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Timeless Victorian Collection #8
Summer in the Highlands
From the publisher of the USA Today bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series, comes Summer in the Highlands, with three Victorian Romance novellas by Nichole Van, Heidi Kimball, and Michele Paige Holmes.
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
Mrs. Christiana Newton—Chrissi to her closest friends—has two simple goals in life. One, earn a living through her archaeological expertise. And two, forget that Alistair Maclagan, her traitorous former betrothed, still walks the same planet as herself. Alistair Maclagan, Lord Farnell, has resolved to move on from his broken engagement to Chrissi nine years ago, to forgive himself for shattering the trust between them. But when Fate drops Chrissi, quite literally, into a muddy bog on Alistair’s Highland estate, the two are forced to confront their romantic past. Despite heartbreak, betrayal, and the passage of years, can Chrissi and Alistair forge love anew?
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
Consigned to spend three months in the Highlands of Scotland with a grandmother she’s never met and an accent she cannot understand, Arabella Hughes has every reason to believe it will prove to be the worst summer of her life. And after meeting the infuriating and unchivalrous Gavin McKenzie, she becomes certain of it. As the summer progresses, however, and her prejudices and preconceptions about both Scotland and her grandmother are turned on their heads, Arabella remains determined to keep a certain Scotsman at bay. Yet every time they meet, Mr. McKenzie teases her, provokes her, and confronts her—challenging the way she thinks and forcing Arabella to consider what she truly wants for her future, even if what she wants turns out to be the last thing she ever expected.
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
Theodore Hughes seeks a summer of refuge and healing in Scotland’s Highlands, as he recovers from both physical and emotional wounds sustained in the Crimean War. He’s also looking forward to becoming reacquainted with his fiancée, Violet. But when the wrong woman arrives on his doorstep, his plans are thrown awry and his tenuous hold on the future seems to be slipping away. Beatrice never wanted to come to the Highlands, to witness her undeserving cousin being doted upon by a man she neither loves nor appreciates. But Beatrice never would have intentionally injured Lord Hughes’ heart, no matter what he believes to the contrary. Thrown together, both victims of Violet’s mischief, Theodore and Beatrice navigate a hostile beginning to a tentative friendship, then to trust and ultimately love. But Beatrice hasn’t been entirely honest about the past. And her deceit may be her undoing when Violet returns to claim Theodore as her own.
Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL
A NOTE OF CHANGE
A GENTLEWOMAN SCHOLAR
AN AUTUMN KISS
SUMMER IN THE HIGHLANDS
Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK'S
A WEEK IN BRIGHTON
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE
A SEASIDE SUMMER
THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE
TO KISS A WALLFLOWER
Summer in the Highlands is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book. Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
Mrs. Christiana Newton—Chrissi to her closest friends—has two simple goals in life. One, earn a living through her archaeological expertise. And two, forget that Alistair Maclagan, her traitorous former betrothed, still walks the same planet as herself. Alistair Maclagan, Lord Farnell, has resolved to move on from his broken engagement to Chrissi nine years ago, to forgive himself for shattering the trust between them. But when Fate drops Chrissi, quite literally, into a muddy bog on Alistair’s Highland estate, the two are forced to confront their romantic past. Despite heartbreak, betrayal, and the passage of years, can Chrissi and Alistair forge love anew?
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
Consigned to spend three months in the Highlands of Scotland with a grandmother she’s never met and an accent she cannot understand, Arabella Hughes has every reason to believe it will prove to be the worst summer of her life. And after meeting the infuriating and unchivalrous Gavin McKenzie, she becomes certain of it. As the summer progresses, however, and her prejudices and preconceptions about both Scotland and her grandmother are turned on their heads, Arabella remains determined to keep a certain Scotsman at bay. Yet every time they meet, Mr. McKenzie teases her, provokes her, and confronts her—challenging the way she thinks and forcing Arabella to consider what she truly wants for her future, even if what she wants turns out to be the last thing she ever expected.
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
Theodore Hughes seeks a summer of refuge and healing in Scotland’s Highlands, as he recovers from both physical and emotional wounds sustained in the Crimean War. He’s also looking forward to becoming reacquainted with his fiancée, Violet. But when the wrong woman arrives on his doorstep, his plans are thrown awry and his tenuous hold on the future seems to be slipping away. Beatrice never wanted to come to the Highlands, to witness her undeserving cousin being doted upon by a man she neither loves nor appreciates. But Beatrice never would have intentionally injured Lord Hughes’ heart, no matter what he believes to the contrary. Thrown together, both victims of Violet’s mischief, Theodore and Beatrice navigate a hostile beginning to a tentative friendship, then to trust and ultimately love. But Beatrice hasn’t been entirely honest about the past. And her deceit may be her undoing when Violet returns to claim Theodore as her own.
Timeless Victorian Collections:
SUMMER HOLIDAY
A GRAND TOUR
THE ORIENT EXPRESS
THE QUEEN'S BALL
A NOTE OF CHANGE
A GENTLEWOMAN SCHOLAR
AN AUTUMN KISS
SUMMER IN THE HIGHLANDS
Timeless Regency Collections:
AUTUMN MASQUERADE
A MIDWINTER BALL
SPRING IN HYDE PARK
SUMMER HOUSE PARTY
A COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
A SEASON IN LONDON
FALLING FOR A DUKE
A NIGHT IN GROSVENOR SQUARE
ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN
WEDDING WAGERS
AN EVENING AT ALMACK'S
A WEEK IN BRIGHTON
TO LOVE A GOVERNESS
WIDOWS OF SOMERSET
A CHRISTMAS PROMISE
A SEASIDE SUMMER
THE INNS OF DEVONSHIRE
TO KISS A WALLFLOWER
Summer in the Highlands is a Timeless Romance Anthology® book. Timeless Romance Anthology® is a registered trademark of Mirror Press, LLC
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2024
122 people are currently reading
325 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
June 17, 2024
This review is for the first two novellas in this collection, only because the mood reader picker has called me away. But I need to tell you about these two I read.
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
If you could have a look at the reader meltdown stream of consciousness notes I have on this one, you’d probably think “She’s one ‘lass’ away from completely losing it.” And you’d be right. Second Chance is in my favorite tropes top 3 and, as the diehard Van Fan that I am, you’d think I’d come in more prepared. Just a fun, wee summer jaunt to the Highlands, right? Well, only if you enjoy getting your mind blown with 200 pages or less. Which I do. Especially if it’s with a Scottish gale also doing the blowing. Because it’s the kind of angsty past-betrayal second chance where circumstances have reversed but all the competence attraction tension and the my-soul-has-not-been-seen-or-set-afire-since-this-person-exited-stage-left-and-left-me- heart-trampled are there. It’s that kind in all its glory. Giddily, also having to deal with a lot of “Oh, so I had known the boy, but this is the man. The very manly man.” And if this wasn’t enough to go with the tier-of-its-own brilliant writing and symbolism, it’s like the author’s generous heart just can’t help an extravagantly indulgent deluge of work place forced proximity, escapism (let’s go to Florence too while we’re at it) and all the Victorian archealogy to get your history nerdy senses tingling. This kind of perfect historical HEA swoon is always in season.
Content notes: Kissing Only. Warnings would severely spoil, reach out if you have triggers.
Of Kilts and Courtship by
In terms of order placement in the collection, this was the perfect counterbalance after some gut-wrenching and eyebrow-singing from Van’s. So much fun to be had when it’s a snooty English lady and an affronted teasing Scot who are clashing. Love a heroine falling in love with a hero as she also falls in love with his heritage and home. Och, Master Gavin Alexander McKenzie, I could hear his flirty, rumbly brogue in my mind’s ear. Definitely cannot blame Miss Arabella for wanting to don on a tartan and stomp out a Scoth reel over the likes of him. And he’s protective over your grandma? Call in that bicultural card, her and her Scottish half did not stand a chance. Some parts of the third act lost me a little, but that last scene won me over all over again. Read if you love great hijinks, outstanding banter and all the Scotland escapism you could want.
Content notes: kissing only, mention of toxic parents, mention of parent death.
Just going by these two novellas I read, this collection is more than worth it to well and truly have a stamp on your reader passport and a swooned-out summer yourself.
Available June 25th and on Kindle Unlimited! Thank you to Nichole Van for an ARC.
