A Place Of Her Own — Lynn A. Coleman

After a life of indentured sevitude and abuse, Katherine O'Leary longs for a place of her own. And especially when Shelton Greene invades her heart. Her history is fully of darkness; how could the son of her former owner love her after he learns the truth? Shelton Green has loved Katherine since he was sixteen, but she's as skittish as a wild mare. He knows only time and gentleness will bring her around to trust him. But his father's gambling has destroyed his family's reputation, and Shelton must find a way to restore it. When Shelton's parents arrive, the past flares up and sends Katherine deeper inside herself. Will Shelton's family obligations keep Katherine from believing she's worthy of love? Could the peaceful place she longs for be by his side?