A Scottish Love

by Karen Ranney

Shona Imrie should have agreed to Gordon MacDermond's proposal of marriage seven years ago -- before he went off to war and returned a national hero -- but the proud Scottish lass would accept no man's charity. The dashing soldier would never truly share her love and the passion that left her weak and breathless -- or so she believed -- so instead she gave herself to another. Now she faces disgrace, poverty, and a life spent alone for her steadfast refusal to follow her heart.

Honored with a baronetcy for his courage under fire, Gordon has everything he could ever want -- except for the one thing he most fervently desires: the headstrong beauty he foolishly let slip through his fingers. Conquering Shona's stubborn pride, however, will prove his most difficult battle -- though it is the one for which he is most willing to risk his life, his heart, and his soul.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Scotland, Fiction, Historical Fiction

353 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 1, 2009

About the author

I’m a writer who’s been privileged to have attained the New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Lists.

Although I've primarily written historical romance, I've also written contemporary romantic suspense, a murder mystery, and I'm having a wonderful time writing about a vampire who is being challenged by her new state of being. (The Montgomery Chronicles: The Fertile Vampire and The Reluctant Goddess coming March 12, 2015.)

I believe in the power of the individual, the magnificence of the human spirit, and always looking for the positive in any situation. I write about people who have been challenged by life itself but who win in the end.

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Website: http://karenranney.com
Email: karen@karenranney.com
Twitter: @Karen_Ranney

Reviews

[Monique Takens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Candlelight Historische roman 1065 , uitgegeven in maart 2013 .
Ik vond dit een rommelig verhaal , alsof de schrijfster zelf ook niet wist wat ze met al de aangevoerde karakters aan moest .
Rapport cijfer 5 = 2 en een half sterren , afgerond naar boven vanwege : Schots kasteel met geheime gangen en geesten 😉

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shona once fell in love with Gordon over seven years ago, but had to turn down his proposal of marriage, even though she cared for him deeply. Now seven years later, she is a widow and her brother has returned from the war injured, with very little money. She knows she has no choice but to sell their ancestral home, to some American's who are willing to buy it from them. It will be the only thing that will save them from starvation. When she travels to their home, Gairloch, it is unexpected to find Gordon around much more than she ever anticipated. With a huge job of restoring Gairloch to its former glory with only a week before the American's arrive, she has little time. But there is a passion just waiting to break free, a passion that makes her dream of things she knows will never come to pass. Gordon, has just returned from the war, granted a Baroncy, and resigned from the military planning on starting a new life for himself. He just never thought that Shona would tempt him to love again, or desire a life with her, even though he knows she will more than likely reject him once again....but can he prove to her that their love is more powerful than fear or doubt?I haven't read Karen Ranney in quite some time, I don't know why though, I always enjoy her stories. A Scottish Love was a very enjoyable and relax into type of book. It was easy to get involved with the story, there wasn't a hardship in following along, or keeping interested. It was a well written story with such flair that it had me at my fullest attention. It may not be a favorite read, but it was a very good one that I felt like it had me from the first page. There was quite a bit of conflict involved with this couple. They both have a past with each other, which is none too pretty. There is quite a bit of drama at times, but not too much to have you running away. Just enough to keep you wanting to read more. I found I liked Gordon much more than Shona. Sometimes I like the heroine more than the hero, but not in this case. I found Shona to be a bit of a coward at times, not willing to fight for what she wants most. I think she could have had more spine that she did in this story. She is like this for about 90 % of the story, she doesn't get courage until the end. Gordon on the other hand I adored with every fiber of my being. He is sexy, strong, a fighter, passionate and the kind you want by your side. He is the epitome of pure male and with some Scot tendacies---he is more than delicious...he is a gourmet meal with desert included. I couldn't get enough of him. It was also fun to see a small love story involving the Shona's brother as well, its always great when we see a development of other characters in the story too. Definitely a story worthy of your time, one that will evoke emotion and the senses. One you don't want to miss out on! So if you like a beautiful setting in the Scottish Highlands, a sexy hero, and a plot that will leave you breathless...this one is for you!!!

Favorite Quote
"You can live without love. But it's like color or flavor or music. It makes life something better, something worth experiencing."
She glanced back at him. "And that's what I was? Color or flavor or music?"
He thought of those years, his smile fading. "You were a rainbow," He said "A feast. A Symphony."

[Sonja · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I was hoping for.

