's been fooling?

This was a good historical. Lana is a wonderful character, drawn with sensitivity and bravery. Her life definitely draws the reader's sympathy and makes you wish for a happy ending even more than usual!