"This witch's journey could lead to death--or love."

Jinissa Var-Ton could not let a child come to harm, which results in her facing charges of witchcraft. Condemned to hang, Jinny is saved by Lord Stephan representing King Randell. It is apparent that Stephan has great hatred for Jinissa and her people, the Calavrians, who are known to be able to work magic. Though Stephan presents a demeanor of being hard and cruel, when Jinny is injured she sees another side of him -- a side she finds uncomfortably appealing.

Stephan has good reason to hate the Calavrians. Yet, as the rigorous travel throws them together, he finds himself unwillingly drawn to Jinny. No matter what he comes to feel for her though, Stephan has a duty to his king -- and that duty is to deliver Jinissa to him.

This was a marvelous story, one I found I just couldn't put down. I hesitate to compare authors, but I must say I found McCullough's WITCH'S JOURNEY to be reminiscent of Andre Norton's Witch World series -- which is, by the way, a compliment. I enjoyed the growth of the hero and heroine's relationship. Though fast, I found it quite believable and intriguing. The lack of secondary characters was refreshing. Still, those that were included were fascinating, especially King Randell, whom I hope to meet again. I highly recommend this for those who love a good fantasy. Those who don't just might find this story changing their ideas on them.

Sensuality--R Fairly descriptive sex; oral sex; monogamous relationship. There were a number of sexual encounters, but only two that could be considered sexually explicit.

Reviewed by Flora Bell
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted March 13, 2003

Original release: Dreams Unlimited (February 2001), ISBN: 1820592605
"Watch Stephan and Jinissa's love flourish and restore faith"
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch

Summary

When Jinissa uses magic to save a child from a bad fall, she reveals herself as both a Calavrian witch and a spy. In the land of Lendiil magic is regarded as evil and its practicers as hopelessly corrupt. Jinny is convicted of witchcraft and condemned to torture and death.

Before the sentence can be carried out, however, a delegate from the king arrives, announcing that the king wants to question the witch himself. Lord Stephan has been sent to fetch the witch. A long trip over the mountains gives Jinny and Stephan time to get to know each other better. In the face of all the things that should keep them apart, including Stephan's deep and well-founded hatred for her people, they begin to learn the truth about each other and fall in love.

Stephan is an honorable man, loyal to his king, and his feelings for Jinny will cause only conflict. And Jinny, for her part, is determined to escape during the trip, because she's sworn to keep her people's secrets, even though her background ensures that she will never be welcome back in her own country. With so much to keep them apart, is there any chance for Stephan and Jinny to find happiness together?