I had high hopes for this book as it sounded really good by the description, but it just didn't have the oomph I had hoped for. It jumped around and seemed kind of disorganized. I liked the back story of the original Gairloch family conflict, but I didn't really 'get' it or why the story kept alluding to this feud until nearer the end of the book - then the light went on and it made sense. BUT - it didn't really add to the story or the conflict of Gordon and Shona like I think it was supposed to. Seemed more a distraction to me.

I liked the characters for the most part, though my hackles rose a little at the initial portrayal of the Americans! Gordon's character was solid with a good back story and internal conflict, though I felt the Works side story seemed a filler and unnecessary as was Rani's character, though he could have been much more interesting had he been more involved in the full plot. I also mostly liked Shona. Though her internal battle over Gordon drove me crazy sometimes, her battle with maintaining their home and finances in the face of tragedy and being the last in the line of Imries was admirable. Who wouldn't do as she stubbornly did in order to keep her brother and companion fed? I also don't think that Shona's initial reasons for choosing to marry Bruce the Earl instead of Gordon were adequately explained and it seemed like she just chickened out and ditched Gordon to me - and who wouldn't be mad about that as Gordon was?! I did like the side story of Elizabeth the guttersnipe nurse and Fergus the Laird of Gairloch, soldier and Victoria Cross recipient. Theirs was a sweet ending. Though Shona and Gordon's story had a decent ending, I wasn't a fan of how it came about, or the rushed and conflicted way they dealt with each other and then jumped to nookie.

The whole story could have been much more profound, but when it takes me 4 days just to get to 20% of the book... well I nearly DNF a few times. I struggled through, but I'm not 100% convinced the effort was worth the time. Oh well. One more done from my November TBR list!

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A SCOTTISH LOVE by Karen Ranney

A Scottish Love is the latest release from author Karen Ranney (aka Katherine Storm). Returning to the historical shores of Scotland with Shona Imrie and Gordon MacDermond, Karen writes another storyline sure to capture the heart of every romance fan.

Shona Imrie is broke, penniless, and she has made the decision to sell the family’s beloved Castle to a wealthy American, Mr. Loftus and his daughter, Miriam. But to add insult to her otherwise tarnished pride, Gordon MacDermond, her childhood sweetheart, her first lover and the man who proposed marriage 7 years ago, has returned from the Indo-Crimean war, a national hero. And he is everything that she remembered-sexy, tall and handsome. But war comes with a high price-Fergus-Shona’s brother and Gordon’s best friend, returned 6months earlier, severely wounded and depressed, and now, Shona needs money to pay the bills.

Gordon is still in love with Shona, and does not understand why she refused his offer of marriage 7 years ago. They were lovers, they were in love, and as far as he is concerned, Shona is still his only love. But Shona married a man 40 years her senior, and is now a widow. Why had Shona turned away from Gordon, into the arms of a stranger? And why is she selling Gairloch Castle?

Shona is worried about Fergus, and must see to his health and safety before she leaves for good. When she asks Gordon to care for and take -in Fergus, she is surprised when she finds them both, at his house by the Castle. Thinking Gordon would return to his military career, she is even more surprised to learn he has moved back home, and will continue to operate his father’s old munitions factory.

With her friend Helen by her side, Shona embarks on a whirlwind frenzy to clean Castle Gairloch before the ‘potential’ new owners arrive. But, their early arrival from America, sends Shona deeper into debt, as she must now feed and entertain several more people including Loftus’s nurse Elizabeth and his bodyguard Helmut. And the stories regarding the castle ghosts, which Shona holds dear, continue to amuse and haunt, the otherwise unhappy guests. Ashamed and broken, Shona offers Gordon her last family jewel, in return for the funds, to buy food for her guests, but it is not the jewels, that Gordon requests in payment. It is her heart.

Meanwhile, Fergus is angry at his sister’s decision to sell their family home. But, Shona has never confided in Fergus, as to the depths of their financial problems, and she must now bear the brunt of his anger and sorrow, towards the inevitable loss of Castle Gairloch. But something or someone, has now angered Fergus-and his thoughts regarding the ‘new owner’s ‘ nursemaid, Elizabeth, have everyone concerned, especially Shona. As Fergus continues to make himself scarce, Shona is left alone with Gordon, to entertain and feed, the American guests.

It is during one of the many castle tours, that Miriam Loftus, sets her sights on Gordon, and declares that Shona and Fergus must arrange a party, to introduce the neighbors, to the new Castle owners.

