This Place — Carolyne Aarsen

It took Miriam Bristol many years to find rhythm and security in her life after bouncing between a loving foster home and a neglectful mother. But this rhythm is interrupted when she unexpectedly becomes the guardian of her five-year-old orphaned niece. Miriam must move across the country to make hard decisions about Celia's needs. The mistakes of Miriam's past and the heritage of her mother make her feel she is unsuitable. Unfortunately Duncan, Celia's other guardian, feels the same way. Celia is the same age as the daughter he lost and seeing her creates too many painful memories. But Duncan and Miriam are the only family members who can help this little girl. As they work together their attraction for each other grows and the possibility of a family with Celia lingers. However, can their changing relationship survive the secret that Miriam harbors? A secret that could send Miriam away from Duncan, Celia and This Place.