Harlequin Historicals has recently published a number of books quite different in setting and voice from the current run of Regency-set romances filling the rosters of most publishers. Margo Maguire’s latest historical romance fits the Harlequin bill nicely: It’s a refreshingly different, creative, and touching romance with enjoyable characters and a whimsical – but still very emotional – story.

Samuel Temple, a scientist recently released from captivity in the Sudan, is haunted by memories of his imprisonment. Once an avid explorer and researcher, he now finds himself paralyzed by fear and unable to contemplate joining any new scientific endeavors and, even more importantly, he cannot bear even a casual touch from another human being. With no scientific expeditions planned, he makes a wager with his brother and journeys to a rural English inn reputed to be haunted. While ostensibly studying the local bees, he is in fact trying to prove that the hauntings are a fraud.

Upon arriving at Lilly Tearwater’s inn in Cumbria, Sam finds himself quite taken with the proprietor. The breathtakingly beautiful and intelligent Lilly, however, has secrets – and a mysterious talent – of her own. She is fascinated by her newest guest and, since she is also deeply curious about foreign places, intent upon hearing all his stories. However, Lilly must fight her own nervousness about getting close to Sam because she does not dare let him learn all her secrets.