Daughter of Gold

In Eire, Ardal is a member of the king's elite patrol the Fianna. However, more important to the ambitious Ardal is winning at everything at all costs. He especially enjoys defeating his cousin Bryan who he considers a loser because the latter has compassion for people and animals like his horse. Ardal's ultimate victory will occur when he becomes the King when the current monarch Nessan dies. At the Lughnassa Fair, Bryan is attracted to Niamh and her to him. However, he only offers a fourteen day mating as his Lughnassa sister, but she wants all or nothing. Meanwhile, Ardal sees Niamh as a trophy to be won when he out mans his cousin. Still Niamh informs her suitors that they must answer her riddle of what three things do women want if they desire her. This entertaining tale is at its best when the plot focuses on a fabulous historical romance starring two likeable protagonists and an arrogant antagonist who feels everything is a contest won by the swagger of the bring them on courage willing to risk anything to win. When the tale adds on fantasy elements especially involving a wild pony, the story line loses some momentum as these magical components seem forced and fail to blend smoothly into the historical theme. Still readers will enjoy the DAUGHTER OF GOLD as the triangle romance is unique and fun to follow as Ardal makes Niamh the latest competition with his cousin. Harriet Klausner