Pamela Clare, Surrender

Surrender

Pamela Clare

Leisure, Mar 2006, $6.99, 368 pp.

ISBN: 0843954884

In 1755 in Albany, in the Colony of New York, Lord William Wentworth is tired of the alibis provided as to why General Braddock suffered a terrible defeat; instead he demands local knowledge on fighting in the wilderness. He "arrests" the three MacKinnon brothers Iain, Morgan and Connor. William gives his prisoners a choice, to be executed for the murder of Henry Walsh or to fight on the side of King George, who the siblings loathe.

In 1757 her Uncle Bain gives Lady Anne Burness Campbell a choice of surrendering to him or incarceration. When she selects the latter he marks his niece with a T so no man will want her, and he sells her as an indentured servant.

In 1758 Iain refuses to allow the Abenaki to kill the woman they chase; thus abandoning his mission to learn about the French at Fort Ticonderoga, he risks his life and that of his siblings to rescue Annie from the Indians. Though grateful, Annie knows that once he sees the mark, he will sell her. She also fears his reaction to her clan, his enemies, so she tells him she is Annie Burns; not expecting to fall in love and be loved back.

This is fantastic historical romance that uses the backdrop of the French and Indian War to tell a terrific tale of love. The storyline is action packed from the moment that William offers a deal that Iain believes is with the devil, and never slows down until the final exhilarating climax. Annie is a wonderful intrepid heroine, who knows that she must tell the truth to the man she loves, but fears to trust in that love. Iain is her delightful counterpart. Fans will treasure this keeper and look forward to two more MacKinnon thrillers.