Windfall

by Charlotte Boyett-Compo

Boyett-Compo grabs the unwary reader by the imagination and pulls him or her deeper and deeper into a world of magic, love and treachery that never ceases to amaze, entertain and bemuse. ~ Reviewed by... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 193120151X
• ISBN13: 9781931201513
• Release Date: August 2004
• Publisher: Twilight Times Books (TN)
• Length: 317 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

tremendous romantic fantasy

In Viago, her father the Duke informs Gillian Cree that she will marry her family enemy, the lecherous vile Rolf de Viennes to pay a debt. Though her sire demands that honor is served by the marriage, her brother Nick vows to take her to safety to Boreas, but the snowstorm stops their escape. The siblings find refuge in a bleak manor house in the middle of nowhere. The dismal home belongs to Prince Kaelan Hesar, who fell in love only to have his Jarl disapprove his choice, incarcerate him and ultimately sold him in marriage. Since his spouse died, Kaelan lives as a recluse caring for no one not even himself. Ironically the woman he loved that started his cycle of doom has now sought shelter in his home. Gillian brings Kaelan back to life and though he is not to even see her, this time he refuses to let her go. They visit a priest who marries Gillian and Kaelan, but though they hope for a long and happy relationship together, their respective families and de Viennes have darker plans for the loving duo. WINDFALL is a tremendous romantic fantasy that emphasizes the relationships and attributes of the key cast members. Readers will appreciate the second chance at love between the lead couple and the unselfish attitude of Nick, which contrasts nicely with his avaricious father, the depraved Rolf, and Kaelan's power greedy Jarl. The audience will enjoy this tale with newcomers wanting to read more "Wind" tales from an author that us fans know is one of the best writers of dark heated romantic fantasy. Harriet Klausner

Timeless Tales 4 stars review

by Angela BlackLady Gillian Cree--or Gilly as she is called--does not want to marry the cruel and sadistic Rolf de Viennes whom her parents have chosen for her. With the help of her older brother Lord Nicholas Cree (Nick) she runs away from home. But the weather is bitter cold and they find themselves in the midst of a snowstorm and seeking shelter. They find what appears to be an abandoned house and break in to take shelter. What they discover inside surprises them.Inside the house Gilly and Nick find an unconscious man who is near death. They discover that he is someone they know. They nurse him back to health and he tells them about the lies of the past that separated him from his one true love-Gilly.Widowed Prince Kaelan Hesar has been in seclusion for five years in the house known as Holy Dale. Shortly before his self-imposed withdrawal from the world, his wife died tragically in the house. He has been suspected of killing her. For this reason, he is hated by the local people, who have nicknamed the house Unholy Dale. Once Kaelan's health improves, he leaves the house with Gilly and Nick and sets out on an adventure to right the wrongs done to them. However, they don't realize that their troubles are about to begin all over again. Charlotte Boyett-Compo has developed an alternate world with three-dimensional characters that are entrenched in political intrigue. The story is masterfully told through the eyes of Kaelan as he alternates between past and present to explain what led to his separation from Gilly. There is some graphic violence and sex but it's not gratuitous. This story is a prequel to the Keeper of the Wind series.Be warned, there are a few scenes that some may find disturbing-I did. In several flashbacks Nick and Gilly are involved in sexual encounters: she is only 14 and he's 21 years old. A few years later, while she is still not of age, he fondles and attempts to have sex with her. While this may be acceptable to some readers, this reviewer found it disturbing, especially given current news headlines about men taking advantage of young girls.

Windfall

Gillian Cree was devastated when her father betrothed her to the lecherous Rolf de Viennes. Despite her protests her father was adamant - the King advocated the match, he had no choice.In desperation Gillian and her brother Nicholas ran away, only to get lost in the freezing snow. But Gillian and Nick weren't the only ones out in the snow that night - a man, wronged by the same King, was dying of cold nearby.Hearing his cry for help, Gillian and Nick investigate, and in doing so find their own salvation - a house which would shelter them from the snow; and an exiled Prince from Gillian's past.Even after reaching the safety of the house, the two young adults were not out of the woods. Rolf de Vinnes was on their trail, Determined to find his wayward fiancee. Having lusting after Gillian for many years he is willing to go to any lengths to recover her.Can a Prince-in-exile, a young woman and her brother overcome the forces that a King's favoured companion could muster? Their predicament sets in motion a train of events that would leave a kingdom reeling. Helped by priests, pirates and princes the trio just might survive. And if they do - the betrayals and treachery that they discover could destroy powerful political alliances. It will also set in motion an unstopable train of events that started two generations ago.For the sake of one man's lust, a kingdom might topple...

Outstanding, a definate must read

Absolutely Fantastic! If you haven't read this book yet, I strongly recommend you grab it and do so. Be careful though, once you open it and start reading, you won't be able to put it back down until you've finished. Ms. Boyett-Compo has packed this book so full that it overflows. There is fantasy, romance, danger, adventure, and mystery, this book has it all. Lady Gillian Cree (Gilly) is a strong willed, spirited young woman. She is in love with Prince Kaelan Hesar and wants to marry him, but her father and stepmother have different plans. They have approved of her betrothal to another man, one she despises. Lord Nicholas Cree (Nick) is Gilly's older brother and he is determined to do everything he possibly can to help Gilly escape from The Keep, their home, so their father cannot force her to wed. Prince Kaelan Hesar has loved Gilly since she was a child and has paid dearly for his love. His older brother Duncan, the Jarl, has forced Kaelan to wed another and cast him out. But Kaelan's love for Gilly still burns stronger than ever and now that he is free, he is determined they will wed. The three of them begin a dangerous journey. Running for their lives to find freedom from those that would rule them. With the help of a few friends they meet on the way, their journey crosses many lands and seas to reach their final destination. This book is completely spellbinding, it grabs you from the first sentence and even after you've turned that final page, you still reach for another page. I am definitely hooked and can hardly wait to read WindChance to find out more.

Outstanding Prose

Charlotte Boyette-Compo's book grips you at page one, pulls you in, and doesn't let you go. If you want a book that will keep you turning the pages, right up to the conclusion--then look no further. WindFall is an outstanding read.Highly Recommended by this reader!