Harboring a secret is nothing new to Amalie Murray, a young noblewoman who is caught eavesdropping at the wrong door by Sir Garth Napier. After all, she holds one close to her chest which is enough to prevent her from marrying. However, the treasonous words she has overheard could get her killed, something Garth wishes to prevent. Amalie fears to trust him, or any man, and so resists confiding in him, thus hindering his ability to keep her safe. He is baffled by his attraction to her, since she is two things he would never want in a woman: secretive and rebellious to a fault.

Despite her attempts to keep her distance, this stubborn knight persists in keeping close, eventually breaking down her barriers. When political intrigue threatens her freedom and her very life, Garth comes through with an inspired lie to save her, even though he prides himself as being honest above all else. Still the danger continues, and it will take everything at his disposal to protect the woman with whom he has unwittingly fallen in love.

In Border Lass Ms. Scott demonstrates again her expertise in the realm of medieval Scotland. She combines a passionate love story with a detailed understanding of those dangerous times, making for a thrilling tale, rife with villains and notorious plots. Amalie's prickly defensiveness, matched with Garth's somewhat unwilling role of champion, creates a source of on-going internal and external conflict difficult for either to overcome, and yet they must in order to survive in a world filled with uncertainty. Even those who are supposed to defend are instead treacherous, testing loyalties both to sovereigns and families.

Ms. Scott does an admirable job planning out the distances between landmarks, using accurate locations-for example the castles of Scone and Stirling-to bring her story to life. This level of research, mixing a judicious use of vernacular and speech patterns appropriate to the time period, contributes to a fascinating story. I highly recommend Border Lass to anyone searching for an intricately plotted story whose characters captivate while providing a rich historical backdrop. Five Angels.

Reviewed by: Lynn