text: Mary Balogh's books are always a joy to read. Her characters are real people, with the fears, pain, and joy common to all, even though they may have titles and live more than 150 years ago. In this story, Anna grew up in an orphanage, never knowing that her father was alive and living with his other family. After his death, Anna is found by the solicitor, and discovers she is the earl 's only legitimate heir. Multiple lives are placed in turmoil. The duke, a step cousin, is strangely drawn to her dignity and humor. The rest is fairly predictable, but told so well, that I couldn't put down the book.