FROM THE PUBLISHER

Two brothers...and the one woman who claimed their hearts...

Ash Whittier had barely returned to Oakland's harbor, when he was arrested for arson, insurance fraud—and murder. His only hope was his brother Cabot, the best lawyer in Oakland, and Cabot's young wife, Charlotte, the town's first lady lawyer. He knew he could count on his brother to rescue him, just as he'd done before. The last time had put Cabot in a wheelchair...This time there was Charlotte, whose no-nonsense suits weren't doing much to hide her needy heart.

All Charlotte had ever wanted was to be a lawyer. Cabot had given her the chance, and so much more, when he'd married her. He'd taught her to dress like a lawyer, think like a professional, and act like a man. But somehow her brother-in-law still saw the lace beneath the starch. And suddenly being a lawyer wasn't the only thing she wanted anymore.

They were his lawyers, determined to save his life. But as his trial approached, it became clear that if Ash won his case, someone would still have to lose. . . .

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Mittman (Sweeter Than Wine) who does sweet historical romance to perfection, delivers her finest in this gentle tale. In late 19th-century San Francisco, Charlotte Whittier, one of California's first lady lawyers, and her wheelchair-bound husband, Cabot, share a platonic, loveless marriage. It was a fusing of brilliant minds that had been enough for Charlotte until Cabot's brother, Ash, returned home, awakening feelings she never knew she had. When Ash is accused of arson and manslaughter, he turns to his brother for legal representation, a move that may be ill-advised, as Cabot holds him responsible for his crippling accident. Charlotte is torn by her growing resentment toward Cabot (who treats her like an errant child and serves up the family peacock for supper), by her work for women's and children's rights and her forbidden love for Ash. Mittman's characters are, as always, endearing and well-developed, but here, she enriches her story by giving them seemingly insurmountable obstacles. (Jan.)

Library Journal