Set in the wilds of Scotland during a period of historic turmoil, Virginia Henley's novel follows the path to happiness through the traditional 1 year, 1 day long period of a Scottish handfasting. While the primary focus of the novel is the love story between Jane Leslie, the daughter of a Scottish steward, and Lynx de Warenne, a powerful, titled English lord who has been brought to Scotland by the activities of his Plantagenet king - and those of his good friend Robert the Bruce. While Jane and Lynx battle with their feelings for one another, Lynx is also forced to choose between king and country and loyalty to his friend.

For a historical romance, I found this particular book to be very engaging, though some of the dialogue and character development is somewhat stilted. It's still a perennial favorite, and the more recent sequels following the lives of other characters first introduced in this book have been just as much fun. All in all, A Year and a Day is a wonderful example of historical romance and a great kick-off to a small sub-series within Henley's world of books, helping to bring meaning and clarity to the events surrounding the Bruce's ascension to the Scottish throne for modern reading audiences. ( )