MASTER OF THE HIGHLANDS by Veronica Wolff is set in the Scottish Highlands of 1654. The lands are rugged, the people are hardy, and the romance is sweet. So far it might sound like a typical historical romance, but it's not. Lily Hamlin is a twenty-first century girl who takes a little stroll in a scraggly maze, traces ancient markings in a stone, and tumbles far into the past. She finds herself in the path of an oncoming band of wild looking horsemen, but drops unconscious before they reach her. It's a good thing Laird Ewen Cameron quickly recognized the problem and was able to get her arm back into the socket properly before riding for home. Establishing Lily is from a different time and place is easier than it should have been. Easing the way is Gormshuil's prophesying of another stranger coming. The first traveler from another time came as a young boy. He was accepted as a foster brother to the Laird's family and has long since adapted to his new life. Ewen and his family, having experienced this unbelievable occurrence before, act immediately to create a plausible background for Lily. Part of the pretence includes her new status as governess to Ewen's son John, who lost his mother soon after his birth. Ewen and Lily start from the position that everything should be done to find Lily a way back to her own time. After some good fights, neither emerging as winner nor as loser but both enjoying the experience, Ewen and Lily begin to feel an unique bond. Was Lily brought back over three hundred years, not by chance but by fate? Is Ewen meant to find his true match in this woman who can't help but to struggle against the standards of the past?

With truly enjoyable characters, who show growth and change, this story could have been set anywhere in any time and been a winner. The historical Scottish setting, with evil Englishmen and untrustworthy Scottish rival, give this good story a boost into being a great story. An educational 'Author's Note' is appreciated for sharing the truth of Ewen Cameron's history. Upon finishing, fans will be relieved to find out the next book in the series, Sword of the Highlands, is due out in July 2008.