autumn must haves

The kingdom of Narethia sees two baby girls born at the same moment. A high monk prophesies that one of them carries the phoenix destiny—the future mother of all under heaven. Which girl holds the phoenix fate will only be revealed after eighteen years during the marriage alliance. The King of Narethia believes the destined one must be Joselyn Osborne, so he spends vast amounts of gold and silver nurturing her while completely ignoring Lainey Osborne. Eighteen years later, with Narethia’s national strength failing, a marriage alliance becomes necessary. The King and Ashtyn Harper scheme to have Joselyn marry into the Myrraveth royal family while sending Lainey off to the barbaric wasteland. With her mother imprisoned in the palace, Lainey tearfully departs for marriage. After traveling thousands of miles to reach the Outlands, she is utterly shocked to discover that the so-called barbarian host is actually the King of Zuyenne,and the supposedly impoverished land is overflowing with gold, silver, and precious jewels...

Since childhood, Melanie Llyod has lived under the shadow of loss, her mother gone and her stepmother intent on securing a vast inheritance. Raised in a world of fragile comfort, Melanie grows weak and dependent. But after a sudden accident, Ashton Llyod reappears in her life, urging her to find strength and independence. The emotions they've suppressed for years begin to surface. Though they share no blood, they've lived as siblings for 18 years. But in the 19th year, everything changes… Kate Llyod, determined to steal Melanie's fiance, relentlessly tries to expose the secret connection between Melanie and Ashton. Amidst the growing misunderstandings, Melanie decides to bury her feelings and honor her engagement. Ashton, too, chooses to distance himself, focusing on his responsibilities. But when a twist of fate leads to a murder attempt, Ashton is left gravely injured and hospitalized. At last, both must confront their true feelings for each other. Yet, the challenges ahead are far from over…