This time travel fantasy begins in a snowy Scottish glade,
as three hefty warriors go cheerfully about felling a young
fir tree for the laird's strange lady. Another strange,
young, frightened lady suddenly appears on horseback,
richly dressed and fighting anyone who lays a hand on her.
Robert, Duncan and Seamus manage to subdue her but she says
that she's fleeing her father.
BOUND BY WISH AND MISTLETOE follows on from 'Forged In
Dreams and Magick' in which Lady Isobel arrived in this
thirteenth century land. Now young Susanna has made her own
journey. She's not from another time, but she has escaped a
cloistered life and a tyrant father. Robert decides to keep
the girl's hands bound because she'll be safer with them
than if she runs away again. He promises to keep her safe,
but she has no reason to trust him. After a battle the
group arrives at a castle, where Isobel, who is expecting,
promptly takes charge of Susanna and provides some much-
needed twenty-first century English reassurance of comfort
and safety. But how long can Clan Brodie protect the girl
from a father determined to marry her off to another clan
lord, and how long can Susanna resist her surprising
thoughts about Robert?
The descriptions of the castle great hall at Christmas are
gorgeous, with beeswax candles, green boughs, ribbons and
mistletoe, and a wolfhound or two by the hearth. Venison,
pheasant, turnips and bread are cooked; ale and spiced
cider are drunk. A winged warrior named Skorpius can be
seen by some, part of the many magicks of the castle.
Equally strange to Susanna is Isobel's description of an
elephant.
This is an adult romance and the 'Highland Legends' series
will continue with 'Born of Mist And Legend' next from Kat
Bastion. Those readers most keen on time travel stories
should read the first book.
BOUND BY WISH AND MISTLETOE
is more of a traditional Highland romance with some
interesting touches. The settings are lovely and there are
plenty of contrasts, not overly stressed, to provide
amusement or character. I did find Susanna's father one-
sided, but it's not a long book, and to balance his
domineering nature we are reminded that this man has held
the English invaders at bay. This is an unusual Christmas
tale, or fun for fantasy lovers at any time of year.
Desperate to honor a life-long promise, Susanna MacEalan
escapes her abusive clan with the fierce determination of
never falling under the power of a man. Ever.
Aggravated by shallow-hearted pursuing lasses, Robert
Brodie, commander of his clan’s elite guard, has foresworn
scheming women. Forever.
When magick transforms Brodie Castle into a Christmas
wonderland, the two despondent souls find solace in a most
unexpected place . . . each other’s arms.
Amid a whirlwind of escalating events, Susanna’s traumatic
past threatens Robert’s ability to protect the one woman
meant for him. In a harrowing moment, as her fears and
demons coalesce, will hope, faith, and love be enough to
save them?