The Cherished Heart — Nancy Kennedy

Family duty had torn Kezia Page from the man she adored. Could she ever forget him--even for a new and happier love?

If only Kezia Page could have gone to Jamaica with Gordo Wright as they'd planned! Instead, the tall, beautiful Kezia had been called to Oregon--to care for her senile grandfather as best she could and to pine long days for her wealthy playboy fiance.

But was old Professor Cornelius Page as ill as he seemed--or was there a method to his madness? And what part did young Barney Hunter play in his scheme? A young girl learns new lessons about life and romance--in a novel as wise and tender as love itself.

When Kezia heard that Gordo Wright had been seen in Jamaica with Diane Edwards, she gave a hard little laugh.
"You've been reading the gossip columnists," she accused her friend Ann. And then, out of hurt, she lied. "I knew Diane was in the party. It doesn't mean a thing. She and Gordo's sister are old friends."
But later, alone, Kezia shivered. Gossip was a vicious thing. She would not let it shake her faith in Gordo. Nothing could spoil her love for him.
Then why am I crying? she wondered. Why am I so afraid?

Hero: Barney Hunter
Heroine: Kezia Page

Original Title: Hidden Splendor