"Fletcher at her best!!"

Set in the aftermath of Scotland's darkest hours, Flodden, the highland clans are fighting amongst themselves as land is being seized by the most desperate if not the strongest lairds. One young Scottish laird is forced to take drastic measures to ensure his clan's continued existence, but at what cost? Ms Fletcher has created an opening that is rather risky for the sensibilities of many of today's romance readers yet if they can get beyond the actions of the hero, the reader is treated to a satisfying read.

Ian Cameron of Glencoe must secure peace for his clan from those around his land, especially clan Maclean. To insure this peace he devises a plan to hit the Maclean where it hurts the most, his daughter. Moira Maclean was left at age 12 in a border convent by her father. Now 17 years later, with all the typical young girl dreams behind her, she is comfortable with her life. It seems through her care the convent has prospered beyond what most would have thought possible, but she must keep secret how this has occurred.

Late one night Moira is awakened by a sister with news her father has sent a messenger to her. Could he have finally remembered she exists? Meeting with the unkempt messenger she is told she must marry for her own protection, and is startled to find she is to marry the young man. Like a dutiful daughter she doesn't question why and does it, but after the union is consummated both spiritually and physically in a hurried brash rash manner, her father and brothers appear. They inform her with disgust she has been duped and proceed to make her feel stupid and unloved.

When both her family and new husband leave, she's devastated at having her dreams shattered by men who should love her. In their absence she retreats back to her comfortable life in the convent, but all that changes when her husband unexpectedly returns to take her home. Unwilling to leave so quickly she relents when told her best friend will be going with her. The two plot to keep her secrets from her husband and his clan at all costs. Ian though has secrets of his own, but both women set out to discover them as very competent sleuths. Yet, time and circumstances change her feelings of betrayal as she falls in love with Ian. Ian struggles to understand his feelings for her as well, yet he must protect her from unforeseen forces he suspects and those he hasn't a clue about.

In ISLE OF LIES, Ms Fletcher has created a wonderful story rich with likeable characters; especially Ian and Moira?s best friends and the mysterious monk who appears. If the reader is looking for a sweeping Scottish love story set against a strong Scottish historical background this one will disappoint. But if this isn?t a prerequisite, readers will enjoy the wonderful full-bodied plot driven story and will not miss a historical backdrop. ISLE OF LIES is the kind of story to curl up with in front of a roaring fire on a cold snowy winter day as the reader gets lost in the discovery of love for two people who put family obligations before that of their hurting hearts.

Reviewed by Jody Allen
Posted January 25, 2002

Summary

An epic Scottish romance by the acclaimed author of Irish Hope.

Clan loyalty has forced her to marry.... Moira Maclean has spent most o fher life cloistered in the solemn halls of a Scottish convent - and has only ever known her father's iron will. So when a handsome warrior barges in with news of her father's dying wish - that she marry this stranger on the spot - Moira knows that duty has her bound.

...but can it force her to love?

Soon Moira realizes the folly of her haste: that her father sent no such message; that she has just exchanged vows with her clan's own enemy, Ian Cameron of Glencoe. left behind at the convent, she discovers she carries his child.

A silver lining

But all is not bleak in the foggy Scottish moors: Ian returns to take his bride home, leaving rumors that her life is in danger - but is it from her father or someone else? Ian recognizes in himself feelings he thought he'd never feel again. And although she, too, thinks herself impervious to the emotions of love, Moira may well be in for a surprise....