"Another keeper from Heath"

Sadly, several publishers are doing away with their Trad Regency lines. In this big push for erotica, I fear they are losing site of different strokes for different folks. Janet Mullany, a new voice in Trads, shows she can hit the mark, even heat up the formula some. However, my favourite Trad writer has to be Sandra Heath. I simply adore her LAVENDER BLUE, one of my all time favourite books of any genre. It's quite clear Heath knows her lore, traditions and the shadowy mysteries of the British Isles, and imbues her wonderful stories with those rich textures. I cannot think of any writer who weaves so much history and lore into her stories with such subtle mastery.

While LAVENDER BLUE remains in my top ten keepers, this is another delightful story from a talent that should receive a bigger showcase. Heath issues an invitation (as she does with all her strong tales) to come to where legends, myths and magic still exist, where the supernatural is natural. She immediately lures you into the story that carries the reader from London to Wales, and even to Russia.

Athan, Lord Griffin has a portrait of a woman in his house, a painting that has fascinated him. So, Ellie Rutherford intrigues him when he spies her in the garden of a country inn, wearing clothes of a maid. He is unaware Ellie's own garments were being cleaned, an accident that ended up with a large portion of another's meal in her lap. He thinks she is just a common maid. But her beauty aside, what peaks his interest most is that Ellie bears and uncanny resemblance to the portrait in his home. He purchased the painting and strangely, he feels he has fallen in love with the mysterious woman. Now here she seems to be conjured from his dreams, a dream where the woman is named Carolina and she was his wife.

Ellie has been through one tragedy after another in her young life. The death of her parents and the loss of her family fortune, leaves her future up in the air. She considers herself lucky that her uncle has given her a home in Wales. So when the handsome stranger steals a kiss at the inn, it seemed like magic.

Athan instantly wants Ellie, only there are problems on the romance front. He is betrothed to another, Fleur Tudor, a daughter of a good friend who is now deceased. But this isn't the only obstacle in their way. Ellie believe Athan was responsible for the loss of her family's fortune, which led to her father's suicide. Despite all, the Welsh lord draws her.

Ellie leaves the inn to go to her Uncle John's home in Wales, while Athan goes to St. Petersburg on a mission. In spite of distance, love has a way of prevailing.

Saying any more, would spoil the delight of this charming tale. As with her previous works, the characters steal your heart, showing Sandra Heath is one very, very talented writer. LAVENDER BLUE has a new book beside it. My Sandra Heath keeper shelf just keeps collecting books. I don't re- read many books these days. But I know LAVENDER BLUE and DIAMOND DREAMS will call to me again.

Reviewed by DeborahAnne MacGillivray
Posted October 21, 2005

Summary

Miss Ellie Rutherford has endured one tragedy after another. The deaths of her parents, along with the loss of the family fortune, leave her unsure of her future. Her only saving graces are her uncle, a pottery owner who gives her a home in Wales, and the mysterious stranger who steals a kiss—and her heart....

Athan, Lord Griffin, is so taken by the uncanny resemblance between Ellie and the portrait of a lady hanging in his home, he is compelled to kiss her. And though Athan is betrothed to another out of obligation, duty plays no role when it comes to fate...or to love. But neither he nor Ellie can guess that Athan's impulsive action will lead to an adventure in exotic St. Petersburg that will bring passion—and destiny—to brilliant light.