Vanishing Trails of Lost Love (Preview)

Prologue

Amelia Sinclair stood on the front porch of her family’s home, waiting for her good friend, Ethan Walker, to saddle their horses. The warm West Virginia sun beat down upon her light brown hair, and beads of sweat formed along her brow. Amelia brushed them away with a delicate handkerchief she always kept in her dress pocket, her brown eyes filled with affection as she thought of Ethan Walker.

She thought of Ethan as her best friend, one that seemed to blossom and grow over each passing day. She and Ethan had grown up together. Three years ago, Ethan’s parents perished in a tragic carriage accident, which left him an orphan. Amelia’s parents and Ethan’s parents had been good friends, so the Sinclairs offered Ethan a home until he was old enough to be on his own. Since that fateful day, Amelia and Ethan had become inseparable.

“Are you ready for our ride?” Ethan called out to her as he led two horses behind him. His blond hair caught the golden rays of sunlight and his blue eyes sparkled with excitement as he led the horses close to the porch.

“Of course!” Amelia walked down the steps and joined Ethan by their horses, her cheeks flushing with anticipation. She loved their horseback rides together on her family’s property, galloping through the green meadows and fields.

“Here you go,” Ethan offered her a hand to help her mount her horse before swinging up on his own. “I thought we could take a different route today, maybe explore the western edge of your father’s property.”

“Sounds wonderful,” Amelia agreed with a cheerful smile. She was determined to enjoy every moment with Ethan, especially with his impending departure to college in the fall.

With a final adjustment of their saddles and reins, they set off down the dirt path, side by side. The horses’ hooves echoed rhythmically as they carried Amelia and Ethan through the countryside, their laughter echoing in the summer breeze. Amelia bent her head back and allowed the sun to touch her face, her eyes closed for only a moment. She truly loved these rides, and she felt free as they moved toward their destination.

She glanced at Ethan, admiring his tall and lean figure. His arms flexed as he guided his horse, and she felt a familiar warmth spread through her chest. He was no longer the boy who had come to live with them. He had grown into a fine young man. She sometimes hoped that someday Ethan would be at her side as more than just a good friend.

“Amelia?” Ethan’s voice pulled her from her reverie. “You seem a bit distant today. Is everything alright?”

“Of course,” she replied quickly, a bit flustered, even as she wondered what he would say if she did tell him what she was thinking. “I’m just thinking about all the changes that are coming our way. It’s exciting, but also a little scary, don’t you think?”

“Changes can be good,” Ethan responded.

“I’ll miss you when you leave in a few months, but I also am very happy that you are able to pursue your dreams,” Amelia said.

Ethan had always dreamed of working with animals, so he planned to attend a school that would help him learn what he could.

“I’m sure you will be so busy with finishing school, you won’t even miss me,” Ethan teased.

Amelia only smiled at him, but inside, she had a deep fear of losing his friendship. What if, once he left for college, he forgot all about her? So, with her secret hopes locked inside her heart, they continued their ride through the green fields.

They spoke of their plans for the summer: picnics by the river, Sunday services at their church, and even helping at the local orphanage. As they planned, Amelia did her best to push away the intense sadness she felt at knowing this was the last summer together before their lives took them in different directions.

That evening after dinner, Amelia and Ethan were sitting in the parlor when her father, Richard, entered the room. Amelia could tell that something important was on his mind by his furrowed brow.

“Ah, there you two are,” he said, his voice steady but more somber than usual. “Ethan, may I have a word with you in my office?”

“Of course, Mr. Sinclair,” Ethan replied, rising from his chair with a curious look in his eyes.

Amelia watched as her father led Ethan down the hallway, her curiosity piqued. What could they possibly need to discuss? Feeling restless, she decided to follow them, stopping just outside the door of her father’s office as Ethan stepped inside.

“Please close the door behind you, Ethan,” Richard requested in a low voice, and Amelia felt a pang of disappointment as the door shut firmly, cutting her off from their conversation. She strained her ears, trying to catch even a whisper of what they might be discussing, but all she could hear was the faint murmur of their voices.

She knew eavesdropping wasn’t proper, so Amelia reluctantly retreated to her bedroom, her thoughts still consumed by the mysterious conversation between her father and Ethan.

