The Destiny [Mass Market Paperback]

Kathleen Givens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

'The Legend' introduced the Highland prophecy that bound the MacCurrie men to battle, and the fiery women they dared to love. Now the adventure continues in this tale of strangers whose lives are destined to be entwined.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

During the turbulent reign of William and Mary, orphaned Eileen Ronley finds herself in a precarious position. She is a virtual prisoner with no means of her own on her father's estate, which is now controlled by a former servant, when a mysterious man comes asking for her father. Neil MacCurrie, a Scottish highland chief, is trying to get back to Scotland and is traveling disguised as a French Huguenot. He'd been told that the remote estate in Warwickshire was a safe house, but instead of being welcomed, he is imprisoned. Eileen realizes that he's not French, but, immensely attracted, she doesn't let on and then helps him to escape when his life is in danger. Neil is equally taken with her, and although he has an agreement to marry elsewhere, a prophecy has proclaimed that his wife will be from the east like Eileen. Many forces conspire to separate the two lovers as history comes alive in this tale of love, greed, and political intrigue. Patty Engelmann
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Forever (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446610534
• ISBN-13: 978-0446610537
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #338,357 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another terrific historical romance from Ms. Givens, May 4, 2003

By 

baltimore0502 "Hon!" (BALTIMORE, MD USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Destiny (Mass Market Paperback)

I was first introduced to this author in "The Legend", the wonderful predecessor to this book and I'm glad I discovered her. "The Legend" introduced twin brothers James and Neil MacCurrie and the prophecies involving their lives, loves, war, peace and the future of their clan.

"The Destiny" is laird Neil's story and opens with Neil returning from a meeting with exiled King James in France. Posing as a French Huguenot, he arrives at what he has been told is a safehouse and there he meets Eileen Ronley. She has been asked to translate French to English so that it can be determined who he is and why he has come. During the exchange, Eileen comes to doubt that he is, indeed French, since he seems to know of her Scots mother. Neil is stunned to discover that Eileen is the long lost cousin of his own cousin Duncan. They begin to feel an attraction to one another immediately. When Neil is imprisoned, Eileen helps him to escape and he leaves her with a kiss and the words "I will see you again".

Eileen is the granddaughter of King Charles II. Her father was the king's illegitimate son, but there are rumours that Charles did, in fact marry Jane Ronley. If that could be proven, Eileen would then be the rightful queen. This makes life quite dangerous for Eileen (which worries Neil even more than Eileen) and creates most of the intrigue and conflict in this story. Will Neil return to London and find her? Will Eileen pursue her claim to the throne? Are Neil and Eileen each other's destiny?

If you need to have hero and heroine constantly together and having sex, you likely won't enjoy this book. Neil and Eileen are seperated often, but there are enough sweet, romantic encounters along the way that turn your heart to mush and keep the romance alive for Neil, Eileen and the reader. Though I liked "The Legend" better, this is still recommended and I hope that Duncan will get his story next. :)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sweeping grand tale!, May 16, 2003

By 

Tara A. Green (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Destiny (Mass Market Paperback)

Set against a backdrop of turbulent historical times and inter-mingled with an ancient prophecy that can't be denied, THE DESTINY shines!
Jacobites, supporters of the exiled branch of the house of Stuart are seeking to restore James II to the English and Scottish thrones. When William III and Mary II ascended the throne after the flight of James II to France, strong Stuart partisans remained to offer rebellion. Neil MacCurrie, a highland Chieftain is in England, a very dangerous place to be during these times.

Eileen Ronley first meets Neil MacCurrie disguised as a Frenchman seeking shelter and a safe place to stay at her father's home. Unfortunately her father has mysteriously died several years earlier along with her mother, and the house is now owned by Milford, a man who is both suspicious and weary of this strange visitor to the Ronley home. Neil is on dangerous ground and his true heritage must not be discovered. Knowing this he answers untruthfully the questions set before him by Milford and he is taken prisoner. Eileen suspects he is not what he seems but regardless of this bravely helps him escape. Neil and Eileen feel a compelling and strong attraction and share a kiss farewell. They meet again in the royal courts of King William III and Mary II, a dangerous place for any Scot. There they fall in love and just might find their 50 years of peace.

THE DESTINY is a sweeping grand tale of political intrigue, personal ambition and romance that should not be missed!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars exciting seventeenth century romance, April 11, 2003

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Destiny (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1691, the Scottish Earl of Torridan Neil MacCurrie travels to France to discuss the future with exiled King James. However, the despondent monarch delays his meeting before finally encouraging Neil to swear alliance to his son-in-law and daughter. The wait in France forces Neil to quietly cross the Channel to England.

Disguised as a Huguenot, Jean Paul Belmond, Neil seeks sanctuary at the home of Ronley only to learn that the Earl is dead, his daughter Eileen a "guest" with no prospects, and the keep run by Milford. The new earl imprisons Neil, but Eileen helps him escape. After getting home, Neil goes back to retrieve Eileen only to learn she is staying with her cousin Princess Ann in London. Pretending to be Jean Paul, he struggles to keep Eileen safe as evidence has surfaced that she is the legitimate claimant to the throne even as he falls in love with her.

The sequel to THE LEGEND, THE DESTINY is an exciting seventeenth century romance that hums with real persona augmenting the love story between the lead characters. The story line is filled with intrigue and non-stop action, as it seems every major player has an agenda. Kathleen Givens gives her fans a rousing sequel that brings perspective to the early days of the reign of William and Mary (with a few fictional twists) that make for a fun time.

Harriet Klausner