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
If you could have a look at the reader meltdown stream of consciousness notes I have on this one, you’d probably think “She’s one ‘lass’ away from completely losing it.” And you’d be right. Second Chance is in my favorite tropes top 3 and, as the diehard Van Fan that I am, you’d think I’d come in more prepared. Just a fun, wee summer jaunt to the Highlands, right? Well, only if you enjoy getting your mind blown with 200 pages or less. Which I do. Especially if it’s with a Scottish gale also doing the blowing. Because it’s the kind of angsty past-betrayal second chance where circumstances have reversed but all the competence attraction tension and the my-soul-has-not-been-seen-or-set-afire-since-this-person-exited-stage-left-and-left-me- heart-trampled are there. It’s that kind in all its glory. Giddily, also having to deal with a lot of “Oh, so I had known the boy, but this is the man. The very manly man.” And if this wasn’t enough to go with the tier-of-its-own brilliant writing and symbolism, it’s like the author’s generous heart just can’t help an extravagantly indulgent deluge of work place forced proximity, escapism (let’s go to Florence too while we’re at it) and all the Victorian archealogy to get your history nerdy senses tingling. This kind of perfect historical HEA swoon is always in season.
Content notes: Kissing Only. Warnings would severely spoil, reach out if you have triggers.
Of Kilts and Courtship by
In terms of order placement in the collection, this was the perfect counterbalance after some gut-wrenching and eyebrow-singing from Van’s. So much fun to be had when it’s a snooty English lady and an affronted teasing Scot who are clashing. Love a heroine falling in love with a hero as she also falls in love with his heritage and home. Och, Master Gavin Alexander McKenzie, I could hear his flirty, rumbly brogue in my mind’s ear. Definitely cannot blame Miss Arabella for wanting to don on a tartan and stomp out a Scoth reel over the likes of him. And he’s protective over your grandma? Call in that bicultural card, her and her Scottish half did not stand a chance. Some parts of the third act lost me a little, but that last scene won me over all over again. Read if you love great hijinks, outstanding banter and all the Scotland escapism you could want.
Content notes: kissing only, mention of toxic parents, mention of parent death.
Just going by these two novellas I read, this collection is more than worth it to well and truly have a stamp on your reader passport and a swooned-out summer yourself.
Available June 25th and on Kindle Unlimited! Thank you to Nichole Van for an ARC.
June 25, 2024
I usually stay away from Novellas because I never feel quite satisfied at the close....never get deep enough to truly connect with the characters or immerse myself in the setting.
SUMMER IN THE HIGHLANDS IS THE EXCEPTION
I have been a die hard fan of both Nichole and Heidi for years. I'd read these women's grocery lists (actually I bet they are delicious). SO when I found they were collaborating on a novella series set in Scotland...one of my favorite places on the planet, there was no question i'd break my novella ban.
REMNANTS OF LOVE - By Nichole Van
This was just everything and more. When two lovers are forced apart and come together again under unforseen circumstances..they have the chance to rekindle what was once lost. I adored this couple...Chrissi was a strong willed, intelligent woman with a passion for archeology. Alistair was warm, engaging and willing to grovel. The pacing for second chances was perfection, the archeological theme taught me something new and I love watching this couple build back the love they had lost. Nichole brings the same passion to all her stories and this was no exception. ALL THE STARS.
OF KILTS AND COURTSHIP - Heidi Kimball
I was already laughing by chapter one. When a young woman has been taught how terribly unrefined Scots can be...her punishment in the highlands forces those Scots to show her just HOW SCOTTISH they can be. Heidi nailed the dialogue in this one. It was an absolute delight and I found myself with a goofy smile in those first few chapters. I loved this couple as well...as Arabella learns more about the family she has been kept from she learns more about herself and what she truly wants. The chemistry was everything i've come to expect from Heidi and I felt like I got a full novels worth of love in 100 pages. OBSESSED.
INTO THE LIGHT - Michelle Holmes
I'm picking this one up today! A Scottish gentlemen recovering from the Crimea War? The wrong fiance? An undeserving cousin? Misconceptions to more? Say less. I have heard such wonderful things about this author and while it will be my first time reading her I already have a feeling it won't be the last.
OUT NOW!
SUMMER IN THE HIGHLANDS IS THE EXCEPTION
I have been a die hard fan of both Nichole and Heidi for years. I'd read these women's grocery lists (actually I bet they are delicious). SO when I found they were collaborating on a novella series set in Scotland...one of my favorite places on the planet, there was no question i'd break my novella ban.
REMNANTS OF LOVE - By Nichole Van
This was just everything and more. When two lovers are forced apart and come together again under unforseen circumstances..they have the chance to rekindle what was once lost. I adored this couple...Chrissi was a strong willed, intelligent woman with a passion for archeology. Alistair was warm, engaging and willing to grovel. The pacing for second chances was perfection, the archeological theme taught me something new and I love watching this couple build back the love they had lost. Nichole brings the same passion to all her stories and this was no exception. ALL THE STARS.
OF KILTS AND COURTSHIP - Heidi Kimball
I was already laughing by chapter one. When a young woman has been taught how terribly unrefined Scots can be...her punishment in the highlands forces those Scots to show her just HOW SCOTTISH they can be. Heidi nailed the dialogue in this one. It was an absolute delight and I found myself with a goofy smile in those first few chapters. I loved this couple as well...as Arabella learns more about the family she has been kept from she learns more about herself and what she truly wants. The chemistry was everything i've come to expect from Heidi and I felt like I got a full novels worth of love in 100 pages. OBSESSED.
INTO THE LIGHT - Michelle Holmes
I'm picking this one up today! A Scottish gentlemen recovering from the Crimea War? The wrong fiance? An undeserving cousin? Misconceptions to more? Say less. I have heard such wonderful things about this author and while it will be my first time reading her I already have a feeling it won't be the last.
OUT NOW!
June 25, 2024
Thank you to the authors for a gifted copy.
LOVED THEM ALL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Remnants of Love
Nichole Van can do no wrong in my opinion and so it should come as no surprise that I loved this second chance, ANGSTY tension filled romance. I loved the re-meet cute and the push and pull between Chrissi and Alistair. There’s just the right amount of flashback chapters to connect to the past and I loved the pacing of the present. It’s swoony and heartfelt and fills your soul.
Content Warnings: mentions of a miscarriage
Of Kilts and Courtships
I also love Heidi Kimball’s stories and this one was amazing!! Such a great use of a quick timeline and love story. I never felt like things moved too fast. I was invested with the heated enemies banter and all of the swoooony moments that brought Gavin and Arabella together. I loved the coastal Scotland setting and passionate tale. It ended at just the right spot too.
Into the Light
This is my first book by this author! I really liked it. There’s a lot of sweet moments and I loved Theodore and Beatrice’s strength and resilient natures vs. the things they have been through. Once again, I adored the highland setting.
Content Warnings: war injuries and recovery
LOVED THEM ALL.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
Remnants of Love
Nichole Van can do no wrong in my opinion and so it should come as no surprise that I loved this second chance, ANGSTY tension filled romance. I loved the re-meet cute and the push and pull between Chrissi and Alistair. There’s just the right amount of flashback chapters to connect to the past and I loved the pacing of the present. It’s swoony and heartfelt and fills your soul.
Content Warnings: mentions of a miscarriage
Of Kilts and Courtships
I also love Heidi Kimball’s stories and this one was amazing!! Such a great use of a quick timeline and love story. I never felt like things moved too fast. I was invested with the heated enemies banter and all of the swoooony moments that brought Gavin and Arabella together. I loved the coastal Scotland setting and passionate tale. It ended at just the right spot too.
Into the Light
This is my first book by this author! I really liked it. There’s a lot of sweet moments and I loved Theodore and Beatrice’s strength and resilient natures vs. the things they have been through. Once again, I adored the highland setting.
Content Warnings: war injuries and recovery
June 21, 2024
This anthology was just charming! They might be shorter stories, but they were filled with a lot of depth and substance, and were beautifully written.
Each story takes place in Scotland during the 1850’s, has a lovely romance, and a wonderful cast of characters.
Scotland is a country I’ve always wanted to visit, and the beautiful descriptions of the Scottish highlands had me ready to pack my bags and head to the airport.
Remnants of Love by Nicole Van had a more serious feel to it, and a lovely second chance romance.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball was more lighthearted and so fun, with an enemies to lovers story.
Into The Light by Michele Paige Holmes was super sweet, with main characters who have experienced hurt and trauma, and find love and healing together.
I genuinely enjoyed each story, and couldn’t put this book down. The stories felt complete, and yet I wished they were longer because I love these characters and would have liked reading more about them.
Highly recommend for anyone that loves shorter stories, excellent writing, and beautiful love stories.
I received an early copy but a positive review was not required.
Each story takes place in Scotland during the 1850’s, has a lovely romance, and a wonderful cast of characters.
Scotland is a country I’ve always wanted to visit, and the beautiful descriptions of the Scottish highlands had me ready to pack my bags and head to the airport.
Remnants of Love by Nicole Van had a more serious feel to it, and a lovely second chance romance.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball was more lighthearted and so fun, with an enemies to lovers story.
Into The Light by Michele Paige Holmes was super sweet, with main characters who have experienced hurt and trauma, and find love and healing together.
