Book excerpt: The Prize: Lacey's Folly-- a charming manor house, shrouded in magic and mystery, haunted by tales of hidden treasure, and legends of a bride who vanished 100 years ago on her wedding day. The Lovers: Chloe Hartsell-- a lonely and passionate woman, ripe for falling in love, and suddenly denied the promised inheritance of her beloved home. Gideon Stone-- the rakehell artist is intent on selling his windfall inheritance-- until he learns he must find a husband for Chloe. The Legend: One hundred years before, a beautiful woman vanished on her wedding night, along with a fortune in jewels. Now her lovely portrait and baffling disappearance haunt Gideon's dreams. The Lost Bride: Thrown together by fate, drawn together by passion, Gideon and Chloe are separated by his pride-- and her secret. Then a woman appears-- the very image of the bride lost to the night a century ago. Gideon must choose between his dream image and the flesh-and-blood woman who can teach him the true meaning of love. And Chloe must risk everything, to win all she holds dear.