Harlequin Historical #232: Thornbeck

For some reason this is the least reviewed, least known romance novel out there, and I'm going to change that. "Thornbeck" came out in 1994, and I first read it shortly thereafter. It was so good that I spent too much money recently buying a used copy.The story follows Damaris Fleetwood and Sir Gavin Rutledge during Elizabeth 1 reign in England. Damaris lives with her father on a secluded island called Thornbeck. She is fiercely independent and doesn't want to wed. Her father tries pushing her into marriage with a knight named Gavin. She refuses, and Thornbeck is taken over by the Scots, her father killed, and she is at their mercy. The Queen sends Gavin to free Thornbeck from the Scots, and keep it safe while she chooses a suitable husband for Damaris. The two fall in love, but now must face losing eachother to the Queen's decision on who Damaris should marry, and the continuing threat of seige from Scotland. Damaris has a mysterious relationship with circle of stones near her castle that adds an interesting twist to this already wonderful romance.