OK, so this isn't a new release, but I've only just discovered this book, and I have to say I'm impressed by Mr Brooks. Anyone who can make me believe that their hero can fall in love with a woman who is also a sprite and a tree is some writer. By turns funny, and sad, and very moving, the novel begins with Ben Holiday, a big shot lawyer flicking through a store's Christmas catalogue and discovering they have a magic kingdom called Landover for sale. At first Ben thinks it's a joke. When he pays a million dollars to own the kingdom, and become king of it, his best friend, Miles, thinks he's insane, but Ben knows he has to change his life because since the death of his wife he has been drifting aimlessly. The kingdom turns out to be real. An honest to goodness land inhabited by a hopeless wizard, a talking dog, a dragon with attitude, two G'Home gnomes who are inveterate thieves, an evil witch called Nightshade, and a mysterious figure called the Paladin who comes to Ben's aid when things get rough. I can't tell you any more - it would spoil the story for you - but I loved this book and am now looking for more in the series so if anyone can recommend any I'd be eternally grateful!
Maggie Kingsley (who writes medical romance for Mills & Boon)
