Fiction

Leandra Marlowe is the best rower in her family—or she would be, if she were allowed to prove it like her brother Edward. He rows for Brasenose College’s brand-new team, and she rows in Lake Ashburnley, all alone. She’s been trying to put together a ladies’ rowing team in between all of her other pursuits, including managing her brother’s training and running the summer festival in Lower Sockbridge. All she needs are two more women who want to learn to row, and then she’ll show everyone that ladies should be allowed to compete.

Honoria Herron’s family has exiled her to Sennary Tower, her family’s third and least-visited country home, with its moth-eaten tapestries and dusty books. They want her to rethink her refusal to marry the odious Lord Winselthorpe, but she would rather sort the library and repair the tapestries. After hearing her captors discuss the summer festival in nearby Lower Sockbridge, she sneaks out of her tower to attend. There she buys books and thread—and meets Leandra, who’s determined, outgoing, and utterly beguiling.

By the end of their stolen afternoon together, Honoria is head over heels. Leandra has a rowboat, two strong arms, and just as much desire for the self-contained, enigmatic Honoria. But if they’re caught, that will be the end of everything. How can they find the freedom they need to define themselves—and to build a life together?