1.5 stars ( )

Entertaining enough to keep me reading. I found after starting that it was the 2nd in a series. I get the feeling that I would have enjoyed this book more had I started with the first book. As I kept finding my mind wandering off asking questions that were probably answered it the 1st book or maybe even the one following this about other family members. I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series and starting over :o) ( )

Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Oct08

I ‘discovered’ Donna Fletcher several years ago and now count on her as an author whose historical novels will have strong characters, fiery passion, romance, mystery, and a wonderful ending; all wrapped up in gorgeous Highland plaid! “Under the Highlander’s Spell” is her latest offering, and I think I fell a bit under the hero’s spell myself.

Artair is on a mission to find his brother who vanished while fighting the barbarians. His latest information is about a female healer and when he finally tracks her down, he’s almost too late. She’s been beaten and bound to a stake…about to be burned as a witch! Artair is thankful he could save her after she confirms that she did indeed use her healing skills on his brother. She even offers to lead he and his men to her village where she last saw his brother. Even though his brother has already left, Artair can’t seem to get his mind off this beautiful healer, and when her skills again place her in danger, Artair vows to do whatever is necessary to keep her with him…even marry her!

Zia is a passionate woman. She’s passionate about life, love, and healing…and not necessarily in that order. She’s attracted to Artair, but she’s vowed to marry only for love, not convenience or safety. She is all too willing to accompany Artair to his home in order to help his brother the laird’s wife during her pregnancy. Their trip is interrupted by calls for her skills from a village all too close to the one that almost burned her as a witch so she agrees to a ‘pretend’ marriage with Artair. It doesn’t take long for Zia to realize that Artair is everything she could want in a husband…but does he love her? And if so, will her ever admit it?

Zia and Artair were so perfect for each other! His logic grounded her impetuousness but didn’t cage it. The slow unfolding of their growing closeness gave Fletcher time to showcase each characters strengths and weaknesses as well as allowing both of them to learn the same about each other! My only beef was with the ‘rabbit in the hat’ toward the end of the book. An accusation of witchcraft was certainly a serious offense in those days and I would like to have seen a solution other than the one so conveniently offered…but that’s just me!

Donna Fletcher has once again carried me off to the highlands and provided me with a few hours of carefree smiles and happily-ever-afters. She’s also assured herself of another sale since now I want to know what happened to the missing brother! The next story in the Sinclare brother’s saga is “The Angel and the Highlander” which should hit the shelves in April 2009. Until then, feel free to pick up your own copy of “Under the Highlander’s Spell”, then you can wait for the next release right along with me! ( )