A GARDEN IN THE RAIN

Author: Lynn Kurland ISBN:0425192024 9/2003 TIME TRAVEL Publisher: BERKLEY ROMANCE
Time Period: From Present Day to 1382 Scotland

Patrick MacLeod is haunted by his past, by events he had no control over and wishes desperately he could change. He hasn't the heart for love, nor the time for rescuing maidens in distress of their own making . . . until he sees a woman who touches his heart and stirs his soul . . . and makes him believe love might be possible after all. For Madelyn Phillips, Scotland is the land of dreams, filled with magic, romance, and handsome Highland lords. Unfortunately, the reality of her dream vacation is no car, no luggage, and a pesky ex-fiancé determined to shadow her every move. She thinks her dreams are in vain . . . until she sees a man standing on a windswept moor, a Highlander full of secrets and longing, and Madelyn knows she has seen her destiny. But the past isn't through with either of them, and it will take all the love each possesses to make their dreams come true . . . More information can be found about Ms. Kurland on her website: http://www.lynnkurland.com/

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

First let me say I really like this book. Enough that I will do some research and buy the books that come before it. However, I would not classify this read as a typical romance. To me, its more of any early courtship with the main characters trying to come to grips with their own lives, before entwining themselves with someone else. Also, there is little more than a kiss or two with some references to the fact that the heroine is a virgin.

The heroine, lawyer Madelyn Phillips, is on her dream vacation to Scotland but her expectations and the reality of her trip are two different thigs. Her pesky ex-fiance has followed her and is attempting to lure her back to him with some hidden agenda. He sabatoges her every move and she is forced to do some creative manuevering in order to keep her vacation afloat.

Enter our hero, Patrick MacLeod, who at first appears to be Madelyn's destiny and a real jerk at the same time. He has nothing on his mind except fast cars and restoring his run down hall. Pat also has some pretty heavy secrets and a lot of baggage to get through before he can ever entertain thoughts of a romance. Despite all of that he is compelled to help Madelyn enjoy her limited time in his country.

Add a few Highlander ghosts, a witch, several bad guys, and some time travel and you have a really great read. Not quite as romantic as I would like, but enough that I am now off to the bookstore in search of the others.

Shannon Johnson