“I’ll ask Ethan what Father wanted in the morning,” Amelia decided, but she felt a nagging feeling of apprehension that led to her drifting into an uneasy sleep.

It was pitch dark when Amelia woke up with a start, her heart pounding in her chest. Something had awakened her, but what? She knew the answer to her question a moment later when she could smell smoke in the air. Puzzled, she got out of bed to light a lantern, as she tried to adjust her eyes to the dim light that shone through her bedroom window. The air was foggy, making her realize that something was burning, and panic seized her.

“Mother!” Amelia cried as she ran to open her door. The smoke was thick in the hallway as she hurried to her parents’ room. “Father! The house is on fire!”

“Amelia, is that you?”

Amelia could barely hear her mother’s words, but relief flooded through her as she opened the bedroom door. She could see her mother’s form through the smoky haze on the floor.

“Amelia, please help me,” Agnes moaned, as she tried to stand up.

“Stay low to the floor and cover your mouth.” Amelia remembered learning something about that in school a few years ago. She wasn’t sure if her instructions were correct, but all she could do was pray that they would get out of the house alive.

“Where’s Father?” Amelia yelled as she reached Agnes’ side and looked around frantically for Richard.

“I…don’t know,” Agnes replied weakly and then coughed. “He…never came to bed.”

Although Amelia found that odd, she was grateful that her father might not be in the house. Together, they began to crawl out of the room. As she passed Ethan’s room, she stopped and pounded on the door.

“Ethan! There is a fire. Wake up!” She pounded again and tried to open the door, but it was locked.

Agnes began to pull her away towards the stairs. “We need to get out of the house.”

“But…”

“We must get out and get help. I’m sure Ethan heard you,” Agnes said. It seemed as if she suddenly got a lot of strength because she wouldn’t let go of Amelia’s arm. “Come on.”

Amelia decided it would be best to get her mother out of the house and then, if Ethan didn’t appear, she could go back and get him. As they moved down the stairs, the smoke became even thicker, and she could see orange flames in the direction of her father’s office. What could have caused this?

The next few hours seemed to be a large blur in her mind. After she got her mother safely outside, Amelia was able to ride her favorite mare bareback to the nearest neighbor’s house. It took some loud pounding on the door to get Mr. Harrison to answer her summons, but once he understood what was happening, he had immediately sprung into action. It didn’t take long before many men had arrived, doing what they could to put out the fire. The entire time, Amelia kept praying that the Lord would protect her family, tears dripping down her face, and her mother clinging to her.

It was almost daylight when the fire was finally out, with only some smoldering wood and smoke. While Amelia had gone for help, Agnes had been able to wake up their housekeeper, who lived nearby in a small cottage on their land. She saw Mr. Harrison standing near a group of men and she headed towards them.

“Did you find my father and Ethan?” she asked the moment she made eye contact with Mr. Harrison.

He hesitated before shaking his head. “I’m sorry, Miss Amelia. We found your father in his office, but I’m afraid that he didn’t make it. Ethan is not in the house.”

“Are you sure?” Amelia asked, her voice sounding hoarse from breathing smoke for several hours.

Mr. Harrison nodded. “I’m sorry. I’ll let your mother know and then alert the police. They’ll need to come and make a report.”

Amelia nodded numbly as she stared at the house, everything again a blur. Mr. Harrison’s wife insisted on taking Agnes and Amelia to her home until they could decide what steps to take next. Agnes agreed to the plan, but Amelia refused to leave the house. Over the next few hours, she discovered that Richard hadn’t died in the fire as she had believed, but had been killed by a blow to his head. The safe which Richard always kept a stack of money was open and the money missing. Everyone believed that Ethan had killed Richard, taken the money in the safe, and then started the fire before running into the night.

Once the sun fully rose, Amelia was grateful to discover that only part of the first floor had been damaged by the fire, although it took months to rebuild, as well as remove the smoky scents, a steady reminder of the fire where they lost so much. After her father’s funeral, Amelia and Agnes stayed in a boarding house while the house was repaired.

Every day, Agnes laminated bitterly against Ethan, fully believing that he had caused this terrible tragedy, and then had run away like a coward.

But Amelia did not believe Ethan had done what he was being accused of. She was sure there was another explanation, but her mother refused to even entertain that possibility. Amelia became determined to prove Ethan’s innocence, no matter what the cost. She would do what she could to find out the truth and bring peace to her life, and her mother’s, once more.