Realizing she is still in love with General Gordon MacDermond, Shona tries to distance herself from family and friends, but Gordon is forever in her thoughts and dreams. And Fergus’s control over his own emotions explodes, when he reveals, that Elizabeth was more than just a nurse. They have a history—a history that has left Fergus depressed and withdrawn.

Throughout the storyline, several secondary stories, manifest themselves within the walls of Gairloch Castle. Gordon’s munitions factory comes under scrutiny when both the military and a ‘secretive’ group of gentlemen vie for the rights to option a powerful explosive: a history of love and rejection between Fergus and Elizabeth: a ‘ghost’ in the hidden passageways of the family home: and a recounting of a family mystery that culminates in the discovery of long ago lovers, tortured and left to die.

A Scottish Love is a true romance in every sense of a romance novel. The heroine directs the story, her emotions are real and she is torn between the love of a man and her pride. The secondary storylines and characters add complexity, and although, at times we wonder, why are they here?—in the end, their presence adds layers to the mystery surrounding Gairloch Castle and its’ past and present inhabitants. Gordon MacDermond will make you blush, and Fergus will break your heart. But, in true romantic fashion, there is always a Happily Ever After or two or three.



http://thereadingcafe.com/

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

A LASR BEST BOOK!!

A Scottish Love is a book impossible to put down once started. Ms. Ranney’s novel hooked me from the start and kept me interested and engaged with the characters even after I’d reached ‘The End’

The story has two clear main characters: Shona and Gordon. From the first page, I felt the tension and the attraction between them. As the story develops, their feelings unfold, past mistakes are brought to light and the characters begin a path of growth and improvement.

Shona reminded me a lot of Margaret Mitchell’s character, Scarlett O’Hara. Like Scarlett, Shona faces many hardships in life. She is a woman who does what needs to be done to get through and she does it without shedding a tear even though she’s dying inside. Shona is frustrated, sad, and lonely, but she holds back her tears. I am not so strong and more than one tear seeped through my eyes at her circumstances.

Gordon is much like Shona. Strong when he needs to be strong, charming, handsome, and a good man altogether, but like Shona he has a major flaw which keeps him away from happiness: his pride. Too much pride on both characters' part creates setbacks both in their lives and in their relationships. Gordon is better at hiding his pride, and is perhaps not even aware, that he shares the same amount of pride she does. Shona on the other hand, is prideful through and through and that hinders her and keeps her away from Gordon and away from happiness. Besides their pride, both characters are also terribly stubborn. It was extremely frustrating. More than once, I felt like locking them up in a room and not letting them out until they solved their issues.

Throughout the story emotions run raw, painting a vivid picture of hurt and pain between the characters. It was excruciating to read through each of their encounters and their past and hope for them to reunite; that one of them would give in to the love that was so palpable between them.

Finally, it is important to mention the other interweaving stories that play throughout the novel. Craft fully introduced, snippets of past ghosts tell the tragic tale of the Weeping Ghost and the Piper. Woven into the story, Shona’s brother Fergus and the nurse Elizabeth also find love and demonstrate that if you’re willing, love doesn’t have to be as bittersweet as Shona’s and Gordon’s (though Fergus and his nurse also go through their share of pain).

With memorable characters, a bittersweet story that captivates your heart and leaves behind a message of hope (mistakes can be fixed), A Scottish Love is a book worth reading time and time again.

[Dabney · Rating 1 out of 5]

The beginning of this book is so peculiar, it’s disconcerting. It's 1859 in Inverness and Shona, the widowed Countess of Morton, so penniless she can barely feed herself, is interviewing - just for the hell of it - four stalwart lads she's asked to remove their shirts. I found this odd beyond measure. She's wasting these young men's time, she's ogling them in a society where such behavior could ruin her, and she’s doing this because she’s what? Bored?

Into this tableau strides Sir Gordon MacDermond, the man Shona once loved, and according to him, betrayed. He's come to see her brother and his friend, the war wounded Fergus, whom Gordon hasn't seen in six months, since both men returned from India. Shona, Fergus, and her companion Helen are all about to be evicted from their home - her husband's heir is taking the house. Shona's husband left her destitute and now, having sold everything she owns to pay off his debts and support her small family, she has nowhere to turn.

Shona and Gordon still love one another, but for hazy reasons neither can embrace the other. As Gordon is leaving, he stiffly inquires if Fergus needs anything and Shona, desperate, asks if Gordon can offer her brother a home in Inverness. She lies to Gordon about her distressed circumstances and tells him she's having a new house in Inverness readied and thus will be able to take Fergus back in a few weeks. Gordon agrees to take Fergus and Shona and Gordon part, full of thoughts of their passionate, rolling in the heather youthful love.

