"A Superb Romance"
Ms. Brisbin brings the MacKendimen family saga to fitting
conclusion in the second of her two-part series, which
began with A LOVE THROUGH TIME. My criterion for a superb
romance is one that makes you laugh, cry, and sigh. This
novel met all three. Dr. Douglas MacKendimen is in Scotland attending the yearly
clan gathering. This has become something of a tradition.
His parents, New Jersey natives, Maggie and Alex had met at
one 30 years ealier. Douglas has been regaled for years
with their tales of time travel, trough a magical stone
arch. Ever practical, Douglas has always considered them
fairy tales, suitable for bedtime stories. Recently Douglas has begun to have two disturbing dreams,
one frightening, the other erotic. Both involve a woman he
has never met, but feels deeply attracted to. He has
eschewed relationships with women, comparing each one to
his fantasy woman. He is waiting for something, but knows
not what. The clan seer, and old family friend, Mairi, who had
supposedly sent his parents on their own journey of
discovery, professes to know the solution to his dilemma.
Like his Alex, Douglas has defied the fates and now must
answer to them. He scoffs, but finds himself before the
magical arch. When he hears a woman's cry of distress, he
dashes through. Douglas finds himself in another world, a
time gone by. He acts without hesitation to save the young
woman who is under attack, but is knocked unconscious in
the process. He awakens in the cottage of Moira and Pol. These two were
instrumental in returning Douglas' parents to their own
time. They accept who Douglas is because of his strong
resemblance to Alex. The damsel in distress is their 17-
year-old daughter, Caitlin. Caitlin too, has had the
dreams. She is the clan healer, an herbalist, with the
gift of healing hands. She can cure with a touch, but at
great cost to herself. The price of her gift is that she
must take on her patient's pain. Douglas is awed by the care she gives to her patients, and
the sacrifices she makes for them. He comes to realize
that he has been sent back to relearn the compassion that
was once a part of his vocation. He also knows that once
the fates are satisfied, he must return home, leaving
behind the woman he loves like no other. He and Caitlin
decide to live for the moment and deal with the pain later.
Will a few short weeks be enough to last them a lifetime?
Though he'd been born in the future, Douglas was conceived
in this time, out of Maggie and Alex's love for each other.
Is it possible that this is where he belongs? Can the fates
be defied by the power of love? There is a surprise twist and I did find myself in tears at
the end. But never, fear the tale ends HEA for this
endearing couple. Highly recommended. Copyright © 2001
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch
Posted August 22, 2001
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Douglas MacKendimen was conceived during his parents'
extraordinary adventures in 1350 Scotland. Now a successful
physician, Douglas is called back ... Caitlin, daughter of the MacKendimen clan's healer, has a
special gift - she heals with her touch. She saves Douglas'
life but her bigger challenge is facing his lack of faith
in her gift and in her ... Brought together and through time by Fate, Douglas and
Caitlin face opposition and struggle as they fall in love.
But, remember ... it's just a matter of time.
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