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Summary

When a misunderstanding lands the pretty indentured servant in the stocks, Rhys becomes her unlikely savior. After the grueling ordeal, he tenderly cares for her bruised body and broken pride. But he longs to do much more—to satisfy the fire that sparks between them the moment they are alone, and to claim the woman designed by providence to be his soul mate and lover.

Joan cannot deny her perilous attraction to the handsome mason and builder, but her oath to rebuild her broken life prevents her from accepting the passion waiting for her in his arms. Rhys speaks of discovering "what might be", but Joan dare not succumb to his seductive charm. She is hiding secrets that Rhys must never know, and carrying wounds that she believes his gentle care cannot heal.
(originally published in January 2001)