reviewed by
ANNA C. BOWLING
Veteran author Kathleen Morgan gets her These Highland Hills series off to a promising start with a reworking of a book originally published for the general market in 1993.
In 16th century Scotland, the feud between the MacGregors and the Campbells rages strong, and a betrothal between Anne MacGregor and Niall Campbell may be the only way to ease the conflict. Only Niall wants a handfasting instead of a marriage, and Anne is rumored to be a witch, due to her skill in healing with herbal medicine. It is time for a new chief to be chosen for the Campbells, and Niall, the likely candidate, finds a traitor close to home. Is his best friend, Iain, also his worst enemy, or is the threat closer even than that? As superstition and clan politics cloud Anne's arrival in her new home, she finds herself banned from her only allies, and must make a devastating choice to prove the depths of her devotion to Niall. If she does let herself love him, can he give his heart in return, or did it die along with his first wife, also named Anne?
Tensions mount as two strong, determined characters clash and adjust to the changing reality of their new positions in life, learning when to compromise and when to stand firm. The spiritual content is appropriate to time and story, and feels completely natural rather than tacked on. Devotees of Scottish history will appreciate a realistic look at the process and criteria of choosing a new clan leader. Romance fans will cheer for Niall and Anne to have their happy ending at last, and be eager for Iain's story, Wings of the Morning.
