Adele Fergus switched back to her maiden name with plans to never look back-never think about her na�ve, short-lived marriage to James Montague. But that was before he turned up on her Wānaka doorstep with her missing diamonds, an unlikely backstory, and persistent requests for visitation with his ex-stepdaughter.

Adele's hell-bent on keeping James at arms-length, but it's not easy with old attractions still running hot. What's more, she's beginning to suspect she may have left him on false information.

Divorce was never in James' game-plan, so when his ex-wife's jewellery comes to light, it's excuse enough to be drawn back to her-welcome or not-and he isn't leaving until he has all the answers.

The more the exes re-learn to trust each other, the more they come to realise someone was intent on dragging them apart from the very beginning. Someone close.

Is it worth risking everything to start again?

Authors note: Though this story ends with an HEA, it also includes references to a historical miscarriage, depression, and suicide. Please read at your own discretion.

Winner of both the Daphne Clair de Jong First Kiss and RWNZ Great Beginnings competition, LAKE TAIMANA is a contemporary love story set in the stunning Lakes District in southern New Zealand. The third novel by emerging Kiwi writer, Stephanie Ruth, it can be read as a standalone, or in conjunction with two other linked love stories in the OTAGO WATERS series. Intended for readers who enjoy their feel-good, slow-burn romance on the steamy side.

Sign on to Stephanie Ruth's newsletter to receive bonus short stories, prologues, epilogues, and cut scenes set in the same world, with the characters you love. www.stephanie-ruth.com