From Library Journal
Wealthy beyond measure but disillusioned and unfulfilled by his years as a corporate raider, Alex Smith definitely needs a change of scene. What he gets, however, is a change of time when an old pirate map and a gate to the past suddenly land him in the forests of medieval England at the feet of a strangely lovely armor-clad knightAa knight who eventually not only abducts him but turns out to be a woman. Lively, often funny, but brutally realistic, this well-written story pairs a defiant woman determined to defend her lands at all costs with a reluctant out-of-time hero who rises to the occasion, then gives them a cause to fight for and a love to live for and lets their actions drive the plot. Memorable, complex characters and a clean, fast-paced, yet descriptive writing style recommend this story, which has links to Kurland's A Dance Through Time (Jove, 1996). Kurland won a Rita for Stardust of Yesterday (Jove, 1996) and lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
Alexander Smith is a no-nonsense, modern day kind of guy visiting relatives in Scotland. All he wants is a warm place to catch some rays while basking in wealth earned from his work as a corporate attorney. Instead, he finds a map in his brother-in-law's study indicating time travel spots. Although instantly skeptical, the thought of sunny Barbados is enough of an incentive for Alexander to at least consider the possibilities. Without further ado, he hops on his horse and heads out, only to land in Medieval England. After repeated attempts to return home, Alexander realizes that he must have a mission to complete before he can leave. Little did he know that his task would lead him to Lady Margaret of Falconberg, a spirited woman determined to protect her home from the dreaded Ralf de Brackwald. Dressed in chain mail and brandishing an assortment of weapons, Margaret's first encounter with Alexander is less than promising. In a strange turn of events, Alexander is found by Brackwald's brother, who takes him back to the castle. A case of mistaken identity causes Alexander to be kidnapped by Margaret and taken to Falconberg. What ensues is a delightful tale of courtship, as Margaret begins to face feelings that are quite foreign to her. When Alexander realizes that he would rather stay with Margaret than return home, he applies all his energies to wooing his fair lady. Add a rather unpoetic bard, a small boy and the sudden appearance of Alexander's time-traveling relatives and the excitement keeps going! It takes a special tournament attended by the king for Alexander to win Margaret's hand and ensure the safety of Falconberg. However, just as the two settle down, an opportunity arises for Alexander to show Margaret his world. But can chocolate, Snoopy slippers and television make Margaret want to stay or will they be separated forever by time? From the beginning, it was obvious that this was a special story. After all, not many authors feel comfortable developing the male character in such detail as to have him take on the lead role. Kudos to Ms. Kurland for her boldness in creating such strong characters. No meek couples here! A very pleasing combination of humor, drama and love make The Very Thought of You among those books that simply must be read again and again! Now I am ready to read about how Alexander's sister and brother-in-law met, which is detailed in one of Ms. Kurland's earlier books. She has certainly whet my appetite for more! Amy Wilson --
Copyright © 1998 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved --
From Literary Times
