Avril Borthiry

I had read the first of the series, which by the way, is not directly linked to the second book. You needn’t read the books in order, but I must say, do read them! They are superbly written, fast-paced and quite the page-turner.

I find myself underlining many of her sentences because they are so eloquently written. Author Borthiry cuts to the quick with her spellbinding sentences. Her use of adjectives and descriptive word usage add to a stunning read. These sentences are to be savored. For example:

Hell had truly found them and was busy unleashing its demons.

Silence is what ye hear when all other noises cease.

Blame sat like a yoke on Luc’s shoulders, while guilt burned a hole in his conscience.

The beauty of the landscape defied description and demanded homage.

Luc filled his lungs again as if trying to capture and hold the pure essence of it, hoping some might bleed into his soul.

When history is ignored, it tends tae repeat itself.
*****

Luc de Warenne is a knight of impeccable credentials. He is one to be relied on. Hence, that is why Henri, Giselle’s uncle tasked him to deliver Giselle safely to her father in Scotland. This being the dying wish Giselle’s mother.

The trip is anything but easy. Danger, with imminent sinking beneath the waves, falls upon the ship. Luc lives up to his dependability, ingenuity and honor to save both Giselle and his horse Minstrel from a fiery death. The circle of stones, mor sith. has a hand in their saving. Nothing like magic to bring a story closer to the heart!

Of course, innocent and vivacious Giselle looks upon the knight with complete adoration. Luc doesn’t want to entangle himself with the girl – he’s been promised his dream, land and an estate, if he completes the task as assigned. So much has happened from the time of leaving France. Both Giselle and Luc are no longer the same. Life has marked them. Love has ensnared them.

Borthiry crafts a well-knit story which delves into the inner-most feelings of man, his aspirations and his need for love. I also enjoy the selfless love of two women, who sacrifice their happiness for another. I highly recommend this author. I’m so happy to have discovered her. Come discover the secrets of Glenross and isolated hearts entwined.… (más)

I haven’t read this author before. This particularly book, is the first of a series which I’ll be happy to continue reading. The author, Avril Borthiry creates a fantasy so real, I had no problem believing it to be so. Her characters are sweet with as many stars in their eyes as I have and the totality of the story just left me fuzzy and warm!

Without giving anything away about the tale’s path, I might add parents, upbringing, and love play a large part in who we are, how we approach difficulties, however, it doesn’t affect the buried spark and fire of the real person.

Borthiry captures my attention with Lora’s courageousness, her willingness to love and be loved, her patience and acceptance of what she is unable to change.

Lora is a daughter of an earl, a man who fell in love with a young village girl, and married her. This young village girl cared for his injuries when fallen from his horse near her village. Lora’s relationship with her father was stiff, which left Lora feeling unloved.

Lora’s imagination took wing when a stonemason, Gareth, came to her keep to repair the opening of an ancient well, said to be a wishing well.

Gareth, being a Welshman, is full mystick legend storytelling. He captivates Lora’s mind and quickly ensnares her heart and being. He, in turn, is enthralled by her, but dares not move the relationship forward because of the vast difference in their stations. Lora is a bit of a wild thing. She feels the pull of the ancient well, of wishing what she could not have, and determinedly seeks what she feels with Gareth. Will she lose him forever?

One day, Gareth and Lora are caught by her father, the earl, and her betrothed in a totally inappropriate moment. She is sent to a convent for many years. Her comfort comes from Master Williams, her father’s steward, who lost his job with the family. He takes a job close to the convent and continues to see Lora once a month. More comfort comes by a surprising visit in a magic moment, giving her hope, giving her the means to wait 12 long years to have the chance to change her destiny and her past.

The simplicity of the story and the singular thread running through the tale provides a powerful and sweet read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. Sweet dreams, my readers.

Excerpt:
Of all the forces under Heaven, love is the most powerful.
It changes everything.

An ARC copy was provided to me by the publisher. This in no way influenced how I feel about the book or its review.… (más)