Table of Contents
Praise for the Romances of Catherine Anderson
Anderson comes up with another winner by deftly blending sweetness and sensuality in a poignantly written story.Booklist
Catherine Anderson has a gift for imbuing her characters with dignity, compassion, courage, and strength that inspire readers. Romantic Times
A major voice in the romance genre.
Publishers Weekly
Star Bright
When opening an Anderson novel, readers encounter great characterization as well as complex emotional issues. Poignant and funny yet laced with danger, this is a truly enchanting read.Romantic Times (4 stars)
Morning Light
This is a story not to be missed. Morning Light delivers on all levels, and is a fantastic read that will touch readers at the very core of their being.
The Romance Readers Connection
Sun Kissed
This smart, wholesome tale should appeal to any fan of traditional romance.Publishers Weekly
Another heartwarming chapter in the Coulter family saga is on tap in the always wonderful Andersons newest release.... Anderson is at her best when it comes to telling stories that are deeply emotional and heartfelt.
Romantic Times (4 stars)
Summer Breeze
Anderson understands the inner workings of the human soul so deeply that shes able to put intense emotion within a stunning romance in such a way that youll believe in miracles. Add to this her beautiful writing style, memorable characters, and a timeless story, and you have an unmatched reading adventure.
Romantic Times (4 stars)
The kind of book that will snare you so completely, youll not want to put it down. It engages the intellect and emotions; itll make you care. It will also make you smile... a lot. And thats a guarantee.
Romance Reviews Today
My Sunshine
With the authors signature nurturing warmth and emotional depth, this beautifully written romance is a richly rewarding experience for any reader. Booklist
Blue Skies
Readers may need to wipe away tears... since few will be able to resist the power of this beautifully emotional, wonderfully romantic love story. Booklist
A keeper and a very strong contender for Best Contemporary Romance of the Year.
Romance Reviews Today
Bright Eyes
Offbeat family members and genuine familial love give a special lift to this marvelous story. An Anderson book is a guaranteed great read!
Romantic Times (4 stars, top pick)
Only by Your Touch
Ben Longtree is a marvelous hero whose extraordinary gifts bring a unique and special magic to this warmhearted novel. No one can tug your heartstrings better than Catherine Anderson.
Romantic Times (4 stars, top pick)
Always in My Heart
Emotionally involving, family-centered, and relationship-oriented, this story is a rewarding read.
Library Journal
[A] superbly written contemporary romance, which features just the kind of emotionally nourishing, comfortably compassionate type of love story this author is known for creating.Booklist
Sweet Nothings
Pure reading magic.Booklist
Phantom Waltz
Anderson departs from traditional romantic stereotypes in this poignant, contemporary tale of a love that transcends all boundaries... romantic through and through.Publishers Weekly
OTHER NOVELS BY CATHERINE ANDERSON
Coulter Family Novels
Phantom Waltz
Sweet Nothings
Blue Skies
Bright Eyes
My Sunshine
Summer Breeze
Sun Kissed
Harrigan Family Novels
Morning Light
Star Bright
The Comanche Series
Comanche Moon
Comanche Heart
Other Signet Books
Always in My Heart
Only by Your Touch
Years ago, when Keegans Lady was published, the book was supposed to have been dedicated to my great-niece, Wendy, who was my inspiration when I created the character Caitlin OShannessy. Sadly, my mother passed away, and at the last minute I changed my mind, dedicating Keegans Lady to her instead. Wendy understood, and I assured her that Eden Paxtons love story would be dedicated to her. At the time, I had no idea that I would get locked into writing contemporary novels for so long! Now, finally, Eden Paxton is making her appearance in Early Dawn, and my wonderful great-niece is getting the promised dedication.
This book is dedicated to Wendy, who has
brightened our lives with her gorgeous red hair,
laughing blue eyes, indomitable spirit, and
most wondrous of all, her baby boy, Lucas.
Prologue
June 1887
Matthew Coulter awakened to a soft hissing sound, the faint smell of kerosene, and the dim glow of lantern light. A nearly blinding pain knifed from his left eyebrow into his temple, and as he struggled to focus he was filled with a terrible sense of dread. When his eyes had adjusted, he realized that he was abed in his childhood sleeping nook, a rectangular space with rough plank walls that was barely large enough to hold a cot, battered dresser, and small wardrobe. Strange. Hed been married five years ago and hadnt stayed overnight at his folks place since. But there was no mistake. The familiar scent of his mothers Irish stew drifted in from the kitchen to tease his nostrils, the air redolent with pan-browned lamb chops simmered to perfection, and the unmistakable fragrance of thyme, a spice his wife, Olivia, seldom used.
Matthew yearned to slip back into the darkness of sleep that had so recently enveloped him, but that niggling sense of dread grew stronger as he came more awake. Something was wrong, horribly wrong, but his head hurt so badly that he couldnt remember what.
Ma? he croaked, and pushed up onto one elbow with a low groan because a sharp stitch in his side nearly took his breath away.
The room spun around him, the shadows that lurked beyond the sphere of light seeming to dance and sway. He wrapped a hand over the mattress edge to keep from pitching off onto the floor. What in Sam Hill? It felt as if every bone in his body had been broken, and the pain in his temple throbbed with each beat of his heart.
Ma!
A blurry female figure dressed in blue appeared in the archway. Matthew! Thank God! The lilt of her faint Irish brogue was as familiar to Matthew as his own voice. We were starting to think you might never wake up.
Matthew lay back against the pillow and closed his eyes as his mother sat beside him and placed a cool, soothing hand on his right cheek. The gesture reminded him of the early days of his childhood, when shed checked him for fever or fussed over him when he was sick. He let himself enjoy the sensation for a moment before prying his eyes open again to fix his gaze on her face. Even at fifty-six, Hattie Coulter was a lovely woman, with black hair and eyes the deep blue of a summer sky. The years had lined her skin, but on her the traces of age were like the tiny cracks on the surface of an old oil painting, only adding to its beauty.