Silver Hearts. Jackie Manning

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      “Just where do you expect me to sleep?” Letter to Reader Title Page JACKIE MANNING Dedication Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten Chapter Eleven Chapter Twelve Chapter Thirteen Chapter Fourteen Chapter Fifteen Chapter Sixteen Chapter Seventeen Chapter Eighteen Chapter Nineteen Chapter Twenty Copyright

      “Just where do you expect me to sleep?”

      Luke angled the flat-crowned Stetson low on his head and squinted at her.

      

      “You must find other shelter. It’s simply not decent—”

      

      “Decent?” Luke sat up. “Is it decent to ask me to spend the night out in the rain?” He shook his head. “Sorry, lady. I’m quite comfortable just where I am.” He leaned back and settled his hat over his face again.

      

      He heard an indignant sniff. In his mind, he could imagine those morning-glory eyes sparkle with outrage. He knew the only thing that kept him from Noelle’s tongue lashing was that proper Eastern upbringing of hers. And he’d bet a grubstake that she could really let loose, if she wanted.

      

      Suddenly he wondered what that volatile passion that flared beneath her Goody Two-shoes facade might be like in bed.

      

      His bed..

      Dear Reader,

      

      Entertainment. Escape. Fantasy. These three words describe the heart of Harlequin Historicals. If you want compelling, emotional stories by some of the best writers in the field, look no further.

      

      This month, we are delighted with the return of author Jackie Manning, who has ventured beyond her usual English settings for a jaunt to the Wild West in her sparkling new novel, Silver Hearts. Since her debut in 1995 with Embrace the Dawn written as Jackie Summers, critics have described her books as “captivating.” “marvelous” and “five-star reading!” Here, a doctor turned cowboy with a soft spot for women rescues a feisty Eastern miss from the trail, and their paths just keep crossing! Don’t miss it!

      

      Be sure to look for Joe’s Wife by the talented Cheryl St.John. It’s an emotional Americana story about a bad boy turned good and his longtime secret crush, now a widow, who proposes a marriage of convenience to him. In My Lord Protector by newcomer Deborah Hale, a much older man offers the protection of a temporary marriage to his absent nephew’s betrothed—never intending to fall in love with her....

      

      The Bride of Windermere marks the debut book of the talented Margo Maguire. In this tension-filled medieval tale, a well-connected knight has been sent by King Henry V to escort a beautiful and mysterious young lady to court. Intrigue and passion abound from start to finish!

      

      Whatever your tastes in reading, you’ll be sure to find a romantic journey back to the past between the covers of a Harlequin Historical^®.

      

      Sincerely,

      

      Tracy Farrell, Senior Editor

      Please address questions and book requests to:

      Harlequin Reader Service U.S.: 3010 Walden Ave., P.O. Box 1325, Buffalo, NY 14269 Canadian: P.O. Box 609, Fort Erie, Ont. L2A 5X3

      Silver Hearts

      Jackie Manning

      

www.millsandboon.co.uk

      JACKIE MANNING

      believes in love at first sight. She and her husband, Tom, were married six weeks to the day after they first met and he proposed, many happy years ago. Home is a one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old colonial in Maine where they live with their shih tzu and Aussie terrier. When Jackie isn’t writing romances, she’s researching and visiting interesting places to write about. She loves to hear from her readers. You can write to her at P.O. Box 1739, Waterville, ME 04963-1739.

      This book is dedicated to the many readers who hope to

      someday write a book. Go for your dream, you’ll never be sorry. And to my sisters in Romance Writers of America, especially to the New England Chapter, the Maine Chapter and to the future published authors of my critique group.

      

      And, of course, to my darling Tom.

      Chapter One

      

      

      Nevada, 1867

      

      Noelle peered through the prairie schooner’s dusty curtains and studied the black speck emerging from the sun-bleached horizon. Hope brought tears to her eyes, despite the reality that the image might be a mirage. She’d known that heartache before.

      By habit, her fingers clenched the Hawken rifle. But as the shape loomed larger, the unmistakable rhythm of horse and rider emerged before her eyes. No, the horseman wasn’t a fixation of her mind. Mr. Douglas was returning, just as he’d promised.

      “Thank You,” she prayed, unsure whether to laugh or cry with relief. “Forgive me for doubting You.” But when the back wheel of her covered wagon broke down yesterday, and Mr. Douglas had left to find help, both knew that the mission might prove futile. Then later, when she noticed the jug of medicinal whiskey was missing, Noelle wondered if Mr. Douglas had planned to go on without her.

      She’d heard tales of trail guides who took advantage of single women left with all their worldly goods within the cumbersome prairie schooners. But Noelle had faith in Mr. Douglas, and he hadn’t failed her.

      She laid the rifle down