From Publishers Weekly
Set in 1892 Boston, Lee's sequel to Dove's Way opens as Sophie Wentworth's father calls her home from Vienna, where she is touring as a famed cellist. Unbeknownst to Sophie, her father, desperately in need of money to support his new wife's extravagant lifestyle, has sold their home, Swan's Grace, and betrothed Sophie to her childhood friend, Grayson Hawthorne. The once warm and giving Grayson has fond memories of Sophie as the awkward young child who followed him everywhere, her cello always in tow. But now hardened and stern, Grayson is just as pleased to marry Sophie for the practical purpose that it will serve in mending the scandal that ensnared his younger brother, Matthew. Just as Sophie is surprised by Grayson's coldness, he is shocked (yet undeniably aroused) to see that she has changed from a technically brilliant musician to a flamboyant and practiced coquette. Marriage and happiness may still be possible; nevertheless, as the secrets of their past (including one they share) become palpably present, both passion and shame boil over. After a slow start, the book builds to a few surprises; however, none is sufficiently intriguing to make this sequel stand out. (Sept.) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

HE WAS A MAN WHO MADE THE RULES, WHILE SHE WANTED ONLY TO BREAK THEM . . . .

Grayson Hawthorne is everything blue-blooded Boston society admires—rich, ruthless, untainted by scandal. While always keeping a tight rein on his emotions, he has never forgotten Sophie Wentworth, the spirited but awkward child who captivated his youth with music and a young girl's adoration. But one night long ago, she left the city unexpectedly. Now the toast of Europe, Boston's ugly duckling is returning home with the grace of a swan.

Through provocative performances, Sophie has found great fame as a concert cellist. She hopes to keep her past and her new life a secret—until she discovers that her family has bargained her away to Grayson, the lonely boy she once loved—now a cold, forbidding man with the power to break her tattered heart. At that moment, she vows to bring Boston . . . and Grayson . . . to their knees.

Swan's Grace is the sophisticated, unforgettable story of a gifted but defiant woman and an unforgiving man who must find a gentleness in his soul to heal both their tarnished hearts.

FROM THE CRITICS

Kathe Robin - Romantic Times

Linda Francis Lee￯﾿ﾽs talent for bringing the Gay Nineties to life has never been better than in this intense story of love lost and found. Strong characters and their realistic emotions, feelings so real that we understand the character￯﾿ﾽs pain and eventual joy, set Ms. Lee￯﾿ﾽs work apart. Swan￯﾿ﾽs Grace is a stand-out for readers anticipating a powerful relationship book that captivates.

Publishers Weekly

Set in 1892 Boston, Lee's sequel to Dove's Way opens as Sophie Wentworth's father calls her home from Vienna, where she is touring as a famed cellist. Unbeknownst to Sophie, her father, desperately in need of money to support his new wife's extravagant lifestyle, has sold their home, Swan's Grace, and betrothed Sophie to her childhood friend, Grayson Hawthorne. The once warm and giving Grayson has fond memories of Sophie as the awkward young child who followed him everywhere, her cello always in tow. But now hardened and stern, Grayson is just as pleased to marry Sophie for the practical purpose that it will serve in mending the scandal that ensnared his younger brother, Matthew. Just as Sophie is surprised by Grayson's coldness, he is shocked (yet undeniably aroused) to see that she has changed from a technically brilliant musician to a flamboyant and practiced coquette. Marriage and happiness may still be possible; nevertheless, as the secrets of their past (including one they share) become palpably present, both passion and shame boil over. After a slow start, the book builds to a few surprises; however, none is sufficiently intriguing to make this sequel stand out. (Sept.) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|

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