A Highlander for Christmas

by Jamie Carie

A Christmas Novella: Lady Juliet Lindsay has made a colossal mistake. In the face of her parents’ rejection she realizes that a single stolen kiss could cost her everything. Sent to her aunt and uncle’s home in Scotland, she finds something in the rugged highland beauty that steals her heart…and a highland man, who seems her other half. Iain MacLeon, chieftain of the clan MacLeon, has one thing on his mind in a time where politics are like a tempest brewing—sheep. He loves his people and his land but he didn’t know he also needed a woman to share the load. And then he sees her…the flame-haired Englishwoman who steals his heart and holds it hostage against all his beliefs and all he holds dear. But how will he persuade his clan to love her as he does?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Historical, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical Romance

140 pages, Paperback

First published November 3, 2013

About the author

Born and raised in Vincennes, Indiana, Jamie is a preacher’s daughter. Road trips with her dad—to and from Bible studies across Indiana—were filled with talks of things beyond earth’s bounds – creation and the fall, God and Jesus and the rapture, the earthly walk compared to the spiritual walk, and how we are born for more than what we can see or touch. The highlight of those nights was stopping at a truck stop in the middle of the night where her dad spent a little of the offering basket on two slices of pie and a couple of Cokes.

And nothing could stop the writing pouring out of her.

Piles of poems, short stories, skits and song lyrics later, Jamie grew up and married. When her eldest son turned five she decided to try her hand at novels. Eight years and lots of rejection letters later, Snow Angel was published and won ForeWord Magazine’s Romance Book of the Year, a USA Book News “Best Books 2007” Awards winner, and 2008 RITA® Awards Best First Book finalist. In 2010 Wind Dancer was a finalist in the Indiana State Library Best Books of Indiana. It was the beginning of her dream career.

With seven books currently in circulation and her first three book series coming in 2012, Jamie has made an impressive contribution to the inspirational, historical romance genre featuring heroines who are fierce in their beliefs and love. Romantic Times exclaimed, "Carie is a welcome new voice in the inspirational fiction market." And, "Carie writes with her heart on every page of her books." Jamie has a passion for history and believes in the power of love stories. She lives with her husband and three boys in Indianapolis, Indiana.

If she could only say one thing to her readers it would be, “Live the dreams God has destined you for!”

Books:

Snow Angel
The Duchess and the Dragon
Wind Dancer
Love's First Light
Angel's Den
Pirate of my Heart
The Snowflake (a Christmas novella)

Coming in 2012:
The Forgotten Castles Series (A continuous series to be read in order)
The Guardian Duke
The Forgiven Duke
A Duke's Promise

Contacting Jamie:

Jamie's website - http://www.jamiecarie.com
Jamie's blog - http://jamiecarie.com/blog
Jamie's Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/jamie.carie
Jamie's Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/jamiecarie

Jamie's email: jamie@jamiecarie(dot)com

Reviews

[Brandi]

Finally! A Scottish romance with Christian themes!

Charming and quick read. I always loved Scottish romances but when I gave my life to the Lord I stopped reading them because of the innuendoes and language. It so great to have a Christian Scottish romance! I am thrilled! I will read more from this author for sure!

[Kara]

This enovella grabbed my interest with its stunning cover and pulled me right in! Juliet’s parents decide to punish her for an “indiscretion” she allowed to happen, by sending her away to spend time in the Scottish country with her beloved aunt, uncle, and cousin Fiona (there are actually two cousins, but one is just an infant while the other one is more like a sister). The land of Scotland is described in such a rich way; the reader can almost hear and smell the surroundings. Juliet’s family takes her to the highland games where there is friendly competition in the purpose of restoring goodness to the land. Here she meets and has a favorable encounter with Chief MacLeon that will bring non stop adventure and faith to them both.

Juliet will have to overcome a death in the family, two kidnappings (one is her own and the other is someone else that ends up being hilarious), being shot at, sudden nuptials, and a forced union all the while trying to figure out how to save her family from debt and slavery. My favorite character in the story was easily Juliet’s brother, Ruck. He had me laughing at his antics and wanting to protect him at the same time! Iain prays more than once in the story and is easy to fall in love with despite his giant stature and responsibilities to his clan. There were certain parts of the story that surprised me, but an overall charming read with a lush background, danger, romance, and a journey that will change everything Juliet knows. Again, love that cover, simply gorgeous!!

