The Night Drifter: A Novel (St. Leger)

First off, if you are a fan of mystery romance novels by Victoria Holt, I encourage you to seek out this book, because you will enjoy the living H-E-hockey sticks out of it. Susan Carroll goes one better than Holt, however; she manages to stick fantasy and mysticism into her stories that are not only charming, but are believable and touching. I can easily imagine Colin Firth as Lance--at least the one by day that Lady Rosalind believes is a cad, so that image was fixed in my mind early on. I also came to admire Rosalind for her meekness, humility, and bravery. Lance's brother Val was another of my favorite characters and, just like him, I didn't like Raif Mortmain, who would be excellently portrayed by Cary Elwes. Rich with action, and a sweet romance that only contains one unsickening intimate scene, this is a lovely novel that genuinely makes you care for every character involved, and I can't wait to read some more of Susan Carroll's books after seeing the brief, affectionate interplay between Lance and Val's parents!

Having read "The Bride Finder" I was eager to continue with the story on the children from Anatole and Madeline. It takes place after the battle of Waterloo in which Lancelot the eldest twin son and heir has returned from the war and while his parents are on a grand tour has been left in charge. Lance, having been wounded by an affair of the heart, has turned rather cynical and would rather not have these responsibilities, but as the heir apparent, is forced into it. One more disappointment he would rather not have to divulge to the `dread Lord' his father is the loss of the St. Leger Bride Sword - a priceless family heirloom that gets passed on to the brides found for St. Leger men by the `Bride Finder'. Most of the St. Leger descendants usually have some kind of supernatural power, Lance's is the power to separate his soul from his mortal body and night drift. Thinking this a great way to search for the stolen sword he happens upon the very young widow Rosalind, who believes him to be Sir Lancelot de Luc of King Arthur's Round Table. Rather than let her know the truth he plays along with her misconception and tells her he is looking for a missing sword - well that was part of the truth. As it turns out, Rosalind while visiting the Effie Fitzleger, granddaughter of the original `Bride Finder' is astounded when Lance shows up with his brother Val and Effie is hit with the `tingly' feeling that Rosalind is meant to be the bride for all eternity of Lance St. Leger. Rosalind does not recognize Lance as her nightly apparition and wants no part of this reputed St. Leger rakehell. In order to woo the naïve widow, Lance has to continue as Sir Lancelot at night in order to convince her to give Lance St. Leger a chance to redeem himself during the day.This was a continuation of a wonderful storyline that Carroll has crafted using the unforgettable family created with her stunning `Bride Finder'. She has given us a new plot with interesting characterizations and a real cliffhanger ending to show us once again that true love can heal all!

After reading The Bride Finder, I thought I'd never find another book comparable. It turns out that I enjoyed The Night Drifter even more! Susan Carroll combines the paranormal with romance to form a heart-warming story you'll read well into the night. I couldn't put it down!

What a magnificent sequel to BRIDE FINDER, which I enjoyed immensely. I was worried that this one wouldn't measure up but I worried needlessly. You have to let your imagination have free rein to truly appreciate the St. Legers: this is not your standard historical romance. But author Carroll uses interesting plot twists and wonderful characterizations to let the reader truly get submerged in the story. Lance and Rosalind - destined for each other through eternity. A sweet, sweet love story. I can't seem to say enough good things. Read Bride Finder first - it adds to your enjoyment of this, but Night Drifter can truly stand on it own. (As the other have commented: a story for Val, and one for Rafe? Yes, please!!!)

The Night Drifter is a wonderful continuation of the Bride Finder and I pray only the 2nd of many in this rich, saga. I had difficulty keeping my eyes tear-free so that I could read. The characters are so very down to earth and yet so magic filled.I can hardly wait for the next installment; which will surely be the story of Val's bride. But of course there are Lance's children (surely)to consider. What wonderful traits will they develope? Ooow what possibilities.The Mortmain family introduced in The Bride Finder made a reappeance in The Night Drifter, but with a difference brought about by Lancelot St. Leger in his attitude toward his contemporary ,Rafe Mortmain. This more enlightened openness of Lance brings the hope that perhaps this generational family enemy may, in time, grow from a bitter and bleak family group to reclaimed souls who do not automatically intend death to the St. Legers.The Night Drifter and its predecessor, The Bride Finder, gave much joy. I am so glad I found them, and now must wait for their sequel(s); which I'm sure are in Susan Carroll's writers' aura.Bravo Ms. Carroll, what a delectible banquet you prepare for your readers enjoyment!!