One evening, after a long day, over a pint of ale, Daniel gets the surprise of a lifetime. A delivery comes to Morrow Creak, a delivery that will alter his life forever.

Who, in their right mind, would place a child in the care of a renowned bachelor like himself? As he looks down into the face of this little boy, his features look vaguely familiar...kinda' like his own. So he takes young Eli home. After a couple of months, Daniel, trying to run his blacksmith shop along with caring for Eli, decides this is more than he can handle. He declares, "I need a wife."

Sarah Crabtree, Morrow Creek's spinster school teacher, has been in love with Daniel for a very long time, but has hidden her feelings. They've been "best friends" since their early school years, and Sarah doesn't believe for a minute any of the rumors about Daniel illegitimately fathering Eli. He claims he's his nephew and Sarah trusts him. What Sarah can't believe is that Daniel has just asked her to marry him -- a dream come true.

Their wedding day dawns clear and chilly, a no-nonsense kind of day for a no-nonsense arrangement. Sarah is smart and sturdy, just the kind of woman Daniel needs to help him raise Eli. Little does Daniel know that sensible Sarah has a plan to convince him just how much they're meant to be together, in every way.

THE SCOUNDREL is witty, fun and just plain charming. You'll fall in love with Eli and Sarah and enjoy the downfall of Daniel, the burly town blacksmith. As the saying goes, "The bigger they are, the harder they fall." Truer words were never spoken. Daniel is brought to his knees by this feisty woman who knows what she wants and won't settle for less. Don't miss this truly wonderful love story by Ms. Plumley. Her stories never disappoint and THE SCOUNDREL is no exception. I loved this book and you will, too.

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