This is yet another book where the author follows her strict formula. The characters always have a particular skill or talent that has been 'interrupted' or frustrated for some reason, and the character must develop or recover it throughout the story. These activities sometimes get a bit tiring, but I have to say, I'm impressed by the thorough reaserch the author does in every book concerning these skills. She includes a lot of details which she clarifies at the end, showing she did her homework and has a good understanding of the time and intriguing customs.Another thing I love is how characters from other books keep popping up. Like Eva and the MacArthur clan of The Sword Maiden. I wasn't lying when I said I thought Susan King probably had a gigantic family tree where she ties all the characters form her book cause seriously, all are related with each other somehow.Finally, and like every other one of Sk's books: simple but nice. Some people might find these a bit "meh", cause nothing much happens, but what can I say? Their are all in my guilty-pleasures shelf.
In the highlands, magic is all around. Micheal is a trained physician even though she is looked down upon for it because she is a young woman, but she also has a healing touch. Diarmid is a laird and a former surgeon because of a severe trauma to his hand. They met years ago on a battlefield where she was helping the injured men with her healing touch. Years later, he needs reliable medical help for his niece, Brigit, who is 5 and cannot walk. He takes her from the convent where she is working with the sick, takes her home where Brigit improves under Micheal's attentions and advice. They fall in love, his sister gets help giving birth and keeping her premature daughter alive, a traitor is found in their midst, some past questions are finally answered, and three weddings occur with the new year. Good read!!
