8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great writer like Pat Potter can set her stories anywhere, November 17, 1997
By A Customer
This review is from: Starcatcher (Mass Market Paperback)
In 1648 Scotland, eight year old Marsali Gunn and sixteen years old Patrick Sutherland are betrothed by their fathers, with the wedding day set to occur in one decade. Patrick's father marries Marsali's aunt. Patrick soon leaves to fight for the King in Ireland.
In 1660, Patrick finally returns from war and exile to claim his bride. However, he learns that his family and Marsali's family are locked in a bitter blood feud. Instead of marrying him, Marsali is expected to wed the nasty Edward Sinclair. The hostilities between the two families began when Patrick's father accused his wife of being a prostitute for sleeping with someone else. Not long after his censure, his wife suddenly disappears without a trace. Marsali's father has no doubt that she was murdered by her spouse. He rejects any notion of his daughter marrying into the Sutherland household. However, Patrick inflames the feud when he boldly abducts Marsali on her wedding night. Soon the couple falls in love, but the family dispute makes it seem that the star crossed lovers will never share an extended lifetime of happiness together.
Once again, Pat Potter demonstrates why she is considered one of the best writers of historical romance novels on the market today. Her current book, Starcatcher, is a tremendous tale that brings to life the seventeenth century Scottish feuds and its impact on the innocents. Ms. Potter scores big time with this fabulously fine fiction that will be devoured by fan of the genre.
Harriet Klausner
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Too much of everything but the romance, April 29, 2000
This review is from: Starcatcher (Mass Market Paperback)
This historical romance, set in medieval times, features a sensitive hero, a strong heroine, an assorted cast of lively secondary characters and a fast-paced adventurous plot that, unfortunately, kept me from fully enjoying the developing romance between the hero and heroine.
Marsali and Patrick are betrothed at a young age and, unlike many arranged marriages, they're actually happy about it. They're good friends and as they grow a little older they become attracted to each other and both are looking forward to the day when they'll be wed. When Patrick returns home after a sixteen year absence, scarred, tired and heartsick (he's been off fighting a war), he finds Marsali betrothed to another and their families, who've always been great friends, are now at war. After secretly meeting Marsali, Patrick figures out that something fishy is going on and sets out to find the culprits responsible for the family feud. All the poor, weary man wants is peace and his Marsali back but he'll have neither until he can force two stubborn old men to face the obvious truth.
This was an okay read but not a keeper. I loved the opening of the book, it really hooked me, but somewhere along the line the original magic got lost. It didn't seem to me like the hero and heroine spent all that much time together, possibly because there was always so much going on around them. Because of this I just didn't get a chance to know or feel anything for the characters. It's not that they were unlikable or annoying, they just didn't engage me. They were beautiful, brave and honorable but they weren't all that original or special and were almost a bit on the "too perfect" side. And the dialogue (after the first few chapters) just didn't move me - I didn't laugh or cry. Also, I knew where the story was leading very early on because I was told who the bad guys were and exactly what their whole fiendish plot was about so the following war/adventure story was a bit of a chore to get through. And the last thing I wasn't crazy about was the heroine's pet ferrets. I thought they were unnecessary because they didn't provide any humor, and although they did help bring out Patrick's sensitive side, I felt they weren't necessary for his character's growth. They were portrayed as snippy, temperamental creatures without much allure. I've said before that I wish there were pets in every book but in this case they were more of any annoyance than anything. And I like ferrets! My Mom has a cute, shy, little guy who has never snarled or bit anyone. All this stuff combined made for a very slow read.
There were things I did like about this book (or else I never would've finished it). I'm a real sucker for a Scot's accent and I always like a strong warrior who still manages to retain his sensitive heart and this story had plenty of both. And I'm sure you'll like this book if you're really into action-adventure "me & you against the world" plots and don't mind near perfect characters. There was nothing offensive about it, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I think this just confirms something about my tastes, I'm not crazy about action-filled romances UNLESS the characters wow me with their charming personalities. Only a selected few have managed to work for me because the adventure almost always overwhelms and ruins the love story for me. Some I can think of that worked were: Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER (although I stopped there, couldn't get into the 2nd one), Justine Dare's FIRE HAWK and Patricia Ryan's SECRET THUNDER.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
my favorite patricia potter book so far!!!, July 9, 2000
This review is from: Starcatcher (Mass Market Paperback)
In Scotland, customs are different, but in a blink of an eye everything can change. Marsali Gunn was betrothed to Patrick Sutherland, when they were both just children. Yet through wars, and family disputes, these to star crossed loves will challenge all the odds against them to stay together. They plan to uncover a devious plot, that has torn the Sutherlands, and the Gunns, families apart. Will this couple be able to fight for their true love, regardless of what there families want. READ IT AND FIND OUT.
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