"A Delightful Sixteenth Century Historical"

Set in Ireland in the time of Queen Elizabeth I of England, MAID OF KILLARNEY continues the story of Irish resistance to the English. Three previous books have told the stories of the three Riordan brothers, and this novel continues with the story of John Black, a close friend of the brothers.

John Black has been fighting the English at the side of the Riordan brothers. He is on his way to visit Neill Riordan, his wife and two sons, after the last talks between the Irish rebels and the English queen have failed. On his way to the Riordan estate John rescues a drowning girl accused of witchcraft, and thrown in a pond by three boys. He returns Daphne to her mother, Lily. The two live alone in a cottage in the woods, and Lily makes it clear that she doesn't welcome John's return or his help. But John is a doctor as well as a fighting man, and he insists on checking on Daphne the next day. He wants to examine Daphne's crippled foot, because he thinks he can help her. Lily grudgingly allows him to come back, but wants to keep his contact with Daphne to a minimum. But John is intrigued by Lily, by the books that she obviously cherishes and by her educated manner.

Lily left her childhood home twelve years earlier when she discovered she was pregnant by an Englishman visiting in the area. Her powerful brother disowned her and kicked her out. Lily doesn't want to depend on anybody, and she doesn't want Daphne exposed to the censure of the world, so the two live alone and avoid contact with others. Lily's need to protect Daphne has her hoping that John Black won't return, even though she secretly enjoys his company. When he does return he invites Daphne and Lily to visit the Riordan family, Lily resists; but Daphne is excited to spend time with the two Riordan boys, and Lily reluctantly gives in.

MAID OF KILLARNEY is a very enjoyable read. The Irish setting is richly drawn, and the historical details add great depth to the story. John and Lily are both kind and perceptive people with deep hurts and loneliness, and Daphne is smart, brave and altogether endearing. MAID OF KILLARNEY is a must-read for those who love Irish history and culture.

Reviewed by Cynthia Meidinger
Posted November 22, 2002

The untold love story of John Black, the doctor-turned- rebel from Ana Seymour's acclaimed Riordan Brothers trilogy...

Summary

People called them witches. But Lily and her daughter tried to ignore the whispers and keep to themselves in a small cottage in Whistler's Woods. Then one day, the villagers' words turned to action. Three ruffians tried to drown Lily's little girl--until one brave man had the courage to save her...

His name was John Black, an Irish rebel leader returning home to Killarney. Weary of his army's endless struggle against the British crown, he longed for peace and quiet. But as a former doctor, he had to stay by the girl's side until she was healthy and safe. And as a man, he had to admit he was falling under the spell of Lily's charms. If she was, indeed, a witch, he was ready to surrender...to the magic of love.