[Melanie]

A Highlander for Christmas was a much better story than I originally thought. While I wasn't a big fan of the romance at the beginning, towards the end it got really sweet and I loved how he fought to save and protect her. A great story!

[Tarissa]

The story is a romance, where the plot revolves around an English Lady who suddenly sets her sights on the bold Scottish chieftain. At the same time a rich Lord from England is trying to carry her off as soon as he can -- making advances no gentleman should. The story rapidly progresses in some parts, sometimes a bit too much. For example, I felt like the two of the main characters had barely just seen each other, and they were already somehow kissing.

The story was alright, but I usually prefer books that are even cleaner and "sweeter" in the romance than this one. I'm so glad that the "adult" content didn't go to far, and there was no foul language. It's a rather short book (perhaps could be read in about an hour's time).

Its redeeming quality (for me) is that it spoke of God often enough, and the characters turned to prayer frequently. I also enjoyed the historical Scottish setting; I felt like I might have picked up on a few bits of historical context.

Random thought: Isn't the model on the cover a bit too "modern" looking for 1714? Hmm.

[Noela]

This is a breathtaking story not only due to the epic story-line but also because of the awe-inspiring vivid imagery Jamie Carie so eloquently pens! From the majestic mountainous land in Glencoe, Scotland displaying deep green moss-covered rock faces to glorious waterfalls and streams, this land that has been touched by God has the author painting a striking picture in the mind. Similarly stirring other senses, you can almost hear the unique, rich sounds of the bagpipes and the shouting and cheering of the crowds lining the green glen of the Highland Games as you arrive in the carriage with Juliet Lindsay and relatives.

Juliet’s English mother had sent her off to Scottish relatives as a punishment for an indiscretion so that she might see how poorer people fared. Except Juliet’s mother didn't count on her daughter falling in love with her Scottish kinsfolk and the magnificent highlands. Also capturing Juliet’s heart and lighting up her eyes was the muscular, robust, and handsome Scotsman, Iain MacLeon, who was the chief of the MacLeon clan and an impressive and formidable competitor in the games.

Iain MacLeon as Chieftain of his clan carries a heavy burden trying to balance the politics and pressures while keeping his clan content, as there were many Scots and clans that were unhappy with the recent union of Scotland and England. What will he do and how will his clan react when the beautiful flame-haired English woman Lady Juliet completely captivates Iain, resulting in him becoming enmeshed in her life whilst striving to protect her from a horrible fate?

While reading this novella, you get the impression this could easily have been a full-length novel, but then realize you have a real treat in your hand with such a grand, albeit short story! And you always gotta love a hearty and handsome Scotsman in a kilt!

[Brittany]

A Highlander for Christmas is very well-written and was a great read that only took me a couple of hours to finish. However, even though it is a quick and smooth read, it is packed with lots of romance and danger, as well as extremely beautiful descriptions of Scotland. The characters of Juliet and Iain are completely wonderful and it is easy to cheer them on and hope for a happily ever after for them.

Full review at: http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...

[Carrie Daws]

This was a quick, enjoyable read for me. The hero was stereotypical broad, muscular, and handsome, but otherwise the story was good with strong, differing characters. I would definitely consider reading more by Jamie Carie.

One word of caution, though, for those who guard what they read. While keeping everything clean, I would say the author pushes the limits on what is acceptable within the Christian publishing realm. This is not a book I would recommend to a young lady trying to keep her heart and mind pure before marriage.

[Dai]

Una historia cortica y entretenida. Me encantó Iain aunque por lo corto del libro casi no sabemos nada de él. Juliet no está mal, al menos no es tan tonta como otras protagonistas.

Odio las instalove.

