Michelle Willingham pens a refreshing and inspirational tale about a reconnecting couple.
Alex Mackinloch’s clan is under attack. The homes of his clansmen are burning right before his eyes and there isn’t much he could do. Being the true warrior he is, he fights to protect his people and his family. Once the attack is over, Alex discovers his wife Laren is injured and when she dismisses him, he realizes how far apart they have really grown. Alex grapples with the fear of losing Laren and his children but just like any warrior, he knows when to fight.
Laren struggles to be lady of the clan. The shy and quiet beauty knows the clan remembers her family is poor. She feels their eyes on her and their dislike and question why Alex chose her. Laren knows she can never be the woman they all want her to be and it creates friction between her and the clan.
The author goes into details on what causes the rift between the couple. Alex and Laren’s relationship begin to crack after the death of their child. Alex didn’t know how to comfort Laren and left her alone most of the time. Laren’s grief became so unbearable she turned to the local priest who shows her how to make beautiful glass pieces. The art is something Laren can call her own and she refuses to tell anyone. She fears once Alex learns what she's been doing behind his back, her warrior will turn his fury on her. Yet, she is compelled to continue her craft, burying the pain of losing her child in her work. If Alex forces her to give it up, she doesn’t know how she will cope with the guilt and the pain.
Laren is most definitely different than most of the Highland women I've read about. She is shy and withdrawn unlike the usual feisty and independent women I love. I normally don’t like withering women but it's Laren’s quiet strength and journey to discover her own worth that makes me root for her. Her compassion is evident and her emotional journey with Alex is heart-wrenching.
At times, I felt unsure whether or not Alex could bridge the gap between him and Laren. He does come off brutish at certain points in the story but the flashbacks of their relationship during happier times, gives readers an idea of what he is fighting for. Alex feels betrayed by Laren’s secret but he understands how she can use it for the clan and he tries to bridge the gap between her and the clan as well.
The process is slow and the couple fights to re-discover the love they once had. The author writes the tale with emotion and once the couple begins to communicate, the layers of pain, loss and understanding unfolds and they realize their love never went away.
This is my first read by Willingham and the talented way she crafts this inspiring tale leaves me wanting more. I can’t wait to read some of her other works.
~ Samantha |