Legacy of Love. Christine Johnson

      

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      A Midwestern Cinderella

      She dreamed of digging through ancient ruins—but the only exploring Anna Simmons gets to do is in the expensive houses she cleans in Pearlman, Michigan. When Brandon Landers hires her, she’s unsure whether to be furious or thrilled. He evicted Anna and her ailing mother, but she’s heard rumors of hidden treasure on his land. Treasure Anna decides to find. Not just for herself, but for her new employer whose unexpected kindness has softened her heart.

      Physically and spiritually wounded in the Great War, Brandon knows not to hope for the impossible—like buried riches or Anna’s love. Is there still time for them to learn that the only treasure they need is a lifetime together?

      “It seems we each have a need.”

      “You need a place to live, and I need a housekeeper. If you would be agreeable to the arrangement, I would like to offer you the use of the apartment in exchange for housekeeping services. Two or three times a week would be sufficient.”

      Housekeeping? He wanted her to clean house? He was just like the rest of the rich people who lived on the hill. She should have known.

      “Y-y-you—” Anna sputtered, trying to find words to dismiss the outlandish plan.

      Ma took advantage of her fury to ruin everything. “That would be wonderful. Oh, Mr. Brandon, how can we ever thank you? It’s perfect, isn’t it, Anna?”

      Perfect? Living under the thumb of Brandon Landers? Working for him as a servant? Living in what must be servant’s quarters?

      It wasn’t perfect; it was humiliating.

       About the Author

      A small-town girl, CHRISTINE JOHNSON has lived in every corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. She loves to travel and learn about the places she visits. That puts museums high on her list of “must see” places and helps satisfy her lifetime fascination with history and archaeology.

      Twice a finalist for RWA’s Golden Heart award, she enjoys creating stories that bring history to life while exploring the characters’ spiritual journey—and putting them in peril! Though Michigan is still her home base, she and her ship captain husband also spend time exploring the Florida Keys and other fascinating locations. Christine loves to hear from readers. Contact her through her website at http://christineelizabethjohnson.com.

      Legacy of Love

      Christine Johnson

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      If we confess our sins, he is faithful

      and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

      —1 John 1:9

      For my nieces, Jennifer and Sara.

      May you find adventure around every corner

      while enjoying the solid foundation of home.

      Contents

       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

       Chapter Twenty-One

       Chapter Twenty-Two

       Chapter Twenty-Three

       Dear Reader

       Questions for Discussion

       Teaser Chapter

      Chapter One

      Pearlman, Michigan

      December 1922

      “I had to resign,” Anna Simmons explained to her sister-in-law, Mariah, as she pushed open the mercantile door. Her red knit glove looked like a splash of paint against the darkened oak.

      The bell on the door tinkled, announcing their arrival to the handful of customers shopping that afternoon. Most looked up to see who’d entered. That’s the way it was in Pearlman. Everyone kept track of everyone else. Sometimes that was good. Other times gossip had a way of taking off and running around town until it had wrung the life out of everyone involved.

      Anna knew full well that word of her leaving the Neideckers’ employ would race through town like wildfire. Best douse that flame before it got started.

      “I had no choice,” she announced loudly enough for everyone in the store to hear.

      “Why?” Mariah’s brow puckered into a frown as she picked up a shopping basket.

      “The uniform she wanted me to wear was positively indecent. Why, the skirt didn’t even cover my knees. It was as short as a bathing suit.”

      Mariah shook her head. “It couldn’t have been that bad.”

      “It was horrible,