Jennifer Ashley's Ian Mackenzie

Judith is the author of The Sacred Women’s Circle series, romantic fiction that honors spiritual practices that nourish the soul and celebrates the journey from relationship to romance.

The Genre-istas are writing about their favorite Other Abled Characters this month and our guests are authors who write authentic other abled characters.

When we say “other abled” many think of a physical disability or illness that impacts a person’s ability to function.

Having had a head injury, a non-visible condition that dramatically affected my ability to do even simple tasks, I want to introduce you to Jennifer Ashley, an incredibly gifted author’s exceptionally well written The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie. This book is the first in of her Mackenzie/McBride series. Take my advice and start with this, the first book in the series, and work your way through. You’ll be impressed and entertained!

Be aware when you check out Ms. Ashley's website, she also writes shapeshifter paranormal. She's a best selling, award winning author in this genre but I remain a fan of her historical novels.

What draws me to this novel?

Watching Ian Mackenzie, we cannot see his challenges. Just by looking at him, he appears as the rest of his brothers do.

Outside.

Until we attempt to engage with him, he looks and moves about just like anyone else. Only when we try to catch his eye, talk to him, do we see he isn't like everyone else.

Of course in Victorian times, when this series is set, mental institutions, the ability to commit someone to one, the care (or lack) of patient care was very different than it is today.

As long as his father, the Duke of Kilmorgan, is alive, Ian is at risk. Therefore as long as his father is alive, the mental institution is where Ian survived.

We learn when reading Ian's story, not only about the ordeals survived but how he finds his way to his own happily-ever-after.

I’d say a lot more but I don’t want to spoil a heart-breaking and yet uplifting story about what it takes to find some semblance of ‘normal’, find a toe-hold and then a foot-hold on the path that will bring happiness.

I strongly encourage you to read the entire Mackenzie series. If that doesn’t fit in with your plans do find time to read the series through The Duke’s Perfect Bride, to see another phase of Ian’s story.

And if you are looking for a Western, check out PatyJager’s Doctor in Petticoats in her Halsey Brothers series.

Contemporary, paranormal? Sarah Raplee’s new release Blindsight is also meticulously researched.

What is your favorite other-abled character? And if you don’t have one yet, I hope by the end of the month you’ll have a list to add to your To Be Read pile!

Learn more about The Sacred Women’s Circle series on her website.

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© 2017 Judith Ashley