[Robin]

Romance Rating: 5 of 5
Hotness Rating: 4 of 5
Storyline/Plot Rating: 5 of 5
Happily-Ever-After Rating: 5+ of 5

My Overall Rating: 5+ of 5

Previously, Lady Juliet went into a garden with a gentleman unchaperoned, and was caught kissing him. The gentleman asks for her hand, but her debt-burdened father turns away her suitor as being too poor. As punishment, Lady Juliet was sent away to summer in Scotland with her father's younger brother - "to see how the barbarians live" according to her mother.

As our story opens, we are in Scotland and Lady Juliet's time there is nearing an end. Ironically, what her parents didn't consider when they sent her away as punishment is that Lady Juliet would fall in love with Scotland, and be filled with dread at the thought of returning to England.
Lady Juliet is going to the Highland Games with her relatives, where she sees Iain MacLeon. She's taken by his handsome looks, but warnings from her aunt remind her to be cautious around men. After a tent mishap with her cousin, they meet Iain. As their clan has no one entered in the games, he invites them to wear his colors and cheer him on at the games. At the celebration, Juliet spends time with Iain and finds him to be a kind man.
As they are close to their first kiss, the sudden arrival of horses disrupts the celebration. It turns out to be Juliet's younger brother Ruck and a servant, who have been sent to fetch her home as her father has been injured. Her uncle wants to go as well, but is distressed that his age would slow down their travel. Iain steps up and says he was going to travel for business and he will escort Lady Juliet home, and handle his business on the way back. Her grateful uncle thanks him, and the group leaves Scotland.
From that point the story goes at a rather quick pace, with a lot of action and some intrigue as well in this short but exciting novella. Don't be fooled by the length of the novella, there's a whole lot of story packed into these pages! I found the story to be exciting and engrossing, and I couldn't put it down.
The author's writing is very evocative. Juliet isn't the only one who fell in love with Scotland, the author's vivid descriptions paint a breathtaking picture of the land, so real you feel as though you could walk right up the Three Sisters Mountains. He descriptions make the story come alive.

Juliet: I think most women can relate to Juliet's desire to be accepted for herself. In England her hair is too red, her voice is too sultry, her shape is too round - yet in Scotland the chieftain of the most powerful clan fancies her as "the bonniest lass" at the games.
We also see Juliet mature emotionally, as she questions the values of England vs. the values of Scotland. Is she really "damaged goods" and "forever ruined" just for having kissed a suitor? In the end, she grows to decide on the course for her own future.

Iain: Wow. Only in a perfect romance novel can you find such a perfectly imperfect man.
Iain is the chieftain of his clan and feels the weight of responsibility to look after his clan. Others try to draw him into political intrigues, but he makes sure to put his clan first.
His affection for Juliet is both touching and believable. A bit unexpectedly, I found his deep and unwavering faith in God to be his most attractive quality. Iain has an inner strength, but it is bolstered by his faith in God. I think this rubs off on Juliet as well, and by the end of the book you see her to have grown from someone who was uncertain to someone who is more self confident.

Supporting Characters: I loved Juliet's brother Ruck. He's so insightful, it's hard to believe he is only 14 in the story.
Juliet's sister Claire is described as being 14 as well, but it's not clear if she and Ruck are twins or if they were closely spaced births. With Juliet being described as 20 the timing seems odd, but not impossible.

Exploring the HEA: This couple has a lot of barriers placed by their respective cultures in the way of their union, but that makes it all the more wonderful when the overcome them to be together. There is a true affection and love between them, and I believe they can handle anything that life throws at them and remain not only together, but in love.
Their first married kiss is so sweet, it brought tears to my eyes as they went through so much to get there it was so well deserved.
Just an all around, feel good story.

I have not read this author before, but I was so pleased with this book I will look to read the author again.

[Julie Carpenter]

I'm between a 3-4 star rating so I'll go with 3.5 rounding up.

Tis the season to read lots of cozy, heartwarming Christmas stories and novellas. I read another book based in Scotland a week or so ago and when some friends said this one was free on Amazon right now, I grabbed it and read it right away. I love anything British, Scottish or Irish so how could I pass up another great read of an English rose and a Scottish clan chief.

The descriptions of the Scottish lands was beautiful and had me wishing I were there to look all around and see the beauty for myself. The characters were fun and easy to read about.

