Lilac Spring

Lilac Spring
Ruth Axtell Morren

Mills & Boon Silhouette
Daughter of a prominent nineteenth-century Maine shipbuilder, Cherish Winslow had a deep love for ships, the ocean–and her father's apprentice, Silas van der Zee. Once his childhood companion in Haven's End, Cherish wished Silas could see she was no longer a girl in pigtails but a woman in love.To Silas, Cherish was a beacon of light, illuminating his lonely life…yet he doubted a lowly apprentice could win the heart of such an elegant young lady. A stolen kiss brought a moment's hope…but he soon found himself tossed out on the street, with no job, no home, no chance of a future. In his darkest hour, Silas must find the strength to fight for his life–and for his beloved Cherish.

CRITICAL PRAISE FOR

RUTH AXTELL MORREN

LILAC SPRING

“Lilac Spring blooms with heartfelt yearning and genuine conflict as Cherish and Silas seek God’s will for their lives. Fascinating details about nineteenth-century shipbuilding are planted here and there, bringing an historical feel to this faith-filled romance.”

—Liz Curtis Higgs, bestselling author of Whence Came a Prince

WILD ROSE

“…the charm of the story lies in Morren’s ability to portray real passion between her characters. Wild Rose is not so much a romance as an old-fashioned love story.”

—Booklist

“…a beautiful, believable love relationship…Richly defined characters and settings enhance this meaningful novel.”

—Romantic Times

WINTER IS PAST

“…inspires readers toward a deeper trust in the transforming power of God…. [Readers] will find in Winter Is Past a novel not to be put down and a new favorite author.”

—Christian Retailing

“Ruth Axtell Morren writes with skill, sensitivity and great heart about the things that matter most…. Make room on your keeper shelf for a new favorite.”

—Susan Wiggs, New York Times bestselling author

“…faith journeys are so realistic all readers can benefit from the story. Highly recommended.”

—CBA Marketplace

Lilac Spring

Ruth Axtell Morren

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

For the town of Cutler,

from where I drew my inspiration for Lilac Spring.

My thanks also to the guys at The Boat School of Washington County Technical College in Eastport, who allowed me to ask many questions and observe them as they worked on their wooden boats.

Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two