Review: Once Upon a Plaid by Mia Marlowe

A wife may be courted, too. . .

Many would count Katherine Douglas fortunate indeed. Laird William Douglas is broad-shouldered, gentle-handed, everything a lass could dream. But after four years of marriage, Katherine still knows little of what goes on in his heart. And she has yet to bear him an heir. The distance between them is too great--and so she flees over the snowy highlands to Glengarry Castle, home of her childhood, to set her husband free. 

But William won't let his wife slip away without a fight. Before long, he's at her father's threshold himself, witness to the rumbles of discontent in Glengarry, the bright joy of Yuletide at a family hearth, and the hidden needs of his own beloved. . .

A holiday Highland historical, oh my! Mia Marlowe has an amazing talent when it comes to bringing Scottish romance to life and with this tale of rekindled romance she outdoes herself. The deep emotions and history between the leading couple is both heart-warming and heart-wrenching. Katherine and William so obviously belong together but day-to-day problems come between them and what better way to bring back the love than with the magic of the Yuletide season. As with every story I've read by Ms. Marlowe the details and descriptions bring to live a time and place so many dream of. She weaves scene, setting, people and perspective so seamlessly that before I know it I'm once again turning the last page on one of her lovely stories. Her skill took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride as I truly become entrenched in what happens with this couple. Do yourself a huge favor if you are a fan of this genre, get this one and give yourself one fantastic gift.

Review: Season For Desire by Teresa Romain

Properly Wicked

Like her four sisters, Lady Audrina Bradleigh is expected to marry a duke, lead fashion, and behave with propriety. Consequently, Audrina pursues mischief with gusto, attending scandalous parties and indulging in illicit affairs. But when an erstwhile lover threatens to ruin her reputation, Audrina has no choice but to find a respectable husband at once. 

Who would guess that her search would lead her to Giles Rutherford, a blunt-spoken American on a treasure hunt of his own? When a Christmas snowstorm strands the pair at a country inn, more secrets are traded than gifts--along with kisses that require no mistletoe--and Audrina discovers even proper gentlemen have their wicked side. . .

Teresa Romain jumps right in to the adventure and then follows up with even more action and intrigue. I loved the connection between Lady Audrina and Giles. And seriously Giles father just about won me over himself. I had a little trouble warming up to Audrina, that was until her father opened his mouth and then I would have helped her with any impropriety she wanted to partake in. I thoroughly enjoyed the treasure hunt as it has been far too long since I've partaken in one, sometimes being and adult really does spoil ones fun! This was a wonderful little Christmas gift and there is nothing more than I like better than a beautiful historical holiday romance especially when the leading couple are so well suited and the descriptions are so vivid. Pick this one up if you are longing to curl up in front of the fireplace and let the holiday magic embrace you.

Review: Not Quite a Wife Mary Jo Putney

Marry in haste, repent at leisure.

James, Lord Kirkland, owns a shipping fleet, half a London gaming house, and is a ruthlessly effective spymaster. He is seldom self-indulgent. . .except when it comes to the gentle, indomitable beauty who was once his wife.

Laurel Herbert gave James her heart as an innocent young girl--until she saw him perform an act of shocking violence before her very eyes. That night she left her husband, and he let her go without a word of protest.

Now, ten years later, a chance encounter turns passionate, with consequences that cannot be ignored. But as they try to rebuild what was broken, they must face common enemies and a very uncommon love. . ..

Mary Jo Putney has amazing skills when it comes to writing historical romance and this story is proof positive of those skills. She takes a story of innocent young love and turns it in to a grand scale adventure full of emotional turmoil and immense passion. Laurel Herbert is one of the most fascinating heroines I have ever read about, her dedication and hard work made her stand out from the usual heroines of the time but she had just enough self-righteousness to make her less than perfect. Lord Kirkland is the stuff book boyfriends are made of and darned if I didn't fall in love with him, not that I'm surprised by my reaction because this formidable man was so easy to lose my heart to. The supporting characters were beyond agreeable and I look forward to going back and reading each and every one of their stories. And for those who don't already have their own tale I can't wait for them to get one. If you are looking for a beautiful, entertaining historical romance this is a must-read.

Review: Caroline's Secret by Amy Lillard

Dear Mamm,

Words cannot tell you how sorry I am for the shame I have brought upon our family.  I never meant any harm, and yet I fell into the temptations that the elders have warned about time and time again. I listened to my foolish heart instead of the teachings of the church. A valuable lesson learned, but too late, for sure. You will never know how much I regret my decisions.

I am writing to let you know that I am safe. I had thought I'd make it all the way to Colorado and the new settlements there that I've Benn reading about, but I got sick after only half the journey. I guess the rocking of the bus and traveling so fast was more than my poor stomach could take. I got off in Oklahoma, fully intending to continue on when I felt stronger, but now that I am here, I think I might stay for a while. I have met a really nice woman. She's Plain like us, but different. She is Beachy Amish, but different than I expected. It’s hard to explain, and I will try to do so in my next letter.  But for now I must close. It's late and I have to get up early to help Esther in the bakery.

 I hope that one day, Dat can forgive me for what I have done.  In the meantime, please tell him that I am sorry and that I love him. I never meant to hurt either of you.

Love,

Caroline

I loved this first book in the Wells Landing series. It gives lots of insight into the Amish world, the strong beliefs and the emotions and consequences of straying.  The great strength it took for Caroline to move a long way from home and her restricted life was amazingly told.  There was also lots of humorous times that were done to try to help her and Andrew get together.

This was a great story that kept me glued to the book, just waiting to see what happened next.  Caroline was amazing to be able to move so far away and then start up with strangers and a child to raise.  The struggle between her Childs father and her Andrew was very emotional and had me hoping for the best for her. I liked the different Amish traditions that were explained; that was like a history lesson, but in a very easy to read way.