WINDSWEPT is the fourth novel by critically acclaimed, award winning author Ann Macela. A degreed historian and public school as well as university teacher by trade, Ms. Macela is a veteran writer who can tackle an advertising campaign with the same kind of aplomb as she would muster for a computer manual. Romance writing is a branching out, but as her awards and critics will attest, this branch is strong and does not require pruning!

WINDSWEPT is a foray into the competitive and cut throat world of academia where tenure is the carrot that makes even the most idealistic turn unethical. At the heart of the story is historian Barrett Browning who can all but taste her tenure if she were allowed to catalog and use the treasure trove that are the personal papers of the plantation owners that lived at Windswept. Davis Jamison is the family’s representative who has ownership of them and has the power to grant or deny access. While the two might come to a meeting of the minds, the fact that the papers will require her to temporarily move into his home also has the potential to lead to a meeting of the bodies – for which neither are prepared.

WINDSWEPT is a thoroughly enjoyable read that allows romance aficionados as well as those who adore historical writing to come into their own. Granted, the outcome is a given, but unlike most other contemporary romance novels this one includes a genuine element of suspense and the story telling, the historic accuracy, and also the continued piquing of the reader’s interest about what may have happened in the past indeed more than make up for the somewhat predictable ending. If it were not for the sexual undertones and a couple of adult scenes, this would make a perfect read for an older teen. As it stands, this one is for mature audiences, only!