I genuinely enjoyed each story, and couldn’t put this book down. The stories felt complete, and yet I wished they were longer because I love these characters and would have liked reading more about them.
Highly recommend for anyone that loves shorter stories, excellent writing, and beautiful love stories.
I received an early copy but a positive review was not required.
July 29, 2024
I’ve been a fan of the Timeless Romance collections for years and it was exciting to spend a summer in the highlands of Scotland with these three novellas.
REMNANTS OF LOVE by Nichole Van brought to light a new-to-me Victorian activity–archaeology. Alistair and Chrissi get their second chance with a fateful meeting after a tragic past, and I adore their story in the mud and bogs of Scotland. There are so many heartfelt moments and revelations that both moved and captivated me, and it’s told in this author’s beautiful, vivid storytelling manner.
OF KILTS AND COURTSHIPS by Heidi Kimball is such a favorite! When Arabella is shipped off to spend the summer with an unknown grandma in Scotland for the summer, the fun begins. I was laughing so hard at the antics of the gran and her handsome neighbor, Gavin. Bagpipe wake-up calls, no utensils, kilts and more set up such a mischievously and delightfully fun and sweet reverse grumpy-sunshine romance.
INTO THE LIGHT by Michele Paige Holmes begins with desperation and heartbreak, but quickly develops into a tender story between Beatrice and Theodore. His grumpy persona is no match for the sweet kindness and care of Beatrice, and a Cinderella vibe is present throughout this emotional tale. It’s a satisfying conclusion to this set.
Content: kisses; one story talks of illegitimate baby
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
REMNANTS OF LOVE by Nichole Van brought to light a new-to-me Victorian activity–archaeology. Alistair and Chrissi get their second chance with a fateful meeting after a tragic past, and I adore their story in the mud and bogs of Scotland. There are so many heartfelt moments and revelations that both moved and captivated me, and it’s told in this author’s beautiful, vivid storytelling manner.
OF KILTS AND COURTSHIPS by Heidi Kimball is such a favorite! When Arabella is shipped off to spend the summer with an unknown grandma in Scotland for the summer, the fun begins. I was laughing so hard at the antics of the gran and her handsome neighbor, Gavin. Bagpipe wake-up calls, no utensils, kilts and more set up such a mischievously and delightfully fun and sweet reverse grumpy-sunshine romance.
INTO THE LIGHT by Michele Paige Holmes begins with desperation and heartbreak, but quickly develops into a tender story between Beatrice and Theodore. His grumpy persona is no match for the sweet kindness and care of Beatrice, and a Cinderella vibe is present throughout this emotional tale. It’s a satisfying conclusion to this set.
Content: kisses; one story talks of illegitimate baby
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*
August 1, 2024
This collection is fabulous!
Each story is amazing. They all have the most iconic beginnings, so much emotion and some beautiful sizzling chemistry.
The character development in each one is incredibly well done. With a lot of enemies to lovers vibes and the incredible highlands back drop so well described by each author, you won’t want to put the book down!
I may be biased as it includes stories from some of our very favorites, but this collection sucked me right in—it is a must read!
Each story is amazing. They all have the most iconic beginnings, so much emotion and some beautiful sizzling chemistry.
The character development in each one is incredibly well done. With a lot of enemies to lovers vibes and the incredible highlands back drop so well described by each author, you won’t want to put the book down!
I may be biased as it includes stories from some of our very favorites, but this collection sucked me right in—it is a must read!
June 21, 2024
Five easy stars for this anthology!
3 novellas.
3 amazing authors.
3 incredibly fun tropes.
Within this collection you'll get second chance romance, enemies-to-more romance and a hint of mistaken identity mixed with a great forced proximity romance.
All romances take place over a summer season in Scotland!
What's not to love?
If you love historical romance, I absolutely recommend picking this one up!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: mention of intimacy before marriage (a handfasted marriage had occurred prior, nothing on page only a mention), mistaken identities, miscarriage, unsupportive parents or parental figures, strained family relationships, broken engagement.
3 novellas.
3 amazing authors.
3 incredibly fun tropes.
Within this collection you'll get second chance romance, enemies-to-more romance and a hint of mistaken identity mixed with a great forced proximity romance.
All romances take place over a summer season in Scotland!
What's not to love?
If you love historical romance, I absolutely recommend picking this one up!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Content: mention of intimacy before marriage (a handfasted marriage had occurred prior, nothing on page only a mention), mistaken identities, miscarriage, unsupportive parents or parental figures, strained family relationships, broken engagement.
June 1, 2024
This collection of romantic short stories was an utter DELIGHT to read. I was instantly transported to beautiful Scotland with such atmospheric descriptions of the landscape and its people. It was the perfect setting for romance!
What I love most about these stories is the characters. They all have such incredible growth. The authors all did a commendable job giving us a full romance and deep character growth with how short the stories are! I feel attached to all the couples and their stories. Each romance felt unique to me, and once I started each story I had trouble putting it down again. This collection is truly perfection, and one I will be recommending for years!
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you, Nichole Van, for the arc!
Releases June 25, 2024
Trigger/Content Warnings: war violence and injury, mild injury, parent deaths, mild physical abuse, closed door
What I love most about these stories is the characters. They all have such incredible growth. The authors all did a commendable job giving us a full romance and deep character growth with how short the stories are! I feel attached to all the couples and their stories. Each romance felt unique to me, and once I started each story I had trouble putting it down again. This collection is truly perfection, and one I will be recommending for years!
Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5
Thank you, Nichole Van, for the arc!
Releases June 25, 2024
Trigger/Content Warnings: war violence and injury, mild injury, parent deaths, mild physical abuse, closed door
June 24, 2024
This newest collection from Timeless Romance is a definite winner!!! Three of my favorite authors each wrote a novella and let me tell you that I adored each one of them!!! Three Victorian Romance novellas that are full of sweet and swoony romance that you won't want to stop with just one novella. You'll want to enjoy all three at once. I was definitely pulled into the stories and was cheering on these characters to get their happy ever after! And bonus...they're all set in the Scottish Highlands (Woot Woot)!!!
~Remnants of Love by Nichole Van~ 5* ~
Oh my heavens!!! If you love a good second chance story with a bit of enemies to lovers vibe going on, you are going to swoon over this one! My heart ached for Chrissi and for Alistair but I loved how it all was righted in the end. Seriously, I was swooning! I wanted to go back and reread it as soon as I had finished it!
~Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball~ 5* ~
Oh Miss Arabella Hughes, you are in for the summer of your life. The meet cute in this is hysterical. And the grandmother and Gavin McKenzie will have you giggling over their initial antics. Misperceptions and preconceived notions can get a person in trouble, especially if that person is Arabella. But don't you worry, she doesn't let that stand in her way. And neither does Gavin. *Happy Sigh* These two were absolutely adorable together. Love, Love, Loved it!!!
~Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes~ 5* ~
Beatrice and Theodore are the sweetest couple! I loved how their story evolved and how they came to find each other. Even if there were some hardships that occurred to get them to where they are at now. Beatrice's backstory almost had me in tears. That poor girl! But I loved her sweet, tender and gentle manner. I love how they are able to overcome and see around the obstacles that they face. And how Theodore knows Beatrice's heart through the goodness of who she is. This story left my heart so very happy and put a big grin on my face!!!
All three of these novellas are definite rereads for me and a collection that I highly recommend! Especially if you're a fan of Scottish stories!
Content for all three: Clean. I love these anthologies because I always know that I don't have to worry about content and that I can happily recommend them to my teenagers and anyone else! There are some elements of familial struggles and neglect but it is not the focus of the story, just a background story element. There is talk about a miscarriage for a child conceived out of wedlock but there's no details, just explaining about it later on in the story. Some kisses but nothing further. No language.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
~Remnants of Love by Nichole Van~ 5* ~
Oh my heavens!!! If you love a good second chance story with a bit of enemies to lovers vibe going on, you are going to swoon over this one! My heart ached for Chrissi and for Alistair but I loved how it all was righted in the end. Seriously, I was swooning! I wanted to go back and reread it as soon as I had finished it!
~Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball~ 5* ~
Oh Miss Arabella Hughes, you are in for the summer of your life. The meet cute in this is hysterical. And the grandmother and Gavin McKenzie will have you giggling over their initial antics. Misperceptions and preconceived notions can get a person in trouble, especially if that person is Arabella. But don't you worry, she doesn't let that stand in her way. And neither does Gavin. *Happy Sigh* These two were absolutely adorable together. Love, Love, Loved it!!!
~Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes~ 5* ~
Beatrice and Theodore are the sweetest couple! I loved how their story evolved and how they came to find each other. Even if there were some hardships that occurred to get them to where they are at now. Beatrice's backstory almost had me in tears. That poor girl! But I loved her sweet, tender and gentle manner. I love how they are able to overcome and see around the obstacles that they face. And how Theodore knows Beatrice's heart through the goodness of who she is. This story left my heart so very happy and put a big grin on my face!!!
All three of these novellas are definite rereads for me and a collection that I highly recommend! Especially if you're a fan of Scottish stories!
Content for all three: Clean. I love these anthologies because I always know that I don't have to worry about content and that I can happily recommend them to my teenagers and anyone else! There are some elements of familial struggles and neglect but it is not the focus of the story, just a background story element. There is talk about a miscarriage for a child conceived out of wedlock but there's no details, just explaining about it later on in the story. Some kisses but nothing further. No language.
I received a copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
March 8, 2025
I adore the Timeless Victorian Collections! The three stories are longer than the usual novella length, and the stories feel full and complete while still providing a swift journey to our HEA. Scotland is such a dreamy setting, and I can't wait to visit there someday. Each story (by three of my favorite authors) provided vibrant characters that I quickly grew to know and understand, emotional connection, conflict that drew me in, and compelling romantic chemistry! This is a wonderful collection of stories that I plan to read again in the future.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
August 30, 2024
I've been reading the Timeless Collections for years and eagerly await each new collection. I love getting stories from some of my favorite authors and sometimes I find a new author to love. This collection transports the reader to beautiful Scotland with three wonderful novellas.
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
I love Nichole Van's books and second chance romance is one of favorite tropes so I loved this novella. I love seeing couples grow and overcome what drove them apart so they can find love the second time around. I really liked that Chrissi and Alistair's story is told in flashbacks so we can see when they were first together and what broke them apart. The archaeological setting was very interesting and the descriptions were amazing! This might be my favorite in the collection.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
Another favorite trope of mine is enemies to lovers because of the witty banter between the sparring couple, and this novella has a lot it. Arabella Hughes is sent to her grandmother's for the summer and it's going to be a summer she'll never forget. Arabella and Gavin have a fun meet-cute and her grandma . . . let's just say, she's something else! Thanks to grandma and Gavin there are several laugh out loud moments; bagpipes anyone? IYKYK
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
Theodore Hughes wants to spend the summer at his Scotland estate while he heals physically and emotionally from the war. He's not expecting Beatrice to arrive on his doorstep with a letter from her cousin, his fiancée, breaking their engagement. This tender grumpy/sunshine story tugged at my heartstrings. Beatrice, although mistreated by her aunt & uncle is so sweet and giving, which is what Theodore needed as his body healed. I loved watching them become friends through their walks in the garden and then having those feelings develop into love.
Whether you're a fan of second-chance romance, enemies-to-lovers, or healing hearts, this anthology has something for everyone. It's a perfect read for those who want to be swept away to the enchanting Highlands of Scotland.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
I love Nichole Van's books and second chance romance is one of favorite tropes so I loved this novella. I love seeing couples grow and overcome what drove them apart so they can find love the second time around. I really liked that Chrissi and Alistair's story is told in flashbacks so we can see when they were first together and what broke them apart. The archaeological setting was very interesting and the descriptions were amazing! This might be my favorite in the collection.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
Another favorite trope of mine is enemies to lovers because of the witty banter between the sparring couple, and this novella has a lot it. Arabella Hughes is sent to her grandmother's for the summer and it's going to be a summer she'll never forget. Arabella and Gavin have a fun meet-cute and her grandma . . . let's just say, she's something else! Thanks to grandma and Gavin there are several laugh out loud moments; bagpipes anyone? IYKYK
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
Theodore Hughes wants to spend the summer at his Scotland estate while he heals physically and emotionally from the war. He's not expecting Beatrice to arrive on his doorstep with a letter from her cousin, his fiancée, breaking their engagement. This tender grumpy/sunshine story tugged at my heartstrings. Beatrice, although mistreated by her aunt & uncle is so sweet and giving, which is what Theodore needed as his body healed. I loved watching them become friends through their walks in the garden and then having those feelings develop into love.
Whether you're a fan of second-chance romance, enemies-to-lovers, or healing hearts, this anthology has something for everyone. It's a perfect read for those who want to be swept away to the enchanting Highlands of Scotland.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own.
July 5, 2024
It's difficult for me to rate novellas because they are so short and in general, they don't deliver. However, this book is one of the few exceptions that (overall) deserves 5 stars.
5 stars... The first novella starts out with a bang as Nichole Van shows us, once again how unfairly talented she is as a writer. The emotional depth was perfect, and I've never once been brought to tears in a novella until this one. I need a whole book now.
5 stars... I shouldn't have been surprised to love the second story by Heidi Kimball. It made me cackle and laugh while also giving me romance. I loved the pure joy it gave me, and the characters were perfectly charming and loveable.
4 stars... The third story by Michele Holmes immediately grabbed me and I loved the plot. It was tender, emotional and I couldn't put it down. I needed more romance, but I was absolutely taken away with the trials these characters had gone through and their sweet connections.
5 stars... The first novella starts out with a bang as Nichole Van shows us, once again how unfairly talented she is as a writer. The emotional depth was perfect, and I've never once been brought to tears in a novella until this one. I need a whole book now.
5 stars... I shouldn't have been surprised to love the second story by Heidi Kimball. It made me cackle and laugh while also giving me romance. I loved the pure joy it gave me, and the characters were perfectly charming and loveable.
4 stars... The third story by Michele Holmes immediately grabbed me and I loved the plot. It was tender, emotional and I couldn't put it down. I needed more romance, but I was absolutely taken away with the trials these characters had gone through and their sweet connections.
August 19, 2024
Not typically a fan of short stories or novellas, but when 2 of my favorite historical romance authors publish in the same volume, I simply had to give it a try! And I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed my reading experience of all 3. Typically, my complaint is that the length isn't conducive to me understanding the characters, their motivations, and for me to feel invested, but I was proven wrong again, and happily so! Absolutely lovely and highly recommend. My favorite was definitely the 2nd in this collection, "Of Kilts and Courtship" by Heidi Kimball. I was immediately captivated by Gavin and Arabella & swept away to Inverness right along with them!
June 29, 2024
These novellas are so fun and sweet. Loved the Scotland setting. Each story is short yet so satisfying.
This book is the perfect choice for someone who wants to dive into a love story but only has a few hours on the beach to read it. Would recommend!
This book is the perfect choice for someone who wants to dive into a love story but only has a few hours on the beach to read it. Would recommend!
May 31, 2024
Loved this!!!! Full review to come
June 16, 2024
Finding love in Scotland, doesn't that sound lovely?! Well, that for sure wasn't what these ladies thought would happen to them, very far from it really. Neither did they of their own free will travel there. Non of that did in the end matter at all, because love they did find, but not only to their own surprise but also that of the gentlemen they found it with.
Three scared men, literally or metaphoracly, certainly didn't expect these ladies to fall into their laps and wasn't at all sure how to handle the situation. But even that which starts on the wrong foot can turn out quite lovely in the end, as they all experienced and as we get to watch on the front row while reading these engaging and beautiful stories. And with such excellent authors we not only get great storylines but they are also well written which gives such a more enjoyable experience.
Three scared men, literally or metaphoracly, certainly didn't expect these ladies to fall into their laps and wasn't at all sure how to handle the situation. But even that which starts on the wrong foot can turn out quite lovely in the end, as they all experienced and as we get to watch on the front row while reading these engaging and beautiful stories. And with such excellent authors we not only get great storylines but they are also well written which gives such a more enjoyable experience.
June 25, 2024
Three wonderful novellas that take place in, you guessed it, summer in the Highlands of Scotland. Nichole Van's story lets us get to know Alis and Chris (Alistair and Christiana) in a second chance romance with an intense and muddy beginning. I really enjoyed the archeology aspect!
Heidi Kimball's story finds Gavin and Arabella both at their wit's end in a kind of feud between English and Scots with a lot of humor. The family connection is beautiful between Arabella and her grandmother. Lots of fireworks between Arabella and Gavin. Eventually. Some horse thievery.
Michele Paige Holmes' novella is a very sweet tale of recovery and healing for both Beatrice and Theodore. I definitely wanted more of this story. It is a story of injustices righted and truth finally setting her free.
All clean romance and beautiful storytelling from three favorite authors and I highly recommend reading this book.
Heidi Kimball's story finds Gavin and Arabella both at their wit's end in a kind of feud between English and Scots with a lot of humor. The family connection is beautiful between Arabella and her grandmother. Lots of fireworks between Arabella and Gavin. Eventually. Some horse thievery.
Michele Paige Holmes' novella is a very sweet tale of recovery and healing for both Beatrice and Theodore. I definitely wanted more of this story. It is a story of injustices righted and truth finally setting her free.
