Just Before Dawn — Jeannie Johnson

It has been 10 years since Tom Strong left Bristol, and the Strong family, a powerful dynasty whose wealth was founded on growing sugar and keeping slaves, want him back. New ways must be found to maintain the family's fortune, and Horatia Strong is determined that Tom will be part of it. But old enemies plot his downfall and Tom begins to wish he'd stayed away. A lot of money can be made from property and land, and Horatia decides to do just that. She is also ruthless with regard to Tom and will do anything to win him for herself. When Tom discovers the depth of Horatia's deceit, he is determined to leave -- until a secret from the past threatens to change his mind.