London, 1850: After being abandoned as a child at age
seven, John Wolcott grows up hardened by life's challenges.
He applies his considerable talent, and becomes a shipping
tycoon feared alike by the business world and pirates on the
high seas. He chooses a wife who will further elevate him into
England's financial elite. He has a daughter Louisa, and
arranges to marry her in a scheme to take over a railroad-car
empire. Louisa thinks otherwise, and hatches a counter plot.
Wolcott is in for a reckoning with his soul that would do
justice to Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol, without the
ghosts.
Kirkus Reviews: "In Kennedy's debut novel, a shipping
magnate and his daughter grapple with an age-old
question-what's more important: wealth or love? ... Overall it's
a quick-paced, action-packed read ... Business schemes and
on-again off-again romances will keep readers going as long
as they can overlook a few unpleasant characters."
Carol Silvis, M.Ed., Pennwriters president (2016): "With
its quick pace and nonstop action, The Arrangement is sure
to please fans of historical romance and personal growth
stories. The twists and turns, business ploys, and
complicated romance threads lead readers to a satisfying
conclusion and will keep them turning the pages in earnest.
Indeed, love prevails."