The Irish Enchantress (Zebra Historical Romance) [Mass Market Paperback]

The witch Fionna believes the English only want to rule or slaughter. She is also long accustomed to rejection. Ten years ago her father beat her and banished her from home. If she wishes to forget what happened, the scars on her back serve a perpetual reminder. Now her daughter lives with friends, and she visits only in secret. Despite her banishment, Fionna protects the sacred circle, the fairies, and all else that is sacred. Fionna descends from the ancient ones who tended the earth, their blood running strongly in her veins.

Fionna wants to hate Raymond, blame him for all the atrocities reaped on Ireland. Yet she healed Raymond once, then clouded him mind with herbs so he would forget her. When she sees him again, his horse bears down on three children in the road. Using magic, she pushes the children from harm and causes the stallion to stop -- unintentionally throwing the rider. He refuses her help, blaming her for the accident. When her hood falls aside, her beauty bewitches him.

Raymond's soul screams recognition, but he knows not why. Then in a moment he remembers that she once saved his life. She reminds him what he must know, that she is a witch. All the while Raymond denies the power of incantations and spells, refusing the truth. Indeed, the law dictates that he takes her life if she persists in her claim. As he looks at her with rage and disgust, Fionna walks away. Like the villagers, Raymond makes her feel shunned and rejected. He vows she'll never know that she's the reason he left Ireland six years ago. Nor admit her eyes have haunted him all this time. And neither can deny the connection that burns between them.

Amy J. Fetzer writes with knowledge and respect for the old ways, understanding elements, fairies, and those who call themselves witches. With a creative flair for storytelling, she weaves an extraordinary tale of magick and love, creating an absolutely memorable tale novel. Her secondary characters, especially the fairie, are absolutely delightful! THE IRISH ENCHANRESS held me spell bound, beginning to end! Very highly recommended.

Ms Fetzer has a an engrossing tale here made even more delightful with the appearance of two youthful secondary characters who add much to this sometimes dark tale: Connal and Sinead. Each adds special elements sure to delight the reader helping to enrich the story, certainly readers will demand their story in the future. I sure expect to learn more of this delightful couple in the future. Add to this some very special and often unexpected evil that can only be rendered impotent by Fionna' magic and the reader will not want to turn the last page.

Although not all is perfect in the telling of this tale. I would be remise if I didn't warn the reader they may find at times, especially in the beginning, that something is missing: a back story implied but not known which may cause reader confusion.. Because of this I would highly recommend reading THE IRISH PRINCESS first. Each book in a series can and should stand alone and in all fairness THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS does for the most part stand alone. Yet, reading both books will allow the reader to fully enjoy the unique magic found in Ms Fetzer's medieval Ireland.

Amy J. Fetzer has created a wonderfully rich and distinctive addition to a body of work reflective of what is especially good with historical romantic fiction. Whether the reader likes the location or the time period, THE IRISH ENCHANTRESS is sure to be a favorite amongst her growing fans and those new to her work.