To shape her life, she may have to sacrifice her heart.

Hannah Whitby's dreams of marrying for love are dying too soon. Faced with backbreaking labor on her uncle's tobacco farm or a loveless marriage, she chooses the lesser of the evils. Perhaps one day she and Reiver Shaw will become joined at the heart, as her long-dead parents once were.

Time and again she proves her worth not only in the childbed, but as a helpmate in making Reiver's silk mill a success. Yet even as she earns his respect, the ultimate prize—his love—eludes her.

Only one man sees her true worth. Reiver's artist brother, Samuel. Yet to succumb to Samuel's desire to fulfill her, body and soul, could come at too high a price. As she fights a battle on several fronts—her marriage, her desire, and keeping the business afloat amid the escalating conflict between North and South—Hannah must come to a decision.

To break under the strain, or grow strong...and make the choices that define a lifetime.

This book has been previously published.

Warning: Contains a plucky heroine who learns her true worth lies beyond a man's definition. You may not agree with all of her choices, but you'll cheer for her all the same. Happy ending guaranteed.