Book overview
In eighteenth-century England, a vicar and his daughter, Amelia, have been run out of town for witchcraft. Amelia is rescued by a Scots poet, starts a new life as a barmaid in London, and eventually takes refuge across the Atlantic, settling with a Scots trapper at the foot of Seneca Mountain.
From there, her life in the New World is a continual harem-scarem of considerable unwanted attention as she is tossed between a Wyandot chief, a witch doctor, a camp preacher, and a magician of European reputation, finally coming full circle back to her tiny English village of Sheepy Magna, where an ancient discovery promises eternal youth...if the quest doesn't kill them first.
Dear Father,
Mistress MacPherson, the widow of the old rector, has an extraordinary tale to tell, which if true is incredible, or if not is a brilliant concoction. One thing is certain: Years ago, terrible things inexplicable to either the laws of philosophy or our Age of Reason happened in this backwater. She has extended me the privilege of passing on her journal to you, and insists on doing so lest all these invaluable records are wiped out. She claims her chastity has been chased after seriatim, but then she is old, confused, and inclined to enhance every anecdote with the grace notes of fevered romance.
Eccentric? Yes. Fascinating? Yes. Truthful? Perhaps. Any peeping Tom reading her story for vicarious pleasures may well end up a doubting Thomas. But if you believe in witchcraft, werewolves, and amazing serendipity, then hold onto your hat.