To read the rest of my review, go to All About Romance:

http://www.likesbooks.com/cgi-bin/boo...

[Jen Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life pretty much sucks for Shona. She married a man she didn't love, who withered away before her eyes and left her a penniless widow. Her brother, Fergus, was crippled in the war. And she has had to sell everything she owns to take care of him and her companion, Helen. The only thing she has left of value is the family's ancestral castle, and she must part with that too, or else she'll have to become a beggar.

As if all that were not bad enough, her long lost love, Gordon, has come back in her life. Her father talked her out of marrying him before he went off to war and time has not softened their feelings for one another. But even as they are still drawn to one another, neither can get over the wounds of their past.

So Shona works to sell the castle to an American family... a horrible lot of people, while suffering mostly in silence. It's dreadfully depressing. And it's made worse when she begins to see that a lot of her heartbreak is of her own making. Even the love scenes are tempered with sadness and loss. Yes, the ending is happy, but for 90% of the book, I was ready to toss Shona off a cliff (or maybe toss myself off one) to end all the misery.

The book is well written, but it was a downer for too long for me to really enjoy. Even the ancient love story of the ghosts in the castle had a terrible ending. Not quite 3 stars.


*ARC Provided by NetGalley

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

While waiting for the next NH novel from the library, I decided to take a break from pararnormal romance, and revisit my other fave genre- historical romance. I have liked many of Ranney's works, and was excited when I found out she had a new book out. As much as I enjoyed the story itself, I am torn between a three and four star rating. I can't pinpoint what it was specifically that stopped me from a four star rating, but for me, something was missing w/ this story. So, on that notes, here is what I liked about it.... Overall, I found the story an easy, enjoyable read and absolutely loved Ranney's descriptions of Scotland, the castle, and the times. I thought she did a great job of recreating the above and brings readers into the story. I also liked the pride and independence of Shona, the lead heroine. Although there was lot to like, as I said, something was missing. Despite the vivid desciptions of the scenery, I thought the story started slow and moved slowly for most of the book. I must admit it picked up towards the end. I also found myself annoyed w/ Shona's pride and arrogance after the first 100 pages of so. Although I was pleased w/ the ending, I would have liked to see more w/ Shona's and Gordon's characters, and how Shona overcame the above. If asked, I might recommend the book for fans of historical romance, especially w/ Ranney's vivid descriptions.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5)A SCOTTISH LOVE by Karen Ranney is an exciting historical romance set in 1859 Iverness,Scotland. This author has done it again with “A Scottish Love”,while it has its sad times,it is a breathtaking story of love,struggle,secrets past and present,forgiveness,romance,sensual tension,a proud Scottish lass and a proud war decorated Scottish hero. Gordon MacDermond is a handsome,sexy,determined,war hero who has a past history with the beautiful,young widow Countess Shona Imrie Morton. While Shona’s brother,Fergus,is home from war with a wounded leg,Shona is taking a secret. They are penniless and must sale their childhood home.This is a story with a need to be told as the characters learn to find forgiveness and true love. “A Scottish Love” will appeal to any reader who enjoys Scottish lasses,Scottish war heroes,historicals,Scotland,romance with maybe a ghost.A great read full of a few twists and turns as well as love and romance. Received for review from Net Galley and the publisher. Details can be found at Avon,an imprint of Harper Collins and My Book Addiction Reviews.

[Caoimhe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book about two people with too much pride. Shona was doing her best with what she had, but refused to ask anyone for help. She had decided it would be best to sell the castle she and her brother grew up in to a rich American. When she went to Gairloch to prepare it for the visiting Americans, Gordon was there. He wants her still, but doesn't want to compete with her pride. Meanwhile, she is biting her tongue constantly so as not to alienate Mr. Loftus and his daughter. At the same time, Shona's brother Fergus is reunited with the woman he loved, who is serving as nurse to Mr. Loftus. He has too much pride to ask her to marry him when he is poor and crippled from a war wound. Elizabeth feels she is no good for him due to her past. Overall, I enjoyed this book. There were a couple really fun parts, like when Shona played the part of a ghost. I did want to smack her quite often for being so stubborn.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the characters in this book. Shona, a woman who is too stubborn, headstrong, and prideful for her own good, and Gordon, the man who conquers her fears and rekindles the love they once knew. Fergus, Shona's brother, who is trying to live with a war wound and deal with his own feelings of love for an angel of mercy. Helen, not only a companion, but a friend. And a long ago story of love so bittersweet it will squeeze your heart. There were moments that I busted out laughing and moments that I teared up. There was even a moment that I was there, on the hill, listening to outlawed pipes as the sound wrapped itself about me. Karen never fails to deliver, for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to lose themselves in a world of Scottish charm and love. Just remember, often the road to happiness is a bumpy one. Enjoy the ride!

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page 88 of A SCOTTISH LOVE:

"The clouds skimmed over the sky as if blown by God in a fit of temper. The heather shivered in a cascade of purple against green. The grasses stood proudly, almost in regimental order, saluting the wind as it passed."

I've been reading Karen Ranney's books for a long time--in fact, the first and only fan letter I've ever written to an author was to her. And (probably not a coincidence) that book was set in Scotland. When I read the above paragraph, I thought of how long I've wanted to visit there...and when I do, which I'm determined will be sooner rather than later, I'm going to remember that paragraph while I--yes, ME!!--watch the clouds skim over the sky as if blown by God.

IN SCOTLAND:)

And that's how you know you're in the hands of a gifted writer.

[Mombo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this novel should have been titled "A Long Slow Scottish Love". The romance between Shona and Gordon was so long and slow (and eventually poignant) that a good case of Scotch whiskey could have aged in that time it took to get from start to finish.

I kept drifting off thinking about the Scottish economy of 1871 and how much it must cost to keep a good castle running. The decision to sell the place should have been made ages ago by Shona and Fergus's grandparents for heaven's sake. They were broke, utterly miserably broke, and if you want to read about anyone in worse financial trouble than you've probably ever been in then this is the book for you!

[LInda L · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read and loved a lot of Ranney's books -- this was not one of them. These people act so dumb they need keepers. Interspersed in the book are scenes from many years ago, which adds to the general confusion. The heroine is so destitute she sells all her possessions to buy food, but for whatever reason won't tell her brother??? And enter the gross Americans who may want to buy the castle -- or not. This was a strange book.

[Eve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Would give it 2 and a half stars probably. Unfortunately their characters were so bullheaded and stubborn that things didn't really get going until halfway through..relationship-wise. The rest of the book was all about the past and bad decisions that had been made. It got a bit better at the end, but not enough to make up for what came before.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Inverness, Scotland 1859

Shona was 27 but I never got a age for Gordon. The story was not that great. I never could really connect with Shona and Gordon wasn't much better. I liked the twist at the end about who attacked Shona and the Americans. Other than that, the story wasn't that great. I hated the American daughter, spoiled bitch. And her father wasn't much better.

[Jultri · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5. Heroine's resentment of hero was rather baffling and without justification given that she did the betraying all those years ago. Her treatment of her older brother, though well-meaning, was also rather overbearing and condescending but the author's masterful storytelling saved the book from a lower rating.

[Regi Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Karen Ranney's books but this one just didn't do it for me. The story and relationship were painfully slow to develop. The point of view jumped around between too many characters. The premise was interesting but it just didn't live up to its potential. Had it been any other author I would have given it two stars.

[Missy Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading this author. I really liked her writing and storytelling style. It's a good romance with interesting Scottish history added in. Hot hero, head strong heroine, and steamy love scenes. Overall a really good read.

[Sarah Dizon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look for my review at Nocturnereads.com! :)

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated 3.5 Blue Ribbons

[Fern · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm currently reading this book and it's gonna be a good one. I'm only sorry it's not Friday so I can stay up to finish it.

[Elle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was slow going, and I kept wondering what was keeping them from being together. The answer really didn't make sense to me.

[Sharon Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shona Imrie should have agreed to Gordon MacDermond's proposal of marriage 7 years ago. Unfortunately we all make mistakes. This is a good book telling us that some mistakes can be fixed.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The only that I might have wanted a little different is the 'Bad guy'... Really wanted it to be someone else and have him get what he deserved! lol

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of pride and love. This book has everything from drama to adventure, and even love.

[Beth Streeter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok. Kinda slow plot and a bit of a frustrating plot line, but overall good and as always a happy ending.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gordon and Shona's story. This was ok.

[Aly is so frigging bored · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Karen Ranney book I cry like an idiot. She writes amazing stories and characters and the emotions she conveys... wow.