Cotillion Ball Saga

Book excerpt: Fall in love with the spirited Fitzpatrick family as they find romance in turbulent Civil War-era America. Settle in to enjoy these ten tales of independent American heroines who meet their rebellious matches! The Reluctant Debutante: Ginger Fitzpatrick would rather be rallying for women’s rights than attending the Cotillion Ball—until she sets her eye on Joseph Lafontaine, a half Ojibwa Indian, whom New York society deems her unsuitable to marry. But love knows no such boundaries… The Abolitionist’s Secret: Heather Fitzpatrick falls for young army lieutenant David Whitman, who is tracking the runaway slave she rescued a few nights earlier. Can their attraction survive the coming divide between North and South? Banking on Temperance: Banking heir Basil Fitzpatrick has his pick of the ladies—but it’s impoverished spitfire Temperance Jones, daughter of a circuit-riding preacher, who catches his eye. She’s determined to get to Oregon—does he have the courage to follow? The Tempestuous Debutante: The smart choice says Jasmine Fitzpatrick should choose to charm the Viscount of Foxborough at this season’s Cotillion, but the noble’s stable boy, Parr O’Shaughnessy, may hold the key to her heart. Blinded by Grace: Grace Wagner has loved Halwyn Fitzpatrick since they were teens. When she needs a husband to inherit a trust, will Halwyn’s new glasses help him see her in a new light, or will she take control and propose? The Duplicitous Debutante: Rosemary Fitzpatrick hides her female identity as dime novelist F.P. Elliott, from new publisher Henry Cooper. When her deception begins to unravel at the Cotillion Ball, will deceit cost her the man she’s come to love? Expressly Yours, Samantha: To escape her wicked uncle, Samantha Hughes cuts her hair and joins the Pony Express as a man. Valerian Fitzpatrick’s fleeing life in the family business, but he and Sam fall in love once her secret’s uncovered. But does a future with her mean giving up the freedom he’s always craved? A Widow’s Salvation: Volunteering at the army hospital, widow Pepper Fitzpatrick Brown meets head surgeon Colonel Elijah Williams. It’s hard to find happiness in a war-torn United States, but these two wounded souls stand a fighting chance—if they can save what’s left of their hearts. The Forgotten Debutante: Saffron Fitzpatrick spent her teenage years mourning the dead rather than dancing at her debutante ball, with the exception of one forbidden kiss with soldier Ezekiel Boone. Fate reunites the couple three years later, and they discover unexpected common ground. An Unconventional Courtship: Discover where it all began with this bonus novella featuring the Fitzpatrick parents! When a busybody from back home confronts Charlotte Ashcroft, who’s attending a women’s rights speech in New York City alone, she grabs the man in a jaunty blue hat nearby and introduces him as her escort. What’s an up-and-coming young banker like George Fitzpatrick to do but help a lady out?