Romance Book Reviews
Page Two of TwoThe Heir by Johanna Lindsey
Morrow, April, 2000.Hardcover, 384 pages.
ISBN: 038097536X.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Duncan McTavish has always know that he will someday
be the laird of his Highland clan after his grandfather dies.
But Duncan is also the heir to his English grandfather,
a wealthy Marquis. Having been raised among the
Scots, he is a bit wary of England, especially of the
cutthroat social world of the ton. But Duncan agrees
to go to England to meet his English grandfather who
has arranged a marriage for him, to the beautiful
but spiteful Ophelia who wants nothing to do with
a Scottish barbarian. Duncan has much more in common
with the English girl, Sabrina Lambert; she makes
him laugh, for one thing. Sabrina feels much more than
friendship for Duncan, but she feels she can't compete
with the gorgeous Ophelia, especially when Ophelia
spreads vicious rumors about anyone who gets in her way.
When passion finally flares between Sabrina and
Duncan, Ophelia is still in their way, as is an old
family scandal that may make Sabrina unable to marry at all.
The Heir is another wonderful tale from the multi-talented Johanna Lindsey. Sabrina is an especially appealing heroine who has always relied on her ability to make people laugh and to be a good friend rather than upon her looks, as has the scandal-mongering Ophelia. Lindsey has the gift of writing stories that transport the reader to another time and place. Her settings are vivid and her characters are quite compelling. From the continually quarreling grandfathers to the handsome, hard-headed Scot Duncan, these are all characters you'll love reading about. Highly recommended.
Lady of Valor by Tina St. John
Ivy Books, April, 2000.Paperback, 312 pages.
ISBN: 0449004244.
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
In 1192, the Crusades under King Richard are
raging in the Holy Land. When the despicable
Sir Garrett of Fallonmour is killed by a ten year old
girl he was about to rape, the King sends Sir Cabal,
better known as Blackheart, to Fallonmour to guard
the estate -- and Garrett's widow -- until he decides
what to do with the property. Sir Garrett's
brother is a supporter of King Richard's
ever-plotting younger brother, and it is crucial that
the vast estate not fall into his hands. Sir Cabal,
bitter and weary from the long years of battle and
killing, sets off for England on his new duty.
He is surprised by Sir Garrett's widow Emmalyn:
she is beautiful and has managed the estate
brilliantly in her despised husband's absence.
Cabal is overcome by her beauty and spirit, but
his sworn duty is to protect her and the land. Lady
Emmalyn is terrified of what will happen to her
people if her brother in law takes over her land -- but
is the brooding, handsome Cabal any better alternative?
Medieval England is the setting for this passionate and sensitive tale of a knight and a widow who long for love to heal their damaged hearts. Tina St. John does an excellent job of bringing medieval days to life, and her heroine, Emmalyn, is a treasure. Strong, yet hemmed in by the strictures of her time, she is an inspiring heroine who longs for love -- but on her own terms. Sir Cabal is a powerful but noble knight whose anguish over his past might keep him from finding his heart's desire. This is a passionate and touching romance which should thrill lovers of historical romance.
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