There seems to be an irony in that Isobel - who belonged to a time when women were expected to do nothing more than enter a convent or marry and provide heirs - never stopped fighting to be free of her loveless marriage, while Clare - a 20th century woman who belongs to a time when women are much more empowered - submits meekly to her selfish husband (except for, of course, the issue of selling Duncairn).

Also, in the hero department, Isobel's lover, Robert of Carrick -later to become King of Scots - is much more likable than Clare's Neil. Both husbands (John Comyn - Lord Buchan - and Paul Royland) were despicable.

If only for the beautifully told story of Isobel of Fife,

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Great novel as usual from Barbara. She must spend a few years researching every novel she writes.

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Synopsis:Long ago, in the days when castles were fortresses and ladies were betrothed with no thought of love, lived the exquisite Isobel, the headstrong and passionate Countess of Buchan. Married to a man she both feared and loathed, Isobel became the mistress of the famed Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland.
Today,in the present, there is Clare Royland, unhappily married to a greedy banker. Clare is rich, beautiful--and obsessed with a dream she had since early childhood, a dream of her ancestor Isobel in the 12th century and the pain she suffered in the name of love.
When Clare inherits Duncairn Castle, once home to Isobel, her husband tries to steal it from her.
To escape from his treachery, Clare retreats into her dreams, into her past--and relives the passions and the betrayals which have spanned the centuries, a drama that is destined to be replayed until it is layed to rest.

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Erskine at her finest in this trade paperback of man and wiman fated to love through the centuries against the backdrop of ancient Scotland...

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Good semi-historical read on Robert the Bruce.

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One of my all time favorites.

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This was an excellent book! I love this author! All her books are so hard to put down. I love how she combines the past with the present. This is great fiction for history lovers!

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