Chapter One

Eight Years Later

Amelia sat at the worn wooden desk in her bedroom, her light brown hair cascading over her shoulders as she flipped through the pages of an old newspaper article. Her brown eyes scanned each line with determination, searching for any clues that could help her unravel the mystery that had haunted her for nearly eight years; the untimely death of her father and the disappearance of her best friend, Ethan.

She had always been a strong-willed and independent young woman, longing for a life filled with love, adventure, and freedom. But the past had a way of casting its shadow over her dreams, leaving her restless and unfulfilled.

“Amelia, what are you doing up there?” called her mother, Agnes. Her shrill voice seemed to echo from the stairs. “You aren’t reading through those articles again, are you?”

“Mother, please.” Amelia sighed, setting the article aside reluctantly as her mother appeared in the doorway of her room. “I just want to find out the truth. I can’t let this go. There has to be some clue.”

“Your father is gone, Amelia,” Agnes said sternly, entering the room with her hands on her hips.

“And so is Ethan. I know that you can’t remember what Ethan was really like since you were so young, but that boy was nothing but trouble. I’m certain he’s the one who killed Richard, started the house fire, and took his money. I don’t understand why you can’t accept that and move on with your life.”

“Because I don’t believe it, Mother!” Amelia exclaimed, her frustration evident. “Ethan was our friend. He would never hurt Father or us!”

“Amelia, listen to me,” Agnes pleaded, her voice softening. “I know it’s hard to accept, but sometimes people aren’t who we think they are. You’re wasting your time trying to find answers that don’t exist.”

“Maybe,” Amelia murmured, turning her gaze back to the journal. “But it’s my time to waste. I need to know what happened.”

“You need to move on. What’s done is done, and there isn’t anything you can do about it.” Agnes paused, as if waiting for Amelia to reply. When Amelia stayed silent, Agnes sighed with a shake of her head. “I am going to pay my good friend Lucille a visit. When I return, I would like to talk to you about having a garden party.”

Amelia clenched her jaw, holding back the tears that threatened to spill over as her mother left the room. She knew her mother only wanted what was best for her, but she felt that there was more to the story. She couldn’t understand why her mother didn’t want to know the truth.

A few days later, Amelia found herself in the parlor, her mother’s plans about the garden party still fresh in her mind. She had spent all morning with Agnes planning the event, even though Amelia had told her mother repeatedly that she didn’t want to have the party.

Approximately a year after the fire, Agnes had made the decision to sell the family home and land, and purchased a small home in the nearby town of Shady Oaks. While Amelia hated losing the house she had grown up in, she had agreed with her mother’s plans. Because Richard was gone, Agnes had no desire to keep up the large plantation home and land. The only thing Amelia missed was the horses since her mother sold all of them, except for a few to pull their buggy around town. Agnes also let all of their help go, except their trusted housekeeper, who agreed to cook and clean their new home.

The house they now lived in was much smaller than the plantation home, but it was still a good size, boasting two stories with four bedrooms, a parlor, dining room, a large kitchen, and a room Agnes converted into a library. Agnes employed a neighbor who kept the gardens around the house in prime condition.

She sat down at the piano to play her favorite piece in an effort to get her mind off the long list her mother had given her, items that needed to be completed before the party. While she played, trying to lose herself in the music, there was a loud knock on the door, announcing a visitor. Agnes hurried to answer it, and Amelia heard her exclaim with delight.

“Mr. Samuel Morgan! What a pleasant surprise!”

Amelia’s heart fell. Samuel was a respectable young man whom her mother had been trying to match her with for months. He was a son of Shady Oak’s banker, with his eyes on following in his father’s footsteps. She had met him briefly at social events but had never taken much interest in him, despite her mother’s insistence. She heard the murmured words between Samuel and Agnes, but she kept playing, having no desire to find out what they were talking about.

“Amelia, dear, come and greet our guest,” her mother called out, pulling Amelia from her thoughts.

She slowly rose from the piano bench and crossed the parlor to find Samuel standing in the doorway. He was tall, well-dressed, and clean-shaven, with neatly combed hair and a polite smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. Amelia offered her hand, which he took in a firm grasp.

