"You know a novel is a hit when you want to have lunch with the main characters by the end of chapter one. Sweet. Surprising. Deeply satisfying. Talley's debut is a must-read." -Jason Wright, bestselling author of Wednesday Letters

Alaina Clarkson has been dismissed from her duties at Harlsburg Manor. And she's happy about it. She can finally leave her life of servitude and make her own way. She just needs to find her brother.

Taking temporary employment at Montrose Manor, she is drawn in by both family and fellow servants. To her surprise, Phillip Montgomery, heir to the Montrose Estate, seeks her company to help him deal with the death of his wife and child...and an upcoming marriage to a woman he does not love.

Understanding her place, she reluctantly agrees to be his confidant but only after he promises to find her brother and help her secure a way to provide for herself. Through their encounters, unexpected feelings develop.

As Phillip's nuptials approach, news finally comes of Alaina's brother along with unforeseen news about her mother. And a door opens, giving Alaina the chance at a deeper connection with family and an opportunity for self-discovery. Does she have the courage to walk through this door? Or will she choose the security and familiarity of her life at Montrose and the relationship she's forging with Phillip?