The Gold Coin [Mass Market Paperback]

Identical daughters of twin brothers, Anastasia and Breanna Colby become inseparable in childhood and fiercely supportive of their beloved English grandfather's ideals of loyalty to the family and its business. Even Anastasia's 10 years in America cannot break the two cousins' bond. When Anastasia, 20, returns to England from Philadelphia in 1817 following her parents' death, she is determined to assume an active role in the operation of the family import-export business, Colby and Sons. Her Uncle George, Breanna's father, offers her a home, hoping to gain control of her vast inheritance to cover his mounting debts. But Anastasia's father has named Lord Sheldrake, a wealthy and respected banker, not George, as the young woman's guardian, in charge of her fortune until she turns 21. George watches with horror as his niece uses a portion of her inheritance to establish a bank back in Philadelphia, a venture in which she persuades Sheldrake to become an active partner. Ultimately, the cousins and Sheldrake uncover the mystery of George's financial losses, nefarious business dealings and hatred of Anastasia in a fast-paced finale that nearly costs Anastasia her life while heralding Breanna as a heroine. Kane's engrossing plot and her quick-witted, passionate characters should make readers eagerly await this novel's companion, The Silver Coin (scheduled for September), in which Breanna may pay the price for her bravery. (Aug.)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Andrea Kane takes "intrigue and passion to new heights," says Rendezvous, and this breathtaking new novel is no exception. With her trademark depth and emotion, the bestselling author spins the suspenseful tale of two cousins so alike even their own family mistakes them, so enmeshed in a web of deceit that their very lives are at risk....

As children, identical cousins Anastasia and Breanna Colby swore always to protect each other. Now that Anastasia's beloved parents have died, she has come to live with Breanna...and Breanna's father, whose raging temper has locked his daughter into a life of fear. What is more, Anastasia soon realizes that her uncle is involved in a sinister scheme that places both young women in deadly danger. Fearing most of all for her cousin, Anastasia turns to the only help she can think of, the man who holds the reins to her considerable fortune -- the fascinating, enigmatic Damen Lockewood, Marquess of Sheldrake.

From the moment Anastasia and Damen meet, blazing passion flares between them. But in the face of overwhelming peril -- and threats on Anastasia's life -- thoughts of love cannot be indulged. Not unless the mystery that entraps them is solved will they at last be able to pursue the future their feelings command them to share. But is the danger stalking them really gone?

Dear Readers,

I've been a "cerebral" type all of my life. I have a non-stop, questioning, analytical mind. I love doing crossword puzzles. To this day, I snatch the Sunday New York Times magazine section every week before the rest of my family can get to it. I then labor over that puzzle until I've exhausted myself (or finished the whole thing). In school, I read Agatha Christie books one after the other, and tried feverishly to outsmart Hercule Poirot.

On the other hand, I'm a die-hard sentimentalist. I cry at old movies and believe in striving for happily-ever-after. Relationships and family mean the world to me, not only in films and novels, but in real life, as well. The bonds we form with each other are often what sustain us in our most difficult moments, and what enhance our most jubilant celebrations.

To sum it up, I'm an interesting combination of idealist and pragmatist. And that works perfectly with what I write. The idealist in me loves writing romance, and the pragmatist in me loves writing suspense. I feel very fortunate that I'm able to combine the two, and give you books that keep you at the edge of your seat, but at the same time, make you care.

To keep up with me and my novels (past, present and future), visit my website at: www.andreakane.com.

You can email me at WriteToMe@andreakane.com.