“Miss Sinclair, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” he said smoothly.

“Likewise, Mr. Morgan,” Amelia replied, her voice carefully neutral. She could sense her mother’s excitement and anticipation.

“Mr. Morgan has expressed an interest in courting you, Amelia,” Agnes interjected, unable to contain herself any longer. “Isn’t that wonderful?”

Amelia’s heart sank as she looked into Samuel’s expectant gaze. She knew she should be grateful for the attention, but the thought of marrying a banker and living a life confined to their town of Shady Oaks filled her with dread. She longed for adventure and independence, not a predictable future dictated by social expectations.

“Mother, may I have a moment to speak with Mr. Morgan privately?” Amelia asked, hoping to convey her reluctance without causing a scene.

“Of course, dear,” Agnes replied, clearly pleased with the turn of events. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

As her mother left the room, Amelia turned to Samuel, trying her best to be diplomatic. “Mr. Morgan, I appreciate your interest, but I must be honest. I am not certain that I can be the kind of wife that you seek.”

Samuel’s smile faltered for a moment, but he quickly recovered, his eyes searching hers. “Miss Sinclair, I believe we could have a fine life together. You are an intelligent and capable woman, and I have no doubt that we would make a strong partnership.”

“Thank you, Mr. Morgan,” Amelia said softly, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. “But I must decline your offer.”

“Very well,” Samuel replied, disappointment clear in his voice. “I wish you all the happiness in your pursuits, Miss Sinclair.”

“Thank you, Mr. Morgan,” Amelia replied, watching him leave with a mixture of relief and sorrow. She hated that she might have hurt him, but she also wasn’t willing to be courted by a man she wasn’t interested in, just to make her mother happy.

She knew her mother would be furious, but her heart told her that she had made the right choice. She couldn’t pursue her dreams while shackled to a life she didn’t want.

Later that evening, Amelia sat in her room, the local newspaper spread out before her on the small writing desk. With the memory of Samuel’s visit still fresh in her mind, as well as the long lecture she had received from Agnes after his departure, Amelia knew she needed to make some changes in her life, or she was going to end up living a life that her mother desired for her, and not one that she wanted.

Over the years, as she had read through numerous newspapers for any clues about what might have happened to her father or where Ethan might be, she had seen peculiar ads written by men who lived in the western part of the country. The men were looking for wives and placed ads as one way to find one. She had never seriously considered becoming a mail-order bride until now. The idea of a fresh start far away from Shady Oaks and her mother’s expectations was enticing.

“Surely, there must be someone out there who wants more from life than just social standing,” Amelia muttered to herself as her eyes scanned the ads from men seeking wives in the western part of the United States.

“Someone with whom I can share my dreams.”

Her heart raced at the thought of embarking on such a daring adventure. It felt reckless, yes, but also exhilarating. She could finally have the independence she craved, the chance to shape her own destiny.

One ad caught her eye:

Rancher seeking wife in the Wyoming Territory. My name is Charles Miller. I can provide a good home for the right woman. I own a prosperous cattle ranch; I am thirty years old, and would like to start a family.

Amelia read and reread the words, feeling an inexplicable connection to this stranger. Was it fate or merely desperation that made her heart leap at the prospect of a life with Mr. Miller? She didn’t know, but she was determined to find out.

Taking a deep breath, Amelia picked up her pen and began to compose her response. She poured her heart into the letter, sharing her dreams and aspirations, her desire for adventure, and her willingness to work hard. She didn’t want to give the impression that she was running away from her life. She wanted to show that she was choosing a new one, one filled with promise, hope, and the possibility of love.

As she sealed the envelope, Amelia felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This could very well be the beginning of a whole new chapter in her life, but only time would tell if it would lead her to the happiness and fulfillment she sought.

Chapter Two

Amelia Sinclair stood at the edge of the lush garden her mother spent so much time in. The garden party Agnes had insisted on giving was in full swing, but all Amelia wanted to do was disappear into her room. She hadn’t wanted the party, but had finally given in after realizing arguing was futile. Agnes firmly believed that having this party would bring Amelia back into the middle of their social circle.