Lady Juliet has been sent away to Scotland due to an incident that occurred in the gardens at a high society ball. Her mother is livid with her and can't believe she would throw away all of her chances for a good match. As the book opens we find Lady Juliet near the end of her stay in Scotland and as a parting gift her dear aunt and uncle take her to the Highland games with her cousins. Immediately her eye is caught by none other than Iain MacLeon, a very powerful and strong clan chief. She's not the only one to have someone catch her eye...yes you guessed it, Iain can't deny the connection between him and Juliet at first meeting. He as good as declares his intentions when they have a funny incident and stumble upon each other, and he asks her to wear his clan's tartan.

As they are both starting to get to know each other, peril strikes. Lady Juliet's father is injured and her brother has come to fetch her home to receive instructions from him before he passes away. Iain steps up and agrees to escort her home. Many revelations are given once they reach home and discover that Lady Juliet is engaged to Malcolm, a very powerful Englishman and a very cruel man.

The adventures begin as Lady Juliet and her brother Ruck decide to hatch a scheme to save Juliet from Malcolm's clutches and evil ways. Yes, Iain is pulled unknowingly into the scheme, but had they asked he would have joined willingly. ;-) It's pretty funny what happens and I found myself laughing right along with Juliet. The adventure and peril continues to pile up until the end of the story with plenty of danger and romance throughout.

Some of the historical aspects seemed like they were inaccurate for those of you who are very particular with that. There were a few other things scattered throughout that bothered me but it's been a couple days and with my tired brain I can't remember what they were(I should have written my review right away but ran out of time).

Content: There are some battle scenes but nothing graphic. There is an attempted rape, the most graphic thing it says about it is he grabbed for her breasts. Some kisses but no sexual relations(except for attempted rape). There are religious aspects throughout with characters praying to God and asking for his will to guide and direct them. I would say it's a clean read and recommend for more mature readers.

I grabbed a free copy from Amazon.

Happy Reading!!!

[Meliana]

Juliet Lindsay mendapat hukuman akan skandal yang telah dia ciptakan dengan diasingkan ke Skotlandia oleh ayahnya. Tapi sesampainya di sana, dia malah terpikat oleh Iain MacLeon, pemimpin klan MacLeon. Tak disangka Iain pun juga menyukainya akan tetapi, Iain tak mau gegabah dalam mendekati Juliet karena dia tahu, sbagai pemimpin klan, dia tak bisa sembarangan memilih seorang istri. Apalagi mengingat klannya akan tidak begitu akur dengan Inggris. Iain pun memilih akan menyerahkan semuanya ke dalam tangan Tuhan. Dan terjadilah, tiba-tiba Ruck, adik Juliet, datang menyusul dan mengabarkan bahwa ayahnya dilukai oleh debt collector.
Ayah Juliet menyuruh Juliet untuk menikah dengan Lord Malcolm yang jahat dan Juliet tidak menginginkan hal itu. Lalu Ruck pun memiliki rencana agar kakaknya menikah dengan Iain dengan cara menculik Iain di tengah malam. Rupanya saat mereka melangsungkan rencana tersebut, mereka dikejar oleh Lord Malcolm yang ingin memaksa menikahi Juliet keesokan paginya. Juliet memang menginginkan pernikahan dengan Iain, tapi apakah pria itu juga mau menikah dengannya semantara Iain harus menjaga klannya. Tapi jika dia tidak menikah dengan Iain, bagaimana dia bisa melunasi semua hutang ayahnya sebelum Christmas ?

--

Overall aku suka ceritanya. Walaupun Juliet digambarkan sebagai Lady yang English banget, tapi aku suka dengan keteguhan prinsipnya dan dia mau menyuarakan isi hatinya, dia tidak mau menikah dengan Lord Malcolm. Aku juga sedikit terkejut, Iain yang dikatakan sebagai chief, badan tegap, ternyata orang religius juga, plusss, suka berdoa. Kereenn... (jarang banget baca HisRom dengan hero yang rajin berdoa ^^). Tokoh yang paling aku suka di sini nggak lain nggak bukan, Ruck, adik Juliet. Walaupun dia masih 17 tahun, dan segala kenekatannya, dia sangat menyayangi kakaknya, sampai-sampai punya ide gila untuk menculik Iain. Ceritanya oke banget untuk short story, dan bagus banget karena kekuatan cinta dan keajaiban Natal terasa banget pas baca cerita ini.
Happy Merry Christmas all.. ^^

[Arlena]

Title: A Highlander For Christmas
Author: Jamie Carie
Publisher: J. C.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:

"A Highlander For Christmas" by Jamie Carie

Book Description....

