In this collection of brand-new historical novellas, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life --- and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

Honore Bainbridge has been courted by two men, one of whom turned out to be a traitor, the other a murderer. Banished to her family's country estate, she finally meets the man she is sure is exactly right for her: Lord Ashmoor. But he too is under suspicion because of his American upbringing and accusations that he has helped French prisoners escape from Dartmoor Prison. Though they find themselves drawn to each other, family obligations may conspire to keep them apart forever.

Esther Cherrett comes from a proud line of midwives and was trained by her mother to take over the family calling. When a terrible scandal threatens all she holds dear, Esther flees, taking a position as a teacher in the wild western mountains of Virginia. But instead of the refuge she was seeking, Esther finds herself in the midst of a deadly family feud --- and courted by two men on opposite sides of the conflict.

Cassandra Bainbridge loves everything about her betrothed, Geoffrey Giles, the earl of Whittaker, except for one thing --- he doesn't love hot air ballooning as much as she does. However, after a terrible accident makes Cassandra break her betrothal and move out to the country, she doubts that her life will ever be as wonderful as she once imagined. When Whittaker comes back into her life, will she have to choose between him and her dreams?

All Phoebe Lee wants out of life is to practice midwifery in Loudon County, Virginia. But when she refuses to accompany her pregnant sister-in-law to help save her husband from an English prison during the War of 1812, Phoebe finds herself pressed aboard a British privateer crossing the Atlantic under the command of a man with a deadly mission.