"Part late Victorian, part gothic, part suspense, and part paranormal"

In 1880, as a realistic single orphaned woman, Grace Templar knows to expect little from life and thus wants very little in return. Besides keeping a respectable job, Grace wishes she would stop having the visions that occur anywhere at anytime.

While in Rome as a secretary and companion, Grace suffers one of her attacks during a visit to the Forum. Alistair McLean, the lord of Rossmor, observes Grace's peculiar behavior, which he recognizes as a gift. He sees Grace as a tool that he needs to use to gain answers about the events behind his wife's tragic death. Alistair is also attracted to Grace and returns with her to Rossmor where she meets his child Janet. As Alistair and Grace fall in love, someone fears that the new MISTRESS OF ROSSMOR will learn and reveal the truth about what happened to the master's first wife.

MISTRESS OF ROSSMOR is a fun tale that combines elements from several sub-genres into a wonderful romance. The lead couple is a delight to observe especially their struggle to not fall in love. Janet is a sympathetic urchin who the audience will hope overcomes the trauma of her mother's death. Part late Victorian, part gothic, part suspense, and part paranormal, Marianne Willman blends the elements into a pleasing reading experience for fans of each sub- genre.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 5, 2002

Summary

Raven-haired, green-eyed Grace Templar is a well-bred orphan who wishes little more from life than a respectable position, a roof over her head, and a respite from the dreams and visions that strike her without warning. It is one such message from beyond that throws her into the arms of darkly handsome, enigmatic Alistair McLean, master of Rossmor. It is an encounter that will change her destiny, putting her heart-and her life-in untold jeopardy...

Grace is like no woman Alistair has ever known. He detects her talent immediately, and just as quickly determines that she may provide answers to the questions that have plagued him since his first wife's tragic death. But his fascination with Grace's gift belies a far deeper attraction. Bewitched by her preternatural beauty and extraordinary character, Alistair soon finds himself married yet again, returning to Rossmor with a woman who arouses him-body and soul-in the most unexpected ways.

But Rossmor Manor is a place of secrets. Madness, betrayal, and revenge haunt its hallways. And the truest test of Grace and Alistair's newfound love may be the very thing that destroys them both...