Lilac Spring

Daughter of a prominent nineteenth-century Maine shipbuilder, Cherish Winslow had a deep love for ships, the ocean -- and her father's apprentice, Silas van der Zee. Once his childhood companion in Haven's End, Cherish wished Silas could see she was no longer a girl in pigtails but a woman in love.

To Silas, Cherish was a beacon of light, illuminating his lonely life . . . yet he doubted a lowly apprentice could win the heart of such an elegant young lady. A stolen kiss brought a moment's hope . . . but he soon found himself tossed out on the street, with no job, no home, no chance of a future. In his darkest hour, Silas must find the strength to fight for his life -- and for his beloved Cherish.

Ruth Axtell Morren is the author of three historical romances for Steeple Hill. She currently lives on the "down east" coast of Maine with her husband and three children.