The late spring sun shone in a cloudless sky, and the verdant oasis stretched out before her like a living tapestry. Rows of delicate roses, vibrant azaleas, and fragrant magnolias lined the winding pathways, while the sweet scent of jasmine filled the air. The centerpiece of the garden was an ornate, marble fountain surrounded by neatly arranged benches that offered a place to sit for anyone who wanted to soak up the beauty of the garden and enjoy the flowery scents.

Amelia knew she couldn’t linger much longer where she was. Her mother would expect her to personally greet and converse with each guest. The light blue dress she wore fluttered in the gentle breeze as she fought a pang of restlessness. Having this garden party was another sign that she wanted to desperately break from the constant expectations her mother wanted for her. She wanted independence and adventure, but such dreams were frowned upon by the women she would be entertaining today.

“Amelia, your first guests have arrived.” Agnes gave a nod towards a group of three young women who walked leisurely in the garden. Stifling a heavy sigh, Amelia pasted on a smile as she prepared to greet them.

After Amelia welcomed them, they moved away towards the table where a wide variety of refreshments were being offered. Laughter and chatter filled the air as more women trickled into the garden. Among them were some of Amelia’s closest acquaintances and childhood friends. Almost all of them were married, and some even had at least one child. Most women she had grown up with were expected to marry soon out of finishing school, and Amelia was one of the last who yet found a husband.

Although, if Agnes had her way, she would be married to Samuel Morgan by the end of the year. Even when Amelia had informed her mother that she wasn’t interested in Mr. Morgan, Agnes had turned a deaf ear and continued to encourage a courtship.

Amelia kept busy acting as hostess for the next hour, and was only able to take a break once all the women had filled their small plates with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, small cakes, and sweet lemonade. She stood to the side and glanced around the grassy area where fancy tables had been set up. She knew without asking that none of them truly would understand her yearning for something more than the predetermined life set before her. Of the twenty or so young women present, a few stood out in particular.

Katherine Beaumont, a well-to-do belle known for her flawless complexion and impeccable fashion sense, seemed to float across the garden like a butterfly. Her close friend Penelope Adams, a quiet and demure brunette, appeared content to remain in Katherine’s shadow for the afternoon. These two women had always been at each other’s sides since they were old enough to walk. They both had married brothers, which enabled them to continue their friendship.

Eleanor Harrison, on the other hand, made her presence known with her infectious laugh and vivacious personality. Though married for three years now, she still carried herself with the carefree spirit of a debutante. Lastly, there was Victoria Montgomery, a statuesque blonde who had the unique talent of commanding attention without uttering a single word. Her icy blue eyes seemed to penetrate the very soul of anyone she deemed worthy of her gaze. Amelia had never gotten along with Eleanor or Victoria, but she had been expected to invite them because they were part of their social circle.

As Amelia mingled among her guests, she couldn’t help but feel like an imposter in her own home. Even though no words were said, she could feel their judgment that she hadn’t yet married. She wished there was at least one young woman attending the party that she could confide in, who would understand her desire to find her own happiness. But instead, Amelia continued to play the part of the perfect Southern belle.

With a forced smile, Amelia approached a small group of women who were engaged in conversation. Their chatter was a mix of the latest gossip and lighthearted banter about their children’s antics. As she drew nearer, Amelia’s posture stiffened, and her hands clenched the fabric of her dress slightly, betraying her discomfort.

“Good afternoon, ladies,” Amelia greeted them with as much warmth as she could muster. “I hope you’re enjoying the party.”

“Of course, dear,” Victoria Montgomery replied, her gaze never leaving Amelia’s face. “Your mother has the most beautiful garden, and she always throws the most delightful events.”

“Thank you,” Amelia said, trying to ignore the scrutiny of Victoria’s piercing blue eyes. She glanced at Eleanor Harrison, whose one-year-old son had recently started taking his first steps. “Eleanor, how is little William doing? Has he been causing any mischief on his newfound legs?”

Eleanor beamed at the mention of her child. “Oh, Amelia, you wouldn’t believe it! Just yesterday, he managed to climb up the pantry shelves and nearly toppled over a jar of preserves.”

The women laughed, and Amelia found herself smiling genuinely for a brief moment. But as the conversation continued, she felt a sense of detachment from the other women. Amelia stood silently while Victoria shared that her husband had just received a nice promotion, and almost pruned as the other women congratulated her, as if she had been the one to have received the promotion.

