"Another wonderful Highland Tale from Welfonder"

Sue-Ellen Welfonder shines, writing with Scotland in her soul. Just not what she THINKS Scotland is, but the rugged beauty of the land, the unbending principals of the people, the love, honor and loyalty. As a Scot, and one with deep roots in Medieval Scottish History, I often cringe at books written about Scotland, without really knowing Scotland. The writer may give a wonderful story, but there are glaring errors that scream, "I have never been to Scotland" in the writing. I have learned over the years to sigh and read for their tale and their ability to create with their prose, but know, while they thought they created a book that is pure Scottish, they missed the mark. I never feel that grinding of the teeth; I never sigh with disappointment as I read one of Welfonder's Highland tales. Once again she gifts us with her love of the Highlands.

A WEDDING FOR A KNIGHT returns us once more to the MacLeans and MacKinnnons Clans. Their feuding has stopped, though both sides are uneasy with the truce. Amicia MacLean, the younger sister of Ian and Duncan, is shocked to hear the Laird of the MacKinnons has put forth an offer for Amicia to marry his son. Amicia is delighted. She has been in love with Magnus MacKinnon for years, but feared with the feud there would be no hope for a marriage. Since things are now quiet between the clans, both brothers look upon the marriage as a good one. The MacKinnons need the money her dowry will bring, and another MacLean-MacKinnon marriage will serve to cement relations, strengthen their alliance. Only, it's to be a marriage by proxy. The ceremony is to take place now, and then she is to come to Coldstone Castle to await her husband's return.

Magnus had amassed a fortune from fighting in the tourneys, but ends up losing it when he fights for Scotland at the Battle of Dupplin Moor. He is glad to be coming home, but disappointed in the extreme to return empty handed. He is horrified when he learns his father has married him off without his knowledge or permission. He is stunned when he sees it's Amicia MacLean. He has long carried Amicia's image in his heart and mind, but will not have her as a pauper, so he swears to return her to the MacLeans on the first ship that is passing by. Magnus' rejection of his bride brings glee to Janet, his distant cousin, who always presumed she would bring Magnus around to marrying her. And Janet is willing to go to some lengths to see Magnus is shed of his bride.

Toss in an ancient curse haunting the castle, a wee charming doggie, and you have the mix of a Highland saga that Welfonder excels at conjuring. She paints a picture as Scotland was. It's like opening a door and stepping through to the Highlands, heather peat fire and all. It's a stand alone title, but it's truly best enjoyed with reading the others in the series, Devil in a Kilt, Bride of the Beast, Knight in My Bed, and Master of the Highlands.

Slainte Mohr!

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted August 25, 2004

Summary

Even a marriage by proxy can't spoil the joy Lady Amicia MacLean feels when she is wedded to Magnus MacKinnon. With his quick wit and dashing smile, the roguish warrior captured her heart when she was still a girl. It's not until he returns from battle that Amicia discovers the truth: the union was made to fill empty MacKinnon coffers with MacLean gold. Magnus knew nothing of this marriage. Honorable and proud, he intends to rebuild his clan's fortune coin by coin himself-and wants nothing to do with his bonny new bride.

But Amicia is not one to give up without a fight. She plans to invade Magnus's bedchamber, offer tantalizing glimpses of what every husband has the right to see, and settle for nothing less than the total surrender of the most stubborn knight in the realm!