April 9, 2001
Romance blooms on a magical island that is linked to the legend of King Arthur in this fanciful, light historical. When Anthony Hartstone, third earl of Pentargon, attempts to sell Abandon, an island off the shores of Cornwall, he must face Morweena Halliwell, a sassy young woman who reportedly possesses mystical powers. Morweena appeals to Anthony to leave the island undisturbed in order to protect the fish and flower businesses that support the island's residents, but he has already made a deal with the powerful Marquess of Camelbourne to hand over the island in exchange for the Marquess's political support ensuring that Anthony's child-labor reform measures are passed. As Anthony awaits the marquess's arrival, he begins to experience Abandon's magic. Flowers bloom out of season, rainbows light up the sky and a raven warns islanders of impending danger. Even more enchanting is the spirited Morweena, whose quest for King Arthur's cave draws her closer to Anthony and to the evil forces that threaten to tear them apart. With so much going on in so few pages, it's easy for the reader to become dazed by the narrative's hurried pace and many plot turns, but Hunter's (Indiscretion,
etc.) charming characters and perky dialogue overshadow this flaw. Agent Andrea Cirillo.