Breaking the Rules by Sandra Heath

Breaking the Rulesby Anonymous

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February 19, 2001: Never before have I ever finished reading a book, then turned right around and read it again. This book was so delicious, I couldn't help myself. I loved it just as much the second time as I did the first. And I suspect I'll re-read it yet again and again during the coming months. Why? Well, to me, the books of Sandra Heath have nearly everything a reader could want: I look for wonderful writing that pulls me right into the story, which means plot is very important, as well. The characters and the setting must complement each other, and if humor is present, so much the better. BREAKING THE RULES succeeds on every level. Due to an unwise investment and to protect her future, the father of Ursula Elcester has betrothed her in a marriage of convenience to the heir of the largest local land-owner, Lord Carmartin. Ursula's father is a noted scholar, especially devoted to the Roman occupation of Britain, especially in Gloucestershire, where they live. Lord Carmartin's heir, Theodore Maximilian Prince, comes to visit, bringing his white wolfhound, Bran the Blessed, Son of Llyr, more commonly known as Bran, plus his best friend, Sir Conan Merrydown, along for company. They stay at the local inn, the Green Man, where they encounter not only the new inn-keeper Bellamy Taynton, and Vera, daughter of the local blacksmith, now cook at the inn, but also a mostly white squirrel. BREAKING THE RULES is one terrific mixture of Welsh mythology, ancient Druid rites, the Roman settlements in Britain and the world of Regency England, and is also a very funny book. Suffice it to say that many pages and laughs later, there is a marvelously happy resolution to all the puzzles, and not one, not two, not three--but four very happily married couples!