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Marked
Cora Craighead wants more than anything to leave Plum Point, Arkansas, aboard one of the fantastic steamboats that pass by her run-down home on the Mississippi River. She’s certain there’s more to life out there…somewhere. Besides, anything has to be better than living with her pa who spends his days and nights drinking and gambling.
Douglas Denton grew up on one of the wealthiest estates in Memphis, Tennessee. Life filled with parties, expensive clothing, and proper English never suited him. He longs for simplicity and a woman with a pure heart—not one who craves his money. Cora is that and more, but she belongs to someone else.
Cora finally gets her wish, only to be taken down a road of strife, uncertainty, and mysterious prophecies. When she’s finally discovered again by Douglas, she’s a widow, fearing for her life and that of her newborn child and blind companion.
Full of emotions, family secrets, and the search for true love, you’ll find it’s not just the cards that are marked.
Douglas Denton grew up on one of the wealthiest estates in Memphis, Tennessee. Life filled with parties, expensive clothing, and proper English never suited him. He longs for simplicity and a woman with a pure heart—not one who craves his money. Cora is that and more, but she belongs to someone else.
Cora finally gets her wish, only to be taken down a road of strife, uncertainty, and mysterious prophecies. When she’s finally discovered again by Douglas, she’s a widow, fearing for her life and that of her newborn child and blind companion.
Full of emotions, family secrets, and the search for true love, you’ll find it’s not just the cards that are marked.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2014
About the author
Jeanne Hardt
38 books86 followersJeanne Hardt has always been involved in the creative arts in one form or fashion.
In November of 2010, a dream inspired her to write her first novel. Having moved from the Northwest to the South in the mid-nineties, she was drawn to Southern history.
Though she moved to Tennessee to pursue a career in music and acting, once she set her hands on the computer keyboard, she discovered her true passion and hasn’t stopped writing since.
Her stories are far from typical romances, though she promises a happy ending. She’s recently branched out into other genres, including young adult and contemporary women’s fiction. However, her true writing passion will always remain with historical fiction.
She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their little dog, Jax, and a multitude of dreams.
In November of 2010, a dream inspired her to write her first novel. Having moved from the Northwest to the South in the mid-nineties, she was drawn to Southern history.
Though she moved to Tennessee to pursue a career in music and acting, once she set her hands on the computer keyboard, she discovered her true passion and hasn’t stopped writing since.
Her stories are far from typical romances, though she promises a happy ending. She’s recently branched out into other genres, including young adult and contemporary women’s fiction. However, her true writing passion will always remain with historical fiction.
She currently lives in Tennessee with her husband, their little dog, Jax, and a multitude of dreams.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 11, 2018
Enjoyed the storyline
Humorous and interesting characters in this Romantic tale . Always enjoy this author and her novels. Ready to download Book 2 in this series.
Humorous and interesting characters in this Romantic tale . Always enjoy this author and her novels. Ready to download Book 2 in this series.
November 9, 2016
Interesting reading.
I enjoyed this story. The heroine had a really tough life, until she was sold by her dad. Luckily the man she ended up married to really cared for her.
I enjoyed this story. The heroine had a really tough life, until she was sold by her dad. Luckily the man she ended up married to really cared for her.
March 27, 2019
Rather convoluted.
This plot surrounding twins separated at birth is too convoluted. Too much melodrama!
The simple river girl with the alcoholic 'pa' is overdone as is her knight in shining armor being way too good..... in fact, I found him revolting.
I still want to know how the evil midwife assists a birth so far away from her home? Doesn't make sense.
I wouldn't bother a recommendation.
This plot surrounding twins separated at birth is too convoluted. Too much melodrama!
The simple river girl with the alcoholic 'pa' is overdone as is her knight in shining armor being way too good..... in fact, I found him revolting.
I still want to know how the evil midwife assists a birth so far away from her home? Doesn't make sense.
I wouldn't bother a recommendation.
July 25, 2017
It's ok
While the story line was different,the end was predictable. It was enjoyable nonetheless. I thought the sex scenes were almost laughable in the descriptions. Adults read these and know the actual names of body parts.
While the story line was different,the end was predictable. It was enjoyable nonetheless. I thought the sex scenes were almost laughable in the descriptions. Adults read these and know the actual names of body parts.
February 5, 2017
Great
I read this in two settings I couldn't put it down! Now I've got to go find the next one in the series
I read this in two settings I couldn't put it down! Now I've got to go find the next one in the series
September 22, 2017
Beautifully written and entertaining.
River romances if this caliber are rarely written. This one is not what you expect it is more.
Well thought out with twists you will love.
River romances if this caliber are rarely written. This one is not what you expect it is more.
Well thought out with twists you will love.
June 25, 2018
Good read
I enjoyed this story because of Coras' character. There were many turns in the story to make one think it would not end this way.
I enjoyed this story because of Coras' character. There were many turns in the story to make one think it would not end this way.
March 21, 2019
Good book. Sometimes happy and some times not. I still enjoyed the book.
June 21, 2014
I was lucky enough to have a sneak peak of this wonderful book, and was enchanted from the start!
Having fallen in love with steamboats ala Mark Twain years ago, I found the setting as charming as the story. When heroine Cora Craighead is delivered as 'payment' for her father's gambling debts, she's forced to grow up fast, becoming wife, mother, and shortly thereafter a widow. Fate may be cruel, but Cora proves equal to the challenge as she matures from naive girl to a woman of substance and heart.
I very much appreciated the unconventional (and realistic) heroine's journey from unwilling bride to devoted mother to strong woman who isn't afraid to follow her heart as it leads her to Douglas Denton, her worthy hero. The mystery surrounding Cora's heritage adds a dash of suspense to the romance.
Romance, adventure, mystery, and some very memorable secondary characters (who will hopefully get their own books soon) make for a perfectly heartwarming tale. Definitely recommend!
Having fallen in love with steamboats ala Mark Twain years ago, I found the setting as charming as the story. When heroine Cora Craighead is delivered as 'payment' for her father's gambling debts, she's forced to grow up fast, becoming wife, mother, and shortly thereafter a widow. Fate may be cruel, but Cora proves equal to the challenge as she matures from naive girl to a woman of substance and heart.
I very much appreciated the unconventional (and realistic) heroine's journey from unwilling bride to devoted mother to strong woman who isn't afraid to follow her heart as it leads her to Douglas Denton, her worthy hero. The mystery surrounding Cora's heritage adds a dash of suspense to the romance.
Romance, adventure, mystery, and some very memorable secondary characters (who will hopefully get their own books soon) make for a perfectly heartwarming tale. Definitely recommend!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews