The last thing Joanne Dunstan was aware of was snuggling down on her warm bed with her cat lying nearby. Now, suddenly, she was wide-awake, freezing cold and under a tree somewhere, still wearing her pajamas but missing the beautiful antique necklace her friend June had given her the night before. Uncertain of her next move, Jo decided to try to walk out of the forest rather than simply sit under that tree. After hurting her bare foot on a rock during her ten-minute hike, she hears voices. Drawing closer, she is stunned to see a group of about twelve men wearing what seemed to be plaid blankets. When one of the men raised a knife, threatening another, Jo gasped, drawing the men’s attention to her. The men are confused, seeing what appeared to be a woman dressed in pants in a plaid they could not recognize. They decide to take her to the laird’s castle, knowing that he would handle this difficulty easily.

Laird Connor MacKay took his responsibilities very seriously. While collecting his rents, he checked the conditions of his properties and ensured his tenants were safe. Though Connor was trained as a warrior, he willingly carried out the duties he had inherited, though he disliked being away from home. After a two-week journey, Connor was more than pleased to return home and headed straight for his private bathing room before his second, Dougal, could inform him of the young woman who had so mysteriously appeared. Descending the stairs to the hot springs, Connor senses someone is already in the room and he instantly goes on high alert. He is surprised to see Joanne in his private bath, and when he grabs her, planning to question her, she hits him in the face and breaks his nose. Though Joanne and Connor had an inauspicious first meeting, will they overcome this misunderstanding? Will Connor invoke his authority as the laird and have Joanne put to death as a spy? Is it possible that Joanne is the woman Connor has been waiting for, the one who is worthy of being the laird’s lady?

I absolutely loved this book! The contrast between the two eras was pronounced, and the descriptions made it very easy to imagine those differences. Joanne’s strength and courage, while at first seen as a detriment, quickly become an asset and even an honor to the clan. Connor’s rough exterior, while typical of the time, masked his loving and generous heart. The other characters were similarly well developed and realistic, and I found myself caught up in the drama of their daily lives, especially when I compared it to modern life. Joanne’s adaptability and Connor’s willingness to sacrifice were heroic strengths, and the emphasis placed on honor and loyalty was admirable. Spoiler alert – the story ends properly but in a way I did not expect, and I thought it was wonderful! I can definitely recommend this book and am eagerly waiting for the next book by Gail Symmonds.

Book Stats:

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (April 29, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601545010
• ISBN-13: 978-1601545015

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