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It's a tiny estuary on the southern coast of Hampshire, almost unnoticeable on most maps. So what on earth is Sir Marcus Camberley doing on the beach at Buckler's Hard? On a dark night, into the bargain? He's on a quest - a quest to begin his life anew, free of the curse which threatened his very existence. Now he's at liberty to pursue a whim if he so chooses, and chance has led his horse to this quiet little dip in the Hampshire coastline. It's not as quiet as it should be, however, since Marcus's attention is caught by a boat rowing silently in from the ocean - and a slender figure awaiting its arrival... Mariah Dean is well aware that "free trading" is a risky business. But it's all part of who she is and what she does. She helps people, especially those in and around the tiny village of Buckler's Hard. Content to be a somewhat eccentric widow, Mariah has no need of a husband, a title or any of the things that go along with married life. Except for the one thing she knows she's missing...passion. When a rare opportunity - in the shape of Marcus Camberley - knocks on her door? She opens it, and makes a risky suggestion...one which will lead to much more than just a night on the beach at Buckler`s Hard. Featuring a character first introduced in "Shadows of Thérèse", this story is set in the Regency and is a work of fiction. However, Buckler`s Hard is a real place, a charming village nestled in Hampshire. A "Hard" is a shoreline that is shallow enough to expose a hard surface at low tide - ideal for bringing boats onto dry land for a few hours of maintenance without the need for a dry dock. It has a long and proud maritime history - Lord Nelson captained a ship which was built there, and during World War II many boats left from its moorings to make the hazardous trip to France for the D-Day invasion. Today, it's home to many yachts, boats and watercraft, has a delightful pub and the smallest church in England. (The door squeaks when you open it!) I have taken some liberties with the settings for my story, but Buckler's Hard remains a little jewel on the Southern coast of England. Coming in Summer 2008 from Ellora's Cave Read some reviewer's thoughts here.... An excerpt will be posted soon. |
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