Now, seven years later, she is in an even worse situation. Not only does she have Fergus, who was injured badly during the war, to take care of but also Bruce’s cousin, Helen, who had come to live with them. Bruce passed away two years ago, but he had left them penniless. During the first year, she had sold her jewels to provide food for them. For the past year, she sold everything she had that held any value. Two weeks ago, her mourning period had ended, and she had received a letter from her deceased husband’s lecherous great-nephew. He would be taking over the house with his wife and seven children.
Colonel Sir Gordon MacDermond had been awarded a baronetcy for his brave actions in war. Like his father, he was a national hero. As a child, Gordon had been painfully thin and terrified of his overbearing father, but ended up loathing him. His mother had died trying to give birth to another son. Years ago, he would have done anything for Shona, given her everything he had. She had been his first love and he, her first lover. But she had chosen a man with a fortune and a title, the two things Gordon did not have. Her brother, Fergus, was his best friend and had followed him into battle. But unlike Gordon, Fergus had received serious injuries and would walk with a painful limp for the rest of his life. Recently, Gordon’s father had died. Having left the war office and soldiering behind, Gordon plans to work in the armament factory that had been left to him by his maternal grandfather.
Needing income, Shona had put Gairloch, the Imrie Clan castle, up for sale a year ago and had just been informed that a wealthy American family wanted to buy it. So she and Helen needed to go there and make sure everything was clean and ready for the family who plans to meet her there. Fortunately, Gordon had agreed to let Fergus stay with him for the time being, although he was unaware of her financial straits. Fergus did not want to sell the castle. He had also wanted to go with her, but she would not take him as weak as he was. However, after Gordon picked up Fergus, he gave Fergus welcome news; he was on his way to his ancestral home and would take Fergus with him if that was what he wanted. Seeing the opportunity to save his own legacy, Fergus was thrilled. The next day, Shona and Helen left for Gairloch, not knowing that Fergus and Gordon were headed to Rathmhor in Invergaire Glen. Gordon’s ancestral home stood in the shadows of Gairloch. Slowed down by Fergus’ condition, the travelers ran into each other just as they arrived at their destination.
Gordon believed that Shona was even more beautiful now. But though he had loved her once, he did not trust her. Still he was willing to help in any way he could if she would just confide in him and let him know the extent of her problem. When the Americans descended on Shona, Helen and Fergus five days earlier than scheduled, with little food in the house and no funds to buy more, Gordon came to their rescue. As he helped in any way he could, the sparks between them sizzled hotter and hotter. But could they ever regain the closeness and love they once held for each other? Can Fergus save his legacy without starving his family?
An intriguing tale, A SCOTTISH LOVE is a sensual, witty and emotion-packed historical romance. I could not put this book down and stayed up all night to finish it. Along with the romance between Shona and Gordon, there is also the romance between her brother, Fergus, and Elizabeth, the nurse who wounded him in Crimea during the war. Shona fears being wed out of pity whereas Elizabeth believes Fergus is attracted to her out of gratitude, seemingly a hazard for nurses during wartime. Combining wounded war heroes, ghosts, castles, betrayal, subterfuge, complex and compelling characters, clever repartee, humor, passion, detailed descriptions and a second chance at love, author Karen Ranney brings this story to life to such an extent that readers can almost smell the heather of Scotland. Do not miss this delightful tale!
This book was reviewed using a digital galley via Netgalley.com. It’s free for professional readers! Check it out: www.Netgalley.com.
