Highland Champion

October 10, 2005
Unlike Howell's earlier historical romances set in the Scottish Highlands (Highland Bride
, etc.), this protracted tale contains much more talk than action. While hiding out at a monastery, troubled widow and healer Keira Murray nurses back to health handsome Liam Cameron, whom she found beaten and left for dead. Despite the immediate attraction between the two, Keira is wary of Liam's good intentions. Even after he decides to help her reclaim her estate, which was invaded by the bloodthirsty Rauf Moubray, Keira remains doubtful of his affection. While the protagonists' various clansmen, who have joined their ranks, emphasize repeatedly how better off the world would be without the villain, Liam prepares at tedious length for the confrontation with Rauf. But the actual battle is brief and anticlimactic, nothing like the taut conflicts that fueled Howell's previous Highland adventures likewise set in the 15th century. The passion between Liam and Keira will warm readers to their toes, however, and many will appreciate the chance to revisit the affable and honorable Murray and Cameron clans.

December 1, 2005
Neither Keira Murray MacKail nor her cousin Brother Matthew expect Liam Cameron to survive after being savagely beaten and tossed off a cliff. But by using all of her healing skills, Keira somehow manages to bring him back from death's doorstep. While recuperating, Liam learns more about the lovely Keira, including her plans to return to her home in Ardgleann. Once there, Keira intends to free the people of Ardgleann from the tyranny of Rauf Moubray, who not only murdered Keira's husband, Duncan, but also usurped his land. To repay the debt he owes Keira, Liam offers to champion her cause against Rauf, but earning Keira's trust and winning her love may prove to be a far more formidable challenge for Liam than trying to retake any Scottish fortress. With her latest Scottish medieval romance, part of her Murray series, Howell offers readers another captivating tale filled with bold passion and daring deeds.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)