Falcon's Craig - 12th Century

Giselle has lived most of her life at Kerwick Abbey, sent there after the death of her mother. Suddenly, she is being thrust into the real world because her second sight has been discovered. The Bishop of Ravenswood has sent her to Falcon's Craig with a message that he has kept to himself -- until now. The late William, Earl of Hawksdown has approved the betrothal of Giselle and the Earl's younger son, Piers. But Giselle has known nothing but the abbey and prayers -- marriage has never been in her future. Until now.

Piers Veuxfort wants nothing more than to breed horses and enjoy the wenches at Falcon's Craig. He has no trouble attracting women or finding one to keep his bed warm each night. The last thing in the world he wants is a wife. However, the signature on the note is definitely his father's, and his older brother, the new earl, is not backing Piers in this situation. Giselle is obviously not happy about marrying anyone. Making matters worse, Piers has another major problem. Despite being warned about venturing too far into a mysterious cave, Piers ignored the warnings, found a gold chalice, and foolishly pried a purple crystal off of it, thereby freeing a spirit, which now lives within him. This being, Eikki, is evil, and Piers is having greater and greater difficulty ignoring him.

Piers and Giselle are wed, but, knowing his new wife's sheltered upbringing, he agrees not to consummate the marriage until she is ready. Eikki, however, is challenging him, and Piers is afraid he will hurt Giselle. How will he get rid of this malevolent spirit? Is it even possible to destroy it?

The third book in Ms. Tolnitch's paranormal series, A LOST TOUCH OF INNOCENCE is a character-driven tale of two people who, while destined to wed, have almost nothing in common. Piers has to deal with Giselle's fears as well as Eikki, who grows stronger every day. An appealing hero, Piers will finally seek help to rid himself of this spirit. Giselle's devotion to God and the memories of the abbey, where every day she was told how bad she was, make her transition into married life very difficult. Try as she might, she can't forget the abbess's constant mantra that a woman must give herself only to God.

Secondary characters from previous novels appear, including Cain and Amice, who are impatiently awaiting the arrival of their first child. The plot is unique, the dialogue realistic, and readers will be turning the pages to discover if or when Piers and Giselle will overcome their nightmares and grow to love one another.

Readers will enjoy this well-written tale.

Jani Brooks