On this day in 1759, Robert Burns was born in Alloway, Scotland. He became a pioneer of the Romance Movement and Scotland's National Poet. His birthday is celebrated across the world with Burns Night - a special supper to honor all things Scottish.
Back in 2004, when my husband worked for NATO in the Netherlands, we were invited by the UK delegation to Burns Night. At that time, I was a new reader of the romance genre - I was converted by Cathy Maxwell's THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT, set in Regency Scotland Still, I knew little about Burns.
The evening opened my eyes to how Burns' poetry rallied the Scottish people at a time when their national culture was suppressed following the Jacobite Rebellion. Above, the Master of Ceremonies quotes Burns in praising the Haggis served for supper (I opted for the vegetarian entree).
Scotland. Alba. She is enchanting. She enchanted Blake Stephens, an arrogant Englishman who chased after his Scottish bride in Cathy Maxwell's THE BRIDE SAYS NO:
New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell returns with a delicious new series, The Brides of Wishmore
What happens when a bride says no?
He is the bastard son of a duke, arrogant, handsome, a little bit dangerous, and, of course, one of the most sought-after bachelors in London. He is also about to be publicly jilted by some chit of a girl! Blake Stephens' pride isn't about to let him be humiliated, so he charges after his bride to the wilds of Scotland, determined to bring her to the altar.
What happens when the heart says yes?
He is promised to one woman, but discovers his soul stirred by . . . the chit's sister! Lady Aileen Davidson's reputation was ruined ages ago, which is why she's buried herself in the country, but her fiery spirit and bold beauty threaten to bring Blake to his knees, making him wonder if he has proposed to the wrong lass.
And now he must make a choice: marry for honor . . . or marry for love?
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| Loch Tay near Kenmore, Scotland Released to Public Domain (link) |
I believe Blake would quote Burns' MY HIGHLAND LASSIE, O:
Nae gentle dames, tho' e'er sae fair,
Shall ever be my muse's care;
Their titles a' are empty show;
Gie me my Highland Lassie, O.
Within the glen sae bushy, O,
Aboon the plain sae rushy, O,
I sit me down wi' right good will,
To sing my Highland Lassie, O.
To celebrate Burns Night, Cathy Maxwell, and Highland lassies, I am giving away a special throw blanket with the Scottish Rampart design. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about Burns Night - do you have a favorite poem? Have you attended Burns Supper? Have you (or would you) eat Haggis?
2. This giveaway is open to readers with a US mailing address.
3. Comments are open through Saturday, February 1. I'll post the winner on Sunday, February 2.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Learn more about Cathy and her books from her website at cathymaxwell.com.
Enter the chance to win a copy of THE BRIDE SAYS NO at this link.
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| Book 2 will be available February 25. |
