Jasmine on the Wind

In this historical romance set in the Spain of Ferdinand and Isabella, teenagers Dolores and Francho are a pair of enterprising and ambitious pickpockets. But Francho reaches too far when he attempts to steal the wallet of the Count of Tendilla. Once captured, however, he learns that he is the missing heir to the estate of Tendilla's friend, the Marquis de Olivenza. Presented at the royal court, Francho meets Dolores, now the Baroness de la Rocha and companion of the powerful Duke of Medina-Sidonia. Although Francho is in love with another noblewoman, he and Dolores still are attracted to one another. As this novel progresses, fate throws the two together again and again, in a robber's mountain lair in Seville, in the Moorish stronghold of Granada, where Francho is now spying for Spain and Dolores is a member of the harem. Hart has created a tale of stubborn spirits, passion and friendship, set against the rich tapestry of one of Spain's most glittering periods. (October)