Night In Eden (Random House Large Print) - Hardcover

Talent for romance writing clearly runs in this family: Candice Proctor is Penelope Williamson's sister. Bryony Wentworth, once a wealthy, privileged English landowner, is convicted of murdering her husband. After being transported to a penal colony in New South Wales while pregnant, Bryony gives birth to her child, then loses it to fever. Captain Hayden St. John collects her from the prison so that she can become a wet nurse for his son. Grief stricken over the loss of his wife, Hayden is bitter and untrusting. Bryony, fearful and angry at her fate, finds much to resent in Hayden, but his child offers her a new will to live. Although Hayden and Bryony fight their attraction, their union is so deeply passionate that it seems nothing can threaten their happiness until Bryony's past comes to haunt her.

This manuscript was one of the first submissions I received when I began working at Ballantine in January 1997. When the agent said that the author was Penelope Williamson's sister, I was a little skeptical--after all, writing talent doesn't necessarily run in the genes. But I was blown away by Candice's talent. This book felt so fresh to me--the unusual setting of New South Wales, Australia in the early 1800's, wonderfully textured writing, an evocative mood. Yet it also had all of the things I love best about a great historical romance--vivid characters, lots of emotion, and heated sexual tension. I predict Candice will have a long and spectacular career ahead of her. If you haven't had a chance to read this fabulous debut novel, don't miss it! --Shauna Summers, Senior Editor