"An exciting historical romance"

In the first half of the eighteenth century, gripped by illness impacting the poor and the aristocracy, the aftermath of the Jacobite Rebellion, and a long winter, London is not a city of joy this season. On top of that, the unwanted suit of Mister Delderfield sends wealthy but depressed Amarantha Stanhope scurrying on a visit to her odd, but scholarly Uncle Cyril, an expert on Celtic mythology and history in Cornwall.

Cyril tells Amarantha many stories about King Arthur and other Celtic legends that begin to perk up the sad and lonely Amarantha. However, meeting the rector of Bodmin Moor, Tamlane Adair is the real catalyst that draws Amarantha out of her despondency. There are secrets about him that make him even more interesting to Amarantha, who vows to learn what they are though she suspects simple smuggling to be the answer. What she finds out is inside her heart.

AMARANTHA is an exciting historical romance starring two strong lead protagonists and a cast of eccentrics, especially the heroine's uncle. The story line enthralls the audience with love's power to heal redeeming two lost, but for quite different reasons, souls. Fans will delight with Melanie Jackson's pleasant tale.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 7, 2001

Summary

O, I forbid ye maidens a', that wear gold in your hair,
To come or go by Carterhaugh, for young Tamlane is there.

'Twas not Robert Burn's legendary elfin knight who greeted Amarantha upon her arrival at her uncle's mansion, but the dark and wild Tamlane Adair. The scotsman's movement enthralled her, and the rumors of his nighttime rides across Bodmin's more only heightened his air of mystery. His voice was like silk sliding over her skin, clothing her in blissful delirium. Listening to him, she could almost forget the anguish that had driven her from London and the Jacobite Rebellion which had cost her so much. In his eyes she could see the dangers of the Cornish coast-- and in his arms, it's wonderful promise.

There's none that goes by Carterhaugh, but maun leave him a wad;
Either gold rings or green mantles... or else their maidenheads.