Category: Action/Thriller Publisher: Holland Legacy Publishing
ISBN-10: 0983295976
Copyright: August 6, 2012
ISBN-13: 9780983295976
A man's journey of repentance and a blind woman's journey of discovery.
Charlotte Gray couldn't believe that anyone in high society would care to introduce her to potential suitors. After all, a cruel accident left her blind at the age of eight. However, Lady and Lord Rochester, her aristocratic neighbors, have taken a peculiar interest in her welfare and offer to hold a debutante ball in her honor. Inexperienced in the ways of men and vulnerable to a fault, Charlotte begins to traverse the unfamiliar world of courtship. To her surprise, two brothers become rivals for her affections. One she favors because of his gregarious and flattering ways. The other she spurns due to his unappealing demeanor and desperate attempt to win her heart. Pressured by her family and brokenhearted over the risqué conduct of her first choice, Charlotte is persuaded to accept Patrick Rochester's proposal of marriage instead. Her surrender introduces her into the world of passion at the artful hands of a mysterious man. When the dark and alluring husband finally conquers her heart, a shocking secret about his true identity unfolds. As a result, Charlotte learns that love can be blind for everyone-even her.
Excerpt
Patrick Rochester was an expert in wallowing in self-pity and remorse. He arrived from London at his uncle’s country manor early in the morning. An hour later, he set out to confront his past by returning to the scene of his transgression. The lashing of his soul had been set in motion, and Patrick fully expected old wounds to bleed.
It had been a long time since he visited the vast land holdings of the Rochester estate in Buckinghamshire. He was surprised at how much the landscape had changed. Ten years of growth altered the look of the region.
The familiar path through the woods remained, but for a brief moment he lost his bearings. Young saplings that he had once been familiar with had grown into mature trees. Plentiful shrubbery and dense ground cover all but wiped out the recognizable landmarks of his childhood.
Then, like a haunting siren of the woods, the wind blew through a large oak tree ahead. The branches swayed back and forth, as if to protest his return. When he halted below the gnarly limbs, an acorn fell and struck him on his shoulder.
How fitting, he ruefully mused with a scowl. Before dismounting his horse, Patrick tilted his head backward to gaze into the branches above. The limb was still there, only it loomed higher above the ground than he remembered.
Its circumference appeared significantly wider. The tree had aged.
When the heels of his boots hit the ground, the sound sent a shiver through his spine. Would he ever forget the thud of her body hitting the hard earth? He doubted it.
After patting his horse on its hindquarters, he let the steed wander over to a grassy area to graze. The woods, except for the gentle breeze rustling the leaves, remained quiet.
Patrick walked over to the tree, which slanted toward the west. He placed the palm of his hand on the rigid, rough bark. Its patterned crust resembled ridges of streaking tears. Patrick drew in a labored breath and kicked the loose dirt at the base of the trunk. An acorn crunched under the heel of his boot. He bent down and picked up a handful, like he had done ten years earlier, and fingered the hard projectiles.
Scenes from the past rushed through his mind like a torrential flood. He heard his younger brother’s enthusiastic voice.
“Come on, load your pockets.”
Patrick felt dizzy and leaned his forearm against the bark. He lowered his head and closed his eyes. The branches of the tree seemed to reach out and pull him backward in time. Once more, he became a rebellious, twelve-year-old, angry boy. Vivid recollections swirled in his mind of one imprudent day of recklessness.
Professional Reviews
USA Best Book Awards
Award-Winning Finalist in the 'Fiction: Romance' category of The 2012 USA Best Book Awards, sponsored by USA Book News 11-16-12
Night Owl Reviews Romance
"The characterization is powerful, haunting, poignant and angst-filled. This is a fantastic read that will stay with you." Rare Top Pick - 5 Stars - Night Owl Reviews (Romance) 8-13-12
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