A Home of Her Own

A Home of Her Own
Brenda Novak

When Lucky Caldwell was ten, her mother, Red–the best-known hooker in Dundee, Idaho–married Morris Caldwell, a wealthy and much older man.It didn't last, of course, but Morris's kindness was the highlight of Lucky's life. Mike Hill, Morris's grandson, doesn't feel too well-disposed toward Red or her kids. He believes they alienated Morris from his family. Even Morris's Victorian mansion, on the property next to the Hill ranch, wasn't inherited by one of his grandchildren. Instead the house went to Lucky, who left it sitting empty for years.Now that Red and Morris are both dead, Lucky has finally come back to Dundee. She plans to restore the derelict place–and to look for her real father, who has to be one of three men named in her mother's diary. That means Mike has a new neighbor. One he doesn't want to like…

Praise for Brenda Novak’s “Dundee, Idaho” Stories:

“A Family of Her Own is an emotionally charged, fast-paced read. I will definitely be awaiting Novak’s next book.”

—RoundTableReviews.com

“A Family of Her Own tells a story rich in internal and external conflict…. Novak also explores family dynamics, friendships and other relationships.”

—Romance Reviews Today

“Once again author Brenda Novak delivers a stunningly magical performance…. Novak’s fans will easily recognize her unforgettable style and characterizations from the first chapter.”

—WordWeaving on A Family of Her Own

“A powerful author, Brenda Novak is an expert at creating emotionally driven romances full of heat, sensual tension and conflict that not only satisfy her characters, but her readers as well….”

—Writers Unlimited on A Husband of Her Own

“Brenda Novak always writes a wonderful story, whether it’s her Superromances or her single-title books. I know when I pick up something she’s written that I’ll be totally satisfied. And I certainly wasn’t disappointed with this one.”

—Old Book Barn Gazette on A Husband of Her Own

“Brenda Novak has hooked me with her endearing characters and heart-tugging romance.”

—EscapeToRomance.com on A Baby of Her Own

“A one-sitting read! Kudos to Brenda Novak for an insightful and emotional story that tore at my heartstrings!”

—The Best Reviews on A Baby of Her Own

Dear Reader,

Welcome back to the small town of Dundee, Idaho. If you’ve read the first three books in my series, you already know that Dundee is one of those places where family stands for something. It might not always be what we want it to stand for, but Dundee’s definitely a place where a person grows roots. Love the place or hate it, the mountains, the land, the town are in the blood of everyone who lives there. So far, Booker has turned his life around. Rebecca has married her childhood nemesis. And Delaney has given Conner the tether he needed so badly.

So what about Mike Hill? Those of you familiar with Mike know what a good guy he is—and what a great catch. You also know he’s nearly forty and unmarried. It’s going to take a very special woman to bring this man to his knees. He finds her just about the time he gives up looking—and in a very unlikely place.

I had a great time writing this story, especially because the inspiration for certain plot elements came from my own family background. I’ll leave you to guess which ones, but as you read, reserve a smile for those of us who truly understand the cliché “Truth is stranger than fiction.”

I love to hear from readers. Please drop me a line at P.O. Box 3781, Citrus Heights, CA 95611, or visit my Web site at www.brendanovak.com, where you can e-mail me or check out excerpts of my books, research articles and win fabulous prizes.

Until we visit Dundee again…

Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak

A Home of Her Own

To Tonya, my oldest sister. She let her friend offer me my first

(and only) cigarette when I was eight years old and she was

eighteen, then cried laughing when I nearly hacked to death.

She locked me and my other siblings out when she baby-sat

so she could bake cookies and eat them without us. She

refused to let us cross the holy threshold of her room,

where she entranced us (standing outside looking in)

with such mysterious antics as burning incense and

making bottle candles out of crayons.

She also rocked me for hours when I was a baby,

bathed me until I was old enough to bath myself,

married young and let me stay with her almost every

weekend, took the heat from my parents when I stupidly

caused the loss of something important to the family,

taught me how to cook and clean and decorate.

You’ve been a friend, a sister, a mother to me, Tonya.

For everything, I love you.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX