213 SINGLE SCOTSMEN
There was something about the Brigadoon-like Falgannon, something that kept most of its male inhabitants unwed. From Michael the Story to Callum the Bicycle—and we mustn’t forget The Cat Dudley, the slyest poker-playing moggie in the Outer Hebrides—every male of the Isle had happiness dependent upon that of its Lady. So things had been since Pictish times, and so they would be long after the present day.
Despite her machinations, to this point B.A. Montgomerie had been unable to make her men happy. Her first marriage had been against their advice; her husband had been an Irishman, true, but he had failed to meet other necessary requirements…and things had ended badly. Now, another Irishman had come—and was making the natives restless. Yes, the men of Falgannon could sense Desmond Mershan’s conquering Viking spirit and his desire for B.A.—which B.A. could sense herself. And while her men would never let anything happen that she didn’t want, this Irishman had come to pillage and loot, and nothing was going to stop him. Staring into his vibrant green eyes, B.A. anticipated the battles to come.
Our story is set on Falgannon Isle, Hebrides of Scotland. Long ago a curse had been placed upon the isle by a warrior queen, for vengeance. The curse decreed the males of the isle would not find true and lasting love unless the "Lady of the Isle" mated with an Outlander who has black hair, green eyes, and be of Irish descent. Ever since, only male babies were born and Falgannon has always had a shortage of women for the men to marry.
BarbaraAnne "B.A." Montgomerie-Deshaunt cares deeply for the isle and the people who dwell upon it. As the current "Lady of the Isle" she feels it her responsibility to help bring brides to the isle. In true, modern day, computer age fashion, BarbaraAnne creates an "Isle of Love" website. It has a bachelor's registry where women may read about the isle's men and fill out the registry if they are interested in meeting a few. If chosen, B.A. will pay all expenses to the isle. The chosen women get a free two week vacation, a chance to tour the isle, and to meet the locals. (Yes, Readers, mail order brides are apparently back in style!)
Desmond Mershan and his two brothers have their own dark agenda. Desmond's part of the plan involves Falgannon Isle and BarbaraAnne. He has unexpected aid from ALL the men on the isle because he just happens to be exactly what is needed to break the curse. Even "The Cat Dudley" adores Desmond. But as Desmond and BarbaraAnne become close, he cannot help but feel guilt for what he and his kin will soon do, not only to B.A. and her sisters, but to everyone on Falgannon Isle!
***** In a word, "Perfection!" This book is the first of seven books about the Montgomerie sisters. The first three titles will deal with Desmond and his brothers. The titles also happen simultaneously. This is a strategy I do not see used often, usually due to the fact that nine-out-of-ten times it falls flat. Surprisingly, this author succeeds with astonishing ease. BRAVA!
The eccentric cast of local characters kept me entertained while The Cat Dudley kept me amused. Though it all, I felt a connection with them all and hated to see this story end. As I said, "Perfection!" I can hardly wait for the next Montgomerie sister's tale. *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Ms. MacGillivray writes another fantastic story!,
December 18, 2006
BarbaraAnne "B.A." Montgomerie is the Lady of Falgannon Isle and takes her role very seriously. She also inherited the Curse and therefore is trying to find love for the 213 Scotsmen on the island that is almost solely inhabited by males. Only true love between the Lady of the Isle and an Irishman with black hair and green eyes will break the curse and allow the men of the island to find true love. Enter Desmond Mershan, who perfectly fits the bill for breaking the curse. Unfortunately, this Viking warrior has a dark secret that could destroy all of Falgannon Isle. What will happen in THE INVASION OF FALGANNON ISLE?
DeborahAnne MacGillivray's descriptive imagery of Falgannon Isle and its inhabitants are pure poetry! B.A. is a feisty character and her Viking warrior, Desmond, is the perfect match. Desmond has endured hardships that have severely scarred him but the beauty of Falgannon Isle soothes his wounded soul. Ms. MacGillivray does a spectacular job at finding the perfect match in this couple as their love story will leave the reader in tears, both from the emotions she wrings out of the reader and the sheer humor of the story. The sensuality simmering between B.A. and Desmond is apparent from their first meeting and Ms. MacGillivray carefully stokes the fire developing between these two destined soul mates.
THE INVASION OF FALGANNON ISLE is a masterful tale woven by an incredibly talented author. The juxtaposition of the modern day intrusions with the timelessness of Falgannon Isle creates a world readers will want to visit, over and over again. The inclusion of The Cat Dudley is a stroke of genius and just the sort of touch that fans of DeborahAnne MacGillivray have learned to expect. Bravo, Ms. MacGillivray!
