Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith’s son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the … thoughts of anyone who touches her.
Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family’s deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won’t be easy. The identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth . . .
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I’ve only read a few books by Julie Daines but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each one. This one has a medieval setting which is kind of new to me, but I loved it, and I was engrossed from the very beginning. The cover is gorgeous and intriguing as is the story inside, which begins six years after Lady Margaret Grey lost her entire family due to raiders. She’s a strong young woman who’s been surviving on her own for several years, and now she’s on a quest to avenge their deaths and rid herself of the curse she’s suffered since the night her family was killed.
Angus Robson rescues Margaret from reivers, but has become s a thorn in her side. The handsome Scotsman seems to be everywhere she turns, and although she appreciates the help he’s given her, he’s interferring with her plans for the man she believes is behind her families’ deaths.
I liked Angus and Gillis Robson and their friendship with Margaret. How charming and helpful Angus was that he started to break through the stone wall Margaret had put up to survive since losing her family. Angus is a good man and enduring in his pursuit of Lady Margaret. He’s a gentle soul despite his father, who I didn’t like. Margaret is a headstrong young woman who amazed me with her tenacity. I won’t say what her curse is–no spoilers from me but I liked how it helped her find the guilty party.
I own a paperback of the book, but listened to this book through my Deseret Bookshelf subscription. I listened to it every chance I had–the story of adventure had me captivated. There are moments of peril but nothing graphic. As far as romance, it’s just kisses.
So delightfully charming! The heroine is rather unusual as well as the story. Though Margaret is absurdly stubborn, it’s impossible not to like her. And her predicament provides an interesting bit of history about the Marches between England and Scotland. Better yet, Ms. Daines interweaves excellent moral messages seamlessly into her narrative. I am so excited to read everything she has written! 🙂
Wow. This book was excellent. I absolutely loved the characters, as well as additions that really enriched the story, such as Osanna’s being a witch and Gillis being a mute. Hamish and the misericorde were great, too.
What really blew my mind was the amount of research the author must have undertaken. The manner of speaking, names of places, clothing, and local customs felt so authentic, I just as well have spent the last few days there. And trust me, if you pick up this book, you’ll have it finished in that amount of time. I couldn’t put it down!
This was an incredible historical romance with so many facets in the story line that kept me intrigued! A hint of forbidden romance, danger, a curse that is a bit like uncontrolled magic, and the overarching theme of revenge and justice from Lady Margaret Gray. I enjoyed Margaret’s tenacious spirit, resourcefulness, and sometimes foolhardy attempts to avenge her family’s deaths. Mystery is woven through the story and Daines did an excellent job of keeping the tension going whether it was hinting at a kiss or stabbing someone with a dagger.
The setting in the Northumbrian hills near the England/Scotland border provides an eerie look back in time to where no one was safe from the raiders. It was hard to discern who Margaret could truly trust and especially where to give her heart. This novel has a little something for everyone so I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too!