The Shadowing

Castle MacCairn, Scotland In the year 1425 a priest who has freely confessed to practicing the dark arts is burned to death. As the pyre is lit, he places a terrible curse on Aonghas MacCairn and his descendants. So long as a MacCairn lives, madness will be their destiny. In the year 1851 Ruairdh MacCairn is a man teetering on the edge of madness. The last of Aonghas' line, Ruairdh is determined that the curse will finally die out with him. However, as laird of his clan he must ensure their economic survival after he is taken by the Shadowing. Even if it means selling his family's castle. Anne Garthwicke and her father have come to Castle MacCairn to authenticate the keep and its contents. Shortly after her arrival, she finds herself clashing with the brooding laird by day even as her dreams are filled with passionate trysts with him by night. When tragedy strikes, Anne and Ruairdh are drawn closer together, but the Shadowing is waiting to claim the last of the MacCairns. THE SHADOWING is a gothic treat not to be missed! Classic elements of the genre are interwoven with a supernatural twist that will keep readers on their toes. The interaction between Ruairdh and Anne evolves from acrimonious to tender. Ruairdh is a haunted man who believes his soul is lost. His duty to his clan is the one thing that has kept him from succumbing to the family curse. Falling in love with Anne is a bittersweet reminder of what he can never have. His heroine, however, is no frail English flower. Anne comes across as a strong, resilient woman; she's had to be living with her embittered father. When Anne discovers Ruairdh's secret, she will stop at nothing to save the man she loves. Joan Overfield displays a masterful touch with this poignant tale. Though THE SHADOWING is her first gothic, I'm hoping it won't be her last! P.S. By the way, forget the "cartoon" covers so prevalent in romance fiction today, THE SHADOWING has one of the best covers I've ever seen. TheSchemer

THE SHADOWING is all a reader could want in a Gothic romance and more. Of course, I LOVE "woo-woo" (better known as paranormal ) stories, and this is one of the best, IMO.Strong characterization, believable and sympathetic characters, a fresh and original storyline, all kept me reading at break-neck speed.Thank you for a wonderful book, Ms. Overfield. Write on!!

I really liked this book. If you're a gothic romance fan like me you'll want to read this late at night snuggled under the covers with just a book light on. I thought it was well balanced with just enough love scenes and suspense to make a really good story. The hunk on the cover doesn't hurt either!!

Wow, what a book. I was drawn in to the story almost immediately. Ms. Overfield created an atmosphere of suspense, excitement without losing literary style. I had almost given up on romances being exciting and unpredictable (except the end of course), but now I will look forward to hearing more from this writer.

In 1851 Anne Garthwicke accompanies her father to Castle MacCairn in Scotland so they can examine, appraise, and catalogue the edifice's contents. Anne's first reaction to the foreboding castle is a combination of déjà vu with a strong sense of evil and power. When Anne meets the owner Ruairdh MacCairn, she feels empathy and more misfortune. Ruairdh wants to sell the castle so that he can use the money to help his tenants before the four centuries old curse placed on his family by a monk disables and ultimately kills him. Though they avoid each other, Anne and Ruairdh feel strongly attracted to one another. As Ruairdh steps closer to insanity, Anne becomes his last thread of normalcy as love blossoms between them. Regency author Joan Overfield provides readers with an exciting gothic romance that includes a foreboding castle, a brooding hero, an innocent woman, and a nasty curse. The lead couple makes the tale interesting as well as fun because readers will empathize with both of them. Ruairdh's last grasp is his love for Anne while she struggles with mourning the death of her father and helplessly observing her beloved going insane. Gothic romance readers will thrill to THE SHADOWING.Harriet Klausner