Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Mariller

Juliet Mariller, you have stunned me once again with a masterpiece of literature. Every time, I am amazed. Well, onto the review!

Daughter of the Forest is a thrilling, touching tale of Sorcha, the seventh daughter of a seventh son, who lives in Sevenwaters, surrounded by a mystifying forest, where people can disappear and reappear, years later, memory wiped babbling about fairies. She lives with her seven brothers, each special and unusual in their own way. Her father, struck with despair at her mother's death, pushes all of them to be what he wants them to be, or leaves them as he organizes a conquest against the Brits. Sorcha, as a result, grows up somewhat a tomboy and an extensive knowledge of the herbs. Her life is mostly happy and peaceful - until her life is disturbed by a sorceress. She runs, in danger and her six brothers under a curse. The only way for the curse to be lifted is for Sorcha to do a task and under a condition (secret! No spoilers from me!).

Apparently this is a retelling of an old tale, the Celtic "Swans" myth or the "Seven Swans" story, though I haven't read either.

This book would be a chocolate truffle - in the beginning, it's good chocolate, and you're pretty sure it's going to be good but not completely sure. By the time you hit the center, gooey caramel or creamy chocolate stuff, you're in love.