All clean romance and beautiful storytelling from three favorite authors and I highly recommend reading this book.
August 13, 2024
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van: Sadly, this was probably my least favorite of the three novellas. I struggled with the pacing of it (which, yes, does happen often in novellas/short stories) and the reasoning for the break-up of their previous relationship. It started off with really good promise and some humor with Chrissi needing rescuing. But I also struggled with the reversal of names of Chris and Alis. I just couldn't wrap my head around the opposition of names with the genders and picturing the correct character in my mind, so I finally just started saying Chrissi and Alistair in my head instead. (And, yes, I know the couples' joke the author used for these nicknames, it just didn't work for my brain). I've enjoyed Van's writing before, but this one just was meh for me (sorry!!) The archeology and the author's note at the end explaining the historical things she tied into the story were very interesting, though, and I enjoyed that attention to detail and historical accuracy and education that she shared about the story.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball: This one picked up much better for me. The humor. The Highlands initiation that the spoiled Arabella receives as comeuppance for her attitude when she arrives in the Highlands for a summer with her grandmother whom she's never met before. Entertaining and fun. Also watching her attitude change and her developing romance was fun and well done. This one also felt like it was longer and had more development that took place in the short length.
Into The Light by Michelle Paige Holmes: The feels are definitely present in this one, tugging on the heartstrings, as both main characters have their own physical and familial hardships they're trying to overcome. One of Beatrice's secrets was obvious from very early on, so I wish the author had just spelled that out and gotten it out of the way instead of trying to hint at it and use more of the story for something else rather than that. Theodore was super grumpy the majority of the story, which was understandable with his mental and physical war wounds he was recovering from, but it got tedious and repetitive and then his attitude switch was pretty abrupt. I did enjoy the two unlikely main characters falling in love, but again it was another novella that left me wanting more. (As a note, the author mentions that there is a bonus final chapter, titled A Wedding in the Highlands, on her website, which I'm sure couldn't be included because of space and whatever issues come up with publishing and also to try to direct traffic to her website, but I would have loved to have it included in the book itself to really wrap up the story even more. (I know, I'm so needy and picky, ha ha!)
Overall, realistically, for me, this anthology is only 3.5 stars, but it was still entertaining and had some great moments, but when stories drag and take too long for me to read/get through, then it tends to lower my rating, unfortunately. Still, it's worth picking up to read.
Content: Clean
***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball: This one picked up much better for me. The humor. The Highlands initiation that the spoiled Arabella receives as comeuppance for her attitude when she arrives in the Highlands for a summer with her grandmother whom she's never met before. Entertaining and fun. Also watching her attitude change and her developing romance was fun and well done. This one also felt like it was longer and had more development that took place in the short length.
Into The Light by Michelle Paige Holmes: The feels are definitely present in this one, tugging on the heartstrings, as both main characters have their own physical and familial hardships they're trying to overcome. One of Beatrice's secrets was obvious from very early on, so I wish the author had just spelled that out and gotten it out of the way instead of trying to hint at it and use more of the story for something else rather than that. Theodore was super grumpy the majority of the story, which was understandable with his mental and physical war wounds he was recovering from, but it got tedious and repetitive and then his attitude switch was pretty abrupt. I did enjoy the two unlikely main characters falling in love, but again it was another novella that left me wanting more. (As a note, the author mentions that there is a bonus final chapter, titled A Wedding in the Highlands, on her website, which I'm sure couldn't be included because of space and whatever issues come up with publishing and also to try to direct traffic to her website, but I would have loved to have it included in the book itself to really wrap up the story even more. (I know, I'm so needy and picky, ha ha!)
Overall, realistically, for me, this anthology is only 3.5 stars, but it was still entertaining and had some great moments, but when stories drag and take too long for me to read/get through, then it tends to lower my rating, unfortunately. Still, it's worth picking up to read.
Content: Clean
***I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.***
May 29, 2024
The prose and descriptions in this book are so moving and beautiful. The author has a gift for imagery. I can see it all as she is laying it out. But she doesn’t give so much detail that you are tripping over it. This is a wonderful book. I highly recommend it.
June 24, 2024
I absolutely adored this collection of novellas! All 3 novellas make you feel like you are there in the Highlands with the characters!
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher and all opinions are my own.
June 18, 2024
Overall Review:
Set in the atmospheric Highlands of Scotland, Summer in the Highlands is a collection of 3 historical romance novellas.This collection is ideal for readers looking to find new authors without the commitment of a full length novel. Each story features a cast of well rounded characters, unique storyline, and of course, a romance packed with chemistry. This collection has become one of my favorites in the Timeless lineup, and one that I will be quick to recommend in the future.
*Stories can be read in any order as they do not connect in anyway, other than the central theme of being set in the Highlands.
————————-
Remnants of love By Nichole Van
Rating : 5/5
Overview: As a female archaeologist Christiana, views her latest assignment in Scotland as the answer to all her woes - until she finds herself being lifted out of a Highland bog by the man she once thought was the love of her life.
Review: As a longtime fan of Nichole Van’s works, this story was a treat. For a story that was less than 100 pages, it held depth and was, for me, perfection. A second chance romance, readers got to see the beginnings, fallings, and reconnections between Alistair and Christiana which made for a highly emotional journey. Their connection was soul deep and it highented their romance, and made for some brilliantly tragic moments of angst. Both characters faced some hard truths which added to their growth. As expected with Van’s works, you could clearly see the love and respect for Scotland and its people in the detailed writing. While the story itself felt complete, I could easily read a full length novel centered around the story of Alistair and Christiana, and still beg for more.
———————
Of Kilts and Courtship By Heidi Kimball
Rating: 5/5
Overview: Arabella, sentenced as a punishment to her estranged grandmother's estate in the Highlands, has heard nothing but negative things about Scotland and its people. Embittered by her situation, she lands herself in the black books of the handsome - but insufferable Scot - Gavin, who vows to teach her a lesson.
Review: A memorable novella that truly highlights what it's like to go from animosity to love, Of Kilts and Courtship is pure fun, playing on the long standing love/hate relationship between the English and the Scots. I found myself laughing in more than one place with the antics of the characters, and then equally invested in the unexpected romance that followed. Arabella had a fire that didn’t dim through the story, which I greatly appreciated. Gavin, for his part, was the perfect flirt, equal parts annoyed and enamored by the fiery Arabella. The main conflict of the story felt realistic and relatable. I loved the romance between Gavin and Arabella - they had great chemistry, and that first kiss was amazing. I could read a full story about these two, but felt the novella did the justice.
———————
Into the light By Michelle Paige Holmes
Rating: 4 / 5
Overview: Featuring a wounded (and somewhat grumpy) English lord on the recovery in the Highlands, his future wedding plans are thrown for a loop when his promised bride goes missing and her spinster cousin is sent to break the news.
Review: The final and shortest novella in the lineup, Into the light is a sweet story, remenisitant of Cinderella. I enjoyed Beatrice and Theodore’s romance. While not without its bumps, it felt sweet and grew naturally. Throdore’s wounds and initial mistrust of Beatrice added conflict and made his character development that much more pronounced. Beatrice, on the other hand, had a difficult life, but remained kind. For being the shortest story, it felt like a fulfilling one. I was happy with the resolution and was impressed at how the author tied all the loose ends at the final.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Set in the atmospheric Highlands of Scotland, Summer in the Highlands is a collection of 3 historical romance novellas.This collection is ideal for readers looking to find new authors without the commitment of a full length novel. Each story features a cast of well rounded characters, unique storyline, and of course, a romance packed with chemistry. This collection has become one of my favorites in the Timeless lineup, and one that I will be quick to recommend in the future.
*Stories can be read in any order as they do not connect in anyway, other than the central theme of being set in the Highlands.
————————-
Remnants of love By Nichole Van
Rating : 5/5
Overview: As a female archaeologist Christiana, views her latest assignment in Scotland as the answer to all her woes - until she finds herself being lifted out of a Highland bog by the man she once thought was the love of her life.
Review: As a longtime fan of Nichole Van’s works, this story was a treat. For a story that was less than 100 pages, it held depth and was, for me, perfection. A second chance romance, readers got to see the beginnings, fallings, and reconnections between Alistair and Christiana which made for a highly emotional journey. Their connection was soul deep and it highented their romance, and made for some brilliantly tragic moments of angst. Both characters faced some hard truths which added to their growth. As expected with Van’s works, you could clearly see the love and respect for Scotland and its people in the detailed writing. While the story itself felt complete, I could easily read a full length novel centered around the story of Alistair and Christiana, and still beg for more.
———————
Of Kilts and Courtship By Heidi Kimball
Rating: 5/5
Overview: Arabella, sentenced as a punishment to her estranged grandmother's estate in the Highlands, has heard nothing but negative things about Scotland and its people. Embittered by her situation, she lands herself in the black books of the handsome - but insufferable Scot - Gavin, who vows to teach her a lesson.
