Moon Cutters by Janet Woods

Miranda was desperate.  Her father died from a fall from a horse, her mother has just died given birth to a stillborn child, and she and Lucy are in the snow with no shelter and no food.  She sneaks into a kitchen and grabs a loaf of bread and runs.  What she doesn't know is that the cook is the standing winner at the rolling pin throwing contest.  When she gets hit in the head and falls in the snow, she's knows it's probably over, but she keeps running...

Severn House and Net Galley allowed me to download and read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published February 1st, so make a note to pick it up then.

This story has the flavor of a Gothic romance novel.  The man who finds Lucy and Miranda in the woods is a magistrate.  He takes them in and considers making them his wards.  He seems kind and he shares his money with them in the form of food, clothing, and lodging.  Miranda trusts him in the beginning.

It's only when she refuses to dress and come down to be displayed at a dinner with other important folk that she begins to realize his true nature.  He rips her old dress off of her and stands amazed.  She's small and petite, but she's no child.  He's pleased by that.  All of a sudden it seems there is price to pay for being in his debt; he wants her to marry him.  No matter if he's older than her father, he wants her.  The problem is she doesn't want him.

In the meantime, she has met his ostracized nephew, Fletcher.  He's more her age, much more fun to be around, and he's a good man.  His uncle, however, has great influence in the community and "owns" a lot of people.  They have a battle ahead of them.

There's smuggling, murder, revenge and anger in this story.  Sir James is a very mean man who cares only about his personal desires.  You will acquiesce or you will disappear.  His wickedness is displayed in this story.  With secret passages and people left for dead returning, you won't be bored.  

Happy reading.