Charity has always lived a charmed life beneath the open skies. Growing up as part of the Gypsy community, she has reveled in the freedom of swimming in the rivers, caring for the horses and embracing the ever-changing road. But on the cusp of her sixteenth birthday, that freedom begins to slip away. Her parents expect her to marry, and not for love, but for duty.

Then fate brings Luca back into her life – a boy from the travelling circus she has known since childhood. Only now, with eyes opened by the first stirrings of passion, Charity sees Luca as more than a friend. In Luca’s laughter and quiet strength, she finds the promise of a love so fierce it feels destined. But their bond is forbidden. Two different communities. Two worlds that cannot unite.

Refusing to surrender their hearts, Charity and Luca dare to dream of escape and come up with a plan: Charity will run away first and he will follow. But with one mistake and one cruel twist of fate their dreams are shattered. Now torn between her love for Luca and overcoming a betrayal, Charity must fight for the life she longs for. Will destiny reunite the star-crossed lovers, or has she lost him forever?

Quick Reads are short books and great stories by bestselling authors. They’re specifically written to engage emergent, reluctant and lapsed readers to help spread the joy of reading and the many benefits it brings.