Hearts of Gold

A romance set against the background of the Australian Gold RushWestern Australia, 1890. Sarette Maitland is orphaned when her father dies of a snake bite on the goldfields. Rescued by adventurer John Kern, she takes the place of his own dead daughter in his heart. When tragedy strikes and Kern is killed, Sarette is introduced to Kern's nephew, Magnus, whose honesty and heart are tested when he discovers his uncles has left Sarette a considerable fortune . . .ReviewWoods' latest historical romance travels from the savage goldfields of Western Australia to the genteel English countryside. Sarette Maitland, orphaned at age 14, is taken in by John Kern, an Englishman who is nursing his grief over losing his wife and daughter. The unlikely duo saves each other from giving up in the harsh landscape. But, as Sarette nears adulthood, John forces her to move to England and learn to become a lady. He puts her in the care of his nephew, Magnus, who is less then welcoming of his outspoken charge. Though the two butt heads at first, they begin to fall in love as they discover one another's vulnerabilities. While ensuring that all obstacles are overcome on the way to a pleasingly romantic happy ending, Woods adds some intrigue and adventure along the way. And her plucky heroine will claim readers' affection as she grows from girl of the wilds to lady of the manor --Booklist, 15th September 2009 About the AuthorJanet Woods' previous books include "The Stonecutter's Daughter "and "Where Seagulls Soar,"""