A Will of Her Own is perfection in print! The chemistry and passion between Maggie and Will heats the pages of this wonderfully well-developed story. Maggie is fiercely independent, intelligent, and has an inner spirit that cannot and will not be diminished by her circumstances. Will is chivalrous, kind, noble, and every woman's dream come true. The secondary characters are a delight and give readers insight into who Maggie and Will are, as well as the obstacles they must overcome to reap the rewards of true love. Winnie Griggs is one author I regret not discovering before now, but one I will eagerly seek out on my next foray to the bookstore. A Will of Her Own is a must read for anyone who enjoys happily ever after endings and characters who come to life with each turn of the page.

Escape To Romance (Rating: 4.5 roses - A sensational story, very highly recommended.)

From the beginning A Will of Her Own captured my heart. Will and Maggie were very easy to connect and fall in love with, but that is no surprise as I am always drawn in by Winnie Griggs characters. She brings the story full circle with her delightful cast of secondary characters and vivid descriptions. Ms. Griggs does a superb job of entertaining her readers.

Booklist, The American Library Association's magazine

A spunky American with three kids and an arrogant cat make an instant family for a man who would rather ruin his life than break a promise in Griggs' engrossing tale of guilt and self-acceptance.

Kay Merriam Vamvakias, Romance Writers of America© 2003 Bookseller of the year

Once again, Winnie Griggs has delivered a story I am proud to recommend. I can't wait to have it on the shelf to put in my customers' hands. A Will of Her Own is on the top of my list - it is a pure joy to read!

Patricia Rouse, Rouse's Romance Readers Group

Winning historical author, Winnie Griggs will charm readers with A Will of Her Own.... (The book) lives up to its clever double entendre title, with strong-willed, outspoken Maggie finding love and happiness with her own headstrong but generous Will. For romance fans, who enjoy delightful marriage of convenience plots, don't miss Winnie Griggs' A Will of Her Own!

Romantic Times ( Rating: 4 Stars - Compelling)

Griggs spins a lighthearted tale that's a thoroughly gracious and enjoyable read. An added bonus is Will's interesting lessons to the children on the conventions of peerage ranks and names.

Romance Junkies ( Blue Ribbon Rating: 4)

In A Will of Her Own, Winnie Griggs has crafted a lovely story with engaging, sympathetic characters and a good deal of gentle humor. It is a story of family, and of how through the love of family a woman skilled at healing others learns to heal herself. I enjoyed this book immensely.

Historical Romance Writers

This was just one of those feel good types of books that hit you in your heart strings when the love is built slowly with honor and trust and especially when you have three very sweet and captivating children to help things along. It will totally engage your senses and leave you feeling warm and satisfied long after the last page has been turned. Bravo to this very fine new author in the historical romance genre.

Romance Reader At Heart

Treat yourself to a sweet romance that will make you smile. A scarred, noble hero with a wounded heart is paired with a smart, strong heroine. This story takes you from Virginia to England as the hero and heroine wade through their personal vulnerabilities and learn to trust each other and themselves. Maggie is a heroine that readers are sure to appreciate because of her keen intelligence and imperfections. Griggs writes wonderfully human and realistic characters that you cannot help but love and cheer through to the happy ending.

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(from Chapter Two)

        Will leaned back in his desk chair, easing his leg into a more comfortable position. Though only bruised in yesterday's dockside accident, his thigh still protested angrily when jarred. Of course, he was luckier than the man who'd stood next to him. Pete would be bed-bound for several weeks yet.

        His business manager looked up as he dipped his pen in the inkwell. "That leg still bothering you?"

        Will waved a hand, dismissing Ian's concerns. "I just needed to stretch it out a bit. I'm fine."

        "Are you sure you shouldn't have the doctor look at it again? Dodging that runaway horse this morning couldn't have done it much good."

        "I said I'm fine." Will sat up straighter. "Now, tell me where we stand on the Lady Jen."

        Ian turned back to the papers they'd been working on. "With this added incentive we're offering Mitterman, I think we can count on the Lady Jen being seaworthy by the end of the week."

        Will nodded, pleased that matters were falling into place so well. Now that he'd made up his mind to return to England, he found himself impatient to get on with it.

        Fighting the urge to grimace, he eased his throbbing leg slightly to the left.

