"A whimsical and magical romance"
In 1796 Scotland, the highwaymen chase after the
carriage bearing the Duchess of Argyle, her little daughter
Sarah, and their servants including another child. Trying
to outrun their pursuers, the carriage goes off the side of
a cliff. Everyone seems dead, but a local farming family
finds a little girl wandering the moors. In 1813, through the sale of a family ring, the Duke of
Argyle hears about a feral female with an uncanny ability
to talk with the animals. She is the right age and name to
be his little girl Sarah. She possesses a panflute, which
makes the Duke believe he found his daughter. He persuades
her to accompany him to their home while asking his current
heir Colin Murray to help him polish Sarah. If Sarah is
the daughter of the Duke, Colin has much to lose, but that
cannot stop him from losing his heart to her. She draws
him into her world searching for the unicorn that she
insists saved her life when she was injured during the
nasty carriage incident years ago. TO TAME A WILD HEART changes Mowgie's gender and
adoptive species (from wolves to humans) while placing him
in a Regency Pygmalion. The story line is exciting,
amusing, and fast paced as readers observe a tale on
manners sort of like The School for Scandal. Though some
fans will feel the subplot involving a unicorn search is
unnecessary, it is well written and adds a charming twist
to the novel. Still, this is Sarah's story and she engages
the audience whether she wanders the moors or the ballrooms. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted July 13, 2001
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The villagers think her one of the fairy-folk, for she was found wandering the Highlands at the age of four, able to communicate with the creatures of the moors. Now eighteen, Sarah quietly uses her gift to heal wounded animals. But when word of the lovely changeling spreads, her peaceful existence is shattered. Convinced Sarah is his long-lost daughter, the powerful Duke of Argyll offers to bequeath her his estate if she will but take her place in society. Her first duty is to become a lady-under the tutelage of the duke's erstwhile heir, the dangerously provocative Earl of Cawdor. Sarah savors the simmering passions the cynical earl arouses in her even as she suspects he is merely using seduction to secure his birthright. In this civilized world where desire and deception are one and the same, how can she ever trust in love?
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