The Elfin Scots, Janet Dunbar: 1790 - Part One

Told in a spirited Regency comedy-of-manners style, inspired by traditional Scottish lore, readers will appreciate Ms. Leslie’s well-paced storytelling, and her insightful, witty explorations of human nature. Being a coming-of-age tale, the central theme is, inevitably, love. But while it centers around a particularly dramatic “girl meets boy” romance, this two-volume novel’s generous length allows time and space to examine love’s kaleidoscipe of joy, hope, doubt, courage, folly, mistakes and redemptions, not only through the three central characters’ emotional journeys, but likewise, a number of the supporting characters’ stories as well.

In Part One of this two-part novel, on May Eve, against her father’s wishes, twenty-year-old Janet goes to collect flowers in Carterhaugh Wood. Stepping into a glade of rare black roses – a hidden portal to the Elfin Realm of Summerland – she encounters a charming young gentleman: Tam Lin. He invites her to visit that land under his protection. Ever intrigued by fairytales and folklore, she accepts eagerly; and with that one impulsive step, Janet’s carefree life will never be the same. Part One builds to her facing a significant decision.

The entire five-novel series creatively blends folklore, fantasy, historical romance, and an occasional scene of comic relief. The series abounds with memorable characters: strong-minded female protagonists ... handsome, thoughtless young men ... quirky kin, neighbors and servants ... Elfin folk ranging from tiny winged fairies to beautiful demi-deities ... devilish beings with malice at heart ... even an occasional talking animal.