While running a bed and breakfast off the coast of Maine, Sarah Banks has grown to expect very little out of life. She's a widow, which isn't all bad since her marriage was loveless and unsatisfying. Her last commitment was to run the bed and breakfast and care for her late husband's mother. After her mother-in-law's death, lumber baron Grady Knight appears with an offer that will change Sarah's life forever.

All she has to do is marry by proxy his missing son, Alex, who's presumed dead, before he's legally declared deceased, then adopt Alex's children from his first marriage. In return, Grady will allow Sarah to use her expertise to operate the sporting camps not far from the Knight home. One catch is that it be their secret until he's ready to tell his other two sons, Ethan and Paul. Sarah agrees because she's wanted to be a part of their family and is already very fond of Alex's children, Tucker and Delaney. But who would expect Alex to return from the dead. When they meet face to face, sparks fly and the icy Maine temperatures start to heat up.

Alex and Sarah, though very attracted to each another, stumble around trying to figure out if their feelings are lust or the beginning of love. Sarah's only experience with marriage was disastrous, so she has trouble believing Alex's intentions are real. And Alex, who never expected to find a wife waiting when he returned, is surprised how much he wants to win Sarah's heart. Not to mention the fact that his dad and brothers will stop at nothing to see that this becomes a real marriage.

While the whole family is involved with this marriage, vandalism is taking a toll on their lumber business. Is it the work of teens out for a good and destructive time, or do the strangers who've been seen in the area have something to do with it? What dangers lie ahead for this family?

THE SEDUCTION OF HIS WIFE is a wonderfully written love story with just a hint of mystery and danger. The Knight family is loyal, devoted and respectful to one another. From page one, I was hooked. Ms. Chapman, author of the successful Highlander series, is off to a great start with this new series. I look forward to the next installment to discover what's in store for the Knights.