Review: A memorable novella that truly highlights what it's like to go from animosity to love, Of Kilts and Courtship is pure fun, playing on the long standing love/hate relationship between the English and the Scots. I found myself laughing in more than one place with the antics of the characters, and then equally invested in the unexpected romance that followed. Arabella had a fire that didn’t dim through the story, which I greatly appreciated. Gavin, for his part, was the perfect flirt, equal parts annoyed and enamored by the fiery Arabella. The main conflict of the story felt realistic and relatable. I loved the romance between Gavin and Arabella - they had great chemistry, and that first kiss was amazing. I could read a full story about these two, but felt the novella did the justice.
———————
Into the light By Michelle Paige Holmes
Rating: 4 / 5
Overview: Featuring a wounded (and somewhat grumpy) English lord on the recovery in the Highlands, his future wedding plans are thrown for a loop when his promised bride goes missing and her spinster cousin is sent to break the news.
Review: The final and shortest novella in the lineup, Into the light is a sweet story, remenisitant of Cinderella. I enjoyed Beatrice and Theodore’s romance. While not without its bumps, it felt sweet and grew naturally. Throdore’s wounds and initial mistrust of Beatrice added conflict and made his character development that much more pronounced. Beatrice, on the other hand, had a difficult life, but remained kind. For being the shortest story, it felt like a fulfilling one. I was happy with the resolution and was impressed at how the author tied all the loose ends at the final.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
August 11, 2024
QOTD: Have you been to Scotland?
I love the beach, but I’d be over the bagpipe moon about spending summer in the highlands. Someday. Meanwhile, I listened to this book.
It’s a compilation of three novellas and unlike what happens sometimes to shorter stories, these left me completely happy. I mean who doesn’t want to read more about swoony Scottish men? But these were immensely satisfying with that particular author’s vibe. And the narrator brought each character to life perfectly.
Summing it way up:
* Second chance. Forgiveness. Swoony.
* Enemies to lovers. Flirty fun.
* Wounded man. Fairy tale like. Hope.
I just adored all three. The last one really hit my heart. I’m always a sucker for a wounded hero and a wounded soul. It’s the Beauty and the Beast obsession in me.
I highly recommend you choose the highlands for your next summer read.
I love the beach, but I’d be over the bagpipe moon about spending summer in the highlands. Someday. Meanwhile, I listened to this book.
It’s a compilation of three novellas and unlike what happens sometimes to shorter stories, these left me completely happy. I mean who doesn’t want to read more about swoony Scottish men? But these were immensely satisfying with that particular author’s vibe. And the narrator brought each character to life perfectly.
Summing it way up:
* Second chance. Forgiveness. Swoony.
* Enemies to lovers. Flirty fun.
* Wounded man. Fairy tale like. Hope.
I just adored all three. The last one really hit my heart. I’m always a sucker for a wounded hero and a wounded soul. It’s the Beauty and the Beast obsession in me.
I highly recommend you choose the highlands for your next summer read.
October 8, 2025
I grabbed this book because I’ve been reading through all of Nichole Van’s books. And I’ve been wanting to read Heidi Kimball so this was a nice introduction to her. I’d not read anything by Michele Paige Holmes prior to this. All three novellas were wonderful! I’m hard pressed to pick a favorite among them. I’ll definitely be looking for more to read by Heidi and Michele. All three had great characters and of course the setting was a highlight!
July 7, 2024
thats a fire collection...
September 21, 2024
I just read Heidi Kimball’s story but I really enjoyed it! I’ll read the others another time.
October 13, 2024
I read these at night to get my mind off of homework and help me fall asleep.
October 14, 2024
The three novellas in this book were all very sweet and enjoyable and were especially fun to read as I was touring Scotland.
June 27, 2024
I absolutely loved each novella in this anthology. They were each so different that it was a breath of fresh air for each one. Each novella gave me different feelings and had completely different characters. I love that each authors writing style is different, but I love them all for different reasons. Combined, the three novellas gave me a great taste of summer in the highlands. I fell in love with Scotland and want to visit ASAP. I would highly recommend each novella. I thought the novellas the perfect length and felt satisfied when they were ended.
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van was amazing of course. I love when second chance romances flash back to when they first fell in love. The archeology aspect was fun and caused many unique scenes. I just can’t believe how much emotion (both good and sad) Nichole can cause in such a short amount of pages. I loved and appreciated both characters and their mistakes.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
I loved that after the amazing heart squeezing read by Nichole, Heidi followed with a very light hearted all the stars book. Seriously I loved this so much. I laughed so hard in so many parts. And I was grinning for the rest of it. The best kiss ever. I love that it was not only a book about romantic love. It was about a girl falling in love with her grandma and falling in love with Scotland with its land and culture. I felt very satisfied reading this book and didn’t feel like it was rushed bc of its novella length.
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. I love her writing style and her characters. Theadore had a character arc and personality very similar to the prince from Beauty and the Beast and Beatrice had a similar character arc and personality to Cinderella. I loved both of them and their journey of healing together. I loved that the book focused on inner light and inner beauty. It had a great theme of growing and becoming better through trials. Trials don’t automatically make you a better person going through them, it requires effort! But it is worth it!
SPOILERS and book notes:
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
Year is 1858 Dinnet, Aberdeenshire Scotland
mFC chrissi is 29yo like me!!! A widow. She specializes in ancient Scottish ruins. Cristiana and Alistair are their names and they gave each other the cutest nicknames!!!: “They had always laughed at their nicknames—Chris for her, Alice for him. A humorous swapping of their genders.” What a reunion! Him saving her from a muddy bog! Awww nine years earlier in Florence Italy!! (1849) I love what Chrissi thought of the name alistair: “It suited him, the name. Subtly refined and stuffy. The name of an elderly gentleman smoking a pipe in the library of White’s in London. But the dare sound in Alistair hinted at danger. At a strand of devilry and mischief.” Dark hair dark eyes and strapping. in Italy Chris, Alice and Chris dad did a dig: “That is why we will start with the Roman ruins and then carefully dig farther back in time to the Etruscans who came before.” THIS CHARACTER REFERENCE made me so happy: “celebrated painter Sir Ewan Campbell himself” For a woman to publish a paper, it had to be tied to a man’s name. 9 years ago he was a brilliant artist and she the writer so they had the brilliant idea of a joint publication he the illustrator and she the writer. Perfect team. ““Ye should have more faith in your ideas. They are worthy of any man.” He grinned. “I could be Alis to your Chris if a gendered name exchange helps.” Alis and Chris. Oh! She very much liked the sound of that. “Do you let all the ladies call you Alis?” she had to ask. “Only the bonniest ones,” he chuckled. Chrissi feared her blush matched the red of the poppies ringing the field. “Well . . . Alis . . . I should be honored to be your Chris.” I am bawling. She had been with his child when she left! And never told him! But then miscarried! She found two skeletons in a lovers embrace in the tomb they excavated!!!! Why is that so romantic? “Whoever they had been—husband and wife, illicit lovers—and whenever and however they had lived and died . . . They had loved. It was writ, despite time and decay, in their very bones. Stated as clearly as an epitaph. Or as an immortal poem.” Look at this beautiful last line: “Swaying, Alistair danced his two lasses in a slow circle. The crackle of the fire and the soft shush of Alice’s breathing blended with the beating of Chris’s heart against his chest. The most beautiful music, he thought. A symphony of love.”
