One terrible evening, Grace St. John, an expert in ancient manuscripts, witnesses the murder of her husband and brother. From what she overhears, she’s next — and it all has to do with the documents she’s been translating.
Alone, afraid, and on the run, Grace has to use every ounce of cunning she didn’t even know she possessed to keep ahead of those who want to kill her. Meanwhile, she continues to try to translate the manuscripts, which center around Black Niall, a Knight Templar from the early 14th century. She begins to dream about him — vivid dreams. Erotic dreams that make her feel as if she is betraying her husband.
This book was exciting, magical, and it far exceeded my expectations. Granted, my expectations of time travel romance are a bit low given how many 20th century American woman seem to have little trouble communicating with Medieval Scots. I guess some people are willing to overlook that, but I’m not one of them, and there’s always this blaring voice in the back of my mind going — I don’t think so!
But here, we have an expert in ancient languages. She know Latin, Hebrew, French, Old French, Old English, and a smattering of Gaelic — which is actually her weakest language. It is difficult to describe the relief I felt when I realized the heroine’s specific expertise.
Beyond that, this was still a very good book. The romance is gradual, and it takes a long time for the hero and heroine to physically meet. Meanwhile, Grace is learning the truth behind an ancient conspiracy, hoping that somehow, the deaths of the two people she loved most will make some kind of sense. She also learns to fight. To take care of herself.
I highly recommend this to romance fans who like a bit of fantasy mixed in.
Rating: 4.5/5
Title: Son of the Morning
Author: Linda Howard
Genre: Time Travel Romance
ISBN: 067179938X
Publication Date: March 1, 1997
I love Linda Howard but I haven’t read this one. I don’t know how I missed. Thanks for this great review. I have to make sure I go find this one asap.
She has a huge collection, doesn’t she? I don’t know if I’ve read most of her stuff or not, because every time I turn around, I seem to run into another one. I don’t mind, though — she very rarely disappoints!