Sherryl Woods - Treasured

The Carlton family saga continues in this fan-favorite story of learning how to fall in love again by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods.

Despite the wealth and power of his remarkable family, Ben Carlton stayed hidden away in rural Virginia with only his artistic talent and his troubled memories for company. But when he met beautiful gallery owner Kathleen Dugan at the urging of his matchmaking aunt Destiny, his wounded heart began to open—yet he couldn’t completely forget the tragedies of his past.

Vivacious, driven Kathleen was intrigued not only by Ben’s paintings, but also by the handsome, mysterious man who created them. Were Ben’s wounds too deep for Kathleen to mend…or did Destiny create another perfect match?

Praise for the novels of Sherryl Woods Praise Title Page Dear Reader Cast of Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Epilogue Extract Copyright

“Woods’ amazing grasp of human nature and the emotions that lie deep within us make this story universal.”

—RT Book Reviews on Driftwood Cottage

“Woods’ emotionally intense story of loss and love will appeal to a broad range of readers.”

—Booklist on Willow Brook Road

“Once again, Woods proves her expertise in matters of the heart as she gives us characters that we genuinely relate to and care about. A truly delightful read!”

—RT Book Reviews on Moonlight Cove

“Woods employs her signature elements—the Southern small-town atmosphere, the supportive network of friends and family, and the heartwarming romance—to great effect.”

—Booklist on A Slice of Heaven

“Woods…is noted for appealing character-driven stories that are often infused with the flavor and fragrance of the South.”

—Library Journal

“Woods delivers a charming novel…[a] unique blend of sparkling humor and family drama.”

—RT Book Reviews on Midnight Promises

www.mirabooks.co.uk

Dear Friends Dear Reader Cast of Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Epilogue Extract Copyright ,

The Perfect Destinies series was originally issued as three Silhouette Special Edition books (Million-Dollar Destinies), with a longer follow-up work written for MIRA Books. I’m so pleased to have all of them available in these new editions from MIRA.

As many of you know, I’ve always loved writing about families. And in this case three sexy, very different brothers were raised by their madcap Aunt Destiny, after the tragic death of their parents. Think Auntie Mame for those of you old enough to remember that wonderful movie. Or meddling Mick O’Brien, if you’re a fan of my Chesapeake Shores series.

I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting the Carltons, if you’ve read these books before. And if you’re new to the series, I hope you’ll welcome the family into your heart as you have so many of my other families.

All best,

CAST OF CHARACTERS Cast of Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Epilogue Extract Copyright

Ben Carlton—He sees the world with an artist’s eye for detail. The youngest and least ambitious of the successful Carlton brothers, he’s usually content to let his brothers be the family headliners. But Ben’s sensitive soul cries out for someone who shares his vision of the world.

Kathleen Dugan—She doesn’t need much coaxing to recognize that Ben is a talented artist and a tortured soul. A successful gallery owner, she sees beauty in his art and fame in his future. But getting Ben to see what she does will take more than a twist of fate. It will take the kind of determination that’s her specialty.

Destiny Carlton—She knows that her youngest nephew has been twice burned by tragedy. Convincing him to love again will take every clever trick at her disposal, along with a woman who won’t take no for an answer. There’s not a doubt in Destiny’s mind that she’s found just the woman in Kathleen.

A man who’s closed himself off from love,

a woman with heart and Destiny’s touch.

It’s bound to be picture-perfect.

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text The Carlton family saga continues in this fan-favorite story of learning how to fall in love again by #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods. Despite the wealth and power of his remarkable family, Ben Carlton stayed hidden away in rural Virginia with only his artistic talent and his troubled memories for company. But when he met beautiful gallery owner Kathleen Dugan at the urging of his matchmaking aunt Destiny, his wounded heart began to open—yet he couldn’t completely forget the tragedies of his past. Vivacious, driven Kathleen was intrigued not only by Ben’s paintings, but also by the handsome, mysterious man who created them. Were Ben’s wounds too deep for Kathleen to mend…or did Destiny create another perfect match?

Praise Praise for the novels of Sherryl Woods Praise Title Page Dear Reader Cast of Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Epilogue Extract Copyright “Woods’ amazing grasp of human nature and the emotions that lie deep within us make this story universal.” —RT Book Reviews on Driftwood Cottage “Woods’ emotionally intense story of loss and love will appeal to a broad range of readers.” —Booklist on Willow Brook Road “Once again, Woods proves her expertise in matters of the heart as she gives us characters that we genuinely relate to and care about. A truly delightful read!” —RT Book Reviews on Moonlight Cove “Woods employs her signature elements—the Southern small-town atmosphere, the supportive network of friends and family, and the heartwarming romance—to great effect.” —Booklist on A Slice of Heaven “Woods…is noted for appealing character-driven stories that are often infused with the flavor and fragrance of the South.” —Library Journal “Woods delivers a charming novel…[a] unique blend of sparkling humor and family drama.” —RT Book Reviews on Midnight Promises

Title Page Treasured Sherryl Woods www.mirabooks.co.uk

Dear Reader Dear Friends Dear Reader Cast of Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Epilogue Extract Copyright , The Perfect Destinies series was originally issued as three Silhouette Special Edition books (Million-Dollar Destinies), with a longer follow-up work written for MIRA Books. I’m so pleased to have all of them available in these new editions from MIRA. As many of you know, I’ve always loved writing about families. And in this case three sexy, very different brothers were raised by their madcap Aunt Destiny, after the tragic death of their parents. Think Auntie Mame for those of you old enough to remember that wonderful movie. Or meddling Mick O’Brien, if you’re a fan of my Chesapeake Shores series. I hope you’ll enjoy revisiting the Carltons, if you’ve read these books before. And if you’re new to the series, I hope you’ll welcome the family into your heart as you have so many of my other families. All best,

Cast of Characters CAST OF CHARACTERS Cast of Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Epilogue Extract Copyright Ben Carlton—He sees the world with an artist’s eye for detail. The youngest and least ambitious of the successful Carlton brothers, he’s usually content to let his brothers be the family headliners. But Ben’s sensitive soul cries out for someone who shares his vision of the world. Kathleen Dugan—She doesn’t need much coaxing to recognize that Ben is a talented artist and a tortured soul. A successful gallery owner, she sees beauty in his art and fame in his future. But getting Ben to see what she does will take more than a twist of fate. It will take the kind of determination that’s her specialty. Destiny Carlton—She knows that her youngest nephew has been twice burned by tragedy. Convincing him to love again will take every clever trick at her disposal, along with a woman who won’t take no for an answer. There’s not a doubt in Destiny’s mind that she’s found just the woman in Kathleen. A man who’s closed himself off from love, a woman with heart and Destiny’s touch. It’s bound to be picture-perfect.