“Amelia, dear, are you alright?” Katherine Beaumont asked, a hint of genuine concern in her voice. “You seem a bit distant today.”

“Forgive me,” Amelia replied, swallowing the lump in her throat as she gave Katherine what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “I suppose I’m just feeling a little overwhelmed by all the preparations for this gathering.”

“Ah, that’s understandable,” Penelope Adams chimed in sympathetically. “Hosting such a large event can certainly be taxing on one’s nerves.”

Amelia nodded in agreement, and then she heard her mother call. “I must go and greet another guest.”

A young woman who Amelia didn’t recognize stood next to her mother. She nodded to something Agnes said, but her bright eyes scanned the garden with curiosity.

“Amelia, dear. This is Miss Milly Bennett. She recently moved in with her aunt, Mrs. Priscilla Bennett.”

Amelia gave Milly a welcoming smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“I’m sure you are aware that Mrs. Bennett is doing poorly and doesn’t have long to be in this world. Milly has gracefully agreed to be her companion for the time being.”

Amelia winced at her mother’s poor choice of words. “How do you like West Virginia?”

“It’s quite different from what I’m used to, but this area is lovely, and I’m looking forward to making new friends when I can,” Milly said, not seeming offended.

“I’m glad that you were able to leave your aunt’s side for a few hours,” Agnes commented, obviously fishing for information as to how Milly had done so.

“Aunt Priscilla encouraged me to come. She doesn’t want me to be tied to her side all day long. Her nurse, Patricia, is caring for her while I’m gone,” Milly explained.

“Amelia, why don’t you take Milly to get some refreshments?” Agnes suggested.

Amelia willingly nodded. “If you will follow me.”

As they walked towards the tables full of food, Amelia found herself intrigued by Milly’s different demeanor. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from New York,” Milly answered, and for the first time, Amelia noticed a slight Northern accent. “Your home is beautiful, and I love the garden. I would spend all my time here, if I could.”

“The garden is my mother’s pride and joy,” Amelia answered. “And I will tell her of your kind words. I hope you enjoy yourself while you are here.”

“I’m sure I will,” Milly responded, a bright smile on her face. “Though I must admit, I’m not accustomed to such events.”

Amelia understood what Milly wasn’t saying; she could tell by the worn dress Milly wore that she hadn’t had the upbringing Amelia’d had.

“Yes, they can be a bit overwhelming at times,” Amelia admitted, attempting to find some common ground. She handed Milly a plate. “Go ahead and take what you wish.”

“Thank you,” Milly answered, accepting the plate. “What I’d really like is a glass of lemonade.”

Amelia gave her a full glass of the cold beverage and she watched as Milly took a sip. “Let me introduce you to some of the other women.”

Milly willingly followed Amelia to the nearest table.

---

“Vanishing Trails of Lost Love” is an Amazon Best-Selling novel, check it out here!

After her father’s mysterious demise and a sudden loss of fortune, Amelia Sinclair makes a bold choice to head to Wyoming as a mail-order bride, with the hope of finding comfort and stability. To her surprise, she reunites with her first love, Ethan, but she struggles to understand why he denies their connection. Amidst the challenges of her controlling fiancé, Amelia searches for solace in Ethan’s presence, while she tries to uncover the truth behind her father’s tragic end…

Will Ethan become her shining star to lead her to the end of the tunnel?

Ethan Walker, a skilled cowboy and horse trainer, bears the weight of a forgotten past like a hidden burden. When he’s tasked with picking up his boss’s fiancée, Amelia, from the train station, he’s taken aback by the familiarity in her eyes. A wordless bond between them stirs anew, leaving him torn between safeguarding his secrets and embracing a love he believed lost. As he witnesses Amelia’s struggle with a controlling suitor, his heart longs to provide her with the affection she merits, even if it necessitates facing his own painful history.

Is he capable of going the distance between their past and a potential future together?

Amelia and Ethan embark on a tumultuous journey amidst the breathtaking Wyoming landscape. Can she trust her heart to a man who may hold the key to her father’s untimely death? Will they entrust each other with the deepest recesses of their hearts, or will the shadows of their pasts keep them apart?

“Vanishing Trails of Lost Love” is a historical western romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Get your copy from Amazon!