Until You
By Bertrice Small 

     If you have ever doubted "love at first sight," the first chapter of Bertrice Small's new historical, Until You, will make a believer out of you.
Rosamund, a three-time widowed mother of three daughters at the young age of 23, goes to Scotland to visit her dear friend, Queen Margaret, whom she affectionately calls "Meg."

     As soon as she lays eyes on Patrick Leslie, earl of Glenkirk, sparks begin to fly. When they come face-to-face, they both feel as if they have known each other forever.

     Before too long, Patrick is sent to Italy by the king, and Rosamund decides to accompany him. Both of the duo have agreed that marriage is not in their future, but the love-making between them is hotter than a branding-iron on a ranch. As they make their way through Italy, primarily in San Lorenzo, Patrick proves that an Italian man is no match for him.

     As they return to Friarsgate, Scotland, Rosamund pursues a more permanent arrangement with Patrick. For some time she was content to be his mistress, but she now longs to be his wife. Patrick refuses, and he suffers a stroke, and while part of his memory returns, his memory of Rosamund and their time together does not. He returns home to Glenkirk with his son, where he lives to be an old man.

      Meanwhile, Logan Hepburn is close at hand to comfort Rosamund, and to make her his wife. The end of the book shows the relationship between Rosamund and Logan, and one wonders if there is maybe such a thing as "second best" in love.

     This book is typical Bertrice Small fare; the intricacies of her descriptions of the time (16th century Scotland and Italy), the manners, the clothing, every little detail, make you feel like you are actually living there with Rosamund and her men. Or maybe you just wish you were there.

     An excellent read, and one I highly recommend.