Claire Delacroix's The Beauty

THE BEAUTY
Claire Delacroix
Dell Historical Romance 1/01
[Medieval Scotland]
ISBN No. 0-440-23637-1, $6.50, 371 pp.
Review (c) Lynne Remick, 2001

Although the Countess Eglantine de Crevy vows that her three daughters will marry for love, the oldest, Jacqueline has other plans--none of which include a wedding. As a result of an unfortunate incident with a criminal named Reynaud, Jacqueline will only give herself as a bride only to God.

Devastated by the wasteful actions of a beautiful daughter, the Countess prepares for Jacqueline's funeral--an old family ritual where family and friends mourn the loss of one who gives themself to God. Duncan, the Countess' new husband, counsels her that she acts to severely, but the Countess will not stray from tradition.

When the time of Jaqueline's departure for the convent at Inveresbeinn arrives, Jacqueline and a protective company of Duncan's men set off on horseback. Not long on the road, the group is attacked by a dark knight who takes Jacqueline captive.
This Crusader, Angus MacGillivray believes Jacqueline the heiress to the Clan chief who murdered his father and brother and stole his inheritance and wishes to use her to bargain for his holding. However, Jacqueline proves an unwilling captive and Angus must stay close beside her to assure that she won't escape. Such close quarters inspire feelings in Angus for this feisty beauty that could deter him from his goal of revenge, but he will not be enchanted. Or, will he?

Beautiful not only on the outside, but on the inside, Jacqueline embodies conviction, class and spunk--worthwhile qualities of a heroine in any age. Angus' character, although at first selfish and focused on revenge, reveals enough heart on the inside to heal the scars on the outside. Perhaps if he can love Jacqueline for what inside her, she will see past the hardened man that Angus portrays and they will enjoy the most beautiful thing of all--love.
THE BEAUTY, the second book of the Scottish Bride Quest series, provides a stunning tale of deceit and age-old vendettas. This exceptional gem features intriguing characters, compelling dialogue, exciting, but believable plot and satisfying resolution. A tantalizing romance--and yet so much more. The layers of mystery in this tale provide an edge-of-the-seat read as the truth unfolds.

THE TEMPTRESS, book three in the Scottish Bride Quest series, is coming soon from Dell. I anxiously await word of its release!

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