{WATTY'S 2020 WINNER & EDITOR'S PICK.} Hopeless romantic and aspiring writer Mare Atwood has fallen madly in love with her childhood correspondent. There's only one catch-she doesn't know who he is. When the beaus of Star's Crossing return from boarding school to begin the courting season, Mare is determined to uncover the identity of her writer, flout her family's intentions of orchestrating an advantageous marriage, and procure the life of writing and romance she's always sought. But as in the tales she so adores, it won't be easy. Galas, masquerades, picnics, and hunts-alongside an old friend, a former teacher, and an unlikely ally, Mare delves into an investigation that leaves her torn between three clever, deceptive, and wealthy young bachelors. If Mare can confirm which is her writer and claim his hand before the courting season ends, she'll have her wish: the love of her life, a valuable marriage, and a future of writing romance. But with the eyes of Star's Crossing upon her, a business plot forcing invisible hands, and the unwillingness of her writer to come forward-Mare's future may not end in triumph, but tragedy. Set against the gilded Victorian backdrop of coastal Connecticut and lush with pre-war luxury, fans of Jane Austen, Margaret Mitchell, and Louisa May Alcott are sure to enjoy this lighthearted, lyrical novel of young love, independence, and identity. #1 Literary #1 YA Romance #1 Victorian #1 Lyrical #8 General Fiction

To escape an unwanted betrothal, Ava Marlowe runs away from home and hides in a quiet countryside only to soon meet Magnus, the most dashing, charming and kindhearted man ever exists. They get swept up in a passionate romance, but unfortunately Ava must face bitter rejection from his noble family. Despite her resolve to fight for love, she has no choice but to separate from Magnus when his ruthless cousin threatens to send for her father and her betrothed. As his family's patriarch, the Duke of Vermont has no other intentions than to preserve his family's honor, and it means he will do everything in his power to keep his gullible cousin from falling victim to a cunning seductress. But one fateful night, unlikely circumstances brings him together with her in a perilous ordeal. Against his wishes, he finds himself ensnared by the woman he despises the most. *****