January 1, 2003
Fleeing the French Revolution, Louise de Vailly arrives in New York City determined to create a new life for herself and her younger sister. The first person Louise meets as she steps off the ship is Daniel Lombard, who retrieves her hat, which had blown off in a gust of wind. Daniel is immediately attracted to the stylish young emigre, but the recently widowed Louise prizes her hard-won independence too much to become involved with another man. Finding work with a milliner, Louise soon demonstrates a talent for design and dreams of one day opening her own shop, while Daniel continues his courtship. After facing many new challenges, Louise finally succumbs to Daniels' romantic overtures, only to have a shadow from her past threaten her newfound happiness. Laker's latest historical novel is a compelling tale about a courageous woman who through her own hard work goes from rags to riches and finds true love along the way.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2003, American Library Association.)