My Lady Glamis

This rendition of a historic feud involves rivals for the governance of England and Scotland in the 16th century. As told by Hill, veteran crafter of historical romances ( Bride of Ae, A Place of Ravens, the power struggle between young James V and the rebellious Douglas clan hinges on Jonet Douglas, whose inviolate beauty is the eventual cause of her death. A pliant sister, fiercely loyal to her scheming older brother, Jonet makes the best of an arranged marriage and becomes the beloved mistress of Glamis Castle. Her repulse of the lustful king, his outlawing of the Douglas clan and the treachery of household spies bring about Jonet's death at the stake. The straightforward narration of events is enhanced by the author's credible portrait of a simple woman caught in a power play of significant consequence. (February 16)