without apology, he deepened the kiss, pressing her body closer to his.
Beneath his touch her body trembled, but she didn’t resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck, trailing her fingers through his hair.
His lips left hers to move to her ear. His whisper was rough. Desperate. “Marry me, Amelia. Not for Lucy. Not for your inheritance. But for me.”
He couldn’t wait for her answer before his lips again captured hers. Reveling in the intoxicating scent of her, he buried his face into her neck. He needed to hear her say it. He was a man desperate for the words. Perhaps at one point he could have been satisfied to be her husband in name only. But now, after he had tasted her lips, after his hands had memorized the feel of her skin, it would be impossible.
Her body weakened underneath his touch, and she pulled back. Large eyes regarded him with curiosity, but not fear. Even in the shadows he could see the flush of her cheeks, the smile curving her lips. Her breath came in shallow gasps, and her chest rose and fell with emotion. A single word sealed his future happiness: “Yes!”
He released the breath he’d been holding, wrapped his arms tighter around her waist, and lifted her up off the floor. A giddy giggle bubbled from her, and he lost himself again in the wonder of her kiss.
Amelia now belonged to him. He belonged to her.
And heaven help him, he would endeavor to deserve her.
READING GROUP GUIDE
1. In this story, Amelia risks everything—her future, security, and reputation—to keep a promise to a loved one. Have you ever had to give up something to keep a promise?
2. Amelia was forced to choose between following the will of her family and keeping a promise to her friend. Do you think Amelia handled her situation in the best way? If you were Amelia, what would you have done differently?
3. Initially, Graham is unable to forgive himself for some of the mistakes in his past, but over time he learns to accept God’s forgiveness and, in turn, forgives himself. Is there something in your past that you have had a hard time forgiving yourself for?
4. Do you think that Edward ever really loved Amelia as he claimed? Why or why not?
5. Amelia grew up without a mother, and when she needed advice, she often turned to Mrs. Hammond. If you had been Mrs. Hammond, what advice would you have given Amelia?
6. At the end of the novel, Helena is pregnant and comes to realize that her impressions of Edward were false. How is Helena different at the end of the novel than she was at the beginning? What lessons do you think she learned?
7. Why do you think Captain Sterling is so reluctant to give his horse a name?
8. Growing up, Amelia and Helena were very close, but over time, circumstances drove a wedge between them. Have you ever had a relationship in your own life take such a turn? How were you able to repair the relationship?
9. At the beginning of the book, instead of turning to God for guidance, Amelia relies on her own wisdom to concoct a plan of how she can keep her promise to Katherine. In the end, she realizes that her own strength is not sufficient and learns to rely on God. Has there been a time in your life when you learned a similar lesson?
10. In what way is Amelia different at the end of the story? In what way is she the same?
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
No relationship is by accident, and I am so thankful for the people God has brought into my life. Words cannot express the extent of my gratitude for those who have supported and encouraged my writing.
To my husband, Scott, and to my darling daughter—the two of you are my greatest joy and inspiration. Thank you for believing in my dream and going on this journey with me. I am richly blessed.
To my parents, Ann and Wayne, who have prayed for me and cheered me on through every endeavor, and a special thanks to my mom, Ann, and my sister, Sally, who were my very first readers. Who knew editing could be such fun?
To my friend and agent, Tamela Hancock Murray, whose guidance has been a blessing on my writing career. Your passion is truly contagious.
To my editor, Natalie Hanemann, and my copyeditor, Anne Buchanan. Your insight is impeccable, and you both taught me more than you could ever realize. And to the design team, the editorial team, and the marketing folks at Thomas Nelson . . . you guys are amazing.
To my fellow historical authors Kim Taylor and Carrie Fancett Pagels, who offered advice and friendship while I was writing this book, and to the TG5 ladies, who encouraged me when this story was just a whisper of an idea. Each one of you is a blessing to me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah E. Ladd has more than ten years of marketing experience. She is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing. The Heiress of Winterwood was the recipient of the 2011 Genesis Award for historical romance. Sarah lives in Indiana with her amazing husband, sweet daughter, and spunky golden retriever.
Table of Contents
PROLOGUE
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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21
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31
READING GROUP GUIDE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR