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A Match Made in Heather
WHEN HIGHLAND HEARTS COLLIDE...
Arabel Rowland was the laird’s daughter, courted by sons of dukes and as wild and untamed as the Highlands around her. Garrick McGuiness was nothing more than a penniless, nameless Scot working in the Rowland stables with nothing to offer but his heart. On the eve when they were to elope, Arabel is forced to make a decision that changes both of their lives--one that drives them apart for a decade. SPARKS ARE SURE TO FOLLOW
Ten years later, Garrick is now Earl of Townsend and surprised to receive word of an inheritance from the Rowlands--and simply stunned to learn that he must share that inheritance with the one woman he hoped never to see again. His plan is to fulfill the will's requirement, take the money, and never return to Scotland again. But when the deadly secret that came between them is revealed, he finds himself experiencing the Highlands--and his feelings toward Arabel--in a way he never did before. Fate tore them apart, but now he’s back in her life with status, money and a title. Can they let go of past hurts and find love?
Arabel Rowland was the laird’s daughter, courted by sons of dukes and as wild and untamed as the Highlands around her. Garrick McGuiness was nothing more than a penniless, nameless Scot working in the Rowland stables with nothing to offer but his heart. On the eve when they were to elope, Arabel is forced to make a decision that changes both of their lives--one that drives them apart for a decade. SPARKS ARE SURE TO FOLLOW
Ten years later, Garrick is now Earl of Townsend and surprised to receive word of an inheritance from the Rowlands--and simply stunned to learn that he must share that inheritance with the one woman he hoped never to see again. His plan is to fulfill the will's requirement, take the money, and never return to Scotland again. But when the deadly secret that came between them is revealed, he finds himself experiencing the Highlands--and his feelings toward Arabel--in a way he never did before. Fate tore them apart, but now he’s back in her life with status, money and a title. Can they let go of past hurts and find love?
151 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 20, 2017
35 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
About the author
Anna Harrington
44 books775 followersI fell in love with historical romances and all things Regency—and especially all those dashing Regency heroes—while living in England, where I spent most of my time studying the Romantic poets, reading Jane Austen, and getting lost all over the English countryside.
When I read my first Regency romance in 2012, I was hooked and longed to create my own independent and spirited heroines and dashing heroes. The best part of writing historical romances is falling into history—to live in the world of Regency England through my characters, with dazzling balls, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous houses that I would otherwise never be able to experience. I love the period’s rich history and find that all those rules of etiquette and propriety can be worked to the heroine’s advantage…if she’s daring enough to seize her dreams.
In addition to earning my degrees in the U.S., I have studied theatre in London, Mexican history in Guadalajara, and Spanish in Ecuador. I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting schools and volunteering with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico, and I have amassed thousands of photos I unleash on unsuspecting friends who dare to ask about my travels.
I love to be outdoors! I've been hiking in Alaska, the Andes, and the Alps, including one week spent dangling off the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and I love whitewater rafting (when I don't fall in!). I earned my pilot’s license at Chicago Midway (To all the controllers in Chicago Center—I greatly apologize for every problem I caused for you and Southwest Airlines), and it is my dream to one-day fly in a hot-air balloon over Africa.
I adore all things chocolate, shamelessly dive into ice cream of any flavor, and guzzle Kona coffee by the gallon. A Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house is bigger on the inside), I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. When I'm not writing, I like to spend my time trying not to kill the innocent rose bushes in my garden.
When I read my first Regency romance in 2012, I was hooked and longed to create my own independent and spirited heroines and dashing heroes. The best part of writing historical romances is falling into history—to live in the world of Regency England through my characters, with dazzling balls, beautiful dresses, and gorgeous houses that I would otherwise never be able to experience. I love the period’s rich history and find that all those rules of etiquette and propriety can be worked to the heroine’s advantage…if she’s daring enough to seize her dreams.
In addition to earning my degrees in the U.S., I have studied theatre in London, Mexican history in Guadalajara, and Spanish in Ecuador. I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting schools and volunteering with children's organizations in Peru, Ecuador, Thailand, and Mexico, and I have amassed thousands of photos I unleash on unsuspecting friends who dare to ask about my travels.
I love to be outdoors! I've been hiking in Alaska, the Andes, and the Alps, including one week spent dangling off the via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and I love whitewater rafting (when I don't fall in!). I earned my pilot’s license at Chicago Midway (To all the controllers in Chicago Center—I greatly apologize for every problem I caused for you and Southwest Airlines), and it is my dream to one-day fly in a hot-air balloon over Africa.
I adore all things chocolate, shamelessly dive into ice cream of any flavor, and guzzle Kona coffee by the gallon. A Doctor Who fanatic (everyone says my house is bigger on the inside), I am a terrible cook who hopes to one day use my oven for something other than shoe storage. When I'm not writing, I like to spend my time trying not to kill the innocent rose bushes in my garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 24, 2019
A Match Made in Heather was a delightful second chance at love story set in the Highlands and I really enjoyed it.
Arabel Rowland and Garrick McGuiness built their dreams in secret for as the laird’s daughter and a penniless stablehand, the two were forbidden to be together. On the night they were to elope, tragedy struck Arabel’s family and she was forced to choose between her duty and her heart. Her choice drove Arabel and Garrick apart for a decade until they were reunited by a shared inheritance. Garrick intends to fulfill the will’s requirement to live at Highburn castle for a month then leave Scotland forever. However, the longer he’s around Arabel the more his feelings return and he begins to rethink the future he’s laid out for himself.
Arabel has always been the dutiful daughter and has a hard time standing up to her family. She struggles to make her own decisions as her family has strong opinions on what she should be doing. Arabel sees Highburn as a chance to restore her family’s name, but she struggles to find a way to tell her family of her plans. Despite her inability to stand up to her family, Arabel is fiercely independent and has a very passionate nature.
Garrick built his life from nothing after he was run out of Scotland. He managed to save up enough money to purchase an officer’s position in the military and he was extremely helpful in the war against the French. As a result of his contributions, he was awarded an English earldom for the remainder of his lifetime. In the ten years since he left Scotland, Garrick has been unable to let go of what Arabel’s family did to him and sees Highburn as a way to get revenge against the Rowlands so he can finally move on.
When Arabel and Garrick are reunited, their relationship has a bit of a rocky start despite the obvious chemistry they still have. Slowly the truth about everything comes out and the characters begin to work through everything, but there are a number of stumbling blocks along the way. Their physical connection though is never in doubt as the sparks fly whenever these two are together and we get a few sexy scenes in the short book.
Despite its shortness, A Match Made in Heather was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a quick romance set in the Highlands.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Arabel Rowland and Garrick McGuiness built their dreams in secret for as the laird’s daughter and a penniless stablehand, the two were forbidden to be together. On the night they were to elope, tragedy struck Arabel’s family and she was forced to choose between her duty and her heart. Her choice drove Arabel and Garrick apart for a decade until they were reunited by a shared inheritance. Garrick intends to fulfill the will’s requirement to live at Highburn castle for a month then leave Scotland forever. However, the longer he’s around Arabel the more his feelings return and he begins to rethink the future he’s laid out for himself.
Arabel has always been the dutiful daughter and has a hard time standing up to her family. She struggles to make her own decisions as her family has strong opinions on what she should be doing. Arabel sees Highburn as a chance to restore her family’s name, but she struggles to find a way to tell her family of her plans. Despite her inability to stand up to her family, Arabel is fiercely independent and has a very passionate nature.
Garrick built his life from nothing after he was run out of Scotland. He managed to save up enough money to purchase an officer’s position in the military and he was extremely helpful in the war against the French. As a result of his contributions, he was awarded an English earldom for the remainder of his lifetime. In the ten years since he left Scotland, Garrick has been unable to let go of what Arabel’s family did to him and sees Highburn as a way to get revenge against the Rowlands so he can finally move on.
When Arabel and Garrick are reunited, their relationship has a bit of a rocky start despite the obvious chemistry they still have. Slowly the truth about everything comes out and the characters begin to work through everything, but there are a number of stumbling blocks along the way. Their physical connection though is never in doubt as the sparks fly whenever these two are together and we get a few sexy scenes in the short book.
Despite its shortness, A Match Made in Heather was a thoroughly enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a quick romance set in the Highlands.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
February 10, 2018
4.5 helms
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages (www.vellumvoyages.com)
What a lovely second chance at love romance! A satisfying novella which has all the love, passion & drama of a full-length romance!
Garrick McGuiness, a penniless stablehand of the powerful Rowland clan of the highlands, falls in love with the laird's lovely daughter Arabel and she with him. Giving her innocence to him at the tender age of 18, both were madly in love with each other and planned to elope one fateful night together. As Garrick goes to collect Arabel, she begs Garrick to give her more time as her family desperately needed her that night and she couldn't leave them. This decision changes both their lives forever and they are forced to forge their own paths for ten long years without each other.
Garrick is now the Earl of Townsend and Arabel is engaged to another, but a surprising joint inheritance of the Rowland's, crumbling estate of Castle Highburn (Arabel's childhood house) has been bestowed upon Garrick and Arabel and they must live in the estate together for a month if they both want Castle Highburn as part of their assets. Arabel is delighted to be able to live in her childhood house again and requests Garrick to forfeit the estate straight away but Garrick finally has a chance to have his revenge against Arabel and her family and doesn't plan on going anywhere till he gets his share of the estate, his money and finally his revenge on the Rowland clan. But Garrick and Arabel don't plan on their old feelings resurfacing and find themselves desperately fighting their love for one another which was never forgotten by either of them.
This has two of my favourite tropes in romance: a) a second chance at love from childhood b) rich girl, poor boy or vice versa and both rolled into one great book! Loved every minute of it and I'm tempted to re-read it again immediately, just so that I can revisit Garrick and Arabel. The love between the two characters is so palpable and honest, I was completely taken in by their heartbreak and their years of separation from one another. There are a few misunderstandings and secrets between the two, so it was a sigh of relief when they were all out in the open and Garrick and Arabel could at long last have their future together.
Anna Harrington does have a modern voice in her historical romances, noticeable but forgivable as the story had a great pace, wonderful characterization and two of my most loved tropes :D
*Thank-you Anna Harrington, Netgalley & Swerve (St. Martin's Press) for the ARC.
Please follow me on my blog :) Review originally posted on Vellum Voyages (www.vellumvoyages.com)
What a lovely second chance at love romance! A satisfying novella which has all the love, passion & drama of a full-length romance!
Garrick McGuiness, a penniless stablehand of the powerful Rowland clan of the highlands, falls in love with the laird's lovely daughter Arabel and she with him. Giving her innocence to him at the tender age of 18, both were madly in love with each other and planned to elope one fateful night together. As Garrick goes to collect Arabel, she begs Garrick to give her more time as her family desperately needed her that night and she couldn't leave them. This decision changes both their lives forever and they are forced to forge their own paths for ten long years without each other.
Garrick is now the Earl of Townsend and Arabel is engaged to another, but a surprising joint inheritance of the Rowland's, crumbling estate of Castle Highburn (Arabel's childhood house) has been bestowed upon Garrick and Arabel and they must live in the estate together for a month if they both want Castle Highburn as part of their assets. Arabel is delighted to be able to live in her childhood house again and requests Garrick to forfeit the estate straight away but Garrick finally has a chance to have his revenge against Arabel and her family and doesn't plan on going anywhere till he gets his share of the estate, his money and finally his revenge on the Rowland clan. But Garrick and Arabel don't plan on their old feelings resurfacing and find themselves desperately fighting their love for one another which was never forgotten by either of them.
This has two of my favourite tropes in romance: a) a second chance at love from childhood b) rich girl, poor boy or vice versa and both rolled into one great book! Loved every minute of it and I'm tempted to re-read it again immediately, just so that I can revisit Garrick and Arabel. The love between the two characters is so palpable and honest, I was completely taken in by their heartbreak and their years of separation from one another. There are a few misunderstandings and secrets between the two, so it was a sigh of relief when they were all out in the open and Garrick and Arabel could at long last have their future together.
Anna Harrington does have a modern voice in her historical romances, noticeable but forgivable as the story had a great pace, wonderful characterization and two of my most loved tropes :D
*Thank-you Anna Harrington, Netgalley & Swerve (St. Martin's Press) for the ARC.
December 19, 2017
A match made in heather is a stand-alone novella by Anna Harrington. It's a second chance romance, but very enjoyable to me which was a surprise. Both, Arabel and Garrick are hang up on some parts of their past which are brought up very often, but in my opinion, it worked out without making this short story heavy because some things needed to be said. The story had a good flow and the pace was the one this novella needed to work out. In this novella, we don't have many characters appearing and it's mainly Arabel and Garrick. That is not a bad thing though. I liked both of them. I understood their motives and what was driving them to do what they did or why the reacted in a certain way. I wouldn't have minded if this novella was a little bit longer. I enjoyed it very much and I wanted an epilogue a couple of years later, just seeing them together in Highburn with a couple of children being happy and in love.
November 13, 2017
Series: Stand alone Novella
Publication Date: 12/19/2017
Anna Harrington’s Regency tales are always well written, well plotted and well-paced. I enjoyed this story of second chances very much.
Ten long years ago Arabel and Garrick were very much in love and they were going to elope. Then, on the night of the elopement, Arabel tells Garrick that she cannot go because of a family situation that has just developed. Garrick is heartbroken and just doesn’t understand why she always chooses her family over him. Then, when she thinks he has left her, she can’t forgive him.
I won’t tell you a lot about the story itself because the synopsis tells you that – and since it is a novella, if I tell you too much, you won’t enjoy the book. There are huge misunderstandings in this story and you wonder how they can get past them. Given what happened to him, I would have thought Garrick would be the one unable to forgive, but it was Arabel who kept clinging to her hurt and anger. Frankly, she got on my last nerve but finally came around so they got their HEA.
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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
Publication Date: 12/19/2017
Anna Harrington’s Regency tales are always well written, well plotted and well-paced. I enjoyed this story of second chances very much.
Ten long years ago Arabel and Garrick were very much in love and they were going to elope. Then, on the night of the elopement, Arabel tells Garrick that she cannot go because of a family situation that has just developed. Garrick is heartbroken and just doesn’t understand why she always chooses her family over him. Then, when she thinks he has left her, she can’t forgive him.
I won’t tell you a lot about the story itself because the synopsis tells you that – and since it is a novella, if I tell you too much, you won’t enjoy the book. There are huge misunderstandings in this story and you wonder how they can get past them. Given what happened to him, I would have thought Garrick would be the one unable to forgive, but it was Arabel who kept clinging to her hurt and anger. Frankly, she got on my last nerve but finally came around so they got their HEA.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."
November 11, 2017
If you love reading Regency romance, you can't go wrong with Anna Harrington's books!
Arabel & Garrick were young lovers, planning to elope because her family would not approve of her marrying beneath her family. On the day they planned to leave, she refuses to go due to a family problem. Garrick is taken by force to the coast in order to get him out of her life and that is where the problems begin.
Fast forward 10 years and our couple meets again when Arabel's uncle dies and leaves half of Highburn Castle to Arabel and half to Garrick. How long will it take our couple to learn the truth and forget the past in order to have a HEA together?
In the tradition of all Regency romances, this book has misunderstandings, proud and stubborn men and women and meddlesome relatives. Add in some steamy but amazing sex and wonderful writing and you have a thoroughly entertaining book!
Ms. Harrington is a gifted author and if her books do not make you laugh, cry, rage against the circumstances and (finally) cheer, then you don't have a heart! If Regency is your type of book, grab this one and enjoy.
Arabel & Garrick were young lovers, planning to elope because her family would not approve of her marrying beneath her family. On the day they planned to leave, she refuses to go due to a family problem. Garrick is taken by force to the coast in order to get him out of her life and that is where the problems begin.
Fast forward 10 years and our couple meets again when Arabel's uncle dies and leaves half of Highburn Castle to Arabel and half to Garrick. How long will it take our couple to learn the truth and forget the past in order to have a HEA together?
In the tradition of all Regency romances, this book has misunderstandings, proud and stubborn men and women and meddlesome relatives. Add in some steamy but amazing sex and wonderful writing and you have a thoroughly entertaining book!
Ms. Harrington is a gifted author and if her books do not make you laugh, cry, rage against the circumstances and (finally) cheer, then you don't have a heart! If Regency is your type of book, grab this one and enjoy.
December 27, 2017
And so we go to Scotland and all the beauty and magic that setting usually delivers. I've read a couple of books by Anna Harrington this year, she was one of those great author discoveries I had in 2017. I wasn't sure how to feel about reading a standalone from her though because I tend to do better with historical romance series. But then the premise of this is bound to draw you in and the writing will keep you turning the pages.Arabel was the laird's daughter and Garrick the stable boy. They loved each other and were supposed to elope until Arabel chose to stay with her family during a trying time and Garrick was given no choice but to disappear from her life. Neither one of them knows the true story about what happened to the other that night. Now ten years later, they're set to inherit a family home ... together. And to claim that inheritance they must live together in it for a period of time.
A MATCH MADE IN HEATHER is the perfect sweet second chance romance. I'm not usually one for novellas but this one delivered everything that I needed to see to believe in their HEA. I was rooting for them and wanted to dive in and uncover those secrets that kept them apart. And, yes, ok, I wanted to throttle them for the lack of communication skills but I mostly overlooked that because it didn't cross over into annoying territory.
If you haven't read this author before, this is a great little standalone taste perfect for the winter months.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Francesca❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
December 17, 2017
The appeal of Anna Harrington is the fire that catches the minute her stories begin. A Match Made in Heather is no exception to the rule. At first introduction, Garrick and Arabel set off sparks. Yet social class and heartbreaking twists put an end to their happily ever after. Will fate bestow them a second chance or will pride be their greatest fall? A Match Made in Heather is a page turner. Unpredictably delicious with a little wicked temptation on the side.
February 15, 2019
Enjoyable. I got into this story so much that I wanted to bang their heads together though 😁
4☆
4☆
February 19, 2018
I'm not generally inclined to give novellas 5 star ratings. Most of them fall short of the full emotionally charged romantic experience. But this was different. I felt as if I'd read an entire story. Very satisfying from beginning to end. I think this is one I could read again and again.
December 19, 2017
Second Chances can happen and in this heartwarming novella, the past catches up with the future. Arabel Rowland the Laird's daughter is in love with Garrick McGuinness, the son of a blacksmith. They plan to elope but Arabel feels she cannot leave her family because her brother is in trouble. Ten years later they are thrown together again and each has inherited one half of Castle Highburn, the estate of Arabel's uncle. Garrick had once saved her uncle's life and this was his way of repaying him. As you can imagine after not seeing each other for all those years and Garrick now holding the title of Earl of Townsend it was almost an explosive situation. At least in emotions of which neither had forgotten their love for each other. But there had been a lot of resentment on Garrick's part that Arabel had chosen her family over him and he wanted revenge. This story gripped me from the beginning and showed how misunderstandings, betrayal and strong love can change the course of a life. But there is always hope and this is a story not to be missed. Well done Anna Harrington! If I were not a fan before ( which I was!), I would be now!!
November 18, 2017
Anna Harrington’ A MATCH MADE IN HEATHER is simply fabulous. Garrick McGuiness and Arabel Rowland were madly in love, they had planned to elope, but family matters intruded; Garrick left, dejected, and Arabel was heartbroken. Ten years later, they are reunited under peculiar circumstances. They had not parted amicably, and time has not healed their wounds.
A MATCH MADE IN HEATHER is a very moving story, and so meticulously crafted that it felt more like a condensed novel than a novella, still nothing was rushed. The characters are fully fleshed out, no detail is neglected, and we get the whole story behind the sorry mess which caused Garrick and Arabel’s grief. Ms. Harrington conveys Scottish pride as I have seldom seen, and there is a wonderful and completely unexpected moment when we feel the ice begin to melt between Garrick and Arabel; it was charming and felt completely genuine. This is a very beautifully written, engrossing grand love story that held me captive throughout. Anna Harrington demonstrates that it’s not the number of pages that really matter in the end, but what they comprise.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
A MATCH MADE IN HEATHER is a very moving story, and so meticulously crafted that it felt more like a condensed novel than a novella, still nothing was rushed. The characters are fully fleshed out, no detail is neglected, and we get the whole story behind the sorry mess which caused Garrick and Arabel’s grief. Ms. Harrington conveys Scottish pride as I have seldom seen, and there is a wonderful and completely unexpected moment when we feel the ice begin to melt between Garrick and Arabel; it was charming and felt completely genuine. This is a very beautifully written, engrossing grand love story that held me captive throughout. Anna Harrington demonstrates that it’s not the number of pages that really matter in the end, but what they comprise.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
December 12, 2017
This short novella packs a punch from the get go. Two lovers torn apart by circumstances are now forced to live together under the conditions of a will. I'm actually surprised to see a plot set-up like this in a regency romance but the author made it work.
Its an enjoyable and easy read for those who like this type of plot.
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review
Its an enjoyable and easy read for those who like this type of plot.
Plot: 4/5
Characterisation: 3/5
Prose: 4/5
How much I enjoyed it: 4/5
ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair review
November 17, 2017
I previously read this story in an anthology but decided to read it again. Ms. Harrington’s books flow well, the characters are well developed and the storytelling is outstanding. Garrick and Arabel’s back and forth bantering and double-entendres is a delight to read. Can Garrick forgive and give up his revenge? A second chance at love and worth it.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 10, 2018
What a remarkable story of two people finding each other again. Lost, but not forgotten. Painful pasts and blossoming future. A love story that stole my heart. Garrick and Arabel were perfect! Book provided by NetGalley.
November 16, 2017
Anna Harrington's "A Match Made in Heather" may cause tears but is wonderful. Arabel loves Garrick, who works for her family. They plan to elope but she cancels due to family problems. He's furious she chose her family over him. Ten years later they find they have each inherited half of her Great Uncle's estate. They must share the estate for 6 months before either can sell their share. So do they settle their past? I really enjoyed this story.
November 9, 2017
This is romantic and captivating. Garrick is determined, confident and stubborn. Arabel is stubborn, weak and foolish. They fell in love as young adults, but she chose her family over him. When he comes back 10 years later looking for revenge, they are drawn to each other, but also distrustful and hurt. I really liked Garrick, he overcame his past and became a charming man. Arabel on the other hand didn't change at all in 10 years. The aunt and uncle turned into sneaky and underhanded matchmakers. It was a truly wonderful story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
November 12, 2017
Another good read by Harrington. I loved the characters in this book, as well as the story. This is my honest review of a book I was gifted.
November 15, 2017
Arabel Rowland was the laird's daughter. Garrick McGuiness was nothing more than a penniless, nameless Scot with nothing to offer but his heart. They planned to run away together but she couldn’t leave her family as her brother was in difficulty, then Garrick was beaten up & disappeared. Ten years have gone by. Arabel’s uncle dies leaving the family home, Castle Highburn jointly to Arabel & an English Earl, Earl of Townsend who is no other than Garrick, given his title & lands as a reward for his endeavours in the army. The terms of the will state they must inhabit Highburn for a month of forfeit their share.
A thoroughly enjoyable novella of misunderstandings, revenge & second chances. The characters are well portrayed, likeable & have plenty of depth. The pace is good & kept me reading. Garrick & Arabel are both clinging to what happened ten years ago & both are reluctant to let go & move on.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A thoroughly enjoyable novella of misunderstandings, revenge & second chances. The characters are well portrayed, likeable & have plenty of depth. The pace is good & kept me reading. Garrick & Arabel are both clinging to what happened ten years ago & both are reluctant to let go & move on.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 19, 2017
I first read this novella as a part of the Say Yes to the Scot anthology. Anna Harrington's story was definitely worth a second read. The storyline is based on a big misunderstanding that occurred ten years earlier. Garrick and Arabel had planned on eloping. Unfortunately life and her family got in the way. Ten years and lots of time for mutual loathing to grow they are thrown back together. They were co- bequeathed Arabel's family home by her uncle. They must live in the manor house for one month (loosely chaperoned by her aunt). And a lot does happen in that month. As Shakespeare said, "All's well that ends well!" I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
November 13, 2017
This was a wonderful story! Garrick and Arabel fall in love, but the night they're supposed to elope, she chooses to stay with her family out of a sense of obligation. He's furious, believing that she must not truly love him if she will not leave with him.
Fast forward ten years. While Arabel has fallen on hard times, Garrick returns wealthy and successful. All she can see is that he left her without saying goodbye, and all he can see is that she still loves her family more than she ever loved him. They''re equally drawn to each other, but too stubborn to admit it. Will they ever find their HEA?
Great characters and a worthwhile read.
Fast forward ten years. While Arabel has fallen on hard times, Garrick returns wealthy and successful. All she can see is that he left her without saying goodbye, and all he can see is that she still loves her family more than she ever loved him. They''re equally drawn to each other, but too stubborn to admit it. Will they ever find their HEA?
Great characters and a worthwhile read.
November 19, 2017
Publisher's Description:
She was the laird's daughter. He was nothing more than a penniless, nameless Scot with nothing to offer but his heart. Fate tore them apart, but now he's back in her life with status, money and a title. Can they let go of past hurts and find love?
My Thoughts:
I read this novella previously as part of the anthology, Say Yes to the Scot.
This is a poignant story of second chances that kept me enthralled, this story gets 4.75 of 5 stars for storyline and character development and is the best of the collection in this reader's opinion. I gave it a slightly higher sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.
The chemistry between the hero and heroine is palpable.
She was the laird's daughter. He was nothing more than a penniless, nameless Scot with nothing to offer but his heart. Fate tore them apart, but now he's back in her life with status, money and a title. Can they let go of past hurts and find love?
My Thoughts:
I read this novella previously as part of the anthology, Say Yes to the Scot.
This is a poignant story of second chances that kept me enthralled, this story gets 4.75 of 5 stars for storyline and character development and is the best of the collection in this reader's opinion. I gave it a slightly higher sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.
The chemistry between the hero and heroine is palpable.
December 31, 2017
Kincardine, Scotland,
August, 1809
Garrick, son of a blacksmith and groom in Arabel's uncle stable is waiting for the young woman to meet up with him so they can elope like they planned and not have to hide anymore to live their love. But when Arabel arrive, it's to tell him she can't go with him because of a family crisis. She can't explain why and ask that he wait for her instead, but he feel like she choose her family over him and after they interfere, Garrick thinks she betrayed him.
Still in Kincardine,
Still in August, but in the year 1819
Arabel inherited the Castle from her childhood from her uncle. She's engaged to a banker; a man she's not in love with but she accepted because her family is in need of financial support and a respectable reputation. There's only one problem with the will ; Lord Townsend partiallly own Castle Highburn. And Lord Townsend, Arabel learn, is no other than the man she loved at eighteen and that she may still have feelings for. And according to the will, neither of the two proprietor can sell their part before one month have passed, so it means sharing the estate together for at least thirty days. Not a pleasant thing to do when two people still feel ressentment for the other about the past. War made Garrick an Earl. He now have the perfect opportunity to get revenge from the family who did him wrong ten years ago. But Arabel is just as stubborn and want to keep her home. He makes no secret of his plan for vengeance and with a spirited woman like Arabel, you can bet they will butt heads a couple of time, but it's obvious that they are still drawn to each other and that the feelings they would prefer to be dead are still simmering. The truth is, they still carry hurt for what happened and only when they will tell their own version of it will they be able to get over it and give themselves an other chance at love.
Despite the anger, this romance worked and was a pleasant read because it wasn't too heavy and the hero was honest about his intention of revenge and the heroine had spunk. The author made me believe that Garrick and Arabel never stopped loving each other. The only detail that bothered me is the fact Arabel should have ended things with her fiancé before falling into bed with the hero.
If you've never read an Anna Harrington before, I suggest you give it a try. Whether it's this novella or an other book, she write good romance in the historical genre.
August, 1809
Garrick, son of a blacksmith and groom in Arabel's uncle stable is waiting for the young woman to meet up with him so they can elope like they planned and not have to hide anymore to live their love. But when Arabel arrive, it's to tell him she can't go with him because of a family crisis. She can't explain why and ask that he wait for her instead, but he feel like she choose her family over him and after they interfere, Garrick thinks she betrayed him.
Still in Kincardine,
Still in August, but in the year 1819
Arabel inherited the Castle from her childhood from her uncle. She's engaged to a banker; a man she's not in love with but she accepted because her family is in need of financial support and a respectable reputation. There's only one problem with the will ; Lord Townsend partiallly own Castle Highburn. And Lord Townsend, Arabel learn, is no other than the man she loved at eighteen and that she may still have feelings for. And according to the will, neither of the two proprietor can sell their part before one month have passed, so it means sharing the estate together for at least thirty days. Not a pleasant thing to do when two people still feel ressentment for the other about the past. War made Garrick an Earl. He now have the perfect opportunity to get revenge from the family who did him wrong ten years ago. But Arabel is just as stubborn and want to keep her home. He makes no secret of his plan for vengeance and with a spirited woman like Arabel, you can bet they will butt heads a couple of time, but it's obvious that they are still drawn to each other and that the feelings they would prefer to be dead are still simmering. The truth is, they still carry hurt for what happened and only when they will tell their own version of it will they be able to get over it and give themselves an other chance at love.
Despite the anger, this romance worked and was a pleasant read because it wasn't too heavy and the hero was honest about his intention of revenge and the heroine had spunk. The author made me believe that Garrick and Arabel never stopped loving each other. The only detail that bothered me is the fact Arabel should have ended things with her fiancé before falling into bed with the hero.
If you've never read an Anna Harrington before, I suggest you give it a try. Whether it's this novella or an other book, she write good romance in the historical genre.
December 19, 2017
Heartless action, treachery or simply no love?
Arabel, the laird’s daughter, is madly in love with Garrick, a stable hand. They plan to elope in order to be together. Arabel does it not only for love, but to avoid a loveless marriage to another nobleman as well and to secure her future with the man she loves. Both are Scots to the bones. Arabel is wild, passionate, fiery and speaks her mind. That spirit is what Garrick likes besides her flaming tresses. But when they see each other on that evening, Arabel denies him and he is heartbroken.She wants to explain herself but can’t. All he knows is that her family always comes first. Driven away, Garrick shapes a life for himself.
Ten years later they meet. Both received an inheritance together, sharing the Rowland estate, managing it together. Arabels fiancé is not too pleased with the inheritance conditions but he wants the estate. While Arabel is shocked to learn that her old love is now the Earl of Townsend, a British nobleman and Garick is still drawn to the woman who broke his heart. But he has a plan, to bring down the family that destroyed his very soul and heart.
You have two strong-willed independent and hurt characters that still harbor feelings and passion for each other but are mature enough to suppress them and cling to their beliefs. You can imagine that sparks are flying between those two. You have witty dialogues between a sassy grown woman and a strong hurt man. Absolutely great characters that you will like. The story is developing great and revealing some well-hidden secrets. A very capturing book that does not leave you wanting.
In order to have a future they would have to let go of the past. But can they do that? And what is with the other hindrances?
The only point that I had was that his change of heart came too fast for my liking. It had to come but it was not clear enough to me how it came, because he struggled so hard to keep it hidden (Apologies, I can’t be more specific or I would ruin the book). But it did not diminish the chemistry of the couple nor the story, that was a purely personal impression and it will most likely not be the same for everyone else.
When you like strong characters that are smart, have backbone and fight for their beliefs and also like Scotland, this is your book.
Arabel, the laird’s daughter, is madly in love with Garrick, a stable hand. They plan to elope in order to be together. Arabel does it not only for love, but to avoid a loveless marriage to another nobleman as well and to secure her future with the man she loves. Both are Scots to the bones. Arabel is wild, passionate, fiery and speaks her mind. That spirit is what Garrick likes besides her flaming tresses. But when they see each other on that evening, Arabel denies him and he is heartbroken.She wants to explain herself but can’t. All he knows is that her family always comes first. Driven away, Garrick shapes a life for himself.
Ten years later they meet. Both received an inheritance together, sharing the Rowland estate, managing it together. Arabels fiancé is not too pleased with the inheritance conditions but he wants the estate. While Arabel is shocked to learn that her old love is now the Earl of Townsend, a British nobleman and Garick is still drawn to the woman who broke his heart. But he has a plan, to bring down the family that destroyed his very soul and heart.
You have two strong-willed independent and hurt characters that still harbor feelings and passion for each other but are mature enough to suppress them and cling to their beliefs. You can imagine that sparks are flying between those two. You have witty dialogues between a sassy grown woman and a strong hurt man. Absolutely great characters that you will like. The story is developing great and revealing some well-hidden secrets. A very capturing book that does not leave you wanting.
In order to have a future they would have to let go of the past. But can they do that? And what is with the other hindrances?
The only point that I had was that his change of heart came too fast for my liking. It had to come but it was not clear enough to me how it came, because he struggled so hard to keep it hidden (Apologies, I can’t be more specific or I would ruin the book). But it did not diminish the chemistry of the couple nor the story, that was a purely personal impression and it will most likely not be the same for everyone else.
When you like strong characters that are smart, have backbone and fight for their beliefs and also like Scotland, this is your book.
December 9, 2017
Anna Harrington books are always entertaining to read! Her books are original, well written, and lovely to read! This tale of second chance love was a delight to read!
Ten years ago, Arabel and Garrick were living in the highlands and they were in love. Planning on eloping, Garrick is hurt when Arabel puts the brakes on, saying she can not go with him right now due to a family crisis. He has to leave in order to take a job he's already accepted. When she doesn't explain the crisis, he feels he will never measure up to her families standards, and she herself has chosen her family over him. After he leaves. Arabel felt abandoned and it was unforgivable.
Now, Arabel's uncle dies and leaves Castle Highburn to the two of them-each getting half of the estate. Thrust back into each others lives, each want the property for their own reasons. Neither will budge. The will says they have to live in the castle for a month. Can they do it without killing the other first?? How long does it take for old feelings to surface? Can the put the past in the past and move forward with their lives however the chips may fall??
This is a novella so its quite a bit shorter than the novel's Anna has written, but it is not short on story! Lots of misunderstandings surround these two and it's a wonder they could be sorted through! Both held onto their anger and hurt-even after important facts were revealed. Love was still present after all these years and I was rooting for a happy ending! Anna Harrington delivered my much sought after HEA!!
5 Stars/3.5 Flames
This book was gifted to me and I chose to leave a voluntary review. The review and ratings are solely my opinions.
December 30, 2017
Arabel Rowland was the laird's daughter. Garrick McGuiness was the penniless stable hand. Though forbidden to be together, they were set to elope when tragedy struck Arabel's family. She asked Garrick for more time because her family needed her. He refused to listen to her explanation and in the end, his pride and her devotion to her family drove them apart.
Ten years later, her uncle has passed away and has left Arabel the Highland Castle she has always treasured. Her uncle and aunt felt that they were part of the reason Arabel did marry Garrick. The will leaves half of the castle to Arabel and half to Garrick.
They have one month to live in the castle together to fulfill the wills requirement. Is that enough time for Garrick and Arabella to rekindle their passion?
What a wonderful novella. There was a rocky start between Arabel and Garrick after ten years apart. Garrick has taken himself from stable hand to being awarded an Earldom. Arabel is still a dutiful daughter and loyal to her family. They had to slowly rebuild their relationship as the truth about that night they were set to elope comes out. I loved the characters and the passion that still sparked between them. This was a great read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Ten years later, her uncle has passed away and has left Arabel the Highland Castle she has always treasured. Her uncle and aunt felt that they were part of the reason Arabel did marry Garrick. The will leaves half of the castle to Arabel and half to Garrick.
They have one month to live in the castle together to fulfill the wills requirement. Is that enough time for Garrick and Arabella to rekindle their passion?
What a wonderful novella. There was a rocky start between Arabel and Garrick after ten years apart. Garrick has taken himself from stable hand to being awarded an Earldom. Arabel is still a dutiful daughter and loyal to her family. They had to slowly rebuild their relationship as the truth about that night they were set to elope comes out. I loved the characters and the passion that still sparked between them. This was a great read.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
December 31, 2017
Visit my blog for more reviews: Sportochick's Musings
Author Anna Harrington does an outstanding job with her scenic descriptions and vivid portrayal of the deep emotions within Arabel and Garrick towards what happened in their past and how they feel about each other in the present.
Garrick is a standout character for how his caring loving younger self matures through the pain of losing Arabel to his present day hard unemotional self who only desires revenge. This was handled with distinction and the reader will journey with Garrick as he once again unwillingly changes.
I would like to say that Arabel did the right thing in the very beginning, but I can't. I would have liked her to be stronger and to love more faithfully. But to be honestly she did as was expected in her time and once again watching her change from a girl into a woman was rewarding as all her emotions were displayed for us to feel on every page of this book.
It is interesting how the family dynamics come to play in this book and I did appreciate how they were woven into the storyline to further explain the rift that was caused in the past between Arabel and Garrick.
I give this 4 STARS for showing that even a traumatic past can bring about a wondrous ending.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
Author Anna Harrington does an outstanding job with her scenic descriptions and vivid portrayal of the deep emotions within Arabel and Garrick towards what happened in their past and how they feel about each other in the present.
Garrick is a standout character for how his caring loving younger self matures through the pain of losing Arabel to his present day hard unemotional self who only desires revenge. This was handled with distinction and the reader will journey with Garrick as he once again unwillingly changes.
I would like to say that Arabel did the right thing in the very beginning, but I can't. I would have liked her to be stronger and to love more faithfully. But to be honestly she did as was expected in her time and once again watching her change from a girl into a woman was rewarding as all her emotions were displayed for us to feel on every page of this book.
It is interesting how the family dynamics come to play in this book and I did appreciate how they were woven into the storyline to further explain the rift that was caused in the past between Arabel and Garrick.
I give this 4 STARS for showing that even a traumatic past can bring about a wondrous ending.
Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.
November 28, 2017
When I started this book, I did not realize it was a re-read for me. I read it originally in an anthology, Say Yes To The Scot.
When I reviewed the anthology, one of the things I pointed out was that each of the stories was a 5 star read for me.
This is still true with this re-read.
Arabel and Garrick were deeply in love when they were both very young. He worked in her father's stables and she was a daughter of nobility.
On the night they were to elope, everything changed. Arabel refused to go because of a family disaster and Garrick was decimated.,
Now it is 10 years later and both of them have inherited the estate which has been in her family for generations.
These two people may have parted years ago, but the feelings they have for one another are just beneath the surface.
It is a story of young love which was severely damaged by situations which were not in their control.
Ms Harrington has created a story which is genuinely lovely. Arabel and Garrick are good people who must revisit the past and find a new path to their future.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
When I reviewed the anthology, one of the things I pointed out was that each of the stories was a 5 star read for me.
This is still true with this re-read.
Arabel and Garrick were deeply in love when they were both very young. He worked in her father's stables and she was a daughter of nobility.
On the night they were to elope, everything changed. Arabel refused to go because of a family disaster and Garrick was decimated.,
Now it is 10 years later and both of them have inherited the estate which has been in her family for generations.
These two people may have parted years ago, but the feelings they have for one another are just beneath the surface.
It is a story of young love which was severely damaged by situations which were not in their control.
Ms Harrington has created a story which is genuinely lovely. Arabel and Garrick are good people who must revisit the past and find a new path to their future.
I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
November 24, 2023
I received an e-arc from Netgalley via the publisher though all thoughts are my own.
I enjoyed this book which was a fairly quick read and I love that it was set in Scotland. I loved the concept of a second chance romance about two people who were meant to be together but there were some complications that kept them apart for about a decade until chance and determination reunited them.
I do think that Arabel should have broken things off with her fiancee sooner especially when she realized it just wasn't going to work out though can see why she was reluctant to cause waves.
It was an interesting spin on the miscommunication trope and I'm glad that Arabel and Garrick eventually find a way to explain things from their points of view.
Aunt Matilda is hilarious and I love how she decides to randomly play the bag pipes to get Arabel and Garrick to keep her company in the middle of the night and just her scheming in general to bring them back together.
I'm glad I read this book and hope to read more books by Anna in the future
Trigger warnings: death, suicide, violence, gambling debts, murder, infidelity
I enjoyed this book which was a fairly quick read and I love that it was set in Scotland. I loved the concept of a second chance romance about two people who were meant to be together but there were some complications that kept them apart for about a decade until chance and determination reunited them.
I do think that Arabel should have broken things off with her fiancee sooner especially when she realized it just wasn't going to work out though can see why she was reluctant to cause waves.
It was an interesting spin on the miscommunication trope and I'm glad that Arabel and Garrick eventually find a way to explain things from their points of view.
Aunt Matilda is hilarious and I love how she decides to randomly play the bag pipes to get Arabel and Garrick to keep her company in the middle of the night and just her scheming in general to bring them back together.
I'm glad I read this book and hope to read more books by Anna in the future
Trigger warnings: death, suicide, violence, gambling debts, murder, infidelity
December 20, 2017
This is one of my favorites by Anna Harrington, a great read that went very quickly. Both characters were likable and easy to cheer on. Garrett and Arabel are the star crossed lovers who have a second chance. Many things kept them apart a decade ago but now they can choose whether to be together or not. I was a little impatient with Garrett not telling Arabel what happened to him when he first left 10 years prior, the first 3-4 times he had the opportunity. Arabel was as guilty as he was in not telling him the whole truth, as her withholding information contributed to their separation just as much as anything or anyone else. Thankfully they both come clean early enough for each to consider the past in their decision making on the way to HEA. I appreciated that the characters could redeem themselves and their mistakes, before the story fell into the one-big-misunderstanding-trope. I definitely recommend this one to Anna Harrington fans, and for those who haven't tried her books yet, this is a great introduction. 4.5/5 stars
December 11, 2017
I thoroughly Anna Harrington's books and this one doesn't disappoint. Arabel Rowland, a laird's daughter, is deeply in love with Garrick McGinnis, a penniless stable boy. They plan to elope, but a family crisis keeps Arabel from going with Garrick. Both are heartbroken, each thinking the other didn't love him/her enough to devote their lives to each other. Fast forward ten years and they are once again thrown together by a shared Rowland inheritance. Can they bury the past and embrace the future together?
Ms. Harrington is a talented author who knows who to tease out the back story for both Arabel and Garrick, what had happened on that fateful night ten years ago. This book is well-written and the pacing is good. It kept my interest until the end. Fans of Scottish/Regency romances will definitely enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Ms. Harrington is a talented author who knows who to tease out the back story for both Arabel and Garrick, what had happened on that fateful night ten years ago. This book is well-written and the pacing is good. It kept my interest until the end. Fans of Scottish/Regency romances will definitely enjoy this one.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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