Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. - John Muir, Scottish American founder of The Sierra Club
This is an apt quote to kick off my review of Mia Marlowe's PLAID TIDINGS, Book 1 of Spirit of the Highlands:
Christmas in the Highlands...
Not any dashing English lord’s idea of a good time. But now that Lord Alexander Mallory has won a Scottish estate in a hand of cards, he is the unlikely laird of the wild, snowy Bonniebroch. Worse yet, the ancient pile of stones comes with a betrothal. To a fiery red-headed virgin. And a curse.
Alex will have his hands full honoring the first, seducing the second and breaking the third … all by Twelfth Night.
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| Bonnie is pretty; broch is tower. Craigievar Castle could be Bonniebroch! |
PLAID TIDINGS is one of the best books of 2013 ...
1. Marlowe delivers the majesty of Scotland - her customs, her people, and her landscape can't help but serve up a romantic backdrop for two unexpected lovers across different borders.
2. PLAID TIDINGS allowed me to cuddle up for a holiday adventure. Yet PLAID TIDINGS is an endearing story that would be a great read anytime of the year ... including a summer fling in the Highlands!
3. Marlowe incorporates the pageantry of the Regency Era ... Scottish Style!
4. Alexander is honorable yet conflicted. Lucinda is determined but pragmatic. As they clash with each other, the reader is treated to the Alexander's wit, Lucinda's warmth, and their ignited passion.
5. Marlowe captures the mystique of Scotland with the spirits who interact with Alexander and Lucinda. Their good intentions add a lighthearted paranormal element to PLAID TIDINGS. And it is the ethereal beings who inspire Alexander and Lucinda to climb the mountains and find their good tidings!
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| The Highlands |
I received an ARC from Marlowe for this review. I posted this review on Amazon (link) and Goodreads (link). I am giving away a print copy of PLAID TIDINGS to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about mountains - do you have a favorite mountain? I felt a real connection with the Wai'anae Mountains - I enjoyed the view every morning during my walk along the Pearl Harbor channel.
2. This giveaway is open to all readers.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, October 12, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, October 13.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
To learn more about Mia and her books, including the prequel novella PLAID TO THE BONE, check out her website at miamarlowe.com.
For more kilted men, check out my pictures from the Maryland Renaissance Festival at this link and link.
