Except for one violent and horribly abusive wedding night, Lady Isabelle, Countess of Tynsdale, had managed to avoid for five years her nasty elderly husband and the fate of his three previous wives by seeking the protection of her uncle at Alnsworth castle.

When her uncle dies in the spring of 1355, Isabelle is determined not to be forced to join her husband and sets off with a guard to see if King Edward would dissolve her marriage.

On her way, they are approached by troops with the Tynsdale colors. Isabelle seeks to escape as there is no way she wants to be taken back to Tynsdale Castle. Dashing pell- mell away from her guard and with no sense of direction, Isabelle manages to escape one danger only to fall prey to another. Being alone in the woods is not the safest place to be.

Fortunately, she is rescued by Sir David Campbell, a Scottish laird, whose own nuptial plans need a lot of adjusting or a feud between the clans can easily arise. Fearing to tell him the truth, Isabelle spins a story that David can accept, but he refuses to take her to England as he knows the King would only regard him as an enemy and be inclined to see him in jail or worse.

As neither tells the other the real story behind their plans or intentions, some interesting misadventures arise as Isabelle internally vows never to be with her husband again and seeks to escape from what she thinks David is planning. For his part, David is torn between his growing attraction to Isabelle and the need to make a match that will bring clans together and avoid bloodshed. David faces a difficult heart-wrenching choice between duty and love.

Amanda Forester has written a very charming and captivating novel that is sure to please historical romance fans, with her strong character development and historical accuracy and sense of the time. Given Forester's background as a psychologist, the characters were realistic in their motivations and instincts, even if their decisions, actions, and reactions were not always the best. On a personal level, I just adored David Campbell and found him a very appealing and quintessential hero. He is strong, kind and considerate who realizes his role and responsibilities. He makes thoughtful and tough decisions, supported by his faith in God, for what he levies will be the best for his clan and the people under his protection. This is a lovely and fun romance to get lost back in the Scottish highlands, so find a wee bit of time and enjoy! You won't regret it!