In the spring of 1910, an advertisement I spotted in the Boston newspaper called out to me. “Wealthy family in need of secretary on Whale Island. Must have an affinity for books.” When I’m offered the position, I do not hesitate to pack my meagre belongings and travel to Washington state. After all, I have nothing to lose. I’ve been dismissed from my current position. I have no family. It’s all a dream come true. The only problem? My employer, Benedict Tutheridge, makes my heart flutter and my knees wobble. I didn’t expect him to be devastatingly handsome or interesting. Unfortunately, I’m not from prestige or wealth. A man like Benedict would never marry a woman like me.
Benedict
In a town full of misfits, I win the prize. After my father’s untimely death, I’m expected to run the family business. However, despite my efforts and education, I can barely read or write. At my mother’s urging, I agree to hire a secretary, fully expecting A.F. Young to be a man. To my utter shock, Amelia Frances is very much a woman. A beautiful, beguiling one. A woman who would never fall for the town idiot.