Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Review: A Time To Love by Gail Symmonds

Book Club Read
Paperback, 320 pages
Published April 29th 2009 by The Wild Rose Press
ISBN 1601545010 (ISBN13: 9781601545015)

Gifted with a mysterious antique necklace, Joanne Dunstan is magically thrust back in time, launching her on an incredible journey. Finding herself in the Scottish Highlands of 1626, she faces challenges and horrors never imagined. She also discovers friendship, honour, and love-with an arrogant Scottish Laird. Laird Connor MacKay suffers no fools. A warrior with a bitter past, he keeps his enemies, and demons, at bay. Joanne's mysterious arrival-and her outspoken manner- will test and anguish Connor in ways he never dreamed. Lives will be changed forever when violence and betrayal threaten their love and the peaceful clan existence. Love is the only thing worth fighting for-but will it be enough to hold Joanne in the past?

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My Synopsis:

A tale of an arrogant Scottish laird, a strong, independent 21th century woman and the everlasting love that blossoms between them. A Time to Love is truly a timeless tale of romance, heartbreak, mystery and suspense that will sweep you away.

Joanne Dunstan, a successful businesswoman from Melbourne, Australia, remembers spending a quiet evening with her friend and then falling asleep in her bed. So how did she end up in the middle of an unknown forest wearing only her PJ’s and missing the antique Celtic necklace her friend had given her? When she stumbles upon a camp of warriors and taken to their laird she is forced to accept the fact that someway, somehow, she is in the 17th century Scottish Highlands.
Laird Connor MacKay is laird and master of Shreave and clan MacKay. He is a strong and honorable leader but rarely socializes and even rarer- trusts. After a two week journey tending his property, tenants and collecting rent he returns to the castle to find a water nymph languishing in his private bath. Thinking she is in need of assistance he dives in and winds up with a broken nose for his efforts.
Both Connor and Joanne are reluctant when it comes to love and relationships due to past experiences but cannot deny the deep connection they feel towards each other. When an unknown enemy threatens all Connor holds dear their love will be put to the test. Can it survive the biggest test of all, the test of time?

My Thoughts:

I loved this debut novel from author Gail Symmonds!
Symmonds has developed a unique and engrossing plot arc with rich characters full of life. Joanne struggled with the new times she found herself in at first but quickly adapted and even brought a little bit of the 21st century to the Scottish Highlands of 1626; manners, women’s self defense and a few recipes. Connor is rough highlander with a gentle & loving heart; you can’t help but fall in love with the sexy Scot. There is a cast of strong secondary characters that you will be just as interested in and are just as integral to the plot as the hero and heroine, which is wonderful and refreshing.
A Time to Love is a fast read, emotional, at several points I found myself crying, and humorous. Connor’s sacrifice is absolutely gut wrenching and Joanne’s determination is admiring. Also, there is a wonderful and unexpected twist at the end!
I thought though that the ending could of played out more. It seemed skimmed over and I would have liked more details.   Also, the spelling and grammar errors made you take a step back from the story but overall A Time to Love is a great read!

4 Full Wine Glasses!

Smexy Scots!

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