Medieval Connections
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Lightning
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Edward I,
Popularly known as Longshanks, Edward I was a Plantagenet King of
England who achieved historical fame by conquering large parts of Wales
and almost succeeding in doing the same to Scotland. However, his death
led to his son Edward II taking the throne and ultimately failing in
his attempt to subjugate Scotland. Longshanks reigned from 1272 to 1307.
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David, as a young man, playing pipe and bell as he watches his
sheep in the pasture.
Source from The Morgan Bible, Folio 25. Date: ca. 1240-1259
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Medieval
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A Highlander of Her Own
by
Melissa Mayhue
Wonderful
Medieval Scottish Time Travel!
In present day Prairieland,
Texas, Ellie Denton's life has become more than complicated. Ray
Stanton, her mother's ex-husband, is back in town trying to steal the
family ranch out from under her. Ellie's gift with animals takes
on an unusual twist when the animals start talking back to her.
If that alone wasn't enough to upend her world, a simple wish for true
love and an escape turns all too real when faerie magic transports her
back to 14th century Scotland. Caden MacAlister has the weight of the
world on his shoulders. Responsible for his family as well as the
welfare of the land, Caden does not need a woman complicating his life,
especially not one sent by the Fae! He has already experienced
the kind of complications this kind of magic brings. Convinced
she must be sent for one of his brothers, he now must protect her while
trying to rescue a brother held for ransom. Ellie Denton,
however, might just be exactly the kind of complication he needs if
only he can learn to trust her and open his heart.
A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN
is a lot of light-hearted fun. A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN has a
contemporary tone set by the delightful modern personality of the
heroine now faced with a strange medieval setting. Told mostly
through the heroine's point of view, A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN is a
wonderful mix of humor, fantasy and emotion. In addition, Melissa
Mayhue creates a rich depth of character in her portrayal of Caden,
allowing the reader to see the inner conflicts of the medieval hero
though his point of view. She peers into his heart.
Melissa Mayhue does an excellent job of bridging the two different time
periods, not only in the description of the time travel itself but also
in the hero and heroine's interactions and in showing those things that
men and women of all ages have in common. The Texas backdrop and
some comments the heroine makes about cowboys as she is faced with a
different world (the medieval one) before her are priceless.
Medieval enthusiasts in particular will appreciate Melissa Mayhue's
portrayal of the hero and the contrast between the hero and
heroine. Although Melissa Mayhue brings together a modern
woman and a medieval hero, she does not use one as a foil for the other
but rather treats each with a vision that sees into the character of
both. In many ways, the medieval world view allows Ellie a
certain freedom and opportunity to grow as an individual through love
and also within herself as an individual. Ellie's ability to talk
to dogs and animals adds humor while also creating a soft spot for her
sense of compassion and boldness. Melissa Mayhue never uses the
heroine's unusual connection to animals or the faerie magic as a mere
plot devise or shortcut to make things just happen or make the hero and
heroine do things without developing as characters. Instead, she
fully integrates both aspects within the very fabric of her tale.
As Ellie and Caden are drawn together through a dangerous suspenseful
subplot, the light tone of the romance changes in one brutal scene
towards the end. In view of this, readers only wanting only light
moments in a romance should be forewarned. Nevertheless, this
moment is where Melissa Mayhue truly shows her skill. Here,
everything so carefully built up beforehand comes together emotionally
and in terms of plot and characterization. In my opinion,
removing this scene would be detrimental to the depth of the
romance. The ending is superb! The resolution adds several
new twists. When faerie magic, love and determination combine,
all things are possible!
Although fourth in the Daughters of the Glen series, A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN works as a
stand-alone romance. Melissa Mayhue gives just enough inkling to
let the reader know the history behind the other romances in the
series, but not so much that this book gets bogged down with past
books. A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN
leaves new readers feeling satisfied rather than as an outsider trying
to catch up with a series. Nevertheless, I certainly have a keen
interest in discovering more about the hero's past after having met him
in this book. Here in the fourth book, Melissa Mayhue handles the
series aspect exquisitely with a fine balance between revitalizing the
series itself with a new tale for lovers of series while also creating
a romance that feels complete in and of itself for new readers --- but
with just enough intrigue to make the past of the fictional world
intrigue.
Melissa Mayhue's A HIGHLANDER OF HER
OWN is a wonderful medieval time travel romance! A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN is a
romance that will appeal to a wide range of readers with its historical
setting, contemporary heroine and magical atmosphere. Medieval
enthusiasts will find a special delight in Melissa Mayhue's medieval
world. For medieval lovers, the humor is even richer as Melissa
Mayhue captures so perfectly the complications and delights of both the
modern woman and the fascination with the medieval world.
Publisher:
Pocket (January 2009)
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Book Description:
TEXAS, PRESENT DAY. Ellie Denton's world has spiraled out
of
control. A strange new birthmark, animals talking to her, and her
mother's ex-husband laying claim to the family ranch have her thinking
life can't get more complicated. But Ellie doesn't know the birthmark's
connection to her Faerie ancestors. Complicated takes on a whole new meaning with her
innocent wish to find her true love.
SCOTLAND, 1304.
Caden MacAlister has more trouble than he can handle. With his brother
held for ransom and the laird missing, the last thing he needs is
another problem. But the Fae have other plans. A mysterious woman shows
up in his stables, sent by Faerie Magic to find her true love. Fighting
his attraction, Caden insists she's meant for one of his brothers. With
his history, he has no desire for a woman in his life -- especially a
woman sent by the Fae.
Only the magic
of the Fae can determine whether Ellie will find a Highlander of her
own...
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