Clare Royland, unhappily married to a man on the verge ofbankruptcy, retreats into dreams of her twelfth- century ancestor,Isobel. But when her husband tries to trick her into selling Duncairn,Isobel's home and Clare's inheritance, Clare realizes she must fightto save both herself and Isobel. With her Scottish brogue and easycadences, Leslie Mackie is an ideal choice for narrator. She portraysboth sides of Clare--the lost, unhappy self and the lively, courageouswoman she finds within herself--with warmth and just a touch ofnaïveté. Her portrayal of Paul, Clare's husband, isoutstanding--harsh, intolerant, deceitful, and willing to use anddestroy anyone who gets in his way. Mackie builds the rise and fall ofthe plot, and successfully creates an emotional reading for anyromance lover.