Think about if you knew all your life what you were going to be when you grew up. In fact, you trained for your profession every day. It was all you knew, what you expected, what you worked toward, then suddenly you’re told plans have changed; find a different profession, another life goal. That would be quiet a shock, and it certainly is for Giselle, the heroine of Amy Tolnith’s novel, A Lost Touch of Innocence.

Giselle is unaware of her beautiful hair or lush body. It is a sin to take pride in her appearance. The abbess at the nunnery makes her memorize a set of rules for living, which includes tamping down all emotions. Things are hard at the convent, but it is the only life she knows. That is, until she makes the mistake of warning Sister Anne to slow her eating because she might choke. Once everyone discovers she foresaw the choking in a vision, she is shunned and tossed out on her rear, only to be bundled off to somewhere else.

Piers Veuxfort loves horses and women, not necessarily in that order. It works out well because they like him as well. Life is good because as a single, younger son he gets to indulge his two great pleasures. There is an issue with an inner demon he picked up in a magical cave, but he can deal with it. What he can’t deal with is some beautiful little nun who happened to be dropped on his doorstep as his betrothed. He never plans to marry despite how tempting Giselle is. Besides, he must keep his distance before his inner demon can savage the little innocent.

Giselle works hard to maintain her docile quiet manner, but Piers with his rakish ways sets her off. She refuses to be bundled off so her new husband can indulge his whims with a never-ending stream of women. Piers is determined to marry his virginal nun, but is frightened of the hold she has on his heart. The story is helped out by the magical family members complete with unusual quirks as well as powers. The story is tightly woven and moves fast. There is a menace hanging over Giselle that keeps the pages turning.

A Lost Touch of Innocence is a truly unique tale with lovers with paranormal skills. It is such a tightly woven tale that it is hard to put down. Readers will enjoy the dynamic changes of primary characters and the antics of the secondary characters. This is a must read.

Reviewed by Morgan
© January 2008