Thursday, September 11, 2008

Under the Highlander's Spell-Donna Fletcher

Under the Highlander's Spell
Donna Fletcher
Avon, Oct., 380 pp., $5.99
ISBN: 9780061375446

In the Highlands Artair Sinclare searches for his missing brother Ronan. When he sees a mob about to burn a healer as a witch, he intervenes and rescues her. Zia saved the life of his sibling, but in payment for saving hers, he demands she guide him to Ronan.

As they travel together, Artair keeps Zia safe while she provides help to people. He persuades her to visit Ronan’s pregnant wife to insure she is okay. Posing as a married couple, they fall in love, but witch hunters want her dead and collateral damage to include his pregnant sister-in-law is acceptable. Only in marriage can Zia be safe, but her unknown heritage makes her unacceptable regardless of how Artair feels.

The second Sinclare brothers' sixteenth century romance (see RETURN OF THE ROGUE) is an engaging historical made fresh by the unique lead female protagonist. The first meeting between Artair and Zia occurs as the crazed villagers screams “Burn witch burn”. The story line is somewhat typical of the Highlands historicals, but sub-genre fans will find themselves under the author’s spell as Donna Fletcher provides a fun passionate romance.

Harriet Klausner

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