Ms. Ahearne,

You are, no doubt, surprised at receiving this unexpected message.

So starts an intriguing letter promising great changes for Callie Ahearne.

Texas wasn''t big enough. She''s out of cash, out of work, and out on her own, but she''s big on adventure and flies to Ireland on little more than a promise and a prayer to meet her Irish benefactor, who believes she is the last of her kind, descended of an ancient Irish race. She thinks he''s crazy, but is willing to listen as long as he is footing the bills.

When his latest ruse to unlock her secrets goes bad, a helicopter accident sends Callie and two others crashing into Ancient Ireland, where she must bargain with a powerful woman who holds the key to their safe return.

Now, Callie finds herself in the midst of a struggle for Ireland''s destiny, joining an Irish clan fighting the invading Oliver Cromwell, and falling for the very man whose father she must kill to fulfill her end of the bargain.