Amethyst [ペーパーバック]

A talented jeweler who's engaged to a man she does not love, Amethyst Goldsmith loses everything when the devastating fire of 1666 sweeps through London. But in the aftermath of disaster, she lands in the arms of the dashing, unattainable Earl of Graystone. The rules of society are abandoned long enough for them to discover their shared destiny -- but not long enough to erase the broken promises only love can heal...

A jeweler by trade, Amethyst Goldsmith is expected to carry on her family's centuries-old tradition of jewelry-making by marrying a man of her profession. When, in the early 1660s, a London fire leaves Amy homeless and alone, save for a chest of gold and jewels she"s to protect for generations to come, she's taken in by Colin Chase, Earl of Graystone, until she can find her way to relatives in France. Colin's family thinks she's a perfect match for him and wants her to stay, and Colin agrees. The problem is that he's betrothed to another woman, and broken betrothal agreements are not taken lightly--especially Colin's, as he's already spent his fiance's dowry to restore his crumbling estate. Colin knows that if he marries Amy, he'll have to pay back the money or spend the rest of his days in Newgate Prison. The only solution is to use her inheritance, which he promised he'd never do. Readers looking for a richly descriptive historical romance will be satisfied with this debut novel. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

A rising star of the romance genre, first-time author Lauren Royal presents a breathtaking new novel of a passion that defies all odds.

A talented jeweler who's engaged to a man she does not love, Amethyst Goldsmith loses everything when the devastating fire of 1666 sweeps through London. But in the aftermath of disaster, she lands in the arms of the dashing, unattainable Earl of Graystone. The rules of society are abandoned long enough for them to discover their shared destiny--but not long enough to erase the broken promises only love can heal.

"Lauren Royal writes charming, warm-hearted romance."-- Romantic Times

"Lauren Royal knows how to make history come alive. Accomplishing debut."-- Patricia Gaffney, author of The Saving Graces

LAUREN ROYAL became interested in the Restoration period at the age of 14, when she snuck a valuable first-edition copy of Forever Amber out of her great-uncle's library. Luckily she survived the ensuing warfare and, having decided she'd grow up to be a writer after winning the "Why My Mother Is The Greatest" essay contest in the third grade, began amassing a collection of history books and taking copious notes with the intention of someday writing novels of her own. A fourteen-year career as the CEO of her own jewelry store chain delayed those dreams, but she never forgot them.

Lauren is a Southern California native. When she's not at home in front of her computer, you can find her at a rock concert, at a hockey rink watching one of her husband's or two sons' games, or at a Scottish Festival watching her daughter compete in Highland Dance. A laptop has been surgically attached to her body. She was born without a housekeeping gene. She likes to think she's into scrapbooking, but she never finds time to actually put anything in her albums.

She also spends way too much time online. You can reach her by e-mail at Lauren@laurenroyal.com or on her website. "Real" mail can be sent to P.O. Box 52932, Irvine, CA 92619.