        "You know," Ian said thoughtfully, "that's two bouts of bad luck you've encountered this week. My Gran used to say these things occur in threes."

        "Don't tell me you're a superstitious man." Will didn't attempt to hide his amusement.

        Ian's grin proved he took no offense. "Laugh if you wish, but were I you, I'd take extra care the next few days."

        Will shook his head and turned the discussion back to the business at hand. "Tell me, how do you--"

        A commotion in the outer office interrupted his question.

        "Here now, Miss," someone exclaimed. "You can't just barge into Mr. Trevaron's office--"

        The door swung open to admit a militantly determined-looking Maggie Carter with an indignant junior clerk at her elbow.

        "It's all right, Jack." Will halted the clerk's sputtering with a raised hand. He stood, smothering a wince as his leg twinged angrily. "Mrs. Carter is always welcome here."

        Her demeanor didn't soften at his conciliatory words. In fact, if the tightness of her jaw was any indication, her temper actually raised a notch.

        So, her snit was over more than just his clerk's attempt to bar the door. That could only mean one thing. Ian's warning about a third disaster was about to bear fruit.

        The business manager gathered his papers. "I believe I can finish these in my own office. I'll leave you to your guest."

        Will mentally commended Ian on exercising the better part of valor. But he kept a pleasant smile on his face as he greeted his stormy-eyed visitor. "Please, have a seat." He gestured toward a comfortably upholstered chair.

        "No, thank you." Maggie's blistering gaze never wavered from his. "My business won't take long."

        How could he feel at once singed by the fire in her eyes and chilled by the ice in her tone? Even the broach on her collar appeared to glare accusingly at him.

        "And just what is your business with me, madam?"

        "I came to deliver this." She tossed a document on his desk as if it were a gauntlet.

        He picked it up, glanced down, then jerked his gaze back up to hers. "What the deuce is this?"

        "The deed to Clover Ridge."

        He made an impatient gesture. "I see that. Why are you giving it to me?"

        "Because you bought and paid for it."

        "I most certainly did--"

        "Please, sir, don't further insult me by pretending you had nothing to do with the monies that magically turned up this week." Maggie's raised brow dared him to deny her accusation.

        Will decided it would be best to say nothing.

        She nodded. "I thought as much. The estate's creditors pounced on the money, so most of it has already been spent."

        Satisfaction snickered through Will. His plan had worked. Even if she wasn't pleased with his methods, she was no longer in danger of being tossed from her home.

        "Since your money paid the debts," she continued, her tone dousing his smug assurance, "I can only assume you intended to purchase the estate."

        She tugged her glove more firmly onto her wrist. "You'll find the deed transferred in your name, all legal and proper." Eyeing him as a governess would a recalcitrant charge, she folded her hands primly together.

        "You know it was not my intent to purchase Clover Ridge." Realizing he'd raised his voice, Will took a deep breath. "I have no use for such an estate. Besides which, it is your home."

        "No longer. If you don't care for Clover Ridge, I suggest you sell it. It matters not to me. Now, good day to you, sir."

        Will swore under his breath as the woman had the audacity to actually turn her back on him. "Hold a minute."

        She turned, her frown eloquently proclaiming her impatience.

        He moved around the desk. "Please, have a seat so we may discuss this."

        Maggie's stiffness eased slightly as her brow wrinkled in concern. "You're limping."

        "Just a little accident at the docks. Nothing of import." At least one good thing had resulted from that mishap. Her sympathy distracted her enough to halt her precipitous exit.

        "Have you had a doctor look at it?"

        "Yes. And he assures me I'll be back to normal in less than a week." Will deftly led her to the chair as he spoke and she sat primly on the edge.

        He leaned back against his desk, watching her gather that air of hauteur around her again. But Maggie's mask had slipped enough that he now saw the hurt and uncertainty in her eyes as well. And that pained him more than her outrage had.

        He chose his next words with extra care. "I owe you an apology for the manner in which I handled matters. At the time, I thought it the best way to insure your welfare while sparing your feelings. I see now that I was wrong."

        Maggie nodded, her spine poker-stiff. "Yes, you were." Her face hardened. "Every man seems to think he can take whatever action he pleases in regard to a woman, so long as he can convince himself it is for her own good. My father, employers, Joseph - all of them let me down in this regard."