"A Christmas Novella: Lady Juliet Lindsay has made a colossal mistake. In the face of her parents’ rejection she realizes that a single stolen kiss could cost her everything. Sent to her aunt and uncle’s home in Scotland, she finds something in the rugged highland beauty that steals her heart…and a highland man, who seems her other half. Iain MacLeon, chieftain of the clan MacLeon, has one thing on his mind in a time where politics are like a tempest brewing—sheep. He loves his people and his land but he didn’t know he also needed a woman to share the load. And then he sees her…the flame-haired Englishwoman who steals his heart and holds it hostage against all his beliefs and all he holds dear. But how will he persuade his clan to love her as he does?"


What I liked about this novel...

"A Highlander For Christmas" was a quick delightful historical fiction/romance novella and once you start reading it one will find it hard to put down until the end. This author really knows how to give the reader a wonderful story with a great hero and heroine with some interesting secondary characters being well developed and in the end giving us a good quick Christmas story. The author really also gives us a good description of the settings in this nice clean romance story with such a inviting plot and a wonderful resolution. I loved how the hero Ian who was a strong man who trusted God and wanted to follow his will to save Juliet. The wrap up at the end of this read gives the reader a nice massage about the Christmas holiday novella that was filled with 'adventure, romance and courage.' Now, I don't want to give too much away other than say pick up this novel and see for yourself how this author will bring it all out to the reader as she presents such a spiritual thread throughout this compelling read that I would definitely say would be worth the read.

[Maria]

Lady Juliet Lindsay has been sent to her aunt and uncle’s home in Scotland after a huge mistake she made that, according to her parents, has ruined her reputation. One day while she is walking with her cousin, she meets by chance Iain MacLeon, chieftain of the clan MacLeon, who is searching for a wife and seems particularly drawn to Lady Lindsay. The only problem is that she is not Scottish and he is not sure his clan will accept her as his wife. But just as they are getting to know each other, Lindsay’s brother arrives with dreadful news from home and she is forced to come back to England where a ghastly destiny awaits her.

Despite the title this is not a real Christmas story. It ends on Christmas day, though. The male character, Iain MacLeon is a proper hero. He is strong, powerful and brave. He reminds me of Thor, a god from Scandinavian mythology. He is protective, determined, he always knows what to do and he cares for his people. All these things, these important traits of his nature (aside from his beautiful and attractive body) make Lady Juliet Lindsay feel a very deep attraction for him. She has never met a man like him and surely she did not expect to meet a charming man in the wild land of Scotland.

The setting is another significant aspect of this adventurous novella. Scottish lands are wonderful. The author describes their wild beauty and the gusts of wind that shake every hill in a perfect way, and sometimes I had the feeling I was reading some medieval tale with valorous knights and damsels in distress, although the story is set in the early eighteenth century.

If you are looking for a romantic novella well mixed with battles and great values, you will not be disappointed by this one. “A highlander for Christmas” is a well written story you will love!

[Sorcha]

A Christmas Novella: Lady Juliet Lindsay has made a colossal mistake. In the face of her parents’ rejection she realizes that a single stolen kiss could cost her everything. Sent to her aunt and uncle’s home in Scotland, she finds something in the rugged highland beauty that steals her heart…and a highland man, who seems her other half. Iain MacLeon, chieftain of the clan MacLeon, has one thing on his mind in a time where politics are like a tempest brewing—sheep. He loves his people and his land but he didn’t know he also needed a woman to share the load. And then he sees her…the flame-haired Englishwoman who steals his heart and holds it hostage against all his beliefs and all he holds dear. But how will he persuade his clan to love her as he does?

As a novella, this is a short story, which doesnt allow for much character development or extraneous plotting. Things happen apace and the job gets done. Juliet attends the Highland Games whilst hiding after bringing shame upon her family whilst in London. There she comes to the attention of Iain MacLeon, who takes an instant shine to her.

She finds she has been promised in marriage to Lord Malcolm, a violent ungracious man, who has paid off her family's debts in exchange. He is not happy when he finds she has married MacLeon at Gretna Green, kidnaps her, and forces a show down in the wilds of the Highlands.

Like I said, little room for extra plotting, story line or character development, so dont go in looking for a deep emotional resonance. Vague relation to Christmas as she arrives at her new home on Christmas Day. Several references to a Christian God (and associated praying) which could have been worse

[DianFlow]

Romance In The Highlands!



Jamie Carie has crafted a breathtaking Christmas story set in the beautiful Scottish highlands...of castles set against the backdrop of misty, verdant hills---of kilts and colorful tartans, and the seemingly ill-fated romance between a brave clan chieftain and an English lady.



After Juliet Lindsay commits an indiscretion, she is sent away in disgrace from her home in England. She falls in love with her uncle's abode in the lovely Scottish highlands and wishes never to return home again. It is here, where the Scottish clans gathered for their yearly feasting and competition, that she meets the handsome and brawny clan chief, Iain MacLeon. It is a moment destined to change both of their lives forever as unexpected dangers and enemies rear their ugly heads against Juliet and Iain. Is their love doomed from the very onset?



Jamie Carie has written a wonderful Yuletide story, filled with adventure, romance, and courage. Her writing style is impeccable, as is her descriptive imagery of the green, moss-covered glens of Scotland, a place I have always wanted to visit! With a courageous heroine and hero that is impossible not to love and a spiritual thread throughout, I urge you to read this one during the holidays or any time of the year! You're sure to find yourself imagining the drone of bagpipes playing softly in the background, and perhaps grabbing a tissue or two at the satisfying conclusion. Verra nicely done, Ms Carie!

[Lis K]

This was my first read from Jamie Carie but judging from the 4-5 star reviews of her books, I was excited to read this story (plus it stars a Highlander hero!). The author is definitely a good writer. She can convey the emotions of the characters very well, she has a way of describing settings, and she can create good romantic tension. However, I think the problems I had with this book are due to the novella format; this story would have been better as a full-length book. Juliet and Iain are instantly attracted to each other, it seemed more like an attraction based on their physical attributes rather than anything substantive (as such is common in novellas). Iain barely knows her yet is willing to marry her despite possible opposition from his clan and from Juliet's intended bridegroom, Lord Malcolm. The book description led me to believe that the couple would experience difficulties from his clan but it really was about saving Juliet from an unwanted marriage. His clan wasn't an issue at all. I think the author could write a full-length story and flesh out details to make the story more believable. Spiritually, Iain was a strong believer who wanted to follow God's will and who trusted God to save Juliet. The ending had a nice Chrisitan wrap-up message about Christmas. Overall, I'm glad I tried a new author and it was an interesting story - 3.5 stars.

[Sheena Amos]

This was a quick read. I really loved that the male lead Iain was a stong man because of his faith. Juliet was a little lost and felt undeserving of any potential husband, until her father matched her up with the most vile man. The best description of this book is "have faith" its repeated over and over by a strong spiritual leader in the MacLeon clan chief Iain.

I would have given this quick read five stars if it weren't for the few typos that could have easily happend in formatting. All the characters were exceptionally developed and the plot was one that kept me tapping my kindle to get to the next page.

[Joleen]

Normally I'm not a novella reader. But this came as a suggested book, so I read it.
I have to say, for a "short story", it packed a punch. This didn't really feel like a lot was missing in order to finish with the right amount of words. Of course it could have been longer, but what you get is really a full story without all the fluff. Characters are fun, story is great, plot keeps you hanging on and worth the read. Several humorous plot lines, definite romance, and there was also one thing that happened that actually made me gasp out loud.
For a synopsis there are a lot of other reviews. I just wanted to say this was a novella worth the read.

