A charming heiress must marry to save her family's business, but the man she dreams of is the one she can't have in this passionate romance with an enchanting twist.
London, 1832: Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she's no damsel. Since her father's death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry-and fast-to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family's sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she'll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.
Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.
Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible-for heiresses don't marry orphans, and love only conquers in children's tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she'll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.
Entertainment Weekly Best Romances of 2023
Kirkus Best Romances of 2023
New York Public Library Best Romances of 2023
Fated Mates Podcast Best Romances of 2023
Hey Alma Best Jewish Fiction of 2023
London, 1832: Isabelle Lira may be in distress, but she's no damsel. Since her father's death, his former partners have sought to oust her from their joint equity business. Her only choice is to marry-and fast-to a powerful ally outside the respected Berab family's sphere of influence. Only finding the right spouse will require casting a wide net. So she'll host a series of festivals, to which every eligible Jewish man is invited.
Once, Aaron Ellenberg longed to have a family of his own. But as the synagogue custodian, he is too poor for wishes and not foolish enough for dreams. Until the bold, beautiful Isabelle Lira presents him with an irresistible offer . . . if he ensures her favored suitors have no hidden loyalties to the Berabs, she will provide him with money for a new life.
Yet the transaction provides surprising temptation, as Aaron and Isabelle find caring and passion in the last person they each expected. Only a future for them is impossible-for heiresses don't marry orphans, and love only conquers in children's tales. But if Isabelle can find the courage to trust her heart, she'll discover anything is possible, if only she says yes.
Entertainment Weekly Best Romances of 2023
Kirkus Best Romances of 2023
New York Public Library Best Romances of 2023
Fated Mates Podcast Best Romances of 2023
Hey Alma Best Jewish Fiction of 2023
Taschenbuch
A single father finds himself entranced by the same woman he once rejected in this enchanting retelling of Beauty and the Beast.
"Revolutionary storytelling" —Entertainment Weekly
Despite an unhappy first marriage, Roger Berab always took pride in being a good father. When his daughter's reckless behavior damages both their neighbor and her home, he's forced to reconsider. To pay reparations, he agrees to provide lodgings until the repairs are complete. Unfortunately for Roger, the victim is the same woman with whom he foolishly once shared a night of passion ... and then scorned for her lack of status.
With her sharp tongue and and disdain for fashion, Rebecca Adler is not exactly a community darling. What she does have are her skills at midwifery. That is, until she injures herself saving Roger Berab's daughter. With her profession at a halt and her haven in disrepair, she has no choice but to accept Roger's offer of shelter ... but never again will she believe a man of substance lies beyond his pretty face.
Trapped in the same house, neither Rebecca nor Roger can avoid each other—or the passion still burning between them. But their time together has a deadline, and Rebecca no longer trusts Roger: can he convince her his feelings are true? Or is their tale doomed before it's truly started?
"Revolutionary storytelling" —Entertainment Weekly
Despite an unhappy first marriage, Roger Berab always took pride in being a good father. When his daughter's reckless behavior damages both their neighbor and her home, he's forced to reconsider. To pay reparations, he agrees to provide lodgings until the repairs are complete. Unfortunately for Roger, the victim is the same woman with whom he foolishly once shared a night of passion ... and then scorned for her lack of status.
With her sharp tongue and and disdain for fashion, Rebecca Adler is not exactly a community darling. What she does have are her skills at midwifery. That is, until she injures herself saving Roger Berab's daughter. With her profession at a halt and her haven in disrepair, she has no choice but to accept Roger's offer of shelter ... but never again will she believe a man of substance lies beyond his pretty face.
Trapped in the same house, neither Rebecca nor Roger can avoid each other—or the passion still burning between them. But their time together has a deadline, and Rebecca no longer trusts Roger: can he convince her his feelings are true? Or is their tale doomed before it's truly started?