The Murrays #15, Originally published in '07 this edition has a new cover, I love the new cover. I liked this one more than the last Howell book I read. This one was just fine to pick up and read even though I haven't read the first 14 books. I truly enjoyed how this one played out and the characters were well written. Three years ago James Drummond was accused of murdering his wife; cast as an outlaw he went into hiding biding his time before he can come back prove his innocence and claim his land and his daughter. Annora MacKay the poor relation who was born on the wrong side of the sheets was moved Dunncraig Keep to take care of her cousin's daughter. 

Donnell MacKay is a selfish brute of a man who worries more about fancy living than the tenants of the Keep and village, his second is no better. Annora knows something is not right with Donnell's story and even though he tries to alienate her from the rest of the people they still like her and trust her more than they like Donnell. James needed access inside the keep to search for proof that he was framed. Under the disguise of a French woodcarver he easily gains entrance. With the help of Big Berta, the cook, James starts his search but Annora is there to tempt him. Once Annora finds out the truth about James she starts to help which pays off for they soon discover the truth but they still need concrete proof for the King's man to take action against Donnell. Their timetable is forced to move up when Donnell announces that Annora has to marry his second in command. James having already fallen in love with her won't let that happen.

Overall, it was a good read. I liked the characters and the plot. The romance between James and Annora pretty much instintaneous the sparks flew and by the time they gave in the chemistry between was combustible. Meggie, James' daughter, was adorable and wise beyond her years. Big Berta is a force to be reckoned with. It had a heartwarming and funny ending.  

Lady Sorcha Hay is devastated to learn that English soldiers are holding her young brother captive. Penniless, the only way she can pay for his freedom is by taking a hostage for ransom herself. Her captive--a wounded knight plucked from the battlefield--is furious to be imprisoned by a woman. But nothing will stop Sorcha from keeping Sir Ruari Kerr enslaved, even as the sight of his bronzed body sets her mind reeling and her senses afire.

This book had an interesting twist to it that gave it a very strong female lead in Sorcha, which is a hit and miss in historicals (especially considering this was originally released in 1996). I liked her time with Ruari as well as all of their interactions. However, all the kidnapping became tedious and I didn’t really care for some of the side characters, particularly her brother. You would think that, considering all she did for him, he wouldn’t deny what she wanted.

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When Abbie’s family’s farm is attacked, she joins the soldier who shows up to assist her. After the farm is destroyed he takes her to a shelter in town.

This was a good story. I liked both Abbie and Matthew. My one issue was how quickly they slept with each other with out any kind of declaration of love or promise of marriage. In the era this book is set, that would’ve been basically a necessity.

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Two cousins are on a mission to complete Deidre's father’s dying wish after he is murdered. They decide to split up to confuse their pursuers. This book contains the story of each woman as they go on their own adventure to complete their mission during the holiday season.

This was a quick read that was nice for the holiday season. I definitely liked Deidre’s story more than Maura’s, but it was more because of Mitchell as I didn’t really like him that much.

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When You Love a Scotsman by Hannah Howell is Book number Two in the "Seven Brides for Seven Scotsmen". This is the story of Abigail Jenson and Matthew MacEnroy.  
This was an emotional drama filled romance that will have you connecting with the secondary characters.  Although Abbie and Matt have a slow start to leading into love I thought they did have a fast attraction to each other. Overall I enjoyed their story.