In 1558 a young French woman sets out for Scotland with her servant/companion, to fulfill a bargain made by others: but all is not as it seems. Colin McLean has something her family wants, and they have something he wants. Caught in the schemes of others more powerful than she is, Margarete is forced to look for the sources of her own power. Taking a catholic wife is no light matter for a Scottish landowner, nor is Colin eager to give up his freedom. However, Margarete’s odd mix of innocence and sensuality intrigues him. Why does an inexperienced girl make him feel as though he’s with an awakened woman? Margarete knows why, but she also knows how dangerous it could be if anyone ever found out, and not just for herself. She has sworn an oath, and this loyalty is the one reliable bond that will carry her through dramatic changes and traumatic events. This is a powerful tale of love and sensuality, loyalty and pleasure, religion and outlawry, empowerment and speculation. Songs are sung; stories are told. In the nearly self-sufficient community of the rural castle that is now Margarete’s home, she learns to inhabit her own power. In the intellectual turmoil of the Protestant Reformation, she finds space to test her own beliefs. Confronted with violence and the threat of losing what she values most, she finds resolve, and the strength to do what honour demands.
Publisher : CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 24 2013)
Language : English
Paperback : 444 pages
ISBN-10 : 1490372741
ISBN-13 : 978-1490372747
Item weight : 590 g
Dimensions : 15.19 x 2.29 x 22.91 cm
UNSPSC-Code : 55101500 (Printed publications)
Customer Reviews: 4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 4 ratings
Janet K. Sanders 5.0 out of 5 stars A tale of Scotland!
If you like tales of yore with plenty of romance and adventure, well drawn characters and setting, this is the read for you!
4.0 out of 5 stars Beltane
This well written book explores the lives of two French women settling into life, commerce, romance, religion and politics in rugged Scotland. I love that these women are strong and daring in all spheres of their new life. This new author paints her characters and their environs in broad strokes, sweeping the reader along from page to page. It's a really good read.
Christine Malec
I’ve loved writing ever since I was a kid. Both as a writer and a reader, I’m drawn by the lure of escape, either into the past or the future. What things about us are consistent across time and culture? I have been a practising Massage Therapist since 1995, and I do occasional editing and transcribing work, which satisfies my love of bringing order to chaos. I play guitar, and can occasionally be spotted busking here and there around Toronto, mostly singing other people’s songs.