Brian woke up to find himself in the year 1301. Kilbeinn Castle, which had been only ruins before, had somehow become tall, sturdy, and full of life. The Clan Mackenzie dwelled in the keep. Callum and Malcolm had chanced upon Brian and took him to the castle for treatment by Caira.
Caira Mackenzie was Laird of the clan. Her father and husband were dead. All the able-bodied men had left to join the notorious William Wallace when Caira's father had signed a treaty of neutrality with King Edward. Thus all the care and protection of the clan fell on her slim shoulders. Caira had no way of knowing if Brian was part of the foul Englishmen in the fort nearby or not. Wisely, she kept wary and sent him to the fort, by way of Callum and Malcolm, when he was well. Upon finding out Brian was NOT with those from the fort, and seeing him stand up to the cruel English, the two escorted Brian back to the keep. Caira allowed Brian time to "experiment". She never understood what the black powder was that Brian was experimenting with or what he meant to do with the foul smelling powder.
Brian wanted only to return to the year 2004. He was positive that if he made the powder just right the blast would send him back home. However, he could not ignore the plight of Caira and the clan. In the process of helping them, he and Caira began falling in love. Now he must decide whether to stay in 1301 with Caira or return to his own time.
***** Ah, this story is pure bliss! The characters are so easy to care for and the ending was an act of genius! Brava, Virginia Farmer! I enjoyed every minute of this time travel romance and highly recommend it to all. *****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Brian at first, of course, can't believe he not only was not blown to bits, but is back in time. Once he adjusts, he secures a place for himself as a bard and sets out to make a bomb, hoping to reverse the process. The hitch in his plan is that Caira Mackenzie is the loveliest woman he's ever laid eyes on, and going back to the future would leave her behind.
*** Ms Farmer has well used familiar elements to create a romantic version of Connecticut Yankee, with a happier ending. Caira is a strong and admirable heroine, longing for both love and independence she can only have simultaneously with a man like Brian. Though the story is one we know well, it's also well done. *** Amanda Killgore
Caira Mackenzie hadn't time for marriage; she'd been too busy protecting herself and her people at Castle Kilbeinn. But when the dangerous stranger dropped into her life, he ignited something inside her. Brian was a type of warrior she'd never seen, and his strength was unquestioned--but could she trust him with the secrets of her clan and heart?
One thing was sure: The whole adventure would end with a bang.