The Randolph Family Saga, Book One

This enchanting speculative-fantasy series begins with an inspired retelling of the centuries-old Scottish legend of “Tam Lin.” This insightful coming-of-age story, set in the Scottish Borders country, takes its youthful protagonists on a fairytale journey of imaginative twists and turns, through both humourous and risky plot complications.

On May Eve of 1790, twenty-year-old Janet, an Earl’s only daughter, wanders into Carterhaugh Wood against her father’s orders. There she encounters handsome, charming Tam Lin, who has been nineteen for seven years. He invites her on a lighthearted tour of the Elfin Realm of Summerland … with one impulsive decision, Janet’s simple, carefree life will never be the same.

Soon both lass and lad find themselves navigating a shifting maze of love, doubt, trust, danger, honour, passion and human folly. Tam Lin finds himself caught between two kinds of love … one real, one ideal. Will he choose the naïve mortal girl who has placed her trust in him, or the otherworldly, magical Queen of Elfland, the ideal embodiment of passionate womanhood?

The Family Saga series is a whimsical comedy-of-manners blend of folklore, fantasy, and historical romance. The novels abound with memorable characters: strong-minded female protagonists … handsome, thoughtless young men … quirky kin and servants… Elfin folk ranging from tiny winged fairies to beautiful demi-deities … devilish beings with malice at heart … even the occasional talking animal.

Readers who enjoy literature crafted in the spirit of Austen and Dickens will appreciate Ms. Leslie’s deft explorations of human nature … its follies and contradictions … absurdities, strengths, and vulnerabilities …most of all, the joys, mistakes and redemptions that always attend adventures of the heart.