Tam Lin Series by Patricia A. Leslie

The Saga debuts with an inspired retelling of the centuries-old Scottish folk ballad Tam Lin. This insightful coming-of-age story, set in the Scottish Borders country, takes the youthful and very human protagonists on a fairytale journey of imaginative twists and turns through both humourous and risky plot complications. On May Eve of 1790, Janet, a very sheltered but wilful twenty-year-old Earl's daughter, wanders into Carterhaugh Wood... moreThe Saga debuts with an inspired retelling of the centuries-old Scottish folk ballad Tam Lin. This insightful coming-of-age story, set in the Scottish Borders country, takes the youthful and very human protagonists on a fairytale journey of imaginative twists and turns through both humourous and risky plot complications. On May Eve of 1790, Janet, a very sheltered but wilful twenty-year-old Earl's daughter, wanders into Carterhaugh Wood. Handsome, seductive Tam Lin, who has been nineteen for the past seven years, appears and accosts her in a glade that burgeons with black roses. While navigating an ever-shifting maze of love, doubt, trust, fear, honour, passion and laughable human foibles, both lad and lass mature and learn much about themselves. But will the young man end by choosing the naïve girl who loves him, or another, who is the ideal embodiment of passionate womanhood? less

What happens after the happy-ever-after conclusion to a fairytale romance? In Ms. Leslie’s view, the right people marry and have children. Then the children grow up! And if the family just happens to have a standing invitation to go visiting on the Other Side, each of those three young adults (independent Roselyn, an ‘old maid’ at twenty-two, shy ninteen-year-old Robert, and rebellious Rowena, sixteen), might well fall into a romantic entanglement or two, with someone who isn’t exactly Mortal... moreWhat happens after the happy-ever-after conclusion to a fairytale romance? In Ms. Leslie’s view, the right people marry and have children. Then the children grow up! And if the family just happens to have a standing invitation to go visiting on the Other Side, each of those three young adults (independent Roselyn, an ‘old maid’ at twenty-two, shy ninteen-year-old Robert, and rebellious Rowena, sixteen), might well fall into a romantic entanglement or two, with someone who isn’t exactly Mortal. Meanwhile, the original fairytale lovers may have become responsible parents, but they're certainly not too old to have another adventure or two of their own! Leslie skilfully brews a magical blend of fantasy, comedy, drama, romance, jeopardy, and heroism into another memorable coming-of-age tale which slips back and forth across the Veil between Regency Scotland of 1813, the timeless Elfin Realm of Summerland, and a few other mundane settings and exotic Realms. less

Austenian comedy of manners meets whimsical folklore-inspired historical romance! The storytelling has a lighthearted tone, juxtaposed against some serious philosophical issues. Fans of Jane Austen will once again enjoy Ms. Leslie's deft exploration of the quirks and contradictions of human (and not-exactly-human) nature, and the variety of missteps, joys, and misfortunes that always attend love and romance... moreAustenian comedy of manners meets whimsical folklore-inspired historical romance! The storytelling has a lighthearted tone, juxtaposed against some serious philosophical issues. Fans of Jane Austen will once again enjoy Ms. Leslie's deft exploration of the quirks and contradictions of human (and not-exactly-human) nature, and the variety of missteps, joys, and misfortunes that always attend love and romance. Set in 1833 Scotland, the course of true love is extremely rocky for the destiny-starred Randolph family, who cross the Veil from the Mortal World into other realms, as readily as most people cross the street. In this third instalment of the Randolph Family Saga, Janet and John Randolph are now in their sixties and still in love. This is a great source of comfort, given the problems that come their way, thanks to their ever-extending family of descendants, cousins, and dear friends. Most worrisome are the nineteen-year-old twins Adam and Theadora. Adam, an inveterate rake, is constantly juggling a variety of lovers among the nymphs of Summerland, whilst Thea's heart is set on someone unattainable. Meanwhile, half-Elfin granddaughter Columbine meets a lad her Mum considers thoroughly unsuitable. Life is difficult enough at Roxburgh Castle, where the freethinking Randolphs find it hard to retain a respectable housekeeper for very long. Then Sir Ranald MacDonnell, Baronet, moves into the old manor down the road, with his reluctant teenage bride Flora. Complications ensue! Once again, Ms. Leslie weaves an enchanting comic/drama tale featuring strong-minded female protagonists and handsome (if sometimes befuddled) young men, quirky supporting human characters, fairies, nymphs, devas, devilish beings, and the occasional talking animal. less