cover image For My Lady's Hand

For My Lady's Hand

Joanna McGauran, Joanna McGuaran. Dell Publishing Company, $5.5 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-440-22163-0

After a promising start, McGauran's sequel to Be My Lady's Honor quickly fades into a maze of fleeting subplots and characters. The needless distractions take the story in several directions, resulting in confusion and a precipitous loss of tension and suspense. Scottish laird Ian Stewart, avowed protector of King Henry II, comes to the rescue of Ciel Valoir, a neighboring farm girl, when she is attacked by village misfits. Smitten with the young commoner, Ian resolves to marry her, but Ciel, for reasons of her own, has no intention of marrying above her station in life. A sinister plot against the king, plus a little meddling by Ian's sister, gives cause to reunite the two. (Apr.)