Louisa Valentine

Retreat Into Paradise Louisa Valentine

City girl Hannah Stockton writes histories as her day job and family histories in her spare time.

Needing a temporary escape from a violent boyfriend, she takes up an advertised position as a live-in caretaker 'with light duties' at a country retreat outside Melbourne. The owner, Philip Boulton, is a hunky high-flying banker who visits on weekends to attend to his small herd of cattle.

Hannah is dismayed to discover that Philip has been taught all he knows about farming by his next-door neighbour, who lusts after Philip and resents Hannah's presence. Hannah can't tell whether Philip is 'more than friends' with his guru.

Philip has recently discovered a family secret. Given his profession, he's sensitive about this fact becoming public. Fearing Hannah's skills as a family history researcher, he keeps her at a distance while he processes his secret.

Meanwhile, as her 'boss', he helps Hannah to overcome her fear of cattle and she learns to love country life ... and Philip.