cover image Heart of the Dove

Heart of the Dove

Tina St John, . . Ivy, $6.99 (338pp) ISBN 978-0-345-45996-1

In the fast-paced final volume of St. John's popular medieval paranormal series (Heart of the Hunter , etc.), Randwulf of Greycliff lives only to avenge his slain wife and child, but he temporarily puts aside his quest after a shipwreck washes him ashore on the north English coast near a remote forest. There he's found by Serena, an innocent young maiden who has lived her entire 19 years alone with her mother in the ancient woods—and who possesses the gift of Knowing, which enables her to see into the minds and hearts of others if she touches them. Brief physical contact with Rand shows Serena his black hatred. However, since this gentle child of the forest also sees the hurt and grief Rand feels, her healing nature is drawn to him. When the outside world encroaches on their isolation, Serena defies her mother and gives her heart to Rand with consequences that almost prove disastrous. As usual, RITA Award finalist St. John peoples her tale with vibrant and engaging characters. (Dec.)