Branwyn learned as a young lass that she was different from the other Scottish girls her age. Gifted with the power of sight, she was able to see visions of her future long before they happened.

Raised by a foster mother and taught the ways of healing herbs, she made a place for herself in the lands surrounding McDermitt Castle even though the villagers treated her more like a noble lady than the foundling she was.

After seeing a good friend mistreated by a lad of the village, Branwyn vowed no man would ever touch her. She had no problem keeping that promise to herself until she met Llewellyn, the man Lady Marie of McDermitt Castle gave her to in marriage.

Though this man named himself a mere peasant looking for a new home, there was something odd about his genteel manners and the confident way he carried himself. His hands did not show the roughness of hours of toil, and he had a keen intelligence that spoke of education.

Branwyn felt herself becoming more and more accepting of Llewellyn in her life, but not in her bed. The more she learned of him the less she believed he was a mere peasant. Visions brought her hints at his true history and confusing shadows of his future.

One thing Branwyn knew for sure, Llewellyn was different from the other peasants and she was beginning to enjoy his company far more than she wanted to admit.

Llewellyn was a big brute of a man with a heart of gold and a love for his homeland of Scotland. He avoided taking a woman to wife for so long that he was surprised to be happy to be wed to the village woman named Branwyn.

Oh, she was a bonnie lass and full of spirit, but truly he had no need of a wife. Or did he? He had to admit it was nice to have a smiling face to greet him after a hard day of labor and a warm body to share his bed at night. Perhaps marriage would not be so bad after all.

Knowing he had an assignment to finish and Branwyn to protect, Llewellyn did his best to portray a simple peasant while gathering the information he needed to complete his task. He only hoped that Branwyn would understand when she learned the truth.

Allie Bates has crafted a wonderful cast of characters in EARTHCHILD and surrounded them with the beauty of 15th century Scotland. She takes the age old story of English against Scottish and portrays it in an enticing new way.

Readers will enjoy trying to piece together all the secrets that Branwyn and Llewellyn hold while losing themselves in the passion these two characters share. EARTHCHILD is one romance that will hold your interest to the very end.

Reviewed By: Sabine Maurier
© June 2004