The Destiny opens with the hero, Neil MacCurrie, getting lost in a snowstorm. On a mission to discover thepolitical leanings of a former king, he was disappointed to find no leadership interests, and is trying to return home to Scotland. The garden shed where he took refuge is on the land of a former ally of this king. However, the new owner of the land is the king's enemy. The heroine, Eileen Ronley, is being sheltered here. She is not aware that she is the legitimate heir to the throne, but her shelterer knows, and is part of a plot to keep her from finding out.
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When this man imprisons Neil and treats him cruelly, Eileen helps him escape, risking punishment. Neil makes it home to Scotland, and returns with a cousin to rescue her. He has ordered his twin brother, James (hero of The Legend) to pretend to be Neil at a gathering of lairds.
Eileen is relocated to London, where she lives with an older cousin who has given up her right to the throne, in favor of her cousins William and Mary. Neil returns to Eileen's original home, discovers where she's gone, and goes after her. He whisks her away from the London court where her royal cousins are constantly watching her. She has discovered that her father was the legitimate son of a king, and that she is the rightful heir, but she does not want political power.
On the voyage to Scotland, Eileen and Neil fall in love.
The review of this Book prepared by Kayelle Allen
Warner, Apr 2003, 5.99, 400 pp.
ISBN: 0446610534
In 1691, the Scottish Earl of Torridan Neil MacCurrie travels to France to discuss the future with exiled King James. However, the despondent monarch delays his meeting before finally encouraging Neil to swear alliance to his son-in-law and daughter. The wait in France forces Neil to quietly cross the Channel to England.
Disguised as a Huguenot, Jean Paul Belmond, Neil seeks sanctuary at the home of Ronley only to learn that the Earl is dead, his daughter Eileen a “guest” with no prospects, and the keep run by Milford. The new earl imprisons Neil, but Eileen helps him escape. After getting home, Neil goes back to retrieve Eileen only to learn she is staying with her cousin Princess Ann in London. Pretending to be Jean Paul, he struggles to keep Eileen safe as evidence has surfaced that she is the legitimate claimant to the throne even as he falls in love with her.
The sequel to THE LEGEND, and THE DESTINY is an exciting seventeenth century romance that hums with real persona augmenting the love story between the lead characters. The story line is filled with intrigue and non-stop action, as it seems every major player has an agenda. Kathleen Givens gives her fans a rousing sequel that brings perspective to the early days of the reign of William and Mary (with a few fictional twists) that make for a fun time.
Harriet Klausner
The review of this Book prepared by Harriet Klausner
