Secret Hearts – J.L. Jarvis

A mysterious letter unlocks forbidden love.

Maggie MacLaren longs to leave her hometown, even if she must quell her attraction to rugged steelworker Jake O’Neill. He is handsome and solid, like the ordinary life all around her. When refined Andrew Adair walks into Maggie’s library, he sweeps her into his world of wealth and power, where dreams seem possible.

High above the town, reclusive young widow Allison Kimball finds a love letter tucked into her carpetbag. So begins a series of secret epistles and midnight trysts with a man she’s forbidden to love. When tragic flood waters come crashing down on the town, only courage will help love survive.

Originally published as Watermarks.

“It Stole My Heart. Secret Hearts is a wonderfully told story of love lost and found, dealing with racial and class issues of the time. The author depicts the flood in Johnstown, Alabama in the year 2000 with such detail that one feels as if one is there. The ending is perfect and reminds us that real love endures when fought for and carefully tended. I would recommend this book for anyone over the age of sixteen.”

“Great Historical Story. I am from originally from Johnstown and totally appreciate how the author took the facts and wove a touching love story. I was rooting for Jake all the way and thought for a while Maggie would lose him. They were both strong and believable characters I struggled right along with them I also liked how Maggie got involved with the rich boy Andrew who loved her but was too weak to fight for her. The side story of Andrew's sister Allison was an insight to expectations of the very rich and how society was at the turn of the century. I loved it!”

“Worth Reading. Well written story involving some of the inhabitants of Johnstown, PA before the great flood. This account personalized what for me was just a historical notation before. Until you realize the human story, I don't think you can really appreciate the utter devastation caused by this flood. The characters were very believable and had me rooting for the right ones to get together and survive. I thank the author for opening my eyes to some controversial issues as well”

“Great read! I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to put down and I couldn't wait to get back to it.”

“I enjoy this era in history. I would recommend it to many romantics out there.It is a turn pager for sure”

A mysterious letter unlocks forbidden love.

PRAISE FOR SECRET HEARTS