[Diane Holm]

This historical fiction/romance will keep you turning the pages!

When Lady Juilet is sent to visit her uncle and family in 1714 Scotland, she never imagined the trials that lay ahead. Caught up in a turn of events, of which she has no control, and being forced into a repulsive situation causes her to act against her nature... for survival. The ensuing days bring danger, fear but Lady Juliet refuses to loose hope. Her heart and faith trust in God and Ian McLeon, a Scottish chiftain, to save the day!

Very descriptive writing, forceful, expressive, and dramatic! Sure to keep you turning the pages

[writer...]

Quick historical Christmas novella read - action and Highlands adventure surrounding marriage deadline to save protagonist's future vs romantic heart attachment...

Clan gathering for Highland Games creates attachment of our hero and heroine and introduces background of father's destructive tendencies playing out in his children's lives. The brother's creative initiation to save his sister from their father's actions had me holding my breath and cheering them on. Their father's ill planned debt cancellation scheme causes tension to characters and reader alike as the fate of the solution unfolds.

Suspenseful addition to Christmas reading!

[Natalie Gleb]

Rich in historical details and setting, this vivid story only had one flaw. It caused me to get a cramp in my neck from reading in one sitting! Couldn't set it "doon."

If I had to choose a favorite aspect, the wise warrior's gentle faith was truly inspiring. And the honorable, sweet, deliberate attention he pays the heroine is terribly endearing.

I'd say PG for a couple sensual references and a near-rape scene.

Looking forward to more of Carie's work.

[Twyla]

Goodreads is sucking again today, cant tap the stars and cant scroll through shelves without scrolling the whole damn oage and still cant type without a serious serious lag, like minutes of lag between letters. Only giving this three stars, it lacked magic and depth. Sure its only a novella but it doesnt mean it needs to be skimpy. Pkus for all the talk of faithetc i thought it was just plain hyporcitical of the sherrif to pull the trigger near the end. Talk about lack of faith.

[Lisa C.]

Just okay. Short, easy to read. The heroine wasn't overbearing or super whiny but some of the situations were unrealistic. Also, the hero used modern language. I don't mind having religious references or Scripture in stories but they seemed added to the story just to make it a Christian romance. Can't be all that bad with the many handsome Highlanders wearing kilts. I wouldn't not recommend it, but there are a lot of other good books with the same subject matter set during this time.

[Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile]

This was a unique Christmas story taking place in the majestic Scottish Highlands. It's Christian fiction, but I didn't find it to be "preachy." Iain is a Scottish chieftain, raw and rough around the edges, but strong and powerful. It's attraction at first glance between him and the lady Juliet, and Juliet's world is tipped on its side as she must be saved from the dastardly Lord Malcolm and his evil plans for her. A fun, exciting adventure during the holiday.

[Eliza_marie]

Happy birthday to the author! She mentioned that this book was free on Amazon today in honor of her birthday and Valentine's Day.

This was a great quick read. The characters were interesting, the plot was inviting, and I was pleased with the resolution. My next step is going to be finding out what else the author has written.

[LadyCalico]

This novella ended up really disappointing me. It started out so fresh and original and I was really loving the part set during the Highland games. Then the brother arrived to escort Juliet home, and after that it just seemed to lose its charm and slip into the same old/same old, became trite and stale, and totally lost my interest.

[Sarah]

This book well written, but not really the kind of story I like. The two main characters fall madly in love after a couple of meetings and no nothing about each other before they decide to get married. Yes, the marriage is to save her but... I still didn't like it.

I also felt the story was very rushed in places, but for the most part the pacing was good.

[mary hansen]

Neither here good or bad

it was just a cutesy story.nothing to write home about.it wasn't long enough that I wasted my time reading it but I did have to finish it.not that I NEEDED to know how it ended.that's. just my reading habit.

[Gina Coulter]

An entertaining short story, but only that. Little character development, contrived plot, and a "telling" Voice. I did enjoy the historical-adventure-romance mix, which is hard to find in the trends these days.

[Cindy]

This book opens well and interesting, however; after about half way through the book I became bored with the romance.