1890, Western Australia. 14-year-old Sarette Maitland is orphaned when her father dies of a snake-bite on the goldfields. Rescued by a wealthy adventurer, John Kern, she takes the place in his heart of his own dead daughter. Several years later, he sends her back to England, to learn the manners society expects of a beautiful young woman.

A romance set against the background of the Australian Gold Rush. 1890, Western Australia. 14-year-old Sarette Maitland is orphaned when her father dies of a snake-bite on the goldfields. Rescued by a wealthy adventurer, John Kern, she takes the place in his heart of his own dead daughter. Several years later, he sends her back to England, to learn the manners society expects of a beautiful young woman. At Kern's family home in Dorset, Sarette is introduced to her mentor's nephew, Magnus, who has been appointed her guardian. When Magnus learns that his beloved uncle has left the entrancing Sarette a considerable fortune, both his honesty and his heart are tested...

Review
“Woods fashions an involving, time-honored story...sure to please her fans” Booklist on Edge of Regret “Woods has created an engaging historical novel filled with emotion and starring a memorable heroine” Booklist on The Coal Gatherer “Woods consistently writes gentle historical fiction with sympathetic characters” Booklist on Cinnamon Sky “Woods creates a lovely, gentle romance reminiscent of Georgette Heyer that should appeal to modern readers” Booklist on Amaranth Moon"

Born and brought up in Parkstone in Dorset, Janet Woods is the author of several bestselling sagas from Severn House, including The Stonecutter's Daughter, Amaranth Moon, More Than a Promise, Cinnamon Sky, Broken Journey, The Coal Gatherer, and Without Reproach. She now lives in Australia.