        Will was caught off guard by the bitterness of her tone.

        She fiddled with her broach - that amber amulet he'd never seen her without - and pinned him with an icy stare. "I thought you, at least, were above such deceptions, would deal with me honorably. It was disappointing to have been proven wrong."

        That brought Will up short. Questioning his honor was a bit strong. After all, he had only been looking out for her welfare.

        His jaw worked for a moment, then he sketched a stiff bow. "Once more, you have my apologies. I won't make such a mistake again."

        Maggie inclined her head. "Apology accepted." She shifted in her chair, then managed a smile. "I do understand that your actions were well-meant and not malicious, and for that at least, I thank you."

        How bloody generous of her. He reached behind him on the desk and retrieved the document she'd flung at him earlier. "Now, how do we resolve this matter to both our satisfactions?"

        Her lips pursed in an uncompromising line. "It would be both inappropriate and unprincipled of me to accept so extravagant a gift. I just could not do so and ever hold my head up again."

        Will refused to be swayed by stirrings of sympathy, or any other emotions her meadow-green eyes evoked. He knew he would react the same way in her place, but confound it all, he was a man - he had many more options open to him. For a woman in her position to put such store in salvaging her pride was both foolhardy and futile.

        "Then consider it a loan," he pressed. "You can pay me back a little at a time, on whatever schedule you can manage."

        Her smile turned challenging. "We both know I could never repay such a sum. Calling it a loan would not change the nature of the transaction - it would still be a gift."

        She stood and again tugged the string to her reticule. "And unless I felt there was a real chance I could give you value for your money, we come back to the fact that I cannot accept it. I'm sorry to have interrupted your business. Please make my apologies to the young man who exited so precipitously earlier."

        This was absurd. He refused to be the person who tossed her out of her own home. "At least promise me you'll remain at Clover Ridge for a while longer." He saw the hesitation in her expression. "Just for a few weeks, until you've had time to find suitable arrangements elsewhere."

        After a moment, she nodded. "Thank you. That's most generous." And without another word, she left.

        At least she had given him time to come up with another solution to this problem that only grew larger with every attempt he made to fix it.

        "Is your lady friend gone?"

        Will looked up to see Ian in the doorway, watching him with a knowing grin.

        "Yes." Though it seemed a part of her lingered - a hint of flowery scent, the echo of her voice, the accusing flash in those honest-as-springtime eyes.

        How could he assuage Maggie's pride and satisfy his debt to her at the same time? He raked a hand through his hair. The woman would have him pulling it out before this was over.

        Aware that Ian still watched him, Will swallowed the string of oaths burning his tongue. He didn't have time to deal with Maggie's melodramatic sensibilities. There was still a number of pressing matters to attend to before he sailed for England.

        Why couldn't she just accept his help and be done with it?

        It would serve her right if he did as she asked. After all, he'd made a good faith effort and been rebuffed. If Maggie Carter was too proud to accept his money, that was her choice.

        Perhaps he could find her another position, as he had with Joseph Carter. Not that it would be likely to lead to a wedding again. That had merely been a lucky happenstance.

        But would she accept even that much help from him at this point? Irritated by the whole impossible situation, Will returned to his desk and slammed the ledger closed.

        "I believe that's enough for today," he told Ian. "Have Jack deliver the addendum to Mitterman first thing tomorrow."

        Ian nodded. "Of course."

        After Ian made his exit, Will crossed his arms and frowned at nothing in particular. What should his next move in this campaign to aid Maggie be? One thing was certain, it would require a defter hand than he'd used thus far.

        Her starchy streak of independence was so typical of Americans. You'd never find a proper Englishwoman, at least not one of his acquaintance, acting in such a manner. Maggie's spirit would be admirable if it wasn't so bloody irritating.

        She'd given him part of the answer. He had to find a way to have her believe he needed her assistance. It would have to be a matter of enough import for her to feel she had repaid the debt.

        He couldn't sail for England until he'd settled the matter. Not unless he took her with him.

        His lips curved in a wry grin as he thought of his grandfather's reaction should he show up with the thoroughly American, solidly 'merchant class' Maggie on his arm.

        Then he sat up straighter.

        Now that idea had interesting possibilities.