Tree of Gold

In Lyons during Napoleon's era, young, beautiful Gabrielle Roche is traveling to marry Emile Valmont when by chance she encounters handsome, virile Nicholas Levaux, the son of her family's rival in the silk trade. The two instantly fall in love, but Gabrielle must honor her troth to Emile. She soon inherits her father's silk factory and runs the business masterfully, in spite of the prejudices of her husband about women in business. Although she cannot shake her attraction to Nicholas, she avidly competes against him for trade secrets and business. When Napoleon's war with England erupts and Nicholas leaves to fight, Gabrielle feels she is finally safe from her illicit passion. Fate decrees otherwise, however, and it is only after years of adversity that the lovers finally come together. In Laker's new novel, each plot turn and character reaction is easily predicted, but the story is entertaining. Reader's Digest Condensed Books selection. (July 18)