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
I love the title. And what a fantastic opening line too: “ARABELLA HUGHES HAD been sentenced to one of Dante’s nine circles of hell for the summer. Scotland, to be precise.” I love how much she struggles with the Scottish accent hahaha. And that she struggles to be lady like. dark hair with green eyes. I’m always a sucker for that combo bc it is Harry Potter. I love how attentive he was. But so sarcastic too hahaha. ““The whole country offends you?” ““Well, yes, if you must know. The accent is impossible.” He nodded, expression grave. “It can be.” “The weather is atrocious.” “It is that,” he agreed, face stoic. “But it’s more than that.” Arabella lowered her voice, as if the whole country might be listening. “Scots are . . . well, swarthy and bad-tempered. And you must have noticed how very backward Scottish etiquette is. There’s an off-putting bluntness of manner that is so very . . . un-English.” She leaned forward, whispering, “I fear they’re all brutes.” The man quirked his lips. “Quite savage,” he said. “Most Scots can’t be trusted a bit.” He pretends to have an English accent at the beginning and then shows his true colors as a Scott and I couldn’t be happier. She realizes he was messing with her the whole time. HILARIOUS. And then he left her at the inn to fend for herself. Then THIS scene. I cracked up so bad: ““You!” An accusatory voice rang out from the doorway. Gavin and Nan turned in unison. There stood Arabella Hughes, so wet that it looked like she’d taken a dip in the loch. Her boots and dress were thickly coated with mud, her hair plastered to her head. Flecks of dirt and mud spattered her cheeks like an artist’s smock. The lass had walked. Three miles. Uphill. In the rain and mud. She had spirit, Gavin would give her that. Or perhaps it was sheer Scottish stubbornness. Either way, he was impressed.” The kilt he wore hshshs: ““The Dis-kilt-ing Act?” She broke diskilting into three distinct parts as if it were a foreign word. “Ye must ken what happened in 1746,” said Nan. “After the Jacobite uprising. When all forms of Highland dress, including kilts, were outlawed?” The bagpipes in the morning! No utensils! The drinks! “Of all the uncouth, abhorrent gentlemen she had ever met, he was the worst. In fact, he wasn’t a gentleman at all. He was a Scot.” I love that this is not only a romantic love story but a love story of grandma and granddaughter. Of falling in love with Scotland and its land and culture. ““There is something here. I cannot put it intae words, exactly. But there is a wild sort of freedom here, one that will make ye examine who ye are and who ye wish tae be. And that . . . that is the Scotland I’d have ye know.”” Oh the dancing scene was SOOOO GOOD. They played the Scottish reel faster and faster until you couldn’t keep up you and your partner stepped out and Gavin and her were the winners!!! Holy crap. BEST KISS EVERRR. They were having a fiesty flirty mud fight and then THIS: "“What do ye want?” He’d asked her that before, but this time she knew the answer. What she wanted was standing right in front of her. There was fire, desire, a warning in his eyes. Something that said what happened next would not easily be undone. But Arabella didn’t care. Didn’t consider. Didn’t think. “You,” she said. “I want you.” His lips came down on hers.” And this silent communication while kissing: “She tugged at the hair on the nape of his neck. I cannot do this without you, Gavin. One of his hands moved to her lower back, pulling her up, closer. Ye could. But ye will not have to. She sighed against his mouth. I love you. He nuzzled her nose, teasing her with his mouth. Of course ye do, lass. Of course ye do.”
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
Inverness, Scotland 1857
He fought in the Crimean war. He is currently blind and can’t use his legs. Beatrice is so starved of affection that she receives her first “please” “thank you” and simple touch ever. And it undos her. She is going to work at his house to earn her ticket home. “Let him see the real me” Beatrice is a TOTAL Cinderella character. She is so unbelievably kind and hard working. She is quick to apologize even when other people are rude to her!! So humble. She is exactly like Cinderella. And he the beast haha. But she also has scars from a fire in her youth. “He’d been wounded grievously, both in war and matters of the heart, and he needed someone to help him find his way again. And I need him.” And then this to her: ““You have witnessed me at my worst this week. But I feel that—around you—I might be able to return to my best again. I might reclaim the man I once was.” I love this: ““Loch,” he corrected in an overexaggerated Scottish accent. “When in Scotland—” “Speak as the Scots,” she finished.” They are at Loch Ness!! ““The water is the deepest blue, making the loch appear both bottomless and mysterious.” He nodded. “They say it has more water in it than all the other lakes in Scotland and England combined. And, of course, there is the ancient monster said to lurk there.” I love this endearment: “He placed a hand over his heart as if wounded. “You mock me, my lady.” My lady. He really shouldn’t say things like that.” I love the perspective being blind has taught Theodore: ““I fear you will be disappointed.” Her voice was quiet. “I am no great beauty like Violet.” “Violet’s beauty did not travel beyond her complexion.” He saw that now, how he had been attracted solely to her physical appearance and then swept up in her flattery of his. As many men would have been. As he might still have been, had he not been forced to see the world with means beyond his eyes. “I have seen your soul, Miss Worthington—Beatrice. May I call you that?”. “You emanate both true beauty and joy.” Bc she said her hair hurt tied up he unpinned her hair for her!!! While he was blind!! I am swooning so hard. And he used his hands to touch her face. Bc he wants to know what she looks like so bad. I love that it was SHE and not her evil cousin that wrote Theodore while he was at war! It was BEATRICES words that brought comfort to him. “You saved me—in more ways than one. I cherished those letters and read and reread each beautiful word over and over again. They reminded me of home and gave me great comfort. And then, this summer, you brought me back into the world, reminded me of its wonder. You made me want to live again, Beatrice. I am only surprised now that I did not see the truth sooner. You truly are the bringer of joy and light, and the woman who I wish to spend the rest of my life with. If you will have me, with all my imperfections?” And then this last line of the book: “She lifted her hand, and he glimpsed the scarring on the back of it and her wrist, disappearing into her sleeve. He bent his head and placed a kiss there. “Battle wounds. But we have been victorious. And victory is sweet.” Awww she wrote a BONUS EPILOGUE of the wedding on her website! “"If any were to gawk," Beatrice had replied, "it would be in wonder and confusion that such a plain woman had captured a man with such a handsome face."
"Captured, captivated, commanded ..." Theodore had flung himself down on the sofa beside her in mock surrender. "But the lass who has stolen my heart is not plain, but the rarest beauty. I suppose I must kiss her again to convince her of that." And so he had.” And then this as they danced at their wedding: “"What are you thinking about with the coy smile?" Theodore asked.
"Winter in the Highlands," Beatrice confessed. "And being in our room together, warm and cozy before the fire. I think, perhaps, I may like that even better than summer."
Theodore's lips curved upward to match hers. "I believe I will too."
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van was amazing of course. I love when second chance romances flash back to when they first fell in love. The archeology aspect was fun and caused many unique scenes. I just can’t believe how much emotion (both good and sad) Nichole can cause in such a short amount of pages. I loved and appreciated both characters and their mistakes.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
I loved that after the amazing heart squeezing read by Nichole, Heidi followed with a very light hearted all the stars book. Seriously I loved this so much. I laughed so hard in so many parts. And I was grinning for the rest of it. The best kiss ever. I love that it was not only a book about romantic love. It was about a girl falling in love with her grandma and falling in love with Scotland with its land and culture. I felt very satisfied reading this book and didn’t feel like it was rushed bc of its novella length.
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it. I love her writing style and her characters. Theadore had a character arc and personality very similar to the prince from Beauty and the Beast and Beatrice had a similar character arc and personality to Cinderella. I loved both of them and their journey of healing together. I loved that the book focused on inner light and inner beauty. It had a great theme of growing and becoming better through trials. Trials don’t automatically make you a better person going through them, it requires effort! But it is worth it!
SPOILERS and book notes:
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
Year is 1858 Dinnet, Aberdeenshire Scotland
mFC chrissi is 29yo like me!!! A widow. She specializes in ancient Scottish ruins. Cristiana and Alistair are their names and they gave each other the cutest nicknames!!!: “They had always laughed at their nicknames—Chris for her, Alice for him. A humorous swapping of their genders.” What a reunion! Him saving her from a muddy bog! Awww nine years earlier in Florence Italy!! (1849) I love what Chrissi thought of the name alistair: “It suited him, the name. Subtly refined and stuffy. The name of an elderly gentleman smoking a pipe in the library of White’s in London. But the dare sound in Alistair hinted at danger. At a strand of devilry and mischief.” Dark hair dark eyes and strapping. in Italy Chris, Alice and Chris dad did a dig: “That is why we will start with the Roman ruins and then carefully dig farther back in time to the Etruscans who came before.” THIS CHARACTER REFERENCE made me so happy: “celebrated painter Sir Ewan Campbell himself” For a woman to publish a paper, it had to be tied to a man’s name. 9 years ago he was a brilliant artist and she the writer so they had the brilliant idea of a joint publication he the illustrator and she the writer. Perfect team. ““Ye should have more faith in your ideas. They are worthy of any man.” He grinned. “I could be Alis to your Chris if a gendered name exchange helps.” Alis and Chris. Oh! She very much liked the sound of that. “Do you let all the ladies call you Alis?” she had to ask. “Only the bonniest ones,” he chuckled. Chrissi feared her blush matched the red of the poppies ringing the field. “Well . . . Alis . . . I should be honored to be your Chris.” I am bawling. She had been with his child when she left! And never told him! But then miscarried! She found two skeletons in a lovers embrace in the tomb they excavated!!!! Why is that so romantic? “Whoever they had been—husband and wife, illicit lovers—and whenever and however they had lived and died . . . They had loved. It was writ, despite time and decay, in their very bones. Stated as clearly as an epitaph. Or as an immortal poem.” Look at this beautiful last line: “Swaying, Alistair danced his two lasses in a slow circle. The crackle of the fire and the soft shush of Alice’s breathing blended with the beating of Chris’s heart against his chest. The most beautiful music, he thought. A symphony of love.”
