The Gold Coin (Sonnet Books) - Softcover

Kane, Andrea

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0671018884 ISBN 13: 9780671018887

Publisher: Pocket, 1999

Synopsis

Andrea Kane takes "intrigue and passion to new heights," says Rendezvous, and this breathtaking new novel is no exception. With her trademark depth and emotion, the bestselling author spins the suspenseful tale of two cousins so alike even their own family mistakes them, so enmeshed in a web of deceit that their very lives are at risk.... As children, identical cousins Anastasia and Breanna Colby swore always to protect each other. Now that Anastasia's beloved parents have died, she has come to live with Breanna...and Breanna's father, whose raging temper has locked his daughter into a life of fear. What is more, Anastasia soon realizes that her uncle is involved in a sinister scheme that places both young women in deadly danger. Fearing most of all for her cousin, Anastasia turns to the only help she can think of, the man who holds the reins to her considerable fortune -- the fascinating, enigmatic Damen Lockewood, Marquess of Sheldrake. From the moment Anastasia and Damen meet, blazing passion flares between them. But in the face of overwhelming peril -- and threats on Anastasia's life -- thoughts of love cannot be indulged. Not unless the mystery that entraps them is solved will they at last be able to pursue the future their feelings command them to share. But is the danger stalking them really gone?

About this title

About the Author

Dear Readers,

I've been a "cerebral" type all of my life. I have a non-stop, questioning, analytical mind. I love doing crossword puzzles. To this day, I snatch the Sunday New York Times magazine section every week before the rest of my family can get to it. I then labor over that puzzle until I've exhausted myself (or finished the whole thing). In school, I read Agatha Christie books one after the other, and tried feverishly to outsmart Hercule Poirot.

On the other hand, I'm a die-hard sentimentalist. I cry at old movies and believe in striving for happily-ever-after. Relationships and family mean the world to me, not only in films and novels, but in real life, as well. The bonds we form with each other are often what sustain us in our most difficult moments, and what enhance our most jubilant celebrations.

To sum it up, I'm an interesting combination of idealist and pragmatist. And that works perfectly with what I write. The idealist in me loves writing romance, and the pragmatist in me loves writing suspense. I feel very fortunate that I'm able to combine the two, and give you books that keep you at the edge of your seat, but at the same time, make you care.

To keep up with me and my novels (past, present and future), visit my website at: www.andreakane.com.

You can email me at WriteToMe@andreakane.com.

Review

The Gold Coin is the first of a two-book set, to be followed by The Silver Coin in September. These two books tell the story of identical cousins, Anastasia and Breanna Colby and the men who win their hearts. But to say that this is a typical historical romance about two women and the men in their lives would be doing it a terrible injustice. Not only is Andrea Kane's writing the best it has ever been, but the intriguing plot will keep you enthralled until the very end. The Gold Coin begins the gripping tale of the Colby family, and reveals the underlying hatred that one family member has for the others. George Colby is convinced that he was betrayed when the woman he loved married his twin brother, Henry. Anastasia is the beloved daughter of Henry and Anne, and therefore an unsuspecting target of her Uncle George's hatred. George's own daughter, Breanna resulted from the marriage between George and Anne's sister, the woman George feels he had to 'settle' for in place of Anne. As children, Anastasia and Breanna are given special coins by their grandfather. Stacie receives a gold one, Breanna the silver. He instructs the girls to never give up the coins, that one day they will understand their meaning and his hope for their future. Now, years later as the girls approach their 21st birthday, Anastasia's parents have passed away, as has the girls' grandfather. Only George Colby remains, and when it becomes clear that Anastasia will inherit what George believes to be rightfully his, a plot develops in George's twisted mind to rid himself of Anastasia, and gain control of her money and the family business. Love is more powerful than hated, however, and Stacie is surrounded by it. Aside from Breanna and a houseful of adoring servants, Stacie finds an all-consuming love in the arms of Damen Lockewood, Marquess of Sheldrake. As an expert banker, Damen has been appointed Anastasia's financial administrator until she is married or reaches her 21st birthday. As the love between Stacie and Damen grows, so does George Colby's hatred. When Stacie, Damen and Breanna realize to their horror, the extent to which George's influence reaches, and the lengths he will go to achieve his goal, it will take all of their courage and resources to defeat him. Only a teaser has been sent out for The Silver Coin, Breanna's story, so I cannot say much for this one except that it continues along the line of suspense begun in The Gold Coin. The characters Andrea has created for this two book series are ones you will want to visit again and again. Her writing is the best it has ever been, and the plot moves at a perfect pace. No situation is contrived to fit the story, yet the plot continues to unfold until the very end. Fans of Andrea's will no-doubt see this as her best work yet, and those introduced to her for the first time will enjoy a memorable first impression! Andrea Kane at her very best! Gripping suspense, enduring love, historical perfection! The Gold Coin will win your heart and ensure its place on the keeper shelf of any discerning library! Diane Potwin -- Copyright © 1999 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved -- From Literary Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Pocket
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0671018884
• ISBN 13: 9780671018887
• Binding: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 480