Colette's Prayer

Alone in the world and guarding a secret, Charmaine Ryan abandons dismal nineteenth- century Richmond, a city of unfulfilled dreams, and journeys to the island paradise,Charmantes, determined to start a new life. Scorning marriage and resolved to fend for herself, her femininity is kindled when Paul Duvoisin steps into her life. But how does an ordinary girl catch the eye of a wealthy, sworn bachelor? Soon, she is living under his roof and finds that even the privileged have crosses to bear. Paul's proud father, the irascible shipping magnate Frederic Duvoisin, hides away in a guilt-ridden, self-imposed prison. The youthful Colette keeps her own secrets, her life far different than she had planned. Her pampered twin daughters long for the return of their beloved brother. And Paul grapples with his bastardy in a society more interested in labels than substance. Charmaine embraces this turbulent family, shares its heartaches and tragedies. Through it all, she becomes a woman, touching each of the Duvoisins in her down-to-earth way.