Customer Reviews

Heart of the Dove: A Novel

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It's been a while since I've picked up a book, and been compelled to stay up half the night to finish it. This story drew me in, and didn't let me go until the last page. Randwulf and Serena are two expertly drawn characters, and it was a true delight to watch them fall in love. Especially Randwulf, who is so nearly destroyed by his past tragedies. I loved this book, and can't wait to see what Ms. St. John creates for her readers next.

Our story begins in June, 1275. Randwulf of Greycliff has part of the legendary Dragon Chalice. Rand plans to use it for revenge against the sorcerer who had his wife and child killed. The sorcerer's name is Silas de Montaine and he has shapeshifters to help aid in his dark cause. During a fight with one of these demons, Rand finds himself tossed off a ship. Rand's only thought at the time is to survive and hold onto the pouch containing the Chalice.

Rand washes ashore on the north English coast. He is found my Serena, a young lady with a magical gift called "the Knowing". With a simple touch, Serena sees directly into a person's heart. Serena and her mother, Calandra, live in isolation, by choice. They take no chances on someone learning of Serena's gift and using it for ill deeds or to have her labeled "witch" and killed. Yet Serena cannot ignore her own heart, which demands she help Rand.

***** Author Tina St. John writes magical dreams for us to enjoy. This one overflows in romance and magic. By the time you finish reading you will find yourself totally believing magic exists, and glad of the fact. I highly recommend this entire trilogy. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

I have read all the books in this series so far and this one is, IMHO, the best of them all! It was good to see Rand come back from the horrors of what he went through in the earlier book and find true love. He definately deserved it! Serena is a heroine you can admire for her strong ideals on life and the way she shows Rand that he is good for something more than just the revenge he wants so bad. In sum, I was hooked from the first chapter and closed the book wanting more, everything I hope for in reading a great story.

St. John's final book in her medieval paranormal series (HEART OF THE HUNTER, HEART OF THE FLAME) is an action packed edge of the seat knock-out winner!

Randwulf `Rand' of Greycliff, has lost everything - his wife, child, demesne - in one bloody terrifying night. The only thing he has left is hatred and avenging the atrocity ordered by the maniacal Silas de Mortaine. Hoping to draw his enemy to him Rand sails off while holding a portion of the treasure that his enemy covets. After a battle on ship with one of de Mortaine's monstrous shape shifters, Rand is washed ashore.

An innocent maid who has been kept hidden in the remote forest by her mother for the entire 19 years of her life finds him. Serena possesses a special gift of `Knowing'. She can `see' into the minds of those she touches and one touch without her gloves showed her the immensity of Rand's all-consuming hatred as well as the fervent grief for those he lost. Against her mother's wishes Serena draws closer to Rand and his heart begins to feel again. In a rousing and terrifying finale Rand would not only fight to assuage his vengeance but to defend the gentle maid who had restored his heart.

In the final chapter of this trilogy St. John brings to a close a totally mesmerizing and fascinating series. She's peopled it with passion, vibrant and unforgettable characters, and a breathtaking ending that is sure to please new and older fans alike. Bravo Ms. St. John - keep them coming!

Im so looking forward to the next book, i read this one on one sitting, it was that good!!!

At first I did not understand why the author kept Rand in the forest and not on his quest but as I kept reading I understood that this forest played an important role from the begining. Glad it ended up the way it did and understand why her mother had to die at the end

In 1275 Randwulf of Greycliff lives for revenge only. He needs to kill sorcerer Silas de Montaine and send the magician's changeling beasts back to the hell they came from because they killed his wife Elspeth and six year old son Tod. Randwulf possesses part of an ancient artifact that gives him hope of succeeding in his endeavor and currently sails to Scotland to pick up another segment when he is attacked by one of the beasts. He and the beast fall overboard where he kills the evil thing, but he is forced to swim to safety as his ship has kept sailing.

On a deserted beach he meets Serena and her mother Calandra. Serena can see a man's darkest secrets by touching them so she avoids doing such. However, they touch several times and she realizes he is a bitter person seeking to avenge a terrible affront. As they become closer while he heals physically she helps him also mend his torn soul and heart, but Silas remains at lodge with plans to conquer the world.

Though the emphasis is on the historical romantic elements, there is plenty of fantasy segments in this fine thirteenth century tale caused by Serena's touch which can see your deepest feelings (nice barometer on whether someone loves you). The intriguing story line grips the audience as Serena enables Randwulf to regain the soul he lost when the evil Montaine killed his family, but his quest still remains strong.

Harriet Klausner