I hate to be mean, but I just couldn't take this book. Had to put it down. I read a recommendation of it, so I picked it up and enjoyed it at first. Historical mixed with a good dose of fantasy, and I wanted to see where it was going. But then it just got silly, so I quit reading it. Kings James put me over the edge. Fantasy is fine, but when you throw in a historical character, they must be believable. ( )

Isabeau Blythe returns to her ancestral home after five years, a lot has changed but much is still the same. Her brother Julius, on the run from the law for the last five years, is drawn home too but is it a happy reunion or will it end in disaster?

Isabeau has fond childhood memories, that is, until her brother tried to kill the King and her life spiraled out of control. She has come to accept her place as heir to Blythe Hall, she has returned to claim her castle and follow her heart. Lord Kilwylie has been constant, fighting to win her affection but Isabeau dreams of another, a mystery man sent by heaven. Isabeau is no ordinary woman, she has a power in her that she has yet to understand but once it is unleashed her world will be forever changed.

This is no ordinary historical fiction novel, it has a touch of fantasy woven into the tale unfortunately it seems to be a bit disjointed. I struggled because at times it seemed like two separate novels that did not come together until the very end. Both the fantasy and historical fiction story aspects were well written but I would have like the fantasy to have been a bit more prominent throughout since it is important to the story. I did enjoy the book since I like both historical fiction and fantasy, but it will be tricky to recommend because it does not fall cleanly or fully into either category. ( )