A SCOTTISH LOVE - Karen Ranney
Avon
ISBN: 978-0-06-202778-8
December 2011
Historical Romance

Scotland - 1859

Widow Shona Imrie, the Countess of Morton, is stunned and angry when Gordon MacDermond returns to Inverness . Seven years ago she upset everyone, especially Gordon, when she married the much older Earl of Morton. Gordon rode off and went to war, returning as a hero, and Shona, who thought that marrying Morton would save Gairloch, her family holdings, is now having to sell that precious place in order to just survive. Shona has found a buyer for Gairloch, a rich American, and she must get home to prepare the castle for the arrival of the potential owner. Much to Shona's dismay, Gordon, who owns adjoining property, is also in the area.

Gordon, a newly titled baron, has big plans for the gunpowder works that his family owns. But he is still in love with the lovely Shona, and he wants to know if she might still be in love with him. Her reception is icy, but he senses that there is something lying beneath her coolness. Determined to get to the root of Shona's behavior, Gordon is determined to be a presence in her life. With his injured friend, Shona's brother Fergus, as a buffer, Gordon hopes to find the real Shona beneath the cold countess who has not received him well.

What else is going on, though? Who is the wealthy American and his daughter, and why are they even interested in the ancient Gairloch? Shona is at wit's end when she arrives at Gairloch, just as the Americans arrive.  Thankfully, Gordon is also there and helps with supplies and a cook, but Shona wonders what are his motives ? She is determined to hide her feelings for Gordon, knowing how much she hurt him when she married the earl. Now Gordon is the wealthy one, as well as a national hero, and Shona isn't sure how to handle all of this.

A SCOTTISH LOVE is a reunion of two lovers who both made life-changing decisions seven years ago. Shona is proud, scared, and yet stubbornly resolute about her decision to sell the family home. Gordon is still in love with Shona and makes the decision to wait her out, hoping she'll eventually make the right choice. Secondary characters, especially Shona's brother Fergus, are an excellent supporting cast, seeing the electricity between Shona and Gordon, and hoping for the best.

Another delightful Scottish tale from Karen Ranney, A SCOTTISH LOVE is filled with angst, history, and a simmering romance that threatens to spark at any moment. A very entertaining story with a satisfying finale.

Jani Brooks