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
I love the title. And what a fantastic opening line too: “ARABELLA HUGHES HAD been sentenced to one of Dante’s nine circles of hell for the summer. Scotland, to be precise.” I love how much she struggles with the Scottish accent hahaha. And that she struggles to be lady like. dark hair with green eyes. I’m always a sucker for that combo bc it is Harry Potter. I love how attentive he was. But so sarcastic too hahaha. ““The whole country offends you?” ““Well, yes, if you must know. The accent is impossible.” He nodded, expression grave. “It can be.” “The weather is atrocious.” “It is that,” he agreed, face stoic. “But it’s more than that.” Arabella lowered her voice, as if the whole country might be listening. “Scots are . . . well, swarthy and bad-tempered. And you must have noticed how very backward Scottish etiquette is. There’s an off-putting bluntness of manner that is so very . . . un-English.” She leaned forward, whispering, “I fear they’re all brutes.” The man quirked his lips. “Quite savage,” he said. “Most Scots can’t be trusted a bit.” He pretends to have an English accent at the beginning and then shows his true colors as a Scott and I couldn’t be happier. She realizes he was messing with her the whole time. HILARIOUS. And then he left her at the inn to fend for herself. Then THIS scene. I cracked up so bad: ““You!” An accusatory voice rang out from the doorway. Gavin and Nan turned in unison. There stood Arabella Hughes, so wet that it looked like she’d taken a dip in the loch. Her boots and dress were thickly coated with mud, her hair plastered to her head. Flecks of dirt and mud spattered her cheeks like an artist’s smock. The lass had walked. Three miles. Uphill. In the rain and mud. She had spirit, Gavin would give her that. Or perhaps it was sheer Scottish stubbornness. Either way, he was impressed.” The kilt he wore hshshs: ““The Dis-kilt-ing Act?” She broke diskilting into three distinct parts as if it were a foreign word. “Ye must ken what happened in 1746,” said Nan. “After the Jacobite uprising. When all forms of Highland dress, including kilts, were outlawed?” The bagpipes in the morning! No utensils! The drinks! “Of all the uncouth, abhorrent gentlemen she had ever met, he was the worst. In fact, he wasn’t a gentleman at all. He was a Scot.” I love that this is not only a romantic love story but a love story of grandma and granddaughter. Of falling in love with Scotland and its land and culture. ““There is something here. I cannot put it intae words, exactly. But there is a wild sort of freedom here, one that will make ye examine who ye are and who ye wish tae be. And that . . . that is the Scotland I’d have ye know.”” Oh the dancing scene was SOOOO GOOD. They played the Scottish reel faster and faster until you couldn’t keep up you and your partner stepped out and Gavin and her were the winners!!! Holy crap. BEST KISS EVERRR. They were having a fiesty flirty mud fight and then THIS: "“What do ye want?” He’d asked her that before, but this time she knew the answer. What she wanted was standing right in front of her. There was fire, desire, a warning in his eyes. Something that said what happened next would not easily be undone. But Arabella didn’t care. Didn’t consider. Didn’t think. “You,” she said. “I want you.” His lips came down on hers.” And this silent communication while kissing: “She tugged at the hair on the nape of his neck. I cannot do this without you, Gavin. One of his hands moved to her lower back, pulling her up, closer. Ye could. But ye will not have to. She sighed against his mouth. I love you. He nuzzled her nose, teasing her with his mouth. Of course ye do, lass. Of course ye do.”
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
Inverness, Scotland 1857
He fought in the Crimean war. He is currently blind and can’t use his legs. Beatrice is so starved of affection that she receives her first “please” “thank you” and simple touch ever. And it undos her. She is going to work at his house to earn her ticket home. “Let him see the real me” Beatrice is a TOTAL Cinderella character. She is so unbelievably kind and hard working. She is quick to apologize even when other people are rude to her!! So humble. She is exactly like Cinderella. And he the beast haha. But she also has scars from a fire in her youth. “He’d been wounded grievously, both in war and matters of the heart, and he needed someone to help him find his way again. And I need him.” And then this to her: ““You have witnessed me at my worst this week. But I feel that—around you—I might be able to return to my best again. I might reclaim the man I once was.” I love this: ““Loch,” he corrected in an overexaggerated Scottish accent. “When in Scotland—” “Speak as the Scots,” she finished.” They are at Loch Ness!! ““The water is the deepest blue, making the loch appear both bottomless and mysterious.” He nodded. “They say it has more water in it than all the other lakes in Scotland and England combined. And, of course, there is the ancient monster said to lurk there.” I love this endearment: “He placed a hand over his heart as if wounded. “You mock me, my lady.” My lady. He really shouldn’t say things like that.” I love the perspective being blind has taught Theodore: ““I fear you will be disappointed.” Her voice was quiet. “I am no great beauty like Violet.” “Violet’s beauty did not travel beyond her complexion.” He saw that now, how he had been attracted solely to her physical appearance and then swept up in her flattery of his. As many men would have been. As he might still have been, had he not been forced to see the world with means beyond his eyes. “I have seen your soul, Miss Worthington—Beatrice. May I call you that?”. “You emanate both true beauty and joy.” Bc she said her hair hurt tied up he unpinned her hair for her!!! While he was blind!! I am swooning so hard. And he used his hands to touch her face. Bc he wants to know what she looks like so bad. I love that it was SHE and not her evil cousin that wrote Theodore while he was at war! It was BEATRICES words that brought comfort to him. “You saved me—in more ways than one. I cherished those letters and read and reread each beautiful word over and over again. They reminded me of home and gave me great comfort. And then, this summer, you brought me back into the world, reminded me of its wonder. You made me want to live again, Beatrice. I am only surprised now that I did not see the truth sooner. You truly are the bringer of joy and light, and the woman who I wish to spend the rest of my life with. If you will have me, with all my imperfections?” And then this last line of the book: “She lifted her hand, and he glimpsed the scarring on the back of it and her wrist, disappearing into her sleeve. He bent his head and placed a kiss there. “Battle wounds. But we have been victorious. And victory is sweet.” Awww she wrote a BONUS EPILOGUE of the wedding on her website! “"If any were to gawk," Beatrice had replied, "it would be in wonder and confusion that such a plain woman had captured a man with such a handsome face."
"Captured, captivated, commanded ..." Theodore had flung himself down on the sofa beside her in mock surrender. "But the lass who has stolen my heart is not plain, but the rarest beauty. I suppose I must kiss her again to convince her of that." And so he had.” And then this as they danced at their wedding: “"What are you thinking about with the coy smile?" Theodore asked.
"Winter in the Highlands," Beatrice confessed. "And being in our room together, warm and cozy before the fire. I think, perhaps, I may like that even better than summer."
Theodore's lips curved upward to match hers. "I believe I will too."
June 15, 2024
Remnants of Love by Nichole Van
This second chance romance was one of the best I have read. And being a novella it still had a depth to the characters. They both had to get past secrets and betrayal but my goodness they had sizzling chemistry.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
Wow! Another novella that was packed to perfection but I also want more. Heidi nailed this enemies to lovers as an English woman and a Scot overcome prejudice and fall for each other. The banter was so good and I loved the grandmother.
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
This story was very unique and again I need more! It had both Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast vibes. Beatrice is an orphan with an Aunt and cousin who don't treat her well. Theodore is a wounded war hero who lost his sight and is pretty bound to a wheelchair. They learn to trust each other fall in love.
I was blown away with all of these novellas! They were quick and easy to read but also didn't lack in the storyline.
This second chance romance was one of the best I have read. And being a novella it still had a depth to the characters. They both had to get past secrets and betrayal but my goodness they had sizzling chemistry.
Of Kilts and Courtship by Heidi Kimball
Wow! Another novella that was packed to perfection but I also want more. Heidi nailed this enemies to lovers as an English woman and a Scot overcome prejudice and fall for each other. The banter was so good and I loved the grandmother.
Into the Light by Michele Paige Holmes
This story was very unique and again I need more! It had both Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast vibes. Beatrice is an orphan with an Aunt and cousin who don't treat her well. Theodore is a wounded war hero who lost his sight and is pretty bound to a wheelchair. They learn to trust each other fall in love.
I was blown away with all of these novellas! They were quick and easy to read but also didn't lack in the storyline.
June 10, 2024
What a fun collection of stories! I was instantly intrigued by the title--I mean, who doesn't love a good Scottish tale, right?--and then when I started reading, I was hooked by the stories, too. The first two stories both had me chuckling quite a bit, while the third had more of a serious tone but was sweet as well. The third story happened a little quickly for my liking, but the other two felt just right, developed even though they're only novellas. All three are ones that I really, really want to listen to because a good Scottish narrator would only make them better. All in all, just a pleasure to read.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I read a DRC provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
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