Very
little is known about the young man that Jane Austen met during a seaside
holiday in 1800. Her sister was later to say that she believed this young man
was falling in love with Jane and was someone she felt was truly worthy of her
sister. What transpired that summer? Perhaps it happened this way …
Jane begins her search for love with giddy
optimism, but her first encounter proves devastating. The young Irishman who
captured her heart is convinced by his family that marrying a penniless
clergyman’s daughter would be a terrible mistake. Jane resolves never again to
succumb to false hope, romantic delusions, and pathetic heartbreak.
Lieutenant Frederick Barnes is on medical
leave from the Royal Navy. By the time he crosses paths with Jane, she has lost
her faith in love and is determined to protect her heart at all costs.But the
Lieutenant is captivated and equally determinedto break through her defenses. Jane
must battle between what she knows and what she feels. What will happen to her
heart if she is wrong again?
Read an excerpt
It was after one o’clock in the morning when I climbed out
of bed, pulled back the curtains for moonlight, and began to dress. The
rustling awoke Cassie. I told her to return to sleep, but that the warm air was
too much for me. If I could only steal down to the waves, and feel the cool
water wash over my ankles, I should cool down immediately.
“You cannot be serious. To go down to the beach? At this
hour?” Cassie inquired in disbelief.
“Go back to sleep. I shall return very shortly.”
