Being the author, I'm prejudiced, of course. But looking back over my thirty year writing career, I can say in all honesty that this book is the best of me, combining history and mystery, a romantic, but in no way naive outlook. Here's the thing. All I have ever asked of potential readers is that they read the first chapter. If that doesn't make you want to keep going then stop. In this case, if you only read the first chapter you're going to get the wrong idea, thinking I'm advocating something I'm not. But maybe that's good in a way: the open reader will continue, the prejudiced will not. It isn't all about reaching a large audience, but touching those you do. You won't find a better example of the magic between a writer and reader than HIGHLAND BALLAD. Bon voyage. Christopher Leadem