Joan Johnston - Linda O. Johnston
Johnston, Joan - AFTER THE KISS (Dell - 1997) (Highly Recommended)
The hero and heroine share a scandalous kiss and her reputation is ruined. The hero, Marcus, believes the heroine loves her cousin, Julian, and expects the two of them to marry. However, both men are called back to service the very same day. Julian is killed at Waterloo, and Marcus is wounded. Believing himself horribly disfigured, he retreats to Blackthorne Abbey, and later becomes the guardian of his nieces. Meanwhile, the heroine and her elderly aunt are nearly destitute. She applies for the position of governess at Blackthorne Abbey, but there is a stipulation that she marry Marcus. The heroine is no shrinking violet and she is determined to bring the hero out of his reclusive "cave." I enjoyed this book very much. It's a real page-turner. ~Beth C. (elizabeth_coogan@brown.edu)
Johnston, Linda O. - STRANGER ON THE MOUNTAIN
(Love Spell - 1999) (4+)
STRANGER ON THE MOUNTAIN is an intriguing, fast-paced story,
revolving around a legend about a mountain lion. Ever since
the mountain lion left Eskaway Mountain, Pennsylvania more
than a hundred years before, the descendants of Indian
princess Nita-nee have been cursed. They are destined to
be unlucky in love until the animal returns, if that day
ever comes.
After the love of her life was murdered, Dawn Perry was so impressed with the efficiency of the legal system that she decided to study law. Now, years later, Dawn is content working in the small town of Eskmont as an attorney specializing in civil cases. Although she is lonely, she does not expect to fall in love again. Her style is to follow legal procedure to the letter of the law and always tell the truth, and she finds comfort in the logical nature of her job.
Dawn's grandfather runs the local animal haven where wild animals are rehabilitated and released back into the wild, and if necessary, he provides a home for those too ill or injured to make it on their own. When he suddenly disappears, the town mounts a search and rescue team. Included in the team is ex-con and ex-medical student, Jonah Campion, who spots a mountain lion and follows it through the mountains. The animal leads them to Grandfather Wilton, who had fallen into a pit. Dawn's grandfather is convinced that the mountain lion is back on the mountain to stay; therefore, his family's curse has been lifted. Noticing the attraction between Dawn and Jonah, he sets about to throw them together. But Dawn is up against an ex-con who doesn't believe in the legal system she so respects, and Jonah must contend with an advocate of the legal system that imprisoned him despite his innocence.
STRANGER ON THE MOUNTAIN is a delicious blend of contemporary romance and myth, with a meaningful story line that explores the nature of freedom (of both man and beast). The author delivers a finely developed hero and heroine, lots of sexual tension, delightful secondary characters, and all the charm and frustration of life in a small town. ~Debora Hosey for Bookbug on the Web
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