cover image Love at First Sight

Love at First Sight

Sandra Carmouche, Sandra Lee. Fanfare, $6.95 (336pp) ISBN 978-0-553-58008-2

There is an intriguing story in first-time author Lee's tale of a wanna-be witch who begins having real visions, but it's overshadowed by coincidences, pratfalls and bathroom humor. In England of 1074, con woman Golde seizes on the chance to fake a cure for the suddenly blinded--and very wealthy--Baron of Skyenvic (who inspires the pun in the title). Soon she finds herself trapped in the midst of murderous schemes, even as she falls in love with the foul-smelling, ill-tempered nobleman. An otherwise witty story is hindered by circular conversations, illogical behavior (Golde continually disobeys and insults the baron even though she's trying to charm him) and a plot that too often depends on chance eavesdropping and false assumptions. (Jan.)