Introduction

At the elegant Mercy Falls masquerade ball, Olivia's hidden identity will be revealed.

It is the dawn of a new century and Olivia Stewart is heiress to an empire. Her family numbers among the Four Hundred-those considered the wealthiest and most distinquished in America. Unfortunately their wealth has nearly disappeared, and now their security rests upon the Stewart daughters' marrying well.

Olivia's sister, Eleanor, was engaged to Harrison Bennett, one of the nation's wealthiest men, but has since died. Now the pressure is on Olivia to take her place, despite her suspicions about Eleanor's fiance. Using her family's long-forgotten English title, Olivia travels to Mercy Falls, California, as Lady Devonworth, hoping to learn more before committing to marriage. There she finds that Eleanor's death was no accident. And Harrison is not the man she thought he would be.

When Mercy Falls holds a charity masquerade ball to raise funds for the new lighthouse, secrets-and truths long hidden-will be revealed. But can Harrison really love Olivia when he finds her true identity? Can she live with the repercussions of failing her family, or will she finally realize that nothing-not money, family, or romance-will ever compare to God's unconditional love?

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Excerpt

The New York brownstone was just half a block down from

the Astor mansion on Fifth Avenue, the most prestigious address in

the country. The carriage, monogrammed with the Stewart emblem,

rattled through the iron gates and came to a halt in front of the ornate

doors. Assisted by the doorman, Olivia Stewart descended and rushed

for the steps of her home. She was late for tea, and her mother would

be furious. Mrs. Astor herself had agreed to join them today.

Olivia handed her hat to the maid, who opened the door. “They’re

in the drawing room, Miss Olivia,” Goldia whispered. “Your mama

is ready to pace the floor.”

Olivia patted at her hair, straightened her shoulders, and pinned a

smile in place as she forced her stride to a ladylike stroll to join the other

women. Two women turned to face her as she entered: her mother and

Mrs. Astor. They wore identical expressions of disapproval.

“Olivia, there you are,” her mother said. “Sit down before your tea

gets cold.”

Olivia pulled off her gloves as she settled into the Queen Anne

chair beside Mrs. Astor. “I apologize for my tardiness,” she said. “A

lorry filled with tomatoes overturned in the street, and my driver

couldn’t get around it.”

Mrs. Astor’s face cleared. “Of course, my dear.” She sipped her tea

from the delicate blue-and-white china. “Your dear mother and I were

just discussing your prospects. It’s time you married.” view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

From the publisher:

1. Do you ever feel you are insignificant and nothing you do matters? Why or why not?
2. Do you have a dream you have been too intimidated to pursue? Maybe even too afraid to even name it? What is it?
3. Name characteristics of some of the true friends you have had. How important is it that they point you back to God?
4. Have you ever altered your behavior because of others’ expectations the way Olivia did? What allows you to be yourself?
5. Do you know anyone who has allowed bitterness to fester? How can you help that person forgive and let go?
6. Family expectations were very different for children a hundred years ago. What would you have found the most difficult about growing up in that era?
7. Society at the turn of the last century was also preoccupied with appearances and impressing other people, much as we see today. What can you do to keep from falling in the hole of materialism?
8. What do you want badly enough that might tempt you into compromising your integrity?
9. Olivia was wrong for keeping her secrets from Harrison. At what point should she have admitted her identity?
10. God sees us as we are inside. Does this comfort you or intimidate you?

Weblinks

»	Publisher's Book Info
»	Colleen Cobble's official web site
»	Connect with Colleen on Facebook
»	Follow Colleen on Twitter
»	Read Chapter One

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