Healer by Linda Windsor (The Brides of Alba Series)

Summary: "Brenna of Gowrys has grown up in hiding-hunted by the O'Byrne clan, who fear her mother's dying prophecy, and by her own kinsmen, who expect her to lead them against their oppressors. But Brenna is a gifted healer, not a witch or a warrior queen. So she lives alone in the wilderness with only her pet wolf for company. When she rescues a stranger badly wounded from an ambush, she believes he may be the answer to her deep loneliness. Healing him comes as easy as loving him. But can their love overcome years of bitterness and hatred?"

Author: "Linda Windsor is the best-selling, award-winning author of 29 novels in both the CBA and ABA markets, with an estimated million books in print. A former professional musician, Linda speaks often (and sometimes sings) for writing and/or faith seminars. Her recent work includes the early Celtic Fires of Gleannmara trilogy.Website: www.lindawindsor.com"

My Thoughts: I tend to go in stages with my reading choices, spurts of one genre over another, rather than reading across the genres at any given time.  I haven't read a lot of historical fiction (outside of read alouds with the kids) or romance in quite awhile, but something about this book drew me in and I wanted to give it a try.  I am really glad that I did, as it is a very well written, interesting take on sixth century Scotland.  I've never read anything quite like it, combining Arthurian legend with Celtic Christian church history.  The author does a great job of working the superstitions of the time into the narrative and really giving the reader a good feel for the time period.  I'm not a fan of books that excel at the setting but don't deliver on the story.  This is not that kind of book.  The story is there and sucked me in from the beginning.  I read this 351 page book in one day, and enjoyed every second.

The first third of the book reads like the historical romances I remember from years ago.  There is a familiarity to the structure of the plot and the give and take between the main characters.  Desire is quite strongly hinted at but not described in any detail.  The romance serves to set the stage for the rest of the story, which is full of intrigue and betrayal.

Upon finishing the book, I wanted more.  As this is the first in a series, that longing will at some point be fulfilled (Wow, just checked. Not until next summer!).  It was like an interesting mix of Liz Curtis Higgs, Jude Deveraux, and Frank Peretti.  And it worked.  Very, very well.  Highly recommended.

Healer by Linda Windsor is available from David C. Cook or your favorite online or local bookstore.

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*Disclosure:This book was provided at no cost through B&B Media, for review purposes.*

31/50