Chesapeake blue. Nora Roberts. 2002.

The first ten years of Seth Quinn’s life had been a prison of fear, abuse and neglect. It had made him stronger than most ten-year-old boys. And a great deal more wary. Ray Quinn had rescued him from all that. And, after their father’s death, Philip, Ethan and Cameron Quinn had continued his good work, raising Seth as their own brother. Now an adult and a successful artist, Seth is happy to return home to Chesapeake Bay to the only real family he has ever known.

Drusilla Whitcomb Banks is a newcomer in town. And from the first time he meets her, Seth realises that she is way out of his league. She has money, class and an impeccable background. Added to which, her own history has taught her not to give her heart lightly. Despite these odds, Seth is determined to try. But their fledgling relationship faces another threat; for if Seth is ever to win a place in Dru’s affections, he must finally face up to his tragic past and the mother who sold him........