Sentenced to seven years of servitude in the penal colony of New
South Wales, Bridgit Madden is thrust into a world unlike anything she's known,
dangers she never imagined and enemies with their own interests at heart.
Certain that the conviction has ruined her chances of ever having a real
family, she is fearful of her future.
Despite his reluctance to take in a convict, Jonah Andrus, a
grazier and pioneer cattleman, needs a servant to care for his orphaned niece.
When presented with Bridgit, who is far too beautiful and distracting, he
initially tries to refuse. However, with a busy cattle station to oversee, he
needs help right away.
Upon her first meeting with Jonah's niece, Bridgit immediately
falls in love with the girl and becomes entwined the mystery surrounding her
birth. As she gets to know her employer better, Bridgit makes it her mission to
remind him that family is priceless. When it seems as though she might have
found the place she truly belongs, their love is threatened by lies and deceit,
and both of them might lose everything they hold dear for a second time.
Excerpt:
“There, there. Bridgit will be along any second. She knows how
to take care of you. Uncle Jonah will drop you. You’re too small.”
Surprised by his own admission, he stared helplessly at Olivia.
When was the last time he’d paid her any attention? She’d grown and he hadn’t
noticed. Babies did; he knew well enough from watching his calves during the
summer. The baby he remembered was tiny, wrinkled and didn’t look like anyone.
Charlotte, exhausted, but elated, had smiled proudly.
“Isn’t she beautiful, Jonah?”
Recalling her voice made his heart pound. The silly girl didn’t
have a sense of shame. She’d been nervous when she admitted her tryst and the
subsequent pregnancy, but she had defended her child. Not unlike one of his
cows. They protected their young fiercely.
He hadn’t found the words to answer her question. All he saw was
Rob Langnecker’s face. The desire to kill him had blotted out everything else.
Langnecker had ruined his sister, left her alone with a bastard child and went
off chasing other skirts. She’d died in the room where Bridgit slept, believing
he’d come back for them.
If I ever catch him.
Jonah ran his hand down his face.
“Is something wrong?”
Bridgit’s warm hand closed around his. Pity shined in her eyes.
“The chores are waiting.” Clammy sweat dampened his shirt.
She tugged his hand. “You need to stay. You’ll regret it if you
don’t. Go sit down.”
He didn’t understand why he obeyed, but he sat in the rocking
chair by the window. His father had crafted it for his mother years before
Jonah was born.
Bridgit lifted Olivia, nestling her into his arms. The cries
eased to a whimper.
“Hold your arms like this. You’ve got to support her head.”
“I know.” Charlotte had insisted he hold Olivia hours after her
birth. He remembered it clear as day. Accepting the chubby baby, he was
surprised at her weight.
She’d been so small. “She’s healthy.”
It was more a question than a statement. Olivia gazed at him,
eyes wide. Her fingers toyed with one of his buttons.
“Aye. Growing like a weed. She’s learning to roll over.” At his
confused look, she explained, “That’s good. She’ll be crawling before long. She
talks to me and follow things with her eyes. Everything she’s supposed to do.”
“Good. Charlotte would be glad.” His voice sounded choked and he
cleared his throat, hoping Bridgit hadn’t noticed.
She lifted the bottle. “Here. Feed her. Tip it up, so the air
gets in the bottle.”
He let her show him what to do, surprised again when Olivia
grasped the bottle with her tiny hands. Her features were clearer now.
Charlotte’s nose and chin. Those couldn’t be his ears, could they? Dark blue
eyes stared up at him, then drifted shut as she suckled greedily. Her eyes were
the only resemblance he could find to her father.
Bridgit kneeled beside the rocking chair and swept dark locks
from the baby’s face. Her hand settled on his knee. “There. She’s happy now.” A
wistful smile played across her face.
A jolt ran through him. With Olivia snuggled against his chest
and Bridgit beside him, the moment belonged to a family man.
Buy Links: Amazon
Watch the Trailer: YouTube
Link
About the Author
A love of reading turned Allison Merritt into an author who
writes historical, paranormal and fantasy romances, often combining the
sub-genres. She graduated college with a B.A. in mass communications that's
gathering dust after it was determined that she's better at writing fluff than
hard news.
She lives in a small town in the Ozark Mountains with her
husband and dogs. When she's not writing or reading, she hikes in national
parks and conservation areas.
Tour Dates: February 17th - 28th
This Tour is for Spotlights only!
2/18 - London's Scribbles
2/18 - Queen of the Night Reviews
2/19 - New Age Mama
2/20 - Viari Rose
2/24 - Paulette's Papers
2/25 - A Book Junkies Obsession
2/26 - Imogene Nix Blog
2/27 - Sexy Between The Covers
