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Title:
The Spaniard's
Cross

Author:
Sharon K. Garner

Published By:
Hard Shell Word
Factory

ISBN:
0-759-94139-4

Copyright:
2003

Format:
Electronic

Ellie Jaymes, an American librarian recovering from a serious car accident, travels to England to visit her long-time pen pal, Trevor Sinclair, for the first time. Trevor has turned the Cornwall residence of his ancestors into a bed and breakfast. However, the beautiful seaside resort and Trev's kindness are superseded by Sebastian Reynaldos, the inn's first and only guest. Reynaldos, a suave but dangerous Spanish businessman with an obvious interest in Penwith and Trevor's family history develops an unhealthy interest in Ellie. Although she is attracted to him, she senses his danger and remains loyal to Trev.

The strange but charismatic boarder reveals that he is searching for the Spaniard's Cross, a necklace given to one of his ancestors, who was married to one of Trevor's relatives. Trev shows Ellie this necklace one night and tries it on her. Sebastian uses Ellie to gather information, but she plays both ends against the middle, distracting Reynaldos while Trev ransacks his room to gather information about his plans. The wily Sebastian makes several attempts to jeopardize their lives, none of which can be proven. A struggle over the pendant of the book's title, the Spaniard's Cross, ensues. This pursuit reminds me of the term "McGuffin", which the first screenwriters used when referring to an object used as a plot device. The setting never strays from Penwith save for a foray or two into town, and portends an overcast atmosphere for most of the action.

Ms. Garner's main characters, Ellie and Trev, are well rounded and sympathetic. Her prose, while generally good, wanders in some places with trite phrases and descriptions. Some of the plot devices here, particularly the ending fight sequence and Sebastian's Latin lover persona, have been employed in countless romances for years and are somewhat predictable. Even so, I enjoyed The Spaniard's Cross and look forward to future books by Ms. Garner.

Reviewed by: Jade Blackmore