by Ann Maxwell
First published 2008
Reba Farrall carries a wounded heart after losing the elderly gentleman who rescued her from despair and became her closest companion. His death leaves her with half ownership of a gem mine in California and little else to anchor her shattered world. Then Chance Walker arrives in her life like a force of nature. This fearless adventurer lives for one thing: discovering precious uncut stones in the most remote corners of the earth. He believes in nothing beyond the gems he seeks. The scorching landscape of Death Valley becomes their backdrop as Chance recognizes something rare in Reba, a beauty that surpasses any jewel he has encountered. But danger follows the grieving woman, and Chance finds himself her unlikely protector. In this harsh desert setting, two damaged souls must navigate the space between them. Chance holds the power to shield Reba from the threats that pursue her, while she alone possesses the key to unlocking his capacity for love.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, adventure, suspense
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Setting: California, Death Valley
Period: 19th-century
Audio CD · Brilliance Audio